TABLE TENNIS

Kelly Sibley pictured at a England training camp at Lilleshall. Picture: Steve Parkin Photography

Leamington table tennis star Kelly Sibley is bidding to banish her Delhi heartbreak when the Commonwealth Games get under way in Glasgow next week.

Sibley was part of the England team which narrowly missed out on third place four years ago and the former Lillington Free Church player says that disappointment has made her determined to go at least one better this time around.

“I want to come away with a medal after Delhi,” said Sibley.

“Fourth there was the worst possible place to finish.”

Head performance coach Nick Jarvis has set a five-medal

target for England’s table tennis squad in Glasgow, with the team event presenting Sibley’s best chance of medalling.

And ahead of their final warm-up match against Australia in Preston on Sunday, the 26-year-old says she is in the best possible shape to help deliver on his aim.

“I feel fitter and mentally stronger than ever before.

“I think we’ll be second or third seeds for the team event and there is pressure on us.

“But we’ll be focused and play one match at a time and see where that takes us.”

Sibley will be backed at the Scotstoun Sports Campus by a large contingent of friends and family and she says they will provide an edge that was missing in India.

“Obviously Delhi, with the security and price, meant there wasn’t much support, so to have friends and family with us in Glasgow can mean a couple of extra points.

“And those who can’t make it will still be able to keep up to date with the games live on the BBC Red Button.”

The table tennis runs from July 24 to August 2 with Sibley appearing alongside Joanna Drinkhall in the doubles and Daniel Reed in the mixed doubles in addition to the singles and team event.