Table Tennis England is supporting Germany’s Thomas Weikert in the forthcoming ITTF presidential elections.

The vote for the Presidency is between Mr Weikert, the current incumbent, and former Belgium international player Jean-Michel Saive and will be held on May 31 during the World Championships in Dusseldorf.

Qatar’s Khalil Al-Mohannadi withdrew from the election earlier this month and announced his support for Mr Weikert.

Table Tennis England Chairman Sandra Deaton said:

“The sport of table tennis is fortunate to have two very strong candidates for the ITTF presidency.

“Table Tennis England’s Board has given the matter a great deal of thought and looked at the manifesto proposals of both candidates and has decided that our vote will be for Thomas Weikert.

“While Jean-Michel’s playing record is worthy of the highest respect, we believe Thomas Weikert’s experience and knowledge of leading an International Governing Body, allied to the ITTF’s achievements under his presidency so far, make him the right choice for the sport.

“Whatever the outcome, we trust that the sport of table tennis will continue to make great strides as a truly global sport, and Table Tennis England will continue its commitment to working with all parties in a spirit of international co-operation and progress.”