This increased participation has come undoubtedly from TTX which has attracted the younger generation to take a greater interest in the sport.

Cross-sport activities, such as a recent event at the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix, where table tennis greats faced-off against some of the top F1 drivers, have been organized to attract more sports lovers.

Some of the world's best drivers take on table tennis legend Wang Liqin at the 2017 Chinese Formula One Grand Prix on April 9. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

TTX social events and parties are also being planned, hosted by deejays and taking place at the beach, bar or popular nightspot.

The entire TTX initiative is focused on making table tennis more accessible to young people, simplifying the rules, and making the game easier to play.

At the Asian championships in Wuxi, the IIT set up a TTX play area at the venue so that visitors could experience the new and exciting for of the game first hand.

The ITTF, together with Seamaster, the new title sponsor of ITTF's World Tour, has been working hard to develop the equipment and technology to bring TTX to the world. Soon there will be rackets and balls available to all, and youthful, exciting mass participation TTX festivals to be held across the world, starting with one in Dusseldorf, just before the Liebherr 2017 World Table Tennis Championships.