Tinian Dynasty defeated Team Saipan, 43-21 during the previous tournament held at the Tinian Dynasty Hotel.
Saipan is hosting the 12th Goodwill Table Tennis Tournament and the rivals will compete for this year’s title. Each team will have eight players who will meet in single matches in a round robin format.
Marianas Amateur Table Tennis Association coordinator, Budhi Gurung said whichever team will have the highest number of wins will be awarded championship trophy. Among the 16 selected players from Saipan and Tinian, Ma and Luke were declared 1st and 2nd place winners as they both won 8-0.
The third place went to Roh also of Saipan after she lost to Ma and Luke.
Gurung expressed hope that Team Saipan will do better this time.
Saipan suffered its worst lost to Tinian Dynasty last May, Gurung noted, as Saipan and Tinian table netters’ team have been competing for the past five years. All members of the community are invited to come and watch the games which he assured will be more exciting than ever.
After the single matches, the teams will play double but depending on availability of time either round robin or knock out game will decide which way the championship title can be won.
Gurung also noted that may MATTA players have left Saipan so they are now going back to the way they started organizing the sports, but this time, tapping players from Korean Ping Pong Association.
“We are combining both teams together this time and we have been practicing every Tuesday and Thursday,” Gurung said.
Team Saipan will be led by MATTA President Steve Lim, Gurung, Jean Shi, Hisamitsu Hamamoto of Guam, Mrs. Roh, Korean Ping Pong Association President Mr. Park, Mr. Kwang, Mr. Aan, and Mr. Kim.
Team Tinian is composed of Ma, Luke, Charlie, Sudong, Robin, Bright, Tinian Dynasty Hotel managing director, Mr. Alfred and Vice chairman Mr.Liyang.
