by Simon Daish

Michael Maze, 36, confirmed the news via his official Instagram account on Tuesday 20th February stating that his body is feeling great and that he has missed the sport.

**COMEBACK – COMEBACK** Very happy to share some exciting news with you – I’m returning to international table tennis?? After a few years of retirement my body now feels great and after recently playing a few matches in the Champions League I realised how much I’ve missed this fantastic sport. I know there is a long way back but I’ll take the necessary time – don’t worry I’ll be there????#Tokyo2020 #comebackkid ? @butterflyttofficial @freklame

A post shared by Michael Maze (@maze.michael) on Feb 20, 2018 at 6:37am PST

On Monday 14th March 2016 Michael Maze announced that he would be retiring from the international circuit due to recurring injury problems but he has been present on the European Champions League stage this season with Danish club Roskilde Bordtennis BTK61.

European Junior champion in 1999, Maze went on to become one of Europe’s strongest players, becoming European Men’s Singles champion 10 years later at the 2009 European Championships.

The Dane was also well known for his defensive skills and was considered to be somewhat of a lob specialist, a trait  arguably best seen at the 2005 World Championships where Maze defeated Wang Hao and Hao Shuai on his way to a bronze medal finish.