The Sussex Open Grand Prix, the oldest tournament in Britain, is under threat next year.

No one can be found to organise it, there is no venue and the national calender is full of competing events.

Carol Beames, from the English Table Tennis Association management committee, said: "We must start the search for a venue. It could still be held in Hastings, then the most difficult task will be finding someone to take on the role of organiser."

All leagues in Sussex will now be circulated in the search for an organiser.

The size of the venue is important. The Western Open Grand Prix Bath a fortnight ago was run on 28 tables with 300 players.

Hastings can only accommodate a maximum of 14 tables. That means the entry would have to be restricted to around 170.

The reputation of Sussex as a well organised county is at stake on this issue.