Ghana Smash table tennis tournament debuts with thrilling international action

The Bortey Sports Complex at Borteyman came alive this past weekend as it hosted the inaugural Ghana Smash table tennis tournament, a landmark event that signals a new chapter for the sport in the region.

Held from September 26 to 27, the two-day competition was organised by the Veterans Table Tennis Association (VTTA) and brought together a diverse array of talent from Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, and Togo. The tournament featured a wide range of categories, including Men’s and Women’s Singles, Mixed Doubles, Veterans events (40-49, 50-59, and 60+), and a Corporate team challenge.

Akanbi and Joy Dominate the Headlines

The Men’s Singles event produced plenty of drama, with top seed Akanbi Rilwan Daniel (EFT) living up to expectations before falling in a closely contested final. Abdulfatai Abdulbasit (EFT) emerged victorious with a 3-2 win over Daniel in a pulsating championship match that had spectators on the edge of their seats.

In the Women’s Singles, the competition was equally fierce. Asaju Ajarat Bisola (EFT) emerged victorious after a nail-biting final against Emmanuel Ofonmbuk Joy (EFT). Bisola secured the win in a thrilling five-game match (3-2), with the final game ending 12-10.

The Mixed Doubles final provided further drama. The pairing of Abdulfatai Abdulbasit and Asaju Ajarat Bisola defeated Akanbi Rilwan Daniel and Emmanuel Ofonmbuk Joy 3-2 in a seesaw battle that captivated the crowd.

Veterans Showcase Skill and Stamina

The Veterans categories proved that experience is just as potent as youth. In the 40-49 age bracket, Victor Smart Akintaro (PDC) proved unstoppable, taking the title with a commanding 3-0 win over Kweku Anyway (WTC) in the final.

The 50-59 category saw Adebola Aloba (AND) claim gold with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Martin Ganye (BBC). Meanwhile, in the 60+ division, Leonard Vanderpuye-Orgle demonstrated timeless skill, securing a 3-1 victory over Wakilou Dine to take the top prize.

Corporate and Team Spirit

The Corporate event was dominated by Kweku Anyway, who secured a 3-1 victory over Hayford Asiam Edem in the final.

International Flavour

The presence of athletes from Benin, Nigeria, and Togo added a competitive edge to the tournament. Players like Tchassama Madjid Abdoul and Kossi Desiré Bubune Akakpo from Benin, along with Nigerian representatives, made their mark, highlighting the growing regional camaraderie in the sport. Togolese players also participated and were prominent, adding further international depth and excitement to the inaugural Ghana Smash.

Looking Ahead

The VTTA expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the level of competition, noting that the Ghana Smash is poised to become a staple on the West African table tennis calendar. The event concluded with a call for increased support for grassroots development, as the veterans proved that the sport remains vibrant at all levels.

Final Results

Mixed Doubles
Abdulfatai Abdulbasit/Asaju Ajarat Bisola – 3
Akanbi Rilwan Daniel/Emmanuel Ofonmbuk Joy – 2

Senior Women’s
Asaju Ajarat Bisola (EFT) – 3
Emmanuel Ofonmbuk Joy (EFT) – 2

Senior Men’s
Abdulfatai Abdulbasit (EFT) – 3
Akanbi Rilwan Daniel (EFT) – 2

Corporate
Kweku Anyway – 3
Hayford Asiam Edem – 1

40-49
Victor Smart Akintaro (PDC) – 3
Kweku Anyway (WTC) – 0

50-59
Adebola Aloba (AND) – 3
Martin Ganye (BBC) – 2

60+
Leonard Vanderpuye-Orgle – 3
Wakilou Dine – 1