Field bringing talent to table

ACTION is under way at this year’s Queensland Closed Table Tennis Championships in Townsville.

The four- day tournament began yesterday at the Townsville Table Tennis Centre with more than 70 players from all parts of the state competing for a spot at the upcoming Australian Championships.

Townsville’s David Fielding and Bruce Lee will lead the host city’s charge in the men’s field, while Australian Paralympian Andrea McDonnell headlines Townsville’s field in the women’s competition.

Play began yesterday with doubles matches and will finish on Saturday with finals games. The Queensland senior team will be named at the end of competition.

“It’s one of the most competitive tournaments we’ve held in Townsville for a while,” Townsville Table Tennis president Terry Morato said.

“All the top players in Queensland have come together and there’s a lot to play for.

“This is where they gain selection for the national championships, so the quality of table tennis is exceptionally high.”

Morato said Fielding and Lee were primed to give some of Queensland’s top players a run for their money.

“David’s been able to get back to full training because he’s finished his university studies, and Bruce has been in a good run of form,” he said.

“Walter Parkes has also been training really strongly and he’s been doing a lot of good work around the club, so we’re hopeful of seeing him do well.

“The field is just so strong we even have a couple of internationals, including a girl from South Korea, so I think this is a great opportunity for people to come along and see what quality table tennis is all about.”

Play resumes this morning and continues tomorrow, with the doubles finals starting from 6pm, followed by Saturday’s singles finals from 6pm.

Entry is free.