Table Tennis season returns
The Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) is expected to resume its season after a long layoff and the sport code has introduced a new tournament format to fit into the new normal as well as to stiffen competition among local players.
The tournament is slated for July 3 in Gaborone. Speaking to Sun Sport this week the association mouthpiece, Tiro Motswasele said the Top 16 tournament will only include players who have managed to make it into the top 16 bracket in the previous tournament. “This will strengthen the competition among players, as you might be aware our tournaments are aired on national television so we try to select the very best players for this tournament.” He further explained that the format will ensure that everyone complies with the COVID-19 Protocols and avoid over-crowding, especially at tournament venues. This will help the association conclude its games within a weekend as previously the games went on until midnight and coverage was said to be low.
The 16 players will be divided into four groups with two players in each group. Those who finish the tournament at the bottom will be relegated to play in the preliminary stage where they will seek qualification for the tournament. Motswasele added that after a long layoff they are very excited to return to play. He said the decision to resume sport came at the right time when they are able to fit all their activities into the season. He also revealed that they will have a tournament each month until the end of the season in September when they host the grand slam. “We have been luring sponsors to the sport and we have also covered a lot of ground with ensuring that the games are aired on national television and we intend to keep that deal going for as long as it can.” Asked if they have changed the tournament structure for good, Motswasele said with the COVID-19 pandemic in play they do not know when they will change the tournament format or how long it will stay that way. “What will somehow determine that is the COVID-19 virus, we are trying to curb the spread as
much as we can and as long as the virus is a major concern, the tournament setup will stay like this.”
The tournament, sponsored by Phoenix Assurance, will be one of the few that will resume following government’s decision to suspend sport activities earlier this year.