2012 table tennis hopeful takes on shoppers in his hometown Watford (From Watford Observer)

2012 table tennis hopeful takes on shoppers in his hometown Watford

6:07pm Saturday 14th February 2009 in Search Module By Filip Hnizdo

Britain's table tennis Olympic hopeful came to his hometown to face off against daring shoppers today to win donations after the sport's funding was “drastically cut”.

William Maybanks, 17, of Bushey Grove Road, is one of the country's top table tennis players and dreams daily of competing in the London 2012 Olympics.

Unlike rowers, runners and cyclists however, William faces a challenge harder than the hours of training he puts in every day; the lack of the sport's popularity, and consequently funds.

His visit to The Harlequin shopping centre, to show off his skills and drum up support, neatly demonstrated how the sport is viewed as an oddity, despite originating in Britain.

After playfully ricocheting shots back from determined youngsters, William said: “It's a great sport, good for the brain, you can play it whatever the weather but it has very little support in Britain. We need to get more people involved and stir up some interest in it in schools and across the country.

“The funding for table tennis in this country has been cut drastically so I desperately need some help and funding to give me a chance of competing in London 2012.”

“My mum used to be able to kill me but then I got better and slowly I was able to beat her,” he added, describing the key role his parents Jeanette and Laurie had in helping him move from family tournaments to club championships and finally his current goal of being too good to compete in any UK event.

He currently trains in Hungary where the sport is more popular but is determined to raise funds to help not only him, but other table tennis hopefuls in the country.

To sponsor William, or read about his training, visit www.willmeon.com