The Dandenong Open Veterans Tournament hit the tables last weekend and it was fantastic to see over 120 Vets enjoying tournament table tennis in Victoria again. The Greater Dandenong Table Tennis Association ran a great weekend, and we are looking forward to seeing the Seniors on Saturday February 13, along with the Juniors in action on February 14.

This was the first tournament of the state circuit to take place under COVID-Normal restrictions, and while we saw a very different tournament than we have been used to in the past, I think all involved would agree that the event was a great success.

We would like to congratulate every single one of the organisers, volunteers and competitors that did a great job of sticking to the guidelines throughout the weekend.

With plenty of Veterans regulars taking part over the weekend, we were lucky enough to see some fantastic results. Croydon’s Adam Fu took down Dandenong’s own Greg Robbins in a tough five set match in the O/40’s Men’s Singles - we’ll see if Greg can get one back on Adam’s home turf at the Croydon Masters in March!

The recently returned Belgin Bennet claimed the double gold by winning the O/40 and O/50 Women’s Singles in a very impressive display.

Judy James, Dirk Holwerda, Ken Dawber, Igor Klaff and Jim Furness were all amongst the weekend’s winners as well.

“The new format that saw one age group per time slot, bigger round robin groups, main draw and consolation knockouts as well as no doubles or divisions will be the tournament format for the foreseeable future,” Said TTV ECO, Claire Montgomery.

“More matches in a shorter timeframe - better work on that fitness!”

We look forward to seeing the Seniors and Juniors follow on from the Veterans, and produce another great couple of days of table tennis next weekend.

“This tournament has been a long time coming for our Veterans players, and it was particularly pleasing to see such a strong turn-out at the Dandenong venue which has been absent from the event circuit for a few years,” said TTV CEO, Ritchie Hinton.

“Congratulations to all winners, and all those involved from GDTTA.”

For full results from the weekend CLICK HERE