THE time draws near for the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) to attempt to integrate the sport with the new COVID-19 guidelines.

The tournament which was originally scheduled to begin on November 27 was pushed forward close to a week ago but no clear date has been given for the commencement.

Speaking with General Secretary of the Association, Linden Johnson, the solidity on a date has not been set since they await the approval from the National COVID-19 Task Force and consent from the venue they requested for the event.

The organisers have expressed their interest in hosting the ‘Restart Competition’ at the Malteenoes Sport Club (MSC), a venue which had already been used for numerous GTTA activities in the past.

However, since the regular venue, Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), is still under lockdown there will be a shortage of space at MSC which would allow only two tables to be in operation for the scheduled three-day tournament.

According to Johnson, once they receive approval from the Task Force with ample time to prepare, they will be more assertive in setting a date. They have been keeping their fingers crossed to commence on December 11 but if that does not go according to plan, then their focus will have to be shifted to December 18.

On the participation aspect, Johnson said, once all systems fall into place they will be able to invite the players listed for participation. There is also a fail safe protocol in place to replace those athletes who do not feel comfortable to compete in the current conditions.

While the association’s focus is mainly on the health and safety of the athletes who have shown the intent to participate, they also want to completely obey the guidelines that surround the hosting of the event in the pandemic.

Since the halt of their calendar of events earlier in the year, the association has taken it upon themselves to also implement the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) guidelines in their efforts to get the ball rolling.

This will be added to a customary period to allow for sanitising of the playing area after each match, so space and time would have to be allowed between matches and for players to prepare.

They will also be inviting players to play at scheduled times to help alleviate the spread of the disease.

Hence, the format, which will see Men’s Top 16 Duels among the nation’s top 16 players who competed at the 2020 edition of the Senior National Championships, while the Boys’ competition will also include the top 16 juniors.

For the Girls’ aspect, it will be a battle between the top eight junior females, while the Senior Females will be an open battle among the active local players.

Johnson also disclosed that all the matches will be live-streamed to keep table tennis athletes and supporters, safe and satisfied.