‘Missing’ defending champ throws National Champs wide open

A new men’s singles champion will be crowned at this year’s Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA) National Youth and Senior Championships, which serves off today at the National Indoor Sports Centre (NISC).

JTTA President Ingrid Graham told The Gleaner yesterday that defending champion Joel Lamm had not submitted an entry.

“We didn’t get a feedback from his parents as to why he didn’t enter this year. Entries close, and you can’t re-enter if it’s closed. Come next year, Mr Lamm won’t be able to take part in senior trials, because the main event here, he’s not part of,” said Graham.

Meanwhile, 183 athletes will battle for national honours when the event gets under way. The four-day tournament, which runs from August 20-23, will bring together Jamaica’s leading youth and senior players in what is expected to be a keenly contested championship.

The event will also provide the JTTA with an opportunity to assess the country’s emerging talent, while showcasing the continued development of table tennis across the island.

Players will compete across the various youth and senior categories, with national titles at stake throughout the championships.

With close to 200 athletes set to participate, the organisers are anticipating strong competition as the country’s top players seek to establish themselves among the best in their respective age groups.

The championships are also expected to play an important role in the selection process for Jamaica’s teams for upcoming international competitions.

“This is your foot in to be called for trials to represent either on the junior level or the senior level. So it’s very important for anyone who wants to be called for the trials to take part,” added the JTTA president.

Meanwhile, the number of female entries has increased this year.

Among the leading contenders are Tsenaye Lewis, her sister Gianna Lewis, Solesha Young and Brittany Murray.

The men’s field is headed by Azizi Johnson and will also feature Jayden Ebanks, Brian Blake, Gmarco Smith, Mark Phillips and naturalised British newcomer Shaquille Webb-Dixon.

The 27-year-old Webb-Dixon has completed the naturalisation process and acquired his Jamaican documents.

Action continues through to Sunday, with the national champions to be crowned at the conclusion of the four-day tournament.