by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

A group of players from the East China University of Science and Technology Table Tennis Club” and the Ouyu Sport Club Zhongshan China Wu Bin were present. Prior to the competition starting, they attended a training camp.

Present to meet the group was Germany’s Shan Xiaona, currently listed at no.14 on the Women’s World Rankings. In the spirit of the occasion, all received training shirts with the lettering “rendezvous”.

It was for the Belgian and Dutch players who were present a most valuable opportunity to practise against players of a higher level; all responded despite the heat reaching 30 degrees Celcius.

Additionally sightseeing visits were organized to Brussels as well as a visit to the Liebherr 2017 World Championships.

The tournament commenced on Saturday 3rd June.