Paul Drinkhall

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Paul Drinkhall (born January 16, 1990[1] in Middlesborough[2]) is a British table tennis player, currently the highest-ranked British player on the circuit. He is the current English Champion, winning the competition in March 2007[2]. He is coached by Liu Jia-Yi[1], and is in Great Britain's Team Visa, an initiative to support young sportspeople to fulfil their sporting potential[3].

Drinkhall enjoyed much success as a youngster, winning numerous national championships at his age level, and at levels above his own age. This success didn't go unnoticed, as he was shortlisted for BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2005[4], and finished in second place after Theo Walcott in 2006. He is again shortlisted for this award in 2007. He once again finished in 2nd place in 2007.[3]

He is one of the athletes being profiled by the BBC in the television series Olympic Dreams.

He is considered by many of the worlds best players and coaches as having a chance to become one of the best players in the world in years to come. His undoubted talent has led to him already being able to compete with some of the best players in the world since the age of 16, perhaps ten years before his expected peak years in the sport.

He is extremely well respected around both the English and European circuit as being an incredible competitor whilst always remaining modest and sporting. Some notable achievments include:

National Champion in every age group so far eligible to compete in - Under 10, Under 11, Under 12, Under 14, Under 17, and Senior Men. Paul became the youngest player since Chester Barnes to win the English Senior Mens title in Sheffield in March 2007 when he overcame The much more experiecned former champion Alex Perry from Devon in the 4 - 1 dual. He has been the European Number 1 ranked Junior for an unprecedented 2 years running and is hot favourite to become European Youth Champion in 2008.

Paul Drinkhall is also noted for his rivalry with English Junior No.2 Darius Knight. Knight, a fine player in his own right, has so far not been able to match the level of Drinkhall but remains a fierce competitor. In January 2008 the BBC screened a programme focusing on the countrys top medal prospects for the London 2012 Olympics; when posed with the question of who the stronger of the pair was, Drinkhall stifled a chuckle before stating that he thought everyone knew the answer to that question.



[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Drinkhall has eyes on top table. BBC Sport (15 June 2007).
  2. ^ a b Drinkhall captures national title. BBC Sport (5 March 2007).
  3. ^ a b Paul Drinkhall – Olympic table tennis (singles and doubles). teamvisa.com.
  4. ^ Paul Drinkhall Shortlisted for BBC Award. sportfocus (1 December 2005).