Overview

Table Tennis became an Olympic sport in Seoul 1988, the play is fast and demands quick reactions.  The aim of the game is to hit the light ball back and forth over the table with small bats, the winner of the game is the first to 11 points. The Olympics features singles event with the doubles event recently replaced by a team competition.  

Traditionally China and Japan have dominated the world circuit, but it was England’s number one, Liam Pitchford stunning behind-the-back shot at the 2019 Austrian Open that stole the show. 

Perhaps the most noticeable achievement in recent times is England men’s team winning bronze in front of a home crowd in 2018 ITTF Team World Cup, whilst Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford brought home a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia. 

Team England left the Gold Coast with four medals in total; silver in the mixed doubles and bronze in the men's and women's team.  

Find out more about table tennis in the UK via the Table Tennis England website.