All dressed up with a game to play

With loose-fitting shorts and baggy shirts the usual attire, table tennis, mostly played in bland gymnasiums around the world, has never had the glamour of women’s tennis nor the sex appeal of beach volleyball. Wang Chen of the United States, who used to play for China before moving to New York eight years ago, said some players were already moving to skirts.

“Some players are already wearing skirts, I think it’s a good idea, the game (already) looks more beautiful than before,” said Wang. “I think our outfits are so boring, not sexy.”

Wang said sexing up the uniforms would draw the crowds. Japan’s Ai Fukuhara is one player already taking the initiative, opting for a “skort” — a tight skirt with cycling shorts underneath.

“But I’m not in favour of them being pushed into wearing outfits they aren’t comfortable in.

“And how about the men? Why not bring in compulsory lycra bike pants instead of the baggy shorts? I’m sure our female audience would appreciate it.”