Saipan-Tinian Goodwill table tennis this Sunday
The 4th Annual Saipan-Tinian Goodwill Table Tennis Games will take center stage this Sunday as top notch players from the two islands clash at the Northern Marianas College Gymnasium.
This according to Palau South Pacific Mini Games bronze medallist Budhi Gurung, who said confirmed on Wednesday that the tournament, originally scheduled for Dec. 3, is a go this time around as players from Tinian assured their presence.
Gurung and fellow bronze medalist Su Yong Dong will lead the Saipan team, and are joined by Mario Espeleta, Peter De Leon, Constantino Pobre, and Cao Zhenfa.
Gurung said Lin Ying Cheng, who also competed in and won bronze in the Mini Games, will not be able to suit up for Saipan as he is off-island.
Tinian defeated Saipan the last time they met last June, however, Gurung said Sunday’s tournament will be a tight as Tinian will be without their No. 1 player Chang Zhen Xue.
“He will not play, and Lin Ying Chen will not be here for Saipan so its going to be very balanced,” he said.
Gurung added that the tournament will begin at 9am and is expected to conclude at 6pm. It will feature singles and doubles matches to prep the players for the upcoming Micronesian Games, which will be held on Saipan next year.
An awards banquet will follow at the Seaman’s Restaurant in Lower Base.
