Coach Jia Yi Liu leads Team GB vs The Rest of the World

The Great Britain team to compete against the Rest of the World team at the Pro Tour Grand Finals in November has been announced.

Both England’s number one and two, Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford, are included in the side, while the final place will be made up by Andrew Baggaley (world rank 163) – who recently impressed at both the Austrian Open and the Vic International Open event that he won in Spain at the start of September.

Drinkhall (131) and Pitchford (274) also had successful Austrian Open campaigns with their doubles partnership progressing well at the event.

The reserve member for the squad is Scotsman Gavin Rumgay (228) who is also looking to force his way into the Olympic squad with impressive performances in the British Grand Prixs including his title triumph at the Bribar Bristol UWE Grand Prix.

The Women’s team likewise involves both England number one and two Kelly Sibley (162) and Joanna Parker (161). Parker, in particular, comes off good form in Austria by reaching the first round proper before falling to World number 35 Yi-Hua Huang.

The third member is Irish girl Liu Na (207) who was included in the Olympic long list and will hope to impress against the Rest of the World team in the match at the Olympic venue – the ExCeL.

The reserve for the squad is Welsh number one Naomi Owen (337) who will also be hoping to force her way into Olympic contention.

They will all be joined by GB Team coaches Alan Cooke and Jia Yi Liu for the event which is held during the ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals from 24th-27th November 2011.

GB Team:

Men:

Paul Drinkhall, Liam Pitchford and Andrew Baggaley. Reserve: Gavin Rumgay.

Women:

Kelly Sibley, Joanna Parker and Liu Na. Reserve: Naomi Owen.

Coaches: Alan Cooke and Jia Yi Liu

The World’s top table tennis players will be competing in the ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals at ExCeL, London on 24-27 November 2011.

For tickets and further information visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call 0844 844 0444