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tmNEWS 
( updated Nov 8th 2008) DID YOU GET AN E-MAIL NOTIFICATION OF NEWS IN
Early May 2008 ?
I if not - join or re-join the
list by sending me a quick e-mail with your name and town, (and phone
numbers if you wish) to:
nettadave@.gmail.com
. Don't worry - I don't use my e-mail list often or
give it out for others to use.
(remove the space after the '@' and ADD my e-mail address to your contact list to
insure my e-mails aren't blocked).
TO
SEE US OPEN & WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
NEWS SCROLL
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New TT
Videos:Click
to see a segment Recent Sunday play at Middletown:
Paste this to browser: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8971886696731988693&pr=goog-sl
Ping
pong Scores Popularity -Video - 10/14/07 from NBC's
TODAY SHOW
World
Junior TT Championship Video - 10/24/07 Promotional
spot
Sorry this page isn't being updated as often in late 2008 Problems with previously used website software are making it more difficult Fall 2008 News is Available at this link:
'Fall/Winter 2008-09 News Blog LINK
New Schedule Info line Number established;
The new number is (203)660-1363. While we don't expect any schedule changes before Thanksgiving week 2008, the Thur night play may switch to Tue for that week only - you can call this number to confirm the current schedule anytime 24/7. It will (only) be changed if/when any schedule change occurs, particularly if short notice, like a weather emergency causes a cancellation. If arangements become possible, I may establish a separate number in the 860 area code for Middletown this fall or winter, but this number will serve both clubs until further notice. Contact me for by e-mail or at my cell phone (2O3)668-l945 for other information - be prepared to leave a message including your complete phone number
Connecticut TT
Assoc / Fairhaven Athletics -
2008
Youth Clinic - Amistad Academy
- May 2008
  
3 Tables/ coaching stations
D.Strang coaches w/Newgy
Kids wait for 'next'
short clip (click above)exhibition
highlight point longer clip 7 min demo & game highlights(above)
CT TTA director Dave Strang and Fairhaven Athletics director Peter Noble were
joined by Middletown TTC
regulars Mark Mosher and Kacey in conducting an exhibition and clinic for
students at New Haven Charter school
Amistad Academy, as a part of it's after school sports Table Tennis program.
Dave and Mark played exhibition matches
amd audience challengers followed by coaching at 3 tables,
one using a Newgy Robot.
The 4 hour program ended with doubles matches involving various
combinations of the kids and the 4 instructors.
CT.Senior Games Table Tennis events Held May 11th in Middletown

Dewitt Wins Maine event
Fairfield TTC Regular Rich Dewitt, won the 'Open' championship
event in the May tournament in Maine.
Rich also won the earlier Rhode Island events over fellow
Fairfield club -mate Don Feltenberger..
Connecticut
Junior scores in another NYC tournament
photos by S.Katz

: David training w/ coach in
FF
Katz w/ trophies from USATT event
State Junior champ David Katz, moved up the USATT ratings
ladder again with a win in the 25 player U-1650 event at the NY TT Federation's
September tournament in Chinatown.
13 year old David got his start and initial coaching a couple years ago at
Fairfield TTC and often plays there on Saturdays, and also at home and the Stamford JCC with his father Sheldon,
He won 8 out of 9 matches and expects his 1456 rating to go over 1600, moving
him up a few notches
from his current #20 spot on the CT.TTA Fairfield/Middletown rankings (all ages)
on our ratings page.
Newgy TT ROBOT -
Practice at home whenever you want with a Newgy robot - Models from $229 to $695
(plus S&H) -
as used in CT. TTA Coaching - Ask Coach Dave for more info or CLICK
HERE for
my Newgy webshop
Now you
can order Newgy Robots, Balls and Accessories online through my
Connecticut TTC Newgy Webshop
CLICK
HERE
for my Newgy webshop - Be sure to click the link for
current coupon specials
-
I can have a reliable and economical Newgy Robot delivered to
you in a week or less with your
C.O.D, credit card or cash (money order) payment
To order CLICK HERE
for my Newgy webshop or for more information, Ask Dave in Person, or by email,
or cell phone
at (2O3) 668-l945 (please leave a message and I'll return your call)
Your purchase through me costs you nothing extra but earns a commission for me,
and free bonus coaching or club visits for you, depending on the model
purchased.
|
'08 World Teams News from ITTF.com: Adoring Fans Rewarded as
China Retains Team Title in Guangzhou |
By: Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor |

Wang Hao tested by Lee Jung Woo but in the end victorious
Photo By: Ayoade Ademakinwa
|
3/2/2008
Evergrande Real Estate World Team Table Tennis
Championships
They came in their thousands, the capacity of the Guangzhou Gymnasium
being thirteen thousand; as with the Women’s Team final, the previous
evening there wasn’t a spare seat in the house.
The signs were held aloft in Chinese characters “China to Win” and of
course the multitudes of adoring fans were rewarded on Sunday 2nd March
2008 as their heroes won the Swaythling Cup for the sixteenth time and
endorsed their stature as the superpower of table tennis.
In the men’s final at the Evergrande World Team Championships, China
beat Korea by three matches to nil to win the prestigious Swaythling Cup
for the sixteenth time.
Master
Ma Lin the master of service and receive extolled his art to the full to
win the first two games against Ryu Seung Min; the first was won with
comfort, the second with a degree more consternation.
Ryu Seung Min led 10-9; Liu Guoliang, the head coach of the Chinese
Men’s team called “Time Out”. The interjection worked; Ma Lin won the
next three points.
Response
The Korean responded; his forehand flowing, he won the third game but in
the fourth; he made error after error receiving service. Ma Lin made
virtually none. The game went quickly to Ma Lin, the Chinese star
celebrated, China had the lead.
Uncharacteristic
Next into the arena came Wang Hao and Lee Jung Woo; the Korean caused
Wang Hao immense problems; in the first two games Wang Hao struggled to
find a rhythm.
He made uncharacteristic errors from the backhand, both when receiving
service and in the rallied.
Unfortunate
Lee Jung Woo won the first game and was somewhat unfortunate to lose the
second; the last two points both saw attacking strokes from Wang Hao
clip the top of the net before bouncing on the Lee Jung Woo side of the
table.
Great credit must go to Lee Jung Woo, he was brave, he attacked with his
devastating forehand at every opportunity but Wang Hao had more to
offer. He directed his attacks into the body of Lee Jung Woo, gradually
he gained in self-belief, he succeeded and Chinese hearts beat
comfortably.
Overwhelmed
A tough match for Wang Hao but not for Wang Liqin; he overwhelmed Joo Se
Hyuk.
Consistently he played forehand topspins towards the backhand of Joo Se
Hyuk; the Korean defended for his life but the reigning World champion
was just too consistent.
Time and again it was forehand topspin after forehand topspin to the
backhand; then a fast attack to the middle of the table and it was point
over.
Superb
There was little Joo Se Hyuk could do; in straight games the contest was
over. It was gold for China; the title won in 2006 in Bremen was duly
retained and retained in style.
It was a superb performance by the magnificent Chinese; they were in a
class of their own; the best in the world.
KOREA 0-3 CHINA
Ryu Seung Min v Ma Lin 5-11, 10-12, 11-6, 5-11
Lee Jung Woo v Wang Hao 11-7, 12-14, 5-11, 9-11
Joo Se Hyuk v Wang Liqin 5-11, 2-11, 6-11
|
Fairfield
TTC enjoys B-day surprise
The secret of Club director
Dave Strang's July Birthday got out recently, resulting in a semi-surprise Birthday
'party'
as part of the recent Saturday afternoon session in Fairfield.
Before the passing of my mother a few years ago, I usually
spent Christmas and the first part of July, in Ohio
and was able to keep the secret that I shared a birthday week with Ringo
Starr, the USA and George Bush,
for a couple years thereafter - missing any local Connecticut
'celebration'.
But the secret escaped this year with a
pleasant result.
Play was interrupted briefly for cutting of a cake, thoughtfully supplied
by Terrance which was enjoyed by, coincidentally,
a near record size (for summer) Saturday group of players.
   
How can you beat that - a birthday party featuring an amazing banana cake and a long
afternoon of table tennis
with dozens of friends, new and old, in an air-conditioned gym !
Thanks everyone for sharing the birthday cake, signing a nice card and
supporting
my dream of friendly AND competitive clubs for players of all ages and skill
levels even on a sunny July Saturday afternoon.
Middletown
TTC Hosts 2007 CT Senior Games
The
2007 Senior Games TT events was again held as a part of our Sunday Night
play
in Middletown, on May 20th .
A dozen players, from 60 to over 80 competed in four age groups for
Senior Games Gold Silver and bronze medals.
Played on roughly half of 12 tables set up in Middletown Riverview
Hospital Gym, many of the Senior players also
practiced with a dozen of our regular club participants when not occupied
with Seniors matches.
As we have for over 15 years NETTA/ CT TTA,
has hosted the event,
since 2005 in Middletown, in 2004 in Fairfield, and prior to that at various
Senior games venues.
Results will be posted by mid-week at the CT Senior
Games website. A few photos:
  
See more photos, and Seniors News & Results linked at :
https://members.tripod.com/netta_ct/SeniorsTTnews.htm
see the CT Senior Games website for
results - posted May 30th
http://www.seniorgamesct.org/07sumres.htm
Exhibition &
Jrs TT Clinic at New Haven Charter School

 
Dave
Strang and Mark Mosher, of the Connecticut T.T. Association, entertained
teachers and about
a hundred kids at New Haven's Amistad academy recently with a table tennis
exhibition and mini-clinic,
arranged by After-school program coach and teacher Peter Noble of
Community group 'Pequenas Ligas Hispanos'.
The Youth Sports after school program includes a table tennis club as well as
volleyball and a
variety of other sports and activities. The table tennis program is a
continuation of the local
after school program originally started by Peter and Dave over 11 years ago,
recognized in
earlier years by articles in the Yale Newspaper and Connecticut Spanish language
newspapers
and by a US Olympic Committee and USATT funded Grass roots development
grant. Dave and Mark played an exhibition match followed by
challenge matches with selected teachers
and students during the first hour, and stayed two more hours to work with kids,
play doubles matches
and allow kids to play against the Newgy robot on one of three tables provided
by Peter's organization.
For more youth TT news and photos see
the page linked
here
Get a Newgy robot and play ping-pong anytime you want! Check out these great
specials:
To order or for more information, Ask Dave in Person or by email
I can have a reliable and economical Newgy Robot delivered to
you
in about 4 days, or at a club meeting in a week or less with your
C.O.D, credit card or cash (money order) payment & information in
person or by phone or e-mail.
Prices range from about $250 to $720, delivered depending on the model and
features.
See my website, e-mail me or ask in person for more information.
Your purchase through me costs you nothing extra but earns a commission for me,
and free bonus coaching or club visits for you, depending on the model
purchased.
US
TABLE TENNIS PARTICIPATION RISES 16%
SGMA (Sporting Goods Manufacturer's Association) just released new
sports/fitness participation data for 2006.
http://www.sgma.com/associations/5119/files/topline07.pdf
Frequent Participants (Play 25+ times/yr) 3,049,000
Regular Participants (13-24 times/yr) 1,545,000
Casual Participants (1-12 times/yr) 10,513,000
Total Participants 15,107,000
The 2006 figures show an increase of 16% over 2005 figures (13,023,000) and
an 18.7% increase over 2000 figures (12,726,000.
These increases are among the highest percentage increases of all
sports/fitness activities surveyed.
No other sports came close to this level of percentage increase.
Karakasevic
Wins 2007 U.S. Open Men's Singles Title
- The annual tournament was held this year in Las Vegas during the July 4th holiday
week,
attacking about 800 players, most from North America, but others, especially the
elite players, from around the world
Some results as posted on www.butterflyonline.con:
 |
Aleksandar Karakasevic (SRB) won the Men's Singles
title at the 2007 U.S. Open which concluded on Saturday, July 7, 2007.
Aleksandar overcame Wilson
Zhang (CAN) in the semifinals 4-1 then defeated Yousuke Kurashima
4-0 in the final. The Women’s Singles title went to Yuka Shiosaki
(JPN); she defeated Sachie Shigemoto (JPN) 4-3 in the semis then
overcame Tanja Hain-Hofmann (GER) 4-2 in the final.
|
 |
Highlights from Friday, July 6, 2007, include the
Men’s Singles quarterfinals, Zhang,
Wilson (CAN) defeated Mitamura, Muneaki (JPN) 10, 4, -11, -7, 10,
10, Karakasevic, Aleksandar (SRB) won against Tanaka, Katsuhito (JPN)
8, -10, 7, -8, 8, 9, Feth, Stefan (GER) defeated Kiho,
Shinnosuke (JPN) 4, 7, -5, -8, 8, 10 and Kurashima, Yousuke (JPN)
overcame the World Champion Longcan, Chen 3, -7, -5, 3, 8, -8, 5. In
today’s Women’s Singles event, four players currently remain,
Shiosaki, Yuka (JPN) vs. Shigemoto, Sachie (JPN) and Huang, Yao
(Crystal) Xi (CA) vs. Hain-Hofmann, Tanja.
Also, Hugh, Adam (NJ) won the U-21 Men’s Singles
title and Zhang,
Mo (CAN) won the U-21 Women’s Singles title.
|
 |
Defending US Men’s champion Aleksandar Karakasevic (SRB) has not
lost a game as he heads into the Round of 16. Butterfly’s Mo Zhang
(CAN) won a nail biting match over Soo Yeon Lee (CA) 11-9 in the 7th to
advance to the Round of 16 over on the women’s side.
|
Wang
Liqin wins men's singles gold medal
Sun May 27, 2007 9:40 PM IST
ZAGREB (Reuters) - Wang Liqin won the men's singles gold medal at the world
table tennis championships
on Sunday when he beat compatriot and top seed Ma Lin 4-11 8-11 11-5 4-11
11-9 11-8 11-6 in the final
Wang staged a spirited comeback to claim his third
world title after he beat Ma in the 2005 final in Shanghai
and won the 2001 event in Osaka.
Ma appeared to be heading for a comfortable
win at three sets to one up and 9-7 ahead in the fourth before
Wang, a rare Chinese competitor not playing with a penholder style, turned
things around.
Wang won four straight points to stay in the match and never
looked back as he kept his old rival on the back
foot in the sixth set and the tiebreaker.
Wang had beaten Olympic champion Ryu Seung-min of
South Korea 6-11 11-3 11-7 14-16 11-6 10-12 11-7
earlier in the day to reach the final while Ma beat fellow Chinese Wang
Hao by four sets to two in the other semi-final.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Many local players saw these two players meet in the USA at the 2005 Killerspin
event at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut)
2007 match highlights: http://youtube.com/watch?v=r4ADv13LG4g
see a 5 min highlight video from their 2005 match here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPTGcDx3TyE
for more 2007 World TT Championship results: go to www.ITTF.com
California
Table Tennis Player is audience favorite on 'Survivor' TV Program -
Yau-Man Chan, the Martinez resident who
came oh-so-close to winning $1 million on "Survivor: Fiji," swears
that
he tries not to torture himself with all the wouldas, couldas and shouldas.
But he admits it isn't easy.
"I made a very expensive mistake," Chan said on Monday, just hours
after the CBS reality series concluded with
Southern California ad executive Earl Cole striking gold.
Chan's ouster -- shown early in
Sunday's finale -- brought to an end one of the most engaging and inspiring runs
in "Survivor" history.
A scrawny, 54-year-old computer whiz and table-tennis aficionado
who works at UC Berkeley, Chan was given almost no chance
of thriving in the physically demanding game. But thrive he did. (excerpts) -
read the whole article at:
http://www.contracostatimes.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_article.jsp?articleId=5899900&siteId=571
  
click
logo for results, Primorac (above) in top gear
en route to the final Photo by
Gerry Chua Photography
-
Killerspin
Brings TT Stars to Chicago and ESPN TV
Staged in Chicago, the `Windy City’, on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th December 2006,
Kalinikos Kreanga of Greece and Belgium’s Jean-Michel Saive won the two major titles on offer
at the McCormick Place Convention Center.
Eight of the world’s stars competed in the Killerspin SPINvitational with Zoran Primorac,
Aleksandar Karakasevic, Ilija Lupulesku, Thomas Keinath, Jörgen Persson, Jean-Michel Saive,
Koji Matsushita and Sharath Kamal completing the line up whilst two hundred and sixty players
participated in the Killerspin Holiday Open. (Click HERE
to go to the complete ITTF Article)
More broadcasts are TBA at espn.go.com
members of our e-mail list may be notified as more info is available
16
Players brave cold weather for Sunday TT during Superbowl.
As we did, even during the years when New England won superbowl titles, our
Sunday night session in Middletown
was held as scheduled in Early February. While some of our regulars were
missing , those who showed, in spite of
temperatures in the teens included players of all levels from all over the
state including CT. #3 Ernest Virgo .
Jean-Philippe Palengat
regains Top state rating in CT
Jean-Phillipe Palenget regained his position on
top of the USATT ratings list for CT.TTA players from fellow Fairfield
club-mate Rich Dewitt at a recent Pennsylvania tournament. Jean-Phillipe
fittingly earned his best ever US rating of 2400
and contributed to bringing Dewitt under 2400 with his
second tournament win over Rich.
|
|
GETTING
BACK TO THICK OF THINGS:
Sweden’s former World No.1
table tennis player Jorgen Persson.
Picture by Noushad Thekkayil |
By N.D. Prashant
FORMER World No 1 Jorgen Persson is back in
Qatar.
Not on a coaching assignment, but as a player leading the Swedish
challenge at the Leibherr Qatar Open Table Tennis tournament.
Persson had quit in 2005 after Aspire handed him a coaching
position in Qatar,
but has decided to come out of his retirement because he feels he still
has lots to offer to the sport.
“I quit the game when I was offered the job although I was very fit
physically,” Persson told Gulf Times.
“During my one-year tenure in Qatar, I realised that I can keep
going.
I still have the fire in my belly and that helped me change my
decision,” said the veteran who
last won gold at the World Team Championship in 2000.
Most of the players who started with
Persson are no longer in the business,
table tennis being a sport where supreme fitness is of utmost importance.
However, what keeps Persson going is the challenge to play against
youngsters.
“From the time when I started, the game has become faster by the day.
I always like playing against youngsters; they come hard at you.
I am sure I can surprise a few here as well,” declared Persson,
who will be also taking part in the doubles event.
Click
here for complete article |
Middletown
draws 33 players for Sunday night play
-
Ask long time local players like Tim Nguyen or Mike
Dormody how Middletown and Fairfield T T clubs have grown
since they first joined with the then newly arrived Club Director Dave
Strang for weekly playing sessions 10 or 12 years ago.
Back then, a typical playing night in Middletown drew 6 players - with about
10 on the best nights ,
usually playing on 3 or 4 tables-( and if UCONN or the Patriots had a
big game, we wondered if we should even be open.)
So, it's
exciting now, in early 2007, when both Tim and Mike were there,
during a Patriots AFC playoff game on TV,
as a near record 33 players joined us on 12 tables for an
enjoyable night of Sunday play at Riverview
Hospital's spacious west Gym.
Another
difference from 1997 to 2007 ? - we've developed a much wider range of
playing styles, levels and ages
and a higher overall level of play too with players now often
traveling from every corner of the state on a regular basis.
In earlier years, in spite of
numerous exhibitions, clinics, TV appearances, tournaments and leagues,
the typical players were mainly 30 and 40 something adults in
the near novice1000 to 1400 range,
with a few 1700+ players at times.
In the last 6 to 8 years
though, as occurred during the recent Sunday, player numbers and
levels have gradually expanded
to now often include a half dozen or more new players in the unrated
to 1200 range, a dozen or more solid and experienced
players between 1400 and 1800, and as many as a dozen in the USATT
Expert 1800 to 2300 rating range.
And while middle-aged men are still well represented, often returning
to the sport of their youth as career and family allows,
weekend sessions and 15 years of Senior Games events have widened the
age range
from 10 and 11 year olds to regulars in there 60's,
70's and beyond.
FAIRFIELD STARTS 2007 with a bang !
Fairfield TTC had a 20+ player Thursday
night session followed by a 30+ player Saturday afternoon
to
start January play in 2007.
The near record Saturday turnout, on a sunny
afternoon, despite 65 degree weather, included players from 11 to 70
years old,
and unrated, including at least 6 first timers to about 6 players over 2000
or 2100+ rated, one of them 2300+ and another
over 2450 - Top 20 in US Men..
About 6 juniors and youth practiced with each other and
players including some in their 60's and 70's
To accommodate the many players, the usual 2-5:30 afternoon session
was extended past 7pm with a few younger players
staying until about 8pm when club director and coach pulled out his 'hardbat'
and held an impromptu clinic on how
to move and stroke correctly to topspin against his slow but
sometimes spinny near 2000 level chopping game.
as shown in photo 2 from the Tennis center exhibition last
spring (article below in 2006 news).
 
As club director, I've done as much as possible to
attract and retain a steady stream of new players, and provide
everyone
with the best playing conditions , 20+ tables in two of the best Gyms
for our sport in the country,
and tools like access to coaching, videos, and rackets. But the enthusiasm
and cooperation of each of you
among our diverse and growing group of regular players, has been key to
developing a competitive, but also friendly group of players.
Thanks also to the special supporters who
have shared and supported my vision for a network of local
clubs with a player-friendly balance of competitiveness and cooperation
based on a shared love of our lifetime sport.
CT
Club Play ends 2006 with SPECIAL New Years Eve club night
Did you miss our special New Years eve club night in Middletown ?
When asked the Wednesday before most Middletown players were reluctant to commit
to New Years Eve play.
But then, on the previous Saturday in Fairfield, when a number of players
asked if we were playing Sunday night, a decision
was made to go ahead.
At first, 8
players were committed, but after a late Saturday announcement on the club
schedule number
and a flash e-mail, the final result was a twelve player night which
included 3 former or
current state champions, current #1 rated Rich Dewitt (2450+) former
CT #1 Ernest Virgo, now rated 2286,
and 2070 rated Dave Strang. Additional 2000+ rated players included
Wilbert Lawrence and Tim Nguyen .
They were joined by Don Feltenberger, Terrance F.
, Dennis S, and Rod, Cecelia and Bob K.
In some of the night's most anticipated matches Virgo upended
Dewitt, and Cecelia beat Bob !
Participants were able to enjoy a unique night of play and still have time to be
home or elsewhere long before Midnight.
2006
U.S. Nationals Draws & Results
Las Vegas•
December 13-16
2006
photos c.USATT.org
      
MS Champ
David Zhuang
2-Ilija Lupulesku #3Cheng Yinghua WS
Champ Wang Chen 2nd Jasna
Reed
click on photos above
for better/bigger image
click on event for full results:
Men's
Singles - Women's
Singles Men's
Dbls - Women's
Dbls Mixed
Doubles
Dewitt earns
near 2500 rating in North American Team Champs
Rich had his best tournaments ever, winning 23
matches with only a few losses, earning his highest USATT rating ever, 2465.
For perspective, the 25th ranked player in the USA is only a little higher
at 2506 !.
The tournament draws nearly 1000 players
on about 200 teams from as far as China playing
on about 100 tables in the Baltimore convention center. Articles are here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.pingpong26nov26,0,3531034.story?track=rss
and: http://www.examiner.com/printa-418847~Pros,_amateur_table_tennis_players_square_off.html
December
specials available on Newgy Robots --ask Dave
I can have a reliable and economical Newgy Robot delivered to you
in about 4 days, or at a club meeting in a week or less with your
C.O.D, credit card or cash (money order) payment & information in
person or by phone or e-mail.
Prices range from about $250 to $720, delivered depending on the model and
features.
See my website, e-mail me or ask in person for more information.
Your purchase through me costs you nothing extra but earns a commission for me,
and free bonus coaching or club visits for you, depending on the model
purchased.
*
Fairfield switches back to Thurs.
- Saturdays continue as before
This change from Tuesdays back to Thursdays was due to
city flu clinics(&
the election) on Tuesdays.
But will continue for the foreseeable future (based on continuing good
turnout).
Saturday afternoon play continues throughout 2006-2007
(We are currently limited to 2 sessions per week at each location)
Call the schedule message - (203) 692-2055 to confirm FF TTC play (after Dec
1st) to find out.
( Middletown play Sundays & Wednesdays
aren't changing
before late December unless severe weather prevents safe highway travel.)
** If players express interest, and our host facility consents, we MIGHT
reschedule Sunday
sessions scheduled for Dec 24th and 31st to the following Monday or Friday night
.
Call (203) 692-2055 to confirm current schedule via the recorded message
there.
FALL 2006
Welcome
new players - and welcome back too
We have quite a number of new friends joining us recently at
both clubs already this Fall.
Too many to list here, but you know who you are, and we appreciate you joining
us.
They range from unrated beginners to 5 to 10 or more experienced players likely
to play at
a 1600 to 1900+ level once they get back in practice.
We also welcome back old friends including Summer cricketers
Subhajit & Sunil
and past Fairfield, Middletown (and even former Hamden/New Haven TTC) regular
Tim Nguyen.
These players have helped us exceed 20 players during most
recent sessions in October,
and have added to the nightly excitement and variety for players of all levels
to enjoy.
Spring / Summer 2006 NEWS Headlines: (See Articles below:)
*
CT.Table Tennis Association 'Stars' Featured at Sports Festival
*SCHEDULE
CHANGES Starting April 15th CALL TO CONFIRM
* NEW Phone NUMBER FOR CT TT CLUB
Schedule INFO: 203-692-2055
* Middletown
TTC hosts SENIOR GAMES TT Event
*
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN GERMANY - China rules
* RULE
CHANGES DELAYED: Glues OK till after 2008 Olympics
*
KILLERSPIN EVENT POSTPONED
* Texas Wesleyan and Stanford take NCTTA College
Championships
* CT.
players take top 3 places in R.I.Open
* Fairfielder makes career win to reach 2300+ best ever rating
.* Caribbean Champs
play in Fairfield - Join record Thursday turnout
Middletown TTC
hosts CT SENIOR GAMES TT Event
SUNDAY
MAY 21st 5pm-
Finalists in each age category became eligible to compete at the
The 2007 Summer National Senior Games - The Senior Olympics, held
June 22 - July 8 in Louisville, KY
SEE MORE EVENT NEWS & RESULTS: (AT
OUR SRs TT WEBPAGE)
CT
Junior champion takes greater NYC tournament titles/ Nearly Doubles his rating.
David Katz of Stamford, took singles and doubles 'gold' recently in the AAU
Junior Olympics Greater New York City
table tennis championships . David took singles and doubles
titles, both in the under 14 boys age category.
And at another recent area tournament he won 13 of his 16 matches, and events including U-1600 singles, competing mostly with adults rated above him , boosting his USATT rating from 0778 to 1442 . 'Dad' & practice partner Sheldon had good results too, reaching 0932 from a previous 659 rating.
David won his first junior titles at the 2005 CT. Championships last
spring.
He and father Sheldon took up TT 'seriously' the previous winter with practice
and lessons at the Fairfield TTC
with club director and coach Dave Strang..
They practice regularly with each other at home and as often as they can in FF,
usually on Saturday afternoons..
Players
showcase 'REAL Table Tennis' TM
at Sports Festival
Six of our CT.TTA players shared the 'stage' with former French Open Tennis
Champion and ESPN personality
Luke Jensen May 7th & 8th. The six Fairfield &
Middletown TTC players were featured 'entertainers' and coaches
at the inaugural "Four Seasons Family Tennis and Sports
Festival" at New England's largest Tennis facility in Wilton
CT.
close-up photos-C.Nagy- c.'06
Sheldon/David Katz entertain
View thru glass from club
lounge
wide-view photos.D.Strang c.'06
    
Dave Strang Backhand
lob
Val Ort's Forehand Drive
Strang Counter-smashes
The Table Tennis arena's location between the
Feature Tennis court, the glass walled balcony and the court level food
court
showcased the sport to most of the thousands of sports & fitness
minded guests who attended the 2 day multi-sport program.
sponsored by Wilson Sporting Goods, The Tennis Channel, Green Mountain Coffee
Co. & Pilot Pen Tennis
After a hectic two weeks of preparations, the
event began Saturday morning with all day drop-in clinics and
exhibition games featuring Connecticut Junior champion David Katz, his
father Sheldon, their coach Dave Strang
and Wilton High School Tennis coach Glenn Baron , the TT event's
organizers and promoters.
Coach Baron & Festival promoter Scott
Hazelwood turned to CT.TTA's Dave Strang to coordinate the TT part of the
event & . .
Sunday saw the addition of other CT.TTA members Val Ort and Csaba 'Victor' Nagy
as the
event's 'ambassadors' for our sport.
Sunday afternoon a Tennis Match featured Grand Slam Doubles
Champion & ESPN Tennis's Luke Jenson & friends.
A Table Tennis Exhibition followed Mr. Jensen's Tennis match,
featuring CT.Table Tennis champions, Dave Strang & Val Ort.
Dave and Val warmed-up with a dynamic
counter-looping and smash and lob demonstration followed by an exhibition match.
Then two of the four Tennis champions joined in challenge games with the
TT 'pro's' and each other,
followed by top-spin pointers by Coaches Strang and Ort .
Between featured Exhibition matches, a steady
stream of mini-clinic participants of all ages stepped up to the table
throughout the weekend, many fresh from similar golf and
tennis clinics offered in adjacent areas.
After seeing the TT exhibitions,
representatives from the Pilot Pen Tennis Championships, & new
TV Racquet sports network
''The Tennis Channel' sought out CT. TTA director Strang
about including Table Tennis in their future events.
Special thanks to our friends at the US Butterfly Table and Newgy Robot distributors
for their promotional assistance
and to Igor Knelev , Don Feltenberger and Csaba Nagy for help so Fairfield
and Middletown club play weren't harmed by
Club director Strang's time needed for this promotional outreach program, as we
work to expand our sport's base of
serious recreational players to 'grow the sport' for everyone's benefit.
WILSON
ZHANG PENG RUNNER UP AT US OPEN (Fairfield TTC's Val Ort
is coached by Wilson) |
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July 8th,
2006- It has been three good weeks for Canada's #1 Wilson Zhang Peng.
Quarter Finals at the Brazil Open - ITTF PRO TOUR and top 16 at the
Chile Open - ITTF PRO TOUR and finalist at the US Open. The list of high
level players Wilson defeated on the way includes Ference Paszy (HUN),
Thiago Monteiro (BRA), Liu Song (ARG) and Kostadin Lengerov (AUT). (from
TT Canada's website)
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Earlier 2006 News:
* 'Looper-bowl' tries new format on 'Super-Sunday'
* Connecticut Player 2nd in
New Jersey Tournament
* Middletown
attracts record turn-out to begin 2006
* 2005 TT
Matches Re-broadcast on ESPN2
(Click here for
2005 news articles):
WEEKLY
PLAYING SCHEDULES CHANGE After APRIL 15th
Due to changes in facility
availability , our schedule for Spring 2006 has changed..
The change sees Fairfield's
weeknight play shift
from Thursdays to Tuesdays (still 7 pm)
with Middletown's
Wednesday session switching to Thursdays (still
7:35pm).
Weekend Sessions continue as before -
Sat. 2-5:30pm in Fairfield & Sundays 6:30-10p in Middletown
This
new spring 2006 schedule will continue -
at least until late
May - if not longer.
Call ahead to confirm playing schedules, especially near or after Memorial
Day at the NEW number listed
below
Please Use the new number for club schedule information
(203)692-2055
World TT Team
Championships decided May 1st -Bremen
Germany
2006
WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIPS 
While
powerhouse China, the odds on favorite, took top honors in both Men's and
women's events,
Perennial rival Sweden's
men's team was reenergized
by the surprise return from retirement of many time world champion
Jan Ove Waldner,
but only enough to reach the quarterfinals.
In early results, the now 40 year old Waldner shocked 2005 World Singles
semifinalist Michael Maze in a dramatic 5 game match
to lead his younger team-mates to a convincing victory over Scandinavian
rivals and 2005 European Champions Denmark.
Korea reached it's first Men's Team finals by besting Austria and former World
champion Schlager, while the Chinese men
consigned host Germany to 'bronze' with a dramatic semi-final win over a
loud packed stadium cheering national hero Timo Boll.
(pictured above) While viewed live by hundreds of millions in Europe and
Asian TV markets,
US and Connecticut players will have to wait for DVD sets available later this
spring unless the event is picked
up for taped broadcast by Cable and satellite TV outlets like ESPN or The Tennis
Channel..
read
the complete article on Waldner and his win at the ITTF site
You can read event news at the official site - including links
to match results linked here:
http://www.ittf.com
RULE
CHANGES DELAYED: Glues OK till late 2008 - some 'dead' 'junk' rubbers banned
Proposition 10, the
postponement of the stricter regulation of glue solvents until after the
2008 Olympics, has passed.
Resolution A, which calls for a minimum friction level on pips out rubber,
has also passed.
This would mean that several current long pips rubbers (e.g., Dr.
Neubauer and Hallmark LP) will eventually be removed
from the ITTF list of authorized racket coverings. I imagine the
earliest that this could go into effect would be as of January 1,
2007.
Wiping your hands on the table is still allowed (Proposition 16 was
defeated).
Propositions 18 and 21, which would have allowed doubles partners from
different associations in the World
Championships and World Junior Championships, were also defeated. (as posted at
About.Com TT forum by 'JoeBruin'.)

Texas Wesleyan/ Stanford take
College Championships
Stanford's club took women's honors while host school,
Texas Wesleyan took it's 3rd Men's Title
in the team championships conducted by the NCTTA in April.
Eric Owens and Jasna Reed took individual titles in the ACUI Men's and Women's
singles divisions.
Table Tennis is a growing club team sport at hundreds of US colleges
including Connecticut's
Wesleyan and Yale. NCTTA is in the process of seeking NCAA
recognition as a Varsity sport,
starting first as a women's intercollegiate sport. link
for more NCTTA results
Recent list of
College clubs from USATT
CT.
players take top 3 places in R.I.Open
Subhajit Maitra of Middletown upset Rich Dewitt
in one semi-final to meet Szymon
Miczuga
in the finals . Szymon was too strong. denying Subhajit his second RI Open
title with a convincing
straight games victory. Kevin Dolan, a Middletown club junior won the U-1000
rating event.
Fairfielder Rich
Dewitt scored his best lifetime win recently
Playing at the annual Cary Cup tournament
in N.Carolina, he upset Brian Pace of Atlanta.
Brian, currently rated 2438 in the top 50 US players was once rated over 2600 among the top 20 US
players.
See Rich's play in a recent N.E.
tournament:
click link to see short video provided by
Rich's 'victim' RITTC's Steve Hopkins:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_NCkgjfxgU
Caribbean Champs
play in Fairfield - Join record Thursday turnout
On Feb 15th, our regular Thursday night session in Fairfield set two records.
First, boosted by 6 or 8 new players, we had a record 33 players participate.
But in addition to quantity
we were also pleased to host a first time visit by two top players not
previously seen during
club play in our state, both rated near 2500 - among the top players
now in the USA.
Paul David, Guyana's #1,(USATT rated 2459) and Trevor Farley (2531),
Barbados champion.
A number of the first timers were treated to seeing an
impressive topspin warm-up between the players
and matches between them and Fairfield's Rich Dewitt and Dave Strang.
Dave's best outing was with Trevor where he scored deuce
game losses in three of the four games played
including one that went past 22- all in an 11 point game before Trevor
prevailed.
Rich scored his best against Paul David, taking a game before
bowing out in the match 4 games to 1
Thanks to these great players for visiting us and for Don Feltenberger for
encouraging
the visit . Trevor
will represent
his country in the Commonwealth Games in March in Australia.
Winter club
schedule reminder
- we don't
usually close if roads are clear & players show interest
As illustrated in the 'looper bowl' article, & by Sunday night play on Jan
1st and after the big storm,
we aren't quick to cancel because of a holiday, competing event or all but
the worst storms.
In fact we opened for a group of about 8 players the
evening of storm 'Carson' w/ 2 ft. of snow earlier.
If major highways are expected to be passable before and after our regularly
scheduled session,
and we have reason to expect at least 8 or 10 players, it's rare for us to
cancel.
But if you drive a distance and have any concern, call our schedule message,
currently
available at (860) 586-7055 for a message update (if needed) with the current
schedule
or any changes or cancellations. During uncertain weather situations,
a final decision may be delayed until about 45 minutes before the
scheduled starting time
so call just before you leave in those situations.
Looper-Bowl
TT on 'Superbowl Sunday'
Continuing a 4 year tradition, our Open play during the big football game
attracted 20 players to our regular
Sunday night session in Middletown including a drop-in tournament involving some
of the players.
. This time, instead of the individual round-robin groups divided by
rating used during
previous 'looper-bowls' we organized two-player teams.
The resulting 4 teams, involving 8 players, all under 1700, was played
as a semifinal and final elimination bracket.
Meanwhile12 of the 20 players in attendance enjoyed open play
including 'winners'
matches on some tables, and practice on others.
We were also joined by 3 players from the Yale
University TT team who
Joined us for extra practice in advance of their winter regional collegiate
tournament.
Playing 4 singles matches with one doubles match as a tie-breaker , the
team matches finished with:
1st place Yosif
Gorenbeyn,
& Igor
Volynski,.
winning a close match 3-2 over Michael
Pelellcia, and
Milind Kale,
based on taking the doubles after splitting the 4 singles matches.
Fairfield TTC Player
2nd in N. Jersey Tournament, Now #1 in CT.
Jean-Philippe
Palengat
a regular player in Fairfield,
reached the finals of the
January Westfield NJ Open.
He reached the semi-finals with a perfect record in his
preliminary round-robin group
and reached the championship match by beating New Jersey Champion Barry Dattel.
J-P's only loss came in the finals
to former Nigerian champion Atanda Musa.
Musa is now ranked 9th in the
USA and once had a similar ranking in the world.
In the process, Jean-Phillippe
earned a 2346 rating, placing him at #1
on the January Connecticut ratings list with the highest USATT rating in recent
state history.
 
Middletown attracts
record turn-out to begin 2006
Boosted by a half-dozen first time visitors and
nearly as many youth, the Middletown club reached a record 35 players
on
a recent Sunday in January. Players included beginners, intermediate and experts
up to players USATT rated over 2300.
A practice match saw new CT #1 ranked Szymon
Miczuga affirm his recently earned position with a 4-2 game win over
Connecticut and former Jamaican champion Ernest Virgo.
14 tables were used to assure plenty of play for all and the regular club hours
were also extended to 11pm.
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POSTER:
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click here for a printable POSTER :
Please POST copies of this poster in places you work, shop, go to school etc.
Copies are usually available from Dave at the club too.
(Depending on your browser and printer settings, you may find it easier to
save the page as an image
and import it into a graphics or
publishing program so you can print it exactly
as you wish with
correct size and borders.)
People often ask how we advertise the clubs. Newspaper and TV advertising costs
thousands.
We depend on word of mouth and the web site because other
advertising just costs
too much for such an inexpensive sport.
These posters and available bumper stickers and
T-shirts are affordable ways to attract new players.
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***SEE 1st LINK BELOW FOR MORE CT. & International T.T. NEWS (for previous years)>***
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back to NETTA homepage:
NEWS/ RESULTS links below
(Click here for
2005 news articles):
2004 news: 2003 news: 2002 news: 2001 news: 2000 news:
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