The highly patronized ASOGLI table tennis challenge organized by the Ghana Table Tennis Association, GTTA, ended on a good note.
The event which took place at the Mawuli Senior High School in HO, Volta Region on Thursday, 21st September, 2023 attracted over 150 players both male and female.
Formed as part of the preparations ahead of the Africa games, the event lifted up to the expectations.
With spins and loops on display, the players showed class from the group stage through to the grand finale in the both male and female categories respectively.
Current National champion, Felix Lartey of the Westchester Table Tennis Center, USA, rose to the occasion with a stunning 3-0 victory over Pot sports Isaac Davies to clinch the ultimate prize money of GHS2,500.
Francis Antwi and Israel Aklie took the joint third positions respectively.
The highly anticipated female encounter between Celia Baah Danso of the Ghana Army and Ghana Immigration Service Cynthia Kwabi ended abruptly.
Kwabi who took the lead with 2 – 0 in the second game with 6-4 going into the last game experienced a foot injury.
As part of the current ITTF playing rules, Cynthia Kwabi received a 10 minutes injury break by the Competition Manager, William Berekorang Asare and the umpires.
In full consultation with her technical team, the Army Lady Celia Baah Danso showed class and sportsmanship where she awarded her match-points to Cynthia Kwabi.
Cynthia Kwabi was crowned the female champion with an official score of 3-0. She also took home GHS 2,500 as cash prize.
Young Juanita Borteye and Blessing Labanti also took home the joint third positions as well.
Speaking to the media, Felix Lartey expressed gratitude to the president Mawuko Afadzinu and other members of the fraternity for putting up the event.
He stated that, he would continue to engage himself in other competitions at the club level in order to be at his peak.
“This is good for me, I have worked for it and would continue to pursue my dream. I am going back to my club and train more. We have the Africa games coming up and so that is my focus now,” he said.
On her part, Cynthia Kwabi also showed gratitude to her opponent Celia Baah Danso for the good sportsmanship exhibited during the rally.
She revealed plans of working more harder to keep her momentum in shape.
“I was sad when I felt the pain, but knew I would continue. But I am not giving up yet, I will train and make sure I get stronger”, she said.
Touching on her injury situation, the Immigration lady disclosed that, she would consult her management and health experts to ascertain the level of the injury.
As part of motivation by the Mawuko led administration, top 16 players also received cash prizes.
The event saw the attendance of the chairman of the Volta Region Table Tennis Association, Mr. Thomas Kuenyefu, reps from Stanbic bank, SIC life among others.
FULL RESULTS
Men
1- Felix Lartey
2- Isaac Davies
3- Francis Antwi / Israel Aklie
Women
1- Cynthia Kwabi
2- Celia Baah Danso
3- Juanita Borteye / Blessing Labanti
