Forbes Burnham Memorial Table Tennis Championships…
The annual Forbes Burnham Memorial Table Tennis Championships, which have recently been concluded, have seen Elishaba Johnson, Orin Hickerson and Narren Persaud emerge champions in the respective categories in which they contested.
And National Coach Linden Johnson, declaring himself proud of the results, has deemed the tournament a major success.
Those who participated pose at the end of the tournament
In a conversation with Guyana Times Sport, Johnson said: “This annual competition, right from inception, has been a remarkable one, and will continue to be (so). it was a successful event, with over 100 participants taking part and trying their skills to win the ultimate prize of being crowned champion.
“I would say there are a lot of participants involved in the game now, which is better than when the competition first started. It has given all players an opportunity to come together to find leisure outside schools and work places, and (to find) ease of tension.
“I commend the sponsor for putting an idea as this into action, and they keep getting better at it every year. I would urge more female players to get involved, because I feel this competition is more open for participants, male and female.
“We had great matches between the players, with no one giving the other an inch, and (everyone) always trying to gain an advantage.”
In the Open Singles category, Hickerson defeated Elishaba Johnson 4-1 in the finale, while Jonathan Van Lange and Nigel Bryan emerged joint third-place winners.
In the 21 years old Open Singles, the Johnson-Van Lange showdown continued; and although the young Van Lange never stood a chance, he gave it his all, even though Johnson was able to win 4-1.
A similar result was obtained in the ‘B Class’ singles, wherein Johnson again defeated Van Lange.
In the ‘C Class’ finale, Narren Persaud emerged overall winner, after defeating Umar Percival 3-2.
In remarks made at conclusion of this tournament, Coach Johnson said, “Everybody was very satisfied with the way the event was organized and the manner in which the matches took place: with every competitor getting an almost fair opportunity to win the event. Ultimately, there had to be only one champion.
“I would (like to) take this opportunity to thank Mr. Vincent Alexander and the (Burnham) Foundation members for sponsoring this tournament.”
