2008
Archived News and Updates.
Links
to outside resources are valid as of the date of updates
12/27/2008 "Table tennis looking for bigger collegiate
role" Chicago Tribune, Dec. 26 2008. Regional
qualification tournament for AZ collegiate teams will take place February 19-21,
2009 at Utah State University. Registration
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12/25/2008 New ratings have been posted for year end US
Nationals. Top So. AZ achiever - Vicky Franks 1384 (+
43). Top AZ achievers are Derrick Cone - 2050 (+165), Andrew Manginelli - 2125 (+151), and Felix Shtorper - 1883 (+121). Congratulations!!!
New Ratings and Standings AZ
Ratings
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12/24/2008 Merry
Christmas and prosperous New Year to all our visitors!!!
Listen to Ping-pong song and decorate your Christmas
tree with table tennis
ornament
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12/24/2008 Table
Tennis Is the World’s Best Brain Sport. Thanks to Karl
Augestad (Anchorage
Table Tennis Club) for contributing this
link.
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12/22/2008 Yuma
man inducted into Table Tennis Hall of Fame. Read
more
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12/20/2008 Congratulation
to all players participated today in our ninth So. AZ DHS
League meeting. Division winners are: Division 1 - Adam
Block; Division 2 - Ken Holman; and
Division 3 - Lynette Smith. Adam and Lynette have won a division for the
first time. More than 400 matches have been played in a league this year. New Roster updates and today's Results are now
available.
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12/17/2008 USA
Table Tennis National Championships Results (updated
daily)
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12/17/2008 Williams
Elementary-Middle School Table Tennis Champs Full
Article
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12/12/2008 New
ratings have been posted for Valley of the Sun players. Top So. AZ achievers
are: Lev Vays (+ 12), and Adam Block (+
3). Congratulations!!!
New Ratings and Standings AZ Ratings
Good luck to our players
competing at the upcoming 2008 USA Table Tennis National Championships in Las
Vegas (Dec. 17-20): Roger Baldner, John Banot, Ray Brongo, Pat Connolly,
Kyle and Vicky Franks, Morris Leichter, Simen Potaychuk, and Greg
Redman!
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12/12/2008 ITTF
World Junior Championships
, Madrid, ESP , Dec 6 - 13.
Website Live
Stream
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12/7/2008 Congratulation to Roger Baldner, Valley of the Sun Winner. Roger is the
most successful player in "Over 70" group in AZ. He claimed 3 titles (Valley of the Sun, AZ Open, AZ Closed) and AZ Sizzler runner
up. Valley of the Sun Results
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12/4/2008 Valley
of the Sun Singles Draws
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12/1/2008 ITTF
Official Message to Table Tennis Manufacturers And
National Associations (to distribute to
players).
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11/30/2008 SOAR
Open Statistics: Players - 40; Matches - 182; Most matches played - 14 (Yali Carpenter, Sun City). Matches to players ratio was 4.55 and highest among all AZ tournaments.
James Petrie set a record of 22 matches
played in a single AZ tournament (2007 SOAR Open) while Alex Chernobelskiy has a record high 23
matches at the national level tournament (2004 Power-Pong Open, CA).
Awtrin Dabestani, 11 y.o. (Scottsdale) has become the youngest singles
event winner in Tucson. Once again, thanks to all players for making 2008 SOAR
Open possible. We are working on next year's tournament logistics and will
inform you as data becomes
available.
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11/26/2008 USA
Table Tennis Names Mike Cavanaugh Chief Executive Officer. USOC Press
Release
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11/26/2008 The
Table Tennis Collector 2008 Fall
issue
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11/25/2008 New ratings have been posted for SOAR Open
players. Top So. AZ achievers are: Carol Rhodes (+ 414), John Banot (+ 154), Willing Cheng (+ 104). Five
players have received their career high ratings: Willing Cheng - 1397,
Kamran Salek -
1392 (+28), John Banot - 1324, Kirk Sims
- 1021 (+21), and Carol Rhodes - 782. Six players have established their
first USATT tournament rating: Veronica Lam - 1584, Ken Holman -
1429, Khurram Karim - 1252, Kevin Phu
- 918, Brad Boothe - 618, and Stefan
Catalan - 479. Congratulations to all of you!!!
New Ratings and
Standings AZ
Ratings
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11/19/2008 Champions page has been updated and now
includes 11/16 SOAR Open Winners. New inductees are:
Yuxiang Lin, Ken Holman, and
Veronica Lam.
Congratulations!!!
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11/18/2008 SOAR
Open Results Photo Gallery and Pictures taken by Pavol
Uhrovsky.
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11/16/2008 SOAR
OPEN WINNERS
Championship Events::
Class A: 1st
place - Andrew Manginelli (Glendale) 2nd -
Gia Leu (Phoenix)
Class B: 1st place -
Yuxiang Lin (Tucson) 2nd -
Kenneth Akuoko (Tucson)
Class
C: 1st place - Willing Cheng (Tucson) 2nd - Ken
Holman (Green Valley)
Class D: 1st place - Kamran Salek (Tucson) 2nd - Lev Vays (Tucson)
Class E: 1st place -
Jon Redman (Santa Fe, NM) 2nd - Jeremiah Sbarra (Green Valley)
Class F: 1st
place - Awtrin Dabestani (Scottsdale) 2nd - Kevin Phu (Tucson)
Other Events::
Over
60: 1st place - Ken Holman (Green Valley) 2nd -
Roger Baldner (Tucson)
Women's: 1st place
- Veronica Lam (Tucson) 2nd - Yali Carpenter (Sun
City)
Congratulation to Winners and Finalists!!! Special
thanks to the tournament committee (Dave Wesley, Barbara Burnison), Brad Boothe and Lev
Vays for their invaluable
input.
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11/15/2008 Congratulation
to all players participated today in our eights So.
AZ DHS League meeting. Division winners are: Division 1
- Menachem Turchick; Division 2 -
Ken Holman; Division 3 - Michael Morrison, and Division 4 -
Matthew McDaniel. All these players have won a division for a first time
and featured on our Champions page. New Roster updates and today's Results are now available. Join the league
at our next play on December
20th.
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11/14/2008 SOAR
Open Championship event has successfully reached its 36-player limit and is now
closed. Roster and
Seeding. Thanks to all of you for
your commitment to this long-distance table tennis race. Sign-up sheet for additional/ proposed
events will be available at the
tournament.
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11/11/2008 I’m
pleased to announce that Brad Boothe is our new So. AZ
Table Tennis League Director. We would like to introduce the following rules
that will be implemented at the next League play, Nov.15 and thereafter. Get to
know Brad and drop him a line with your comments. More
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11/8/2008 SATTA
online Calendar has been updated and now includes
Wednesday evenings and Saturday morning practice at Armory Park as well as Udall
and Tucson Chinese Cultural Center hours.
Upcoming events: Nov. 15th -
So. AZ DHS Table Tennis League and Nov. 16th -
So. AZ Table Tennis Tournament/ SOAR Open (a USATT
Sanctioned
Event).
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11/8/2008 Susan
Chan (Tucson Chinese Cultural Center's Board Member) invites you to Lunar New
Year Celebration 2009 More info
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10/25
- 11/1/2008 SATTA, Tucson Table Tennis Club, and 60 responsive players
have joined their efforts to overturn Parks and Recs's
decision to cut Armory Center's hours on weekdays (until 4pm) and be closed on
weekends. With the outstanding support of Ward 6 Council office, Laura
Burge and Nina Trasoff and Armory
Supervisor Robin Landers, Center's hours have been revised and extended
to 7:30pm on weekdays and Saturdays to allow evening and weekend practice, USATT
sanctioned League and tournements. Our deepest
appreciation to all those involved and supporters. Old Schedule Revised
Schedule
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10/25/2008 TUCSON
PARKS AND RECREATION ANNOUNCES CENTER HOUR CUTS. Hope to see all of your this Sunday to discuss this situation and what we can
do.
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10/22/2008 SOAR
Open Updates: 18 players have submitted their entries. Just to
remind you that once-a-year Championship Double RR Event has a limit of 36
players. When event reaches its limit, all players will play 10 matches with 10
different partners from top to bottom of the draw. If successful you can get a
significant increase to your rating. All unrated players will advance and be
able to get the highest possible rating. Don't wait until the last day and
submit your entry ASAP Entry Form Entries
Received.
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10/19/2008 Champions page has been updated and now
includes 10/12 So.AZ DHS Table Tennis League Winners. New inductees are: Gautam Hari,
Veronica Lam, Grant Gibson, Nelson Sai, and Adam Shinske.
Congratulations!!!
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10/19/2008 Sierra
Vista USATT League: Roster as of October 18,
2008
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10/18/2008 Surgeons
Use Ping-Pong Ball to Save Little Girl's Life Read
More
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10/17/2008 This
Sunday practice at Armory will be reflected by scheduling conflict. Since we
wouldn't be able to use ballroom for our practice, I've negotiated setting up
our tt tables in dining and blue rooms. We can set up
as many as 5 tables there and play from 10 am to 3 pm (5 hours). Sorry for
inconvenience and thanks to Menachem for informing me
of such conflict. Misha
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10/17/2008 Previously
banned rubbers are now legal until March 2009:
Autorized Racket Coverings, Oct. 15/2008
ITTF/USATT Official Announcement
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10/16/2008 SOAR
Open: Entries
Received
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10/16/2008 Interview
with ITTF President and Men's World Cup, Liege, BEL, 26-28 Sep, 2008 Finals. Watch
online
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10/12/2008 Congratulation
to all players participated today in our seventh So. AZ DHS League meeting with
record high 36-player attendance. Division winners are: Division 1 - Gautam Hari;
Division 2 - Rocky Dotzler; Division 3 - Wenxin Zheng;
Division 4 - Veronica Lam; Division 5 - Grant
Gibson (2-player tie: 2nd - Willing Cheng); Division 6 - Nelson
Sai; and Division 7 - Adam Shinske. New Roster updates and today's Results now available. Join the
league at our next play on November
9th.
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10/4/2008 European
Championship, Saint-Petersburg, RUS , Oct 4 -Oct 12
. Follow the
Action
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10/3/2008 New ratings have been posted for AZ Sizzler
players. Top So. AZ achievers are: Kyle Franks (+ 34), Roger Baldner (+ 28), and Lev Vays (+ 25). Simen
Potaychuk won Open Doubles (w/Andrew Manginelly) and Roger Baldner -
Over 70 Runner Up. Congratulations!!! New Ratings and Standings AZ
Ratings
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10/1/2008 AZ
Sizzler: Results Photos
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9/27/2008 The
US candidate city of Chicago plans to run table tennis in the McCormick Place.
The huge building consists of four tracts. In the western part of it, table
tennis shares the hall with taekwondo whilst fencing, rhythmic gymnastics and
badminton are next door. The seating capacity is 6.000. Slideshow
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9/26/2008 Men's
World Table Tennis Cup, Liege, Belgium, September 26 - 28. Follow the Action
Live!
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9/23/2008 Per
players' inquiry about the next USATT sanctioned Tournament in Tucson, I'd like
to announce that today 2008 SOAR Open sanction has been received from the USATT.
Tournament will be held in November 16. We are still working on logistic
details. Hopefully next week the entry form will become
available.
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9/21/2008 Draws for the 2008 AZ
Sizzler
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9/20/2008 The
quality of the equipment and the high standard of service provided by Double
Happiness received special praise from members of the Organising Committee of the Beijing Olympic Games and in
particular from ITTF president, Adham Sharara. “DHS has brought to table tennis fashion and a
modern image”, he said. Once again our special thanks to DHSAmerica for supporting SATTA programs Read
more
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9/19/2008 Sierra
Vista USATT League: Roster as of September 18,
2008
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9/18/2008 Open Play: Myth or Reality?- An Open letter
to all Players presenting controversial view of novice player while playing at
Armory Park. SATTA favors open discussion and favor the presentation of
different views. Please forward your comments to sattaonline@gmail.com and they
will be posted to the same page "as it
is".
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9/18/2008 USATT-SATTA
connections: USATT/ITTF Letter To
Players
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9/18/2008 Weekly Practice Schedule
Updates.
Tucson Chinese Cultural Center: Thanks to
Victor Wong the following dates are open: 9/27 - 9am-5pm, 9/28 - 9am -
12noon, 10/4 - 9am - 2pm, 10/11 - 9am - 2pm, 10/12 - 9am - 12noon, 10/25 - 9am -
5pm, 10/26 - 9am - 12noon, 11/9 - 9am - 12noon, 11/22 - 1pm - 5pm, 11/23 - 9am -
12noon, 11/29 - 9am - 5pm. Players should always call 292-6900 before coming to
the center. Calendar.
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9/17/2008 Get to know our
regulars:
Playing Adam Block Named to Astrophotography Hall of Fame.
Video Flyer
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9/17/2008 Marathon
-- the ultimate in Athletics, marked today's beautiful finish for all the
competitions at the Bird's Nest, shining the brightest light of the Paralympic spirit across Beijing. Table Tennis Overall Review and
Photos.
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9/14/2008 Congratulation
to all players participated today in our sixth So. AZ DHS League meeting with
record high 27-player attendance. Division winners are: Division 1 - Yu
Moy (3-player tie: 2nd - Menachem Turchick, 3rd - Adam Block); Division 2 - Trung Le; Division 3 - Kamran Salek;
Division 4 - William Xiao; Division 5 - George Wang (3-player
tie: 2nd - David Horwitz, 3rd - Chris Habeeb-Loucks). New Roster updates and today's Results now available. Join the
league at our next play on October
12th.
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9/14/2008 Jake
Siken's
86th birthday party at Udall, September 11th. Congratulations Jake!!! and thanks to Cyril Mikula for
sharing this news with us. Photo
Jake is in the front row with the
red
shirt.
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9/8/2008 USATT-SATTA
connections: 1. Racket Control - a USATT Referee memo from
Wendell Dillon (IR, Rules/Officials Committee Chairman).
2. Gluing Issue - email from Mr. Gustavsen, chair of the ITTF Equipment Committee.
Learn more about Enez and Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOC).
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9/6/2008 What's
your style: Close to table defender, Blocker, Classic defender, Modern defender,
Topspin driver, Smash and topspin driver, Control looper, or Double wing looper?
Rubber recomendations and video clips. Link
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9/5/2008 “SATTA
Ironman Award” updates and Current standings. The leaders are: Alex
Chernobelskiy (62 matches), Michael Noguera (54), Lev Vays
(47), Adam Block and Morris Leichter (42
tied). An Award will be presented to player who plays the most USATT tournament
and Southern AZ DHS League singles matches for the calendar
year.
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8/29/2008 New ratings have been posted for Tucson Open
players. Top So. AZ achievers are: Alex Chernobelskiy (+ 108), Patrick Connolly (+ 84),
Morris Leichter (+ 77), Linda Jones (+
58), Hugh Owen (+ 47), Adam Block (+ 38), and Michael Noguera (+ 29). Three of them, have received their
career high ratings: Alex - 1970 (the second highest rating in So. AZ and Top 10 AZ), Michael - 1127, and Linda - 1125. Five
players have established their first USATT tournament rating: Wenxin Zheng - 1614,
Kamran Salek -
1364, Xiaoxui Zhang - 1123, Brandon
Spalten - 803, and Barbara Reed - 402.
Congratulations to all of you!!!
The Tucson Open is continue to be the
biggest 0-stars table tennis event in the nation for more than 1 month (since July 27) New Ratings and
Standings AZ
Ratings
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8/29/2008 Tucson
Open Aug. 29th updates: Players entered and played in the biggest So.
AZ table tennis event this
year - 45, including 14 visiting players from AZ, TX and NM.
Singles USATT matches played - 140. Featured event - U3000 Doubles: 6
teams/ 18 matches (15 RR and 3 play off matches for 2nd
place). Photo
TUCSON
OPEN WINNERS
Open Singles: 1st place - Simen Potaychuk 2nd - Alex Chernobelskiy
U1900: 1st place - Alex
Chernobelskiy 2nd - Adam
Block
U1750: 1st place - Dave Wesley 2nd - Wenxin Zheng
U1600: 1st place - Gustavo
Portillo 2nd - Lev Vays
U1450: 1st place - Kamran Salek
2nd - Lev Vays
U1300: 1st place
- John Banot 2nd - Tony
Nguyen
U1150: 1st place - Tony Nguyen 2nd -
Linda Jones
U1000: 1st place - Tony Nguyen
2nd - Kirk Sims
Over 60: 1st place - Amir Hormozi 2nd - Patrick
Connolly
Women's: 1st place - Hui Fang 2nd - Lynette
Smith
Open Doubles: 1st place - Amir Hormozi/Adam
Block
2nd
- David Elet/Alex Chernobelskiy
U3000 Doubles: 1st place -
Patrick Connolly/Roger Baldner
2nd
- Misha Chernobelskiy/Jon
Redman
Recreational: 1st place - Xiaohui Zhang 2nd - Brandon Spalten
Gallery of Champions new inductees: John
Banot, Michael Noguera, and
Kamran Salek.
Congratulation to Winners and Finalists!!! Special
thanks to the tournament committee: Dave Wesley and Barbara Burnison, and Lev Vays for their
invaluable input.
Results Winners Final Roster Trophies 800+
Photos
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8/26/2008 Udall
Center's schedule updates
An initial one-year agreement between Udall and
SATTA/TTTC (see 8/6/2007 message below) for Saturdays Open play has been
expired. New contract has been postponed due to the circumstances mentioned in
email from AJ Rico, Center's supervisor. On
Saturdays, August 30th and September 6th there will be Pima College table tennis
classes from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Only one table will be available for open play
during these days/times. No more open play scheduled at Udall after September
6th until further notice. During the same time frame of 11:30-2:00 only seniors
can play after 9/6 if the room is available. Call 520-791-4121 to confirm room
availability. Sorry for any inconvenience it may
cause.
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8/25/2008 Tucson
Open tournament report has been submitted to the USATT a week ago. New ratings
will be processed by the USATT with the next update hopefully later this
week.
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8/23/2008 Sierra
Vista USATT League: Roster as of August 21,
2008
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8/20/2008 Get
to know SATTA Hall of Famer - Cyril Mikula. He
featured in this month's Fitness Plus Magazine, Arizona's largest and
oldest active lifestyle journal. "He has a firm grip on what
makes him happy" by Marlena Goodsitt. Read
more
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8/20/2008 Watch
Olympic table tennis live and recorded matches Online
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8/20/2008 Due
to the annual cleaning Udall Center will be closed August 18 - August 23. No
Open play this
Saturday
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8/10/2008 Congratulation
to all 25 players participated today in our fifth So. AZ DHS
League meeting. Division winners are: Division 1 - Alex Chernobelskiy; Division 2 - Wenxing Zheng;
Division 3 - Walter Schneider; Division 4 - Kirk Sims. Check out
League Roster of 44 players and their today's Results. Join the league at our next play on
September
14th.
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8/8/2008 All
sanctioned tournaments through July 27, 2008 have been processed by the
USATT. 2008 Tucson Open seeding will be based on this list. Click the button
above for AZ players ratings. Your Current Rating and
standings.
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8/7/2008
Coley Ward and his table tennis article in today's Arizona
Daily
Star
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8/7/2008
Starting on September 2nd, table tennis players of all ages and genders
from beginners to experts are invited to the new Washington
Activity Center to enjoy table tennis each Tuesday (1-9pm) and
Thursday (1-5pm)... The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department will furnish
space for eight tables in a brand new gym...This will be the first time that
players will be able to play in leagues or other organized competition on
several tables at the same Phoenix parks location. Lovin' Life After 50, August 2008 Read
more
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8/4/2008
The USATT Board of Directors have published an Open Letter to the membership of USA table
tennis on the USATT website. Peter D. Scudner,
the Chair of the Board, introduces the new board structure and its members,
gives a brief summary of the minutes of the Board's first meeting, and lists his
email address for feedback from USATT
members.
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7/30/2008
Weekly Practice Schedule Updates. Tucson Chinese
Cultural Center: Thanks to Victor Wong the following dates are available 9:00
a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and subject to change: July 25 - Friday, July 26 - Saturday,
Aug. 1 - Friday, Aug. 2 - Saturday, Aug. 22 - Friday, Aug. 23 - Saturday - after
1 p.m., Aug. 29 - Friday, Aug. 30 - Saturday, Sep. 5 - Friday, and Sep. 6 -
Saturday. Calendar.
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7/29/2008
"Seniors stay in shape playing table tennis" by James S. Wood,
AZ Daily Star ...Some would be surprised to learn that most
of the seniors who play table tennis at the Udall Center are well over 50 years
old. "Table tennis forces you to stay in shape," said Bert Lee, 81, who
does sit-ups and push-ups every day. Lee, who was once ranked
19th in the country, has been playing since the early 1940s... Read more. 7/25/2008 New USATT ratings have been posted to
the Best of the West Open (7/20/2008) players. Two players have achieved their
career high rating: Alex Chernobelskiy - 1862
(+6) and Michael Noguera – 1098 (+17).
Congratulations!!!
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7/23/2008 New
movie - Ping Pong Playa. Release Date: September 5th, 2008. Christopher
"C-DUB" Wang is a young Chinese-American man who presents himself with a
streetwise, ghetto swagger and dreams of a career as a basketball star. But soon
he finds his real gift as a ping-pong player and coach, leading an odd squad of
students to a local championship. Website, Watch a
trailer
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7/22/2008 An
Official Tucson Open Hotel – La Quinta Downtown, just 1.7 miles
away from the tournament venue. Book online and mention Corporate Code USTBLE
(only capital letters) to get a special rate of $44.25 (Complimentary
continental breakfast and high-speed internet
included). Address and
Map Eastside traffic: due to I-10 widening
take Exit 254 (eastbound I-10 frontage road from Prince Road to Starr Pass
Blvd). I-10 Project
website.
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7/21/2008 Best
of the West Open results are now
available.
Congratulations to John Fung, U-1150 Winner; Michael
Noguera, U1300 and U1150 Runner-Up; and Simen Potaychuk,
Open Doubles Runner-Up.
Check out our updated Gallery of Champions for all
laureates.
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7/19/2008 From
now on, the Tucson Open Received Entry Forms link located
immediately below the countdown
timer.
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7/17/2008 Train
with a 1971 World Champion, Stellan Bengtsson! A Five Day Camp in Salem, Oregon, July 28 -
August 1, 2008. More
Info
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7/15/2008 USATT
sanctioned Sierra Vista Table Tennis Club has established a presence on
the Web. Website features: playing schedule, maps and
photos.
Thanks to Larry Smith, a SVTTC president for contributing this info.
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------!
7/15/2008 Best
of the West Draws
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7/14/2008 Sierra
Vista USATT League: Roster as of July 14,
2008
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7/13/2008 Congratulation
to all 21 players participated today in our forth So. AZ DHS
League meeting. Division winners are: Division 1 - Alex Chernobelskiy; Division 2 - Patrick Connolly
(5-player tie!!!); Division 3 - Trung
Le; Division 4 - William Xiao. Check out League Roster of 39 players and their new Ratings. Join the league at our next meeting
on August 10th. Standings and Scoresheets, All
Winners
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7/12/2008 SATTA
and UA Table Tennis Club sponsor a New Start New Champions table tennis
tournament. New Start is a six-week summer bridge
program designed to help first-year freshman succeed in the transition from high
school to university life. The program assists 300+ students in the areas of
academics, residence life, orientation and extracurricular activities to help
prepare participants to become well-rounded university students. Tourney was
held on July 12 at their Yavapai residence Hall.
The
Winner - Marc Avalos. Congratulations!!! Photos
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7/11/2008 Schedule
Updates: Tomorrow, July 12, our regular tt practice at Udall will be scheduled from 11:30am to 2pm
as always. Everyone is welcome for open play.
Full Calendar
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7/11/2008 New
Start - New Champions Updates: Please follow this link for players entered, revised schedule,
tournament format and
more.
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7/11/2008 Welcome
everyone to our 4th DHS USATT League play this Sunday at Armory Park
Center from 9am to 1:30pm. Warm-up starts at 9am, League play at 10:15am. The
league is free and open to players of all levels. Check out our flyer for more
info.
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7/10/2008 Best
of the West Updates: Among 82 players there will be 8 players
from Tucson. Today, July 10th, is the last chance to enter this tourney in
Phoenix. These are the only events still open as the following - Singles ( Open
- 1 spot left, U-2000, U-1900, U-1450, U-1000, Over 60 & 70); Doubles:
U-3200. If you want to sign up please contact Gia
Leu at 602-620-7722 or gialeu@netscape.net before you
send out your entry form (this way Gia can block and
confirm your event/s). Entry Form Entries
Received.
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7/7/2008 The
City of Prescott has announced that it will hold 10th annual Prescott Senior
Olympic Games beginning on August 8. Table tennis competition will be held
on August 12 and entry deadline - August 8. Please check out our "Tournaments" page for registration booklet
and
details.
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7/5/2008 US
Open - 28 Nations, 700 players, 91 tables, 57 events, and 110
degrees...
Congratulations to AZ players: Hyeon Young Boo (Women's Over 40 Singles - 1st
place) and Panno Dok (U2050 - 2nd place). Both played in Tucson: Hyeon (2008 Southwest Open) and Panno (2006 and 2007 SOAR Open, 2007 Southwest Open, and
2007 Tucson Open). Results.
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7/4/2008 Practice
Schedule changes: Due to July 5 and 12 Pima College tt
classes at Udall, the regular practice at Senior
addition has been cancelled. Sorry for inconvenience. However, you can sign-up
for the class onsite. The cost is $65 for two 3-hour sessions (11:30am - 2:30pm)
- a very inexpensive average pricing of $10.80/hour. Flyer
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7/4/2008 The
Tucson Open Entry Form is now available. Entry deadline - August 9.
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7/2/2008 Pima
College non-credit Table Tennis Classes starts this Saturday,
July 5 from 11:30AM to 2:30PM at Udall Park Rec. Center. Master your table
tennis skills with the help of USATT Coach Alex Chernobelskiy. This highly informative class presents the
techniques, training and playing strategies needed to become a champion. Check
out Pima College Flyer for more details and call Alex
520-406-1473 if you wish to
register.
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7/1/2008 Treated
Pimpled Rubber Banned: Alternative and Consequences. As a result of the ban
of all "treated" pimpled rubbers which go in effect today, many players have
started looking for alternative racket coverings. Author hopes to provide a few
points of reference, which might be helpful for the decision making process of
finding suitable material for your particular style of play. Read
more
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6/29/2008 The
University of Arizona is starting a new public evening observing program
that invites people to view the havens from telescopes on the summit of Mt.
Lemmon. One of our top players, Adam Block, coordinates the SkyCenter's new program in which visitors will experience
what it is like to see planets and galaxies through the telescope eyepiece. Flyer Photos For information and
reservations call 520-626-8122 or email
mlsc@as.arizona.edu.
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6/27/2008 New USATT ratings have been posted to
AZ State Games (June 21) players. Two players have achieved their career high
rating: Alex Chernobelskiy - 1856 (+21) and Michael
Noguera – 1081 (+5).
Congratulations!!!
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6/26/2008
National Association of Sports Commissions: 2008 Sports
and Fitness Participation Report. It looks like Table Tennis is a
third fastest growing olympic
sport (+25.5%) in the nation after Running (30.8%) and Tennis (30.6%) based on
7-year Total Participant Trend (2000-2007). One third of 15.955.000 US players
consider themselves frequent or regular participants.
One out of 17 individuals aged 6 and above plays table tennis at least at the
casual level. Great numbers and a huge potential to grow!!!
6/26/2008 USATT
CEO monthly Report. Topics covered: New Board members
names; Ping-Pong Diplomacy Rematch and its "Sports Illustrated" 8-page coverage; upcoming US Open, USATT Olympic
Team and
more
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6/24/2008
Lane Crawford, the Hong Kong department store, is marking the Beijing
Olympics with "The Collective: Synergy in Fashion." Crawford invited 12
designers to envision a one-of-a-kind garment for their favorite sport. After
the Games, the outfits will be auctioned to benefit the UNICEF fund for children
affected by the Sichuan earthquake. Phillip Lim's drawing of a table tennis
outfit and more.
International Herald Tribune,
June 22,
2008
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6/22/2008 Grand
Canyon Summer Games. Both Tucson's players bring home 2nd-place trophies:
Roger Baldner (U-1450) and Alex Chernobelskiy (Junior's U21).
Alex (1835) also
convincingly beat Derrick Cone (1899), eventual winner of the Open event, in
their RR group match. Congratulations!!! Results
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6/20/2008
Sanctioned tournaments through June 15, 2008 have
been processed by the USATT. Your Current Rating and
standings.
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6/17/2008 Per
players' inquiry about the next USATT sanctioned Tournament in Tucson, I'd like
to announce that today 2008 Tucson Open sanction has been received from
the USATT. Tournament will be held in August 16-17 at the Armory Park
Senior Center. There will be
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rated Singles and Doubles, Open and Age events.
Freestyle event also be included. While an
entry form is being developed all your comments are very welcome until the end
of June at sattaonline@gmail.com. M.C.
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6/16/2008 Two
days left until Grand Canyon Summer Games (June 21st) deadline. Submissions
delayed past the submission deadline (June 17th) will not be accepted. Last minute entries from So. AZ players will be accepted by
email sattaonline@gmail.com without $5 late fee. Click here to see a list of participants.
Tournament info
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6/14/2008 Ping-Pong
Diplomacy Rematch: Cold War-era pingpong foes meet
for some back-and-forth. Chinese champ Liang Geliang
and U.S. pro George Braithwaite first faced each other in China in 1971. They
met again Thursday at the Nixon library.
By Mike Anton,
Los Angeles Times, June 13, 2008. Full story CBS Video
Clip
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6/14/2008 “SATTA
Ironman Award” updates and Current standings. Leaders are: Alex Chernobelskiy (31 match), Adam Block (25), Morris Leichter (24), Michael Noguera
(24), and Lev Vays (23). An Award will be presented to
player who plays the most USATT tournament and So. AZ
DHS League singles matches for the calendar
year.
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6/13/2008 New USATT ratings have been posted to
Southwest Open players including U-1900 event. Top achievers are Rocky Dotzler, Michael Noguera (+202), Al Douglas (+110), and Raphael
Lizama (+36). In addition to players above 3 more
players have achieved their career high ratings: Sarah Lopez (1228),
Linda Jones (1067), and Hui Fang
(963) Congratulations!!!
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6/12/2008 USATT-SATTA
connections: UNAUTHORIZED RACKET COVERINGS Hello All, The attached Document contains the list of rubbers that’s
been banned by the ITTF effective the first of July this year. Hence these
rubbers will not be allowed at the 2008 US Open, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The
attached list was based on the list which the ITTF published beginning of April
this year. For the ITTF list of Approved TT Equipment please click on the
following Link. Please help us disseminate the
information to your club members. Should you have any questions please contact
me at ratings@usatt.org. Thank you for your help and have a good day!
Felisa
Huggins, USATT Tournament and Rating
Coordinator
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6/11/2008 Lev
Vays offering seats in his car to go to Phoenix to
play Grand Canyon Summer Games on Saturday, June 21. Just
pay fuel money divided by quantity of people in the car. Call 747-3285 or cell
609-1270 or e-mail vayslev@hotmail.com. Singles events: 9:00AM - U-1800,
U-1000; 10:00AM Women's Open, U-1450; 10:30AM Elite Open; 11:00AM - Juniors (under 21); 12:00PM - Recreational; 1:00PM - U-1600,
2:30PM - U-1200. Doubles events: 3:00PM - U-3700 and
3:30PM - U-2900. Entry fees - Adults - $13 per event, Elite - $20,
Juniors - $10. Call 520-829-3369 or email at
sattaonline@gmail.com if you need more info or would like to register. No late
fees applied until June
17.
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6/9/2008 Congratulation
to all 15 players participated yesterday in our third So. AZ
DHS League meeting. Division winners are: Division 1 - Misha Chernobelskiy
Division 2 - Che Tse; Division 3 - Jeremiah Sbarra. No player went undefeated. Check out League
Roster of 36 players and join the league at our next meeting on July
13. Results, Roster All
Winners
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6/6/2008 New USATT ratings have been posted to
Southwest Open players. U-1900 event not yet processed so there will be changes
to its players. Current standings page will be updated next week after the USATT
recalculate all U1900 players. You can also hit the AZ ratings button above to
get more details.
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6/4/2008 Southwest
Open Photos.
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6/4/2008 Champions page has been updated and now
includes all 35 So.AZ USATT singles event winners including recent 2008
Southwest Open champions. New inductees are: Gustavo Portillo and Willing Cheng.
An Official Tournament Results
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6/4/2007 Southwest
Open. All matches, scores, standings, membership
applications, and results being sent yesterday to the USATT Headquarters for
membership and North American Table Tennis for rating processing. Full
Results: Open Singles , U-1900 , U-1700 , U-1500 , U-1300 , U-1300Finals, U-1100, U1100Finals
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6/1/2008
Southwest Open winners:
Open Singles: 1st place - Bhoo Hyeon
Young 2nd - Simen Potaychuk
U-1900 RR: 1st place - Alex
Chernobelskiy 2nd - Menachem Turchik
U-1700 RR: 1st place - Rocky
Dotzler 2nd - Kenneth Akuoko
U-1500 RR: 1st place - Gustavo
Portillo 2nd - Sarah Lopez
U-1300 RR: 1st place
- Willing Cheng 2nd - Al Douglas
U-1100
RR: 1st place - Willing Cheng 2nd - Linda
Jones
Congratulation to Winners and Finalists!!! Special thanks to the
tournament committee: Dave Wesley and Barbara Burnison, and Lev Vays for their
invaluable input. More to
follow.
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5/30/2008
Southwest Open Draws. Two players for U1500 8:00AM event
and Open Singles (10:30AM) will be last accepted players on a first paid - first
served basis without late
fee.
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5/29/2008
Southwest Open Roster. The tournament is full except one
spot for Open Singles. The draw will be posted on
Friday.
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5/28/2008
Designer Diaz Kleefstra took 315 standard 40 mm
table tennis balls and created a lamp, that has been named after the famous
dutch table tennis player Bettine Vriesekoop.
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5/26/2008 Today
is a Southwest Open Entry deadline. Check out current List of Entries Received,
Download an send an Entry form. USPS Post
Offices closed on Memorial Day but Entry Forms postmarked May 27 will be
accepted. Please confirm your participation and payment by email at
sattaonline@gmail.com or just Register
Online
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5/22/2008
Sanctioned tournaments through May 18, 2008 have been
processed by the USATT. Your Current Rating and
standings.
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5/20/2008
Watch online the best live TV-channels about table tennis, other sports
and more for free. Watch
now
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5/15/2008 On
behalf of the tournament board and myself I am thanking Nyeon Young Bhoo,
Top 20 US Women and the highest ranked AZ player, for accepting our invitation
to the 2008 Southwest Open. I extend my best wishes to all of the participants,
hope you will enjoy the competition, and have fun. Entries received as of 5/14/2008
The
Entry deadline is May 26th. No entries will be accepted at the
tournament. MC
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5/13/2008
Sierra Vista USATT League: Roster as of May 12,
2008
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5/12/2008 “SATTA
Ironman Award” will be presented to player who plays the most USATT tournament
and So. AZ DHS League singles matches for the calendar year. Award will be
presented at the SATTA annual meeting (March 2009). Leaders are: Adam Block (25
matches), Alex Chernobelskiy (23) and Morris Leichter (22). Current
standings.
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5/12/2008 Congratulation
to all 23 players participated yesterday in our second So. AZ
DHS League meeting. Division winners are: Division 1 - Yu Moy
(3-player tie);
Division 2 - Rocky Dotzler; Division 3 - Pavol Uhrovsky;
Division 4 - Kirk Sims; and
Division 5 - William Xiao. Check
out League Roster of 29 players and join the league at our next meeting on June
8: Results, Roster All
Winners
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5/10/2008 What:
So. AZ DHS Table Tennis League. When: tomorrow, Sunday,
May 11 from 9:00AM to 1:30PM. Where: Armory Park Senior Center. Flyer. More info.
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5/10/2008
Today's Asian Pacific Heritage Festival
celebrates the many and varied Asian Pacific cultures represented in Tucson. It
features family-friendly activities and crafts, as well as demonstrations and
information tables, art displays, dance and song performances, including the
lion dance and Japanese ensemble drumming. There's also
Chinese, Japanese and Korean foods and refreshments. When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Where:
Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Road. Price: free
admission.
Info: 292-6900. Don't forget to stop by at SATTA table tennis
booth!!!
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5/10/2008
Chinese President Hu
Jintao shows off his table tennis skills at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan on May 8, 2008.
Reuters. Video.
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5/10/2008
New USATT ratings have been posted to
AZ Closed (May 4-7, 2008) players. Two players have achieved their career
high rating: Jeff Duan - 1926 (+30) and Michael Noguera – 876 (+192)!!! Two players have received their
first USATT rating: Yuxiang Lin - 1876 (#4) and Sarah
Lopez - 1202 (#44).
Congratulations to all of you!!! Take a look at your new
rating
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5/9/2007
An Official Southwest Open Hotel – La Quinta Downtown,
just 1.7 miles away from the tournament venue. Book online and mention
Corporate Code USTBLE (only capital letters) to get a special rate of $51.75
(One King Bed or Two Queen Beds) plus all applicable taxes and fees (compare
with regular nightly rate of $69). Complimentary continental breakfast included.
Address and Map
Eastside traffic: due to
I-10 widening take Exit 254 (eastbound I-10 frontage road from Prince Road to
Starr Pass Blvd). I-10 Project
website.
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5/8/2008 "It's
totally different from playing in your basement with a robot or a fun match at
the club. If you're in the finals of a tournament, you have to know how to play.
You have to know what you're going to serve, what you're going to return and
that you're playing against many different styles," - Samson Dubina (2430), the United States' lone male entry in the
Final World Olympic table tennis qualifier this week in Budapest, Hungary, hopes
to earn a berth in the 2008 Summer Olympics and gaining certification in the
next few weeks to become a Canton firefighter. Read more. Tournament website
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5/6/2008 From the Desk of the President.
Important League updates and SATTA Ironman Award announced. “Ironman Award” will
be presented to player who plays the most USATT tournament and So. AZ DHS League singles matches for the year. Current
standings will be updated at around 15th of every month, right after the monthly
league play.
5/4/2008 Congratulations to AZ Clozed Singles event medalists: Roger Baldner - Gold (Over 70), Simen Potaychuk -
Silver (Open), and Michael Noguera - Silver
(U-1150)!!!
5/2/2008 Grand Canyon Summer Games (June 21)
registration is now open. Featured events: Women's, Junior
(Under 21), and Recreational Singles. Early entry
deadline - June 7th. Register
Online
5/2/2008 Ten
So. AZ players will play in AZ Closed Tourney this weekend. They are:
Roger Baldner, Adam Block, Robert Bryant Jr., Jiwu Duan, Morris Leichter, Yuxiang Lin, Sarah
Lopez, Miguel and Michael Noguera, and Lev Vays. Good luck to all of you!!! Check out AZ Closed Draws before you
go.
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5/1/2008 AMERICAN/CHINESE
PING PONG DIPLOMACY: THE REMATCH SET FOR NIXON LIBRARY JUNE 10, 11, and 12,
2008. Table tennis exhibition featuring American and Chinese champions will
serve as a prologue to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Read more.
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4/29/2008 Southwest
Open Online Registration
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4/28/2008 Green Valley Table Tennis Club. Online Calendar.
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4/26/2008 Competitive table tennis in Albuquerque, which can be traced to 1960s, has been troubled not just by the inability to locate an unused table. Locally, the sport suffers from a long-smoldering feud... "Feud Besets Table Tennis Scene," By Toby Smith, The Albuquerque Journal Read more
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4/24/2008 Calendar Updates. SATTA and Tucson Chinese Cultural Center/T3C
(Victor Wong, Executive Director) have negotiated a schedule for May - July table tennis practice at T3C. Tucson Area players can now play 7 days a week for more than 30 hours including 20+ hours of Open play at 3 major Northwest, Downtown and Eastside locations. Our special thanks to Victor Wong, Robin Landers, and AJ Rico for providing their nice facilities for the local, fast growing table tennis community.
Check out SATTA Calendar for more details.
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4/23/2008 Bert Lee turned 81 on April 22. Happy Birthday Bert !!!. Here is his picture. In the background of picture is 85 year old Jake Siken. Both Bert and Jake are active players.
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4/23/2008 "Ping-Pong as Mind Game (Although a Good Topspin Helps)," By Harry Hurt III, The New York Times, Published: April 5, 2008 Read more
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4/20/2008 Be ready for the next USATT League May 11 session. Pima College Table Tennis Classes: May 3 and May 10 from 9 to 12pm. are coming soon.
Master your table tennis skills with the help of USATT Coach Alex Chernobelskiy.
This highly informative class presents the techniques, training and playing strategies needed to become a champion. Call Alex 520-406-1473 for more info. Pima College Flyer
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4/19/2008 2008 SportZone at Ventana Vista Elementary School, April 18 Photos
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4/19/2008 Southern AZ Table Tennis League, April 13 Photos
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4/18/2008 Website new feature - Calendar. The schedule of play is now more user friendly and convenient. Week, month and agenda views, events descriptions, reminders, print option and more. Click "calendar" button above and checkout new addition to the website.
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4/18/2008 New poll question: "Do you like website content and layout?". Your suggestions and ideas are always appreciated at sattaonline@gmail.com. Previous poll results: Question - "Do you think we need ID card for every player?". Answers: Yes-8, No-7, Not Sure-1.
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4/17/2008 "The Battle of the Ages" follow up: "Hi Misha, I want to thank you and the club members for bringing back memories for me, it was especially nice to see old friends and former players who I had not seen in more than 25 years, this is of course the most important part of our sport, as it brings people together in a way that they can enjoy what they love to do together. Warm Regards and great work on networking the Tucson Table Tennis Club. I will keep in touch and work with you on the the history of the Tucson Table Tennis Club and activity," Scott Preiss
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4/14/2008 New 4/13 USATT League Ratings have been posted to the USA Table Tennis League web site
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4/13/2008 Congratulation to all 19 players played today in our first ever Southern Arizona USATT League meeting. Division winners are: Div. 1 - Alex Chernobelskiy;
Div. 2 - Rocky Dotzler; Div. 3 - Trung Le; Div. 4 - John Banot. Results and standings.
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4/11/2008 We are pleased to announce that SATTA has been invited to participate
in 2008 Asian Pacific Heritage Festival which will take place May 10 at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center from 11AM to 7PM. Admission is free.
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4/11/2008 I wanted to give you a heads up on our first USATT League play this Sunday from 10am to 1:30 pm. Tentative schedule: 10am - doors open, 10am-11am warm up, 10:45-11:00 registration and seeding, 11am -RR matches begin. When the players are done with their league matches, they can play open matches until 1:30. The League is free of charge and does not require USATT membership to participate. Players in the league are put into round robin groups appropriate to their level. This results in players competing against similarly advanced counterparts. Also, as the players improve, they have a chance to advance to a more challenging round robin group. Early registration as well as questions aren't required but appreciated at sattaonline@gmail.com. Misha C.
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4/8/2008 AZ Senior Olympics : Congratulations to Gold medalists: Morris Leichter (Advanced 50-54, Singles) and Walter Schneider (Intermediate 75-79, Singles)!!! Results. Our special thanks to Mark DeWitt, Phoenix TTC President and a Tournament Commissioner, for his major contribution.
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4/8/2008 Tomorrow, on April 9th - a USATT coach Alex Chernobelskiy will give his table tennis presentation with interaction with spectators at Forty Niner Country Club.
This event is limited to club members and their guests.
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4/6/2008 USATT Rules/Officials Committee. USATT Referee Memo 3/28/2008:
Unrated Players in Round Robin Events
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4/5/2008 USATT-SATTA connections: "...Be advised that we are close to finalizing an agreement with the Nixon Library to do a Ping Pong Diplomacy REMATCH the first week in June in Yorba Linda, California (at the Nixon Library grounds). The Chinese have committed and we are working out logistics! We hope to have the press release out within a week or so. Stand-by for that. I know it is a significant drive for you and your folks there but it might have some historic value as there will be participants from the ’71 PPD involved as well as current athletes! Michael D. Cavanaugh, CEO of USATT"
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4/5/2008 2008 Grand Canyon Winter Games ratings and scores.
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4/4/2008 "Breakfast for Table Tennis C" by Madhosingh Chandra, University of British Columbia & Table Tennis Canada
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4/4/2008 Sierra Vista USATT League: Standings as of April 1, 2008
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4/3/2008 The Battle of the Ages 3-Player Teams Results:
1st place - Jeff Duan, Alex Chernobelskiy, and Morris Leichter;
2nd place - Scott Preiss, Austin Preiss, and Adam Preiss;
3rd place - Yu Moy, Robert Bryant, Kenneth Akuoko and Brad Balmer.
The Top Performer Trophy goes to Morris Leichter who went undefeated in 4 matches.
Congratulations to Winners and all participants. Results
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4/2/2008 SATTA Annual Meeting and Awards presentation. New 2007 Hall of Fame inductees:
Contributor-Armory Park Senior Center,Supervisor Robin Landers Certificate Photo
Player - Cyril Mikula Certificate Photo
Player - Alex Chernobelskiy Certificate Photo
USATT Certificate will be presented to Rocky Dotzler on Sunday, April 13, before the first USATT League matches starts.
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4/1/2008 As of today our domain name will be changing to www.sattaonline.org. You will however be able to access the site through www.sattaonline.com (until April 11, 2008) and http://www.tucsontabletennis.com/
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3/31/2008 Grand Canyon State Winter Games results are now available.
Congratulations to Alex Chernobelskiy U-2000 Winner and U-21 Runner-Up.
Check out our updated Gallery of Champions for more info.
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3/29/2008 Sierra Vista (March 22, coach Alex Chernobelskiy) and Saddlebrook (March 29, coach Robert Bryant) table tennis clinics follow-up:
“Hello Alex, I just wanted to thank you again for putting on this clinic. I had a great time and I learned so much. Now, I just have to put it into practice. I was thrilled to have the chance to have some formal training. Thanks for the tips and we look forward to seeing you again." Claudia McLean (Green Valley) Photo
“Robert Bryant, Jr. runs a first-class clinic on the fun-damentals of table tennis. Having different paddles, explaining basics of rubber and sponge; demonstrating with you as opponent the different strokes and their effects, using the Robo-Pong for participants to try, and simply answering our many questions was a great help. I think the guy is a teacher as well as a coach. Thanks again." Warren Reinecke (La Cholla Hills). Photo
My very special thanks to Alex and Robert as well as clinic organizers John Banot and Greg Hlushko for promoting table tennis as a total of more than 30 (12+20) participants have enjoyed tt clinics in So.AZ last week. Misha C.
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3/28/2008 USATT Certificates of Award signed by CEO of USATT and Presidents of SATTA and TTTC will be presented to their owners at the SATTA annual meeting this Sunday at Armory Park @ 1:30 pm. This year laureates are: Alex Chernobelskiy, Rocky Dotzler, Cyril Mikula, and Administration and Staff of Armory Senior Center. Check out SATTA "Hall of Fame" and come to our annual meeting to celebrate their success.
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3/27/2008 The Battle of the Ages Day 1 results: Tucson's Team 1 won their match as Yu Moy scored 3:1 playing with Austin and 3:2 with Scott. "Preiss and Sons" Team beats Team 2 in which Alex lost 2:3 to both Preiss' top players. Day 2 is coming. This Sunday, March 30, from 10 to 12 Team 1 (Yu Moy, Robert Bryant, and Kenneth Akuoko) play their final match with Team 2 (Jeff Duan, Alex Chernobelskiy, and Morris Leichter). My very special thanks to Scott, Austin, and Adam, Tucson players, and visitors (especially from Sierra Vista, Green Valley, and Vail) for making this event happen and wonderful and memorable friendly matches. Photos
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3/21/2008 "2007 Southern Arizona Player of the Year" - Alex Chernobelskiy.
It was a very successful year for Alex. He topped 3 out of 8 nomination categories as a player with most USATT singles matches played (72), matches won (53) and titles won (4). These four titles bring his records up to 13 champion titles won within the last 5 years, which is more than any other player in the Southern Arizona played in USATT sanctioned events. Last year he has received the “2007 Outstanding Teen Citizen Award” from Tucson’s Mayor, Bob Walkup, for his exemplary service within the community as the SATTA Director of Junior Programs development. Keep up a good work!!! Congratulations to TOP 6 players: #2 Adam Block, #3 Greg Redman, #4 Morris Leichter, #5 Cyril Mikula and #6 Menachem Turchik!!! Final Standings
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3/20/2008 THE BATTLE OF THE AGES, fantastic table tennis exhibition matches are coming to Tucson. "Preiss and Sons" vs 2 Tucson Teams. Armory Park Center, Wednesday, March 26th. from 5 to 8:30 pm. Three Teams RR matches (incl. Doubles).
Team 1: Scott "The Racket" Preiss of Manitou Springs, CO (2051) - US National Coach, Entertainer, and Tucson Table Tennis Club founder; Austin Preiss (2035) - a thirteen-year-old table tennis phenom who already has 4 National table tennis titles and is an Olympic Hopeful for the 2012 Olympic Games; and Adam Preiss, 15 (1443).
Teams 2 and 3. Tucson teams are forming: Roster. Please confirm your entry online or this Sunday at Armory. Friendly matches and interaction with Preiss' family will follow team competition. Scott would like to offer his remastered/authored Instructional DVDs to us for $10 each that is 50% off their regular price. This is a DO NOT MISS event!!!
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3/18/2008 Green Valley Table Tennis Club has established a presence on the Web. Website features: up-to-date playing schedule, 2008 Green Valley Senior Games results and pictures, links of interest and more. As you may know access to facilities for regular play is restricted to members of Green Valley Recreation (GVR) and their guests. Thanks to Ken Holman for contributing this info.
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3/16/2008 Table tennis workshops and demonstrations for recreational and USATT players are coming to Sierra Vista and Saddlebrook:
In Sierra Vista on Saturday, March 22 from 10AM to 2:30PM Alex Chernobelskiy,
a USATT certified(C) coach, will cover forehand and backhand techniques including serves and pushes, footwork, and game strategy.
Call 406-1473 to reserve your spot (9 tables, 2 spots available).
In Saddlebrook on Saturday, March 29 from 9:00 to 10:00AM Robert Bryant Jr.,
a USATT certified(R) coach, will cover general table tennis fundamentals including tips, techniques and basic pointers for recreational players.
Registration by invitation only (3 tables).
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3/15/2008 Pre-Annual Meeting Outcomes: 1) We are moving forward and in just one month (April 13) we will start a USATT sanctioned Southern Arizona Table Tennis League (see left column for details); 2) Southwest Open (June 1) Entry Form will be posted to the web on Tuesday, March 18. There will be Open, U1900, U1700, U1500, U1300, and U1100 events; 3) SATTA annual meeting has been rescheduled from March 23 (Easter Sunday) to Sunday, March 30 at 1:30 pm.; 4) One more category "Players rating as of the end of the calendar year" will be added to the 2007 So. AZ Player of the Year calculations and future years. Misha C.
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3/8/2008 2007 So. AZ Player of the Year preliminary Results and calculations. Tomorrow, Sunday, March 9th at the Armory I will be on hand to answer all your questions at the pre-annual meeting (1:30 pm). All corrections (if any) should be submitted no later than Saturday, March 15, 2008 in order to be considered. Misha C.
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3/7/2008 Tucson Senior Olympic Festival Full Results. Our special thanks to Mike Davis (Tucson City Parks and Recreation) for his major contribution.
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3/6/2008 Pre-Annual Meeting. I thought I might touch base with local players before the annual meeting to give you a quick update. When: Sunday, March 9 @ 1:30pm. Where: Armory Park Senior Center. Hope to see you all there. Misha C.
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3/6/2008 The inaugural State Games of the West will be held July 24-27, 2008 in Colorado Springs, Colorado and will feature 31 sports including Table Tennis. This event will serve as a qualifier for the 2009 State Games of America.
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3/5/2008 2008 So. AZ USATT sanctioned tournament schedule
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2/28/2008 "...Two years ago, Pugh got some land off of Moson Road in Sierra Vista and $300,000 and counting later, he unveiled a ping pong emporium, with seven playing tables spaced comfortably, another table for practice with a pitching machine of sorts on one end, and another table designed for practicing serving, with nets and a ball return Pugh developed..." "Pugh hopes to leave a table tennis legacy for Sierra Vista" By Matt Hickman, The Herald/ Sierra Vista. Read more. Sierra Vista USATT League Standings
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2/27/2008 The International Table Tennis Federation is going to vote on Friday on a controversial scheme to limit the number of loyalty-switching players. Once it passes, Chinese players who want to extend their careers overseas will be hit hard. Read more
New link added 03/01/08 ITTF passes proposal to limit oversea paddlers
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2/26/2008 Try to pick up today's Tucson Citizen newspaper (Tuesday, Feb. 26th) to read about new table tennis afterschool program at the John B. Wright Elementary School (Midtown). This program offered by joint efforts of SATTA, Midtown Neighborhood Association (David Kha), DHS America Sport (Official Supplier of 2008 Olympic Games) and TerraSystems Southwest, Inc. (Howard Ward).
Our Special Thanks to Howard Ward for his continuous contribution to the program and Alex Chernobelskiy (Pima College Instructor) who were making this exciting project happen. Please follow these links to read more and see the pictures:
Link to the Tucson Citizen, Article and 200+ Pictures (taken by Zhanna).
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments you may have through email - sattaonline@gmail.com or online Form.
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2/25/2008 2008 World Team Table Tennis Chips, China , Feb. 24 - March 2. Cheer for your favorite team and catch the action LIVE on www.ittf.com including Live Scoring, Draws, Results, Schedule and even TV Matches.
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2/23/2008 Schedule Updates: This is to inform players that due to scheduling conflict our regular table tennis practice at the Udall Center on Saturday, March 8th, has been cancelled. Udall Park staff apologize for the inconvenience. For any questions please feel free to call 791-4121.
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2/22/2008 New USATT ratings have been posted to those played in AZ Open. Top rating change: Kyle Franks - 1517 (+31) and Lev Vays – 1383 (+24). Congratulations!!! Take a look at your new rating.
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2/22/2008 "Wang Chen is one of two American Table tennis players ranked high enough to automatically qualify for the Olympics this summer in Beijing.","In China I was just a player. In New York, I learned how to do everything. I think I grew up here. she said." "A Table Tennis Star in China Now Uses Her Paddle for the U.S." by Aimee Berg, The New York Times, pub. Feb. 22, 2008. Read more (info contributed by Bill Baker).
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2/22/2008 SATTA meeting will be held on Sunday, February 24th at the Armory Senior Center (Blue Room) from 1:15 to 3:00pm. We will cover topics such as: 2007 So. AZ Player of the Year, Past tournaments review and 2008 Tournaments schedule, New tournament formats, Financial Report, Website improvement, and other. Everyone is welcome. If you are unable to make a meeting, please email us your questions or comments at info@sattaonline.org
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2/18/2008 Arizona Open results are now available on the PTTC website.
Top achievers are: Roger Baldner (Over 70 Singles - gold) and Lev Vays (U-1450 Singles - gold). Congratulations!!! Check out our updated Gallery of C
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2/13/2008 Students at John B. Wright Elementary School can have fun and learn from coach Alex Chernobelskiy to play table tennis at a new after-school program started Jan. 29th by the SATTA and the Midtown Neighborhood Association.
Slideshow (produced by Norma Jean Gargasz/Tucson Citizen).
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2/13/2008 Arizona Open Draws
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2/12/2008 Behalf of the Tucson Gem Extravaganza Tournament Committee (Misha Chernobelskiy, Dave Wesley, and Barbara Burnison), I'd like to thank all players and Armory Park staff Jerry, Karen, and Mark for contributing to the tournament success. Working together we all thrive. Just a few feedback emails from our players:
“…Thank you for your considerable efforts to organize and host the Gem Extravaganza Tournament. As a relative newcomer to the sport of table tennis, albeit later in life, I found your information useful, your organization reassuring, your cordial help and hospitality most welcome, and encouragement to enter, seek out like-ability players and informal coaching very helpful. It was fun and inspiring to see younger (and some older) players defining what the sport is all about. Thanks again for a good day at my first of what I shall hope to be several future (senior) events.” Warren Reinecke (Oro Valley)
“…Just a quick note to say thank you for an enjoyable and well run tournament. It was my first and a real eye opener in terms of the talented players in the Tucson area…I would like to make some of your daytime practice sessions which I'm told are Monday and Thursday mornings? Hopefully it will give me an opportunity to improve my game!...” Ken Holman (Green Valley). Our special thanks to Warren, Ken and other players for your support and appreciation of our work.
We hope you will enjoy these Photos. Misha Chernobelskiy, SATTA president.
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2/9/2008 Tucson Gem Extravaganza Results:
Open Singles: 1st place - Alex Chernobelskiy 2nd - Morris Leichter
U-1550 RR: 1st place - Rocky Dotzler 2nd - Patrick Connolly
Recreational Singles: 1st place - Tyrell Lewis 2nd - Warren Reinecke
Open Doubles:1st- Alex/Misha Chernobelskiy 2nd- Pat Connolly/Rocky Dotzler
Congratulation to Winners and Finalists!!! Full Results (.pdf file)
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2/8/2008 Tucson Gem Extravaganza updates: As of early morning the following events are open for registration:
We would like to wish all table tennis players and our partners the best and very happy Lunar New Year!!!
For the first time ever free USATT membership for recreational event winner ($40 value, Adults) and for runner-up ($20 value, Junior/Collegiate level) are on stake. Junior/Collegiate membership should be upgraded to the adult level by adult player in order to activate it. These awards are not cash awards and can be used toward USATT membership only through the SATTA, a USATT affiliated organization.
Alex, USATT certified coach and Pima College instructor, will be on hand to answer all your questions and give practical and friendly advice to recreational players.
See Entry Form for details. Please forward all your comments to our email: sattaonline@gmail.com
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2/5/2008 Received Entry Forms for Tucson Gem Extravaganza. Just to remind players that your Entry Form must be postmarked today or received by February 7th.
in order to avoid late fees. If you are going to mail your entry form out to us on Feb.6, please confirm by email to sattaonline@gmail.com. Absolutely no entries at the tournament will be accepted (doubles teams are excluded from this restriction).
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2/1/2008 Schedule Updates: Udall Center general restriction have been implemented as of today: Players U-50 can play only Saturdays (Open Play session). During all scheduled times, players do not have access to the kitchen or other rooms in the facility. Once the scheduled table tennis time is complete, Table Tennis practice ends, even if there is not another group coming in to the room. Feb. 5th - no practice (election day). See full schedule for more details
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1/29/2008 SATTA Message Board: Dear SATTA group. I am a regular "senior" winter visitor to Tucson living in La Cholla Hills and would like to inquire if you have any members in the Oro Valley area who would be interested in practice and play. I use the Chinese Cultural Center on River Road and La Canada with a friend once or twice a week and would like to know of others in the area. Can you refer me to anyone? Thanks for any help here. Warren Reinecke, 219-9895
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1/22/2008 Schedule Updates Armory Park Senior Center will be open on Thursday for table tennis practice from 10am to 12:30pm. The Senior Olympic Festival will immediately follow at 1pm.
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1/20/2008 Schedule Updates Udall and Armory Park Senior Centers will be closed Monday, January 21st. in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. See full schedule
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1/16/2008 TUCSON GEM EXTRAVAGANZA Entry Form
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1/12/2008 TUCSON GEM EXTRAVAGANZA Table Tennis Tourney is coming!!!
Saturday, Feb. 9th, Armory Park Center, 9 am to 5pm. No sanction - no problem.
Come and play for fun. Forget your rating, let's just play and get ready for two spectacular Feb. events: Tucson Gem and Mineral Show (TM) and AZ Open (biggest tournament in Arizona).
Check out the Entry Form for all tournament details in these coming days.
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1/10/2008 TOP 10 Lists of 2007
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1/8/2008 A new tournament, Arizona Senior Olympics, has been added to the Tournaments page of our website. Registration is open to everyone age 50 & better.
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1/6/2008 The SATTA would like to recognize the local USATT table tennis player based on his/her last year's achievements. The 2007 So. AZ Player of the Year Award will be presented to the winner at the annual SATTA meeting that will be held in March 2008. SATTA and the Tucson Table Tennis Club officers will be utilizing data from this Chart to determine players’ final standings.
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1/5/2008 New USATT ratings have been posted to those played in US Nationals. Four players have achieved their career high rating: Adam Block - 1869 (+5), Alex Chernobelskiy – 1836 (+16), Patrick Connolly – 1516 (+44), and Miguel Noguera - 1306 (+101!). Congratulations!!!
Take a look at your new rating.