Top Gear, Manufacturers Seeking Spot on Starting Grid in Chengdu

The drive for new designs in women’s table tennis clothing is so intense that entries for the fashion contest, to be held on the occasion of the Volkswagen Women’s World Cup in Chengdu, China (28th-30th October 2007), have now been closed.

There has been a quite unprecedented response from manufacturers and for the event which will be hosted by Volkswagen.

It would seem that world’s producers of table tennis clothing are very much on the right road.

Entries
“We are very satisfied with the entries”, said a delighted Steve Dainton, TMS International Representative for Asia. “Owing to the large number, there will now need to be a decision process as to which designs will make it to the final stage in Chengdu”.

A panel consisting of representatives from the International Table Tennis Federation, TMS International and Volkswagen will choose the thirty best designs to display in Chengdu; those selected will be announced on 15th July 2007.

Favourite
In pole position with engines revving is the Li Ling Company; the Chinese based company has submitted no less than ten designs!

“Li Ning is definitely one of the strong contenders,” continued Steve Dainton. “They are taking this event very seriously; they share many of the International Table Tennis Federation’s goals to improve the fashion image of the athletes, especially those they currently sponsor, namely the Chinese National Team!”

Interesting Designs
However, the Li Ning company is not the only contender seeking to set fast lap times.

“There are many other interesting, innovative and attractive looking designs, so the competition is very hot”, continued Steve Dainton. “It’s true that we are trying to improve the image of our sport and one way we can do that is to encourage manufacturers to produce attractive clothing and perhaps, more importantly, to encourage some of the table tennis stars to wear attractive looking clothing”.

Balance
The key is top create a balance between elegance and effectiveness; the clothes must be practical for sport.

“We must also take into account the needs of the athletes and being comfortable is of major importance”, explained Steve Dainton. “Therefore, we are including a technical aspect in the contest; we are planning to invite some Chinese national team members to assist us in this aspect”.

Higher Gear
Also, Volkswagen, after sponsoring a very successful ITTF Pro Tour tournament in Nanjing, is totally committed in the project and is moving matters into a higher gear.

“We are also very happy that our partner Volkswagen is also now fully on board to make the contest a huge success; they will also present some groundbreaking new table tennis designs in Chengdu”, continued Steve Dainton. “Although not being part of the competition they are ready to show the table tennis world some very exotic, innovative and creative designs from some very famous Chinese designers, which will no doubt add to the highlight of the event”.

Green Light
The entries have closed; now it’s the qualification lap to determine those who will be on the starting grid for the race itself and when the Volkswagen Women’s World Cup is over; we’ll know who was first past the chequered flag.

The race is on!

By: Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Posted July 07