Mia steps up to big stage

A 16-year-old Albany table tennis star will go head-to-head with the nation's best at the Australian National Championships from July 4-11.

Mia Zou has been selected to represent the State in the under-21 women's team in Melbourne.

Mia, who moved to Albany from China in August last year, said she had been competing seriously since she was nine but this would be her first time at a national level.

"I hope to gain some more skills and develop my performance during the competition," she said.

"This is something I would like to do professionally."

Mia's coach Peter Muller said it was an outstanding achievement for someone so young.

"She's a top player and has been winning the top events in Perth, and she's only 16," he said.

Mia is also the first athlete to receive funding from the Great Southern Sport Talent Association, which will assist her in reaching her State and national table tennis goals over the coming year.

The association was launched in May to help fund talented local athletes with their training through grants of up to $1000.

Coaches can receive up to $2000.

Muller, who nominated Mia for the grant, said the championships would be an opportunity for Mia to develop her game.

"I thought she was worthy and I would like to see how she goes against the other top females," he said.