Exclusive:
Great-great-grandfather John Wright has staked his claim as the country’s oldest ping pong player aged 100 – he played tennis well into his 90s before taking up the indoor version
A ping pong player has staked his claim as the country’s oldest player – at the grand age of 100.
Great-great-grandfather John Wright celebrated his landmark birthday with a card from King Charles in January. And he revealed still keeps his mind and body fit by playing table tennis twice a week at his club in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.
John came forward after The Mirror told how 92-year-old Ivan Pedley was still playing and beating players 30 years his junior. The centurion told how he played tennis well into his 90s then took up the indoor version of the sport, stunning rivals with his skill and agility.
Wife Maureen, 81, said: “We saw an article that said a 92-year old was playing table tennis. That’s good, but my husband John plays table tennis twice a week.
“He often beats much younger players and he has already celebrated his 100th birthday in January. So other older players will have to go for a few more years to beat John.”
John, who used to work in the merchant navy, said he hadn’t always played tennis or table tennis. He said: “I’ve not always played, I only started playing tennis at 49, I was quite a late starter. I was in the merchant navy, so you can’t really play much when you’re out at sea.”
After leaving the navy John took over a pub. He said: “After I took over the pub I used to watch a lot of tennis. Some of the customers used to play badminton, so they invited me along.
“I really enjoyed it, and from there I started playing tennis too. I played until I was 93, but then I started to slow down a bit, One of the things about tennis is you need to be quick on your feet.
“After that I thought I’d give table tennis a go, it’s very different, but you still use a bat and ball. I still enjoy it, but I do have trouble picking up the ball. I have to get someone else to do that for me. I’m keeping my body and mind active, but I do have to hold on to the table sometimes to keep a good balance.”
