Wang didn't play table tennis from 2003 to 2006, instead committing to tennis. His school didn't have a team, but he was an intramural champion in the Houston area.

The 20-year-old form Houston was crushed in a table tennis match by North Korea's Song Nam Kim in a four-game sweep, 11-5, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4. "He never let me breathe," Wang said.

THIS week saw the launch of Ferndale's table tennis holiday program which saw 24 youngsters take up the opportunity to practice their skills.