ANDREA Holt is asking her home fans can lift her when she begins her singles campaign in the world table tennis championship at the G-Mex Centre in Manchester.

The 26-year-old British number three from Ramsbottom faces qualifier Zuzane Poliackova of Slovakia today and, like all the British players, she has been overwhelmed by the massive support.

"It's been tremendous, an unbelievable experience, but I will need all the support I can get to make good progress," said Holt.

If she makes it past Poliackova into the last 64, Holt will meet Yang Ying of China which will be a formidable challenge.

"I'll be happy if I make it into the last 64," said Holt.

"I'm ranked 74 in the world and I'll have lived up to that ranking.

"The Chinese girl is one of the best in the competition.

"But I will go out and do my best against her if I get past Poliackova today."

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