The “poink, poink” of ping pong balls striking paddles will echo through the exhibition hall of the Vicksburg Convention Center Thursday and Friday when participants square off for the city’s “Average Joe and Average Jane” table tennis tournament.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen Tuesday approved an agreement between the city and the convention center to hold the tournament.

Vicksburg recreation director Joe Graves said the tournament will feature matches between intermediate and advanced players, with matches beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday and the semifinals and finals beginning Friday at 6 p.m. Trophies will be awarded to the first place finishers and runners-up.

Graves said the tournament was the result of inquiries made by him and South Ward Alderman Alex Monsour.

“Alex and I were interested in holding a tournament, and we did a little bit of research. The information we had seen said the United States Table Tennis Association was trying to find a city in Mississippi to host a tournament for them, and we were the only city that showed interest,” Graves said.

“The recreation department bought tournament level tables and equipment, and we said, ‘Let’s take advantage of this and go ahead and get on board,’” he said. “We got everything worked out, and we got some participants, and we can say Vicksburg is the only city in Mississippi that’s going to be hosting a United States Table Tennis Association tournament in the state.

“I think it’s a big deal for the city of Vicksburg, and it’s something we hope will occur annually and continue to grow and get bigger,” Graves added.