Tormis: 1st Cebuana to play in World TT c'ships

CEBU, Philippines - University of Cebu’s Elona Dane Tormis becomes the first Cebuana to compete against the best of the world as she represents the country in the World Table Tennis Championships in Yokohama, Japan on April 28 to May 5.

Elona Dane and her coach Jessica Jawad-Honoridez will make history together when that happens.

Earlier, the 14-year-old Elona Dane was named to the national pool and then got a ticket to Singapore for the 2009 ASEAN Juniors Table Tennis Championships in July.

Then came the latest development the other day from the Table Tennis Association of the Philippines (TATAP) main office that Tormis will play in the World Championships as well.

Tormis will have her training here in Cebu under coach Honoridez.

“I’m so happy that all our hardwork is paying off. This is not only a challenge for me and Elona, but for all my players and the rest to train even harder,” said Honoridez.

Aside from coaching Tormis in the World Championships, Honoridez is also the country’s representative to the ITTF International Women’s Forum.

Tormis made it to the national squad following her impressive performance in the last National Open in Manila.

“I’m thankful to the City government especially to councilor Jack Jakosalem who helped us in seeking financial aid during the national selection last year,” said Honoridez.—Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (THE FREEMAN)