JTTA president proud of youngsters in Guyana

JAMAICA’S PLAYERS at the Caribbean and Pre-Cadet Championships have put a broad smile on the face of Andrew Lue, president of the Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA).

Competing in Guyana, the Jamaica contingent has already won gold, silver and bronze medals in the team events.

Jamaica’s team of Ajani Spencer and Anthony Bird beat Trinidad and Tobago 3-1 to win the boys’ under-11 title. Silver went to the girls’ under-13 team of Keera Whyte and Kayan Denton, after a loss to the hosts 1-3 with bronze the reward for the boys’ under-13 team of Logan Royes and Gmarco Smith.

Speaking from Guyana, Lue was jubilant.

“It makes all of the effort worthwhile. I’m so proud of the young charges. They have made me appreciate every cent spent and every bead of sweat given for this outing. The vibes in the camp are good, the players in high spirits. They’re disappointed in losing in the finals but they’re putting on their best efforts now to go forward in the singles.”

Noting that Jamaica had no entry into the girls’ under-11 team event, he summarised, “Each team won a medal.”

The youngsters have encountered variable playing conditions, but Lue is praising host country Guyana for staging the event at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

“It’s not a fully enclosed arena. You have, like, some glare at the sides at the very top but it is well set out, STAG equipment and matting so it’s suitable for play and the lighting is not perfect but it’s good enough,” said Lue.

“We had a couple instances where we had two power cuts, one today and one yesterday which stopped play for about an hour, but apart from that, I think it’s a good effort from the Guyana Table Tennis Association.”

With national coaches Sandra Riette and Dale Parham on duty and with Lue as team manager, the players have acquitted themselves well.

“They have adjusted very well. We’ve tried our best to make sure they have been kept in good spirits and they know what to expect. Of course, yesterday, a bit disappointed when they lost the boys’ under-13 and the girls’ under-13, but they’re bouncing back.”

The tournament is continuing with play in individual events and will end today.