Senior Corner

January/February 2008
By Olga & Stan Kahan,

Co-Chairs, USATT Senior Committee

949-830-6699 (ph) • 949-240-7167 (fax)

natashafeingold@gmail.com

SOME SUPERNOVA
IN SENIOR TABLE TENNIS

After the July US Open in Las Vegas (and earlier in June, the Meiklejohn Seniors in California) the results showed a wide-range of senior winners. Let’s mention among these mature table tennis shining stars just a few familiars.

Cheng-Ying Hua, who excelled again in Men’s over 40 Singles, defeated Atanda Musa, who otherwise had succeeded to take Danny Seemiller in the semi’s. Also, back in June at the Meiklejohn, Khoa Nguyen, who received the trophy and the check for $1600, by defeating Danny in the finals.
The supernova in women’s over-40 Singles who established her strong position in these two major senior Tournaments this year was Bhoo, Hyeon Young (originally from South Korea). She had recently moved to a permanent residence in Phoenix. Arizona, and the final went to Bhoo over Hong Zhao (Miklejohn Seniors). It also went again to Bhoo over Liu, Charlene Hiaoying, in the U S Open. In Women’s over-50 Singles, the first prize went to Bella Livshin and runner-up was Chioyako Suzuki in the June tournament. In the US Open Bella Livshin succeeded to prevail against Charlene Liu. If you want to brouse over the new Senior Supernovas, see the detailed report by Tim Boggan on the USATT website.

As this fall begins, pay attention to one of the favorite senior events: the famous Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah. The table ennis events will be running during October 6-10 (information 800-562-1268 or www.senior games.net).

Those who attend will meet a lot of other table tennis players, who will flock over from various parts of the world as well as the U.S. So sharpen your skills and your mind set to be ready to dig in for some gold, silver or bronze medals in the Utah desert.

GLIMPSE OF HOPE:

Azmy Ibrahim, the highly esteemed ITTF referee and Rules Committee member who is widley known as ‘Dr. Azmy”, is one of the most respected and valued USATT members in our community of the young and young-at-heart.

During the 2007 USA International Veteran’s Championships, Azmy was Chief Referee. This in addition to all his other responsibilities in the US Nationals, when these two events were run simultaneously in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Although this USA International Veterans Championships event was modest in its scale, the event itself was highly favored and enjoyed by domestic and foreign table tennis contestants and their fans.

The organizers of this veteran tournament and its referee, Dr. Azmy, hope that the next USA International Championships will be well attended by mature players from Europe and Asia. The event is scheduled for July 2009 in conjunction with the US Open. Dr. Azmy Ibrahim, in discussion with Mr. Nobuyuki Shirakawa from Japan, mentioned the possibility of including in this tournament an additional event with the use of 44cm. balls. According to Mr. Shirakana, such larger size table tennis balls will attract senior players to compete at ease without additional stress on aging eyes and bodies. Mr. Shiorakawa is ITTF Deputy Referee at the oncoming World Table Tennis Championships in Japan, which will be held on April 28-May 5, 2009 in Y0kohama. The 44cm. balls had been succeessfully tested and had been used in Hawaii several years ago and such event with these table tennis balls was also welcome among the veteran circles of Japan, China and Korea. Dr. Azmy entirely agreed with Mr. Shirakawa with regard to this new addition issue and its rules.

Azmy Ibrahim, during his long life as an athlete with a huge number of trophies behind his back, became also a high ranking sport and public health official-ITTF, Referee, Instructor of Advanced Umpires training and evaluation, retired university professor, sociologist and a licensed marriage and family counsellor. He emphasizes that table tennis is one of the all-age sports. “Even when the person feels his age and that it does not allow him to be actively involved in the various sports and aerobics, table tennis still is best anti-aging diet. It quickens reflexes, sharpens eyes and arm coordination and increases muscular tone. Now, many Airforce pilots have to exercise and practice table tennis regularly whether at the table tennis court or with a Robot.” Azmy purchased two robots at home for himself in order to be in shape.

When he was a starry-eyed seven year old kid in his native Alexandria, Egypt, Asmy started playing table tennis, following his brother’s steps. In his formative years, he became a member of school teams; later on, a university team member in Egypt; and eventually in the USA.

To his senior years, Azmy decided to serve the players, to pay back for all that wonderful time of being a player, to share his vast knowledge with umpires, players and the general public-with all those who are eager to learn and to improve this great sport of table tennis.
Our deep tribute and appreciation to you, Dr. Azmy— for your integrity, kindness and willingness to “serve”