CHANGCHUN, Northeast China -- Swedish table tennis veteran Jorgen Persson said Wednesday at China Open that he's considering retirement after the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
"My career as a table tennis player may go to an end. It's all up to my performance at the coming Olympic Games," the former world cup title holder said while training for the team event opening Wednesday evening in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province.
Persson will participate in the sixth Olympic Games of his life in Beijing.
"I will always do my best on the sports field," he said.
The 42-year-old Swede thought being an athlete had much more fun and challenge than other jobs, and that's why he remained a professional table tennis player for over 20 years a relatively longer time than average.
"Jorgen Persson is still the top player in our team," said Erik Lindh, coach of the Swedish team.
Persson will participate in both men's team and singles event.
"China Open is an important tournament, and it's a good chance to prepare for the Olympics," he said.
Persson is currently in the 28th place on the latest ITTF ranking. He was the world champion in the 1991 ITTF World Cup.
