Re-posted from the Nottingham list:
"I'm just back from playing for Australia in the 10th World Gateball Championships in China. 11 Million people of all ages and genders play Gateball - no segregation - this was truly an amazing event.
For those who remember the old Sonoma World Championships: multiply it ten fold, add TV, bus loads full with 96 teams (5 plus in each team) grandstands and opening/closing ceremonies like no other, multiple grass courts, undercover artificial courts, marble floored purpose build facility incorporating media rooms, museum, etc.......Chinese Opera, dragon dances, bands, music, singers, dancer, huge wide screen media etc, etc and you know what mallet sports can truly be."
-Liz Fleming