<p>It was a dream start in the first round of the Women's singles for Sutirtha Mukherjee and she would have liked to proceed with the form and join Manika Batra in the third round, however, lamentably for her, it wasn't to be as she bowed out to the World No. 55.</p>

<p>Fu Yu won the match in straight sets, 3-11, 3-11, 5-11, 5-11.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It started with a loss for her in the first game. Sutirtha appeared to be disrupted as she made many errors on return and lost the game in no time. Fu Yu won the set 11-3.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-sharath-kamal-storms-to-the-pre-quarterfinals-in-table-tennis-mens-singles-400639" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Sharath Kamal storms to the pre-quarterfinals in Table Tennis men's singles</a></p>

<p>Sutirtha Mukherjee hoped to have discovered rhythm back in the second game yet that was distinctly for some second as she had no answers to whatever the 42-year-old, Fu Yu was throwing at her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fu Yu took the game with a scoreline of 3-11. The match appeared to have slipped away from Surirtha's hands as the third game was the same as the past two. Sutirtha had no answer and appeared to be perplexed. Fu Yu took the game, 11-5.&nbsp;</p>


It was a dream start in the first round of the Women's singles for Sutirtha Mukherjee and she would have liked to proceed with the form and join Manika Batra in the third round, however, lamentably for her, it wasn't to be as she bowed out to the World No.

It was a dream start in the first round of the Women's singles for Sutirtha Mukherjee and she would have liked to proceed with the form and join Manika Batra in the third round, however, lamentably for her, it wasn't to be as she bowed out to the World No. 55. Fu Yu won the match in straight sets, 3-11, 3-11, 5-11, 5-11. It started with a loss for her in the first game. Sutirtha appeared to be disrupted as she made many errors on return and lost the game in no time. Fu Yu won the set 11-3. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Sharath Kamal storms to the pre-quarterfinals in Table Tennis men's singles Sutirtha Mukherjee hoped to have discovered rhythm back in the second game yet that was distinctly for some second as she had no answers to whatever the 42-year-old, Fu Yu was throwing at her. Fu Yu took the game with a scoreline of 3-11. The match appeared to have slipped away from Surirtha's hands as the third game was the same as the past two. Sutirtha had no answer and appeared to be perplexed. Fu Yu took the game, 11-5.

Tokyo Olympics Table Tennis: Sutirtha Mukherjee's campaign comes to an end after losing to high-ranked Fu Yu

<p>Japan`s dynamic duo of Jun Mizutani and Mima Ito narrowly defeated long-invincible Chinese pair Xu Xin and Liu Shiwen to give the host country their first Olympic table tennis gold in the mixed doubles event on Monday.<br />
<br />
Mizutani earned his third medal and Ito her second since the Rio Olympics, but a first gold for both paddlers -- and a first gold for any non-Chinese players since 2004.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-gymnasts-from-germany-opt-for-full-body-suits-to-promote-freedom-of-choice-400810" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Gymnasts from Germany opt for full-body suits to promote freedom of choice</a><br />
<br />
The 32-year-old Japanese paddler hugged his compatriot the moment they wrapped up the title, but he said the embrace was so strong that Ito pushed back and told him, "It hurts".<br />
<br />
Men`s world No.2 Xu and world champion Liu led after the first two games but Mizutani and Ito fought back to win the third game.<br />
<br />
While the powerful Chinese made a brief comeback in the sixth game, the Japanese pair did not lose the momentum and trumped their opponents 5-11 7-11 11-8 11-9 11-9 6-11 11-6.<br />
<br />
For Mizutani and women`s world No.2 Ito, who are from the same hometown and have known each other since childhood, the 4-3 win over Xu and Liu was sweet revenge.<br />
<br />
They lost to the Chinese pair in the mixed doubles finals of the ITTF`s World Tour Grand Finals and World Tour Swedish Open in 2019 plus the World Tour German Open a year later.<br />
<br />
"We`ve lost to China at the Olympic Games and at world championships numerous times, but we were able to take a revenge on all that at the Tokyo Olympics," Mizutani told reporters.<br />
<br />
"I feel like I`m in a dream, that`s how happy I am."<br />
<br />
<strong>UNACCEPTABLE DEFEAT</strong><br />
<br />
China have long enjoyed a reputation as the powerhouse in the sport, winning 28 of the 32 golds awarded since it was added at the 1988 Games, including all eight women`s singles titles.<br />
<br />
Xu and Liu, who silently tucked their silver medals inside their pockets once they stepped off the podium, both said their defeat was "unacceptable".<br />
<br />
"I had a hard time accepting it," Liu said at the press conference after the defeat. "I feel sorry for my team."<br />
<br />
"I know all the fans had high expectations for this final," added Xu.<br />
<br />
"It doesn`t matter what happened before the final, people will only remember who`s the champion and who stands at the top of the podium. I think this result to the team is unacceptable."<br />
<br />
In the bronze-medal match, world No.1 mixed doubles pair Lin Yun Ju and Cheng I Ching of Taiwan had a 4-0 clean-sweep win against French duo Emmanuel Lebesson and Yuan Jia Nan.</p>


Japan`s dynamic duo of Jun Mizutani and Mima Ito narrowly defeated long-invincible Chinese pair Xu Xin and Liu Shiwen to give the host country their first Olympic table tennis gold in the mixed doubles event on Monday.

Japan`s dynamic duo of Jun Mizutani and Mima Ito narrowly defeated long-invincible Chinese pair Xu Xin and Liu Shiwen to give the host country their first Olympic table tennis gold in the mixed doubles event on Monday. Mizutani earned his third medal and Ito her second since the Rio Olympics, but a first gold for both paddlers -- and a first gold for any non-Chinese players since 2004. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Gymnasts from Germany opt for full-body suits to promote freedom of choice The 32-year-old Japanese paddler hugged his compatriot the moment they wrapped up the title, but he said the embrace was so strong that Ito pushed back and told him, "It hurts". Men`s world No.2 Xu and world champion Liu led after the first two games but Mizutani and Ito fought back to win the third game. While the powerful Chinese made a brief comeback in the sixth game, the Japanese pair did not lose the momentum and trumped their opponents 5-11 7-11 11-8 11-9 11-9 6-11 11-6. For Mizutani and women`s world No.2 Ito, who are from the same hometown and have known each other since childhood, the 4-3 win over Xu and Liu was sweet revenge. They lost to the Chinese pair in the mixed doubles finals of the ITTF`s World Tour Grand Finals and World Tour Swedish Open in 2019 plus the World Tour German Open a year later. "We`ve lost to China at the Olympic Games and at world championships numerous times, but we were able to take a revenge on all that at the Tokyo Olympics," Mizutani told reporters. "I feel like I`m in a dream, that`s how happy I am." UNACCEPTABLE DEFEAT China have long enjoyed a reputation as the powerhouse in the sport, winning 28 of the 32 golds awarded since it was added at the 1988 Games, including all eight women`s singles titles. Xu and Liu, who silently tucked their silver medals inside their pockets once they stepped off the podium, both said their defeat was "unacceptable". "I had a hard time accepting it," Liu said at the press conference after the defeat. "I feel sorry for my team." "I know all the fans had high expectations for this final," added Xu. "It doesn`t matter what happened before the final, people will only remember who`s the champion and who stands at the top of the podium. I think this result to the team is unacceptable." In the bronze-medal match, world No.1 mixed doubles pair Lin Yun Ju and Cheng I Ching of Taiwan had a 4-0 clean-sweep win against French duo Emmanuel Lebesson and Yuan Jia Nan.

Tokyo Olympics, Table Tennis: Japan's Mizutani and Ito clench first Olympic gold

<p>Following a helpless trip on Day 2, India expected a superior execution from their competitors on the third day of the Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was a brilliant beginning to Day 3 as India's first Olympic fencer Bhavani Devi conveyed a success on debut to reach Round of 32. Indian men's archery team containing Atanu Das, Pravin Jadhav, and Tarundeep Rai advanced to the quarterfinals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharath Kamal took on Portugal's Tiago Apolonia and won the game 4-2 in the Table tennis men's singles round 2.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO&nbsp;READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="Tokyo Olympics: Fencing- India's Bhavani Devi trounces Tunisia's Ben Azizi on debut">Tokyo Olympics: Fencing- India's Bhavani Devi trounces Tunisia's Ben Azizi on debut</a></p>

<h3>First Set</h3>

<p>Tiago Apolonia dominated the first match against Sharath Kamal 11-2. The Indian's receiving was poor in the initial set, with him neglecting to peruse Tiago's serve.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Second Set</h3>

<p>Subsequent to losing the first game 11-2, Sharath Kamal won the second 11-8. The match was evened out at 1-1. The second set was a ruling set by Sharath Kamal, who took the initial five points straight. Tiago saved two game points yet he was unable to beat the Indian paddler.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Third Set</h3>

<p>Making something happen in the match, Sharath Kamal dominated the third match 11-5. Subsequent to parting with the first game rapidly to his adversary, the Indian veteran discovered his rhythm back.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Fourth Set</h3>

<p>Tiago Apolonia discovered an answer for Sharath Kamal's spin, tied it up with an amazing forehand to take the fourth game 11-9. It was an exciting fourth set, where the two players were in a dead heat until the end.&nbsp; Apolonia retaliated in the fourth game to make it 2-2 against Sharath Kamal.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-indian-mens-team-advance-to-quarter-finals-of-archery-team-event-400625" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Indian men's team is through to quarter-finals of Archery team event</a></p>

<h3>Fifth Set&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Sharath Kamal glanced more confident about the fifth set after getting off to a decent beginning. Tiago Apolonia appeared to have been outsmarted by the Indian veteran. The Indian table tennis star progressed to the third round.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Sixth Set</h3>

<p>The two players created power, coordinated with one another went for a shot. It was a top set where Sharath Kamal where he outdid his adversary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharath Kamal won the game 4-2 after six sets in his best of seven encounters.&nbsp;</p>


Following a helpless trip on Day 2, India expected a superior execution from their competitors on the third day of the Olympics. It was a brilliant beginning to Day 3 as India's first Olympic fencer Bhavani Devi conveyed a success on debut to reach Round of 32.

Following a helpless trip on Day 2, India expected a superior execution from their competitors on the third day of the Olympics. It was a brilliant beginning to Day 3 as India's first Olympic fencer Bhavani Devi conveyed a success on debut to reach Round of 32. Indian men's archery team containing Atanu Das, Pravin Jadhav, and Tarundeep Rai advanced to the quarterfinals. Sharath Kamal took on Portugal's Tiago Apolonia and won the game 4-2 in the Table tennis men's singles round 2. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Fencing- India's Bhavani Devi trounces Tunisia's Ben Azizi on debut First Set Tiago Apolonia dominated the first match against Sharath Kamal 11-2. The Indian's receiving was poor in the initial set, with him neglecting to peruse Tiago's serve. Second Set Subsequent to losing the first game 11-2, Sharath Kamal won the second 11-8. The match was evened out at 1-1. The second set was a ruling set by Sharath Kamal, who took the initial five points straight. Tiago saved two game points yet he was unable to beat the Indian paddler. Third Set Making something happen in the match, Sharath Kamal dominated the third match 11-5. Subsequent to parting with the first game rapidly to his adversary, the Indian veteran discovered his rhythm back. Fourth Set Tiago Apolonia discovered an answer for Sharath Kamal's spin, tied it up with an amazing forehand to take the fourth game 11-9. It was an exciting fourth set, where the two players were in a dead heat until the end. Apolonia retaliated in the fourth game to make it 2-2 against Sharath Kamal. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Indian men's team is through to quarter-finals of Archery team event Fifth Set Sharath Kamal glanced more confident about the fifth set after getting off to a decent beginning. Tiago Apolonia appeared to have been outsmarted by the Indian veteran. The Indian table tennis star progressed to the third round. Sixth Set The two players created power, coordinated with one another went for a shot. It was a top set where Sharath Kamal where he outdid his adversary. Sharath Kamal won the game 4-2 after six sets in his best of seven encounters.

Tokyo Olympics: Sharath Kamal storms to the pre-quarterfinals in Table Tennis men's singles

<p>Syria`s Hend Zaza, at 12 the youngest athlete competing at the Tokyo Olympics, exited the table tennis tournament in the opening round on Saturday, snapping a selfie with her Austrian opponent to remember the occasion.<br />
<br />
Zaza was battling an opponent more than three times her age in 39-year-old Liu Jia in the women`s singles preliminary round but showed no sign of nerves, maintaining her composure despite a 4-0 defeat.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinas-yang-qian-wins-first-gold-medal-of-tokyo-olympics-2020-in-womens-10m-air-rifle-event-400260" hreflang="en">China's Yang Qian wins first gold medal of Tokyo Olympics 2020 in women's 10m air rifle event</a><br />
<br />
"It was very tough to mentally be prepared for (the Olympics) but I think I somehow managed to overcome this, and this is the part that I think I did the best during the match," Zaza told reporters after the match.<br />
<br />
"The main lesson was the loss of this match, especially in the first match. So next time, I will be working hard to pass the first, second, third round, because I want to play more in this competition," she added.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS|&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/when-indias-top-guns-roared-at-the-olympics-400220" hreflang="en">When India's Top Guns roared at the Olympics</a><br />
<br />
Her coach Adham Jamaan told reporters the paddler would need to continue practising, and she "would be okay".<br />
<br />
The youngest Olympian since 11-year-old Spanish rower Carlos Front in 1992. Zaza was born in Hama, Syria, to an athletic family and started playing table tennis at the age of five.<br />
<br />
She has been able to participate in only two or three external matches a year due to the Syrian civil war, Jamaan has said.<br />
<br />
Frequent power outages also restricted her to occasionally practise only during daytime hours.<br />
<br />
But Zaza beat the odds after winning the West Asia Olympic qualification tournament in Jordan last year, becoming the first Syrian paddler to qualify for the Olympics.<br />
<br />
"For the last five years, I`ve been through many different experiences, especially with the war happening around the country and the postponement of the funding for the Olympics," Zaza said.<br />
<br />
"It was very tough, but I had to fight for it. And this is my message to everyone who is in the same situation -- fight for your dream. Try hard regardless of the difficulties that you’re having and you will reach your hope."</p>


Syria`s Hend Zaza, at 12 the youngest athlete competing at the Tokyo Olympics, exited the table tennis tournament in the opening round on Saturday, snapping a selfie with her Austrian opponent to remember the occasion.

Syria`s Hend Zaza, at 12 the youngest athlete competing at the Tokyo Olympics, exited the table tennis tournament in the opening round on Saturday, snapping a selfie with her Austrian opponent to remember the occasion. Zaza was battling an opponent more than three times her age in 39-year-old Liu Jia in the women`s singles preliminary round but showed no sign of nerves, maintaining her composure despite a 4-0 defeat. ALSO READ: China's Yang Qian wins first gold medal of Tokyo Olympics 2020 in women's 10m air rifle event "It was very tough to mentally be prepared for (the Olympics) but I think I somehow managed to overcome this, and this is the part that I think I did the best during the match," Zaza told reporters after the match. "The main lesson was the loss of this match, especially in the first match. So next time, I will be working hard to pass the first, second, third round, because I want to play more in this competition," she added. IN PICS| When India's Top Guns roared at the Olympics Her coach Adham Jamaan told reporters the paddler would need to continue practising, and she "would be okay". The youngest Olympian since 11-year-old Spanish rower Carlos Front in 1992. Zaza was born in Hama, Syria, to an athletic family and started playing table tennis at the age of five. She has been able to participate in only two or three external matches a year due to the Syrian civil war, Jamaan has said. Frequent power outages also restricted her to occasionally practise only during daytime hours. But Zaza beat the odds after winning the West Asia Olympic qualification tournament in Jordan last year, becoming the first Syrian paddler to qualify for the Olympics. "For the last five years, I`ve been through many different experiences, especially with the war happening around the country and the postponement of the funding for the Olympics," Zaza said. "It was very tough, but I had to fight for it. And this is my message to everyone who is in the same situation -- fight for your dream. Try hard regardless of the difficulties that you’re having and you will reach your hope."

Olympics Table Tennis: Tokyo Games' youngest competitor from Syria exits in first round

<p>The Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) will stage an Olympic simulation event in May to help its players prepare for this year's Tokyo Games, local media reported.</p>

<p>Thirty-six men's and women's singles players, and 16 mixed doubles pairs will feature at the WTT (World Table Tennis) Grand Smashes Trials and Olympic Simulation, to be held in Xinxiang in northern Henan province from May 3-7 ahead of the Olympics which begin in July.</p>

<p>The tournament is open to paddlers who have qualified for singles competitions at China's National Games, finalists in singles events at the under-18 and under-15 national championships, and young players who have qualified through other competitions.</p>

<p>"The nation's finest under-15, under-18 and senior table tennis players will compete together in this event, in keeping with the policy of cultivating future talent from different age groups," the CTTA said, according to local media.</p>

<p>The event, which will employ a similar format to the Olympic tournament, will also offer the chance to qualify for other competitions including the 2021 World Championships Finals and the China Table Tennis Club Super League.</p>

<p>"The CTTA is not merely focusing on the Tokyo Olympics. We are also attempting to select and nurture talent for the Paris Olympics and beyond," CTTA President Liu Guoliang said.</p>

<p>"Those who can win tickets to the 2021 WTT Smashes Trials are the best players of their age groups now in China. And I believe they will grow to become the best table tennis players in the world."</p>

<p>The pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics are set to start on July 23.</p>

<p>Asian powerhouse China have won all but four of the 32 table tennis gold medals since the sport was first included at the Olympics in Seoul in 1988.</p>


The Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) will stage an Olympic simulation event in May to help its players prepare for this year's Tokyo Games, local media reported.

The Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) will stage an Olympic simulation event in May to help its players prepare for this year's Tokyo Games, local media reported. Thirty-six men's and women's singles players, and 16 mixed doubles pairs will feature at the WTT (World Table Tennis) Grand Smashes Trials and Olympic Simulation, to be held in Xinxiang in northern Henan province from May 3-7 ahead of the Olympics which begin in July. The tournament is open to paddlers who have qualified for singles competitions at China's National Games, finalists in singles events at the under-18 and under-15 national championships, and young players who have qualified through other competitions. "The nation's finest under-15, under-18 and senior table tennis players will compete together in this event, in keeping with the policy of cultivating future talent from different age groups," the CTTA said, according to local media. The event, which will employ a similar format to the Olympic tournament, will also offer the chance to qualify for other competitions including the 2021 World Championships Finals and the China Table Tennis Club Super League. "The CTTA is not merely focusing on the Tokyo Olympics. We are also attempting to select and nurture talent for the Paris Olympics and beyond," CTTA President Liu Guoliang said. "Those who can win tickets to the 2021 WTT Smashes Trials are the best players of their age groups now in China. And I believe they will grow to become the best table tennis players in the world." The pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics are set to start on July 23. Asian powerhouse China have won all but four of the 32 table tennis gold medals since the sport was first included at the Olympics in Seoul in 1988.

China to hold Olympic simulation event next month

<p>It was&nbsp;<strong>50</strong>&nbsp;<strong>years</strong>&nbsp;ago but Zhang Xielin still remembers vividly&nbsp;<strong>how</strong>&nbsp;a shaggy-haired American&nbsp;<strong>table</strong>&nbsp;<strong>tennis</strong>&nbsp;player stepped onto the Chinese team's bus, a chance encounter which would shape history.</p>

<p>It was the&nbsp;<strong>world</strong>&nbsp;championships in Nagoya, Japan, and Glenn Cowan mistakenly hopped in with Zhang and his teammates -- an awkward moment because the United States and China were then deeply at odds.</p>

<p>"We were&nbsp;<strong>on</strong>&nbsp;the bus and were talking and laughing," Zhang, now 80, told AFP.</p>

<p>"But when we realised that an American had come onto the bus, we fell silent."</p>

<p>The Chinese triple&nbsp;<strong>world</strong>&nbsp;champion Zhuang Zedong eventually came forward and famously broke the ice, giving Cowan a silk embroidery as a souvenir from China.</p>

<p>They did not know it at the time, but it was the spark for China and the United States to begin normalising relations, in what became known as '<strong>ping-pong</strong>&nbsp;diplomacy'.</p>

<p>Zhang, a doubles&nbsp;<strong>world</strong>&nbsp;champion and later China's coach, recalled: "Mr. Zhuang understood that there was a difference between the American people and the American government, and that we should be nice to American people, so he took the initiative to chat with Glenn."</p>

<p>Photographers captured Zhuang and a 19-year-old Cowan shaking hands and smiling.</p>

<p>"The newspaper came out the next day and it seemed that China and the United States were about to have a relationship," said Zhang.</p>

<p>Days later,&nbsp;<strong>on</strong>&nbsp;April 10, 1971 the US team became the first Americans to step foot in China for nearly a quarter of a century when they were invited to play friendly matches in the country.</p>

<p>The thaw saw President Richard Nixon visit China in February 1972, and a Chinese&nbsp;<strong>table</strong>&nbsp;<strong>tennis</strong>&nbsp;squad visit the US.</p>

<p>In 1979 formal relations were established between the two countries.</p>

<h2>'Compete peacefully'&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Yao Zhenxu played Cowan, who died in 2004, during the Americans' ground-breaking trip.</p>

<p>Yao still remembers the score, he won 21-12, 21-14, and says that Cowan thanked him afterwards for "a serious game".</p>

<p>The American team were vastly inferior to the Chinese, so the hosts sometimes let their visitors win points in the spirit of sportsmanship and goodwill.</p>

<p>Now 74, Yao says that it was only afterwards that he realised that he had played a part in something historic.</p>

<p>"Because of&nbsp;<strong>ping-pong</strong>&nbsp;diplomacy we&nbsp;<strong>changed</strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>world</strong>&nbsp;order, and the people of China and the United States started friendly exchanges," he said.</p>

<p>Yao appeared alongside Zhang in Shanghai&nbsp;<strong>on</strong>&nbsp;Saturday to mark&nbsp;<strong>50</strong>&nbsp;<strong>years</strong>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<strong>ping-pong</strong>&nbsp;diplomacy, with the city authorities hosting an event with speeches and friendly amateur matches.</p>

<p>But the anniversary comes at a time when relations between Washington and Beijing have deteriorated markedly over a number of issues, notably trade, the fate of China's Uyghur minority and a clampdown in Hong Kong.</p>

<p>In a recorded speech to mark the 50th anniversary, China's ambassador in Washington, Cui Tiankai, accused some in the US of "ideological bias and zero-sum thinking".</p>

<p>But he and Chinese state media took a largely positive tone, with Xinhua news agency hailing&nbsp;<strong>ping-pong</strong>&nbsp;diplomacy's "wonderful legacy".</p>

<p>Yao and Zhang hope that the spirit of 1971 can help shape future relations between the&nbsp;<strong>world</strong>'s top two economies for the better.</p>

<p>"Everyone knows that the relationship between China and the United States is a bit tense nowadays," said Yao.</p>

<p>"We hope that we can agree to disagree and keep friendly relations.</p>

<p>"Don't be afraid of competition, we can compete peacefully."</p>


It was 50 years ago but Zhang Xielin still remembers vividly how a shaggy-haired American table tennis player stepped onto the Chinese team's bus, a chance encounter which would shape history.

It was 50 years ago but Zhang Xielin still remembers vividly how a shaggy-haired American table tennis player stepped onto the Chinese team's bus, a chance encounter which would shape history. It was the world championships in Nagoya, Japan, and Glenn Cowan mistakenly hopped in with Zhang and his teammates -- an awkward moment because the United States and China were then deeply at odds. "We were on the bus and were talking and laughing," Zhang, now 80, told AFP. "But when we realised that an American had come onto the bus, we fell silent." The Chinese triple world champion Zhuang Zedong eventually came forward and famously broke the ice, giving Cowan a silk embroidery as a souvenir from China. They did not know it at the time, but it was the spark for China and the United States to begin normalising relations, in what became known as 'ping-pong diplomacy'. Zhang, a doubles world champion and later China's coach, recalled: "Mr. Zhuang understood that there was a difference between the American people and the American government, and that we should be nice to American people, so he took the initiative to chat with Glenn." Photographers captured Zhuang and a 19-year-old Cowan shaking hands and smiling. "The newspaper came out the next day and it seemed that China and the United States were about to have a relationship," said Zhang. Days later, on April 10, 1971 the US team became the first Americans to step foot in China for nearly a quarter of a century when they were invited to play friendly matches in the country. The thaw saw President Richard Nixon visit China in February 1972, and a Chinese table tennis squad visit the US. In 1979 formal relations were established between the two countries. 'Compete peacefully' Yao Zhenxu played Cowan, who died in 2004, during the Americans' ground-breaking trip. Yao still remembers the score, he won 21-12, 21-14, and says that Cowan thanked him afterwards for "a serious game". The American team were vastly inferior to the Chinese, so the hosts sometimes let their visitors win points in the spirit of sportsmanship and goodwill. Now 74, Yao says that it was only afterwards that he realised that he had played a part in something historic. "Because of ping-pong diplomacy we changed the world order, and the people of China and the United States started friendly exchanges," he said. Yao appeared alongside Zhang in Shanghai on Saturday to mark 50 years of ping-pong diplomacy, with the city authorities hosting an event with speeches and friendly amateur matches. But the anniversary comes at a time when relations between Washington and Beijing have deteriorated markedly over a number of issues, notably trade, the fate of China's Uyghur minority and a clampdown in Hong Kong. In a recorded speech to mark the 50th anniversary, China's ambassador in Washington, Cui Tiankai, accused some in the US of "ideological bias and zero-sum thinking". But he and Chinese state media took a largely positive tone, with Xinhua news agency hailing ping-pong diplomacy's "wonderful legacy". Yao and Zhang hope that the spirit of 1971 can help shape future relations between the world's top two economies for the better. "Everyone knows that the relationship between China and the United States is a bit tense nowadays," said Yao. "We hope that we can agree to disagree and keep friendly relations. "Don't be afraid of competition, we can compete peacefully."

How table tennis changed the world, 50 years on

<p>While the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown has moved sports enthusiasts and newbies indoors, halting their regular practice sessions, they have managed to turn the tables on these limitations and are finding new ways to carry on. With no access to the outdoors, people are reinventing how they play sports with the resources available to them at home, and to that end, have got their creative juices flowing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Adding to the momentum, Indian table tennis players Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran&nbsp;joined the conversation on Twitter and shared interesting tips and tricks.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When training with one hand is just not good enough<br />
Hitting some balls alongwith my best friend at home <a href="https://twitter.com/BUTTERFLY_JAPAN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BUTTERFLY_JAPAN</a> Amicus Prime Robot !!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sathiyan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sathiyan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tabletennis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tabletennis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sports?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fridayfeeling?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fridayfeeling</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lockdown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lockdown</a> <a href="https://t.co/5p7ixnJTIj">https://t.co/5p7ixnJTIj</a> <a href="https://t.co/vHoK0iL6Uo">pic.twitter.com/vHoK0iL6Uo</a></p>
— Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (@sathiyantt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sathiyantt/status/1261187972839268352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Commenting on this, Manika Batra, Indian star paddler said, “It feels great to engage with people during this lockdown. Twitter is a great place to have conversations and I am glad that we are able to spread and create awareness about staying fit while at home through the service. I hope this will motivate fans to stay positive and active during these difficult times.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-could-be-stranded-when-india-resume-training-bcci-treasurer-arun-dhumal-warns-298873" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma could be stranded when India resume training, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal warns</a></strong></p>

<p>Both the players also interacted with fans through Twitter Q&amp;As and answered questions on the service. Manika&nbsp;shared her quarantine routine, her favourite Bollywood actors and gave an encouraging message for young players, whereas, Sathiyan&nbsp;answered questions on players he follows, his favourite childhood cartoon and revealed that he would love to have a match with master blaster Sachin Tendulkar.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Haha that’s one thing which I have not yet tried out as I do care a lot about my mom’s health <a href="https://t.co/gEemlpp5SX">https://t.co/gEemlpp5SX</a></p>
— Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (@sathiyantt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sathiyantt/status/1261196931835006976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My favorite actors are Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal <a href="https://t.co/cTXAqWbHGL">https://t.co/cTXAqWbHGL</a></p>
— Manika Batra (@manikabatra_TT) <a href="https://twitter.com/manikabatra_TT/status/1261175818144759808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a><br />
Practice session with <a href="https://twitter.com/BUTTERFLY_JAPAN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BUTTERFLY_JAPAN</a> Amicus Prime Robot is going great and playing a lot of specific skills.<br />
Thank you . <a href="https://t.co/nhVQ8InW2r">https://t.co/nhVQ8InW2r</a></p>
— Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (@sathiyantt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sathiyantt/status/1261160689353109504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Working on physical fitness, meditation, watching TV series. Also helping people directly and indirectly.. <a href="https://t.co/YJhuetPujG">https://t.co/YJhuetPujG</a></p>
— Manika Batra (@manikabatra_TT) <a href="https://twitter.com/manikabatra_TT/status/1261176786634719233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have tried my hand on gardening , ventured into Yoga and probably looking to learn some new language (may be little bit of Japanese) to prepare myself for Olympics <a href="https://t.co/befWxdUCe0">https://t.co/befWxdUCe0</a></p>
— Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (@sathiyantt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sathiyantt/status/1261202406064283653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An age is good to start playing but if we talk about childrens to be a champion then 3 and half or 4 is the good age to hold a racquet in your hand. <a href="https://t.co/8U4LJ7YidE">https://t.co/8U4LJ7YidE</a></p>
— Manika Batra (@manikabatra_TT) <a href="https://twitter.com/manikabatra_TT/status/1261185379400548352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Haha I am not that great at playing Cricket and don’t want to embarrass myself, I would definitely love to play a game of TT with <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a> sir and teach him some skills !!<br />
<br />
I would also be very keen to know on how he developed the liking for TT <a href="https://t.co/URuIcQoBPE">https://t.co/URuIcQoBPE</a></p>
— Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (@sathiyantt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sathiyantt/status/1261168115125121024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="ht">Popeye <a href="https://t.co/vIBqqVof3z">https://t.co/vIBqqVof3z</a></p>
— Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (@sathiyantt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sathiyantt/status/1261174180340396040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Recently, the Pandya brothers too challenged each other to a game of at-home table tennis.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sai-formulates-sop-for-centres-but-training-to-resume-only-after-mha-clearance-298818" hreflang="en">SAI formulates SOP for centres but training to resume only after MHA clearance</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PandyaBros?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PandyaBros</a> in action in a different sport <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya7</a> and I are always competitive with each other Who do you think won this round? <a href="https://t.co/4jjlatV15P">pic.twitter.com/4jjlatV15P</a></p>
— Krunal Pandya (@krunalpandya24) <a href="https://twitter.com/krunalpandya24/status/1253297651656749058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In fact, they are not the only ones. Twitter India&nbsp; asked people to send pictures of their makeshift table tennis set-ups and they reverted with some jaw-dropping videos, including para-badminton athlete Manasi Nayana Joshi, take a look:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ping-Pong, Ping-Pong , smash! Who else is playing table tennis at home? Show us your makeshift TT setup, let's see who has got game! Any tips for these players <a href="https://twitter.com/manikabatra_TT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@manikabatra_TT</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/sathiyantt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sathiyantt</a>?</p>
— Twitter India (@TwitterIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterIndia/status/1260912802887159810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My TT game definitely getting stronger in this lockdown <a href="https://t.co/DtRzmXhy3v">pic.twitter.com/DtRzmXhy3v</a></p>
— Manasi Nayana Joshi (@joshimanasi11) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshimanasi11/status/1260991895729106949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here's one unique makeshift TT setup <a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TwitterIndia</a><br />
<br />
Would anyone like to try <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Windscreen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Windscreen</a>?<br />
<br />
Credit: Vijender Sharma <a href="https://t.co/d4k65KB3zZ">pic.twitter.com/d4k65KB3zZ</a></p>
— Ultimate TableTennis (@UltTableTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/UltTableTennis/status/1261226561056804866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My table tennis setup keeps getting interesting everyday <a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TwitterIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sathiyantt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sathiyantt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/manikabatra_TT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@manikabatra_TT</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZdSavpUdjl">pic.twitter.com/ZdSavpUdjl</a></p>
— Pongpotter (@pongpotter_) <a href="https://twitter.com/pongpotter_/status/1261157673606606849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Stay tuned as real-time conversations around the table tennis and other sports continue to unfold on Twitter.</p>


While the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown has moved sports enthusiasts and newbies indoors, halting their regular practice sessions, they have managed to turn the tables on these limitations and are finding new ways to carry on.

While the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown has moved sports enthusiasts and newbies indoors, halting their regular practice sessions, they have managed to turn the tables on these limitations and are finding new ways to carry on. With no access to the outdoors, people are reinventing how they play sports with the resources available to them at home, and to that end, have got their creative juices flowing. Adding to the momentum, Indian table tennis players Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran joined the conversation on Twitter and shared interesting tips and tricks. When training with one hand is just not good enough Hitting some balls alongwith my best friend at home @BUTTERFLY_JAPAN Amicus Prime Robot !!#sathiyan #tabletennis #sports #fridayfeeling #lockdown https://t.co/5p7ixnJTIj pic.twitter.com/vHoK0iL6Uo — Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (@sathiyantt) May 15, 2020 × Commenting on this, Manika Batra, Indian star paddler said, “It feels great to engage with people during this lockdown. Twitter is a great place to have conversations and I am glad that we are able to spread and create awareness about staying fit while at home through the service. I hope this will motivate fans to stay positive and active during these difficult times.” ALSO READ: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma could be stranded when India resume training, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal warns Both the players also interacted with fans through Twitter Q&As and answered questions on the service. Manika shared her quarantine routine, her favourite Bollywood actors and gave an encouraging message for young players, whereas, Sathiyan answered questions on players he follows, his favourite childhood cartoon and revealed that he would love to have a match with master blaster Sachin Tendulkar. Haha that’s one thing which I have not yet tried out as I do care a lot about my mom’s health https://t.co/gEemlpp5SX — Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (@sathiyantt) May 15, 2020 × My favorite actors are Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal https://t.co/cTXAqWbHGL — Manika Batra (@manikabatra_TT) May 15, 2020 × It’s @rogerfederer Practice session with @BUTTERFLY_JAPAN Amicus Prime Robot is going great and playing a lot of specific skills. Thank you . https://t.co/nhVQ8InW2r — Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (@sathiyantt) May 15, 2020 × Working on physical fitness, meditation, watching TV series. Also helping people directly and indirectly.. https://t.co/YJhuetPujG — Manika Batra (@manikabatra_TT) May 15, 2020 × I have tried my hand on gardening , ventured into Yoga and probably looking to learn some new language (may be little bit of Japanese) to prepare myself for Olympics https://t.co/befWxdUCe0 — Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (@sathiyantt) May 15, 2020 × An age is good to start playing but if we talk about childrens to be a champion then 3 and half or 4 is the good age to hold a racquet in your hand. https://t.co/8U4LJ7YidE — Manika Batra (@manikabatra_TT) May 15, 2020 × Haha I am not that great at playing Cricket and don’t want to embarrass myself, I would definitely love to play a game of TT with @sachin_rt sir and teach him some skills !! I would also be very keen to know on how he developed the liking for TT https://t.co/URuIcQoBPE — Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (@sathiyantt) May 15, 2020 × Popeye https://t.co/vIBqqVof3z — Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (@sathiyantt) May 15, 2020 × Recently, the Pandya brothers too challenged each other to a game of at-home table tennis. ALSO READ: SAI formulates SOP for centres but training to resume only after MHA clearance #PandyaBros in action in a different sport @hardikpandya7 and I are always competitive with each other Who do you think won this round? pic.twitter.com/4jjlatV15P — Krunal Pandya (@krunalpandya24) April 23, 2020 × In fact, they are not the only ones. Twitter India asked people to send pictures of their makeshift table tennis set-ups and they reverted with some jaw-dropping videos, including para-badminton athlete Manasi Nayana Joshi, take a look: Ping-Pong, Ping-Pong , smash! Who else is playing table tennis at home? Show us your makeshift TT setup, let's see who has got game! Any tips for these players @manikabatra_TT and @sathiyantt? — Twitter India (@TwitterIndia) May 14, 2020 × My TT game definitely getting stronger in this lockdown pic.twitter.com/DtRzmXhy3v — Manasi Nayana Joshi (@joshimanasi11) May 14, 2020 × Here's one unique makeshift TT setup @TwitterIndia Would anyone like to try #Windscreen? Credit: Vijender Sharma pic.twitter.com/d4k65KB3zZ — Ultimate TableTennis (@UltTableTennis) May 15, 2020 × My table tennis setup keeps getting interesting everyday @TwitterIndia @sathiyantt @manikabatra_TT pic.twitter.com/ZdSavpUdjl — Pongpotter (@pongpotter_) May 15, 2020 × Stay tuned as real-time conversations around the table tennis and other sports continue to unfold on Twitter.

Table Tennis fans learn tips and tricks on Twitter from India’s best paddlers, Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran

<p>Veteran table tennis player Sharath Kamal on Thursday surpassed compatriot G Sathiyan to become the highest-ranked Indian in the ITTF world rankings, jumping seven spots to reach 31.</p>

<p>The jump in the rankings comes after Sharath's triumph at the Oman Open last month, when he won his first ITTF title in 10 years.</p>

<p>"Some positive news, amidst all the negativity currently (due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Feels great actually. Just the news I needed while I find myself away from the game during this lockdown," an elated Sharath said.</p>

<p>His younger teammate Sathiyan dropped a place to be 32.</p>

<p>The fast-rising Mudit Dani also made notable progress in the rankings as he broke into the top-200 for the first time in his career.</p>

<p>Dani took a jump of nine places to claim the 200th position while Harmeet Desai (72), Anthony Amalraj (100) and Manav Thakkar (139) are the other Indian paddlers who have positioned themselves in the top-200.</p>

<p>In the women's rankings, Manika Batra is in the 63rd position while Sutirtha Mukherjee entered the top-100 for the first time. She jumped 14 spots to be 95th.</p>

<p>The ITTF rankings will now be frozen until the start of events. The ITTF has suspended all its events until June 30 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>


Veteran table tennis player Sharath Kamal on Thursday surpassed compatriot G Sathiyan to become the highest-ranked Indian in the ITTF world rankings, jumping seven spots to reach 31.

Veteran table tennis player Sharath Kamal on Thursday surpassed compatriot G Sathiyan to become the highest-ranked Indian in the ITTF world rankings, jumping seven spots to reach 31. The jump in the rankings comes after Sharath's triumph at the Oman Open last month, when he won his first ITTF title in 10 years. "Some positive news, amidst all the negativity currently (due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Feels great actually. Just the news I needed while I find myself away from the game during this lockdown," an elated Sharath said. His younger teammate Sathiyan dropped a place to be 32. The fast-rising Mudit Dani also made notable progress in the rankings as he broke into the top-200 for the first time in his career. Dani took a jump of nine places to claim the 200th position while Harmeet Desai (72), Anthony Amalraj (100) and Manav Thakkar (139) are the other Indian paddlers who have positioned themselves in the top-200. In the women's rankings, Manika Batra is in the 63rd position while Sutirtha Mukherjee entered the top-100 for the first time. She jumped 14 spots to be 95th. The ITTF rankings will now be frozen until the start of events. The ITTF has suspended all its events until June 30 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sharath Kamal is highest-ranked Indian in ITTF world rankings, Suthirtha breaks into top-100

<p>Next month's table tennis world championships in South Korea have been postponed until June over health concerns as the East Asian nation grapples with an outbreak of the coronavirus.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-appropriate-tokyos-governor-slams-london-olympic-hosting-offer-281999" hreflang="en">'Not appropriate': Tokyo's governor slams London Olympic hosting offer</a></p>

<p>The event was scheduled for March 22-29 in the southern city of Busan but will be pushed back provisionally to June 21-28, organisers said on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympic-ceo-calls-coronavirus-concern-irresponsible-rumours-280473" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours'</a></p>

<p>"Given the uncertainty and changing situation in Korea Republic amidst the outbreak of COVID-19 across the nation, the decision was made with the health and safety of players, officials and fans as the top priority," the International Table Tennis Federation said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-f1-grand-prix-postponed-due-to-continued-spread-of-novel-coronavirus-280489" hreflang="en">Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus</a></p>

<p>South Korean health authorities have been battling a surge of new coronavirus cases that took the nation's tally to 893 on Tuesday. Nine have died from the virus in the country.</p>

<p>A slew of cases have been reported in Busan, the country's second-largest city.</p>

<p>The virus has infected more than 80,000 people around the world, including more than 77,000 in China. More than 2,600 people have died in China's central Hubei province alone.</p>

<p>The outbreak has had a major impact on the global sporting calendar, with a host of events cancelled or postponed, and raised alarm bells for Tokyo Olympics organisers.</p>


Next month's table tennis world championships in South Korea have been postponed until June over health concerns as the East Asian nation grapples with an outbreak of the coronavirus.

Next month's table tennis world championships in South Korea have been postponed until June over health concerns as the East Asian nation grapples with an outbreak of the coronavirus. Also read: 'Not appropriate': Tokyo's governor slams London Olympic hosting offer The event was scheduled for March 22-29 in the southern city of Busan but will be pushed back provisionally to June 21-28, organisers said on Tuesday. Also read: Tokyo Olympics CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours' "Given the uncertainty and changing situation in Korea Republic amidst the outbreak of COVID-19 across the nation, the decision was made with the health and safety of players, officials and fans as the top priority," the International Table Tennis Federation said in a statement. Also read: Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus South Korean health authorities have been battling a surge of new coronavirus cases that took the nation's tally to 893 on Tuesday. Nine have died from the virus in the country. A slew of cases have been reported in Busan, the country's second-largest city. The virus has infected more than 80,000 people around the world, including more than 77,000 in China. More than 2,600 people have died in China's central Hubei province alone. The outbreak has had a major impact on the global sporting calendar, with a host of events cancelled or postponed, and raised alarm bells for Tokyo Olympics organisers.

South Korea table tennis world championships postponed over virus fears

<p>China's table tennis team has gone to Qatar to seek refuge after accepting Doha's offer of a training base to avoid returning home to&nbsp;China due to the on-going coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sporting-events-that-fell-victim-to-coronavirus-280070">Sporting events that fell victim to coronavirus!</a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“We are always thinking of how we can help our brothers and sisters out.” This is what the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TableTennis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TableTennis</a> family is all about 🙌🏓🙌<br />
<br />
Find out more how ITTF &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/QTableTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@QTableTennis</a> helped Team China 🇨🇳 train in Qatar 🇶🇦 👉 <a href="https://t.co/SiDKuChMyp">https://t.co/SiDKuChMyp</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZXts0RuB52">pic.twitter.com/ZXts0RuB52</a></p>
— ITTF World (@ittfworld) <a href="https://twitter.com/ittfworld/status/1227126019351433216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The squad which consists of 30 players flew to Doha after the conclusion of their successful ITTF German Open campaign recently. China's Xu Xin and Chen Meng won the men's and the women's singles events respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Table tennis is China's national sport, it's participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is crucial as it has helped the country fetch several&nbsp;gold medals during the Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Qatar Table Tennis Association has provided China's table tennis team with meals, accommodation and nearly 15 tables and 2,000 TT (table tennis) balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team is settled in the Aspire Academy Arena, ahead of the Qatar Open. The Qatar Open will commence on March 3. After Qatar, the world championships are set to start in Busan, South Korea, on March 22.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the death toll from coronavirus surpassed 1,000 on Tuesday which is way more than the 2003's SARS outbreak. The virus had infected 8,098 people and killed 774 in 2003.</p>

<p>In biggest leap in a day, 108 new deaths were reported in the last twenty-four hours. The number is expected to increase further with passing hours. Meanwhile, 42,638 have been infected.</p>

<p>This is just in mainland China. The magnitude, the scale and the pace of this outbreak are unprecedented.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crisis in Wuhan which is an epicentre of this deadly virus is showing itself in the unlikeliest of ways.</p>


China's table tennis team has gone to Qatar to seek refuge after accepting Doha's offer of a training base to avoid returning home to China due to the on-going coronavirus outbreak.

China's table tennis team has gone to Qatar to seek refuge after accepting Doha's offer of a training base to avoid returning home to China due to the on-going coronavirus outbreak. Also see: Sporting events that fell victim to coronavirus! “We are always thinking of how we can help our brothers and sisters out.” This is what the #TableTennis family is all about 🙌🏓🙌 Find out more how ITTF & @QTableTennis helped Team China 🇨🇳 train in Qatar 🇶🇦 👉 https://t.co/SiDKuChMyp pic.twitter.com/ZXts0RuB52 — ITTF World (@ittfworld) February 11, 2020 × The squad which consists of 30 players flew to Doha after the conclusion of their successful ITTF German Open campaign recently. China's Xu Xin and Chen Meng won the men's and the women's singles events respectively. Table tennis is China's national sport, it's participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is crucial as it has helped the country fetch several gold medals during the Olympics. The Qatar Table Tennis Association has provided China's table tennis team with meals, accommodation and nearly 15 tables and 2,000 TT (table tennis) balls. The team is settled in the Aspire Academy Arena, ahead of the Qatar Open. The Qatar Open will commence on March 3. After Qatar, the world championships are set to start in Busan, South Korea, on March 22. Meanwhile, the death toll from coronavirus surpassed 1,000 on Tuesday which is way more than the 2003's SARS outbreak. The virus had infected 8,098 people and killed 774 in 2003. In biggest leap in a day, 108 new deaths were reported in the last twenty-four hours. The number is expected to increase further with passing hours. Meanwhile, 42,638 have been infected. This is just in mainland China. The magnitude, the scale and the pace of this outbreak are unprecedented. The crisis in Wuhan which is an epicentre of this deadly virus is showing itself in the unlikeliest of ways.

Coronavirus outbreak: China's table tennis team avoids home trip, take refuge in Qatar

<p>Former national champion Soumyajit Ghosh is free to return to the game after the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) Sunday decided to revoke his suspension, handed out in March this year following allegations of rape against him by an ex-girlfriend.</p>

<p>"The members of Executive Board of TTFI which met here during the ongoing 11Sports 80th Junior and Youth National Championships considered his representation and rescinded the ban with immediate effect, allowing him to participate in all national and international tournaments," the TTFI said in a statement.</p>

<p>The withdrawal of suspension means Ghosh is eligible to participate in the Senior Nationals at Cuttack from January 4 to 9, 2019.</p>

<p>In March, Ghosh was accused of rape by an 18-year-old, that led to the two-time Olympian and India's youngest ever national champion hitting "rock bottom".</p>

<p>The allegations prompted the TTFI to provisionally suspend him, which meant the paddler was left out of India's Commonwealth Games squad in Gold Coast.</p>

<p>Ghosh's legal troubles finally came to an end after he married his rape accuser four months after his career nose-dived owing to the crisis.</p>


Former national champion Soumyajit Ghosh is free to return to the game after the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) Sunday decided to revoke his suspension, handed out in March this year following allegations of rape against him by an ex-girlfriend.

Former national champion Soumyajit Ghosh is free to return to the game after the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) Sunday decided to revoke his suspension, handed out in March this year following allegations of rape against him by an ex-girlfriend. "The members of Executive Board of TTFI which met here during the ongoing 11Sports 80th Junior and Youth National Championships considered his representation and rescinded the ban with immediate effect, allowing him to participate in all national and international tournaments," the TTFI said in a statement. The withdrawal of suspension means Ghosh is eligible to participate in the Senior Nationals at Cuttack from January 4 to 9, 2019. In March, Ghosh was accused of rape by an 18-year-old, that led to the two-time Olympian and India's youngest ever national champion hitting "rock bottom". The allegations prompted the TTFI to provisionally suspend him, which meant the paddler was left out of India's Commonwealth Games squad in Gold Coast. Ghosh's legal troubles finally came to an end after he married his rape accuser four months after his career nose-dived owing to the crisis.

TTFI lifts Soumyajit Ghosh's ban, free to play in next month's Nationals

Wion Sports Special: Champions of India 2018

<p>Indian table tennis earned the world's respect in a watershed 2018 when the country won a historic two medals at the Asian Games after Manika Batra's unprecedented showing at the Commonwealth Games.</p>

<p>Sharath Kamal, arguably India's finest player who is still going strong at 36, summed up the year aptly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"At the start of the year, if anyone would have said we will win one, let alone two medals at the Asian Games, I would have laughed it off. It has been that kind of year. Best ever year for me and best ever for Indian table tennis," the veteran told PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Sharath-led men's team exceeded its own expectations by winning a bronze at the Asian Games in Jakarta after stunning mighty Japan in the quarter-finals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His younger teammate G Sathiyan delivered under pressure by winning both his singles against higher-ranked opponents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dream run did not end there as Sharath and Manika landed a mixed doubles bronze which has given them the belief that they are good enough to win an Olympic medal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To put the achievement in perspective, it was the first time that India returned home with an Asian Games medal ever since table tennis was introduced in the mega event's program in 1958. The stellar performance forced even the 'invincible' Chinese to take notice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the sport took giant strides, a star too was born with Manika pocketing as many as four medals including two historic gold medals in women's team and women's singles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She beat the then world number four and Olympic medallist, Feng Tianwei of Singapore, twice to step on the top of the podium.</p>

<p>She later added a doubles silver and mixed doubles bronze to her kitty to become the most successful Indian athlete at the Gold Coast Games.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Considering the bar she has set for herself, the world number 52 will have to keep improving to compete with the global best. It was only fitting that she ended the year by becoming the first Indian to win the Breakthrough Star award at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) awards in Incheon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharath and Sathiyan too ended 2018 on a high as they attained their best ever rankings. Sharath is 30th in the latest list and a place below him is Sathiyan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Considering the kind of year we have had, we have to keep performing to maintain the momentum we have got. It is all about preparing for the 2020 Olympics now. Our best chance is in mixed doubles and Manika and I have already planned the roadmap leading up to the Tokyo Games," said Sharath.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Next year will see the players featuring in 14 to 16 events as they aim for the Olympic qualification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Italian coach Massimo Costantini, who guided India to a record showing in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, has joined the ITTF and the players need a new coach at the earliest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"While the TTFI is looking for the best available coach, we are losing momentum. 2019 is an important year ahead of the Olympics and whoever comes in will need at least three months to understand the Indian system. So, it is imperative that the coach is appointed as soon as possible," Sharath added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While India can now aim for an Olympic medal, it got really close to winning one at the Youth Olympics in Argentina where the young Archana Kamath went down fighting in the bronze medal play-off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Otherwise, it would have been another historic moment in a truly historic year.&nbsp;</p>


Indian table tennis earned the world's respect in a watershed 2018 when the country won a historic two medals at the Asian Games after Manika Batra's unprecedented showing at the Commonwealth Games.

Indian table tennis earned the world's respect in a watershed 2018 when the country won a historic two medals at the Asian Games after Manika Batra's unprecedented showing at the Commonwealth Games. Sharath Kamal, arguably India's finest player who is still going strong at 36, summed up the year aptly. "At the start of the year, if anyone would have said we will win one, let alone two medals at the Asian Games, I would have laughed it off. It has been that kind of year. Best ever year for me and best ever for Indian table tennis," the veteran told PTI. The Sharath-led men's team exceeded its own expectations by winning a bronze at the Asian Games in Jakarta after stunning mighty Japan in the quarter-finals. His younger teammate G Sathiyan delivered under pressure by winning both his singles against higher-ranked opponents. The dream run did not end there as Sharath and Manika landed a mixed doubles bronze which has given them the belief that they are good enough to win an Olympic medal. To put the achievement in perspective, it was the first time that India returned home with an Asian Games medal ever since table tennis was introduced in the mega event's program in 1958. The stellar performance forced even the 'invincible' Chinese to take notice. While the sport took giant strides, a star too was born with Manika pocketing as many as four medals including two historic gold medals in women's team and women's singles. She beat the then world number four and Olympic medallist, Feng Tianwei of Singapore, twice to step on the top of the podium. She later added a doubles silver and mixed doubles bronze to her kitty to become the most successful Indian athlete at the Gold Coast Games. Considering the bar she has set for herself, the world number 52 will have to keep improving to compete with the global best. It was only fitting that she ended the year by becoming the first Indian to win the Breakthrough Star award at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) awards in Incheon. Sharath and Sathiyan too ended 2018 on a high as they attained their best ever rankings. Sharath is 30th in the latest list and a place below him is Sathiyan. "Considering the kind of year we have had, we have to keep performing to maintain the momentum we have got. It is all about preparing for the 2020 Olympics now. Our best chance is in mixed doubles and Manika and I have already planned the roadmap leading up to the Tokyo Games," said Sharath. Next year will see the players featuring in 14 to 16 events as they aim for the Olympic qualification. Italian coach Massimo Costantini, who guided India to a record showing in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, has joined the ITTF and the players need a new coach at the earliest. "While the TTFI is looking for the best available coach, we are losing momentum. 2019 is an important year ahead of the Olympics and whoever comes in will need at least three months to understand the Indian system. So, it is imperative that the coach is appointed as soon as possible," Sharath added. While India can now aim for an Olympic medal, it got really close to winning one at the Youth Olympics in Argentina where the young Archana Kamath went down fighting in the bronze medal play-off. Otherwise, it would have been another historic moment in a truly historic year.

Landmark 2018 fuels Olympic medal hopes for Indian table tennis

<p>India's Manika Batra on Wednesday became the first Indian Table Tennis player to be decorated with the 'Breakthrough Table Tennis Star' award at the prestigious International Table Tennis Federation Star Awards in Incheon.</p>

<p>"I am really honoured and happy to have received the award. I feel, 2018 has been the best year of my career so far and I am happy for what I have achieved," Manika said at the ceremony.</p>

<p>"I would like to thank the Government, the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) and most importantly, my family, who has been there for me and motivated me along this journey," she added.</p>

<p>Manika started the year on a high at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, guiding India to its first-ever gold medal in the Women's Team category as they defeated four-time gold medallists and defending champions Singapore 3-1.</p>

<p>She bagged another gold in the women's singles category, defeating former World No. 4 Feng Tianwei. She added two more medals to her kitty by winning a silver in the women's doubles' and a bronze in the mixed doubles categories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 23-year-old Arjuna awardee then partnered India's legendary Sharath Kamal to clinch a bronze in the mixed doubles category of the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.</p>

<p>Manika also reached her career-best ranking of 52 in 2018 and became India's highest ranked female player.</p>

<p>TTFI's General Secretary MP Singh congratulated the Indian star.</p>

<p>"The year has been great for Indian Table Tennis and this award for Manika perfectly caps it well for the sport. We are proud of Manika and all the others," he said.&nbsp;</p>


India's Manika Batra on Wednesday became the first Indian Table Tennis player to be decorated with the 'Breakthrough Table Tennis Star' award at the prestigious International Table Tennis Federation Star Awards in Incheon.

India's Manika Batra on Wednesday became the first Indian Table Tennis player to be decorated with the 'Breakthrough Table Tennis Star' award at the prestigious International Table Tennis Federation Star Awards in Incheon. "I am really honoured and happy to have received the award. I feel, 2018 has been the best year of my career so far and I am happy for what I have achieved," Manika said at the ceremony. "I would like to thank the Government, the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) and most importantly, my family, who has been there for me and motivated me along this journey," she added. Manika started the year on a high at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, guiding India to its first-ever gold medal in the Women's Team category as they defeated four-time gold medallists and defending champions Singapore 3-1. She bagged another gold in the women's singles category, defeating former World No. 4 Feng Tianwei. She added two more medals to her kitty by winning a silver in the women's doubles' and a bronze in the mixed doubles categories. The 23-year-old Arjuna awardee then partnered India's legendary Sharath Kamal to clinch a bronze in the mixed doubles category of the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. Manika also reached her career-best ranking of 52 in 2018 and became India's highest ranked female player. TTFI's General Secretary MP Singh congratulated the Indian star. "The year has been great for Indian Table Tennis and this award for Manika perfectly caps it well for the sport. We are proud of Manika and all the others," he said.

Manika Batra becomes first Indian Table Tennis player to win Breakthrough Star award

<p>Inside a Chinese-funded facility perched on a steep hill overlooking Port Moresby's sparkling harbour, Papua New Guinea's best table tennis players are honing techniques picked up months earlier on a sponsored trip to Shanghai.</p>

<p>China's backing is helping the sport, also known as ping-pong, establish an unlikely foothold in the Pacific nation better known for its love-affair with rugby league.</p>

<p>Although the number of Papua New Guinea (PNG) enthusiasts is small, table tennis' prestige is on the rise. Its governing organisation believes its players could soon start qualifying for the Olympics, a rarity in the South Pacific and a first for table tennis in PNG.</p>

<p>PNG's top players were also given the opportunity to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on his trip to Port Moresby in November - a visit marked by open hostility between China and the United States over their competing ambitions for the region.</p>

<p>In a PNG newspaper editorial just before his visit, Xi wrote of his goal to "write a new chapter in people-to-people friendship", providing sport as an example.</p>

<p>The wrap-around effort from China's head of state, officials, businesses, and sports stars is part of a soft power push that represents the next phase of Xi's hallmark Belt and Road programme at a time when Western nations are trading barbs with China over its growing clout in the Pacific.</p>

<p>"They're all trying to implement the policies and the goals (of) President Xi Jinping," said George Shao, a Port Moresby-based Chinese businessman and president of the PNG Table Tennis Federation. "It's a...platform to improve peoples' relationship from the two countries...we are connected together."</p>

<p>Much of China's connection to the South Pacific to date has been through large-scale infrastructure projects that have resulted in hefty debt burdens to the mostly small and poor island nations.</p>

<p>PNG holds the largest debt to China in the South Pacific, at almost $590 million, largely for infrastructure projects such as roads, stadiums, university buildings and fish processing plants.</p>

<p>The West has raised concerns that PNG's debt burden makes it vulnerable to political influence from Beijing. Last month, the United States and Australia pledged to build a naval base in PNG, shutting out a rival Chinese proposal over fears the facility could one day host Chinese military vessels in the strategically important area.</p>

<p>"They're 'softening' it with efforts such as the ping-pong diplomacy," said Stanley Rosen, an expert in Chinese politics at the University of Southern California's US-China Institute. "Soft power will be increasingly used in the Pacific."</p>

<p><strong>SOFT POWER PUSH</strong></p>

<p>Almost 50 years ago, China and the United States used "ping-pong diplomacy" to help mend relations, with an exchange of players clearing the way for US&nbsp;President Richard Nixon to visit China in 1972.</p>

<p>Along with table tennis, China is also ramping up Mandarin language classrooms and university scholarships around the South Pacific. Beijing has also purchased radio frequencies in the region and has deployed a Navy hospital ship to provide medical treatment, including traditional Chinese medicine.</p>

<p>Still, table tennis is unlikely to ever overtake rugby league in a country where locals pour onto fields to play in the evenings and where violence between passionate supporters of rival teams sometimes breaks out.</p>

<p>In a training centre provided by a Chinese developer, PNG's national players slip off their flip flops and leave them beneath tables on a specialist bright red sports floor, both donated by sports equipment firm Shanghai Double Happiness.</p>

<p>The players have also received grants from the Chinese embassy for tables and are in talks to see whether it will fund a full-time Chinese coach, as it does in Vanuatu.</p>

<p>Members of the national team are sent to China before big international competitions for weeks of training, funded by Chinese local governments and training institutions.</p>

<p>"Shanghai is a nice place so when I heard that we were going to Shanghai I was very happy, excited to go," said Geoffrey Loi, an 18-year-old high school student who is seen as PNG's best chance at a place in the Paris Olympics in 2024. "They have the best training facilities and the best coach...we learned a lot of things."</p>

<p>Numbers are still small, with around 20 players on the national team and about 300 taking part in competitions, but experts say it provides a foothold in the battle for hearts and minds.</p>

<p>"At least China starts somewhere by...engaging with ordinary citizens," said Teddy Winn, a politics academic at the University of Papua New Guinea.</p>

<p>Rea Loi, the team's coach and Geoffrey's father, said he was proud of how far his sport had come with the support of China.</p>

<p>"There are famous sports in Papua New Guinea, greater sports...but no other sports were involved, who got to meet President Xi Jinping, only table tennis."</p>


Inside a Chinese-funded facility perched on a steep hill overlooking Port Moresby's sparkling harbour, Papua New Guinea's best table tennis players are honing techniques picked up months earlier on a sponsored trip to Shanghai.

Inside a Chinese-funded facility perched on a steep hill overlooking Port Moresby's sparkling harbour, Papua New Guinea's best table tennis players are honing techniques picked up months earlier on a sponsored trip to Shanghai. China's backing is helping the sport, also known as ping-pong, establish an unlikely foothold in the Pacific nation better known for its love-affair with rugby league. Although the number of Papua New Guinea (PNG) enthusiasts is small, table tennis' prestige is on the rise. Its governing organisation believes its players could soon start qualifying for the Olympics, a rarity in the South Pacific and a first for table tennis in PNG. PNG's top players were also given the opportunity to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on his trip to Port Moresby in November - a visit marked by open hostility between China and the United States over their competing ambitions for the region. In a PNG newspaper editorial just before his visit, Xi wrote of his goal to "write a new chapter in people-to-people friendship", providing sport as an example. The wrap-around effort from China's head of state, officials, businesses, and sports stars is part of a soft power push that represents the next phase of Xi's hallmark Belt and Road programme at a time when Western nations are trading barbs with China over its growing clout in the Pacific. "They're all trying to implement the policies and the goals (of) President Xi Jinping," said George Shao, a Port Moresby-based Chinese businessman and president of the PNG Table Tennis Federation. "It's a...platform to improve peoples' relationship from the two countries...we are connected together." Much of China's connection to the South Pacific to date has been through large-scale infrastructure projects that have resulted in hefty debt burdens to the mostly small and poor island nations. PNG holds the largest debt to China in the South Pacific, at almost $590 million, largely for infrastructure projects such as roads, stadiums, university buildings and fish processing plants. The West has raised concerns that PNG's debt burden makes it vulnerable to political influence from Beijing. Last month, the United States and Australia pledged to build a naval base in PNG, shutting out a rival Chinese proposal over fears the facility could one day host Chinese military vessels in the strategically important area. "They're 'softening' it with efforts such as the ping-pong diplomacy," said Stanley Rosen, an expert in Chinese politics at the University of Southern California's US-China Institute. "Soft power will be increasingly used in the Pacific." SOFT POWER PUSH Almost 50 years ago, China and the United States used "ping-pong diplomacy" to help mend relations, with an exchange of players clearing the way for US President Richard Nixon to visit China in 1972. Along with table tennis, China is also ramping up Mandarin language classrooms and university scholarships around the South Pacific. Beijing has also purchased radio frequencies in the region and has deployed a Navy hospital ship to provide medical treatment, including traditional Chinese medicine. Still, table tennis is unlikely to ever overtake rugby league in a country where locals pour onto fields to play in the evenings and where violence between passionate supporters of rival teams sometimes breaks out. In a training centre provided by a Chinese developer, PNG's national players slip off their flip flops and leave them beneath tables on a specialist bright red sports floor, both donated by sports equipment firm Shanghai Double Happiness. The players have also received grants from the Chinese embassy for tables and are in talks to see whether it will fund a full-time Chinese coach, as it does in Vanuatu. Members of the national team are sent to China before big international competitions for weeks of training, funded by Chinese local governments and training institutions. "Shanghai is a nice place so when I heard that we were going to Shanghai I was very happy, excited to go," said Geoffrey Loi, an 18-year-old high school student who is seen as PNG's best chance at a place in the Paris Olympics in 2024. "They have the best training facilities and the best coach...we learned a lot of things." Numbers are still small, with around 20 players on the national team and about 300 taking part in competitions, but experts say it provides a foothold in the battle for hearts and minds. "At least China starts somewhere by...engaging with ordinary citizens," said Teddy Winn, a politics academic at the University of Papua New Guinea. Rea Loi, the team's coach and Geoffrey's father, said he was proud of how far his sport had come with the support of China. "There are famous sports in Papua New Guinea, greater sports...but no other sports were involved, who got to meet President Xi Jinping, only table tennis."

Fifty years on, China uses 'ping-pong diplomacy' in South Pacific

<p>Achanta Sharath and Gnanasekaran Sathiyan settled for a silver medal after losing to England's Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford 2-3 (5-11, 12-10, 11-9, 6-11, 8-11) in the finals of men's&nbsp;doubles table tennis match at the 21st Commonwealth Games&nbsp;on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The duo made several errors while serving also Sharath missed a few regulation shots that resulted in their loss.</p>

<p>Another duo Harmeet Desai and Sanil Shankar Shetty bagged the bronze medal in the same competition. The duo outplayed Singapore's Pang Yew En Koen and Poh Shao Feng Ethan 3-0 (11-5, 11-6, 12-10)&nbsp;</p>

<p>India so far India has claimed total 59 medal, 25 gold medals, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">V for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Victory?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Victory</a> , B for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bronze?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bronze</a> ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheers</a> to the Men's Doubles pair of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarmeetDesai?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarmeetDesai</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanilShetty?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanilShetty</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> to have kept their nerves and held on to the Bronze medal victory they truly deserved in their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018TableTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018TableTennis</a> match! What a match boys..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congratulations?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Congratulations</a> ??✌ <a href="https://t.co/Zs3uBLSagd">pic.twitter.com/Zs3uBLSagd</a></p>
— IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioaindia/status/985124341993082880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Achanta Sharath and Gnanasekaran Sathiyan settled for a silver medal after losing to England's Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford in the finals of men's table tennis match

Achanta Sharath and Gnanasekaran Sathiyan settled for a silver medal after losing to England's Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford 2-3 (5-11, 12-10, 11-9, 6-11, 8-11) in the finals of men's doubles table tennis match at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Saturday. The duo made several errors while serving also Sharath missed a few regulation shots that resulted in their loss. Another duo Harmeet Desai and Sanil Shankar Shetty bagged the bronze medal in the same competition. The duo outplayed Singapore's Pang Yew En Koen and Poh Shao Feng Ethan 3-0 (11-5, 11-6, 12-10) India so far India has claimed total 59 medal, 25 gold medals, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals. V for #Victory , B for #Bronze ?#Cheers to the Men's Doubles pair of #HarmeetDesai & #SanilShetty of #TeamIndia to have kept their nerves and held on to the Bronze medal victory they truly deserved in their #GC2018TableTennis match! What a match boys..#Congratulations ??✌ pic.twitter.com/Zs3uBLSagd — IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) April 14, 2018 ×

CWG 2018: India bags both silver and bronze medals in men's doubles TT event

<p>India on Friday won a silver medal in Table Tennis women's doubles at the 21st Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast on Friday.</p>

<p>Manika Batra and Mouma Das lost to Singapore's Feng Tianwei and Yu Mengyu to settle for a silver medal. The duo lost 11-5, 11-4 and 11-5.</p>

<p>After this win, India's medal tally reached 42, which includes 17 gold, &nbsp;11 silver and 14 bronze.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Friday, the Indian paddlers stormed into the final after defeating Malaysian pair of Ying Ho and Karen Lyne.</p>

<p>The two started dominating from the very first game and continued their momentum throughout the three games, rubbishing any chances of the Malaysian combo's efforts of making a comeback into the contest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Wrestler Pooja Dhanda also bagged a silver medal in the women's 57-kilogram wrestling at the 21st Commonwealth Games 2018 on Friday.</p>

<p>Pooja lost 5-7 to defending champion Odunayo Adekuoroye of Nigeria in the final.</p>


India on Friday won a silver medal in Table Tennis women's doubles at the 21st Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast on Friday. Manika Batra and Mouma Das lost to Singapore's Feng Tianwei and Yu Mengyu to settle for a silver medal. The duo lost 11-5, 11-4 and 11-5. After this win, India's medal tally reached 42, which includes 17 gold, 11 silver and 14 bronze. Earlier on Friday, the Indian paddlers stormed into the final after defeating Malaysian pair of Ying Ho and Karen Lyne. The two started dominating from the very first game and continued their momentum throughout the three games, rubbishing any chances of the Malaysian combo's efforts of making a comeback into the contest. Meanwhile, Wrestler Pooja Dhanda also bagged a silver medal in the women's 57-kilogram wrestling at the 21st Commonwealth Games 2018 on Friday. Pooja lost 5-7 to defending champion Odunayo Adekuoroye of Nigeria in the final.

CWG 2018: India settles for silver in women's doubles TT

<p>Indian men team&nbsp;won the gold medal in table tennis&nbsp;event at 21st Commonwealth Games. Team India defeated Nigeria 3-0 to clinch the gold medal on Monday.</p>

<p>On Sunday, Indian women's table tennis team outplayed four-time defending champions Singapore 3-1 to clinch the gold medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games and it is the first time since the racket sport's induction into the Commonwealth Games' program that India has topped both categories.</p>

<p>As many as six players are in the top-100 of the men's world rankings and two in the women's standings.</p>

<p>Kamal, who has four CWG gold medals to his name now, set the ball rolling by beating Bode Abiodun in the opening singles.</p>

<p>The experienced Indian was sluggish to start with, losing the first game.</p>

<p>From the second game onwards, 48th-ranked Kamal was his usual self, unleashing forehand drives on either side of the table.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His power and range of strokes was too hot to handle for the Nigerian as Kamal completed a 4-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-9 win.</p>

<p>Just like his senior teammate, G Sathiyan too fumbled in the first game but bounced back in style to outplay 2002 CWG singles gold medallist Segun Toriola 10-12, 11-3, 11-3, 11-4.</p>

<p>India was now one step away from the gold and 46th-ranked Sathiyan teamed up with Harmeet Desai to cross the finishing line. The Indian duo defeated Abiodun and Olajide Omotayo 11-8, 11-5, 11-3 to complete a memorable triumph.</p>

<p>The Indian side also benefited from the absence of world no. 26 Aruna Quadri, Nigeria's highest-ranked player. Toriola is ranked second highest at 166.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CommonwealthGames2018: India defeat Nigeria 3-0 to win gold in Men's Team Table Tennis event <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/983290903543590914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Team India has improved its performance from its disappointing show in Glasgow four years ago when it just managed just a silver in men's doubles.</p>

<p>India has so far won nine gold medals, four silver and five bronze medals at the ongoing Commonwealth Games.</p>


Indian men won the gold medal in table tennis team event at 21st Commonwealth Games

Indian men team won the gold medal in table tennis event at 21st Commonwealth Games. Team India defeated Nigeria 3-0 to clinch the gold medal on Monday. On Sunday, Indian women's table tennis team outplayed four-time defending champions Singapore 3-1 to clinch the gold medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games and it is the first time since the racket sport's induction into the Commonwealth Games' program that India has topped both categories. As many as six players are in the top-100 of the men's world rankings and two in the women's standings. Kamal, who has four CWG gold medals to his name now, set the ball rolling by beating Bode Abiodun in the opening singles. The experienced Indian was sluggish to start with, losing the first game. From the second game onwards, 48th-ranked Kamal was his usual self, unleashing forehand drives on either side of the table. His power and range of strokes was too hot to handle for the Nigerian as Kamal completed a 4-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-9 win. Just like his senior teammate, G Sathiyan too fumbled in the first game but bounced back in style to outplay 2002 CWG singles gold medallist Segun Toriola 10-12, 11-3, 11-3, 11-4. India was now one step away from the gold and 46th-ranked Sathiyan teamed up with Harmeet Desai to cross the finishing line. The Indian duo defeated Abiodun and Olajide Omotayo 11-8, 11-5, 11-3 to complete a memorable triumph. The Indian side also benefited from the absence of world no. 26 Aruna Quadri, Nigeria's highest-ranked player. Toriola is ranked second highest at 166. CommonwealthGames2018: India defeat Nigeria 3-0 to win gold in Men's Team Table Tennis event #GC2018 — ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2018 × Team India has improved its performance from its disappointing show in Glasgow four years ago when it just managed just a silver in men's doubles. India has so far won nine gold medals, four silver and five bronze medals at the ongoing Commonwealth Games.

CWG 2018: India men's TT team beats Nigeria, bags gold

<p>Indian women's table tennis team outplayed four-time defending champions Singapore 3-1 to clinch the gold medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Sunday.</p>

<p>India has become the only second country to win gold in the table tennis event in the history of Commonwealth Games. India has bagged seven gold medal in total so far, including three today.</p>

<p>World No. 58 Manika Batra first scored the biggest of her career by humbling world number four and multiple Olympic medallist Feng Tianwei 3-2 before brushing aside 100th-ranked Yihan Zhou 3-0 to engineer a sensational win over the mighty Singapore side.</p>

<p>While Batra was the architect of India's historic win, the experienced pairing of Madhurika Patkar and Mouma Das played the supporting role to perfection by winning the crucial doubles tie 3-1 (11-7 11-6 8-11 11-7) against Zhou and Mengyu Yu for a 2-1 lead in the final.</p>

<p>After Batra stunned Feng 3-2 (11-8 8-11 7-11 11-9 11-7) in the opening singles, Mengyu had equalised for Singapore with a straight game win over Patkar.</p>

<p>Batra then proved to be too good for Yihan, who failed to read her deceptive strokes. The Singaporean put a backhand long as the Indian completed a 3-0 (11-7 11-4 11-7), leading to wild celebrations.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyGold?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyGold</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyTeam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyTeam</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hurray?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hurray</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018TableTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018TableTennis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ttfitweet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ttfitweet</a> <a href="https://t.co/UHBS2vZBw1">pic.twitter.com/UHBS2vZBw1</a></p>
— IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioaindia/status/982958938143342592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Take a Bow!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018TableTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018TableTennis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> sends home their greetings and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoldMedal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoldMedal</a> ???form <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoldCoast?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoldCoast</a> Women's Team Event!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congratulations?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Congratulations</a> Well done ladies...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MoumaDas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MoumaDas</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhurikaPatkar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhurikaPatkar</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManikaBatra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManikaBatra</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GC2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ttfitweet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ttfitweet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Media_SAI</a> <a href="https://t.co/66CHstxRef">pic.twitter.com/66CHstxRef</a></p>
— IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioaindia/status/982952712365948928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Making history today for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> Women's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TableTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TableTennis</a> team winning their first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gold?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gold</a>! So proud of you girls!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoldQuest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoldQuest</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoldCoast?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoldCoast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommonwealthGames?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommonwealthGames</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018TableTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018TableTennis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congratulations?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Congratulations</a> <a href="https://t.co/YAn9I2Z0XP">pic.twitter.com/YAn9I2Z0XP</a></p>
— IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioaindia/status/982956569766670337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp</p>


Indian women's table tennis team outplayed four-time defending champions Singapore 3-1 to clinch the gold medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games

Indian women's table tennis team outplayed four-time defending champions Singapore 3-1 to clinch the gold medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Sunday. India has become the only second country to win gold in the table tennis event in the history of Commonwealth Games. India has bagged seven gold medal in total so far, including three today. World No. 58 Manika Batra first scored the biggest of her career by humbling world number four and multiple Olympic medallist Feng Tianwei 3-2 before brushing aside 100th-ranked Yihan Zhou 3-0 to engineer a sensational win over the mighty Singapore side. While Batra was the architect of India's historic win, the experienced pairing of Madhurika Patkar and Mouma Das played the supporting role to perfection by winning the crucial doubles tie 3-1 (11-7 11-6 8-11 11-7) against Zhou and Mengyu Yu for a 2-1 lead in the final. After Batra stunned Feng 3-2 (11-8 8-11 7-11 11-9 11-7) in the opening singles, Mengyu had equalised for Singapore with a straight game win over Patkar. Batra then proved to be too good for Yihan, who failed to read her deceptive strokes. The Singaporean put a backhand long as the Indian completed a 3-0 (11-7 11-4 11-7), leading to wild celebrations. #HappyGold...#HappyTeam!#Hurray #TeamIndia #GC2018 #GC2018TableTennis @ttfitweet pic.twitter.com/UHBS2vZBw1 — IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) April 8, 2018 × Take a Bow!!#GC2018TableTennis #TeamIndia sends home their greetings and #GoldMedal ???form #GoldCoast Women's Team Event!!#Congratulations Well done ladies...#MoumaDas#MadhurikaPatkar#ManikaBatra#GC2018 @GC2018 @ttfitweet @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/66CHstxRef — IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) April 8, 2018 × Making history today for #TeamIndia Women's #TableTennis team winning their first #Gold! So proud of you girls!! #GoldQuest in #GoldCoast #GC2018 #CommonwealthGames #GC2018TableTennis #Congratulations pic.twitter.com/YAn9I2Z0XP — IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) April 8, 2018 ×

CWG 2018: Indian women's TT team grabs gold after historic victory against Singapore

Table tennis player Timo Boll will carry the German flag at the opening ceremony of the Olympics, the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) announced today.<br />
<br />
Thirty-five-year-old Boll, taking part in his fifth Olympics, was announced as flag bearer at a news conference in the German House in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.<br />
<br />
&quot;It&#39;s a great feeling. I had to let it sink in first of all. I will definitely enjoy it when we go into the stadium. It&#39;s certainly a highlight of my career,&quot; Boll said.<br />
<br />
Boll was chosen for the role through a public vote, in which more than 300,000 people took part.<br />
<br />
He will carry the torch at the ceremony in Rio on Friday (August 5).<br />
<br />
&quot;I have no idea what it will feel like but everyone I&#39;ve spoken to who has already done it says it is a special moment and I will try to remember this,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
He was informed of the decision on Wednesday (August 3) evening and said he called home immediately to tell his family the news.<br />
<br />
&quot;We are all really happy and I&#39;m trying to enjoy this moment but will need to come back down to earth very quickly because it will soon be time for the sport but I&#39;ll try to take some of this euphoria with me,&quot; Boll said.<br />
<br />
Boll won silver in Beijing in 2008 and bronze in London in 2012.<br />
<br />
He is the most successful German table tennis player, making him the best ambassador for the German team, the President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation said.<br />
<br />
&quot;As President I can say that Timo Boll is the ambassador, not just the flag bearer, but the trademark ambassador of the team, of Sport Germany here in Rio. We couldn&#39;t have wished for better,&quot; Alfons Hoermann told journalists today.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

Boll, who was taking part in his fifth Olympics, was chosen for the role through a public vote, in which more than 300,000 took part

Table tennis player Timo Boll will carry the German flag at the opening ceremony of the Olympics, the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) announced today. Thirty-five-year-old Boll, taking part in his fifth Olympics, was announced as flag bearer at a news conference in the German House in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. "It's a great feeling. I had to let it sink in first of all. I will definitely enjoy it when we go into the stadium. It's certainly a highlight of my career," Boll said. Boll was chosen for the role through a public vote, in which more than 300,000 people took part. He will carry the torch at the ceremony in Rio on Friday (August 5). "I have no idea what it will feel like but everyone I've spoken to who has already done it says it is a special moment and I will try to remember this," he said. He was informed of the decision on Wednesday (August 3) evening and said he called home immediately to tell his family the news. "We are all really happy and I'm trying to enjoy this moment but will need to come back down to earth very quickly because it will soon be time for the sport but I'll try to take some of this euphoria with me," Boll said. Boll won silver in Beijing in 2008 and bronze in London in 2012. He is the most successful German table tennis player, making him the best ambassador for the German team, the President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation said. "As President I can say that Timo Boll is the ambassador, not just the flag bearer, but the trademark ambassador of the team, of Sport Germany here in Rio. We couldn't have wished for better," Alfons Hoermann told journalists today. (Reuters)

Table tennis star Timo Boll to carry German flag at Rio Olympics

table-tennis

Table Tennis, News on Table Tennis, stories on Table Tennis, articles on Table Tennis, Table Tennis stories at Wion, Table Tennis news, Table Tennis latest news