Europe chases first victory over Asia at Challenge

BEIJING - The visiting European team, spearheaded by world No 1 Timo Boll of Germany, is aiming for its first victory over its Asian counterparts at the Hyundai Europe-Asia All Stars Table Tennis Challenge.

The third edition of the popular annual event starts on Tuesday night and climaxes tomorrow in Beijing.

"I think we have a chance this time. Last time I missed the tournament and we lost by a very close score. I hope we can win this time," said Boll, who will play alongside three-time World Cup champion Vladimir Samsonov of Belarus, World Championship singles winner Werner Schlager of Austria, Portugal's Tiago Apolonia and Romanian Adrian Crisan.