Mandpeshwar Table Tennis Premiere League (MTTPL) hosted by Mandpeshwar Civic Federation at their premises last week, turned out to be a grand success with an overwhelming response from the table tennis lovers of their club. With 66 participants in the age group of 12 years to 75+ years, divided into six teams, it was a the best competition for all level of players.
Sara Ramaiya ( Omtex) In the background ( Nilesh Gohil (R) playing opp. Mahesh Shetye)
The players were categorised into nine levels and each individual had to play his or her singles match . In addition to that eight players had to play four doubles matches to complete a total of 13 matches in the group leage stage. The first four teams qualified for the next stage, which was on the lines of our IPL Cricket tournament; i.e. the first two teams playing the first Qualifier and the 3rd and 4th placed teams playing the eliminator-1. The loser of First qualifier getting a second chance to play the winner of Eliminator 1 in eliminator-2; while the Winner of Qualifier played the finals with Winner of eliminator-2.
Moksh Mehta ( Elphie Giants) being congratulated by his father
In short, it was a good competition and enthusiastic TT players in all age groups enjoyed playing in this three day competition, displaying their team spirit. Right from 12 year old Sara Ramaiya to 74 year old Satish Kulkarni, many renowned TT players who have played at the state and national level, displayed their skills, while playing for their respective teams. This tournament offered good exposure to juniors like Sara, Dhruv, Moksh and Yatarth. It was a well organised tournament. Thanks to Organising Committee members Nilesh, Santosh, Kalpesh, TT Coordinatoe Ravi Ramaiiya and office staff of MCF headed by Ramdas Sir.
Team Elphie Giants emerged the Winners defeating Team magzmumbai 7-5 in the finals of this 6 team premier league. The results of semi finals and final are as follows :
Semi Finals :
Qualifier 1 : Elphie Giants bt Thunderbolts 7-3
Eliminator : Elphie Giants bt Omtex 7-6
Qualifier 2 : Team magzmumbai bt Omtex 7-6
Finals :
Elphie Giants bt Team magzmumbai- 7-5