The Guyana Police Force ‘A’ arrested their fellow Police counterparts when the 2011 Inter-Organization team Table Tennis competition concluded yesterday at Queen’s College’s Auditorium.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) ‘A’ breezed past the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ‘A’ and the Guyana Industry and Supply Enterprise (GISE) ‘A’ teams in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds respectively to set up the much anticipated final showdown with the Guyana Police Officer’s Mess (GPOM) ‘A’ who downed Blue Thunder ‘A’ and GPOM ‘B’ on their way to the finals during the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds respectively.
The match-up was dominated by the GPF ‘A’ team as they came out victorious fairly easily with a 3-1 final match score.
Andrew Daly started well for the GPF ‘A’ as he showcased his power and speed against the seasoned veteran Patrick Triumph who played for GPOM ‘A’.
Daly’s aggressive approach to the match was too much for Triumph who tried countering with spin shots to slow the game but failed miserably as GPF ‘A’ went one game up after Daly defeated Triumph 3-0 at 11-5, 11-4 and 11-8.
Marlon Washington continued the winning ways for GPF ‘A’ as he played against GPOM’s Gary Pratt who took him down to the wire.
Both parties fought hard with brilliant rallies during the course of the match which eventually ended 3-2 at 7-11, 11-6, 10-12, 11-7 and 11-8 in Washington’s favour, widening the gap between them and GPOM with a comfortable two-game lead.
Needing one more game to wrap up the final, GPF ‘A’ was unable to do it in straight sets as the duo of Triumph and Pratt prolonged the inevitable for just a bit against the duo of Daly and Washington.
Experience came to the fore in the doubles encounter as Triumph played an aggressive role in the partnership countering Daly/ Washington’s serves and returns with hard forehand shots to lead GPOM to a 3-0 win at 11-6, 11-0 and 11-5 making the series 2-1. However, that would be the only glimmer of sunshine for GPOM ‘A’ as Daly returned to display the finesse side of his game as he outmaneuvered Pratt who was seemingly burnt out to walk away with a 3-0 win at 11-6, 11-0 and 11-5 which sealed the first place trophy for GPF ‘A’.
The third place playoff was easily decided as GPOM ‘B’ gained a walkover against GISE ‘A’ who was unable to compete because of an unfit player. Meanwhile the tournament will conclude today with the finals of the men’s singles competition from 10:00hrs at the said venue.
