Paul Drinkhall is hoping to benefit from honing his skills abroad when the International Table Tennis Federation Pro Tour Grand Finals get under way today.

The 21-year-old from Loftus moved to Italy in September to play for Sterilgarda in a bid to catapult his game to the next level ahead of the London 2012 Olympics Games.

That followed a self-funded trip to China and Drinkhall is confident his recent experiences will boost his performance at the ExCel Arena, also the venue for next year's Games, over the next few days.

The Pro Tour Grand Finals also double up as an official Olympics test event.

"Both trips have been very beneficial," he said.

"When I went to China, I was able to play with the national team, which was unbelievable.

"I believe I am the only player out of our squad to have done that and the difference in resources in the game over there is incredible.

"With Italy, I needed the move. Things were getting a bit stale at Sheffield (where he was training previously).

"I was playing against the same players all of the time."

Despite no longer being top of the English rankings, Drinkhall is still classed by many as Britain's best medal hope at the Games.

He is the only person representing the country in the men's singles draw for the last-16 stage of the tournament.

The Middlesbrough-born player is not daunted but, despite believing he is capable of beating anyone, is targeting a favourable first round draw. Speaking about his chances in the tournament, he said: "I feel good.

"I am going into it believing I can beat anyone on my day and am confident of causing a few upsets.

"I would like to avoid the Chinese in the first round if possible, but there are a few of them, so that might not be easy."

This tournament, along with any others played over the next few months, are acting as preparation for one thing, the Olympics.

Drinkhall's regime is geared towards his quest for success in the showpiece as Britain target a first ever Olympic medal in the sport.

Being classed as the best hope to end such a drought would provide unwanted pressure for some players, but Drinkhall insists it adds to his confidence.

"My preparation feels in a good place," he said.

"It's just about improving, so I am a little bit better for this tournament and then improving again.

"That (being classed as the best medal hope) does not add to the pressure, I look upon it as a positive.

"Other people clearly believe I have a chance."