Angelo Santiago a beacon light in SLTI

Eric MOTHA in Canada

Angelo Santiago made his triumphant debut in table tennis in 1968 when he steered his alma mater St. Benedict's College, Colombo to annex the Junior Schools Championship and the seniors title the following year.

Since then Angelo's performance in the local and international circuits have earned banner headlines in the Press.

In 1969 Angelo proved his supremacy amongst the schoolboys in the country in outclassing Dammika Gunaratne of Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda to win the coveted Collegiate Boys' title and in recognition was selected to lead the schools team in the Quadrangular tournament conducted by the TT Association.

The achievements since then stand out as a testimony to Angelo's brilliance as a TT player of the highest calibre.

In reminiscing Angelo recalls with gratitude the inspiration and financial impetus provided by his eldest brother Francis who was also his coach and mentor and the encouragement of cousin Rajan Joseph a TT player of repute.

The champion of yesteryears commenced playing TT under the guidance and tutelage of former National champion N. H. Perera at the Mayfield Lane community centre.

Record books

Angelo Santiago entered the record books when in 1969, whilst still a student, he was selected to represent the country at the All India Nationals where he beat India's No. 2 (Juniors).

The proven track record of Angelo spread over 2 decades stands out as a beacon light in the saga of table tennis in Sri Lanka.

In the inter-club tournaments, a popular event each year, Angelo played a pivotal role in the match winning performances of the following teams he represented -YMCA, Bonjean Club, Community Centre, Playgounds and Friendship TT Club.

He was a versatile player whose total dedication to the game was most commendable.

In a nostalgic wave Angelo recalls his victory over Dr. G. N. Lucas in a thrilling five setter at the Bandarawela Open Championships and also annexing the Triple Crown at the YETTC tournament winning the men's singles, men's doubles partnering Deepak Naraindas and Nandini Udeshi in the mixed doubles.

In the local circuit Angelo captained the strong Mercantile squad comprising former National champion Annesley Gomez and National players Ramesh Dharmadas, Sarath Gunaratne and Rasakantha Rasiah to annex the inaugural Triangular trophy beating the Government Services team which included versatile TT Association Secretary P. V. Gopalakrishnan.

Men's crown

In the Nationals Santiago won the Men's crown in 1971,'74,'78,'85 and '86 and equalled the feat of another evergreen star Jothipala Samaraweera the only player to wield the pen holder grip with finesse.

In 1974 Santiago avenged his defeat at the hands of Samaraweera in the 3 finals the preceding year by winning the triple in an aura of triumph.

He also recalls with pride winning the Open Men's Doubles partnering Annesley Gomez and brothers Ranjan and Richard Santiago.

Milestone

It was a milestone achievement for Angelo to have represented his country at 24 foreign tournaments since 1969 where his performances earned encomiums in the local and foreign press.

It was a remarkable feat for Angelo when he took a set off the World Champion Li- Chung-Kuang in the Asian Championships in China in '71 whilst still a teenager and a set off the Japanese World Champion Ohono in the '79 Asian Championships held in Malaysia.

Diploma course

In 1972 Angelo was selected to follow a 4 month Diploma course in China which helped him immensely to sharpen his skills and instil greater confidence in his quest for titles.

Angelo was the recipient of the Friendship award at the Asian Championships in '71, '79 and '84 in recognition of his emerging as the best player from Sri Lanka.

Incidentally he captained the Lankan team at the Championships held in '79 in Malaysia and the one hosted by Pakistan in '84.

Angelo was selected as a member of the National Pool for a 2 week coaching camp under Gautam Divan 6 times Indian National Champion who was in the country on an invitation extended by Charlie Daniel, a former National Champ and respected personality in the TT milieu for several years.

Angelo also earned plaudits from another Indian veteran TT player and ITTF official C. T. Dorairaj for his finesse and potential with the TT racquet.

In addition to embellishing his sterling performances at the Asian Championships young Angelo acquitted himself creditably at the Afro Asian Latin American Championships staged in China, Nigeria and South Korea.

He donned the National colours in the Pentangular with India and Pakistan.

Administrative hierarchy

In commenting on the administrative hierarchy Angelo paid tribute to Justice A. Vytilingam, M. Balaji, Chandrakant M. Vasa, Eric Motha, Lucian Alles and P. V. Gopalakrishnan who made a singular contribution during their tenure in office.

In addition to his illustrious record abroad, Angelo also carried away laurels in several novices, open and ranking tournaments conducted by the controlling body, Mercantile TT Association, Government Services, YMCA, YETTC, Playgounds etc., spanning two decades and in the process proving his class as one of the best exponents of the game, Angelo was selected as the best TT player in '71 and a fine sportsman on and off the table.

Best sportsmen

In the following year Angelo was amongst the 10 best sportsmen in the country vying for the Bristol trophy.

In the country of his domicile Angelo Santiago's dream is to nurture his grand daughter Abigail Ishara Mathew to blossom into a player who will attain the Canadian National TT standards.

The 57 year old grand-pa is confident that his young protege will someday earn encomiums in the game he adorned with dedication and distinction spanning two decades.