Swedish Table Tennis Duo Sets 18-Hour World Record in Bjärred
Two Swedish table tennis players set a new world record by keeping a ball in play continuously for 18 hours, 33 minutes, and 46 seconds. Fredrik Nilsson from Rödeby and Emil Ohlsson from Malmö completed the endurance feat during a livestreamed event designed to secure official recognition from Guinness World Records, as Sveriges Radio reported.
How the Record Attempt Unfolded in Skåne
Nilsson and Ohlsson began their marathon session around 19:00 on a Thursday and continued past the following afternoon, according to reporting by Omni. The pair fell short of their initial 24-hour goal when they finally missed the ball shortly before 14:00 on Friday. The attempt took place under the banner of Bjärreds BTK, a club that has three times previously been world champions in keeping a table tennis game going without interruption. Omni noted that Bjärreds BTK had previously held world records for uninterrupted table tennis play on three prior occasions.
The successful performance edged out the previous record held by a Dutch duo. To manage the physical demands of playing through the night, the players utilized specific methods during the broadcast, which was monitored to satisfy Guinness guidelines.
Table Tennis Endurance Records Compared
| Players | Representing Club | Duration | Previous Record Holder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fredrik Nilsson and Emil Ohlsson | Bjärred’s BTK | 18 hours, 33 minutes, 46 seconds | Dutch duo |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Record Attempt
Why did Fredrik Nilsson and Emil Ohlsson attempt the record?
The players aimed to secure a new world record for the longest continuous table tennis rally, overtaking the mark previously set by a Dutch pair.

How was the record verified?
The entire 18-hour session was broadcast live to ensure compliance with the official requirements established by Guinness World Records.
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