Former Caribbean under – 11 champion Kaysan Ninvalle is confident of capturing his second singles title at this year’s edition of the Caribbean Mini-Cadet and Pre-Cadet Table Tennis Championship, set for the Dominican Republic from August 26 – 31.
Ninvalle, who will trade serves in the under – 13 category this year, captured gold in the under – 11 singles category in Jamaica two years ago.
“Yeah, I’m confident of capturing another title…I know it won’t be easy, but I just have to put my mind to it and play hard,” Ninvalle told Stabroek Sport during a recent interview.
However, the Chase Academy student, who has played for Guyana on six separate occasions, indicated that the players from the host country will pose the most difficult challenge to his title aspirations.
“The Dominican Republic players…they have some of the best players,” Ninvalle said with a determined look on his face when quizzed about the possible obstacles he may encounter.
Highlighting the one area he improved on from 2016 to now, which in his estimation can take him over the line, Ninvalle spoke of placing more emphasis on his serves.
“I’m spinning the ball more…instead of rushing it, it’s better to spin it as coach [Linden] Johnson has been telling me because it’s harder for the opponent to bring it back on the table and it has been effective,” he explained.
The young man has had a decent 2018 in tournaments he participated in with his most notable championship title coming from the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) Nationals a few months ago when he defeated Niran Bissu in the boys under – 15 finals.
He also had a number of enthralling exchanges with the improving Jonathan Van Lange which gave him the ideal preparations heading into the championships.
While he harbours ambitions of capturing the singles title, Ninvalle is also very well placed to win the boys under – 13 doubles when he pairs up with Van Lange, where they can spring a few surprises if they can synchronize their efforts.
“I’m very excited to play with him…we are a good duo, and once we work and communicate with each other, we can capture the gold,” he confidently remarked, while noting that their combined attacking instincts can provide the cutting edge needed to outclass their other Caribbean counterparts.
Ninvalle is also expected to lead Guyana in the teams overall category when the Championship gets underway.
