The English womens table tennis side

Preston is to be the host for the English table tennis squads final games before heading to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The final warm-up match takes place against Australia at the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre on the University of Central Lancashire campus.

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Both the men and womens teams will compete during the game on Sunday 20 July.

Manager of the sports centre, Martin Baines, said: “UCLan is fast becoming a hub in Lancashire for table tennis competitions and we are once again looking forward to welcoming these athletes to Preston as they build up momentum for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.

“It’s a great opportunity for local people to have a taste of the high standard of performance that will be on offer in Glasgow, right here on our doorstep.”

Members of the public are invited to watch the game at 2pm, it costs £3.

The England mens international table tennis team

Paul Stimpson, senior communications officer for the England Table Tennis Association, said: “This match is a key component of the England squad’s preparation for the Commonwealth Games as the players sharpen their matchplay skills before heading to Glasgow. England versus Australia clashes always have some spice, whatever the sport, so this promises to be a great occasion at a great venue.”

Preston has previously hosted two Junior National competitions and acted as a pre-Olympic training facility for the Australian and American table tennis teams.

Jim Clegg, from Preston Table Tennis Association, said: “We are delighted to be able to stage yet another international game here in Preston.

“Over the past few years, we have managed to lure the national team to the city almost annually, but it’s a real coup to get them here on the eve of the Commonwealth Games.

“I strongly urge people to come on down and support this event – I can guarantee the action will be absolutely top class.”

Are you a table tennis fan? Will you be going to the game? Let us know in the comments below