Dutch delegation waved the Chinese selection good-bye in Beijing for the GAC GROUP 2011 World Championships Table Tennis.

The complete Chinese team and Deputy Minister arrived on time in a nice uniform what gave the departure a festive impression.31 journalists from 14 different Chinese media, 2 Dutch media and 4 camera-crews (CCTV and NOS studio sport) were also present. The day was filled with speeches, group photos, exchanging gifts and demonstration competitions with 2 Chinese top-players against Mrs. Bettine Vriesekoop. There was a perfect atmosphere.

The same night the happening was shown on the National broadcast CCTV 5
(http://sports.cntv.cn20110428/100053.shtml). It was repeated every hour just before the Chinese Basketball final, so many viewers could enjoy this event. Also Beijing tv showed it as an item the same night.

In his speech Deputy Minister Cai mentioned it as “ The first time a host country organized a party and said good-bye to their Chinese guests in their own Country”.

The Dutch delegation is staying in China for Holland Promotion due to the Olympic plans in 2028. NTTB chairman Ronald Kramer about the “ good-bye” event at the Dutch Embassy: “ It was an unique day with a large “promote Holland and the NTTB” content. The GAC GROUP 2011 World Championships are very much alive in China as you can see in the media today.  The Dutch Government and Embassy deserve appreciation for this initiative.

The Chinese team consists of many honored athletes. The present Olympic Champion Ma Lin and the present World Champion Wang Hao will play in Rotterdam. Also veteran Wang Liqin (World Champion 2001, 2005 and 2007 will join the table.The most important Chinese asset with the ladies is Guo Yue. She already has 2 Olympic bronze medals and won the Gold medal women singles in 2007.

Never before such a huge number of athletes competed in the World Championships table tennis. This WTTC in Ahoy, Rotterdam will be the largest World Championships ever.

More info about the GAC GROUP 2011 WTTC  is available on:
www. 2011wttc.com .