Wandsworth’s table tennis star Aaron McKibbin’s is determined to emulate tennis superstar Novak Djokovic when it comes having the psychological edge over opponents.

The 23-year-old, now based in Sheffield, is started the hard graft for Brazil qualification in earnest last month at the Bristol Grand Prix, and it continues this weekend in Nottingham.

McKibbin, who won team bronze at London 2012, cannot yet earn qualification points for Rio – that starts in March – but the domestic competitions are key to fine-tuning fitness, sharpness and the table tennis brain.

Moreover, McKibbin has been working with his sports psychologist to perfect the Zen state of mind that has served Djokovic so well.

McKibbin, who is sponsored by James Pendleton estate agents, said: “When the pressure is on in a game, say at 9-9, it is all about sticking to your game and not letting the situation overtake you and affect how you play.

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Man with a plan: Aaron McKibbin

“If you watch Djokovic, he will bounce the tennis ball before a serve the same number of times whatever the match situation.

“He does not change anything about his game, he does not react to anything being shouted out by the crowd, and it is part of the reason he has been so successful.”

He added: “When the pressure was on me, I would play more defensively. I would push or slice a shot back, whereas the best players will for the winning shot.

“It is true to say that the player who is most nervous at the pressure moments will lose, and understanding how to stick to your game whatever happens can boost confidence.”

If you want to offer sponsorship to McKibbin on his quest, email tim.ashton @london.newsquest.co.uk.

On his performance at Bristol, McKibbin said: "It was up and down, there were some good wins and not so good defeats.

"But at the moment it is all about getting that fitness and sharpness back, and not necessarily about match practice.

"That will come in the new year when we gear up for the internationals."