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Des Douglas
England's no.1 Export |
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Our top players keep on travelling
Over the years many of our top players have crossed the Channel to develop their games. The continent offers a fresh challenge, tougher competition and greater professionalism. Undoubtedly our number one export so far has been Des Douglas; he is certain that playing in the German Budesliga enhanced his game. When interviewed by Jeremy Wilson earlier this year, Douglas spoke freely about how playing aboard sharpened his skills, commenting “it is easier to be chasing someone”. This comment sums up just why almost all of our top players migrate to the continent. Well that, and the small matter of major financial incentives.
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However, this puts our competitions in somewhat of a quandary, they are filled to the brim with competitors, a huge positive. But with the upper echelons of talent are rarely in attendance this creates a second tier of players who only ever get to stretch their abilities against the best in the country once or twice a year. This gap will be ever present until we can halt the mass migration.
What measures should we take to keep our top players competing in Britain?
How can we make our competitions attractive to the world’s elite?
These two questions are fundamental to the success of table tennis within England, and with the 2012 showcase just around the corner they should provide aspirational targets for the legacy of the Games.
Please let us know your thoughts in the comments box below.
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