Islamic Solidarity Games- Table Tennis

GUYANA’S Olympic table tennis player Chelsea Edghill says the country’s team played hard and delivered on their best in the ongoing Islamic solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia.

Edghill reached the quarter final stage of the women singles competition before losing to Turkey’s Sibel Altinkaya.

She told Guyana Chronicle that team showed their grit and strength in the competition and it really positive and encouraging.

“In terms of the teams overall performances, I think what we said we would come out here and do and that is give our best, just to play every point on it merit and fight every point and fight in every match that we play, it is a good indication of what is to come with the right preparation, we could achieve really good things in the future,” she said.

Edghill says that it was not the results she had hoped for but she is satisfied with her progress in the competition

“The quarter final match didn’t go as I had hoped, because obviously I wanted to win but it didn’t happen that way for me. Nevertheless, I’m pleased with my results at this tournament especially at the beginning stages of the tournament, to know that two months ago my foot was in cast to now where I was able to play and compete against some of the world’s best players and to feel as like I didn’t miss a step. But I understand there is a long way to go in terms of recovery and continuous training in that regard. I’m quite pleased with the way I played and excited to see what comes next.”

The two time-Olympian was loud in praise for her support personnel that aided her return to international competition.

“I’m really thankful to the physiotherapist at the national sports clinic, they did a really good job in these last two months, making sure I was ready to come and compete at these games because it was difficult for me to compete at the national championship and to come here (Saudi Arabia) and play the way I did, it was top work and shows their commitment.”

The country’s men’s double team of Shemar Britton and Nigel Bryan also reached the quarter finals stage.

The other athletes that represented Guyana were Elishaba Johnson, Jasmine Billingy and Thuraia Thomas.