By Rihana Adam, GNA
Accra, March 9, GNA – James Marfo and Augustina Baidoo emerged champions in the men’s and women’s singles events respectively at the second edition of the Otumfuo Smash Table Tennis Tournament.
The tournament, organised under the auspices of the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), brought together some of the country’s promising young talents and experienced players to compete in various categories including Senior Men, Senior Women, youth and mini cadet divisions.
In the men’s singles category, Marfo delivered an impressive performance throughout the competition, defeating Francis Antwi in the final to clinch the title.
Emmanuel Commey and Samuel Hagan finished as joint third-place winners.
The women’s singles title went to Baidoo, who displayed strong determination and skill to defeat her competitors and claim the championship.
Cynthia Kwabi finished as runner-up, while Eva Adom-Amankwaa and Joanita Borteye placed joint third.
In the girls U-19 category, Joanita Borteye demonstrated remarkable form to secure the title after defeating Emmanuella Yaa Kyere in the final.
Diana Bortelley Quaye and Emerald Bortey settled for joint third place.
Borteye’s victory in the U-19 category, coupled with her podium finish in the senior women’s division, highlighted her versatility and strong showing at the tournament.
In the boys U-19 category, Israel Aklie emerged champion after defeating Frederick Mensah in the final.
Michael Agyapong and Joshua Kotei Nii Quaye finished as joint third-place winners.
The competition also featured the U-12 divisions where young players showcased their potential.
Emmanuel Azu won the Boys U-12 category with RansfordAntwi finishing second, while Lovelyn Akua Yeboah claimed the girls U-12 title ahead of Sheila Akolgo.
The Otumfuo Smash Tournament continues to grow as an important platform for the development of table tennis in Ghana, providing young players with valuable exposure while also attracting some of the country’s top competitors.
The maiden edition of the tournament produced champions such as Felix Lartey and Joanita Borteye, and the second edition further strengthened its reputation as a competitive and exciting event on the national table tennis calendar.
With the successful completion of this year’s tournament, organisers say attention would now turn to future editions as efforts were made to expand participation and continue nurturing the next generation of table tennis stars in the country.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade