Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Challenge table tennis tilt held to rousing success

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine table tennis community lauded the recent successful staging of the Home Court Ayala Malls Manila Bay-PTTF Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Challenge.

The tournament drew 600 entries from elementary, high school, and college players that came from different leagues across the country, with the Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc. already planning to make the competition even bigger through the participation of more players in future editions.

“Para sa akin, ito ang isa sa pinaka the best tournament na na-attendnan ko bilang isang coach. Well-organized ang lahat, especially yung sa schedule ng mga games,” said Far Eastern University head coach and former national team coach Noel Gonzalez. “Ang daming sumali, at yung mga best of the best players ng mga liga. Napakagandang exposure at experience para sa lahat ng mga student-athletes.”

“Malaking tulong sya sa development ng mga bata in sportsmanship, teamwork, improvements of the player, school cooperation with athletes, and most of all ‘yung socializing ng player sa kapwa player from public, private, and home schools,” said Rizal Technological University and San Beda High School coach Gerald Tuazon.

“The latest tournament that the PTTF hosted was a great experience to our team, the UP Men's Table Tennis Team. The venue was great, there were a lot of participants, and the competition was hosted well. I hope for more of these tournaments to continue in the future,” said University of the Philippines coach Richard Ching.

University of Santo Tomas had seven titles to lead the winners of the tournament, with PTTF secretary general Pong Ducanes serving as project head for the second year in a row and supported by Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, Milo, Smart Sports, Ayala Malls Manila Bay Home Court, Cara Celine Dormtel, Gold Cross Security Agency, Topcoms Marketing, Mizuno Philippines, Dino Jalandoni, Eric Ongtauco, and Bombit Silva.

During the opening ceremony, guest speakers encouraged the participants to take advantage of the opportunity to get better and become an elite athlete through the PTTF-organized tournament.

“One of you, kahit isa sa inyo ‘yung talagang maging parang Carlos Yulo na makakuha ng gold medal sa Olympics, talagang sisipa ang table tennis sa bansa. And I’m sure that’s what you want. ‘Yun ang challenge natin, ibigay natin ang lahat as an athlete because you already have a good platform and good environment. May one of you or even all of you be transcendental in your own right,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy.

“Do not let your competitive spirit kill your playful self. Always have fun. Play hard, play smart, and always have fun,” said UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag.

“For the players, there are more programs that are being put up. There are so many venues that are being put in place. Keep on playing and acknowledge the sacrifices of each players. There are no losers in this occasion. This is a stepping stone,” said Forthress Philippines Corporation president Edison Dy.