Matchroom Multi Sport are excited to launch the brand-new World Ping Pong Masters, adding a second ping pong event to the Multi Sport roster, which will take place at Ricoh Arena, Coventry on the weekend of January 23rd and 24th, live on Sky Sports Mix.

Following on from the success of the World Championship of Ping Pong, the World Ping Pong Masters will feature 24 of the world’s best ping pong players in a straight-knockout format, with the popular Golden Buzzer Power Play in play.

Four-time World Champion Andrew Baggaley will lead the field, with the likes of Maxim Shmyrev Gavin Rumgay and Alexander Flemming, also confirmed for the line-up.

The event will take place behind-closed-doors in a strict Covid-19 bubble in line with UK Government guidance. Players will travel to the UK and compete under Elite Sports Person Exemptions and will be met on arrival to the UK and driven directly to the Ricoh Arena for Covid-19 testing. All players will also be tested before travelling to the UK and will only be allowed to board their flights after receiving a negative test result.

Emily Frazer, Managing Director of Matchroom Multi Sport, said: “We are thrilled to have launched the World Ping Pong Masters. Since our success with the World Championship and the range of viewership Ping Pong draws in, it seems a shame to only promote just the one event a year. Despite the current climate, Elite Sport is able to continue here in the UK and this is therefore a great time to launch the Masters; 24 of the world’s best players, more prize money available, longer matches and a one-table set up – triple the exposure.

“With the event behind-closed-doors and therefore no live spectators we have worked hard with our partners at Sky Sports to ensure this is a prestigious and dramatic set-up unlike any other ping pong or table tennis event. Focusing on international broadcasters, the event will be shown in every territory in the world making this the ultimate stage for exposure. Table tennis is a world known sport but switching to a hardbat allows for a different strategy of the game, slower shots and potentially longer rallies affording better viewership to a casual sports fan as well as excitement for the younger generation to look upon.

“We have received a lot of interest from table tennis players who may not have made the switch to a hardbat before but now with an additional Ping Pong event added to the Multi Sport stable; Matchroom Ping Pong will only grow and move in a new direction than before.”

Met Coaches will be the Official Executive Travel Partner of the World Ping Pong Masters. The 2021 World Ping Pong Masters will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Mix, DAZN, Matchroom.Live and networks around the world. Further details will be available at www.worldpingpongmasters.com

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