Young table tennis players were given the chance to play against the Chinese Olympic team on Thursday.

Despite best efforts, the seven to 18-year-olds from Ellenborough Table Tennis Club in Kimberley Gardens were unable to beat the Olympic table tennis champions.

The reigning English Open champion Chen Qi played against young players along with Olympic gold medal holder Ma Lin.

Roger Close, who works at the club, said: “This is the first time they had visited us – it was a chance in a lifetime for the kids. They were nervous but they did themselves proud.”

Club chairman Keith Williams said: “London 2012 has provided a unique opportunity for juniors at Ellenborough TTC to meet with and play the best table tennis players in the world.

"I’m a bit lost for words, but would simply like to say fēi cháng gǎn xiè, or a big ‘thank you’ to Ma Lin, Chin Qi, and the Chinese team management for inspiring the children at our club.”