Ping Pong, China & the U.S.

China and America pay homage this week to a series of 1970s table tennis matches between the countries that paved the way for improved diplomatic relations.

The week of exhibition games in China in April 1971 helped open China to the world, changed public opinion and paved the way for a groundbreaking visit from president Richard Nixon. A three-day event at the Richard Nixon Library that culminates in a rematch between several of the original athletes is to be held.

All the Ircink's play ping pong - except Mom. Learned at an early age as my father was a ping pong champion when he was a kid. Though the lack of depth perception in my left eye makes playing a bit more challenging, I can still hold my own. Wanna play?