Japan's first medal in 19 years 
In the World Team Table Tennis Championship in Kuala LumpurJapan secured a medal for the first time 
in a world championship match since 1981 after defeating Taiwain in the quarterfinals on Feb. 24.  
In the semi-finals, Japan faced China but all 3 players lost. 
They include Koji Matsushita who was edged by world's number 2, Kong Linghui.
Japan won the bronze. 
In 1998
Japanese pro will play in German's first division league 
30-year old Koji Matsushita who became Japan's first professional table tennis player in 1993 had 
tied a one year contract with Germany's professional league. 
This was made known Apr. 15.  The first division club is a powerhouse called Borussia Duesseldorf.  
He will get started in August when the new season opens. 
Meanwhile, he is with the second division playing well winning 33 games against 3 losses.