Ding Ning
In the Olympic Singles final against compatriot Li Xiaoxia, Italian umpire Paola Bongelli repeatedly cautioned Ding Ning for her backhand tomahawk serve . Bongelli deducted 3 penalty points from Ding Ning leading her to break down in tears in the fourth set. The decision from Bongelli affected the game, Ding's composure and her timing, and caused Ding to lose the final. After the game Ding Ning stated, "I had an obstacle today, and not only from the opponent but from the judge as well," said Ding. "I was affected by the judge. After the first one (point penalty), I tried to keep cool but could not hold it after the second. The judge was too strict. I always serve the ball like this. I have done that for the last two years and, even from the first game of the Olympics, I have served like this. I do not know what to say. As soon as I raised my hand to serve, she sentenced me with a service violation."