Action-packed clashes in table tennis leagues
The Nelson Mandela Bay Table Tennis leagues provided some highly anticipated fixtures this week with both Premier and First league teams in action.
In the Premier League, there was an electrifying showdown as Livvis Alumni A took on rivals Rockets A in a heated fixture which ended 7-4 in Rockets A’s favour.
Both teams played a high level of end-to-end, attacking table tennis in some very close games that could have gone either way.
Notwithstanding the scoreline, Livvis A star player Rodger Rockman demonstrated some impressive backspin serves to set up his topspins, fighting for every point.
However, despite his efforts, Rockets A emerged victorious with a solid team performance.
In the second Premier League match, Aryan B maintained their Top spot on the table defeating Topspin A 10-1, with Ridaa Hendricks and Shahied Mamoojee (Aryan B) showing fine form and going unbeaten.
Mamoojee, in particular, attacked from the outset with hard-hitting smashes and chopped deceptively with his Long Pimples, outsmarting his opponents.
The scoreline was not a true reflection of the games though and there was a tense battle between Mamoojee and Topspin A’s captain Prishen Ryan which proved to be a test of skill and fitness as Ryan defended and counter-blocked well to put up great resistance.
In the end, Mamoojee came out tops winning 9-11; 11-5; 12-10 sealing an impressive win for Aryan B.
In the First League, Aryan C beat Topspin C 8-3 in an interesting fixture with Zoliswa Ncitshane (Aryan C) winning all her matches.
There were some close games as both teams played well but Ncitshane showed why she is one of SA’s top women’s players as she dominated proceedings with crafty serves and powerful smashes, seeing Aryan C over the line.
As the leagues heat up, fans can expect to see some highlevel performances at the Malabar Community Centre on Wednesdays (7pm).