Again, I may be wrong, probably am in fact, but I thought the
inspiration for "our" invention of TT came from the Eastern reaches of
our then Empire.
Just maybe.

Purrs

Gordon & the TT

--
Feline family viewable at:
http://community.webshots.com/user/exocat

"William Hamblen" wrote

Table tennis was invented in England in the 19th century. Ping Pong
was Parker Brothers US Trademark for their set with celluloid balls.
I suspect table tennis was introduced to China by the YMCA or some
other missionary society.