US Open Teams Table Tennis Championships Reach Championship Division Final in Myrtle Beach
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by Vlad Farcas
The US Open Table Tennis Teams Championships have returned in spectacular fashion to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, marking the event’s first appearance in over 25 years. The last edition of the US Open Teams was staged in Detroit in 1998, making this year’s revival at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center a long-awaited moment for American table tennis. With 95 teams battling across 8 divisions, the tournament has delivered three days of intense competition and set the stage for a thrilling finale.
A Packed Weekend of Competition
The action kicked off on Friday with the preliminary stage, where teams played for divisional placement. Energy ran high from the first serve as players fought for their position in Saturday’s divisional round robins.
On Saturday, competition settled into rhythm as nearly all divisions played their group stage matches, producing countless thrilling rallies and upsets. The format provided every team ample opportunity to compete while ensuring matches were meaningful and fiercely contested.
Sunday has brought the event into its climactic stage: divisional crossover and playoff matches. The drama is intensifying as the field narrows, and all eyes are now focused on the Championship Division (Division 1) — the pinnacle of the tournament.
Championship Division: A Showcase of Top Talent
The Championship Division has lived up to its billing, featuring teams packed with elite talent in the 2200–2750 rating range. Two powerhouse squads have emerged from the brackets, setting up a highly anticipated final:
- 888 Table Tennis Center
- Sid Naresh (2649)
- Taehyun Kim (2767)
- Hiromitsu Kasahara (2737)
- Yiran Wu (2682)
- MLTT All Stars (Team Rating: 2718)
- Jinxin Wang (2718)
- Koyo Kanamitsu (2730)
- Ping Cang Chen (2358)
- Kai Zhang (2718)
In Saturday’s semifinals, 888 Table Tennis Center showcased resilience and quality, overcoming LYTTC in a hard-fought battle. On the other side, the MLTT All Stars proved their dominance with a decisive 3–0 sweep over Major League, stamping their ticket to the final in emphatic fashion.
The Final Showdown
The Championship Division Final is set to deliver fireworks. With all players rated above 2650, the level of play promises to be world-class, a testament to the strength and depth of the event. Fans can expect explosive rallies, tactical precision, and an electric atmosphere as the two top seeds square off for the coveted US Open Teams Championship title.
The match will be live streamed on USATT’s YouTube channel, giving fans worldwide a chance to experience the intensity and artistry of high-level team table tennis.
A Memorable Return to Myrtle Beach
Beyond the marquee Division 1 action, the return of the US Open Team Championships to Myrtle Beach has been a celebration of the sport at all levels. From juniors to veterans, competitors across all divisions have contributed to an unforgettable weekend of camaraderie, competition, and passion for table tennis.