Matlhatsi wins table tennis championships
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday December 3, 2013 15:04
The player won the singles title over the weekend in Gaborone after beating Tshepo Modisane of Smash Maniacs 4-3.
Masa Motswasele failed to defend the title after bowing out in the group stages. The former champion lost two games and won once to crash out of the tournament. Matlhatsi walked away P1, 000 richer while Modisane pocketed P600. Kennete Santudu of Nhabe Club came third after beating Joseph Kgatlampane of Smach Maniacs 4-0.
Tshepiso Rebatenne and Santudu (Nhabe) won mixed doubles after beating Masa Lesole and Matshidiso Osi of Smash Manics 3-1.
In the men's doubles, Tiro Motswasele and Matlhatsi succumbed 3-0 to Keromemang Chise and Olaotse Selema in all-BDF clash.
Boitshwarelo Butale of Smash Maniacs defended her singles title by beating club mate Osi 4-3. Butale walked away with P1,000 while Osi got P600.
Rebatenne of BDF came third after beating Namibo Mbulawa of Smash Maniacs 4-2. In the women's doubles, Mbulawa and Rebatenne won 3-2 against Butale and Dr Lovie Chilisa.
Master Joinery and Aluminium sponsored the tournament.
Motswasele, who is BTTA vice publicity secretary told Mmegi Sport that it was interesting that the runner-up from last year's men's singles won the title as top seeds Bonolo Mabote and McDonald Qalinge fell by the wayside. He said this is a sign of growth in the sport.
Meanwhile, Motswasele said Zone Six Championship that was supposed to be staged in Lusaka, Zambia this month has been postponed to January due to logistical problems. He complained that the postponement might have a negative impact on the Botswana team. He said the players are going on a break and will lose stamina upon return.
Players who have been selected for national team duty are; Butale, Osi, Dr Lovie Chilisa, Namibo Mbulawa and Waabona Raditloko (women) and Mafa Lesole, Thobo Mathathi, Kola Modisathebe, Rorisang Raesima and Joseph Kgatlanyane (men).
The national team coach is Sai Maribe assisted by Tshepo Modisane.