TABLE TENNIS: Douglas in firing line
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At the age of 39, Desmond Douglas could find himself playing a central role when he makes his comeback for England in the World Championships in Tianjin today.
Five years after last playing for his country, the 11-times former national champion finds he is likely to be unexpectedly crucial to the action in China, because of an injury to the national champion, Carl Prean.
Prean, after failing to win the Commonwealth title in Singapore last week, is talking of taking five days off with a knee injury, something which has upset the England manager, Denis Neale, and could place in danger the men's status in the top category.
That is more important than ever because the next World Championships are in Manchester, where the presence of the home country at the highest level would be a major promotional asset.
Neale is said to be considering sending Prean home before next week's individual events if he cannot play a significant role for England in the team event.
This means that Douglas - who was originally selected to make carefully chosen appearances as first reserve because the England No 1, Matthew Sayed, is taking his final exams at Oxford University - may now have a heavy burden placed upon his stamina and consistency.
This would also increase the focus on England's outstanding player, the former World Cup winner, Chen Xinhua, who has already been a centre of attention since his return to his home country three days ago.
The 35-year-old has put his house in Yorkshire up for sale, is talking about quitting the game at the end of next week and returning to China, and of forgetting his ambition to play for Britain in next year's Olympic Games.
Good performances in the campaign which begins against Belgium today may help Chen change his mind. The women begin against Germany, also today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments