The ninth Asia-Pacific Veteran Table Tennis Championships kicked off at Phu Tho Gymnasium in Ho Chi Minh City on December 3, drawing 869 players from 19 nations and territories in the region.

The players compete in the men's and women's singles and team events, divided into different age groups, ranging from 40 to above 80.

Vietnam sends 200 athletes to the event, including its best veteran players like former Southeast Asian Games winner Vu Manh Cuong and former Asian Games team gold medallist Le Van Tiet.

On the first day, Vietnam’s male Tilong Club defeated Hong Kong B team of China’s Hong Kong and Energy – a joint team of Malaysia and Singapore – to top the 40-49 age group at the qualifying round.

The annual event aims to give seasoned players a platform to compete, after having dedicated their lives to the sport for years, the organisers said.

This year’s competition will last until December 6.

VNA