Humphreys, Spicer cop Classifieds crowns

Humphreys, looking fitter and focused, dominated his rivals which brought memories of the five years he held the top spot.

He had to be solid in his game play in the final, though, against the in-form Arun Roopnarine of Arima Hawks whom he defeated 4-2 (11:8, 11:8, 8:11, 7:11, 11:5, 11:4).

The WASA player/coach said after his victory, “I thought it was a commendable performance certainly not at my best physically but I was able to score tactical points that kept me in the match.

In order to be selected for the national team, I need to have great performances because there are really talented players knocking on the door for selection. When I say I have more to offer does not only mean as a player, I have a wealth of experience over my career and will like to pass it on to the younger players that are on the national squad.” On his return to the top of the rankings, he said: “Having been at number one for over a fiveyear period, I know what it takes to be at the top - commitment, dedication and belief.

I spend most of my time coaching; it has been an easy excuse to brush aside a loss but on recognising it, my mindset has changed and I’m back at the top of local table tennis.” In the semi-final round, Humphreys played a disciplined game to dethrone Reeza Burke (Hawks) 4-1 (9:11, 11:4, 11:9, 11:7, 11:8).

Roopnarine surrendered a threegame lead to tournament favourite Yuvraaj Dookram (WASA) but held his nerve in the end to prevail 4-3 (14:12,11:6,11:7,7:11, 5:11,5:11,11:9).

In the Women’s A final, Catherine Spicer (Powergen) exacted revenge for her group phase defeat and played near perfect against Linda Partap- Boodhan (Hawks), prevailing 4-1 (11:8, 11:8, 11:7, 12:14, 14:12). Spicer was in an attacking mood, disdainfully putting away any ball that was in her zone.

After winning her third Women singles title, she explained, “Playing in final is about staying relaxed, calm and keeping focus on each point. I started back training and soon I will be getting ready for Silver Bowl Table Tennis Tournament next month.” Luc O’Young copped the Open A2 Division as he easily defeated his Carenage Blasters clubmate and training partner Joshua Maxwell 4-1 (11:7, 11:9, 11:5, 8:11, 11:4). O’Young, who is preparing for the Caribbean Junior Table Tennis Championship next month in Guyana, said, “Playing your clubmate is different to training because there is a lot more pressure in tournament and you are playing for ranking positions.

This season I want to improve on my backhand and movements on the table.” The Trimont College student believes that his preparation for Caribbean Junior Tournament is going good as he is practising four days a week.

Results of the Men`s A1 Quarter- final:
Yuvraaj Dookram vs Terrence Corbin 4-2 (11:3, 10:12, 11:7, 8:11, 11:8, 11:9)
Arun Roopnarine vs Santa Quamina 4-2 (11:8, 11:6, 10:12, 11:7, 8:11, 11:5)
Curtis Humphreys vs Franklyn Seechan 4-0 (11:5, 11:4, 11:7, 11:7)
Reeza Burke vs Alaric Humphreys 4-0 (11:9, 11:6, 11:8, 11:4) .