The 2023 S-Trend Victorian Open Championships are set to take place this weekend (April 15-16) at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium (GRISS).

With large numbers across the two days of play, this event promises to be a thrilling one. Table tennis enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to this championship as it provides a great platform for the players to showcase their skills.

The event will bring together some of the best table tennis players from across the state, who will compete for the title of the best in Victoria.

On Saturday, the juniors will kick proceedings off with a new record number of entries, reaching 142 with the titles across the various age categories all up for grabs.

Connie Psihogios will be eager to continue on her form to start the year and will be keen to take home titles in as many categories as possible.

The likes of Hasali Buddhadasa, Yousef Hassan and Cherry Le are ones to keep an eye on, as they too could finish the day with many medals around their necks.

You can view the Junior draft draw HERE

On Sunday, the Seniors, Para and Veterans categories will round out the day with some excitement around the big names playing across the day.

None bigger than 3-time Paralympic, 2-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games Gold medal winner Melissa Tapper.

Tapper, fresh off a Ballarat Open win will be looking to continue to build her form leading into Paris next year.

Also playing in the para categories are Qian Yang and Rory Carroll who will be both on highs after winning Table Tennis Victoria’s Female and Male 2022 Player of the year awards.

The Open Women’s title will be up for grabs with last years winner Jian Fang Lay unavailable to compete, meaning Li Na Lei, the runner-up in the women’s in 2022 a big chance to take out the title with Ma Lin looking to defend his title but he will have the likes of Sanish Ambekar, Harsh Madaan and Zach Anstey hot on his heels to take out the mens.

In the veterans, there is a stacked field of entrants, making for some exciting play across the day.

Look out for the likes of Craig Carter, Simon Johnson, Debbie Wilson, and Brian Berry, who will all be looking to defend their titles in their respective categories.

Additionally, the likes of Jeanne Strong, Belinda Strong, Rod Carlyle, Jeff Dever and Belgian Bennett will all be looking to have success across the day.

You can view the Senior/Para and Veterans draft draw HERE

“We are thrilled to see over 300 players (142 for Junior and 162 for Senior, Para and Veterans) for the 2-day Victorian Open Championships,” said TTV Events and Clubs Officer, Oscar Yam.

“It is a great pleasure to deliver a world class tournament experience for players not only from Victoria, but also across the nation.”

“We will be using as much as 42 courts for the Tournament at GRISS, and would love to thank Latrobe City Council, Table Tennis World, Destination Gippsland and Sports Marketing Australia for supporting our pinnacle event.”

In an added bonus for the event, LOOPS has agreed to partner with Table Tennis Victoria for the 2023 tournament and will provide prize money with AGMC Sports also providing equipment vouchers for winners and runners-up.

With a great mix of experienced players and new talent, this tournament promises some exciting matches. Spectators can expect to see some thrilling table tennis action with players showcasing their finest skills and techniques.

Play begins at 9:00am on both days and is free entry for anyone who wishes to watch some exciting table tennis.