The National Finals of the F5WC Tournament comes up on January the 15th-16th 2016 at the Campos Mini Stadium on Lagos Island. 16 teams of 7 each from different parts of Nigeria will converge on Lagos for two days of football hostilities at the end of which the last ream standing will get a chance to represent Nigeria at the F5WC Global tournament in Bangkok, Thailand in March 2016.
F5WC Nationals will be played in a round robin format as the 16 finalist have been drawn into 4 groups of 4 teams each with the top 2 teams qualifying for the Quater-finals.
Football Fives Qualifiers At the Sani Abacha Stadium Kano
The eventual winners will also get a giant trophy, medals and the sum of 1.5million Naira from the main Sponsors of the tournament, Olympic Milk.
Olympic milk have also promised to take one lucky fan on an all expenses paid trip to the Etihad to watch a Manchester City FC home game. The MVP and Highest Goal Scorer at the National Finals in Lagos will also get the experience of a lifetime when they get a chance to also watch Stars our own Kelechi Iheanacho and Other Man City Stars in Action at the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City.
Meanwhile The Senior Special Assistant to the governor of Lagos State On Sports Mr Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye has also revealed that the Lagos State Government through his office has decided to Support the tournament as it meets with the plans by the State Government to use Sports as a veritable tool for youth empowerment.
Managing Director of Fivesports, Organisers of the Football 5’s Tournament, Bayo Akande has called on Lagosians to come out in large numbers to witness a well packed event, with lots of giveaways spiced with entertainment and games for the fans. Akande informed that plans have been put in place for football lovers to enjoy the beautiful game in a conducive atmosphere with adequate security.
Football Fives Lagos Qualifers
Group A,
Kakuri Fc (Kaduna)
De Royal Fc (Lagos)
Fc Hearts (Kano)
Gladiators (Rivers)
Group B,
MHB Fc (Kaduna)
MFM Region 70 (Lagos)
Rebel Athletic Fc (Lagos)
Remo football academy (ogun)
Group C
Mutunchi Fc (Kaduna)
AGO Fc (Ogun)
Zico Fc (Rivers)
Tao Fc (Lagos)
Group D
Golden Lions Fc (Lagos)
Dabo Fc (Kano)
Awolowo FA (Lagos)
FIN Academy (Abuja)
The world’s best table tennis stars have gathered in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon in preparation for the GAC Group 2015 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals which starts today 10 December and runs until 13 December 2015.
Finalists at the GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour last year in Bangkok, Europe’s top player Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (GER) and Jun MIZUTANI (JPN) are set to an early face-off in the first round of the Men’s Singles event. MIZUTANI claimed the title eventually in Bangkok, but at their latest encounter at the Liebherr 2015 ITTF Men’s World Cup, it was OVTCHAROV who prevailed.
“It’s a very hard draw for the both of us,” shared OVTCHAROV after the draw ceremony. “We have played seven times in the last 12 months, of which I won four times, but he has won three out of the four times we played at major international tournaments, so the results is going to be very open.”
The 27-year-old German added “Often the one with the better start wins, but the scores will be very close. I will of course try my very best to win this!”
Local hero Marcos FREITAS (POR) has the toughest draw out of everyone, with the European Championships runner up facing world number one and World Champion MA Long in the first round.
The fans could also expect a matchup between the reigning World Champion DING Ning and newly crowned 2015 Female Table Tennis Star LIU Shiwen in the Women’s Singles event. The duo last played internationally at the epic gold medal match at the 2015 World Championships, where DING overcame her injury in the decider to take her second World Championships title.
2014 Finallists Ovtcharov & Mizutani will face off in the first round here in Lisbon
The GAC Group 2015 ITTF World Tour is the year-ending finale to the US$3,000,000 ITTF World Tour, whereby the top 16 singles and 8 doubles pairs qualified through collecting #Race2Lisbon points throughout the 2015 ITTF World Tour.
The GAC 2015 ITTF World Tour is split into three tiers (highest first): Super (6 events), Major (6 events), Challenge (11 events). The higher the series, the more prize money, world ranking points, Race to Lisbon points and higher quality of competition on offer.
Ireland to face Scotland and Bangladesh to face Zimbabwe as last four sides aiming to book passage to India
Live scoring available at http://www.icc-cricket.com; photographs will be available for free download and editorial use here; more information available on the event site
Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Scotland will be competing for the two coveted places in next year’s ICC Women’s World Twenty20 India 2016 when they face off in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier Thailand 2015 in Bangkok on Thursday.
On Tuesday, Ireland claimed its third victory of the pool stages when it defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets at Terdthai Cricket Ground, but both sides qualified for the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier semi-final from Group B. Ireland will play host to European rivals Scotland, while Zimbabwe will now face Bangladesh who topped Group A.
In the other Group B game at Asian Institute of Technology Ground, China edged Netherlands in a close contest to register its first win of the tournament and will face host Thailand in the Shield semi final on Thursday, with Papua New Guinea set to face the Netherlands in the other tie.
The Trophy finalists will be aiming to join reigning champion Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies in the event proper, which will be staged alongside the men’s event from 11 March to 3 April 2016.
This is the second edition of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier, after the 2013 event was hosted by Ireland with Pakistan and Sri Lanka being adjudged as joint winners.
Scotland’s Fiona Urquhart in action against Bangladesh bowler Fahuma Khatun. Credit: @ICC
Scores in brief:
At Asian Institute of Technology Ground, Bangkok
Bangladesh Women 100-7, 20 overs (Fargana Hoque 28, Nigar Sultana 14; K Seura 2-2)
Papau New Guinea Women, 59 all out, 19.5 overs (V Frank 13 not out, T Ruma 12; Khadija Tul Kubra 5-11)
Bangladesh Women won by 41 runs
Player of the Match: Khadija Tul Kubra (Bangladesh Women)
At Thailand Cricket Ground, Bangkok
Thailand Women, 74-7, 20 overs (C Sutthiruang 21, S Tippoch 15; K Anderson 2-13)
Scotland Women, 75-4, 18.2 overs (RV Scholes 32, KE Bryce 13 not out; S Tippoch 2-20)
Scotland Women won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: RV Scholes (Scotland Women)
At Thailand Cricket Ground, Bangkok
Zimbabwe Women, 78 all out, 19 overs (M Mupachikwa 15, Isobel Joyce 4-20)
Ireland Women, 79-3, 15.2 overs (Cecelia Joyce 36, Clare Shillington 22; CS Mugeri 1-17)
Ireland Women won by 7 wickets
Player of the Match: Isobel Joyce (Ireland Women)
Ireland’s Isobel Joyce strikes the ball as Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Chipo Mugeri looks on. Credit: @ICC
At Asian Institute of Technology Ground, Bangkok
Netherlands Women, 101-6, 20 overs (M Veringmeier 26, CC van Slobbe 25; L Jie 1-15)
China Women, 103-5, 18.4 overs (Huang Zhuo 40 not out, F Song 21; HDJ Siegers 2-17)
China Women by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Huang Zhuo (China Women)
Wednesday is a rest/reserve day.
Thursday’s fixtures are:
Trophy Semi-Final 1- Bangladesh Women v Zimbabwe Women, Thailand Cricket Ground, Bangkok (10.00 local time)
Shield Semi-Final 1- Papau New Guinea Women v Netherlands Women, At Asian Institute of Technology Ground (10.00 local time)
Trophy Semi-Final 2- Ireland Women v Scotland Women, Thailand Cricket Ground, Bangkok (13.45 local time)
Shield Semi-Final 2- China Women v Thailand Women, At At Asian Institute of Technology Ground (13.45 local time)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced that, for the first time ever, four female match officials have been selected for the forthcoming ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier 2015, which will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from 28 November to 5 December.
Experienced New Zealander Kathleen Cross will be joined by Australia’s Claire Polosak, England’s Sue Redfern and West Indies’ Jacqueline Williams for the qualifier which will see eight sides (Bangladesh, China, Ireland, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand and Zimbabwe) fight out for the two available spots in the ICC World Twenty20 India 2016, which will be staged alongside the men’s event from 11 March to 3 April 2016.
The trailblazing quartet’s selections are a further positive step forward, and also reasserts the ICC’s commitment to, the development of the women’s game. It is hoped that these appointments will also inspire more women to become involved in officiating and participating in the game.
The quartet will be joined by fellow umpires Allan Haggo and Nigel Morrison, while ICC Graeme Labrooy will be the match referee. ICC Umpire Coach Denis Burns will also attend the week-long tournament and provide support and assistance to the match officials.
Taumarunui born Cross became the first woman to be named in an ICC umpires’ panel when she was added to the ICC Associate and Affiliate panel of umpires in 2014. She has previously umpired in the ICC Women’s World Cups in 2000, 2009 and 2013, the Women’s World Cup Qualifier in 2011 and the Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier in 2013. In recent years, Kathy has also worked at men’s senior events including the ICC World Cricket League Championship Divisions 3 and 5.
“Each tournament brings something new for women’s cricket and this latest development hopefully shows that the quality of umpiring is getting better and better, as the calibre of teams is certainly improving,” Cross remarked.
She added: “I have enjoyed the experience of officiating in different parts of the world, but I have been alone, as a woman, in the middle for quite some time. So, it’s great for all of us to have this opportunity in Thailand this week at such an important tournament. I think that the selection of four females can set down a pathway for more people to come through the system.”
At 27, Australia’s Polosak is the youngest official at the tournament and recently made history when she was appointed as third umpire for the Matador One-Day Cup to become the first female to officiate in a List ‘A’ Australian competition. Hailing from Goulburn, the high-school science teacher has since progressed to be involved as third umpire in the Queensland versus Cricket Australia XI match in October and as reserve umpire in several domestic matches.
Commenting on her appointment, Polosak said: “Being selected to umpire at this tournament is very humbling and I am looking forward to working with, and learning lots from the other very experienced officials.
“I am excited about the opportunity to travel to another country to umpire. There are many who wish to, but few get the chance. The fact that there are four female umpires at this tournament is not only special to other aspiring female cricket umpires showing there is a real pathway available, but also to anybody who has goals and wants to work hard and achieve them in any facet of their life.
“At the moment my umpiring goal is to be the best umpire I can, concentrating on the game that is in front of me. I always strive to be on top of my game for the players and to give them the respect that I am trying as hard as I can for them. Umpiring is unique in that I think it is very difficult to succeed without a strong support network. I couldn’t umpire without the support of my family, my partner Evan, nor the coaching from Cricket Australia and New South Wales Cricket Umpires and Scorers state director Darren Goodger.”
England’s former left-arm spinner Redfern, who appeared in six Tests and 15 ODI’s from 1995 to 1999, including featuring in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 1997. Since then she has officiated regularly throughout the non-first class arena including ECB Premier League cricket (men) and some MCCU 2 day cricket. She will be involved in county second eleven cricket in the forthcoming season. Over the last few years she has undertaken local and national appointments, mostly in men’s cricket, as well as formal qualifications to be given the opportunity to officiate in Thailand.
Sue’s ambitions moving forward are to continue to improve in men’s domestic cricket in England whilst working towards officiating at the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 and then ultimately becoming a professional umpire.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be given the opportunity to test my skills and be part of such an important tournament,” Sue said, adding: “As a former international player, I understand how seeing female umpires is incredibly powerful and demonstrates to women they can undertake any role in cricket they wish. It is important for the game to progress but, at the same time, it’s imperative I perform on-field and deliver to ensure the players get the best experiences. I will be using the time to share ideas with and learn things from others to further enhance my skills.”
Williams hails from Jamaica and recently made her international debut, when she stood in the first One-day and first Twenty20 Internationals during the Pakistan Women’s Tour of the West Indies.
Upon her return from Thailand, she will make history when she will become the first female umpire to officiate in the WICB Regional fist-class competition.
“I am very happy to be appointed to such an event. My preparation work has gone very well and it’s a continuous process. Being the first female from the Caribbean is a humbling feeling and I will do my very best to set a standard that other women will be excited about cricket umpiring and take on the task. I am looking forward to working with the PCT (Playing Control Team) and learning as I go along,” Williams said.
Former England captain and Chair of the ICC Women’s Committee, Clare Connor, commented: “To have four female umpires appointed for the forthcoming ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier in Thailand is a great step forward for the ICC’s overarching strategy with Members to increase the representation of women across all aspects of the game.
“Huge strides have been taken with regards to the playing profile of women’s cricket in recent times, and it is just as important that this momentum is carried into every facet of the sport, including areas such as coaching and officiating.
“To do this, collectively we need to make sure that we are proactively supporting and developing female officials across the world by giving them appropriate opportunities to officiate at the highest level.”
Match Officials (alphabetical order):
Umpires: Kathy Cross, Allan Haggo, Nigel Morrison, Claire Polosak, Suzanne Redfern, Jacqueline Williams
Match referee: Graeme Labrooy
Umpire coach: Denis Burns
Fixtures (umpire appointments will be announced in due course):
Saturday 28 November
1000-1245: Thailand v Bangladesh, TCG; 1000-1245: Ireland v Netherlands, AIT; 1345-1630: PNG v Scotland, TCG; 1345-1630: China v Zimbabwe, AIT
Sunday 29 November
1000-1245: China v Ireland, TCG; 1000-1245: Scotland v Bangladesh, AIT; 1345-1630: Zimbabwe v Netherlands, TCG; 1345-1630: Thailand v PNG, AIT;
Tuesday 1 December
1000-1245: Thailand v Scotland, TCG; 1000-1245: Bangladesh v PNG, AIT; 1345-1630: Zimbabwe v Ireland, TCG; 1345-1630: Netherlands v China, AIT
Thursday 3 December
1000-1245: Trophy Semi Final 1 A1 v B2, TCG
1000-1245: Shield Semi Final 1 A3 v B4, AIT
1345-1630: Trophy Semi Final 2 B1 v A2 , TCG
1345-1630: Shield Semi Final 2 B3 v A4, AIT
Friday 5 December
1000-1245: 3/4 Trophy P-Off LTSF1 v LTSF2, TCG
1000-1245: 3/4 Shield P-Off LSSF1 v LSSF2, AIT
1345-1630: Trophy Final WTSF1 v WTSF2, TCG
1345-1630: Shield Final WSSF1 v WSSF2, AIT
Prospective amateur clubs have began registration for the qualification series ahead of the 5 A-side Football World Championship, Thailand 2016.
The organisers of the competition, F5WC, disclosed this at a press conference held in Lagos yesterday.
F5WC Limited, chairman, Kolade Ibrahim, who are the organisers of the competition disclosed this at a press parley held in Lagos yesterday.
According to him, registration for this year’s edition of tournament has commenced as prospective participants are advised to visit http://www.f5wc-ng.com and the Lagos Divisional Football Association to pick their forms as it costs N10,000 to register.
Also Speaking at the media briefing Chairman of the LOC Fred Agbi stated that zonal eliminations would be held in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Enugu, Uyo and Ibadan, while sixteen teams from the zones would converge in Lagos for the national qualifiers.
Fred Agbi of 5Sports during his presentation to the media
Winners of the competition will travel to Bangkok, Thailand to represent Nigeria in the 5 A-side Football World Championship slated to hold in March, 2016. The team is also billed to attend the Global Champions series in the USA.
Japan has clinched both the singles titles at the spectacular US$1,000,000 GAC Group 2014 World Tour Grand Finals in front of a capacity crowd in Bangkok, Thailand.
Jun MIZUTANI claimed his second ITTF Grand Finals crown to match his teammate Kasumi ISHIKAWA’s golden performance earlier in the day.
The 2014 edition will always be remembered for its unprecedented sports presentation, and being the most unpredictable and hotly tournaments in recent memory, with seven out of the eight male and female semi-finalists coming from different countries.
The men’s final continued the battle of Asia versus Europe, as all the matches from the quarterfinals onwards by chance featured a player from Asia and Europe.
It was Asia who prevailed in the end, as Jun MIZUTANI recorded a 14-12, 12-10, 8-11, 11-3, 6-11, 12-14, 11-6 victory over Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (GER). The match was one of the best matches of 2014, with the entire crowd hanging on every point.
The 25 year old finally had the best nerves to defeat the London 2012 bronze medalist to secure an emotional title.
“The first two games were very close, I was totally focused”, said MIZUTANI, who just had his first child earlier in the year. “Losing the sixth game after taking the ‘Time Out’, was a blow, it was very difficult to recover mentally.”
“It’s always close between Dimitrij and myself”, continued MIZUTANI. “I won the title four years ago in Seoul but I think winning him has been a greater achievement; also it’s much more money!”
Kasumi ISHIKAWA won the biggest title of her life, by defeating SEO Hyowon (KOR) 11-7, 11-7, 11-3, 11-9 in a one sided women’s final.
Mizutani collapses to the ground after securing the GAC Group 2014 World Tour Grand Final title
ISHIKAWA lost the first game of her first match in the tournament against her teammate ISHIGAKI Yuka, but managed to win the next 16 games in a row, which clinched her the title and a US$100,000 prize cheque.
ISHIKAWA beat ISHIGAKI 4-1 in the first round, Ai FUKUHARA (JPN) 4-0 in the quarter finals, the surprise of the tournament Georgina POTA (HUN) 4-0 in the semi finals before her scintillating 4-0 win against SEO Hyowon in the final.
“I am so happy to win this big and prestigious title, I can’t believe I won,” stated a beaming ISHIKAWA.
“I came into the event with no expectations, which took the pressure off me. I am going to spend my big cheque on a nice long holiday to a tropical beach somewhere”, concluded the 21 year old.
The two singles title for Japan make it four overall, with the 14 year old pair of Mima ITO & HIRANO claiming gold in the women’s doubles, and Asuka MACHI winning the men’s under 21 event.
The men’s doubles trophy went home to Korea, after CHO Eonrae & SEO Hyundeok were victorious, and CHEN Szu-Yu from Chinese Taipei was the women’s under 21 champion.
The GAC Group 2014 World Tour Grand Final concludes the 2014 table tennis season, and what a season it has been. The 2015 table tennis season kicks off with the World Team Cup in Dubai on 8-11 January 2015.
14 year olds Mima ITO and Miu HIRANO from Japan have made history by becoming the youngest ever ITTF World Tour Grand Finals champions today in Bangkok, Thailand.
The duo, whose peers would have been at school instead of a $1,000,000 table tennis event, became the World Tour Grand Final women’s doubles champions in a gripping match.
ITO & HIRANO defeated the Polish pair in the gold medal match, which included triple Paralympics champion Natalia PARTYKA, an amazing achievement in itself for the class 10 superstar.
Japanese duo Mima Ito and Miu Hirano being told that they have just won $40,000!
After beating PARTYKA and her partner Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA 11-7, 11-6, 11-4, 11-5, ITO stated: “We beat them in the ITTF World Tour German Open final earlier this year, so we knew we could beat them, but of course this was a new match and it was a very special match. We knew it would be hard to win today.”
A smiling HIRANO added: “We have both practiced such a great deal. So I think we have a very good level of technical skills which helpeda lot.”
When the girls were told that in addition to winning the women’s doubles crown, they would also receive a $40,000 cheque, they could not hide their excitement, jumping up and down hugging each other in disbelief.
“We are going to buy lots and lots of presents for our family and friends, we are so excited about this money,” stated the ecstatic pair.
PARTYKA Photo credit: ITTF.
It wasn’t all sweet for Japan though, as CHO Eonrae and SEO Hyundeok of Korea ruined their dream of completing a doubles clean sweep by defeating Kenta MATSUDAIRA and Koki NIWA to clinch the title.
“During the time-out, our coach told us that we must really focus on our services and play fast from the backhand”, shared CHO. “We were both a little tense during the last 2 points, but the top spin from the backhand by Hyundeok made all the difference.”
The singles event is up to the semi finals stage, with the winners being determined tomorrow in front of the capacity crowd at the Sports Authority of Thailand Indoor Stadium.
The semi finalists shows the depth of international table tennis, with seven different countries making up the four men’s and four women’s semi final positions. The men’s semi finals sees a battle of Asia v Europe and the women’s features one of the most improved player of 2014 Georgina Pota (HUN) play the biggest match of her life!
The most lucrative table tennis event on earth, the US$1,000,000 GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Grand Final starts tomorrow in Bangkok, Thailand.
Only the 16 best men and 16 best women from the 20 2014 World Tour events have qualified to battle it out for the top prize of World Tour Grand Final champion.
Olympic bronze medalist Dimtrij OVTCHAROV (GER) finds himself in a strange position here in Bangkok. OVTCHAROV is the favorite for the title, but has actually never won a match at the World Tour Grand final in six attempts.
“I am really determined to break by unlucky run at the World Tour Grand Finals and win my first match,” stated the 26-year-old.
“My opponent Yuto MURAMATSU is a very strong opponent and is in good form, as he won silver at last weeks World Junior Championships, so I need to be in top form to beat him! As he is a defender, at least the crowd will get a good match.”
Ovtcharov in action during his victory at the GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Super Series German Open
With the top Chinese players not qualifying for the event, OVTCHAROV’s main challengers for the top prize will be Jun MIZUTANI (JPN) and veteran Vladimir SAMSONOV (BLR), who first played in the World Tour Grand Finals back in 1996!
FENG Tianwei (SIN), who won three World Tour events in 2014 is the favourite for the women’s crown, which she also won in 2010.
The Singaporean’s main challengers will come from Japan, with world number six Kasumi ISHIKAWA and world number 10 Ai FUKUHARA desperate to win their first World Tour Grand Final title and end 2014 on a high.
In addition to the men’s and women’s singles events, the capacity crowd at the Sports Authority of Thailand Indoor Stadium will be treated to the world’s best men’s and women’s doubles pairs, as well as the top under-21 singles players.
In the women’s doubles, all eyes will be on the number one seeds, the 14-year-old duo of Mima ITO and Miu HIRANO from Japan. The pair, who would usually be at a school desk, beat some of the world’s best doubles teams this year to become the youngest ever winners of an ITTF World Tour event when they won at the German Open, and then again at the Polish Open.
The GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour is split into three tiers (highest first): Super (6 events), Major (4 events), Challenge (10 events). The higher the series, the more prize money, world ranking points, Race to Bangkok points and higher quality of competition on offer.
The prestigious US$1,000,000 GAC Group 2014 World Tour Grand Finals, which has the most prize money of any table tennis event on earth, will be held at the Sports Authority of Thailand Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on 11-14 December 2014. To qualify, players had to play in a minimum of five events.
China has made a clean sweep of the seven medals on offer at the Wisdom 2014 World Junior Table Tennis Championships, which concluded today in Shanghai, China.
China’s YU Ziyang produced a master class performance in the boys singles final to defeat the Youth Olympic Games silver medalist Yuto MURAMATSU (JPN) 11-9, 11-9, 11-7, 11-9 to become the world champion.
YU Ziyang, who has also had success on the GAC Group 2014 World Tour by winning two events was under huge pressure to win the gold for China, due to it was the only medal that they did not win last year, when JANG Woojin (KOR) won gold in Rabat, Morocco.
After the match, the 16 year old stated: “I did feel the pressure before the match and I did feel nervous; the problem is that if you are Chinese you are expected to win; if you lose then it’s big news”
“I’m pleased I won but I was expected to win so now it’s a great feeling of relief!”
In the girl’s singles event, his compatriot WANG Manyu’s massive scream after becoming the girl’s junior world champion showed the world just how much the title meant to her.
WANG defeated her teammate ZHU Chaohui 12-10, 11-6, 14-12, 6-11, 12-10 to win her first world championships crown.
After the emotional victory, the 15 year old stated: “It’s the greatest day of my life. I am world champion!”
“During the match I tried to keep control of my emotions, I tried to keep calm; if I started yelling and screaming I’d lose concentration. Since last year when I lost in the semi-final, I have played in many international tournaments, so now I have much more experience.”
China Clean Sweeps the Medals at the World Junior Table Tennis Championships
The Chinese pair of LYU Xiang & XUE Fei were made to work extremely hard to defeat the passionate Korean duo of CHO Seungmin & KIM Minhyeok 8-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 14-16, 11-8 in the boy’s doubles final.
“When we were down in the seventh game, we adopted the same approach as in the sixth, play one point at a time and try your best” said Xue Fei who had clearly formed a very good understanding with Lyu Xiang.
“He is very fast”, stressed Xu Fei. “I am much slower, so we compliment each other. It is unbelievable that we are world champions!”
China’s gold rush continued in the girl’s doubles, with CHEN Xingtong and LIU Gaoyang clinching gold.
The pair led by Youth Olympic Games champion LIU Gaoyang were too good for the 14 year old Japanese duo of Mima ITO & Miu HIRANO, prevailing 5-11, 12-10, 11-6,10-12,11-5, 11-7.
“Certainly it was a difficult match but I think our technical skills made the difference on the important points” said LIU Gaoyang. “We have played together before but we didn’t practice that much before this tournament. We are thrilled with this title, as we both played below our level in the singles.”
WANG Chuqin & CHEN Xingtong (CHN) became the mixed doubles World Junior champions, after beating their compatriots LYU Xiang & WANG Manyu (CHN) in the mixed doubles final.
WANG Chuqin stated after the match: “Gradually as the tournament progressed, we adjusted to each other’s styles of play and had a good co-operation and we are ecstatic to be World Champions!”
These five gold medals won today at the Minghang Indoor stadium were a perfect finish for China, after they won both the boy’s and girl’s teams event earlier in the week.
Kirill GERASSIMENKO (KAZ) & Tamolwan KHETKHUAN (THA) were awarded with the Swaythling Club International Fair Play award for playing their table tennis in a fun and positive fashion all championships.
The table tennis world now turns to Bangkok, Thailand, where the US$1,000,000 GAC Group 2014 World Tour Grand Finals will take place.
The recent International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) ZEN-NOH World Championships, did not just see the world’s best players play, Tokyo was also the place to allocate future top ITTF events.
Bangkok, Thailand, won their bid to host the most lucrative table tennis event on earth, the GAC Group 2014 World Tour Grand Finals. The year-ending finale of the 21 GAC Group 2014 World Tour events will be held on 11-14 December 2014, with a prize money pool of one million US dollars.
World-class table tennis will make a swift return to Dubai with the city winning their bid to host the 2015 World Team Cup on 8-11 January 2015.
ITTF’s top events will be spread across the world over the next 12 months. Photo credit: Remy Gros/ITTF.
Dubai was the successful host of the GAC Group 2013 World Tour Grand Finals, and the eager public will again get a chance to see their table tennis heroes in the flash, this time at the bi-annual world title tournament involving the top teams beside all the Continental Team Champions.
The 2014 World Cadet Challenge will be the first step into international competition organization for Barbados later this year. Bridgetown will run the world’s premier under-15 table tennis event from 23 October to 1 November 2014.
Reflecting on the news the ITTF CEO Judit FARAGO stated: “It will be our pleasure to return to Dubai in January 2015 for the World Team Cup, the UAE Table Tennis Association organizes the second major ITTF event in one year time attracting the world’s best players again after the last World Tour Grand Finals.
At the same time the year-ending World Tour Grand Finals moves to Bangkok thanks to the Thailand TTA, one of the most active Asian association holding several ITTF and continental events recently on very high level, enough to mention the running SET Thailand Junior Circuit where young players between 12 and 18 compete in 16 different events right now.
Good to see a new host city, Bangkok on the World Tour, while a small Caribbean country, Barbados put itself on the map of event organizers, offering spectacular and exotic place for the most important event of the youngest age category. It is very good to see their motivation to promote their country and to develop their young team at the same time. The girls already made the first step by competing at the World Championships in Tokyo and finishing on the 85th place.”
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