Sibley closes in on a place at London 2012

Sibley joins England number one Joanna Parker, Ireland’s Liu Na and Wales’ Naomi Owen in the hunt for the final three places in the Great Britain team after Hannah Hicks, Emily Bates, Alice Loveridge and Charlotte Carey were culled from the original eight hopefuls.

The final list will not be revealed until May which gives England number two Sibley a chance to further press her claims at the English National Championships in March.

However, she will be hoping to secure her place automatically at the the European Olympic Qualifying tournament in Luxembourg which runs from April 11-15.

And, after agonisingly missing out on an appearance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics - Sibley was first reserve for the women’s singles - the 23-year-old is refusing to take her place for granted just yet.

“I’m very pleased and excited to be selected in the final four women,” said Sibley.

“I’ll continue to stay focused and work hard and hopefully will become an Olympian when the final three are announced in May.”

Despite being the reigning national champion at both singles and doubles, Sibley is one of several Olympic hopefuls who have been affected by funding cuts at GB level.

She recently secured sponsorship from sports betting community site OLBG, but in order to further boost her Olympic ambitions, the Leamington & District Table Tennis Association have stepped in to stage a one-off fundraiser.

Taking place at St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre in Warwick on Saturday March 10, the day will feature an invitation tournament and conclude with a special exhibition match between Sibley and Great Britain coach and Commonwealth gold medallist Allan Cooke.

Event organiser Dot Macfarlane said it is the least the association can do to honour the contribution Sibley has made to table tennis in the district.

“Kelly is an excellent ambassador for the sport,” said Macfarlane.

“She is also president of Lillington Free Church Table Tennis Club, where her table tennis career began and she frequently mentors young players when training commitments allow.”

Anyone wishing to enter the tournament or buy tickets for the exhibition, priced at £5 and £3 (juniors) should contact Macfarlane on [email protected] or log on to www.ldtta.co.uk