DORSET’S Matt Ware has been knocked out of the World Championships of Ping Pong in the group stages, writes Michael Hale (@Mikey_hale).

Ware reached the last 32 in last year’s Alexandra Palace tournament, but this time round he lost two out of three games, as he failed to make the cut for the second session.

The tournament takes place over four sessions with a ‘double-elimination’ group stage featuring on Saturday afternoon.

Players had to win two of their three matches, of which they fight for the best of three sets of 15 points.

This is best achieved by winning their first two games, which also earns an ‘easier’ draw in the last 32 against someone who has lost one of their group fixtures Ware lost out to Alexandru Cazacu after taking the first set in his opening game, with the Romanian eventually winning 11-15 15-9 15-11.

The Weymouth and Dorset player got himself back in the mix for qualification however, in his second game with a straight set win over Jovica Franeta of Montenegro, 15-10 15-6.

But he could not keep up the momentum in his third and, ultimately, final game at this year’s championships.

Left-handed French player Christophe Raynal saw off Ware in what was a thrilling game, even if it was sealed in straight sets.

Ware threatened to come back from behind in both sets, pulling off some outstanding defensive shots at times but the Frenchman was too strong, winning 15-12 15-11 to knock the Dorset ace out.