Karl Bushell and Janet Brown will be travelling from Ox-fordshire to China this month to compete in the veterans world championships. Bushell, who has been the county’s leading player for 25 years, will compete in the men’s over 50’s singles and doubles against players from 60 countries.

Brown, Oxfordshire’s long-time top female player, will compete in the ladies over 60s singles and doubles events.

Last year, Brown helped England veterans to victory in the Six Nations tournament, while she added a sliver in an international competition in Bulgaria.

Both warmed up for China, by competing in English veterans nationals.

Bushell, the most successful player in Oxfordshire’s history exceeded expectations by reaching the quarter-finals of the premier event – the men’s over 40 — before losing to the England No 1 Lawrence Trumpauskas.

Not to be outdone, Brown did likewise in the mixed doubles, partnered by Oxfordshire colleague Eddie Herrity.