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Diplomats play ping-pong to mark China’s 60th anniversary

By Qi Xiao (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-06-22 16:52

The Maldives Ambassador to China, Ahmed Latheef (2nd L, front), who won Men's Singles during last year's Tournament, plays an exhibition match at the opening ceremony of the "2009 Diplomats' Table Tennis Tournament" at the Beijing Gymnasium, June 20, 2009. [chinadaily.com.cn]

The Russian embassy became the biggest winner in the end, claiming the team champion, and both the champion and the second place in the men's singles.

Related readings:  Ping Pong game held to mark 30 years of China-US ties  Ping-pong players replay history  'Ping pong diplomacy' celebrated as China, US play ball  Team China sweeps all 5 golds at Table Tennis Worlds  'Ping Pong Diplomacy' marked in Beijing

The contest included team matches, singles for men and women, as well as a friendly match between the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs team and one made up of foreign diplomats, as in the previous tournament.

"Today's competition is fantastic," said Mr. Ser Sim, Project Manager from the Australian embassy, during a rest session. "It's my second time here and the event is much better organized. I really enjoyed it."

Dr. Bernard Coquelin, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative, readily concurs. But he says there is much more than competition.

"The purpose is the friendship and also partnership among all the diplomats," he explained, "And I think that is a more important message we should really put forward for all the international communities."

He said that he will definitely return if the tournament continues next year.

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