With membership hovering around 22 people, and growing – The Top Spinners, an affiliate of the Jackson Table Tennis Club – hosted the Sharon Table Tennis Club, in north Jackson, Tuesday.

“The club was founded in 2011,” Lawrence Taylor said. “It is so much fun, and the fellowship is great. We have about 15 to 20 people play … we always go to Sharon (Table Tennis Club) and Sharon comes down here. They have some great players … a good bunch of guys.

“It is amazing. If you are retired, it gives you something to do.”

Locals probably remember Lawrence as a co-owner of the Old Country Store, but on the table tennis circuit, he’s better known as the “King of Ping.”

“We have members from China, Russia, India and one from Mars – Bill McDaniel,” Lawrence said, laughing. “I guess you could say we have an international club. We also have members from the surrounding areas of Memphis, Alamo and Henderson.”

The Sharon Table Tennis Club had nine members participating in Tuesday’s match, which consisted of singles and doubles.

Lawrence said club members from Jackson play about five days each week.

Games are held at West Jackson Baptist Church on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; the Malesus Community Center, Tuesday evening and Thursday morning.

Team members have participated cities that include Memphis, Nashville and Destin, Florida.

The Top Spinners won Tuesday’s most recent edition of competition, 36-22.

“Both teams won, because it’s good cardio … you have to think, you have to move around,” Lawrence said. “You’re not just participating – you are getting good exercise, and again, it’s just great fun.”

Lawrence said if you are interested in playing, give him a call – (731) 695-2234.

(PHOTO: Lawrence Taylor, the “King of Ping,” left, with Jim Metcalf. Both are members of The Top Spinners, an affiliate of the Jackson Table Tennis Club)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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