As timo boll

As Timo Boll: As Timo Boll boarded the Air China flight CA932 this Monday evening, the 43-year-old might have started his trip to the WTT Champions tournament in Chongqing with mixed feelings. Shortly before his departure, the two-time Olympic silver medallist announced that the Paris Olympic Games, his seventh Olympics, would be his last international appearance.

"In the past, I often talked about being a little afraid of the decision to end my international career, despite it was inevitable that this day would come," the former World No. 1 said. "Now the time has come for my farewell on the world stage of active sport."

Boll also announced he will play another season for his club Borussia Dusseldorf in the national league and the Champions League. The veteran paddler is said to be around as an advisor for his German club after his last season, reports Xinhua. "Table tennis has been my life, and I will be around in whatever function," he said.