Europe whacks at table tennis ruling

BEIJING - The leader of the table tennis authority in Europe blasted the decision by the international governing body to reduce the number of singles entries per country at the Olympic Games, saying it lowers the level of competition.

Stefano Bosi, chairman of the European Table Tennis Union, said the International Table Tennis Federation is undermining the sport and promoting it in the wrong way. Last December, the ITTF reduced berths in the singles events at the 2012 London Olympic Games from three to two players per country. Another vote on the proposal by the sport's ruling body is expected in May.

The change, according to the ITTF, is for the good of the sport. It is aimed at having more countries compete at the Olympic Games and to increase the chances for non-Chinese players of winning a medal.