Dubai // The world’s top table tennis players took the sport to new heights – 212 metres above sea level to be exact – after playing the first table-tennis game on the Burj Al Arab helipad.
Chinese players Ma Long and Liu Shiwen have joined the likes of Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi, David Coulthard and Rory McIlory as sports stars that have showcased their talents on the unique platform.
The table tennis elites were joined at the Dubai landmark by Zhang Jike and Li Xiaoxia, the 2012 London Olympic men’s and women’s gold medallists, for an intense game of mixed doubles.
The four are part of the Chinese national table tennis team who Dubai has sponsored since January last year.
“It was a great privilege for me and my teammates to follow in the footsteps of sporting greats like Roger Federer and Tiger Woods,” said Ma, 25, who has won a record five International Table Tennis Federation Pro Tour tournaments.
“Playing on the Burj Al Arab helipad was an unforgettable experience and the view of Dubai was incredible.”
Burj Al Arab’s general manager, Heinrich Morio, said the hotel was honoured to host yet more of the world’s leading sports stars.
“We were delighted to welcome the top Chinese table tennis players and be part of further strengthening the relationship between China and Dubai,” Mr Morio said.
“We enjoy getting involved with anything that is extraordinary, in line with Jumeirah’s philosophy of Stay Different.”
In the evening a message was projected on to the Burj Al Arab sail to celebrate the growing ties between the emirate and China saying: “China-Dubai: one energy.”
tsubaihi@thenational.ae
