MATTA to name team to Mini Games next month

By this time next month, the Marianas Amateur Table Tennis Association will name its six-man team to the 2005 South Pacific Mini Games.

MATTA president Steve Lim said the association is expecting to draft five players and a coach to represent Saipan in the quadrennial event set for this July and August.

“At present, MATTA is still playing in its original venue, the multi-purpose room of the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium in Oleai. The room can comfortably fit three tables and a fourth table can be crammed into the space,” he said.

Lim, however, said the venue’s short ceiling continues to be a problem for him and the rest of the ping-pong players.

“The ceiling is 10 feet, which is low and is just enough to be able to play properly, but the ideal height is at least 17 feet high,” he said.

On the subject of recruiting players from Tinian, Lim admitted that the players from the gaming capital of the Marianas have a slight advantage over the Saipan players.

But he was quick to clarify that play in local tournaments does not necessarily translate to guaranteed success against new and unknown opposition in an off-island event. Lim also said candidates must also show their dedication to training.

“The individuals who show the best results in domestic competition naturally become first-choices to be selected, and those who show the most commitment to training will bear much consideration as well,” he said.

Lim also pointed out that finances also play a big part on the make-up of the team. He said since the government seems to be having trouble trying to come up with the money to subsidize the CNMI delegation to Palau, a prospective national member’s ability to fundraise would also be important.

New Caledonia, Tahiti, and Fiji are the powerhouse teams in table tennis in the region and the three island-nations will continue to be the favorites in the 2005 Mini Games, according to Lim.

He said since the sport traditionally gives out two bronze medals in the South Pacific Games and Mini Games—aside from the gold and silver medals—the CNMI team is hoping to finish at least in fourth place to assure itself of a medal.

“Fortunately, the timing of the upcoming Mini Games puts it after our May friendship tournament we expect to have in Tinian. This tournament will allow some degree of competition before the Mini Games itself, and the participation of Guam will make the tournament even more significant,” said Lim.