In table tennis, try your best to build an early lead in points, try your best to win the first game, try your best to win the match 3-0. 
 
One of my students recently lost to a player who had an amazing forehand and a terrible backhand.  This opponent’s forehand was at least 1900-level and his backhand was around 800-1000 level.  After losing, I asked my student why he played so many balls to the forehand.  He responded by saying, “Well, I didn’t want my opponent to know that I knew his weak point.”  What a terrible way to lose a match. 
 

Despite its reputation as a leisurely game, at the competitive level table tennis brings out some potent extremes of emotion.  And I hate to say it, but it'd be silly to deny that I've earned a reputation as one of the fairly "hot-headed" players in the Ohio region.  I've been approached about my use of language one time (oops), and have overheard other players scolding my emotional outbursts, or learned about their bemused reactions through the grapevine.

Scott Preiss and Samson Dubina School Exhibitions
February 24-26, 2014
Akron, Ohio
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYtA5qXGemA
 

When you play against high-rated opponents, do you play better or worse?
 
If you play better against them, it is probably due to the fact that you are more mentally relaxed having a “nothing-to-lose” mentality.  If you have this focused, relaxed attitude – wonderful!  Try to go into every match and every practice session giving your best, having fun, and not putting the pressure on yourself.  This is a great experience!