Swaythling No.116 (July 2024) by SwaythlingClub

John Birungi

SWAYTHLING

Issue No.116 / July 2024

“They reminded me that I had lost the six previous matches against Wang Hao, the comments actually boosted my confidence, even if I lost everyone was congratulating me!”

Ryu Seungmin

Editor & Design:

Ian Marshall

Sub Editor: Richard Scruton

Statistics:

Günther Angenendt, Matt Solt

Contributors:

Sandro Abrão, Reto Bazzi, Claude Bergeret, John Birungi, Matthew Britz, Raul Calin, C.K.Chan, Doo Hoi Kem, Alan Hydes, Zdenko Kriz, Leonardo Ii-

zuka, Edward Ly, Paloma Mutti, Olalekan Okusan, Zeina Rashid, Niels Ramberg, Richard Scruton, Ryu Seungmin, Adham Sharara, Stag, Paul Stimpson, Daniel Tan, Wong Chun Ting, Laura Wong, Lucia Zavaleta, Zhou Jingyi

Photographs: An Sungho, Butterfly, Mariann Domonkos, International Table Tennis Federation, Rémy Gros, Owen Hammond, Michael Loveder, Michel Paul, Mike Rhodes, Guido Schiefer, Man-

fred Schillings, Stag, Table Tennis England, World Table Tennis

Published by: Swaythling Club International

Swaythling Club

International Executive Committee:

Claude Bergeret (President), Reto Bazzi (Deputy President), Harvey Webb (Secretary), Richard Scruton (Treasurer), Zdenko Kriz, Lilamani de Soysa, Gloria Wagener

SETTING THE TONE IN ROME

To n e i n Ro m e World Masters

guests and officials, the total attendance approached the 10,000 mark a daunting number. It is to the great credit of the organising committee that matters ran smoothly in an atmosphere of co-operation and friendship.

Competition is the focal point of any tournament but at any event involving veteran players, renewing acquaintances with old and not so old friends is a vital ingredient.

I was delighted to welcome players and distinguished guests to our booth and to work alongside the ITTF Foun-

dation in promoting the very best ideals of our sport.

Equally, my congratulations to the members of the Swaythling Club International who competed, more than 60 members were present, 40 as players; overall, members won a total of 21 medals, congratulations.

Win medals but that is the bonus, not the basic reason for playing; more than any other tournament, it is the taking part that counts. In Rome we witnessed the reasons why table tennis is the sport for all, the sport for life.

Upholding Olympic Values

The values of excellence, respect and friendship constitute the basis on which the Olympic movement is built, in 2004 in Athens, now two decades ago, those principles were in very much in evidence

Adebut in the Olympic Games, in itself that is a most daunting proposition. It is the biggest show on earth, even more intimidating when you are only 16 years old.

Furthermore, through no fault of your own, you are involved in a situation, one which you could not possibly have foreseen and could cause uproar but, by upholding the very best ideals of sport and showing good grace, a potentially explosive situation is solved in a low key manner.

Such was the situation on Saturday 14th August 2004 in Athens, the player to uphold the values of competition and respect for the opponent was Jordan’s Zeina Shaban; nowadays, a public figure, Her Royal Highness Princess Zeina Rashid.

In the Galatsi stadium, in the first round of the women’s singles, Zeina faced Iizzwa Medina

hand to her best advantage. Totally unaware of the situation, she was oblivious to the fact the rubber did not appear on the approved list of ITTF Racket Coverings. It was not a situation of a player trying to gain an unfair advantage, it was a genuine mistake, a lack of experience and knowledge. The rubber in question had been approved earlier in 2003 and 2004 but had been withdrawn by the manufacturer.

from Honduras. Likewise on debut and by being present in the Greek capital, became the first player from Central America to compete in the table tennis events at an Olympic Games.

Iizzwa Medina won in straight games (11-4, 118, 11-4, 11-1), it was an emphatic win. Zeina was sunk without a trace, lost in the blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

“From the backhand the ball came so very different to anything I had witnessed before, it was so strange”, reflected Zeina Rashid. “I just felt there was something wrong.”

Undoubtedly, Iizzwa Medina was most adept at using the medium pimpled rubber on the back-

From the backhand the ball came so very different to anything I had witnessed before, it was so strange u

Nevertheless, the racket did not meet the requirements for use in an Olympic Games, there was only one op tion, Iizzwa Medina was disqualified; by default, Zeina was through to the sec ond round.

However, the Honduran Na tional Olympic Committee appealed to the

FACING

The moment of victory

ABOVE Hugs from Princess Alia Taba’a

ZEINA RASHID

Jury; eventually after discussions, and with the support of all relevant parties, it was agreed to replay the match, Iizzwa Medina using a racket covering, approved on the list available at the time.

Now, that in itself was a major test of character; you are through to the next round, but circumstances contrive which mean you are not! There are one or two players and coaches on the international scene who would have breathed fire and not have agreed to a repeat performance. Zeina and the Jordan Olympic Committee were within their rights not to agree to a repeat; it is to their great credit both that both agreed to a replay.

Furthermore, for countries like Jordan and Honduras, each round in an Olympic Games is a medal, only the minority harbour aspirations of grandeur; such nations are not the equivalent of China, Japan or Germany with high populations and endless resources. It was for both players a pressure contest.

Resigning the earlier defeat to history, Zeina responded, crucially she responded at the critical stage. In the seventh game, she trailed 7-9, promptly winning the next four points to send her supporters into tears of unbridled joy (11-7, 11-13, 11-8, 9-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-9).

ABOVE LEFT

In action at the 1999 Safirs Open in Sweden

ABOVE CENTRE

The standard bearer for Jordan at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony

ABOVE RIGHT

Presenting Hend Zaza with the women's singles trophy at the 2020 Western Asia Olympic Qualification Tournament

“That match is a blur; I don’t remember any of the details just the feeling that I was determined to win!” reflected Zeina.

Following the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, she was awarded the King Hussein Medal for Achievement by His Majesty King Abdullah II; later at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games she carried the nation's flag at the opening ceremony.

In more ways than one, Zeina has been the standard bearer, the supreme example.

Competing in the Olympic Games added to her knowledge, not only on how to lay racket on ball but how to conduct herself, how to adapt and how to be a figurehead for the sport in her country. The fact she competed in Athens and Beijing, to some extent, brought Jordan exposure in the table tennis world.

More significantly, Zeina became a role model for aspiring Jordanian players, a fact she believes important for a country in promoting any sporting discipline. Furthermore, her career sets a path to follow for players who are not from the major powerhouses of the sport, the immediate goal to surpass the efforts of predecessors.

mental toughness was off the scale, a role model par excellence.

Residence:

Husband:

Children: Prince El Hassan bin

Qualifications: BSc in Economics and Development, Royal Holloway, University of London; MSc in Environment and Development, London School of Economics

Positions: Founder Jordan Olympic Preparation Programme, Board member of the Jordan Olympic Committee 2017- 2021, Board Member of the ITTF Foundation

She is the only player from Jordan to have competed in the table tennis events at more than one Olympic Games.

Likewise, in the women’s singles, Jakline Al-Dukum was present in 1988 in Seoul, Nadia Al-Hindi four years later in Barcelona, Tatiana Al-Najar in 2000 in Sydney. Tatiana may not sound a Middle East name; it isn’t, she was born in Russia, married a Jordanian and changed nationality. Now in 2024, Zaid Abo Yaman becomes the first man to represent Jordan at an Olympic Games.

Originally for Zeina, the sport in question was gymnastics but converted when she started to play table tennis at home with her brother Zaid and sister Raya.

Meanwhile, as her career was in its infancy, she met a player who set an example not only for Zeina to follow but for a few million others to emulate, a player whose

Eight years prior to Athens, the family had journeyed to watch the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games where, in the Georgia Convention Center, she met China’s Deng Yaping, women’s singles and with Qiao Hong women’s doubles gold medallist.

The following year, in January, Zeina travelled to China, to Shanghai to attend intensive training, the sheer size in

In any sport you need numbers if you are to succeed, you need a wide base, beginning at school level, China sets the supreme example

terms of numbers playing the sport was greater than ever she had previously witnessed; for Zeina that was the starting point on the road to excellence.

“In any sport you need numbers if you are to succeed, you need a wide base, beginning at school level, China sets the supreme example”, stressed Zeina.

Accepted financial support is needed but for a player from a comparatively small nation such as Jordan, being immersed in a hotbed, where the sport is high in the pecking order, is invaluable.

Her Royal Highness Princess Zeina Rashid

Born: 12th May 1988

Amman, Jordan

Prince Rashid El Hassan

Rashid, Prince Talal bin Rashid

Success followed; only nine years old, she won the cadet girls’ singles title at the National Championships, the under 10 girls at the United States Open, before in 2003 being cadet girls’ singles runner up in Hyderabad at the Asian Junior and Cadet Championships.

Additionally, in 2003 in Yemen, only 14 years old, she won the women’s singles title at the Arab Championships. Two years later in 2005 in the Dominican Republic, she finished in fifth place at the ITTF World Cadet Challenge.

Notable results, most importantly she acquired knowledge, a deeper understanding of the sport; factors which enabled her to improve and sent clear messages to any younger player aspiring to reach a high level.

If a player understands the reasons, the player has more chance to progress, rather than just accepting the facts without thought and consideration.

“This is what I learned from my late coach and friend Anders Johansson. He instilled in me a deeper understanding of stroke mechanics as well as tactics which hugely improved the quality of my game in a short period of time.” stressed Zeina.

The result is she possesses a deep understanding of the sport, clearly aware that times change; therefore, so must thinking.

“Table tennis is a highly technical sport”, explained Zeina. “For example, recently we changed from a celluloid ball to a plastic ball, the plastic ball does not spin as much; thus, thinking needs to change.”

LEFT

A caring nature, in April 2022 Zeina visited the Za’atari Refugee Camp in the north of Jordan

>> Video Recording

ABOVE At the 2022 ITTF Corporate Cup staged in Amman

Modifications but of course there is a certain age when arguably adapting is less fraught and vital sound basics can be learnt relatively quickly.

“At a young age, young players must work hard on perfecting their techniques; it is important to focus on biomechanics, not have too much competition when young”, stressed Zeina.

Young players must be aware of those facts; in the case of Zeina, she clearly understood from early teenage years. Also, she had an advantage, she experienced different training systems, in addition to China, she travelled to Sweden.

Only 14 years old, when attending the Swedish National Training Centre in Köping, her mature comments at the time exceeded her tender years.

“As a young player it is important to correct mistakes and improve your skills before it is too late”, she said. “Normally I travelled for practice at least four times a year; a longer stay in China was always good. I feel they practise more safety and repetitions, which has been useful for me. In Europe they have a different coaching style with much more variation and match systems in play.”

One effect of different systems puts an onus on coaches to meet, discuss and evaluate; there is no right or wrong.

“Investing in coaching is vital to raise standards, long term plans over eight years. It is important for coaches to integrate, exchange

ideas and learn from each other”, stressed Zeina. “Detailed planning is essential in order that costs such as travel, hiring coaches can be met, difficult situations can be overcome, solutions found.”

Prime examples of her direct involvement in the value of integration can be witnessed in two notable events. In August 2020, she was unanimously elected a Board member of the ITTF Foundation; more recently in December 2021, alongside Khalil Al Mohannadi, ITTF Executive Vice President and President of the Asian Table

Sport is a great unifying and equalising force, the ITTF Foundation works every day to further this message by supporting and bringing communities together through table tennis

Tennis Union, she presented the awards at the ITTF World Hopes Week and Challenge, appropriately staged in the Jordanian capital city of Amman, a destination suitable for creating harmony.

The city is geographically well located being in west Asia. Within two hours by air, you can be in Africa or Europe, a fact that could well be used not only to the country’s sporting advantage but to the advantage of the whole region.

“Sport is a great unifying and equalising force, the ITTF Foundation works every day to further this message by supporting and bringing communities together through table tennis”, stressed Zeina.“Such a project as ITTF Hopes was not open when I played, it’s good to see the ITTF being a leader in the field, the programme has opened doors.”

Times have changed but one factor remains the same, when the door opens push it wider, walk through, be brave, seize the opportunity and who knows what may happen.

Moreover, preserve the integrity of sport; that is what Zeina did in Athens, the actions taken have given her a strange place in the history of the table tennis competition at an Olympic Games. She is the only player to compete against the same opponent twice in the same event, lose and then extract revenge.

A distinction but it is for the list of trivia questions. The vital fact is she confronted a daunting problem full in the face, she did not hide; her actions helped create unity, that is the example she sets for today’s young players, focus on technique, shoulder responsibility, be bold.

Most importantly relish the challenge.

LEFT

Elegantly dressed, Zeina displays her ever growing collection of artwork

Dazzling Speed Wins in Athens

Ryu Seungmin reflects on his men’s singles gold medal secured at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, a tournament that very much established the modern-day format. It was the first Olympic Games when the 11point system was used and the first to disband the group qualification procedure; knock-out throughout was the formula. In both the men’s and women’s singles, players seeded 17-32 entered proceedings in round two, those seeded 1-16 in round three

Prior to the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, how would you assess your form?

Earlier in the year I had won the men’s singles on the ITTF World Tour in Egypt, it was a great moment for me because it is always very difficult to win your first international title. It is one of my great memories; it was a great starting point for my Olympic journey. Winning in Egypt and soon after in the United States really boosted my confidence; it motivated me for the Olympic Games.

How did you prepare for Athens 2004?

I put in a lot of effort and dedicated myself to prepare thoroughly for Athens 2004. Every day I practised and did physical training for some six to seven hours each day. I was totally focused on table tennis; I really wanted to win the Olympic title.

You were the third seed behind Wang Liqin and Ma Lin, Wang Hao was the fourth seed, what were your expectations before the tournament?

I believed I could win a medal and I thought if I really focused and played well, I could even win gold. I was the number three seed. Wang Liqin, Ma Lin, and Wang Hao were dominating international tournaments; everyone thought and expected they would also dominate the Olympic Games and win gold, silver,

and bronze. Undoubtedly, this gave me an immense amount of motivation to face the challenge, to beat the Chinese.

You started in round three; how difficult is that for a player? There was no difficulty starting in round three because I had prepared well; in Greece, I was in good shape, very fit, I was full of confidence, so really it did not make any difference in which round I started.

Round Three: Koji Matsushita (Japan) 11-9, 11-6, 11-6, 11-2

You cannot be fully confident that you can win every match, there is no absolute certainty but I was very confident; always, I really liked to play defensive players. I had practised and competed against Joo Saehyuk, my teammate, many times, he had helped me since I was very young, just a kid. Nothing really stands out in my memory of this match; it was a case of total concentration.

You cannot be fully confident that you can win every match, there is no absolute certainty but I was very confident; always, I really liked to play defensive players

RIGHT

The opening match witnessed success against Koji Matsushita

Round Four: Chiang Peng-Lung (Chinese Taipei) 11-6, 11-6, 7-11, 8-11, 11-3, 6-11, 11-4

Chiang Peng-Lung and myself, we had the same style, he played like a Japanese penholder; we knew each other well so that’s why it was a very difficult match.

Matches that go the full distance, in the seventh game you are always nervous and tense. I knew I had a main weapon, my forehand top spin.

I felt that if I focused on playing my forehand top spin as often and as strongly as possible it would bring me victory.

Quarter-Final: Leung Chu Yan (Hong Kong) 6-11, 10-12, 11-6, 116, 11-9, 11-5

In the previous round Leung Chu Yan had beaten Vladimir Samsonov who I had lost against many times; certainly, I preferred to play Leung Chu Yan, but it was the Olympic Games, every player focuses match by match;

really you never know who will win, who will lose.

We didn’t think Leung Chu Yan would beat Samsonov, so I was very nervous before the match; Leung Chu Yan was clearly very confident. I lost the first two games; I don’t remember much about them. I think my approach was too cautious. My style of play has always been attack, attack and attack; I was not really playing positively, the key to winning that match, whether it had been Leung Chu Yan or Samsonov was to use my forehand to full advantage.

I played forehands as much as possible, it brought me the win.

Semi-Final: Jan-Ove Waldner (Sweden) 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-5

I was really surprised that Ma Lin and Timo Boll, who were front runners, had lost to Waldner but you must remember he was a former Olympic champion and had a lot of experi-

ence in big competitions like the Olympic Games, World Championships and so on.

Everybody thought the same as me, they didn't expect he would win against Ma Lin and Timo Boll because they were really super strong players; in my opinion he showed his great ability and stresses why he deserves to be known as one of the legendary players in table tennis history.

Tactically it was not that difficult playing Waldner; use my strength and keep attacking, attacking, attacking. The big difficulty was the mental factor. Always Waldner played in very relaxed manner and had lots of experience.

I didn’t have too much faith that I would be able to overcome this legendary player.

However, after beating Chiang PengLung in the last 16 and then Leung Chu Yan, I was more and more con-

LEFT

Chiang Peng-Lung proved a testing adversary in round four

CENTRE

Leung Chu Yan was a surprise quarterfinalist

Waldner displayed his incredible skills once again

fident. Both these matches had been close, so I believed I could win against a very difficult opponent. I don’t think from the spectators’ view it was one of the great matches.

Many people loved to watch Kim Taeksoo and Yoo Namkyu compete against Waldner, some 15 to 20 years earlier; their matches reminded me that it was the same style in Athens, a penholder playing Waldner, so I think everyone was interested in the match.

Final: Wang Hao (CHN) 11-3, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-13, 11-9

I was fully confident because everyone said “Seungmin, you reached the finals!”. Congratulations reach-

ing the final to face Wang Hao. They reminded me that I had lost the six previous matches against Wang Hao, the comments actually boosted my confidence, even if I lost everyone was congratulating me!

Looking at Wang Hao’s face, I could see from the very first point in the very first game, he was nervous. I was full of confidence.

Secondly, I played to my capacity, everything 100 per cent, top spin, service, block, return of service, everything.

Thirdly, I had energy, passion; these three things combined enabled me to beat a Chinese player who was one of the strongest at the time.

What happened to you immediately after the match?

I really don’t know, it was all such a blur; I couldn’t believe it, everyone was shouting, my coach Kim Taeksoo and my teammates in the spectator seats, like Oh Sangeun, they could not believe it.

I felt very excited and emotional. How did you feel standing on the podium?

Countries other than China have very few opportunities to stand on the podium in the table tennis events at an Olympic Games and hear their national anthems.

All table tennis players have the dream of hearing their country’s na-

RIGHT

Jan-Ove

tional anthem in competitions and see their country’s flag at the very top. So, when I saw our flag and heard the national anthem, I was very emotional. Also, beside me on the right, there was a Chinese player and on the left was also a Chinese player, that was a very rare case.

What happened to you after the ceremony?

I received so many congratulatory messages and had so many interviews, I became super busy.

Arriving home, it was amazing; from the airport, in the streets, everywhere people recognised me and were saying hello.

Also, everyone showed great admiration, I felt I had become

a very famous person in Korea because I was a table tennis player. I was very happy and very proud of myself.

How did winning gold change your life?

Firstly, I gained confidence and began to believe that I could achieve whatever, despite the difficulties.

Secondly, I was able to get the role of representing my sport, becoming a member of the International Olympic Committee amongst many other recognitions; it changed the momentum of my life.

You had a very short haircut, was that deliberate? Yes, because I thought that having short hair showed I was ready to participate in the

Olympic Games, but who knows, in table tennis, we can win or lose a match by just two points.

My short hair was symbol of showing my character and representing the fact I was prepared.

Vote of thanks

I thank my coach, my teammates, my family, friends and fans who supported me in my very lonely life as an athlete.

Always I emphasise the fact professional athletes take a decision to follow a lonely life. Every single day we practise hard and dedicate ourselves to become the top in our sport. I am deeply thankful for those who supported me in the long journey of my sports career.

ABOVE Silver for Wang Hao, it was to be same again in Beijing and London.

RIGHT

The sweet taste of gold

Forward Thinking

The largest fully covered arena in East Africa, the BK Arena in the Rwandan capital city of Kigali, proved a splendid venue in May for the 2024 ITTF Africa Cup, followed immediately by the ITTF Africa Olympic Qualification tournament.

A 10,000-seater capacity, ideal for hosting concerts, exhibitions, sporting events or whatever, state-of-the-art facilities, the man behind the initiative was John Birungi.

Elected President of the Rwanda Table Tennis Feder-

RIGHT

The Master of Ceremonies

BELOW

President of Vision Football Club

ation in October 2017, since 2021 he has been Executive Vice President of the African Table Tennis Federation with responsibilities for media and public relations.

Hailing from a large family, born in the Ugandan city of

NOW OUR GOAL IS TO HOST SUCH EVENTS; RWANDA IS CLEAN, SECURE, ORGANISED, AND PERHAPS THE COUNTRY WITH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE IN AFRICA. IT IS A NATION OF VERY HUMBLE PEOPLE AND WELCOMES ALL FOREIGNERS

Kampala, married with five children, nine brothers and seven sisters, the 47-year-old possesses a master’s degree in finance as well as a bachelor’s degree in Quantitave Economics. Furthermore, he speaks no less than seven languages: English, Kinyarwanda, Swahili, French, and the three Ugandan languages, Luganda, Rukiga and Tutoro.

A man of many talents, having competed semi-professionally, he continues to play table tennis and when the racket is not in his hand, he is the President of the Vision Football Club, after 12 years of trying and just falling short, recently the club was promoted to the top division of the Rwandan Football League.

Dedicated to promoting sport, the organiser of many table tennis tournaments within Rwanda, Birungi is determined to raise standards and prove that his country can stage major events and match the best.

“I have attended table tennis events such as the 2017 World Championships in Düsseldorf, the 2021 World Championships in Houston, the 2018 Africa Club Championships in Lagos, the Africa Cup in Mauritius 2020, as well as the 2023 Africa Cup in Tunisia”, explained Birungi. “Now our goal is to host such events; Rwanda is clean, secure, organised, and perhaps the country with the most beautiful landscape in Africa. It is a nation of very humble people and welcomes all foreigners.”

Notably, finding suitable venues for major international

LEFT

Khalid El-Salhy, President of the African Table Tennis Federation addressed those present at the opening ceremony

TOP CENTRE

The splendid arena

LOWER CENTRE

The exuberance of youth

RIGHT

Local culture was a feature of the opening ceremony

WE MANAGED TO GET MORE THAN 2,000 YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH THE DOOR TO WATCH THE MATCHES; ALMOST EVERYDAY THERE WAS INCREASING AWARENESS, THERE WAS A GOOD AMBIENCE IN THE ARENA

tournaments is not a major headache.

“Rwanda is developing, there is government investment in sports’ infrastructures like the BK Arena, the Kigali International Conference Center, the Intare Arena and the brand-new Amahoro Stadium”, stressed Birungi. “The

main challenge is funding, corporate sponsors are not readily available, the game still needs to be promoted to stakeholders and sponsors; our main financial support comes from the government and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.”

Assistance both financial and

technical from the International Table Tennis Federation and the African Table Tennis Federation in addition to the Rwandan government, made the recent tournaments possible; the result a venture of which Birungi was justly proud.

“We managed to get more

than 2,000 young people through the door to watch the matches; almost everyday there was increasing awareness, there was a good ambience in the arena”, stressed Birungi. “We had coverage on the top five media channels, both television and radio covered the event; also, we managed to get into the continental and global media market through SuperSport, the number one sports television network in Africa; additionally, the matches were live streamed globally through the ITTF Media office.”

Undoubtedly, a successful initiative; most importantly, one from which ev-

eryone learnt and from which Rwanda can now build.

“A main lesson was that such tournaments need a lot of preparation and a lot of organisation”, stressed Birungi. “Financial support is paramount; spectatorship is key as well. Media is very important! One needs solid human capacity, people who know and have organised such events before to complement a young team that’s learning.”

There are steps to climb but one fact is clear, Birungi injects enthusiasm; furthermore, if premises of a high

level are available, surely half the battle is won, Rwanda can look forward in positive fashion.

“Hosting international tournaments will improve the professional level of table tennis; players will practise and prepare for such events; through the media, awareness of table tennis will be increased, more spectators will attend”, explained Birungi. “Also, participation can be increased by introducing programmes to include young people from schools and community centres.”

Furthermore, the whole African con- u

HOSTING INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS WILL IMPROVE THE PROFESSIONAL LEVEL OF TABLE TENNIS; PLAYERS WILL PRACTISE AND PREPARE FOR SUCH EVENTS; THROUGH THE MEDIA, AWARENESS OF TABLE TENNIS WILL BE INCREASED, MORE SPECTATORS WILL ATTEND

tinent benefits, Egypt, Nigeria and Tunisia are no strangers to staging international events, now can the efforts in Rwanda persuade others to join the party?

“I encourage Federation Presidents to lobby their various governments for support, engage youth through schools, pursue corporate sponsors”, stressed Birungi. “We were delighted to receive players from 14 countries, we are grateful for their support.”

A successful venture concluded but Birungi will not sit on his laurels, he is ambitious.

“We would like to host the Table Tennis World Cup and then the World Championships”, he stressed.

Significantly, there is a most ambi-

tious project in the offing, a full-time training centre in Kigali.

“Playing facilities are a very important pillar of the Rwanda Table Tennis Federation and in any form of sports development; we need a place where only table tennis is played and is played 24 hours, seven days a week, where people can always come and play; that’s why we have developed the project”, explained Birungi. “It’s also important to have a venue where we can host smaller tournaments and increase awareness and competition of table tennis in Rwanda and the broader East African region.”

Ambitious, Birungi also harbours the concept of further halls being included for other indoor sports; for table tennis he envisages space for

10 tables, a seating 1,000 spectators plus all necessary amenities.

“Many people in Rwanda would like to play table tennis and have their kids take it on as a sport but there is no place ready to get training and learn in order to develop the game”, explained Birungi. “At the moment most clubs in Rwanda are based in schools or community centres; so, we really need a centre; then we can bring professional coaches to conduct training camps for the youth and also encourage older people to play, enjoy the game in order to maintain good mental and physical health.”

A good case study to validate the thesis for the planned Kigali Table Tennis Center is the “Beau Bassin Table Tennis Center” in Mauritius, which has propelled the country to being among the top five in Africa in less than 10-years.

Far seeing and it is more than a dream, the reason stares you in the face: John Birungi will make things happen, a man of ambition, a man of his word.

LEFT

John Birungi left welcomes right Wang Xuekun, the Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda

The Kigali Table Tennis Centre Project

For Fun and Ambition

Bronze medallist at the Rome 2024 World Masters, one year earlier gold in Muscat and silver at the European version, the success rate achieved by Niels Ramberg is one with which few players of advancing years can compare.

Eligible to compete in 1986 when reaching the venerable 40 years of age mark, taking both tournaments into consideration, he has 31 medals in his locker.

One of the reasons for the success rate is that he is in the minority. He is one of the few players who competes in veteran tournaments and has played at high international level.

“At the 2023 European Veteran Championships I played Wilfried Lieck in the men’s singles 75 years final”, explained Ramberg. “I believe we were the only players competing in Sandefjord with former European rankings.”

An international career that spanned well over a decade, Ramberg is not the only family member to have achieved table tennis success. He has an elder sister, Lis, she works as a language professor teaching English and French, even though now 81 years old. She was the Danish champion from 1960 to 1965 and Nordic champion in 1965; later she turned her attentions to tennis.

Meanwhile, Ramberg represented Denmark on no less than 172 occasions, his World Championships debut being in 1965 in Utrecht, his farewell in 1977 in Birmingham.

“I think my biggest win was at the 1967 World Championships in Stockholm, the year the Swaythling Club International was formed”, reflected Ramberg. “I beat Istvan Jonyer, Janos Börzei and Peter Rozsas in a 5-2 win against Hungary.”

Success against leading names from a bygone era; more recently he beat a bright young Danish prospect who in 2023 underlined his undoubted potential by winning the men’s singles title at the WTT Feeder Olomouc tournament.

“Many many years later, I believe 2010, I beat Anders Lind; he was 11 years old, I was 64 years of age”, smiled Ramberg. “Anders was

up 7-4 in the fifth before I managed to win, he was not pleased!

A result to remember or to forget, just depends on which end of the table you were standing; the match is certainly embedded in the mind of Ramberg, as are illustrious names of days now long since passed.

“Victor Barna saw me play, he recommended me to Richard Bergmann who hired me for his circus; I played for two months at breaks of play during Harlem Globetrotters basketball matches”, recalled Ramberg.

“In 1966, I was offered a con tract extension for another two months and then for seven months in South America, I de clined and chose my future as a lawyer.”

Undoubtedly it was a difficult decision, huge crowds, live televi sion, the Harlem Globetrotters, the great entertainers, presented a show not to be missed. Mem orably, they plied their skills to the sound of “Sweet Georgia Brown”, a certain Meadowlark Lemon, the clown prince, the star.

When I played for the national team, there was no money in table tennis, we were pure amateurs; we played for fun and ambition, not for money, we still do, all good friends.

Rubbing shoulders with celebrated names; it was the same in Ramberg’s profession.

“I represented members of the Danish football team in the 1980s, such notables as Michael Laudrup and Morten Olsen”, explained Ramberg. “I qualified for the High Court after a successful win in an intellectual rights case.”

However, for Ramberg it is the table tennis players of the 1960s era, which remain uppermost in his mind.

“I am proud to say, that I had close and very friendly relationships with the most famous players of all time”, reminisced Ramberg. “I attended many training camps with the Swedes, Hans Alser, Kjell and Christer Johansson in addition to Stellan Bengtsson, it lifted my standard.” Celebrated names but of course the life of a sporting per-

sonality is relatively short; understandably for Ramberg, international play in the twilight, the legal route was the option.

“After 15 years in the national team I thought that my table tennis career was over, and I would concentrate on my work as a lawyer but then Horst Maack from Ramsharde in Flensburg called”, explained Ramberg. “It led to 25 years playing in the German League.”

The decision to play in Germany meant he was competing at a high level when eligible for veteran events.

“I found playing in the World and European Veteran Championships amazing, I met so many friends from my international career and from playing in Germany”, continued Ramberg. “Always I do my best when playing but the main reason is to meet old friends.”

In particular, Ramberg has a close friendship with Dieter Jürgens.

“Always, he asks me: Wie geht es dir? Gut, sage ich. Oh schade, sagt er dann”, said Ramberg. Translated Jürgens

has asked Ramberg is he well; Ramberg has answered “yes”; Jürgens responds: “that’s a shame.”

Quite simply Ramberg continues to compete because he enjoys playing table tennis, a situation that was the same throughout his international career.

“When I played for the national team, there was no money in table tennis, we were pure amateurs”, added Ramberg. “We played for fun and ambition, not for money, we still do, all good friends.”

Times change, the phrase “professional table tennis player” is ever more in evidence, a phrase never uttered when Ramberg was in his prime.

“The best young players only play when offered money”, he continued. “They also have ambitions to win medals but without money they don’t show.”

At World and European Veteran Championships, there is no prize money, it does not matter what you achieve or what you may have achieved, there is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

FAR LEFT

In 1969 Niels Ramberg toured English holiday camps with Richard Bergmann; the photograph was taken just a few months before Bergmann passed away in 1970

NEAR LEFT

Bronze was the medal colour in both men’s singles and men’s doubles at the World Masters in Rome

MEDAL COUNT

World Veteran Championships

1996 Lillehammer

Men’s singles 50 years: bronze

Men’s doubles 50 years: bronze (Niels Poulsen)

2000 Vancouver

Men’s doubles 50 years: bronze (Claus Biehl)

2002 Lucerne

Men’s doubles 50 years: bronze (Freddy Hansen)

2004 Yokohama

Men’s doubles 50 years: bronze (Rein Lindmae)

2006 Bremen

Men’s singles 60 years: bronze

2008 Rio de Janeiro

Men’s singles 60 years: silver

Men’s doubles 60 years: gold (Claus Pedersen)

2012 Stockholm

Men’s doubles 60 years: bronze (Claus Pedersen)

2016 Alicante

Men’s singles 70 years: gold

2023 Muscat

Men’s singles 75 years: gold

Men’s doubles 75 years: bronze (Herbert Neubauer)

2024 Rome (Masters)

Men’s singles 75 years: bronze

Men’s doubles 75 years: bronze (Erling Nielsen)

European Veteran Championships

1995 Vienna

Men’s doubles 40 years: bronze (Claus Pedersen)

1997 Prague

Men’s doubles 50 years: bronze (Jaroslav Kunz)

1999 Malmö

Men’s singles 50 years: bronze

2003 Courmayeur

Men’s doubles 50 years: gold (Claus Pedersen)

2007 Rotterdam

Men’s singles 60 years: bronze

Men’s doubles 60 years: bronze (Herbert Neubauer)

2009 Porec

Men’s singles 60 years: bronze

2011 Liberec

Men’s singles 65 years: silver

Men’s doubles 65 years: silver (Claus Pedersen)

National Titles

2013 Bremen

Men’s singles 65 years: silver

Men’s doubles 65 years: gold (Claus Pedersen)

2015 Tampere

Men’s doubles 65 years: gold (Claus Pedersen)

2017 Helsingborg

Men’s singles 70 years: bronze

Men’s doubles 70 years: silver (Erling Nielsen)

2019 Budapest

Men’s singles 70 years: bronze

2022 Rimini

Men’s singles 75 years: gold

Men’s doubles: gold (Claus Pedersen)

2023 Sandefjord

Men’s singles 75 years: silver

Between 1960, when winning the cadet boys’ singles, until 2024 when in the 75 years category emerging the men’s singles, men’s doubles (Erling Nielsen) and mixed doubles (Else Marie Vedel) gold medallist, Niels Ramberg has won 101 national titles u

“Liang Geliang, Mikael Appelgren and Jörgen Persson have all played, perhaps they received some support from private sponsors or equipment companies, but costs have risen, I doubt we are likely to see such star names in the future”, stressed Ramberg. “Television covers senior golf tournaments, but only with the top 50 players not 5,000; either a new event with the top 50 veterans, named “Masters” and televised could be an option; would the likes of Timo Boll, Vladimir Samsonov, Jan-Ove Waldner and others be encouraged to play?”

Is the ITTF Legends Tour promoted several years ago by Philippe Saive an option? It attracted such names as elder brother Jean-Michel, Jan-Ove Waldner, Jiang Jialiang, Jörgen Persson and Jörg Rosskopf.

Using the word “Masters” which replaces “Veteran” for the 2024 World event in Rome, is one which Ramberg finds misleading.

“The vast majority who play are anything but masters; they don’t claim to be masters”, stressed Ramberg. “However, a regular player would find it interesting to have an opportunity to have a chance to play an “idol”, and they love to watch the full house of finals.”

The word “Masters” opens a can of worms. In golf for veterans the word “Senior” is used, the “Masters” is held every year in Augusta is for the very elite, one of the most famous sporting events of all. Conversely, in table tennis, “Senior” tends to be merely a distinction from junior, in tennis veteran events are “Masters”, but again it is confusing as “Masters”, the elite names, do not attend.

Tradition runs deep in ageing bones, whatever the title very much Ramberg wishes to stay with status quo, a tournament that anyone who fulfils the age requirement may enter, one in which competition and conviviality are of equal importance. Rome 2024 maintained the tradition.

“One week is enough, the system of Monday, Tuesday for groups and Wednesday for a break, is fine for most, I don’t think replacing the free day with mixed doubles is good, most players want a day off; in Oman the mixed doubles was rather like a consolation event”, continued Ramberg. “In Rome we had a full house, do we really have time for mixed doubles? Also, I think we should look at the 90 years and over category, best of three is enough.”

Food for thought from a player, who is one of the great supporters of veteran events. Resident in Virum, some 15 kilometres north of Copenhagen, he has played in 14 World Veteran Championships and in every European Veteran Championships since the very first in 1995 in Vienna.

He has his finger on the pulse, his opinions may not suit all but he has the experience; above all else his support for veteran events is beyond recrimination, the commitment speaks for itself.

A Clear Mind

Winning any tournament is always a rewarding outcome, winning when the event is of continental significance is even more fulfilling; then add the fact you were a last-minute replacement, not seeded, the sense of satisfaction is complete.

Such was the achievement of Canada’s Edward Ly earlier this year in January when he secured the men’s title at the 2024 Pan American Cup in Corpus Christi.

“At first, I wasn’t supposed to participate in the Pan-Am Cup; however, a few weeks before the event, I received news I would be replacing someone who had pulled out”, explained Ly. “I went there expecting nothing but to play my game; no coach, I had to be very disciplined, create my own strategies and motivation before each match; training was the same as usual. There was also a WTT Feeder event before the Pan-Am Cup at the same venue, which helped as well.”

Every situation faced, added to the surprise element and level of accomplishment. At the immediately preceding WTT Feeder Corpus Christi 2024 tournament, he had not progressed to the main draw, losing in the second preliminary round to Slovenia’s Deni Kozul in straight games.

I went there expecting nothing but to play my game; no coach, I had to be very disciplined, create my own strategies and motivation before each match. training was the same as usual

The prognosis was not good, but the Pan-Am Cup was to witness a total reverse of fortunes. Ly surrendered just one game en route to the title; that being against Puerto Rico’s Daniel Gonzalez at the semi-final stage.

Earlier he had beaten Cuba’s Andy Pereira and Brazil’s

A proud moment for Edward Ly, success against the odds at the Pan American Cup in Corpus Christi u

Vitor Ishiy in straight games before handing out the same punishment in the final when opposing Chile’s Nicolas Burgos. Wins against those names underlined the level of achievement, Burgos was the top seed, Pereira next in line.

Overcoming Andy Pereira set the tone, now 35 years of age, he is one of the more experienced players on the international scene and most certainly one of the most powerful when executing his lethal forehand top spin.

“Coming into the match, I knew he was a tough opponent. Recently, he had reached the men’s singles final at the Pan Am Games, I approached the match quite relaxed”, explained Ly. “I had a good strategy, winning the first two games gave me a lot of confidence; it was a big confidence boost, but I knew there was still a long way to go to win the title.”

According to status a surprise win and therein lies a danger, time and again after an unexpected success, the next round witnesses a fall from grace. In the case of Ly, there was no such pitfall, one of the major reasons undoubtedly being that he possessed a clear mind.

“I believe my mentality going into each match, along with my serves, was at the highest level”, stressed Ly. “I made very good decisions at every tight moment and used my forehand effectively; my legs were moving well, and luck was on my side this time.”

Luck, you make your own luck; practise hard, prepare better than anyone else in the tournament and you have

To be very honest, I was more shocked than emotionally happy, I couldn’t believe what had just happened; winning the Continental Cup while dropping only one game is something that nobody in the world could have imagined

a greater chance of good fortune. Ly was well prepared.

Starting in May 2023, he had been practising in the Chinese city of Hangzhou; a cauldron of excellence where he was able to play in club leagues and tournaments. Thus, resulting from his time in China, he was not overawed by the Corpus Christi environment but, at the start of the tournament, his name was not on everyone’s lips as a potential winner, it was when play concluded! For Ly he was in another world.

“The moment when the winner’s trophy was given to me was surreal”, reflected Ly. “To be very honest, I was more shocked than emotionally happy, I couldn’t believe what had just happened; winning the Continental Cup while dropping only one game is something that nobody in the world could have imagined!”

Success in Corpus Christi meant qualification for the Men’s World Cup in Macao, where in the initial phase Ly

TOP LEFT

WTT Singapore Smash

TOP RIGHT

WTT Saudi Smash

BELOW

WTT Champions Chongqing

In action at World Table Tennis tournaments during the first six months of the year.

beat Australia’s Aditya Sareen before a certain Ma Long, the eventual winner, ended adventures.

“Playing against Ma Long, I was feeling quite confident until he approached me to shake my hand before the match”, recalled Ly. “From that moment, I became extremely nervous, realising the magnitude of the spectators and fans I was playing in front of; it was an unforgettable experience.”

Whatever, Ly achieves in the future, or whoever he may play against, facing Ma Long will always remain strong in the memory, a very special occasion.

“It was a great privilege, he is the GOAT of our sport”, continued Ly. “I believe he will retire after the Olympic Games in Paris, so it was a great opportunity to compete against him before his retirement.”

A tough draw to say the least, in the ensuing Smash tournaments, for Ly, that scenario continued, opening round defeats against most worthy adversaries. In March in Singapore, he was beaten by Sweden’s Anton Källberg, in May in Saudi Arabia by Japan’s Shunsuke Togami.

“These players always took risks from the first point of the match, they adapted to unexpected situations”, explained Ly. “I realise from those matches I need to focus on improving my backhand and taking more risks to stand a chance. My mental preparation could be better; I need to have more belief in my ability to compete against such opponents.”

Defeat when facing a prominent name, it was the same some six months earlier in the men’s singles event at the

Date of Birth: 29th January 2003

Residence: Lachine, Quebec, Canada

Family: parents David Ly and Emily Xiao; brother Kenny Ly

Education: preparing for university

Languages: English, French and Mandarin

Table Tennis Club: Ly Table Tennis Academy

Coach: Maxime Surprenant, He Keyi, David Ly

Racket Blade: Butterfly Viscaria Super ALC FL

Forehand Rubber: Butterfly Dignics 09C

Backhand Rubber: Butterfly Dignics 05

Commercial Sponsors: Nova and Barrage Capital Interests: watching animal documentaries, studying finance. Superstitions: none really but before matches I like to listen to music and some of my most important wins

2023 Pan American Games staged in late October and early November. However, there was a silver lining, Ly was beaten in the second round by Brazil’s Hugo Calderano, the champion elect, interviewed several days after the tournament, when having time to reflect, Calderano identified Ly as his toughest opponent.

“Hugo is the most athletic table tennis player I know, his serves are very strong, and his strokes explosive”, recalled Ly. “In the first two games, I felt that all his serves had more quality and speed compared to the last time I played against him, his follow-up shots left me with no chance; his backhand is particularly formidable, and mentally, he is very strong.”

Ly lost in five games, winning the third, adjusting and bring the best out of the Brazilian.

“The match score was two-one in his favour and 7-6 for me”, sighed Ly. “I had an opportunity, but I fell on the

ground while playing my stroke and couldn’t recover for the next one; after losing this point, I knew any chance became much slimmer, he built up momentum, there was less pressure on his side.”

Against the likes of Calderano, he was playing at the highest level, the fact he had reached such a level and proved highly competitive was not a reason for first playing the sport.

“My doctor and my family encouraged me; I had asthma so the doctor told me I should play a sport” explained Ly. “I began playing table tennis for the first time in my garage on an all-purpose worktable with my dad when I was eight years old.”

Family support, as is often the situation, proved a major source of motivation.

“My cousin, Li Quan Ly, used to be in the Cana dian national team, I would watch her matches when I was very young; however, I didn’t have any passion or feelings towards table tennis at that time”, reminisced Ly. “In my first year of ele mentary school, a friend gave me a table tennis ball, and we played with it; that’s when I started to develop an inter est in table tennis.”

TOP LEFT

Supported by Butterly for nine years

TOP RIGHT

BELOW

Edward Ly competed in the ITTF World Cadet Challenge in 2016, 2017, 2018

Gradually, table tennis became the chosen option, Ly enjoyed his first success locally in Quebec in 2012 when nine years old, before at the national championships winning the under 15 boys’ singles title in 2018, followed by success in the under 19 age group in 2021.

Nowadays, he practises six days a week, some four to five hours each day, a normal day involving a balance of multi-ball, serve and receive in addition to physical

Dedicated, a young man with a clear mind as to what is needed to succeed; equally he is aware that support

“I would like to express my gratitude to my family, coaches, federation, and all the supporters worldwide who have been with me since the beginning”, concluded Ly. “Alongside Butterfly who has sponsored me now for nine years, my special thanks to my sponsors Nova Marketing Group Inc., the creators of Canadian Address Validation software nCode and Barrage Capital. Without all of you, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank you for your unwavering sup-

A busy six months, competing at the highest level, he has achieved and learnt; he has made progress but above all there is a greater sense of self-belief, vital for what could well witness even greater heights being achieved.

The Ly Table Tennis Academy left to right Yves Surprenant, Maxime Surprenant, Edward Ly, Tommy Xu, Zhao Ziwei, Wenbin Zhang)

Aiming High

Staged in late April in the Chilean capital city of Santiago, very much the name to note at the 2024 South American Youth Championships was that of Leonardo Iizuka.

He led Brazil to success in the under 19 boys’ team event before, in the same age group partnering Beatriz Correia to mixed doubles gold. Later he concluded proceedings by securing the boys’ singles top prize. The only title to elude the clutches of the young man from Săo Paulo was

the boys’ doubles; partnering Lucas Romanski, runners up spot was the end result.

“I really wanted to win because my past results in continental tournaments weren’t the results I wanted, so it was good for me”, reflected Iizuka. “It was one of my very best performances in a continental tournament. I felt confident, I was well prepared and felt at ease.”

Disappointed with past continental results, a very modest

It was one of my very best performances in a continental tournament. I felt confident, I was well prepared and felt at ease

assessment; most importantly, the reaction underlines the high standards Iizuka sets himself; the vast majority would have been delighted to have recorded such prior performances!

In September 2021 he won the under 15 boys’ singles title at the ITTF Pan American Youth Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and thus reserved a place in the ITTF World Youth Championships held later in the year in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.

Furthermore, one year later at the South American Youth Games in Paraguay, alongside Henrique Noguti, Giulia Takahashi and Laura Watanabe, he guided Brazil to mixed team success prior to winning the boys’ singles event. u

Notable wins in 2022 but it was the following year when he shone. He enjoyed outstanding success at WTT Youth Contender tournaments. Memorably, he won the under 19 boys’ singles in both Rosario (Argentina) and Senec (Slovakia); additionally, he prevailed in the under 17 boys’ singles in Szombathely (Hungary). Impressive but the most impressive of all was in Charleston (United States), he claimed the top prize in both age groups.

“Rosario was very nice, because it was immediately before the South American Youth Championships, so many Brazilians were there supporting me”, reminisced Iizuka.

“Charleston was special because I won both boys’ singles titles, as well as the under 19 mixed doubles partnering Giulia Takahashi; I was able to maintain a good standard throughout the whole tournament.”

Titles on the American continent, it was the same when he travelled to compete in Europe, wins that had a very special significance.

“I went to Hungary and Slovakia alone, no coach and no other players from Brazil, so that was a big challenge”,

stressed Iizuka.“Every win for me was good, I was able to beat good players.”

Travelling alone and winning is significant, time and

Charleston was special because I won both boys’ singles titles, as well as the under 19 mixed doubles partnering Giulia Takahashi; I was able to maintain a good standard throughout the whole tournament

again very young players emerge but rely too heavily on a coach sitting in the corner; in fact, too much advice can muddle the mind. In the words of Vladimir Samsonov: “I just want someone I can look at who wants me to win; I can’t suddenly change my style and become a defender!”

Considering the fact Iizuka is prepared to travel with no adviser, thinking for himself, is a most positive sign.

Date of Birth: 7th April 2006

Residence: Săo Paulo, Brazil

Family: parents, Ilson Jorge and Sonia Emy Tsuda, sister Monise Yukari

Languages: Portuguese, English and Spanish

Table Tennis Clubs: TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen, Team

Mancini and Itaim Keiko

Coaches: Eric de Araújo Mancini, Bogdan Pugna

Racket Blade: Viscaria FL

Forehand Rubber: Dignics 09C

Backhand Rubber: Dignics 09C

Sponsor: Butterfly

Other Interests: fishing, spend time with my friends

Success at youth level but of course such results have to be put in perspective; they are a guide, a stepping stone to senior status. At the WTT Contender Rio de Janeiro 2024 in late May, Iizuka recorded a notable opening round win against Frenchman Can Akkuzu, now 27 years old, a player of considerable experience.

“I already knew he was a very strong player; I had played against him earlier this year in March, in the second round of the main draw at the WTT Feeder tournament in Oto cec, Slovenia; I lost three-one but I felt I played a good game”, reflected Iizuka.

“In Rio de Janeiro I felt very good, I had the impression that I had raised my level, even though he had more experience and he was a higher standard than me, I felt that I could play a great match; these factors gave me confidence that I could play better than the last time we met and I could win.”

A most creditable win, at the time Ak kuzu was listed at no.102 on the ITTF Table Tennis Men’s World Ranking, Ii zuka at no.168; a place in the second round but that was the end of the journey, he was beaten by Shunsuke To gami, winner of the men’s singles title at

the 2022 All Japan National Championships.

“I knew Shunsuke Togami was a strong player, his world ranking was 20, it was the first time I had the opportunity to play against such a high-level player, so for me it was something very different”, reflected Iizuka. “I put in my mind that from the beginning I must take a lot of risks, I was missing a lot and that was the most important part of the match, because of my mistakes he did not need to do too much to win, he was very comfortable throughout the whole match.”

There was to be no sensational win, but it is from defeat, from making mistakes that you learn.

“I need to keep working hard and get more experience, play against strong players so I can understand better the way to play, it’s something I have started to do more this year because last year I just played in only one WTT Contender tournament”, explained Iizuka. “I have already played three WTT tournaments this year, so I’m having more opportunities to learn and get more experience at senior level.”

FACING

A full house of titles in Charleston in 2023 including the mixed doubles partnering Giulia Takahashi

ABOVE

The under 17 boys’ singles winner in Szombathely LEFT

In 2013 when seven years old, the winner at the Brazil Intercolonial Championships

Additional to Senec and Rio de Janeiro, prior to the end of June, Iizuka was on duty in Mendoza, Argentina; every such tournament adds to his bank of knowledge as does the opportunity afforded to practise at TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen in Germany, the club where compatriot Hugo Calderano plies his skills.

“Hugo has motivated me a lot; the fact that one day I can be in the same national team playing alongside someone like him, one of the best players in the world and the best player ever in Brazil, is something that motivates me a lot”, stressed Iizuka. “Having Hugo as a member of the team in Germany is also very important, as he is Brazilian, it helps alleviate homesickness.”

The German experience commenced in 2022 when he practised at ASV Grünwettersbach, playing for TTC OE Bad Homburg. Later in the second half of the year he represented TTC Bietigheim-Bissingen e.V; the major change being that he attended training sessions in Ochsenhausen, a situation that continues to the pres-

ent day. In 2023 he continued to represent TTC Bietigheim-Bissingen e.V. before later joining Tv Leiselheim Abt. Tischtennis, the club he has represented in the early months of 2024.

ABOVE LEFT

Alongside mentor Eric Mancini

ABOVE CENTRE

Gold at the 2013 South American Championships when 11 years old

ABOVE RIGHT

The Iizuka family left to right Monise, Sonia, Ilson, Leonardo

BELOW RIGHT

Hugo Calderano, a player for whom Iizuka has the greatest respect

Now, the new season beckoning, he will be the fourth player for Ochsenhausen in the first division of the German Bundesliga.

“As it is a centre where there are high-level training partners, I can enjoy the experience and feel that I can increasingly improve my table tennis, the coaches also help me a lot with useful instructions for my development”, added Iizuka. “The environment is very professional and has a friendly atmosphere but at the same time total effort is demanded from every player.”

Practising in southern Germany is a far cry from when the journey began in Brazil’s most populous city.

“I started playing when I was four years old, I liked playing with balls and rackets, my father had a table tennis racket, I was encouraged by my parents”, explained Iizuka. “Local coaches realised I had potential; I went to the Itaim Keiko club twice a week, I won the La Liga Nippon tournament.”

Success at an early age in a Săo Paulo state

Hugo has motivated me a lot; the fact that one day I can be in the same national team playing alongside someone like him, one of the best players in the world and the best player ever in Brazil, is something that motivates me a lot

competition for nine-year-olds, Iizuka was eight years of age and had clearly benefitted from the expertise available at Itaim Keiko, a highly re spected club in S under the direction of Marcos Yamada; cur rently it is where Cazuo Matsumoto and Jessica Yamada conduct a wide range of coaching ses sions.

Now, since those days, life in the training hall is more intense.

“When I’m home in Brazil, I practise six days per week, two sessions per day, each three hours”, explained Iizuka. “I finished high school in 2023 so this year I’m fo cused on developing my table tennis, my plans are to go to college and com bine education with table tennis.”

A clear career path, education is vital,

sporting careers are relatively short, having qualifications, opportunities are widened when playing days are over; however, for the immediate future the focus is on table tennis.

“In the next two years my goals are to win the under 19 boys’ singles title at the Pan American Youth Championships, gain a medal at the World Youth Championships, improve my world ranking and gain a place in the national senior team”, stressed Iizuka.

Ambitious, the attitude is to be applauded, recent results suggest the targets are more than realistic; he is aware of the level of dedication needed and well aware that he has a strong support

“I thank God first, my family because they’re my biggest supporters, my coaches Eric Mancini, Bogdan Pugna, Francisco Arado and Marcos Yamada, they are always helping me; my thanks to my sponsor Butterfly and the Brazilian Table Tennis Confederation”, concluded Iizuka.

All the factors are in place, first class training facilities, high level competition, strong local support; for Leonardo Iizuka, there is a window of opportunity, the door is open, be bold, aim high.

Something Special

Name the most unexpected international winner of the year to date, high on the list would be Lucia Zavaleta; not seeded, only 16 years old, in late April she won the women’s singles title at the Central American Championships in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador.

The teenager is from Costa Rica, a country of outstanding natural beauty but, with the greatest of respect, not renowned for producing sporting champions, a quarterfinal appearance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup being a quite remarkable achievement.

Furthermore, the practice schedule for a player succeeding at such a level is somewhat limited; all the factors add to the surprise element.

“I practise between three and four hours, twice a week if I’m motivated; that’s because it’s quite difficult for me, it’s a two-hour journey, sometimes even more”, stressed Zavaleta.

Equally, Zavaleta has the problem which faces many teenagers, she must combine practice with school and education.

I practise between three and four hours, twice a week if I’m motivated; that’s because it’s quite difficult for me, it’s a two-hour journey, sometimes even more

“Table tennis is not everything in my life, I am at high school, so I have homework, projects, and exams, if I go to practise I get back home quite late and I can’t sleep because I have to do school things, it’s a bit trying”, stressed Zavaleta. “I lose a great deal of time just to go to practice, so returning home I must stay awake until 2.00 am or 3.00 am to finish my homework or study for exams; I wish I could practise more, if I had the chance, I would practise every day.”

LEFT The moment of victory at the Central American Championships u

Added to the time situation is when selected for the national team.

”On the occasions when I have tournaments out of Costa Rica, all the things that I couldn’t do in the time I am out, I only have three days to complete”, continued Zavaleta.

“I’m afraid there is a lack of support for athletes, there isn’t a budget for training abroad; travelling and competing are expensive and private coaches are expensive. Here the educational system isn’t as flexible as in other countries.”

Parents give support; equally Zavaleta is well aware that coaches, especially Jorge Reyes, have placed trust in her; furthermore, she has backing from the National Olympic

Committee and the Costa Rica Table Tennis Federation in addition to corporate sponsors.

“My thanks to the entire table tennis community in Costa Rica for all the support I’ve received”, said Zavaleta. “It is greatly appreciated.”

However, such support is only part of the package for any athlete who aims to compete at elite level.

“I need better conditions to increase my level of play”, continued Zavaleta. “I want to spend more time training; we are considering the option of playing abroad.”

Thus, taking all factors into account, the success gained

2024 Central American Championships

Monday 22nd – Saturday 27th April

San Salvador, El Salvador

Group

v Jenny Cux (GUA) 11,-6,-8,9,7

v Ana Magana (MEX) 8,9,3

Quarter-Final

Maria Araya (CRC) 7,4,7,7

Semi-Final

v Clio Barcenas (MEX) 11,-7,10,6,-3,5

Final

I’m afraid there is a lack of support for athletes, there isn’t a budget for training abroad; travelling and competing are expensive and private coaches are expensive

was quite outstanding and, in particular, a major boost for table tennis in Costa Rica.

Searching the table tennis annals, one must refer to the previous century to find a Costa Rican women’s singles winner at a Central American Championships. Records show that in 1976, Hilda Masis emerged victorious, followed immediately in the ensuing years by Silvia Con in

v Marbella Aceves (MEX) -9,-12,14,6,10,9 u

1977 and Ana Jiménez in 1978, since that date the cupboard is bare.

Zavaleta unlocked the door and filled the vacant space.

“In my mind, it seemed there was something different, I had a little bit more confidence in my play and I started to think that I could reach the semi-final but I couldn’t imagine going to the final”, reflected Zavaleta. “So, when I reached the final, it was very special to me; I’d never been in a final at international tournament, let alone in a senior tournament.”

ABOVE

En route to gold in San Salvador

Furthermore, as play began, the top prize seemed a far distant dream, she caused an upset but was severely tested. She beat Guatemala’s Jenny Cux, the fourth seed, but needed the full five games to secure the win.

“I felt very confident, but I tried to keep thinking just on this match and that I needed to keep going, maintain my form if I was to reach my goal”, reflected Zavaleta.

A full distance five games win in her opening match, in the main draw, the formula changed to best of seven games, safely through to the semi-final, a six games success in opposition to Mexico’s Clio Barcenas, the top seed, secured a place in the title decider.

“Playing Clio it was a mental battle, every point, every game I felt so nervous, every point was a long rally”, reflected Zavaleta. “I tried to keep calm but for me that was very difficult; in the end I think I kept my emotions in check.”

Hard fought success in the penultimate round, it was the same in the final when facing another Mexican, the fifth seed, Marbella Aceves, six games were needed to determine the outcome.

“Before the final I was really scared and nervous, I didn’t want to play badly, I was feeling very uncomfortable in

Playing Clio it was a mental battle, every point, every game I felt so nervous, every point was a long rally

myself, at times I really wanted to cry a little”, explained Zavaleta. “I’m a very emotional person, but I talked with my coach, he told me that everything was going to be fine; that changed my mindset, I took the approach that if I lost at least make sure I gave my best.”

Calming words but eventually, it was the sheer desire to do herself justice that proved vital in securing victory and writing her name into the history books of the long established tournament.

“The final was exhausting, the score was two-nil in favour of Marbella, at that point I said to myself that I was not going to lose, I had a chance to do something special and I was not going miss that chance”, stressed Zavaleta. “I think in the final my sheer determination to win was the most important factor.”

Rising to the occasion when the title was at stake; throughout, Zavaleta had responded in a very similar fashion from start to finish.

“My mindset was very important, but I think the physical aspect was the key, my body had the strength to enable me to continue playing consistently; that gave me a lot of confidence”, continued Zavaleta. “If you try and work for your dreams it’s possible, being on the podium was a goal but to reach first place was quite simply a dream; al-

Date of birth: 12th November 2007

Residence: Cartago, Costa Rica

Family: parents Carlos and Sandy, elder brother Carlos, younger brother Gabriel

Education: attends Liceo Bilingüe San Nicolás de Tolentino

Languages: Spanish, also speaks French and English

Table Tennis Club: Escazú

Coach: Mauricio Angulo at Club Escazú

Racket Blade: Butterfly Jun Mizutani Super ZLC (ST)

Forehand Rubber: Butterfly Dignics 09C (Red)

Backhand Rubber: Butterfly Tenergy 80 (Black)

Sponsors: Gym Blue Buffalo, Rafael Inclusive, Ibiza, Safe Travel Assistance

Current national titles: women’s singles, under 19 girls’ singles

Favourite player: Adriana Diaz is an inspiration; she has something different to offer, I have to discover what is different for me

Other interests: music fan especially Pop and the Rock, dancing

Favorites subjects at school: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics; also French which she has studied since being six years old

ways you must keep working hard to reach your goals.”

Goal achieved but most significantly, it was an experience from which Zavaleta was able to learn.

“The tournament taught me to be more confident with myself”, she said. “Looking back, I think I need to improve my first attack and block; also, I must focus on improving my serves.”

Undoubtedly, the teenager knows her own mind, the decision to play table tennis hers and hers alone.

“I started to play table tennis at school when eight years old”, she reflected. “The love for the table tennis came from myself, my father and brothers prefer soccer, my mother, basketball; so, it was my choice.”

If you try and work for your dreams it’s possible, being on the podium was a goal but to reach first place a dream; you must keep working hard to reach your goals

Rapid progress ensued, after playing for less than eight months she represented Costa Rica at the 2016 Latin American Championships in Lima. now, time to look ahead, the next step the ITTF Pan Am Championships in October.

“Make no mistake, I will continue working even harder to keep the Costa Rica flag flying high”, concluded Zavaleta.

At the ITTF Pan Am Championships she may well do just that, the host city, a favourite destination, San Salvador.

RIGHT

Time to celebrate

BORN & BRED

Announced in early June, Singapore’s Zhou Jingyi was confirmed as having gained a place in the table tennis competition at the forthcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the qualification resulting from her Asian ranking

At first glance, the fact Zhou Jingyi will appear in the women’s singles event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games may not appear in any guise unusual or of great significance, Singapore has competed at the quadrennial gathering ever since 1996 in Atlanta.

On that occasion, just one representative, Jin Jung Hong negotiated her way through an extensive preliminary group format to reach the main draw before losing to China’s Qiao Hong.

Later in 2008 in Beijing, Feng Tianwei, Li Jiawei and Wang Yuegu combined to win women’s team silver, prior to four years later in London being bronze medallists; additionally on that occasion, Feng Tianwei claimed women’s singles bronze.

The salient factor regarding those players is they were all born in China, the country where they learnt their skills; Zhou Jingyi is born and bred in Singapore, her progress results from a highly successful coaching programme developed in the island country.

She sets a first on two counts. At 19 years of age, she becomes the youngest ever Singapore-born female table tennis player to qualify for the Olympic Games and the first with such a heritage to compete in the women’s singles.

Only one other player, born in Singapore, has been on duty in the table tennis events at an Olympic Games; in 2004 in Athens, Tan Paey Fern competed in the women’s doubles, she partnered Zhang Xueling. The pair reached the fourth round (last 16) losing to eventual silver medallists, Korea Republic’s Lee Eunsil and Seok Eunmi.

Now 20 years later, the honour is graciously bestowed on Zhou Jingyi.

LEFT

A determined Zhou Jingyi, a familiar face at WTT tournaments; in 2023 she won the under 19 girls’ singles title in Antalya

ABOVE

Competing in the 2022 World Team Championships in Chengdu u

Competing in the Olympics has been my dream since the very first day I decided to play table tennis competitively; hence, for my first Olympic Games, I am very excited to see how things work on such a prestigious stage and just enjoy every moment”, said Zhou Jingyi. “I’m sure this will be another eye-opener for me; I’m just looking forward to making as many lifelong memories as I can, both on and off court.”

Whatever, Zhou Jingyi achieves in the future, she will always have the accolade of being an Olympian; it is a very special honour, recognition that you have skills in your chosen discipline that enables you to compete at the very highest level.

ABOVE

A moment to savour, women’s team gold at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games left to right Feng Tianwei, Wong Xin Ru, Zeng Jian and Zhou Jingyi

“My mindset for the Olympics is to focus on each match, gain experience and exposure on this unique stage”, added Zhou Jingyi. “I intend to approach my matches with the same mentality as in any other competition and to perform to the best of my abilities.”

Zhou Jingyi is no stranger to international competition; she is a familiar face at WTT tournaments.

“Over the past year, we’ve travelled extensively around the world preparing for the Olympics; it has been both physically and mentally exhausting, especially with an injury”, explained Zhou Jingyi. “However, I have been able to im-

prove significantly thanks to the many competition opportunities. Qualifying for the Olympics is incredibly meaningful to me, it has been my goal since day one.”

An awe-inspiring event awaits but the ambiance of the multi-sport competition is not new, alongside Feng Tianwei and Zeng Jian, Zhou Jingyi was a member of the Singaporean gold medal winning women’s team at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“Honestly, every moment on court was memorable, but the medal ceremony after winning the team event will definitely stay with me for as long as I live”, reminisced Zhou Jingyi. “I learnt a lot both on court and off court.

On court, I managed to compete against and learn from

stronger players; this helped me to improve and also inspired me, it boosted my confidence. Off court, I managed to make many new friends and learn from the different cultures from around the world.”

Honestly, every moment on court was memorable, but the medal ceremony after winning the team event will definitely stay with me for as long as I live

One major event concluded, the following month in late September she was on duty in yet another major tourna- u

ment, the World Team Championships in Chengdu, she lined up alongside Wong Xin Ru and Zeng Jian; a three-

My parents asked me to choose a sport, I decided to try out table tennis as I’d seen others playing and thought it was really intriguing; I started training at a sports hall near my house

two quarter-final defeat against Hong Kong ended adventures.

“In Chengdu, although the team lost in the quarter-fi-

nals, I felt that each one of us played our very best”, re flected Zhou Jingyi.

Benefitting from the experiences, the following year, Zhou Yingji won the under 19 girls’ singles title at the WTT Youth Contender Antalya tournament in Turkey, before at the South East Asia Games in Phnom Penh, being the women’s doubles runner up alongside Wong Xin Ru. Now it is the biggest stage of all for the girl who started to play table tennis when six years old.

“My parents asked me to choose a sport, I decided to try out table tennis as I’d seen others playing and thought it was really intriguing; I started training at a sports hall near my house”, explained Zhou Jingyi. “I won a local tournament for very young children; then when I was eight years old, I won the Crocodile Challenge Cup.”

An innovative programme, the Crocodile Challenge Cup introduces scores of children to the sport of table tennis; from that scheme, Zhou Jingyi progressed quickly.

“The first time I played for Singapore was the 2015 ITTF SET Thailand Junior and Cadet Open when I was 10 years old, I came third in the Hopes category”, added Zhou Jingyi.

Step by step Zhou Jingyi has climbed the international ladder, in addition to her talent, she has always enjoyed a very secure situation.

“Always, whatever the tournament, my mother has been my great supporter, my parents have been with me throughout all my ups and downs

ABOVE

In action against Romania in the group phase at the 2024 World Team Championships in Busan

since day one”, concluded Zhou Jingyi. “Then, there are my coaches, they have not only fulfilled the roles of coaching extremely well; also, they have had to take on the roles of being my guardian and friend. They have always been there to guide me, making sure that I always stayed focus and on the right path; their unwavering support and guidance are the greatest factors in contributing for me being who I am today as an athlete.”

Paris awaits, Zhou Jingyi will be present in the French capital alongside colleagues Izaac Quek and Zeng Jian; in early May they won the respective men’s singles and women’s singles titles at the South East Asia Regional Qualification tournament in Bangkok.

The First New Zealander

Set to accomplish a feat which no fellow countryman has achieved for almost half a century, when Matthew Britz lays racket on ball at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, it will be a landmark occasion not only for himself, also for his country.

Following success in November 2023 in Honiara, Solomon Islands, at the ITTF Oceania Para Championships, the 20year-old will become the first New Zealander to compete in the table tennis events at a Paralympic Games since Doug Moore in 1976, when the Canadian city of Toronto played host.

The respective achievements underline the progress Para sport has made in the intervening years. Also, Doug Moore competed in athletics, a situation that was not unusual at the time; going further back in time to 1968 in Stoke Mandeville, colleague Bill Flood, as well as being on duty in the table tennis arena, plied his skills in archery, athletics, bowls and fencing.

In Honiara, the New Zealand team, hearing them supporting me, really boosted my confidence; when I returned home, I felt like it was getting a new toy for Christmas

Nowadays such a scenario is unthinkable, it is a whole new world, for Britz he is entering a whole new world.

“It feels nothing short of a dream come true, since I first started playing table tennis, I've always wanted to play in a big tournament facing the best in the world, nothing beats the Paralympics”, explained Britz. “In Honiara, the New Zealand team, hearing them supporting me, really boosted my confidence; when I returned home, I felt like it was getting a new toy for Christmas!”

Throughout the first six months of this year, Britz has been a familiar face at international tournaments, a class 7 player, notably in January he reached the men’s singles’ quarter-finals in Corpus Christi. The result did not raise eyebrows, it was the fact he was even present in Texas that caused local media interest.

Check through the pages of results, you do not find players from Oceania competing in Para tournaments in the Americas! It’s distance of some 7,400 miles from Auckland to Houston, a tiring 14 hour flight and maybe more, a time difference of 17 hours; moreover, there was no need to improve his status to qualify for Paris by gaining

My disability affects my balance, speed, strength and reflexes, making them typically lower than an able-bodied person. In particular, it affects my legs when playing table tennis, you need strong legs to support yourself in a very high paced game

world ranking points, he was already qualified resulting from his win in Honiara.

“Well, we actually live here, we moved here to Texas, mainly because my dad got a job here, so we all decided to tag along”, said Britz. “So, yeah, we're pretty lucky to be here, especially to play in a tournament like this.”

Quite simply, he did not have to cross state borders and since that time has been able to practise against notable players from the United States; in particular the name of Tahl Leibovitz stands out, he won men’s singles class 7 at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games.

Britz was born with Bailey-Bloch congenital myopathy, also known as Native American Myopathy (NAM).

“My disability affects my balance, speed, strength and reflexes, making them typically lower than an able-bodied person”, he explained. “In particular, it affects my legs when playing table tennis, you need strong legs to support yourself in a very high paced game.”

Britz tried a whole range of sports, sailing, surfing, swimming, horse riding, climbing, wheelchair basketball, soccer and rugby. He dreamt of being an All-Black, a member if the celebrated rugby union team. Eventually table tennis was the option, he started playing at the New Plymouth Table Tennis Club, his mother driving him most weekends to Palmerston North to attend training camps at the Manawatu Table Tennis Club, the home for national Para training camps.

The taxi service provided by his mother was invaluable; always he received the greatest support from his family, he lists his father as having the greatest influence on his life.

“I grew up in Taranaki, I started playing table tennis when I was eight years old, but it wasn't until I was 13 years old that I came into Para table tennis”, reflected Britz. “I started to realise Para table tennis was more than a hobby. I never wanted to stop; now I practise twice a day, every day.”

Hours of practice were rewarded when he won men’s singles class 6-7 at the Oceania Para Championships.

“My goal was to win, getting my body in shape was the biggest thing I had to work on; I had played in two Oceania Para Championships, I had the experience, I understood the level I needed to reach to compete against my opponents”, explained Britz. “Winning in Honiara and earlier winning at the Para National Championships are the highlights of my career; looking back, recognising the growth in my skills and performances over the years has been most memorable.”

Success, much credit must go to his mentor, John Tuki, the President of the Counties Manukau Table Tennis Association, based in Auckland.

“Since discovering Matt as a 12-year-old boy playing at a country clubs’ event, I’ve seen him mature into a very strong and capable athlete, Matt’s ability to have a cool,

LEFT

A highly focused Matthew Britz RIGHT Alongside coach, John Tuki when only 13 years old u

calm and collected demeanour about him is very pleasing to see in such a young player”, said Tuki. “His passion, determination and commitment to the sport is what has defined him as the athlete he is today.”

Quite simply Britz and Tuki have a great deal of respect for each other; an essential factor in any such partnership.

“What makes Matthew a successful table tennis player is his dedication and positive attitude towards perfecting his skills within table tennis”, continued Tuki. “He always trains hard and is totally focused at becoming the best possible athlete he can be, Matt’s perseverance and ability to adapt, has made him into a very strong and capable Para athlete.”

A high work rate but to be successful in whatever dis-

He always trains hard and is totally focused at becoming the best possible athlete he can be, Matt’s perseverance and ability to adapt, has made him into a very strong and capable Para athlete

cipline, the mind must be in gear; just as with physical factors, the will to succeed impresses Tuki.

“Matthew has the nickname “The Silent Assassin” mentally he’s completely focused; he knows we are there to work”, added Tuki. “He shows his opponents no expressions, no stress, nothing phases him, when in the coaches’ corner, he doesn’t say a word, he just listens; this is definitely one of Matt’s greatest strengths as an athlete.”

Add all the elements together, the result is that Britz is able to compete at elite level but arguably more important is the effect Para table tennis has had on his life.

“Table tennis has impacted my life in many ways, it's taught me how to be comfortable in my own body, accepting who I am and what my body can and can't do”, stressed Britz. “I continue to carry this mindset both inside my sport and outside it as well.”

Wise words and wise words for any aspiring athlete.

“Believe in yourself, if there is a sport that you like and you think you can be good at it, do it”, he concluded. “The only person that can tell you no is you, so tell yourself yes and no one can stop you.”

Maybe Paris 2024 is too soon, but one wonders, how long will it be before we see a New Zealand table tennis player on the podium at a Paralympic Games? Britz has all the elements in place, now the task is to aim high, follow his own words, strive for the ultimate dream.

right

RIGHT

New Zealander amongst a sea of Australians in men’s singles class 6-7 at ITTF Oceania Para Championships 2023, left to

Jake Ballestrino (silver), Matthew Britz (gold), Lennard Properjohn (bronze) and Trevor Hirth (bronze)

Get To Know WONG CHUNG TING & DOO HOI KEM

WONG CHUN TING

Describe yourself in no more than five words. Persistent and never give up

Growing up who was your favourite table tennis player?

Ma Long

What is your first memory of table tennis? Being tired but very happy

What motivated you to play

What is your favourite tournament? The 2016 World Cup when I won the bronze medal

What is the best advice you have ever received? Breaking through is the hardest, always try to reach the next level

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

Tang Peng, my former teammate

Do you have any superstitions?

Not really

Do you have any fears or phobias?

Who is your favourite sporting personality? Lebron James from basketball

What is your favourite sport’s team?

Hong Kong China’s table tennis team,

What is your favourite holiday destination? A place where there is plenty of sun.

Living or passed away who would you most Every member of my family, past

What do you do when not playing table tennis? I like to go hiking

What annoys you the most? I really don’t like flying

Who do you follow on social media?

Anyone with positive energy

Do you have a favourite film or book?

The Chinese novel: “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms”.

What advice would you give to a young player who is just starting?

Don’t give up easily, just do it

DOO HOI KEM

Describe yourself in no more than five words. Sense and sensibility

Growing up who was your most favourite table tennis player?

Ma Long

What is your first memory of table tennis? Exciting, full of changes and challenges

What motivated you to play table tennis, what did you like about the sport?

My mom and my brother encouraged me

What have been your most memorable matches?

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games, women team bronze medal match

Who have been your toughest opponents?

Sun Yingsha

What is your favourite tournament?

2014 Youth Olympics Games

What is the best advice you have ever received? Persevere in something, in a persistent way

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

Coach Zhang Rui

Do you have any superstitions? Not at all

Do you have any fears or phobias? Scared of insects

Who is your favourite sporting personality? The swimmer, Siobhán Bernadette Haughey, at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games she became the first Hong Kong athlete to win two gold medals at an Olympic Games in any sport

What is your favourite sport’s team?

Chinese national volleyball team

What is your favourite holiday destination? Mainland China, Yunnan

Living or passed away who would you most like to meet?

Kobe Bryant

What do you do when not playing table tennis? Try to become a successful businesswoman

What annoys you the most?

Sports trauma

Who do you follow on social media?

Friends

Do you have a favourite film or book? Hi, Mom

What advice would you give to a young player who is just starting? Never give up

Zdenko Kriz and Jaro

Held on Tuesday 7th May in Bratislava, at the Annual General Meeting, Zdenko Kriz and Jaromír Truksa, members of the Swaythling Club International, were unanimously voted life members of the Slovak Table Tennis Association.

Kriz, now 73 years old, for many years a prominent sports diplomat and official, fulfilled the role of President of the Czechoslovak Table Tennis Association from 1983 to 1992 and then, following the so-called Velvet Revolution, continued in office as the President of the Slovak Table Tennis Association until 2021, an unbroken record of 38 years.

Elected Honorary Life Member of the International Table Tennis Federation in August 2013; amongst the wideranging positions held, Kriz was a member of the ITTF Board of Directors from 2003 to 2021, Chair of the ETTU Veteran Commission from 1999 to 2024. Currently he is a

member of the Swaythling Club Executive Committee and Honorary Chair of the Slovak Table Tennis Association.

Recognition for administrative duties in promoting the sport of table tennis, for 53-year-old Jaromír Truksa, it is as player then coach, he has proved the faithful servant.

The nation’s leading player at the dawn of the millennium, it was earlier in 1994 on the first occasion when Slovakia competed in the European Championships as a separate association, as opposed to being part of Czechoslovakia, that Truksa made his mark. Partnering Valentina Popova, the duo secured mixed doubles bronze.

Later, for the Slovak Table Tennis Association, Truksa fulfilled the role of youth coach followed by men’s team national coach. Presently, he is the Slovak women's team coach.

FACING

Anton Hamran, President of the Slovak Table Tennis left makes the presentation to right Zdenko Kríž, Honorary President of the Slovak Table Tennis Association

LEFT

Standing left to right Anton Hamran and Jaromír Truksa, recently elected to the Hall of Fame, alongside Milan Grman and Róbert Čelko, both Vice Presidents of the Slovak Table Tennis Association

mir Truksa Honoured

Deserved awards proved the highlight of a well attended gathering. An impressive 46 delegates (83.6 per cent participation) attended, alongside 12 guests.

Anton Hamran, President of the Slovak Table Tennis Association, assessed the past year as very successful, the women's team achieving the best result in the recent history of Slovakia.

At the 2023 European Championships in Malmö, the Slovak team gained an unexpected fifth place, later in the year in December, at the inaugural ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2023 in Chengdu, eight place was achieved.

Additionally, Hamran emphasised the strong support afforded for both senior and youth national teams, the expense forming 25 per cent of the annual budget.

Furthermore, no less than 120 clubs received financial as-

sistance to help players under 23 years of age, the total budget amounting to 265,755, approximately 105 per player.

Notably, Hamran was able to report that table tennis is rated amongst the top ten sports in the country, over 600 registered clubs, second only to football.

A proud past, now it is time to look forward with even greater pride. The Association is preparing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of organised table tennis in Slovakia, a special event will be held during the European under 21 Championships to be staged next year in May in Bratislava.

Further celebrations will be held later in autumn alongside the Czech Table Tennis Association in Prague, the Czechoslovak Table Tennis Association was founded in 1925.

THE LEGACY

Günther Angenendt consistently helps anyone with a genuine interest in table tennis; equally he is appreciative of the support from a close ally now sadly passed away.

Suffering from a stroke, now over three years ago, on Tuesday 12th January 2021, Berni Vossebein passed away; he was 95 years old.

No longer a physical presence but thanks to his friend for many years, Günther Angenendt, a man whose personal collection of memorabilia and historical items is beyond parallel, the Vossebein con-

tribution to the sport of table tennis remains very much alive.

One item, in particular, kindly donated by Vossebein has a very special place in the Angenendt collection.

“Every week we phoned each other talking for hours and hours about table tennis”, reminisced Angenendt. “He supported me and my passion for collecting table tennis items from days of old; once he donated a unique visitors-book he had received when becoming German men’s doubles champion in 1949.”

Alongside Günther Angenendt in 2017 at the Bochum Art Museum Recognition for 15 years as head coach for the West German TTA

Y LIVES ON

He had the book in his possession when he played in the 1950 English Open, the 1953 World Championships and on his visit to Brazil.

“The book is unique because the year 1953 was the first occasion when the Chinese competed in a World Championships”, explained Angenendt. “The Chinese signed the book with the words to the effect that they hoped friendship between China and Germany would grow; in particular they paid tribute to Berni.”

Also, the book features many celebrated autographs from the era. Notably the signatures of Victor Barna, Richard Bergmann and Bohrium Vana appear, as do those

of Ferenc Sido, Angelica Rozeanu, Gizi Farkas and Trude Pritzi.

The book is unique because the year 1953 was the first occasion when the Chinese competed in a World Championships

“It has a very special place in my collection”, sighed Angenendt.

A special place; Vossebein not only has a special place in u

Partnering Karl-Heinz Harmansa, 1951 & 1953 West German champions Alongside Berti Pingel-Capellmann, 1951 West German champions

BERNIE VOSSEBEIN

THE WORLD CHAMPIONSH

Angenendt’s collection; also, he has a special place in his heart.

“He was one of my strongest opponents in the early 1960s, I played for TEC DAK Brubeck, he represented DSC Wanne-Eickel; we fought against each other to gain promotion to the second division of the West German Table Tennis Federation”, reminisced Angenendt. “My club succeeded, but though 20 years older than me, I never beat him; always he was too strong for me!”

The fighting spirit was a major reason why Vossebein became known as the "The Lion of Bochum", a city in North

Rhine-Westphalia, it is where for over a decade Angenendt has resided, his previous home being Essen.

My club succeeded, but though 20 years older than me, I never beat him; always he was too strong for me

Born on Tuesday 3rd March 1925, Vossebein progressed rapidly. In 1947 he won the mixed doubles at the West

HIPS 1953 IN BUCHAREST

CZECHOSLOVAKIA

POLAND

NETHERLANDS

German Championships partnering Ilse Lohmann, a feat he repeated on three further occasions. The duo won again in 1950, before in 1951 he succeeded with Berti Pingel-Capellmann and in 1954 alongside Hilde Kraska.

Furthermore, in 1949 he won the men’s doubles with Helmuth Hoffmann, then in 1951 and 1953 succeeded alongside Karl-Heinz Harmansa.

Alas, the men’s singles title proved elusive. He was the runner up in 1961, beaten by Dieter Mauritz, later President of the German Table Tennis Association, before in 1963 experiencing the same fate at the hands of Conny

Freundorfer, nine times in succession, German champion.

Crucial to West German success, Vossebein competed in four World Championships (1953, 1956, 1957, 1959). Later he turned his attentions to coaching, Wilfried Lieck, many times German champion, being one of his students.

Dedicated to the sport of table tennis, Vossebein attended the National Championships in a variety of capacities on no less than 50 occasions, a feat no individual can match, a fact that describes Berni Vossebein; dedicated.

The legacy lives on.

VILIM HARANGOZO

BERNIE VOSSEBEIN

Yorkshire Ce

Exactly to very day in 1924 when formed at the Leeds Young Peoples Institute, the Yorkshire Table Tennis Association celebrated its centenary at the Hotel Met in the same city on Tuesday 16th April.

Richard Scruton, the President, welcomed more than 60 guests, including the President of Table Tennis England, Jill Parker MBE.

SIGNIFICANTLY, JILL PARKER WAS REUNITED WITH PETER SIMPSON, FORMER ENGLAND NATIONAL TEAM COACH

elebrates Centenary

Joshua Reynolds, Chair of the Yorkshire Table Tennis Association, announced the award of Vice Presidencies to Janet Adams, Richard Crowther, Denis Neale, Sandra Rider, Linda Simpson, Granville Thornton, Margaret Welch and Sylvia Worth for their service to the county.

Additionally, Vice Presidencies were awarded to notable names unable to be present: Geoff

Barnes, Alan Hydes, Marcus Hookham, Melody Ludi Svenson, Michael O’Driscoll, Richard Priestley, Sally Shutt and Peter R Thompson.

Significantly, Jill Parker was reunited with Peter Simpson, former England national team coach.

Appropriately, the duo duly cut the celebration cake.

LEFT

Present for the occasion left to right Margaret Welch, Granville Thornton, Linda Simpson, Joshua Reynolds (chair), Sandra Rider, Richard Crowther, Sylvia Worth, Jill Parker, Denis Neale, Richard Scruton (president)

RIGHT

Jill Parker and Peter Simpson cut the cake

Landmarks

Richard Scruton recalls the major landmarks and names of the most prominent personalities in the county’s history, the county of the white rose

The Yorkshire Table Tennis Association was formed on Wednesday 16th April 1924; present at the foundation meeting was Captain T.P. Marshall (Hull), alongside A. James (Grimsby), B.L. (Bernard) Hookins (Pontefract) and J.H. (Herbert) Johnson (Whitby).

Three weeks later at a second meeting, with representatives from Bradford, Leeds and Ossett also attending, the name was changed to the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Counties Table Tennis Association; the first officials being President: Captain T.P. Marshall, Secretary: C.G. Craven, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary: B.L. Hookins, plus committee members: M. Barker, W. Hewitt, A. James and J.H. Johnson.

Later in 1928 the name reverted to the Yorkshire Table Tennis Association.

Bernard Hookins was a bank manager in Pontefract at the Yorkshire Penny Bank, moving to Whitby with the bank in 1931 and making a major contribution to Whitby as a leading centre of table tennis during the 1930s. He captained the England men’s team in the Swaythling Cup competition at the 1930 World Championships in Berlin.

J.H. Johnson was a successful player winning the Yorkshire Closed men’s singles title, he led the Whitby Club to the national team final against London at Holborn in 1925 (London won 17-8). He represented Yorkshire against Hungary at Pontefract in 1928 (Hungary won 16-0).

William (Bill) Hewitt from Bradford was Yorkshire’s most successful pre-war player and represented England in 1926 and 1928.

Yorkshire was the first county association to be formed, held the first county closed tournament, staged the first county match, and produced the first printed county magazine.

The first ever county match was played at Bradford in January 1929. Yorkshire beat Lancashire 15-10 (five a side), among the

Linda Bashford, a member of the Ormesby club, represented England at both junior and senior level from 1968 to 1970. She won the women’s singles title at the Yorkshire County Closed in 1969 and 1972

Kathleen Best addition to W English Open

England prior to the men’s team final at the 1979 Commonwealth Championships in Edinburgh left to right Alan Fletcher, John Dabin, Colin Wilson, Jimmy Walker and Don Parker u

Alan Hydes in “Eagle Boy of doubles title a

LINDA BASHFORD

Linda Bashford from Middlesbrough was a member of the England team that secured junior girls’ team bronze at the 1969 European Youth Championships in Obertraun.

KATHLEEN BEST

Kathy Best from Leeds competed in a golden era for the England women’s team, lining up alongside Diane and Rosalind Rowe and Ann Haydon, the quartet became news beyond the boundaries of table tennis. Overall, she played in four World Championships (1952 Bombay, 1953 Bucharest, 1954 London, 1959 Dortmund).

She was a women’s team bronze medallist in 1952 and 1954, silver medallist in 1953. She won women’s doubles bronze in 1953 (partner: Linde Wertl), silver in 1954 (partner: Ann Haydon). She played in nine team matches, including doubles she won nine matches, lost just one. At the 1960 European Championships in Zagreb, she won women’s team silver.

TONY CLAYTON

Tony Clayton from Hull played in the 1971 World Championships in Nagoya and was a member of the England team that, immediately following, visited China to play a series of matches in what became known as Ping Pong Diplomacy.

In Nagoya, selected for eight team matches, he won six lost 12. Immediately prior to Nagoya at the inaugural Commonwealth Championships in New Delhi, he was a member of the gold medal winning men’s team in addition to being the mixed doubles runner up (Karenza Mathews).

ALAN FLETCHER & JIMMY WALKER

Alan Fletcher from Hull and Jimmy Walker from Middlesbrough were members of the England silver medal winning men’s team at the 1979 Commonwealth Championships in Edinburgh.

RAYMOND HINCHLIFF

Raymond Hinchliff from Huddersfield represented England on four occasions in the 1950; he made 80 appearances for Yorkshire.

BERNARD HOOKINS

Bernard Hookins from Pontefract played in one team match at the Berlin 1930 World Championships.

ALAN HYDES

Alan Hydes represented England at three World Championships (1969 Munich, 1971 Nagoya, 1973 Sarajevo); he was a member of the team that visited China in 1971 on the occasion of Ping Pong Diplomacy.

He played 16 team matches for England, 12 wins, 20 losses. He made 53 appearances for Yorkshire. At the European Championships, he represented England four times (1968 Lyon, 1970 Moscow, 1972 Rotterdam, 1974 Novi Sad), playing in 13 team matches, personally he won 12 matches, lost 15.

NICKY JARVIS

Nicky Jarvis from Middlesbrough represented England at the 1973, 1975 and 1979 World Championships; he played 20 team matches, won 15 lost 24. He played in four European Championships (1972 Rotterdam, 1974 Novi Sad, 1976 Prague, 1978 Duisburg); in 22 team matches he recorded 22 wins, 30 losses.

BRIAN KENNEDY

Brian Kennedy from Leeds, alongside such legendary names as Richard Bergmann and Johnny Leach, played in six World Championships (1951 Vienna, 1953 Bucharest, 1955 Utrecht, 1956 Tokyo, 1957 Stockholm,

in 1953 playing against Hungary at the Empire Pool, Wembley. In World and European success, she won the women’s doubles at the in 1960 (Diane Rowe) and in 1961 (Agnes Simon)

1964 being interviewed by Johnny Leach after winning the the Year” award. Later, partnering Denis Neale, he won the men’s at English Closed on four occasions (1069, 1970, 1972, 1974)

players in opposition were Bernard Hookins and L.E. (Leslie) Forrest – two men who stand among the giants in Yorkshire table tennis history. From 1947 to 1967 county first team matches were staged at Bradford Mechanics Institute, probably the most well-known of table tennis venues outside London and Brighton.

H.N. Smith (the nephew of the founder of the famous Smith & Nephew company which began in Hull) was president and later patron of the Association. He financially supported Kathleen Best when she was selected for the 1952 World Championships in Bombay (Mumbai).

M.D. (Maurice) Shaffner OBE was President for 52 years and also had a prominent legal career as a prosecuting solicitor.

Austin Harrison, a native of Leeds, was a Scarborough hotelier, league player, proposer for introducing junior and other age groups for competitions. He became the President of the English Table Tennis Association in 1967.

Baroness Susan Masham, the longest serving female member of the House of Lords, a disability campaigner and medal winning Paralympian in 1960, 1964 and 1968, was the Association patron from 1976 to her death in 2023.

Yorkshire emerged founder members of the present national county championships in 1947. They won the premier division in 1967, 1973, 1974, on each occasion led by the county’s number one player Denis Neale; further successes accrued in 1981, 1998, 2001 and 2002.

Notably the county’s young players have won the junior premier division title on 16 occasions, a record, since inception in 1972.

In 1973 the four county teams won their divisional titles, Maurice Shaffner, the President, challenged the county’s players to repeat this feat in our Golden Jubilee year, feat duly achieved.

Meanwhile, from Greta Vasey in 1926 followed by Brian Kennedy, Kathleen Best, Denis Neale (our most decorated of champions), Alan Hydes, Melody Ludi, Katherine Goodall, Mary Fuller to Shayan Siraj in 2022 and Jasmin Wong in 2023 our players have won English national titles and many other at junior, cadet and veteran level.

Achievements that stand the test of time.

Denis Neale receives the men’s singles trophy from T. Austin Harrison, President of the English Table Tennis Association, following his success at the English Closed on Saturday 4th January 1969

Mic succ Ken

Rene Stott in 1948, she represented England prior to World War Two, playing against Ireland and against Wales Florence Wrigh during the 195

1959 Dortmund). He was a men’s team gold medallist in 1953, silver medallist in 1955. He played in 28 team matches, the personal record reading won 37, lost 20. Additionally, he competed at the 1958 European Championships in Budapest, in the team event, he played in five fixtures, winning six and losing four. Representing Yorkshire, he made 65 senior appearances.

MELODY LUDI

Melody Ludi from Bradford won women’s doubles gold (partner: Karen Witt) at the 1977 Commonwealth Championships in Guernsey.

SALLY MARLING

Sally Marling from Hull was a junior girls’ singles bronze medallist at the 1994 European Youth Championships in Paris.

DENIS NEALE

Denis Neale won the men’s singles title six times at the National Championships. He competed in six World Championships (1965 Ljubljana, 1967 Stockholm, 1969 Munich, 1973 Sarajevo,1975 Calcutta, 1977 Birmingham). He played in 39 team matches, his personal record being 49 wins, 39 losses. In 1969 he partnered Mary Wright to mixed doubles bronze; he reached the men’s singles last 16 in 1973, having beaten the second seed and 1967 champion Hasegawa in round one.

Additionally, he played in seven European Championships (1964 Malmö, 1966 London, 1968 Lyon, 1970 Moscow, 1972 Rotterdam, 1974 Novi Sad, 1976 Prague), of the 41 team matches, he won 60, lost 34. Alongside Mary Wright, he won the mixed doubles bronze in 1968 and 1970.

MICHAEL O’DRISCOLL

& CHRIS OLDFIELD

Michael O’Driscoll from Mirfield and Chris Oldfield from Sheffield won the men’s doubles at the 1991 Commonwealth Championships in Nairobi. At the European Youth Championships in 1986 in Louvain-LaNeuve they had won the cadet boys’ team title, and finished cadet boys’ doubles runners up; O’Driscoll concluded play the cadet boys’ singles runner up, a feat he later matched in the junior boys’ singles in 1989 in Luxembourg.

ALAN RANSOME

Alan Ransome from Middlesbrough guided Ormesby to the Europe Club Cup title in 1972, to this date the only English club to win the title. He was Chair of the English Table Tennis Association from 1991 to 2003.

SALLY SHUTT

Sally Shutt from Bradford, under her maiden name Midgeley, became a World champion. At the 1978 World Schools Games staged in Izmir Turkey, she partnered Malcolm Green to mixed doubles gold. In addition, she was a women’s team silver medallist, women’s singles and women’s doubles bronze medallist alongside Memeyati (Indonesia).

RENE STOTT

Rene Stott from Leeds represented England on Saturday 4th December 1937 in Dublin and on Friday 9th April 1938 at the Cardiff YMCA; she made 12 pre-war appearances for Yorkshire; from 1946 to 1948 she played for Yorkshire under the name Mrs E. Bate.

FLORENCE WRIGHT

Florence Wright from Barnsley played for an England junior team against West Germany in the 1954-55 season. She made 22 senior county appearances, winning the Yorkshire Closed women's singles title during both the 1954-1955 and 1955-1956 seasons.

Later, under her married name Rolling, she won the Yorkshire League merit award in 1962-1963 and in 1963-1964.

hael O’Driscoll and Chris Oldfield following their men’s doubles cess at the 1991 Commonwealth Championships staged in Nairobi, nya

ht represented the England junior team against West Germany 54-55 season

Unflappable, Unassuming, Uncomplicated

Selected for the England team which resulted in the Ping Pong Diplomacy visit to China in April 1971, suffering from dementia, Tony Clayton passed away on Saturday 1st June. He was 73 years old.

BELOW RIGHT

Following the visit to China in April 1971, later in the year England reciprocated.

On Tuesday 14th December, both teams were welcomed to 10 Downing Street

Tony far left is pictured standing alongside Bryan Merrett, the England coach

FACING

Alan Hydes left joins right Tony for a drink after play on Saturday 16 February 1974 at the Sunday Times Super League.

Both were left handers but no doubt conscious of play the next day, each held the glass in the right hand

An experience to exceed all others, an occasion that went beyond the boundaries of sport, Tony Clayton became involved in event that hit world news, one that resulted in a visit to 10 Downing Street to meet Edward Heath, the Prime Minister, one that needs to be put into perspective.

China had not appeared at a World Championships since 1965 in Ljubljana; it was the

era of the Cultural Revolution, the aim to preserve communism and purge capitalism. Rong Guotuan, China’s first ever men’s singles World champion, when he won in 1959 in Dortmund, was so persecuted during this period, he committed suicide.

Events outside Tony’s control conspired to result in his presence. Originally, he was the non-travelling reserve for the first ever Commonwealth Championships in Singapore,

staged immediately prior to the World Championships in Nagoya.

Rumour was rife that England would be asked to stay in Nagoya following the World Championships, nobody was aware of the reason, a visit to China was as remote as flying to the moon. At the last-minute Chester Barnes and Denis Neale withdrew from the team, explaining they had contractual obligations. Tony was summoned, he packed his bags and flew to Singapore to join Alan Hydes and Trevor Taylor in the England men’s team.

Incredibly, it was the second time in the year when Tony hit the headlines.

At the time a student at Liverpool University, earlier in January, Tony had forced himself into national team reckoning following a quite sensational performance at the English National Championships staged at the University of Kent in Canterbury.

He caused what can still be considered to the present day the biggest series of upsets in a tournament that dates to

1960. Listed at no.10 on the England rankings, he beat Denis Neale, the reigning champion, followed by wins against Simon Heaps, Les Haslam and David Brown to reach the final where he lost to Chester Barnes.

Best of five games in those days, the 21-point system, in the third game against Denis Neale, he saved match point, in the fourth game when facing Les Haslam, he saved no less than six, confronting David Brown he lost the opening two games!

It is somewhat ironic that a person who never sought the limelight featured twice in a period of four months when the spotlight shone brighter than ever; truth is stranger than fiction, never truer.

The performances reflected Tony’s character. He was never overawed by the pedigree of his opponent, in fact if you spoke to Tony about celebrated players of recent times, often he was blissfully unaware of their achievements. Arguably that fact worked in his favour, whatever the situation he would just keep playing, resolute, no histrionics, maintaining focus, the approach at crucial times u

the same as when playing the opening point.

Never would he succumb to peer pressure, a fact illustrated on the eve of the Canterbury tournament. He needed new sports shoes, he visited Alec Brook’s shop in Euston Road, London, Alec Brook being a prominent member of the England team in the 1930s, the shop assistant displayed the latest supersonic range of table tennis shoes that were being worn by the country’s leading players. Tony insisted he wanted Dunlop Green Flash, a utilitarian shoe at the lower end of the fashion scale, the shop assistant tried time and again, Tony was unmoved.

Always he knew his own mind; when practising locally, every player would be wearing white ankle socks, Tony would wear black; the colour of his socks totally immaterial for playing sport.

Simple logic from a man who was academically very astute. Tony attended Hymers College in Hull, a public

THE SHOP ASSISTANT DISPLAYED THE LATEST SUPERSONIC RANGE OF TABLE TENNIS SHOES THAT WERE BEING WORN BY THE COUNTRY’S LEADING PLAYERS. TONY INSISTED HE WANTED DUNLOP GREEN FLASH, A UTILITARIAN SHOE AT THE LOWER END OF THE FASHION SCALE, THE SHOP ASSISTANT TRIED TIME AND AGAIN, TONY WAS UNMOVED

school. In those days the dreaded 11 plus examination was an educational defining factor; if you passed and went to grammar school, you were amongst the top five per cent. In order to attend Hymers College you had take a further examination, so passing put you in the top two per cent.

Gradually, Hymers College became the leading table tennis school in the area, the Hull and East Riding Schools League having started in 1959, a group of players emerged from the initiative who were amongst prominent names in the city but never asserted themselves in the county team or beyond.

Tony came from the next generation, in 1968 alongside the younger Alan Fletcher; with Andrew Petrie and Chris Boothby completing the line-up, Hymers won the English Schools’ Table Tennis Association boys’ team title.

The following year Tony was on duty at the 1969 European Youth Championships, eventually at senior level making some 70 appearances for the county of Yorkshire and representing England on more than 40 occasions.

Many years later he was to compete in veteran tournaments, enjoying success on both the national and international stage.

DURING THE 1966-67 TABLE TENNIS SEASON, THE TIME WHEN HE CELEBRATED HIS 16TH BIRTHDAY, THOUGHT BY MANY A PIVOTAL AGE IN A DEVELOPING SPORTING CAREER, HIS PARENTS DID NOT ALLOW HIM TO PLAY IN COMPETITIONS. EDUCATION WAS THE PRIORITY, THE TIME OF THE “ORDINARY LEVEL” PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS, TONY RESPONDED AND PASSED WITH FLYING COLOURS.

Notable achievements but during the 1966-67 table tennis season, the time when he celebrated his 16th birthday, thought by many a pivotal age in a developing sporting career, his parents did not allow him to play in competitions. Education was the priority, the time of the “Ordinary Level” public examinations, Tony responded and passed with flying colours.

Only practice was allowed but even though playing table

tennis was restricted, you never heard him moan or groan about the constraint. Eventually, he became the best ever table tennis player to emerge from the city of Hull, developing his skills at the Young People’s Institute in George Street, the organisation sadly no longer in existence.

Down in the cellars, the hall comprised three tables, a concrete floor, the method of organisation being utter-

ing the immortal words “play the winner” when entering the room. Everyone was rocket fast from the backhand, top spin from the forehand and never moving more than a few centimetres back from the table.

Guided by the late Pete Garvey, left-handed, somewhat flat footed, Tony proved the master of the close to the table style, from the backhand he was rock solid. Against players who revelled in the same art, Tony was in his element. He became most adept at creating angles from the backhand, forcing weak returns from his adversary and then finishing the point; one had the feeling the longer the rally the more Tony was the favourite.

He did not possess a wide range of services; it was simply put the ball into play and take matters from that point. Backspin defenders were not his favourite opponents, Birmingham’s Derek Munt caused him nightmares, fast rallies were his forte.

Returning serve and then controlling the rally, he excelled; he did the simple things well, to the very best of his ability.

Mother Italian, always known as Tony but to give him his full title: Luigi Anthony Clayton, the most genuine and sincere person you could ever wish to meet, thanks for the wonderful memories, rest in peace.

LEFT

Hymers won the boys’ team title at the 1968 English Schools National Team Championships; Tony receives the Norman Cook Trophy from Tom Blunn, Chair of the English Table Tennis Association

Next to Tony is Alan Fletcher, immediately behind Andrew Petrie and Chris Boothby

TOP RIGHT

Tony third from left alongside John Robinson, John Calcutt and Graham Barnes at the Veterans British League on Saturday 18th February 2017

LOWER RIGHT

On Sunday 14th May 2017, Jill Parker, President of Table Tennis England, presented the men’s doubles 60 years trophy at the VETTS National Championships to Tony left and right Paul Beck

The Crocodile Challenge

The prime reason why young people start to play any sport is because they want to compete, organising quality coaching is to be applauded but there must be a goal; in Singapore, no strangers to success on the international stage, an initiative to motivate young talents is growing by the year

Aweek-long competition commencing on Monday 20th May, a quite staggering total of 426 aspiring young players from a record 89 schools, surpassing last year’s total when it was 83 schools, took part in the Crocodile Challenge Cup organised by the Singapore Table Tennis Association.

Overall three categories based on age, Isaiah Raphael Ong (Montfort Junior School) and Arissa Cheng (Ai Tong School) emerged the respective winners of the boys’ and girls’ singles events in the most senior class. The enticing reward is they will be fully-sponsored to attend a WTT Youth Contender tournament.

Each year the event gains a higher status within the island country’s table tennis community, a fact endorsed by Daniel Tan, Marcom and Events Manager for the Singapore Tennis Association.

“Since establishment in 2011, the Crocodile Challenge Cup has served as an exceptional platform for primary school players to enhance their individual abilities”, he explained. “It has become a renowned event that draws the most exceptional young talents from across the island, bringing them together to showcase their table tennis skills in a highly competitive environment.”

Present for the occasion was Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Education; he presented prizes to the top eight players in each category.

FACING

Isaiah Raphael Ong above and below Arissa Cheng, the respective boys’ singles and girls’ singles winners in the Primary 5 & 6 age group

TOP ROW LEFT

Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Education, makes the Primary 1-2 award to Krystal Huang left and right Johan Lim

CENTRE ROW

Primary 3-4, the leading eight boys left and right girls with Trisno Leono (Crocodile Foundation), Chan Chun Sing and Poh Li San (President of the Singapore Table Tennis Association

BOTTOM ROW

All smiles as play comes to a close

April - June 2024

WORLD TABLE TENNIS DAY

Celebrating diversity and inclusion around ONE table

Opened by Petra Sörling, ITTF President and ITTF Foundation President, on Tuesday 23rd April in Leipzig, the focal point for proceedings, World Table Tennis Day attracted a record-breaking number of over 750 registered events spanning 121 countries and territories.

Leipzig

Ibrahim Hamadtou, men’s class 6 Para athlete, alongside and Petra Sörling

Tetiana Bairak, Mariia Vasykieva, Ukrainian refugee players from the deaf-mute national team

Australia

Costa Rica

Germany

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION SEMINAR

Leandro Olvech, ITTF Foundation Director, was a guest speaker at the International Federation Seminar held on Tuesday 14th May at the Maison du Sport International in Lausanne, Switzerland.

>> ITTF Foundation Report

ITTF SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE

Ryu Seungmin, ITTF Foundation Ambassador and Maysa Bsaibes TT4ALL Co-ordinator, became members of the ITTF Sustainability Committee.

>> ITTF Foundation Report

ITTF WORLD MASTERS

Alongside Petra Sörling and Leandro Olvech left to right Steve Morley and Agnes Jan who received ITTF Foundation support to attend the World Masters.

>> Agnes Jan - Story >> Steve Morley - Story

2024 WORLD TABLE TENNIS FOR HEALTH FESTIVAL

Powered by Ultimate Table Tennis, organised by The Ligue du Grand Est Tennis de Table Consortium, the second edition of the World Table Tennis For Health Festival will take place in Maizières-lès-Metz France from Wednesday 23rd to Sunday 27th October.

>> ITTF Foundation Report and Registration

World Mixed Doubles Qualification

ITTF Men’s & Women’s World Cup

Saudi Smash

ITTF Oceania Cup

ITTF Africa Cup Paralympic World Singles Qualification

South Asia Youth Championships

WTT Champions Chongqing

South American Championships

ITTF World Masters

QUALIFIERS

TOP LEFT

Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong (PRK), the winners of the first knock-out event

TOP RIGHT

Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem (HKG) won at the second attempt

LEFT

The moment of qualification for Alvaro Robles and Maria Xiao (ESP), winners at the third time of asking

RIGHT

The very last chance, Kristian Karlsson and Christina Källberg (SWE) celebrate

>> Articles & Results

FINALISTS

LEFT

Ma Long (CHN), the winner for the third time

RIGHT

Lin Gaoyuan (CHN), a first appearance in the final

LOWER LEFT

Sun Yingsha (CHN) won for the first time

LOWER RIGHT

A first medal in the tournament for Wang Manyu (CHN)

>> Articles & Results

SAU DI SMAS H , J

WINNERS

TOP LEFT

Wang Chuqin (CHN) had more than one reason to celebrate on the concluding day of play, he won the men’s singles title and celebrated his 24th birthday

TOP RIGHT

Wang Chuqin and Ma Long (CHN) emerged the men’s doubles winners

LOWER LEFT

Chen Meng (CHN) won the women’s singles

CENTRE RIGHT

Cheng Meng and Wang Manyu (CHN), the women’s doubles winners, involved in top secret talks

LOWER RIGHT

Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha (CHN) secured mixed doubles gold

>> Articles & Results

OCEANIA CUP

LEFT

Finn Luu (AUS) won the men’s title for the first time

RIGHT

Yangzi Liu (AUS) struck gold for the second consecutive year

LOWER LEFT

Aditya Sareen (AUS) left and Jee Minhyung (AUS) right emerged the respective men’s and women’s runners up

PACIFIC CUP

LOWER RIGHT

Jérémy Dey (NCL)

left won the men’s singles right Priscila Tommy (VAN), the women’s singles, a competition which Australia and New Zealand are not permitted to enter

>> Articles & Results

OCEANIA CUP & PACIFIC CUP

I

LEFT

Quadri Aruna (NGR) won the men’s title for the third time

RIGHT

Mohamed El-Beiali (EGY) emerged the men’s singles runner up, in the two most recent editions he had been a bronze medallist

LOWER LEFT

Dina Meshref (EGY) won the women’s title for the eighth time, no other player has won the event on more than two occasions

LOWER RIGHT

A first appearance in the final for Marwa Alhodaby (EGY) , in 2023 she had been a bronze medallist

>> Articles & Results

PRESENTATIONS

LEFT TO RIGHT

TOP ROW

MS1 Andrea Borgato (ITA)

MS2 Thirayu Chueawong (THA)

MS3 Sylvain Noel (FRA)

MS4 Genki Saito (JPN)

SECOND ROW

MS5 Mitar Palikuca (SRB)

MS6 Matias Pino (CHI)

MS7 Bjoern Schnake (GER)

MS8 Borna Zohil (CRO)

THIRD ROW

MS9 Liu Chaodong (CHN)

MS10 Ivan Karpov (AIN)

MS11 Takeshsi Takamori (JPN)

WS3 Patamawadee Intanon (THA)

FOURTH ROW

WS4 Wijittra Jaion (THA)

WS5 Panwas Sringam (THA)

WS6 Maliak Alieva (AIN)

WS7 Victoriya Safonova (AIN)

FIFTH ROW

WS8 Elena Litvinenko (AIN)

WS9 Jennyfer Parinos (BRA)

WS10 Hou Chunxiao (CHN)

WS11 Elena Prokofeva (AIN)

SOUT H AS I A

ROLL OF HONOUR

LEFT TO RIGHT

TOP ROW

Under 19 Boys’ Team

Under 19 Girls’ Team Under 19 Boys’ Singles

SECOND ROW

Under 19 Girls’ Singles Under 19 Boys’ Doubles Under 19 Girls’ Doubles

THIRD ROW

Under 19 Mixed Doubles Under 15 Boys’ Team Under 15 Girls’ Team

FOURTH ROW

Under 15 Boys’ Singles

Under 15 Girls’ Singles Under 15 Mixed Doubles

The tournament was supported by the Swaythling Club International >> Podium Places

FINALISTS

TOP LEFT

Fan Zhendong (CHN) won the men’s singles title

TOP RIGHT

Wang Chuqin (CHN) had to settle for runners up spot

LEFT

Sun Yingsha (CHN) emerged the women’s singles winner

RIGHT

Wang Manyu (CHN) finished in runners up position

>> Articles & Results

MEDAL SUCCESS

FACING

Giulia Takahashi (BRA) completed a clean sweep of titles: women’s singles, women’s team (Victoria Strassburger, Laura Watanabe), women’s doubles (Laura Watanabe), mixed doubles (Guilherme Teodoro)

TOP RIGHT

Horacio Cifuentes (ARG) won the men’s singles; in the men’s team event he was a silver medallist (Martin Bentancor, Francisco Sanchi), in the men’s doubles (Francisco Sanchi) a bronze medallist

LOWER LEFT

Carlos Ishida (BRA) claimed men’s team (Eric Jouti, Guilherme Teodoro) and men’s doubles gold (Carlos Ishida). In the mixed doubles (Laura Watanabe), he was a silver medallist

LOWER RIGHT

Daniela Ortega (CHI) concluded play with silver medals in women’s singles, women’s team (Paulina Vega, Zeng Zhiying) and women’s doubles (Paulina Vega), in addition to mixed doubles bronze (Gustavo Gomez)

>> Articles & Results

I TTF WOR LD MASTERS

MEN’S & WOMEN’S SINGLES PODIUMS

LEFT TO RIGHT

TOP ROW

Men’s Singles 40 Years

Women’s Singles 40 Years

Men’s Singles 45 Years

Women’s Singles 50 Years

SECOND ROW

Men’s Singles 50 Years

Women’s Singles 55 Years

Men’s Singles 60 Years

Women’s Singles 65 Years

THIRD ROW

Men’s Singles 65 Years

Women’s Singles 90 Years

Men’s Singles 70 Years

Para Singles Class 5

I TTF WOR LD MASTERS

SWAYTHLING CLUB NEWS

JAMES MORRIS

LEFT

Members of the New Zea land Swaythling Club met in Waiheke Island on Sunday 28th April to present a memento to James Morris in recognition of being named Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) on the New Year Honours list.

Present left to right Geoff Rau, Kadia Keller-Rice, James Morris, Yvonne Fogarty, Barry Griffiths, Alan Tomlinson.

SRI LANKA

LEFT

The opening ceremony at the South Asian Youth Championships, staged from Sunday 26th to Wednesday 29th May in Kandy, the tournament was supported by the Swaythling Club International.

CLAUDE BERGERET

RIGHT

Claude Bergeret, President of the Swaythling Club International, carried the Olympic flame through the streets of Metz on Thursday 27th June.

Also present was Jean-Philippe Gatien, amongst a host of other titles, crowned World champion in 1993. He attended alongside his mentor for many years, the celebrated coach, Michel Gadal.

Swaythling No.116 (July 2024)

SWAYTHLING

Issue No.116 / July 2024

CONTENTS

To n e i n Ro m e World Masters

Upholding Olympic Values

Dazzling Speed Wins in Athens

Forward Thinking

RIGHT

The Master of Ceremonies

The Kigali Table Tennis Centre Project

For Fun and Ambition

FAR LEFT

NEAR LEFT

MEDAL COUNT

World Veteran Championships

European Veteran Championships

National Titles

A Clear Mind

Aiming High

Something Special

BORN & BRED

The First New Zealander

Get To Know WONG CHUNG TING & DOO HOI KEM

WONG CHUN TING

DOO HOI KEM

Zdenko Kriz and Jaro

mir Truksa Honoured

THE LEGACY

Y LIVES ON

THE WORLD CHAMPIONSH

HIPS 1953 IN BUCHAREST

CZECHOSLOVAKIA

POLAND

NETHERLANDS

Yorkshire Ce

elebrates Centenary

Landmarks

LINDA BASHFORD

KATHLEEN BEST

TONY CLAYTON

MELODY LUDI

SALLY MARLING

DENIS NEALE

MICHAEL O’DRISCOLL

ALAN RANSOME

SALLY SHUTT

RENE STOTT

FLORENCE WRIGHT

Unflappable, Unassuming, Uncomplicated

FACING

The Crocodile Challenge

April - June 2024

WORLD TABLE TENNIS DAY

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION SEMINAR

ITTF SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE

ITTF WORLD MASTERS

2024 WORLD TABLE TENNIS FOR HEALTH FESTIVAL

QUALIFIERS

FINALISTS

SAU DI SMAS H , J

WINNERS

OCEANIA CUP

LEFT

LOWER LEFT

PACIFIC CUP

I

PRESENTATIONS

FINALISTS

MEDAL SUCCESS

FACING

TOP RIGHT

LOWER LEFT

LOWER RIGHT

I TTF WOR LD MASTERS

I TTF WOR LD MASTERS

SWAYTHLING CLUB NEWS

JAMES MORRIS

LEFT

SRI LANKA