68 year old Anthony Ubaldino Gomes put up a good show in the 1st round of 59+ team event of the Second Maharashtra Masters’ Ranking Table Tennis tournament played in memory of legendary TT player K.K.Rai, at Kalidas Sports Complex, Mulund today.
Gomes while playing for his ‘Team Anthony’ won both his singles against seasoned players KapilKumar and Nitin Mehendale . He however, could not get the required support from his team mates Quresh Habibulla and Sanjeev Dandavate. Quresh lost both his singles and Quresh and Sanjeev lost the crucial doubles, which enabled Team Nitin to march ahed in quarter finals.
In another closely contested quarter final match between Vector and Siddhanchal in Men’s 39+ team event, Kedar Kasbekar won both his singles against Vishal Yadav 3-1 and Vaibhav Raje 3-0. But, Kedar’s efforts also went in vain, as he couldn’t get the desired support from his team mates Amit Phadke and Ashish Patankar and this helped Siddhanchal to move ahead in semi finals. On paper Vector team was a well balanced side and appeared favourites; but it was just not their day.
Earlier, in the morning grand inauguration ceremony was held in presence of chief guest Shri. Mihir Kotecha ( MLA), Shri. Sunil Godase- OSD( BMC) and other dignitaries including Ms. Bharti Rai wife of Late K.K.Rai, in whose memory this tournament is held. Participants were very happy with the fine gesture from organisers MMTTC and BKLP, as they were served good breakfast on their arrival followed by mini lunch during afternoon hours. Participants also received free T shirts from Manan Enterprises( Courtesy: Yogesh Desai).
During the afternoon hours renowned Physiotherapist Dr. Sadiya Vanjara conducted a free seminar on Spine Care and it received a very good response from participants.Mr. Sanjay Mehta, Jt. Secretary of MMTTC was all praise for Dr. Sadiya, as he felt that the subject of this seminar was very timely, as it made many sportspersons like me aware of the possible injuries and how to deal with them.
After the seminar, in the evening ‘Fresh Fusion’ served free nutritious salads and healthy food to all the participants( Courtesy: Mr. & Ms. Bhate) . With entries touching 266 at this wonderful venue, MMTTC have proved themselves as good organisers. Tomorrow’s matches begin at 9.30 am.