by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
It is envisaged that a total of 32 tables will be available in the practice hall with four tables being used in the main arena and a further 28 in the second hall.
The practice hall will be available as and from Friday 26th May; one day later players will be able to practise in the two competition venues.
Following the draw which will be held in two parts Saturday 27th May and Sunday 28th May plus an Opening Ceremony, play will begin in earnest one day later with the qualification stage of both the Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles events.
In many ways that event is a competition in its own right; for the majority, the vast majority, the goal is to progress as far as possible in the prestigious event. A curriculum vitae which reads participation in a World Championships is harboured with pride, on that reads first round or better is even more precious.
See you in Düsseldorf !
The immediate goal is to be in action on Wednesday 31st May, the day the competition proper in both the Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles events commence.
It is the day of dreams; two or three matches under the belt, accustomed to the environment and facing a player of higher status but one that is making a first appearance. It is the best chance for a qualifier to make an impact, the cause and upset and to add to the portfolio.
No doubt there will be moments of drama to ensue; the first title to be decided being the Mixed Doubles on Saturday 3rd June; the following day will witness the crowning on the Women’s Singles and Men’s Doubles champions, before on Monday 5th June, the Women’s Doubles and Men’s Singles champions will be crowned.
Yet another chapter in the history of the International Table Tennis Federation will have been written.
