Superb defence wears down table tennis player

A table tennis player was forced into a shocking miss after being worn down by the superb defence of his rival in a tournament in Germany.

Greek player Panagiotis Gionis was leading 4-2 in the fourth game against German Bastian Steger when the two engaged in one of the tournament's – the German Open –most memorable rallies.

In footage captured of the amazing point, the receiving Steger seems to have the early control before Gionis puts the German on the back foot with a thunderous forehand.

Positioned now well behind the table and out of camera shot, Steger's only choice is to continually lob the ball against the barrage of jumping forehand smashes raining down on him.

But time and time again, the German is able to land the ball back on the table and force Gionis to make one more shot.

And despite his aggression and advantage, the pressure proves too much for the Greek, handing the point to Steger after embarrassingly missing the final shot.

The point proved crucial with Steger taking the win 4-2.