| Mikael Andersson, ITTF Junior & Youth Development Co | |
| Kiwi wins “Fastest Smash” competition | |
 | (With files from Steve McCarthy, Wellington Table Tennis) A little known New Zealander, Lark Brandt, came from nowhere to win the inaugural “World Fastest Smash Competition” with a smash of 112.5 kilometres per hour. |
| The smash speed will be sent for inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records and is a world first. Lark comes from the Harewood Table Tennis Club in Christchurch and also competes in volleyball and martial arts. Surprised to beat some of the best junior players in the world, from Japan, China and Chinese Taipei, he explained that the key was technique. He used timing and strength, coupled with a loose wrist and a flat smash. The second place getters speed was 107 kph. The smash was recorded using sports speed radar and a 38mm ball. The 38mm balls have a greater density than the 40mm ball and are able to be picked up by the radar gun. They are dropped vertically to the “smasher”. In front of an audience of 300, Lark won a brass replica canon set on New Zealand marble, an All Black rugby shirt and a toy Kiwi (Kiwis are the New Zealand national symbol). The shirt and Kiwi will be given to his 2 daughters when he returns to Christchurch. |
|
| Archive | |
| Date | Title |
| No records | |