Table tennis

Table tennis is played on a table measuring 2.74 by 1.525 metres, divided by a net 15 centimetres high, using a 40-millimetre ball and rackets covered in rubber that allow for impressive spin. It is the racket sport with the fastest reaction times: the ball travels the distance between the two players in a fraction of a second and changes direction depending on the spin applied. It began as a parlour game in late 19th-century England — played with corks and books in place of the net — and became an organised sport in 1926, when the International Table Tennis Federation was founded and the first World Championships were held in London. Asian dominance, particularly that of China, has characterised the sport from the 1960s onwards; it made its Olympic debut at the 1988 Seoul Games. The technique revolves around spin: topspin, backspin and side spin force the opponent to adjust the angle of their bat with every shot. Matches are played in sets of 11 points, with the serve changing every two points, and reward the ability to read the serve and good footwork. At the 20th Mediterranean Games in Taranto in 2026, table tennis will take place from 26 August to 2 September at the Palasport Giovanni Paolo II, with five titles up for grabs: men’s and women’s singles, mixed doubles, and men’s and women’s team events.

• 1Sets are played to 11 points with a two-point lead; matches are played as best of 5 or 7 sets
• 2The serve alternates every two points and the ball must bounce once on each side
• 3When serving, the ball must be tossed upwards at least 16 centimetres, with an open hand and in full view of the opponent
• 4The rubber on the racket must be approved: one side red and one black
• 5Five titles in Taranto: singles, mixed doubles and team events