Wandsworth table tennis star Aaron McKibbin reckons the opposition at this week's IPTT Slovenia Open could surpass anything he meets at the Rio Paralympic Games.

With nearly all the world’s top players set to take part, including a strong Chinese team, the tournament will provide a valuable opportunity for the GB players to test themselves against the competition ahead of the Games in Rio in September.

And the London 2012 bronze medalist, who is supported by South West London estate agents James Pendleton, is hoping to build on a positive performance at the Italian Open earlier in the season.

He said: “It looks as if it is going to be even stronger than Rio potentially as the world’s top 20 will be there so it's really exciting to see what we can do.

"It's definitely a stepping stone towards Rio and it will be a fantastic test to see where we are compared to our competition.”

He added: “It's important to do well in these competitions to boost confidence, and it helps with your seeding for Rio.

"But at the same time being successful here doesn't mean you will be the best come the Paralympics and I would happily lose every game from now until Rio if it meant at the Paralympics I was champion.

"As a team we prepare for every competition like it’s a major and we look to go in there and win every match.”

The 24 year old beat the Chinese world number two in winning the China Open last November and is looking to continue his improvement.

“With Rio the target I am happy with how I am progressing,” he said.

“I have been working a lot on different parts of my game and by playing lots of national competitions I feel I am improving.

"With each competition I feel I'm getting better and that is always positive to see by results that the hard work is paying off.”