-expects tough challenge from Spanish-speaking nations

REIGNING national four-time table tennis champion, Christopher Franklin, is cautiously optimistic about Guyana’s chances at the 2022 Senior Caribbean Table Tennis Championships which is scheduled for early next month in Havana, Cuba.

In an invited comment, he said that he is aware of the dominance of Spanish-speaking nations, such as Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, but will give it his best shot.

“As you know there will be some really tough teams there but I’m excited to compete and to vie for medals.”

The 37-year-old said that he intends to use the March 1-9 tournament to gauge his current competitive level with his regional counterparts.

Last Sunday, the experienced Franklin defeated his rival, Shemar Britton 4-2 in the final of the Men’s Singles at the Senior National Championships at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Britton and fellow Caribbean U-21 champion, Chelsea Edghill, are also in the team and would likewise look to make their mark.

The Olympian, Edghill, who won the National Singles title at the 2022 Senior Nationals, will lead the female charge. She will be joined by 2020 champion, Natalie Cummings and third-place finisher, Priscilla Greaves.

If funds are available, 11-year-old Winfer Gardens Primary School student, Jasmine Billingy, could also travel.

The youngster made her mark in the recently concluded National Championship by serving her way to several titles, including the Cadet, Junior and the U-21 titles.

Another dominant youngster, 15-year-old Jonathan Van Lange, who stormed his way to wins in the junior and senior divisions, including the U-21, ‘B’ Division and Men’s Doubles, was also selected.

Miguel Wong, who finished second in the ‘B’ Division and joint third with Van Lange in the Men’s Singles, was also selected in the national side.

Idi Lewis will travel as coach.