National Senior Table Tennis C’ship serves off this weekend

The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) is set to host the National Senior Table Tennis Championship 2025 this weekend, marking the return of the prestigious event after a two-year hiatus.

With national titles on the line and a place in Guyana’s table tennis history at stake, several of the country’s leading players will take to the tables when the senior edition of the championship unfolds.

Following the resolution of recent venue challenges, the championship- originally scheduled for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue- will now be staged at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, on September 27-28 and October 4.

The tournament will feature Men’s and Women’s Singles, Men’s and Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, and Open events.

Schedule of Events 

Men’s Competition

With five-time national men’s champion Christopher Franklin announcing his absence from this year’s tournament, the path is open for a new champion to emerge.

• Shemar Britton, Guyana’s top international player, enters as the favourite. Recently returning from a high-level training camp in the USA, Britton is determined to capture the crown.
• Jonathan Van Lange, West Indies Under-19 cricket captain and a rising table tennis star, has been excelling on multiple fronts. His performance at the Caribbean Senior Championship and selection for the Pan Am TT Championships underline his potential, though his cricket duties may impact his challenge.
• Niran Bissu, fresh off his second senior national team appearance in Barbados, is known for his explosive attacking game and could pose a serious threat.
• Elishaba Johnson, an experienced and versatile player, will be aiming to cement his place among the nation’s elite.
• Joel Alleyne, a seasoned competitor, brings grit, experience, and a fighting spirit that always makes him dangerous.
• Nigel Bryan, former national champion, recently returned from training in India and has signaled his intent to reclaim a spot on the national team.

The men’s field also features a group of young and determined players, including Malachi Moore, Krystian Sahadeo, Colin Wong, Umar Pervival and Hewley Griffith (visiting from the UK). There are also reports that former standout Paul David, along with other overseas-based Guyanese, may register to compete.

Women’s Competition

On the women’s side, the competition will be wide open:

• Defending champion Chelsea Edghill is still recovering from injury and may not compete this year.
• Natalie Cummings remains uncertain due to professional commitments.
• Thuraia Thomas, currently studying in Trinidad and Tobago, has formally indicated her unavailability.

This creates opportunities for the next generation of female players. Jasmine Billingy, Samara Sukhai, Akira Watson, Angela Robinson and Shackey Damon among others are all expected to step up and battle for top honours.

Rebuilding and Looking Ahead

The staging of the National Senior Championship comes at a critical time for the GTTA, as the association works to reset and rebuild following leadership changes and the transition of several key national team members.

This year’s championships will:

• Serve as the foundation for re-establishing the national ranking system.
• Provide the basis for future national team selections.
• Act as preparation for upcoming regional and international competitions, including the 2026 CAC Games, 2025 Islamic Games, and other regional events.

The GTTA reaffirms its commitment to restoring table tennis to national prominence by providing opportunities for both established athletes and the emerging generation of players to showcase their talent.

Saturday, September 27, 2025

• Men’s Doubles: 13:00h to 16:00h
• Mixed Doubles: 13:00h to 16:00h
• Men’s Singles Preliminary Rounds: 16:30h to 18:30h

Sunday, September 28, 2025

• Men’s Singles Finals: 13:00h to 16:00h

Saturday, October 4, 2025

• Women’s Doubles: 10:30h to 18:00h
• Women’s Singles: 10:30h to 18:00h
• C Class Open: 10:30h to 18:00h
• B Class Open: 10:30h to 18:00h