by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

Overall 10 boys and 10 girls were present having qualified through local Hopes initiatives; additionally several young local players attended to fulfil the role of practice partners.

“The SISB provided a very good, modern hall and a boarding school with welcoming staff that were always willing to help. The school provided use of their private swimming pool in the evenings, which was a welcome relaxation from the long, hot and intensive days.” Eva Jeler

Excellent playing conditions combined with an enthusiastic group of players, coaches and officials resulted in the initiative proving most worthwhile.

“Highly motivated coaches, who were ready to help every participant, accompanied the players. Altogether, the week’s learning was fruitful, exciting and full of new ideas for all attendees.” Eva Jeler

A detailed training schedule, proceedings concluded with a two day Challenge tournament.

“The spectators witnessed very tight and tough matches between players who were giving their very best; in the end, the tournament had worthy champions. The level in the semi-final and final matches in both the girls’ and boys’ competition was surprisingly high.” Eva Jeler

Winner of the Girls’ Singles event was Thailand’s Wikaram Tayapitak. She beat Malaysia’s Lee Xin Ni in the final; somewhat surprisingly, Singapore’s Ser Lin Qian and India’s Suhana Saini, the top two seeds finished in respective third and fourth places.

Third place for Singapore, in the Boys’ Singles event it was first place. Quek Yong Izaak secured top spot  ahead of India’s Preyesh Suresh Raj. Third place was secured by Iran’s Seyedmohammadamin Samadi with Yemen’s Ebrashim Gubran in fourth position.