Gavin will battle it out at Masters
Ping pong ace to compete in Coventry
The World Championships may not be going ahead as planned.
But Gavin Rumgay is still preparing himself for a battle with some of the globe’s finest players this month.
He is making final preparations for the World Ping Pong Masters which will take place on January 23 and 24 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.
Twenty-four of the world’s best ping pong players are set to compete in a straight knockout format, with all games behind closed doors.
The event will take place in a strict COVID-19 bubble in line with UK Government guidance, organisers have said.
“It’s exactly the same dates as the world championship would be,” Rumgay explained. “It’s a sensible move.
“The tournament is still going ahead on Sky Sports and I’m confirmed as a top eight seed.
“I go directly through to the last 16.
“I may get into the top four seeding. I’m hoping with my world ranking of seven that I can squeeze in.”
No spectators table-side will make for a different experience but Rumgay, a man who loves to interact with the crowd, is sure he will adapt.
“It’s a shame there can’t be fans in,” he said. “But 99 per cent of your practice is in front of nobody.
“I’ve looked at other sporting events with no crowds and, if you’re the best, you should still get through.”
Rumgay, despite a lack of tournament action, has been able to remain sharp with the bat in hand.
And a back injury which bothered him last year has shown no sign of returning.
“I’ve managed to get my own venue in the Olympic Park and there is professional sport flooring down in there,” said London-based Rumgay.
“With the exemption letter I have, I can go in there and practice anytime I want - as long as it’s with another professional player.
“I’ve done that a couple of times to remain fit. Over Christmas can be an easy time to get lazy.
“That’s why I like the ping pong event in January because you are focused and motivated through the Christmas period.
“Touch wood, I’ve got no niggling injuries at the moment.
“I had a lower back injury last
Gavin Rumgay
February through to May.
“It was my first major injury and it became very difficult to practice. I had to take a bit of time off.
“But I’ve done a lot of strengthening work, which was needed. Hopefully I’ll be alright from now.”
Emily Frazer, managing director of Matchroom Multi Sport, who are hosting the event, said: “We are thrilled to have launched the World Ping Pong Masters.
“Since our success with the World Championship and the range of viewership ping pong draws in, it seems a shame to only promote just the one event a year. Despite the current climate, elite sport is able to continue here in the UK and this is therefore a great time to launch the Masters - 24 of the world’s best players, more prize money available, longer matches and a one-table set up – triple the exposure.
“With the event behindclosed-doors and therefore no live spectators, we have worked hard with our partners at Sky Sports to ensure this is a prestigious and dramatic set-up unlike any other ping pong or table tennis event.
“Focusing on international broadcasters, the event will be shown in every territory in the world, making this the ultimate stage for exposure.
“Table tennis is a world known sport but switching to a hardbat allows for a different strategy of the game, slower shots and potentially longer rallies affording better viewership to a casual sports fan as well as excitement for the younger generation to look upon.
“We have received a lot of interest from table tennis players who may not have made the switch to a hardbat before.”
The overall 2021 sporting picture remains a touch hazy due to the COVID-19 pandemic but Rumgay hopes to get back out to Germany for action.
Last year he was playing in one of the professional leagues for a team based near Dusseldorf.
Rumgay has been the top table tennis player in Scotland for 15 years.
“I’m contracted to play some matches in Germany,” he told the PA. “They started in September and I flew over four times.
“When the restrictions were strengthened, it was decided in late November to call it a day for the first half of the season.
“We’re not going to go back until at least the end of February.”