Kaysan Ninvalle, one of Guyana’s most promising table tennis prospects, closed out 2018 on a winning note, soaring to championship glory in the ‘B’ class Open category of the Titans Table Tennis Club ‘Play to Conquer’ junior tournament yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).
Ninvalle in the ‘B’ class final came from behind and cop a measure of revenge from Terrence Rausch who defeated him in the semi-finals of the under – 18 category, to take the title 3-2 in a combative contest.
The first set went to Ninvalle 14-12 before Rausch took the next two sets 11-8, 11-9 to claim a 2-1 lead. Ninvalle, however, regained his composure to claim the next two sets 11-5, 11-7 and clinch the title.
Earlier, Ninvalle had suffered a 1-3 defeat at the hands of Rausch in the boys Under – 18 semi-final. Rausch was later defeated in the final by southpaw Isaiah Layne in straight sets 9-11, 8-11 and 9-11 in the Under – 18 final. Rausch in his semi-final defeated Niran Bissu who shared joint third honours along with Ninvalle.
Meanwhile the girls Under – 18 title went to Thuraia Thomas who played unbeaten in the end round robin final. Thomas dominated her counterparts but faced a much sterner challenge from Crystal Melville in her final round match which she eventually won 3-2 after trailing 1-2. She won 11-6, 7-11, 9-11, 11-2, 11-5.
Jasmine Billingy and Aneka Phillips shared the joint third in that category.
Thomas also walked away with the girls Under – 15 title after she defeated Melville 11-5, 11-1, 11-9 and the girls Under – 13 title with another final win over Melville 11-8, 11-5, 11-8.
Billingy and Nicky Melville were joint third winners in the girls Under – 15 category while Billingy and Deja Datt shared joint third honours in the girls Under – 13 category.
The boys Under – 13 title went to Dhanesh Persaud who defeated Colin Wong 3-2 in the final to settle the score. Wong had defeated Persaud in the boys Under – 11 final on Sunday.
Narren Persaud and Andell Austin shared joint third honours in that category. The tournament was sponsored by Raj Singh Insurance Brokers, Beacon Café and SBF Petroleum.
