Classy Aryan A defeat hopeful Topspin A
With the excitement of the world championships starting in Durban tomorrow, table tennis fever was at a climax in Gqeberha this week, with both Premier and First League teams in action.
In the Premier League, the experienced Aryan A defeated hopefuls Topspin A by an 11-0 margin.
The difference in class between the two teams was evident as Aryan A dominated the games, with Michael de Kock, Ridhaa Jawitz and Neil Hendricks (Aryan A) showing great form and going unbeaten.
De Kock brought intensity to the matchup and showed why he has been the province’s most consistent player for a while, executing devastating topspins and elegant backhand loops as he saw his team to a comfortable victory.
In the First League, log leaders Despatch A overcame Aryan C 7-4 in a tough match.
The teams were evenly matched and with the tie hanging in the balance, Despatch A brought on impact player Angelo van Sensie, who intelligently controlled the two crucial doubles games, hitting powerful topspins, and aiding his team to victory.
In the final fixture of the evening, Topspin B and Livvies Alumni B left spectators on the edge of their seats in a nail-biting encounter which ended 6-5 in Livvies B’s favour.
Both teams played a high level of aggressive and attacking table tennis with fierce exchanges in all the games.
With the teams tied at 5-5, the spotlight fell on Riaan Miles (Topspin B) and Livvies B captain Claude Lawack in a tense decider.
It was a tight match with both competitors playing cautiously and tactically, but in the end Lawack held his nerve in key moments, edging it 5-11, 11-4, 11-8 and seeing his team to an important victory.
The Premier League will take a short recess as players compete in the NMB Table Tennis trials at the Malabar Community Centre on Wednesday from 7pm.