WINDHOEK – Björn Wasielke came out on top in the senior men’s division of the season opening tournament of the Namibian Table Tennis Association (NTTA) hosted by the DHPS in Windhoek last weekend.
In an epic final, Germany-born Wasielke edged out national player Heiko Fleidl over four matches to snatch away the victory. Altogether 30 players made their way to the event in the capital.
“The players showed a high level of table tennis giving us a good year to look forward to, judging by this event,” said Fleidl, who doubles as the association’s secretary.
Wasielke had moved through the opening stages of the tournament in dominating fashion, before defeating Rudi Saunderson in the semis to book his place in the final.
Fleidl on the other hand, faced a difficult task in his semi-final against Fabian Tait.
After an intensive match, Fleidl eventually won over his left-handed opponent to set up a final showdown with his club compatriot from SKW.
With a spectacular crowd cheering on the finalists, Wasielke came out guns blazing to win the first of two matches with 11/9 and 11/9.
Fleidl tried to turn his fortunes around and it looked like he could still spring a surprise as he took the third match with 11/9, but Wasielke had the last laugh as he won the fourth and final match with 14/12 to seal the win. In the U-18 men’s division there was no stopping the highly gifted Darren Strauss, who took full advantage of the experience he gained during the Zone 6 games in Zambia a fortnight ago to see off PW Steenkamp in the final 11/4, 11/5 and 11/5. Strauss had beaten Dietrich Mowes in the semi-final, while Steenkamp defeated Danco Burger.
Meanwhile, Kaitlyn Beukes won the U-18 women’s division when she kept the upper hand over Reese Saunderson in the final.
By Staff Reporter