Table tennis, though dead after long absence, eventually bounced back this weekend at the National Indoor Stadium, where Tanzania outclassed Malawi in a friendly tie.

Table tennis lost its stronghold in the local sports scene three years due to lack of sponsorship.

"We are back to business like in the past. I hope after this event, table tennis everything will return to normal," said Issa Mtalaso, a renowned table tennis coach.

Tanzania table tennis stars defeated Malawi by 3-2 in a friendly international tournament over the weekend.

Mwamvita Abdul defeated Shyleen Pensula of Malawi by 3-1 sets in the first match and she went on to thrash Atuweni Samu by 3-0 sets in her second pairing at the same venue.

In her match against Pensula, Abdul began by losing 6-11 in the first set before steadying her hands to win the remaining sets 11-6,11-7 and 11-4.

Malawi's Samu defeated Neema Mwaisulya of Tanzania 3-2 in a fiercely fought encounter.

The Malawian posted 11-9 win in the first set before losing 6-11 in the second set. Mwaisulya won the third set 11-3 before the Malawian netting victories in the fourth and final sets.

Mwamvita and Neema Abdul went on to claim women's doubles title following their 3-0 triumph over Malawians, Atuweni Samu and Shyleen Pensulo.

Malawi claimed men's double title after posting 3-2 win over the hosts, Tanzania.

Masoud Mtalaso defeated Abel Somba of Malawi 3-1 before Floriano Masah of Malawi defeating Canisius Swanhele of Tanzania by three straight sets.

anzanian Ramadhan Othumani beat Stanley Mponela of Malawi by 3-1 sets at the same. Massah of Malawi defeated Mtalaso 3-1 in the final match.