IN just over a month, national paddler Li Jiawei will take part in one of the biggest table tennis tournaments in the world.

Back from a 14-month break after giving birth to son Terry Li Tian Rui in October last year, the 28-year-old has been preparing for the World Team Championships since February.

But the long absence has seen her world ranking slip from 9th to 23rd. She was subsequently knocked out in the second round of last month's German Open.

"When I was in Germany, I was 60 per cent in shape," said Jiawei in her first English interview with RazorTV. "I hope to get to 100 per cent soon. Now, I'm 70 per cent."

Along with Jiawei, who will fly to Moscow for the World Team Championships from 23rd-30th May, are nine other players including Olympic teammates Feng Tianwei and Wang Yuegu.