As the dust settles......

Team Europe-a model in professionalism and team unity

With only the semis and finals to come and most players having placed their rackets away for the last time we should reflect a little on “the good, the bad and the ugly”.

 “The Good”[most points belong here]

• The organisers, led by Brian Buckton’s team of administrators, umpires, referees, drivers, results staff, and volunteers. “Hats off” to a magnificent showing of hospitality and organisation, which has ITTF eagerly awaiting their next application.
• The World Cadet Challenge Boy’s Team final will be remembered by all those present for a long time. Europe-Asia the dream final, 2-2 in matches, 2-2  in games. An inspired move by the European girls involving the South African school children, adding both to the atmosphere and Europe’s chances.
• The progress of the “developing” continents Latin America and Africa, Marcelo Aguirre of Paraguay, and the Assar brothers of Egypt, bright lights on the horizon.
• Europe boys give some reason to hope that the Europe-Asia rivalry much needed for the future of the sport will survive.
• The “smiling korean” Yang Ha Eun, despite minimal english, making many friends off the table and impressing on the table.
• Lily Zhang of USA, barely visible over the end of the table, won a healthy share of her matches, and with 4 World Cadet Challenges remaining gives North America some reason for optimism

“The Bad”

• Media coverage could have been better. An important area to showcase our events.
• More children could have been exposed and inspired in the spectators area. The motivation provided to an 8 year old watching world class table tennis should not be underestimated. Children are also great copiers and this is one of the few chances for existing juniors to “copy” the best in the world.

“The Ugly”

• Failure of the much improved African’s and Latin American’s to convert at the business end of the tournament.
• North America and Oceania still have a long way to go. The system in North America and the geography of the widely dispersed Oceania countries does not help….

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