Table Tennis: Douglas considers England comeback

Desmond Douglas, a legend in the sport, appears to be taking steps to revive his international career at the age of 38 with a comeback in the European championships in his home city of Birmingham in March, writes James Leigh. Douglas, who has been the English National champion a record 11 times and is a former European Top 12 champion, plans to meet the England manager, Donald Parker, today at the Thornaby Pavilion where he is defending his Cleveland 5-Star Open title. 'I think I am still playing well enough but just want one or two assurances,' said Douglas, who retired from international competition in 1990 but is unbeaten in the British League this season and has climbed back to No 2 in the national rankings. Parker could offer the left-hander a wild card for the men's singles and a place in the England squad for the team event. 'There will be no conditions attached as far as I'm concerned and I would like to have Des involved again,' he said. In 1978 Douglas set a record by going through the European team event unbeaten in his 19 matches as England made their way to the final.

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