Table tennis gets a time out

After a year’s absence from the sporting calendar, due to the covid-19 pandemic, the national senior and junior table tennis championships made a return on 13 August at the National Indoor Centre. But just when the Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA) thought they were going to have a smooth weekend of action, they were asked to take a time out.

The enforced break came as a result of the government’s COVID-19 vaccination blitz which was also scheduled for the indoor centre. They were unable to move across to the adjoining National Arena as that was also being used as a blitz centre.

According to the president of the JTTA, Andrew Lue, the break was unforeseen but it’s one they will have to deal with, given the importance of the vaccine. “It’s a learning experience, we will do the best for everyone concerned. We will bounce back from this to do our best to make sure that the final day when it comes is the best experience for our players,” said Lue.

Lue stated that they were given the venue to conduct the tournament for the weekend and was surprised when told about the break. Still, he could see the positive after one day of competition.

“First of all, we have to look at the positive side, we had an absolutely magnificent day yesterday (Friday 13 August). The junior event really lifted my spirit. We had several outstanding performances with top performer being Keeara Whyte from Angel Primary School in Spanish Town who won the under 11 title, came second in the under 13, and is contesting the under 15s,” stated Lue.

But the stoppage had its downside, too, as the COVID-19 tests that were done for the opening weekend will not be effective for the resumption.

Every individual was tested ahead of the tournament at a cost of J$15,000 each. The first-term president, Lue, said he would be seeking a moratorium as the tournament is scheduled to resume on 19 August.

There were also two overseas players participating in the tournament; but while one will be able to stay for the resumption, the other will have to return home.

The titles decided on the first day, so far sees Suri Bellamy winning the girls under 9 title ahead of Mahalia Douglas; Sajarto Murray took the boys’ equivalent over Peter Williams.

Keeara Whyte was the winner of the girls under 11 after getting the better of Kira Scott, with the boy’s title going to Logan Royes ahead of Gmarco Smith.

Karecia Peterkin took the girls under 13 honours over Whyte.

The tournament is used to select a national squad for grooming for a chance to represent the country at upcoming tournaments.