AARON McKibbin has his eyes set on Italy, China, Slovakia and Slovenia as he aims to improve his table tennis prospects at this summer’s Paralympic Games in London.

 The 20-year-old College student, who is awaiting confirmation of his selection from the International Table Tennis Federation, is banking on performing well at four remaining major tournaments to help his cause at the biggest event of all. “I’m looking to get myself into the top eight in the world – a feat that would affect my draw in London,” he said. “The leading four will avoid the group stages whilst the rest of us will be in groups of four with one to go through.  Pushing my ranking and therefore my seeding up is therefore to my advantage.”

 Aaron believes Team GB will build on their excellent performance at the European Championships but remains a little frustrated his sport is perceived.“Table tennis is a sport many people say they can play well and think is quite easy,” he said.  “But they can get a shock when they see it life and realise how fast and skilful it is at a highly competitive level.  The crowds are in for a very exciting time during the summer – with the prospect that our Paralympic team can be among the medals.”

 Aaron is also backing his College colleague and close friend Darius Knight in his quest for selection for the Olympics. “He’s not a certainty yet – but he’s out in Austria training in the best place and giving it his best shot,” he says. “I’d love to see Darius make it to London along with the likes of Andrew Baggaley and Liam Pitchford.”