The duo was still going strong at the end of the marathon effort, and the amount raised is expected to increase with more funds promised. 

Earlier: The old adage says a quick game’s a good game. 

But that couldn’t be further from the truth for Tristan Quarrell, 18, who works as an eel fisherman and Joe Sycopoulis, 17, who is heading into year 12 at Warrnambool College.

The teenage duo have set themselves the mammoth task of playing table tennis for 24 hours straight – all in a bid to raise money for local charity Standing Tall, which recruits and trains members of the community to become mentors to high school students. 

Tristan said he was inspired to contribute to the charity through personal experience. 

“My sister was in the group and she found it helped her a lot,” he said. 

He said he was confident a combination of Mother energy drinks, sugary treats and metal music would get them from midday Saturday through to midday Sunday. 

Joe, who has represented Victoria at the Australian National Junior Table Tennis Championships, joked there was “no denying” he had Tristan’s measure in a match.

But he said the pair had the fitness needed to rally and hit trick shots for 24 hours. 

“It would be great to see people here,” he said. 

“Come on down to join us for a hit, feel free to donate some money to the Standing Tall foundation and have some fun.”

The boys will play at the Warrnambool Table Tennis Association until 12.30pm on Sunday.