2016 Virginia State table tennis championships

New Champions Crowned in ALL events

The 2016 Virginia State Table Tennis Championships wrapped up on Sunday 5^th June after 2 days of fierce competition with new champions being crowned in every category.

In the Men’s competition, there were no surprises at the group stage with the top six seeds advancing to a single elimination. In the quarters Gaurav Sharma overcame Louis Levene and Vivek Velavutham Kand overcame Rajul Kansara; both matches being closely fought encounters. Semi-final #1, Gaurav put up a great fight with Allen Lin but Allen’s fast backhand and forehand spin attacks got the better of Gaurav. Vivek, a 24-year-old former top 50 men’s player from India and current Virginia Tech student, grew stronger as the day progressed. In the semi-final #2, he overcome Michael Levene 4-2 with the last 3 games all being at deuce. Vivek saved a game point at 2-2 and several more at 3-2 to close out the match.

In the 3-4 playoff, Michael’s heavy topspin loops allowed him to run out a 3-0 winner with several entertaining loop & smash rallies. On to a great final worthy of a State Championship Gold Medal match. Several of the games were decided by a single point by full out winning shots at either 10-9 or deuce. Contrasting styles, Vivek with soft wrists, blocking and waiting for openings and then dispatching lightning fast winning shots; Allen swinging at full speed, looked to finish points quickly. In the end at the most critical moments Allen made shots that counted, and by a fine margin became the 2016 Virginia State Men’s Champion.

Other events were just as keenly fought. Sunila Dutt lifted the Women’s crown, William Waltrip and John Olsen paired and played well together to lift the doubles crown from the father and son team of Louis and Michael Levene. Michael won the 40 and 50 with John Olson winning the 60’s. Louis Levene won the Juniors and Greg Hess, Tamim Rajendraw and William Waltrip won the 1200’s, 1600’s and 2000’s respectively. Something in the water, or perhaps the sight of shinny circular discs to wear around their necks; all players elevated themselves beyond their official ratings.

Believe and anything is possible; even the improbable. Several big upsets occurred. Tyler Hess beat Max Labell in the junior event, Max being the Under 1600 bronze medalist. Tyler is over 600 rating points below Max. Ian Dominguez also pulled off several amazing victories, and will be compensated having finished 4^th in 2 events by a guaranteed rating adjustment. He beat one player 550 points above his rating and another 481 above his rating.

Full results of tournament

Medalist Photo’s