Tokyo 2020: China raises concerns on small size of playing areas
China have won 28 of the 32 table tennis titles awarded at the Olympics, dominating a sport in a way that has rarely been matched.
But the lead-up to the pandemic-delayed Games has thrown up several challenges, from inconsistent form among China’s top players to new rules to stop the coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading.
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“The whole playing space is smaller than usual, world competitions normally have areas measuring seven by 14 metres. I just measured it at six by 11 metres,” Guoliang was quoted as saying by state broadcaster CCTV.
“I’m a little worried about the athletes’ running and safety. It’s quite different from before.”
Guoliang’s concerns were shared by some of the players on the team as well, adds AFP news agency.
