Lowe cops an astounding seven titles
AT a presentation ceremony yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall the respective category champions received their due rewards for the recently concluded National Sports Commission’s Independence table tennis tournament.

The champions of the recently concluded NSC Independence Table Tennis tournament pose for photographers with the fruits of their labour. (Sonell Nelson photos)

Female table tennis whiz Trenace Lowe dominated the final standings of the tournament coming away with a windfall of seven titles, winning every category in which she was a contender.

Lowe took top honours in the Girls’ 18 and under category, the Girls’ doubles category, the Mixed doubles junior category, the Women’s’ doubles category, the Women’s singles category and the 21 years and under category. She was also adjudged most outstanding female player with her male counterpart being Nigel Bryan.

Lowe said that this tournament served as a chance to warm up for the qualifiers of the Latin American Championships June 14-19. She said that she was very pleased and that the preparation was good as the tournament was very competitive.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony while addressing the gathering of parents and players praised the initiative that serves to expose youths to the number of sports that are available, saying that being versatile as well as well-rounded is something that young people should strive for.

The minister opined that for the sport to develop it needs to be spread countrywide. He noted that the majority of the participants were students who attend schools in Georgetown and he believes that this limiting effect is hampering any progress to be had in the discipline.

Dr Anthony said that the pool of prospective players needs to be broadened and in doing so, talented players will be discovered especially in those regions where table tennis has yet to be introduced.

“We truly want to develop but we need to spread throughout the region,” he said. The minister said that just wishing for development will not make it happen. He pledged the support of the NSC and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

The minister also addressed the paucity of qualified coaches and he believes this should be remedied in order to facilitate any sort of development.

Director of Sport Neil Kumar lauded the players for being involved in competitive tennis from such an early age. Kumar also expressed delight that another such tournament was staged.

The respective champions in the various categories are as follows: 8 yrs and under boys – Khalil Ninvalle, 10 yrs and under boys – Elishaba Johnson, 10 yrs and under girls – Priscilla Greaves, 13 yrs and under boys – Jamaal Duff, 13 yrs and under girls – Chelsea Edghill, 15 yrs and under boys – Stephan Patoir, 15 yrs and under girls – Adeille Rosheuvel, 18 yrs and under boys – Nigel Bryan, 18 yrs and under girls – Trenace Lowe, boys’ doubles – Nigel Bryan/Denzel Hopkinson, girls’ doubles – Trenace Lowe/Akiecia Nedd, Mixed Doubles junior and senior – Trenace Lowe/Nigel Bryan, men’s doubles – Nigel Bryan/Joel Alleyne, women’s doubles Trenace Lowe/Chelsea Edghill, women’s singles – Trenace Lowe, men’s singles – Joel Alleyne and 21 yrs and under open – Trenace Lowe.