Scotland’s number one table tennis champions, Gavin Rumgay and Corinna Whitaker, delighted future medal hopefuls by inviting them to share in an unusual training session, as part of their preparations for the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships. Tickets went on sale today (11th February) for the prestigious event; the first Commonwealth championships to be held in Glasgow since it was selected Host City of the 2014 Games.

Gavin, Corinna and several young players from Drumchapel Table Tennis Club, acknowledged as one of the best in the UK, entertained visitors to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum by challenging them to an impromptu game of table tennis. Played in one of the City’s most spectacular settings, the contest highlighted the upcoming championships and how people can participate in them.

The 18th Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships will be held at Scotstoun Leisure Centre, from 19th to 25th May, further enhancing Glasgow’s reputation as an international City of sport.

Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for Glasgow 2014, said: “The City is honoured to host the Championships for the second time. It is another important step in Glasgow’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games, as Table Tennis will also take centre stage at Scotstoun in 2014.

“A competition of this stature, attracting top-flight players from around the Commonwealth, is certain to capture the public’s imagination, boosting the sport’s popularity across Scotland. Table Tennis is a sport that is easily accessible to people of all ages and abilities, and the achievements of the young athletes from Drumchapel only reinforces my belief that sport makes a real and positive difference to peoples’ lives”.

Scotland’s, National Coach, Li Chao, who is preparing his squad to win medals in May and 2014, said: “Staging the competition in Glasgow gives our top athletes an opportunity to compete against the world’s top players, while aspiring athletes can watch and learn. And the excitement of final’s day will only encourage Scotland’s medal hopefuls to go the extra mile required to bring home Gold for their country in 2014.”

Current Scottish champion, Gavin Rumgay, said hosting the championship in Glasgow is great news for him and everyone involved in table tennis in Scotland. He said: “This event will raise the profile of table tennis in Scotland, encourage investment and bring new people to the sport. Personally, I’m relishing the thought of playing against the best in the Commonwealth. And I’m convinced competing in front of a home crowd, with my family and friends in the audience, is all the motivation needed to hopefully spur me on to my finest ever performance to date.”

Jonathan Whitaker, Chairman of Table Tennis Scotland, added; “We are delighted the Federation chose Glasgow for the 2009 Championship and we are confident it will be a major success. We are hopeful the event will leave a lasting legacy for the people of Scotland and that many more people may take up the sport on their way to becoming a fitter, healthier and more enthused nation.

Tickets for the 2009 Championships can be purchased from Ticketsor by calling 08444 815 787.