PING-PONG. Valeriy Khazin

busy somehow.

      Cap. What do you mean?

      Tops. In the evenings. I’d like to think something up, some kind of game or a treasure hunt perhaps, I don’t know yet… Just to keep the busy for the whole month. They’re not exactly childrenany more, are they? I remember myself at their age. What if it rains August out? I mean, they’ll be messing about sitting in their rooms and playing cards, and so on, you know… We should do something with them, I guess. What do you say?

      Cap. I don’t know. They have to be in training. And work hard. The Games in Seoul aren’t a jaunt across the lake (pours more cognac).

      Tops. Yes. I know what you mean.

      Pause.

      Cap. You know, I’d like to say that you’re very good at what you’re doing.

      Tops. Really?

      Cap. Absolutely. You see, I’ve never meddled, never tried to influence anything, which wasn’t that easy for me. I think you’re very good.

      Tops. Thank you.

      Cap. All these cross trainings and things. It’s good. They’re already mad about you, you know? Totally. Not to mention the girls…

      Tops. Thank you, Cap. I knew you’d be, er… on my side. I really did. And I’ve always thought that you were the one to work with the kids.

      Pause.

      Cap. I’m planning to bring the juniors to your sessions sometime, if you don’t mind. It would be good for them to watch the seniors playing. Particularly, if Sharon warms up. And Chancy, too. Spin seems to be making good progress too. I think you should go easy on him… And as for those games and stuff – well, actually, I’m not sure. It’s up to you.

      Tops. Yes. Of course.

      Cap. The main thing is, you shouldn’t allow them to play with the kids just for fun. I mean Spin and Cadeau, in the first place. Might spoil the skill. Don’t overload the new guys. What did they call this new girl?

      Tops. Bunny.

      Cap. Bunny? Well, put her against Chancy. And let this titch – Fisher, isn’t it? – let him start with Chang. Not with Spin. Let him a chance to show what he can do. I think something’s going to come of him. Keep your eye on Sharon: she often goes ape over attack and opens up the left corner. And I’m worried about Cadeau. He loses stability in the net area. Have you noticed?

      Tops. Yes. Maybe, that’s it for him? I mean the guy’s over the hill?

      Cap. I don’t think so. It just needs fixing, that’s all. (pause). Everything’s going to be fine. You’re going to make it. No problems.

      Tops. I hope so.

      Cap. Only… you shouldn’t have taken on this nurse.

      Tops. The Federation recommended her.

      Cap. I wish you hadn’t agreed. She’s too young. Of course, there are skilful doctors here, but… If anything serious happens… at the workout… you’ll be needing someone you can count on, you know. I’m afraid she’s too young… Have they given her a nickname yet?

      Tops. I don’t know.

      Cap. They will. (pause). Well (raises the wine-glass). To a sunny August… and good luck to us all(drinks).

      Pause.

      Tops. Cap, I didn’t want to say, but… There was a call from the Federation. In the afternoon, when you were busy with the accomodation…

      Cap. Yes?

      Tops. They said they hoped that there wouldn’t be any sign of the old problems with you, and so on, you know…

      Cap. (grinning) I do appreciate this.

      Tops. That’s not all. Things have changed. About Seoul…

      Cap. In what way?

      Tops. It’s possible that they’ll only send four players there. Just the top two players. No thirds or reserves. And no juniors.

      Cap. What?

      Tops. Something about sponsors. Refusal or something. The budget’s been cut down. And the program is liable to be reduced.

      Cap. Oh yes. (Covering his face with his hand). I thought something of the kind might happen… Those weird talks…

      Tops. They said it wasn’t settled yet. There is a hope. They’re working on it now. They’ll probably manage to sort something out within the month, you know…

      Cap. (without taking his arm off) Oh yes… It was the same… the year before last…

      Pause.

      Tops. Cap, I didn’t say anything…

      Cap. What?

      Tops. It’s between you and me.

      Cap. What? You mean, you’re not going to tell the guys?

      Tops. Why? It might all be okay.

      Cap. You don’t want to tell guys?

      Tops. Cap! It’s not a final decision. Why should I upset them so soon? To have the whole month spoilt? Can you imagine what will happen to the team if I tell? How are they supposed to play the trials? (Pause). Cap, please don’t say anything… For the team’s sake. After all, everything might still change…

      Pause.

      Cap. Well. Okay… Maybe you’re right…

      Scene 3

      The same evening. Chang and Fisher’s room. Chang is sitting on the bed in the ‘lotus position’, an open book lying on his knees. Fisher is trying to put three fishing rods in the corner. One rod falls. He gets it upright – it falls again. Cursing out he comes to the bed, pushes the rod under it, sits down, begins sorting out small boxes and bags with fishing lines, hooks etc.

      Chang. (darting a covert glance at Fisher, turns his eyes down to the book) So, when do you think you’re going to have time for this?