Age is Just a Number for Greek Tennis Table Player KREANGKA

WUHAN (CHN) - When Kalinikos KREANGKA (GRE) serves across the table tennis net, he usually serves to an opponent less than half his age.

But the unavoidable age giveaway and a recent injury didn't stop the 48-year-old Greek table tennis legend taking a game off 23-year-old ZHOU Kai (CHN) on Saturday and 20-year old HAM Yu Song (PRK) on Oct. 20, despite his team suffering 3-0 defeats in their first two matches of the men’s Group A team competition.

"I'm still playing at a good level in the French league," KREANGKA said. "I was injured with tennis elbow for a month and have started playing regularly only recently, but I know I have to protect myself a little more."

KREANGKA, who became a Greek citizen after moving from Romania at age 17, is a former World No. 7 and twice reached the final of the Men’s World Cup in 2003 and 2004. He was also a bronze medalist in singles at the World Championships in 2003.

He firmly believes the sport in his country is in good hands.

"It is very popular. We have had a very good national team for many years now, and many young boys and girls play in leagues outside of Greece. I think we have a good level of quality in the sport. The younger players play in the French league, and are getting better and better each year," he said.

The veteran plies his trade in the French league where he remains a top draw thanks to the almost mythical status his backhand topspin has acquired over the years.

But the lure of coming back to China, the powerhouse in world table tennis, as well as his indefatigable desire to keep playing the sport, keep him going.

“People love table tennis here, so it feels very good to come here and play in front of the Chinese people who appreciate the sport so much," he said.

KREANGKA hopes to impress in the men’s singles competition later in the tournament.

"For me individually, it is to play well here. From the team's perspective, I want to see good, strong games which is great for the people who come to watch."

(Source: SUMOC Executive Committee - Editor LI Mengxue)