Table tennis leagues gain momentum
The Nelson Mandela Bay Table Tennis leagues provided for some interesting fixtures this week with both premier and first league teams in action after the Easter and Ramadan break.
In the premier league, Aryan B continued their winning ways with an 8-3 victory over Callies A.
This was a thrilling fixture and there were some close games, with both teams playing expansive table tennis.
Devin Langford (Callies A) continued his run for top-player status this campaign as he went unbeaten, including a thriller against the technically gifted Ridaa Hendricks (Aryan B) which Langford eventually won 3-11 13-11 14-12.
In the end however, Aryan B proved too strong with a good all-round performance.
In the second premier league match, title challengers Aryan A took on Rockets A in an intriguing fixture.
Michael de Kock and Ridhaa Jawitz were in sublime form, winning all their matches, and demonstrated a high level of play.
Jawitz, in particular, showed why he is up among the best players in the country, using his pimples to strategically set up his topspins.
Even though Rockets A put up a spirited fight, Aryan A proved superior, sealing the tie 9-2 on the night.
In the first league, Topspin B defeated their C team 11-0 in a tense derby match-up.
Kobus Etsebeth, Adrian Afrika and Peter du Preez all played well to go unbeaten.
In the final clash of the evening, Despatch A took on Aryan C in a fixture that could have gone either way.
Both teams gave it their all, playing some good table tennis, but in the end Despatch A kept their cool, taking it 9-2, with Riaan May and Julian Horne showing fine form.
● Nelson Mandela Bay Table Tennis leagues take place every Wednesday evening at 7pm at the Malabar Community Centre. Table tennis enthusiasts are encouraged to come and watch our local stars in action.