Japan's Fukuhara Ai expects applause from Chinese at table tennis worlds

On the eve of the 48th World Table Tennis Championships, Japan's sweet-heart Fukuhara Ai asked for applause from Chinese audience.

"China is my second hometown, so please do not hesitate to give me applause and cheers when I am playing," said the diminutive Fukuhara in Shanghai on Saturday.

At the age of 17, Fukuhara has a long-time tie with China.

Fukuhara has been popular in Japan since she first appeared in a TV show holding a big paddle in front of a large table against adults at age 3.

She has been taught by many Chinese coaches since then and stayed in China most of the time.

Fukuhara also signed a contract with Liaoning club, where her favorite star Wang Nan and young talent Guo Yue stay, in China's Super League on April 1.

"I'm very lucky to train in China, play with Chinese players and even have a Chinese coach," said Fukuhara in fluent Chinese.

Wang Nan and Zhang Yining are her idols. "They are the top two players in the world, and they are always polite and gentle, not like some other big-names."

Playing in China helped Fukuhara to place 23rd in the ITTF world rankings, the highest women's singles player in Japan.

"Maybe that's because I'm closer to the best. In the world championships I'll try to turn Shanghai into my home court and show my best," she said.

"So please support me and give me applause."