by Ian Marshall, Editor
It is now a well-established tradition prior a World Championships for members of the Singapore national team to visit the home.
Led by Ms Ellen Lee, JP, PBM, President of the Singapore Table Tennis Association, Yu Mengyu, Lin Ye, Wong Xinru, Zhang Wanling, Goi Ruixian, Zeng Jian, Ethan Poh Shao Feng, Josh Shao Han Chua and Pang Yew En Koen plus coaches all visited the home which provides care for the elderly regardless of race, language or religion.
“We hope that our paddlers can bring joy and cheer to the elderly residents before their departure the World Table Tennis Championships. Our paddlers will do their utmost best at the upcoming World Table Tennis Championships. The Singapore Table Tennis Association has always been committed to growing the sport and introducing more new players to the national team. We are focused on a gradual push and the World Championships offers the best competitive platform to our new players.” Ellen Lee
A splendid gesture, one which followed the conclusion of a splendid occasion; the 2019 Singapore Junior and Hopes Invitational tournament attracted more than 190 players. Nine national associations participated; additional to Singapore, the countries in question were Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Korea Republic and Vietnam.
“After a lot of planning and hard work I am pleased to say that the 4th Singapore Junior and Hopes Invitational Table Tennis Tournament was a roaring success. The feedback I have received from the overseas participants and their delegation leaders, parents, supporters and athletes has been overwhelming; I appreciate the kind words and support! I look forward to everyone’s support for the 2020 tournament.” Ellen Lee
Notably there was success for Singapore; they won the under 13 girls’ team title, additionally Izaac Quek Yong, who has featured on the ITTF Hopes Programme, struck gold in the under 13 boys’ singles event.
Meanwhile for the visitors, the Korea Republic enjoyed notable success. Dong San High School won the under 17 boys’ team title, Lee Gihun emerging their most successful player; in addition he was anointed the under 17 boys’ singles champion. Furthermore, Lee Seoan from the Seo Daejeon Elementary School, secured the under 13 girls’ singles title.
Likewise, there was success for Japan. Kochi Prefecture clinched the under 17 girls’ team title, Sakura Aoi being their leading player she stood proudly on the highest step of the under 17 girls’ singles podium.
Top steps of the podium for Japan, the Korea Republic and Singapore; China was not to be left out, the Hubei Zhan Jian Table Tennis Club clinched the under 13 boys’ team title.
2019 Singapore Junior and Hopes Invitational tournament: Detailed Information
2019 Singapore Junior and Hopes Invitational tournament: Complete Results