Oxford Club dominate south zone Masters table tennis

OXFORD Club won two of three titles at the TT Table Tennis Association’s (TTTTA) South Zone Masters and Veterans Tournament which served off at Preysal Secondary School, Preysal on Sunday.

Anthony Laquis and David Ramdin came up trumps in the 50-59 and 70 and over categories while PowerGen Penal’s Faiz Mohammed emerged victorious in the 60-69 category.

After advancing second best out of the group one qualifier, Laquis buckled down and played unbeaten to the end, eclipsing club-mate Ishwar Sookoonsingh 11-5, 11-8, 11-6 in the title match.

In the semi-final round, Laquis dug deep to get past seasoned Hillview Renegades player Franklyn Seechan 3-11,11-6, 11-13, 11-9, 11-5 while Sookoonsingh defeated Servivors’ Rafeel Mohammed 11-8, 11-7, 5-11, 11-7.

Ramdin, however, was undefeated in his three-match round-robin contest. He was crowned 70 and over champion with victories over Guaracara Table Tennis Club’s Alan Dookie (11-8, 11-7, 12-10) and Samuel Sandassie (11-8, 11-5, 11-3) and Couva’s Ken Ali (10-12, 11-5, 11-6, 11-6).

Ali placed second and Dookie third.

Additionally, Mohammed prevented an Oxford title-sweep when he topped the 60-69 division with a 3-0 triumph. Mohammed beat Oxford’s Gopaul 11-4, 11-9, 11-9 in the title match.

In their respective semi-final bouts, Mohammed got past Couva’s Harnarine Moonasar 11-9, 11-7, 11-6 while Gopaul won 12-10, 11-6, 13-11 against Couva’s Satesh Jodhan.

Two female participants, Jacquiline Coutain and Sharon Del Young, were given a special match in addition to their participation in the 50-59 category.

At this tournament, many former players and administrators from south and central Trinidad were honoured.

Tributes were paid to Mansingh Amarsingh, Leela Calpu, Edwin Niffikeer, Elton Beckles, Vishnu Gokool, Michael Brisbane and Frankie Worrell.

Altogether, there were 33 participants from nine clubs from south and central. Hampers were sponsored by Karibbean Flavours and water was donated by S.M Jaleel and Company.

The TTTTA south zone plans to host at least two more tournaments in 2022 as table tennis resumes post-pandemic.