At the 2011 European Championships, Derbyshire’s Liam Pitchford made quite an impact on the world of table tennis when he scored a surprising victory over Vladimir Samsonov, who at one time was ranked number one in the world. He followed up that performance with another strong effort a few weeks later at the World Junior Championships. Overall, Pitchford beat four players in the world’s top 100 over the course of the calendar year. Based on his international success, Pitchford has now risen to number one in the English rankings, which is quite an achievement for someone who is still a few months short of his 19th birthday.
Like almost every young competitive athlete, Liam Pitchford has long dreamed of someday wearing his country’s colours and winning gold at the Olympics and, with the Games coming to British soil, Pitchford’s sudden rise in the world table tennis rankings couldn’t have come at a better time. When the shortlist for the UK Olympic table tennis team was recently announced, it was certainly no surprise to see Liam Pitchford’s name listed and, when final selections are announced in May, it is highly likely that Pitchford will indeed be one of those lucky few who will have the chance to pursue the dream of Olympic glory.
Given the rapid rise in popularity that the sport of table tennis has undergone in the UK in the last few years, it was inevitable that this country would begin producing some outstanding young players who would make their presence felt on the national stage. The best thing about this trend, however, is that it is helping to increase participation in a sport that is fun, exciting and healthy. This is the type of trend that should be eagerly supported by everyone, and neighbourhood organisations, school administrators and community groups can encourage the growth of this wonderful sport by purchasing outdoor table tennis tables for placement in parks, school playgrounds and any other public space where such equipment would ideally fit. Outdoor table tennis tables are perfect for promoting physical fitness, and anyone who hopes to promote healthy activity would be wise to investigate the high-quality outdoor table tennis tables offered for sale by Caloo.
Caloo’s outdoor table tennis tables are sturdy, stylish, durable and a tremendous amount of fun. There is no question that outdoor table tennis tables are great for encouraging exercise and good health and, when those tables are furnished by Caloo, the quality of the product is sure to bring aspiring champions of all ages back to play and compete again and again. It is quite possible, or maybe even probable, that the next Liam Pitchford will get his or her start in a park or on a beach near you – practising on outdoor table tennis tables supplied by the fitness and sports equipment experts at Caloo.
