Sports Illustrated models Jarah Mariano and Gevenieve play ping pong

Sports Illustrated models Genevieve Morton and Jarah Mariano showed off their ping pong skills on Thursday in celebration of the BNP Paribas Showdown in New York City. Well, it is Sports Illustrated, after all. And no, Kate Upton, posing is not a sport (even in Antartica.)

Practical sports ‘dos.

Genevieve and Jarah took to the table rocking ultra sporty looks worthy of a day out at the beach or a glamour trip to the gym. Jarah even had her shiny locks out, perhaps not the most practical, but she wasn’t going let a little thing like that diminish her competitive spirit. Plus, it gave her the opportunity to whip her hair back and forth.

Genevieve, on the other hand, opted for a tennis-style ponytail. We loved their coordinating styles but it looked to us like Jarah had the upper hand… at least on the gloss front.

One night showdown

The showdown will be held on 3 March 2013 in Madison Square Gardens in New York. Over the years, the event has attracted some of the world’s best tennis players who compete in the one-night-only, single elimination tournament to bag the Billie Jean King Cup.

Past players have included Venus and Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Andre Agassi. Jarah and Genevieve will be on hand at the event to throw out the first ball.

Excited

Jarah was obviously excited about their ping pong showdown. She tweeted: “So much fun @spinpong for @MSGSportsNYC how cool is my customized paddle?!!”

Jarah has modelled for a variety of brands including Victoria’s Secret and H&M in addition to appearing the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in 2008 and 2009

via Sports Illustrated models Jarah Mariano and Gevenieve play ping pong.