Table tennis: King Kong of ping pong climbs new heights

Forty-one-year-old Peter Jackson will spearhead the New Zealand Commonwealth Games table tennis team named today. The three-time Olympian, who plays professionally in France, will appear at the Commonwealth Games for a second time.

At the other end of the age spectrum, 14-year-old Cantabrian Jenny Hung has been selected in the eight-strong squad and Karen Li, who won silver and bronze in Manchester four years ago, will lead the women.

Table Tennis New Zealand chief executive, Mike Loftus, is confident that the players selected are ready for the challenge.

"The team should be extremely competitive across all seven medal events.

"We have some experienced players who will push for individual honours, while the more youthful players will provide excellent support in team events," said Loftus.

Men's team: Peter Jackson, Shane Laugesen, Brad Chen, Andrew Hubbard. Women's team: Karen Li, Annie Yang, Sophie Su, Jenny Hung.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY