Edna, 81, versus Mimo Ito, six

30 August 2007

A GORLESTON world veteran table tennis champion will take on a young Japanese sensation as part of a Japanese TV programme.

Great grandmother Edna Fletcher, 81, will be up against six-year-old Mima Ito, a talented Japanese table tennis player, at a match in Great Yarmouth next week.

The match will be filmed for a Japanese TV programme and Mrs Fletcher says she is “eagerly” looking forward to it.

She said: “The object of it being filmed for a programme is to show people in Japan that the game can be competitive and that it can played until an elderly age.

“I was quite surprised when I found out I would be playing against a six-year-old but I have no doubt that she will play well.”

Mrs Fletcher has been playing table tennis for more than 60 years. She started at a youth club during the second world war and became a coach in 1956.

“Table tennis has taken me around the world. I've played in Canada, Germany and Australia,” said Mrs Fletcher.

In 2005, aged 79 she was made MBE for services to table tennis.

Mrs Fletcher continues to coach youngsters at the Northgate Hospital Social Club.

“I really enjoy coaching and once the pupils can beat you, you know you have done a good job,” laughed Mrs Fletcher.

Last year she teamed up with Ursula Bihl to win the over 80s doubles title at the World Veteran Table Tennis Championship in Germany. She also reached the quarter finals in the over 80s singles before losing to the Canadian Champion.

Edna's silverware cabinet is bulging with trophies that includes the world team over 70s and world over 75s titles and European Championship singles and doubles gold.

The match is in the Assembly Room at the Town Hall on Wednesday at 6pm.