Statement on Player Action at the 2009 National Championships in Las Vegas

On Friday afternoon, Dec. 18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center competition venue, USATT was informed that a number of Men’s Singles Quarter Finalists would not compete the next day unless their demands for increased prize money and other lesser amenities were met.

It was the overwhelming consensus of the Board of Directors that the players involved were not going through established channels of representation to reach their desired goals and they were urged to continue to participate within the competition structure for which they were duly registered.  They were also encouraged to take this matter through the normal budgeting process for consideration for 2010.

The Quart Finals were scheduled to begin at 12:45 on Saturday, Dec. 19.  A total of five players defaulted because their demands had not been met by that hour. A sixth player defaulted but his default was attributed to other circumstances.  Two of the eight Quarter Finalists continued and ultimately played for the National Champion title the evening of Dec, 19.

At the present time the USATT Athlete Advisory Council and the High Performance Advisory Committee are in discussions regarding possible disciplinary actions that might be recommended.  It is anticipated that once they complete their discussions, they will make a recommendation to the CEO.  The CEO will then make a recommendation to the Board of Directors on this matter. 

The intent is to follow due process procedures as outlined in the USATT Bylaws.  We will make every attempt to keep all parties informed in advance as this process unfolds.

Michael D. Cavanaugh
CEO – USA Table Tennis   

You are invited to review a NYT article on 2009 Men’s Single Champion, Michael Landers.