Loi retains men’s table tennis title

By JACK AMI
NATIONAL table tennis men’s champion Geoffrey Loi beat Gasiga Sepa 2-0 to win the PNG Open men’s singles final at Erima last Saturday.
In the women singles, Lea Taru beat Dia Morea by the same score.
In the men’s doubles final, Gasiga Sepa and David Thomas beat brothers Geoffrey and David Loi 2- 1 in an entertaining clash.
In the women’s doubles final, Maryanne Hane and Kopi Winnie edged Rea Taru and Dia Morea 2-1.
In the mixed doubles, Jackson Kariko and Taru beat Samuel Nou and Hane 2-1 in a closely fought final.
Loi stayed patience as Gasiga peppered him with tough volleys and drives early on in the first set but once the defending champ got into his rhythm his opponent’s form fell apart.
PNG Table Tennis Federation vice-president Rea Loi said the next open would be in December or in the New Year.
Loi has also commended the junior divisions, especially the Under-12s, whose players showed they had the talent to represent the country in the future.
Loi said the juniors needed to play regularly and be guided on their technique and other aspects and they would be quality players.
“They are starting at the right age and as soon as they get to 15 years and over the future is bright for them,” Loi said.
“We believe in a junior development pathway to develop our youngsters and their raw talent.
“This is the way forward and with the support and we’re also thankful for the support we’ve had from the Chinese business community in Port Moresby.”
Loi also acknowledged PNG Table Tennis president George Shao for helping bring in sponsors.