Moo-Young, Foster claim Extreme Spin crowns

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Peter Moo-Young and Yvonne Foster came up trumps at the first staging of the Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA)-sanctioned Extreme Spin Open Table Tennis Championship, which was held at the YMCA, Hope Road, last Sunday.

The championship, which attracted an impressive 141 participants over 14 events, saw Moo-Young getting the better of main rival and current national number one, Joseph Dibbs, in six sets in the Men's Open, while Foster, who a day before claimed the Girls' 18-and-Under crown, defeated Shenique Claire in five sets to take the Women's Open.

Both matches were played as best-of-seven series.

In the Men's Open final, which was sponsored by Taboo Energy Drink, and had winners and runners-up cash prizes of $30,000 and $15,000, respectively, Moo-Young took the first set 11-5, but went on to lose the next two 5-11, 10-12, to trail Dibbs.

However, displaying an array of shots and deep concentration, Moo-Young rallied to take the next three sets, 11-7, 11-6 and 11-7, and with it the championship trophy.

Rebirth

Foster beat Claire 11-8, 11-4, 11-4, 7-11, 11-4 for the Seaboard Marine-sponsored women's title. The winner and runner-up collected $20,000 and $10,000, respectively.

"It was well attended by players and well-supported by spectators," said Jimmy Ho-On, who, along with André Chin and Clive Johnson, organised the event.

"I think it is the start of the revitalisation of the table tennis in Jamaica and as a result of the success of the tournament, we will definitely be continuing it next year when we plan to bring top-ranked regional and international players to boost its profile and expose, especially our youngsters, to top-class table tennis," Ho-On added.

Mark Phillips, who won the Boys' Under-16 and Men's C titles, was named player of the tournament, ahead of Foster.