A triple crown for West London Ping in Central London

Jon Kaufmann – 12th February 2018

It’s three cheers to Annie, Harry, Nyah and Francesco, all of whom won their respective events in the ESTTA individual qualifying tournaments last week. Hot on the heals of Annie Wiliams from Barnes Primary, who sailed through the South London Under 11 tournament, Harry Derecki, from the Chelsea Academy, Nyah Ode from Ashburnham Primary and Francesco Bonato from Fox Primary all proved too strong for their opponents in the Central London qualifiers. All four students will now be invited to attend the National Schools Championships as well as competing in the Jack Petchey London Championships in June.

Congratulations to the coaches as well; Natatcha Moura at Fox Primary and the West London Ping Coaching team for getting their respective players up to the required standard. It all takes time and dedication on the part of both players and coaches. It was definitely a week to celebrate. Acknowledgements also to the respective head teachers and their staff for continuing to support table tennis despite the ongoing era of austerity and budget tightening. Your support and enthusiasm is much appreciated.

It was a celebration of a different type at the community club in Ashburnham  last week, where three mothers turned up with their youngsters and demonstrated that table tennis is a great sport for all ages and abilities. If this keeps up, Ashburnham could be soon hosting its very own Parent League. Community Clubs resume after the half term break with sessions at the William Hogarth School on Wednesdays, Ashburnham Primary on Thursdays and at the Chelsea Academy on Fridays. Parents are particularly welcome no matter how good or bad you think you might be. It’s great fun and exercise and everybody’s a winner.