TT Nationals on January 6 and 7

Sanjaya ARIYARATNE

The 61st National Table Tennis Championship conducted by the Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka which is the most important event of the Sri Lanka Table Tennis calendar in which all ranked players in the country will be seen in action will be held on January 6 and 7 at the S. Thomas’ College, Indoor Stadium, Mount Lavinia.

There will be altogether eight events for both men’s and women’s categories. The men’s category comprises Men’s singles, Men’s Doubles, Masters Singles Over 35-44, Veterans Singles Over 45, Disabled Singles (standing), Disabled Singles (seated)) and Lanka Plate Consolation.

The events to be worked off for women are Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, Masters Singles over 35-44, Veterans Singles Over 45, Disabled Singles (standing), Disabled Singles (seated), Lanka Plate Consolation and Mixed doubles.

This year’s tournament will include promising young players who have beaten several top players in the rankings tournaments which were held recently. The youngsters are expected to offer a stiff competition to the senior players.

All players who set knocked out in the first and second rounds in men’s and women’s singles will be eligible to take part in the consolation event. The players also must not be ranked players in the Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka ranking list during the period 2002 to 2004 to participate in this event.

The tournament will be conducted on a knock out basis. The entries close on December 3 at 3.00 p.m. and the draw will be held on December 7 at the Otters Aquatic Club, Colombo 07.

The entries should be addressed to G.G. Weerakkody, Chairman Tournament Committee or Ajith Gamage Secretary, Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka (TTASL), No. 151, Maligakanda Road, Colombo 10.

Junior Nationals

The 61st Junior National Table Tennis Knock-Out Championship will be worked off at the S. Thomas’ College, Indoor stadium, Mount Lavinia from January 4 to 5 in 2008. The tournament is conducted by the Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Schools Table Tennis Association. The events to be worked out are- (boys) Under 10, 12, 15 and 18 singles and under 18 doubles.

(girls) Under 10, 12, 15 and 18 singles and under 18 girls doubles and under 18 mixed doubles. The entries should be sent to Ajith Gamage, Secretary TTASL, Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka, No. 151, Maligakanda Road, Colombo 10 to be reached on or before December 3. The draw will be held on December 7 at the Otters Aquatic Club at 8.30 a.m.