Mark of Success

Interview with HTTC's Rising Star Mark Collins

Hello Mark. Let me first ask, how long have you been playing table tennis?

I have been playing for five years, three competitively.

What got you started?

I started playing when I was at secondary school during a P.E lesson and have gone on from there.

What style of play have you got?

Offensive, topspining and counter-topspinning. I like going back away from the table as well. 

What blade/rubbers do you use?

Blade Donic Burn Off –, Rubbers Donic Acuda S2 2.2mm both sides.

What are your best shots?

Definitely my forehand topspin and forehand drive.

What’s your weakest shot?

My backhand drive needs a bit more work.

Any pet peeves about the game?

I hate playing people that have anti-spin, or pimples. I also don’t like playing defensive players.

Who are your favourite professional players?

Timo Boll and Ma Lin are my favourite players.

What temperament have you got on the table?

Aggressive but composed.

Have you ever won any TT competitions?

I won a Horsham area championship years ago. Erik van Mol, Matt van Yperenand myself won Division 1 in the local league this year. I came second in the u18’s Sussex closed singles this year. Matt and myself are also Sussex junior doubles champions.    

What league(s) do you play in? How did you play last season?

I played in the Horsham and Crawley league last year, the team won division one and my average was around 81%

What’s your best ever win?

Beating Andy Meads in the league, beating Leo Assisi in Junior British League or coming from 2-0 down to beat Daniel Pound in the Sussex Closed u18’s semi-final. Either one of them.

What other sports are you interested in?

Football, I support Liverpool FC.

What changes would you make to make table tennis more successful in this country?

Introduce it into more schools.

Why do you like playing table tennis so much?

I enjoy the friendly competition and the atmosphere created at matches.

Who’s been the biggest influence on your table tennis career?

My dad and mum have helped me a lot over the years, Rory Scott and Ian Ford for coaching me and all the coaches at the Sussex Elite Centre.