As part of the competition, sponsored by table tennis equipment manufacturer Stiga, fans from across the world are invited to send in their signature trick-shot, which will then be uploaded to the ITTF YouTube and Youku channels, with the number of views on these platforms - along with poll results from the ITTF Facebook page - making up an important part of the criteria to determine the winner.

"Stiga is very proud to be the official partner for the new and very exciting event: Stiga 2013 ITTF Trick Shot Showdown," said the firm's President and chief executive Mats Bandstigen.

"We are really looking forward to this event that will show just how incredible and wonderful our sport is."

The winner will not only be crowned as the pioneer of the world's greatest table tennis trick-shot, but will also receive return flights and seven nights' accommodation in Dubai for the GAC Group ITTF World Tour Grand Finals, which take place on January 9 until 14 next year.

World and Olympic champion Zhang Jike pulled off an audacious point-winning shot with his foot

"In our increasing drive to leverage the social media platforms, the Stiga 2013 ITTF Trick Shot Showdown is a fantastic way to do so," ITTF marketing director Steve Dainton said.

"Having a famous table tennis brand like Stiga share our vision and try to connect greater with the ever growing social media community is wonderful news; we hope you are looking forward to the Stiga 2013 ITTF Trick Shot Showdown as we are."

The competition opens today, and entrants have until 0900 GMT on October 25 to show off their best trick shot and be in with a chance of winning the grand prize.

For more information on the competition and to submit entries, click here.

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