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100-year-old player highlight table tennis veterans worlds

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-08 19:32

Delow Dorothy, a 100-year-old paddler, takes part in the 15th World Veterans Table Tennis Championships in Hohhot, China June 7, 2010. [Photo/Xinhuanet.com]

HOHHOT - Delow Dorothy, a 100-year-old paddler, came out the oldest player to take part in the 15th World Veterans Table Tennis Championships slated here on June 7-12.

Dorothy caught people's attention on Monday as the 100-year-old, the oldest among over 2000 athletes in the veterans worlds, performed quite well, adroitly answering the balls with tricky angles.

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A Guinness World Record holder as the oldest athlete, Dorothy was also the oldest volunteer at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2004.

Living in Australia's Hurstville, Dorothy fell in love with table tennis at the age of 50 and joined a local club for practice.

Players here in her group were all over the age of 84. Dorothy won a game and lost the other in the first day qualification on Monday.

"I think it's wonderful, making a lot of friends," said Dorothy.

She has won everyone's respect and love, and was the biggest star in Monday's competitions. Many fans asked her to take group pictures and for signatures.

"I feel like a film star!" She said.

Dorothy is a member of an above-70-year-old women's table tennis team which frequently participates in competitions back in her home country.

She firstly participated in the World Veterans Table Tennis Championships in 1990.