First there was desktop television. Then desktop computing. Now, finally, after years of intensive research innovation in labs across the Far East, Desktop Ping Pong is upon us. And it is threatening to take over.

Now, you don't need a table the size of Buckinghamshire to partake in the Asian sports craze where squeaking shoes are a sign of action, agility and deftness. In fact, all you require to become a desktop dominator of all things ping and pong is a clear desk - and a steady hand. Lovely.

To establish your very own Ping Pong HQ, simply move those piles of dusty old paperwork from a corner of your desk, shift your mousemat a touch to the left, clean those coffee stains and, once you've found a chum, you're on your way.

Then roll out the mini-net, affix to your desk using the suction cups provided (leaving equal space on both sides), assume the serving position (a sort of frozen, Ninja-like crouch), and let the games commence.

The rules, in sum, are easy. It's a little like tennis, except with very small bats (or 'paddles'), and some of the same general principles apply. Except it's first to 11 wins. And there's never deuce. Rather nice.