On Tuesday 20th November international table tennis will return to the south coast as England’s Men face Netherlands in the third fixture of their 2013 Joola European Championships Qualification in Portsmouth.
Attempting to erase the memory of their defeat to Romania in Hull, England will hope to get their campaign back on the road for Schwechat (AUT) with a comprehensive victory over the Dutch at the Mountbatten Leisure Centre.
England had beaten Slovakia 3-1 in their opening fixture but, barring Daniel Reed’s 3-2 victory over Adrian Dodean, were swept aside by a fired up Romanian team in Yorkshire.
Although the teams are yet to be confirmed, as England in particular, are heavily involved in the 2012 European Championships (17-21st October), the host nation are hopeful of having defending National Champion Paul Drinkhall available once again.
The match will mark the half-way stage in the qualification process for the 2013 European Championships with England still in with a chance of at least securing second place in the group.
With the ultimate goal promotion to the Championship Division, a dominant display against the Dutch should be high on the priority list as the Men look to join the Women in their respective top flight.
Tickets are now on sale for the event at £7 for adults and £4 for concessions* (all prices include a free programme) and can be bought either on the door at the Mountbatten Leisure Centre or over the phone on: 02392 626509
* unemployed, full time education, registered disabled, portsmouth leisure card