“Stars of the Nation” table tennis competition set for September 19–20

The MEYTS Youth Organisation will host its “Stars of the Nation” Table Tennis Competition at the National Gymnasium on September 19–20, bringing together senior and junior teams across six categories.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 10:00h. The competition will receive cooperation and technical support from the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) and the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Senior players will compete in men’s, women’s and mixed team categories, while the junior division will feature boys’, girls’ and mixed teams. Each team must comprise two registered players, and no player may represent more than one team in the same category. Organisers say the two-player arrangement is intended to make it easier for participants to find a partner.
The tournament aims to develop local table tennis players, motivate junior athletes to pursue excellence and encourage newcomers to train and compete. It also seeks to provide a standard of competition that prepares athletes for national and international events, while promoting table tennis as a lifelong sport and a means of personal development.
Winning teams will receive recognition through an initiative called “The Star Legacy”. A photograph of the winning team in each category will be displayed in front of the star and remain there until new champions are crowned at the next competition.
Competition will follow what organisers describe as the Corbillon-style team format, with shorter ties in the early rounds and an expanded programme for the semi-finals and finals.
From the round of 32 to the round of 16, each team tie will consist of a maximum of three matches, with the first team to secure two victories advancing. Individual matches will be contested over the best of three games, with each game played to 11 points and requiring a two-point winning margin.
The opening singles match will pit Player A from one team against Player X from the opposing team, followed by Player B against Player Y. If the teams are tied at one win each, the two pairs will contest a deciding doubles match.
For the semi-finals and finals, teams must win three matches to secure the tie, and each individual match will be played over the best of five games. Games will again be played to 11 points, with a two-point margin required.
The championship sequence begins with Player A facing Player X and Player B meeting Player Y, followed by doubles. If necessary, Player A will then play Player Y, with Player B facing Player X in the fifth match.
There will be no dead rubbers. A tie will end immediately once a team reaches the required number of victories – two in the early rounds and three in the semi-finals and finals – and any remaining matches will not be played. Players will receive a five-minute rest period between the singles matches and the doubles match.
Teams must have two identical competition jerseys in the same colour, along with appropriate table tennis shorts or skirts and non-marking indoor sports shoes. Where opposing teams have conflicting jersey colours, the referee may instruct a team to change uniforms.
The event forms part of the MEYTS Youth Organisation’s drive to mobilise and empower young people through sport, encouraging participants to play, compete, grow, and develop a sense of belonging.
Registration forms, rules and game schedules will be updated through the organisation’s Facebook and WhatsApp channels. Interested participants can follow “MEYTS youthorg” on Facebook or call or WhatsApp 592 656 9288 for further information.