Ho lot of pressure does not faze Sibley ahead of Games debut

Kelly Sibley is hoping to add to her Conmonwealth Games success at the inaugural European Games in Baku. Picture: PA

But while the inaugural Games in the Azerbaijani capital will be the latest competition in an impressive career encompassing Olympics, Commonwealth Games, World and European Championships, Sibley is adamant there is still plenty more to come.

Leamington-born Sibley has been a force to be reckoned with on the domestic stage, winning every title from the under-12s to a fifth women’s singles titles at March’s English National Championships with a 4-2 victory over Tin-Tin Ho.

Under-21 number one Ho’s appearance in the final, following on from her Commonwealth Games mixed doubles bronze, marked her out as the future of English table tennis.

However Sibley is quick to play down any internal pressure, insisting it only drives her on.

“I’m not getting any younger but it’s great to have those guys like Tin-Tin coming through. It helps push you on,” she said.

“Tin-Tin did great at the nationals this year and definitely made me work for that title.

“We have some good players around in the country at the moment, you can see that in the results we got in Glasgow where we hit our target of five medals.

“But I’m feeling confident in my form at the moment. I’ve been training really hard.

“I definitely feel like I can improve, though, and that’s important going forward. It’s about working on those weaknesses.

“Rio is obviously a great goal of mine, I’ve just got to get my head down, keep working hard and see what happens.”

This month’s European Games will provide a direct route for booking a spot on the plane to Rio, too, with the men’s and women’s gold medallists guaranteeing automatic qualification.

Sibley has already had a taste of the Olympics having appeared in the opening round of the team event at London 2012.

And buoyed by a recent runners-up finish in the French Pro A championship with Lille-based side CP Lys LM 1, she insists she could not be better prepared for Baku.

“I’ve had a great season in France for my club side and I can use that confidence and take that into Baku. I felt like I played some good stuff,” added Sibley.

“I’ve played in France for the last five years, it’s a great experience. People come and watch and we have 150-200 people watching us in an enclosed space.

“You’re playing with world-class players, a few of whom are going to be in Baku, so it really helps your game.

“I’m really excited for Baku. It’s the first European Games so we’re all going to be a part of history.

“Training has been going really well and hopefully I can give some good performances.

“A medal would be the main goal, I have worked hard and hopefully I can deliver.”