Rumgay relishing a taste of Glasgow 2014

Published on Monday 18 May 2009 22:55

GLASGOW will enjoy its first Commonwealth Games dress rehearsal today since winning the 2014 bid and it could bring a medal for Scotland's leading table tennis players.

The 18th Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships get underway with an opening ceremony at Scotstoun Leisure campus, the venue for the sport's matches in 2014.

Over 160 of the best players in the Commonwealth and 21 countries will be represented this week, among them hosts Scotland, who have been clutching their paddles in anticipation, As with all trial runs, there is always the spectre of the last minute glitch. That appeared yesterday when Nigeria – seeded three – informed organisers they had failed to get the necessary paperwork to allow their players to depart West Africa.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding their group opponents, the news failed to quash optimism in the Scottish camp.

"This is basically a trial for 2014," said men's No1 Gavin Rumgay, 24, who has the possibility of easing into the world top 200, if he steers the Scots skilfully this week.

"If they get it right then that is table tennis sorted for the Commonwealth Games because there will around the same number of teams competing."

Aside from what the competition will do for table tennis and Glasgow, Rumgay is hoping it is also a springboard for national success.

With Nigeria out, there are fewer behemoths to beat. I think the top eight is realistic," said Rumgay, who recently shone as top Briton at the world championships in Japan. "If we can avoid Singapore (No1 seeds) then a medal is a possibility."

Following a disappointing championships two years ago, this is also a chance for Scotland's females to lay down a marker for Delhi 2010 and Glasgow 2014.

"I think we can make the top ten. Certainly, we want to progress from last time," said Corinna Whitaker, who admits this is the biggest competition they have played in.