Tuesday - 2-14-12

Bixby - 11 players. 2 first time out players - Bohyun Nam (goes by "Bo") (a pastor from South Korea in training for 2 years here in Tulsa at a Korean church). A good table tennis penhold player with very spinny serves. Mansoor Mohammad - a good table tennis player also - has been in Tulsa for a long time and was looking for some fun exercise. Melvin Norton, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Justin Holland, Glen Grusendorf, Brian Flinn, Shahzad Siddiqui, Nabeel Siddiqui, Nick Papineau

Monday - 2-13-12

Dawson - 8 players (Tulsa got 1-2 inches of snow this morning). Stephen Ackart, Hamid Ezzat, Sina, Mike Hamby, David Correa, Alex Tupas, Don Tiger, Brian Flinn

Sunday - 2-12-12

Pictures taken by Bob Kyker and Johnny McClanahan of the 1-28-2012 Sooner state games are now posted. Click on the "photos" link at the top right of the's club's website or click here: http://tulsatabletennis.com/photoalbum1_categories.asp

Thursday - 2-9-12

Dawson - 12 players. 2 first time out players - Bohyung Nam, Ying Zou Sina Asadalahi, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Brian Flinn, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Kyle Sanchez, Chase Sanchez, Don Tiger, Alex Tupas.

Tuesday - 2-7-12

Bixby - 12 players. 5 first time out players - Karina Smith, Andrew Locke (son), Dick Locke (father), Mike Davidson, Tate Goodman (just visiting from Hawaii). 7 regulars - Justin Holland, Kelly Boyce, Brian Flinn, Melvin Norton, Alex Tupas, Jim French, Johnny McClanahan Other news: Justin Holland used to be paid by Duncan YoYo as a demonstrator! He now designs yo yos!

Monday - 2-6-12

Dawson - 13 players Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge, Don Tiger, Alex Tupas.

Monday - 2-6-12

Jeff McAdam from Fox called at 4:50 PM today and wanted to come out to the club. I said I didn't know who would be there so he will try next Monday.

Friday - 2-3-12

(Info below from Larry Buell): Gratz to our own Mats who went from up 147 points from 1583 to 1730, Sina (established new rating of 2150), Larry (who finally passed the 1700 mark at 1703), Mike (who went up 118 points from 1304 to 1422), John Moore (new rating 1288), Fernando (new rating 856) and Don Tiger (new rating 976). (tournament results are already on the USATT website)

Thursday - 2-2-12

Dawson - 10 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Don Tiger.

Wed - 2-1-12

Stephen Ackart is going to the Missouri Winter Games in Springfield, Missouri on 3-17-12. He will leave Saturday morning and drive back that night. Will try to get 4 people to go in one car.

Wed - 2-1-12

Larry's Buell's report on the Sooner games tournament below on 1-28-12 Winter 2012 OKC Sooner State Games Tournament Report Larry Buell This year our OKC Winter SSG Tourney opened on a bright and pleasantly cool winter's day. There was truly an invasion of Tulsans come to compete in this tournament, including (limited only by my aging memory): John Moore (UR), Glen Grusendorf (696), Don Tiger (UR), Mike Hamby (1304), David Correa (1308), Mats Johansson (1583), Steve Ackart (1648), Kelly Boyce (1855) , Sina Asadallahi (UR), Bob Kyker (1699), Ray Pestridge (1908), Alex Tupas (1840), Johnny McClanahan, Fernando Prato and yours truly (1687). This was my first trip down to the new location of the OKC club in the Crossroads mall. I liked the setting, the lighting was very good, the tables well-spaced, and the footing was fine. Action opened with both the U3000 doubles and U3800 doubles simultaneously in their respective round robins. Since I was entered in the U3000 with David, I didn't get to see many of the U3800 doubles matches. Ray and Alex, and Sina and Bob were entered from Tulsa in the U3800, and did quite well, finishing with the Bronze for Ray and Alex, and the Silver for Sina and Bob. Gold medal winners in this were Tiffany Tran and Alan Ting from OKC. I had a chance to meet and talk with Alan later in the tournament. He is finishing up his thesis (in civil engineering) and is hoping to find a job soon after graduation. Please pray for him to find a job soon, as this will enable Alan to stay in America which he very much desires. In the U3000 David and I ran into a buzz saw in the father/son duo of Scott Barone (1987, but rated as high as 2130 in 2006), and his son Shelby (484, but played very consistently with steady returns and good serves). Both David and I had trouble with Scott's serves, which were amongst the best in the tournament as I later observed in the Open Singles. As a consolation Scott had a bit of trouble with my serves as well, but not nearly enough. They had a well-deserved 3-0 win versus us, and went on to win our round robin. David was showing flashes of his tremendous potential, with great drives/kills, and impressive range in court coverage. We managed to finish second in our RR, and went on to play Dale Goodman (1591) and Linda Piatt (1120) in the Bronze medal round. This was a very close match, with the excellent cross-court hits (naturally far away from the receiver!) of both Dale and Linda forcing David and his aging partner to up their game to eke out a 3-2 win, 11-8 in the fifth (which David won for us convincingly with a powerful forehand kill!). In the other U3000 RR, Steve and Mike were playing consistently, with their excellent service returns and canny ball placement setting them up to win their RR. They met Scott and Shelby in the finals, and with the powerful drives/kills of Steve, Mike's deceptively spinney chops and lobs, and their ability to provide an answer to Scott's serves, were victorious to bring the crown home to Tulsa! My next event was the U1900 singles. I opened against my new nemesis, Mats, who has shown wonderful improvement in his game, especially in his forehand, over the last 6 months. My power drives, normally my bread and butter, were easily neutralized by his excellent and consistent long-pips returns, and anything slightly up he slaughtered with his powerful forehand. He easily topped me 3-0. My next and last match in our RR (there was one default, a no show) was against Terry Brecheisen (1737). He had a very unusual serve, which consisted of a corkscrew circular whipping motion that put very strange spin on the ball (he later said this was his most potent weapon). I finally managed to figure out how to return (wait for it to come off table and slow/low roll it back). Terry showed very good range, especially for a tall man, enabling him to return my deep shots to forehand/backhand alternating with good consistency. Terry also used anti on his BH, which we don't see very much anymore (having been replaced in popularity by long-pips), but his used this quite well against my drives. I finally worked out a successful strategy of serving low and fast deep to his anti backhand, and then drive/killing his returns to his deep forehand. This setup a very tight match, with leads changing back and forth many times until I held on to win 11-9 in the 5th. Mats also beat Terry, and so won our RR. In the finals, it was Kelly, Mats and a lanky lefty Mike Lauro (1709), who showed great ability to counter-drive through the games I watched him play. Our own Kelly ended up winning this event, with Mats second, and Mike third. Tulsa's own John Moore had a fine tournament, winning both the U1100s and U1300s. Glen placed 3rd in the U1100s, and the fast-improving Don Tiger (in his first tournament!) had a fine showing finishing with the Silver in the U1300s! Mike Hamby, who has shown terrific improvement in spin and consistency over the past year, won the U1500s, with the high upside David Correa winning the Bronze. I had the privilege of watching our own Mats and Steve play in the U1700 finals. This was a very close match, as they exchanged leads and games all the way to the fifth. In the end, Mats' consistency and good placements overcame the valiant drives and kills of Steve to eke out a victory, Congratulations to them both for a well-fought finale! My last event was the Open Singles, in which I played a very insignificant (overall) but successful (personal) role. I played the same Mike Lauro who finished 3rd in the U1900s in my opening match. I saw immediately that I could not drive with him, as he was faster and fiercer than I in this regard. However, I also found he had great difficulty returning my short, low, heavy-underspin serves to his backhand, and that if I blocked his drives low but deep to his backhand he would often overhit them off the table. This enabled me (to my delighted surprise!) to emerge victorious in a 3-0 win. I then faced the top-seed in my RR, Jeff Johnston, a 2048 HARD BAT player from KC., MO. Although I had close games with him, his ability to misdirect with his body and hit to a different place than I expected, his consistent chops and drive/kills (no spin, hard to lift for me) allowed him to win our RR in a 3-0 victory. The finals then consisted of Jeff, Scott Barone, our own Sina, and OKC's own Winfred Addy (2248, but I overheard Britt saying Britt heard Winfred had played like a 2500+ and participated in the Olympics for his country Ghana some moons ago). I saw two of these matches up close and personal. The first was between Sina and Scott. Scott showed incredible mobility and power, often killing Sina's serves early in the match. They also exchanged many fierce drive rallies, which had the crowd dreaming of ever being able to perform such shots! Sina adapted as the match wore on, and especially in the 4th/5th games adjusted his serves to be shorter, lower, and with more underspin, which Scott began to have trouble returning well. Sina's awesome backhand loop and great cross-court placements (forcing Scott to move farther and farther) eventually gave him the edge necessary to win in the 5th. Winfred won his matches against Jeff and Scott, and Sina won against Jeff, to setup a Winfred/Sina final. Thought Winfred started off a bit slowly (for him), he rapidly picked up steam and his lightning-fast loop/kills and very deceptive serves got the better of Sina to grant him the Gold medal. A fine performance by our very own Sina to win the Silver! Another in a long line of well-run, efficient and enjoyable tournaments by our Brethren in OKC (Britt Salter, Tourney Director). Afterwards, I had a brief but joyous visit with my son and his fiancé in Norman, a quiet and contemplative drive home, to a welcoming shower and well-earned repose. God is good! Here are the final tourney results, courtesy of Britt: Winter 2011/2012 SSG Results Events Gold Silver Bronze Ping-Pong: Doubles John Gillette & Ronny Young (OKCTT) Dylan Postier & Chris Kuykendall (Enid) Ping-Pong: Open Singles John Gillette (OKCTT) Ronny Young (OKCTT) George Banu (OKCTT Ping-Pong: Over 50 Singles John Gillette (OKCTT) Ping-Pong: Under 18 Singles Nathan Schmidt (Purcell) Blair Brewer (Okc) Blaine Brewer (Okc) Table Tennis: U1100 Singles John Moore (Tulsa) Alexander Falco (AR) Glen Grusendorf (Tulsa) Table Tennis: U1300 Singles John Moore (Tulsa) Donald Tiger (Tulsa) Gary Broxterman (OKCTT) Table Tennis: U1500 Singles Mike Hamby (Tulsa) Gary Broxterman (OKCTT) David Correa (Tulsa) Table Tennis: U1700 Singles Mats Johansson (Tulsa) Stephen Ackart (Tulsa) Joshua Ford (TX) Table Tennis: U1900 Singles Kelly Boyce (Tulsa) Mats Johansson (Tulsa) Mike Lauro (AR) Table Tennis: Open Singles Winfred Addy (OKCTT) Sina Asadallahi (Tulsa) Scott Barone (AR) Table Tennis: U3000 Doubles Stephen Ackart & Mike Hamby (Tulsa) Scott Barone & Shelby Barone (AR) Larry Buell & David Correa (Tulsa) Table Tennis: U3800 Doubles Tiffany Tran & Alan Ting (OKCTT) Sina Asadallahi & Bob Kyker (Tulsa) Ray Pestridge & Alex Tupas (Tulsa)

Tuesday - 1-31-12

Bixby - 12 players 2 first time out players - Shahzad Siddiqui and his son Nabeel Siddiqui. 10 regulars - Fernando Prato, Jim French, Kelly Boyce, Justin Holland, Stephen Ackart, Don Tiger, John Moore, Melvin Norton, Johnny McClanahan, Chris.

Tuesday - 1-31-12

Larry Buell has emailed his report on the Sooner games tournament from Saturday. Will post it here soon (2 1/2 pages).

Monday - 1-30-12

Dawson - 5 players. Alex Tupas, David Correa, Don Tiger, Johnny McClanahan, Matthew Malecha (info courtesy of Johnny).

Friday - 1-27-12

Jeff McAdam from Fox Sports wants to come out this Monday. I told him this Monday there will be few players out due to the tournament.

Friday - 1-27-12

Final list of 16 Tulsa players confirmed by Britt Salter that are entered in tomorrow's tournament: Alex Tupas, Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, Sina Asadallahi, Bob Kyker, Larry Buell, David Correa, Glen Grusendorf, Mike Hamby, John Moore, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge, Don Tiger, Kyle Ng, Fernando Prato, Mats Johansson (Hamid is not entered)

Thursday - 1-26-12

Dawson - 12 players Stephen Ackart, Sina Asadallahi, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Glen Grusendorf, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, John Moore, Ray Pestridge, Kyle Sanchez, Don Tiger.

Wed - 1-25-12

Update on the Okla City tournament this Saturday. Looks like 15 Tulsa players will be going to this tournament. Also, Josh Ford will be playing.

Tuesday - 1-23-12

Bixby - 11 players Jim French, Kelly Boyce, Larry Buell, Glen Grusendorf, Don Tiger, Justin Holland, Melvin Norton, Johnny McClanahan, John Moore, Kyle Ng, David Correa.

Monday - 1-23-12

Dawson - 15 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Shawn Nikookhoy (knows Sina), Ray Pestridge, Don Tiger, Alex Tupas.

Friday - 1-20-12

Players going to the Okla city tournament next weekend: Maybe 14 players: Alex, Stephen, Kelly, Sina, Hamid, Bob, Larry, David, Glen, Mike, John Moore, Johnny McClanahan, Ray, Don Tiger

Thursday - 1-19-12

Dawson - 9 players. Larry Buell, David Correa, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Matthew Malecha, John Moore, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Don Tiger.

Tuesday - 1-17-12

Bixby - 9 players. Fernando Prato, Jim French, Don Tiger, Justin Holland, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, Alex Tupas, John Moore, Glen Grusendorf. Other news: Fernando and Jim said they might go to the Okla City tournament next Saturday. Don Tiger said he would go for sure.

Monday - 1-16-12

Dawson - 12 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina A., Larry Buell, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Fernando Prato, Don Tiger, Alex Tupas.

Saturday - 1-14-12

6 Tulsa players went to Oklahoma City - Glen Grusendorf, Bob Kyker, Sina, Hamid Ezzat, Alex Tupas, Ray Pestridge.

Monday - 1-16-12

Dawson - Jeff McAdam will not be out tonight (today is his day off). He said he will be out next Monday - 1-23 - for sure.

Thursday - 1-12-12

Dawson - 16 players. 1 first time out player - Felix Adeniyan Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Matthew Malecha, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Don Tiger, Stephen Ackart, Thomas Berryhill.

Wed - 1-11-12

Dawson - Jeff McAdam from Fox sports will be out Monday - 1-16.

Tuesday - 1-10-12

Bixby - 6 players. Mats Johansson, Chris Agimudie, John Moore, Jim French, Fernando Prato, Justin Holland.

Monday - 1-9-12

Dawson - 14 players. 1 first time out player - Felix Adeniyan Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Mathew Malecha, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Don Tiger. Other news: Don Tiger joined the club!!

Monday - 1-9-12

Dawson - Jeff McAdam from Fox Sports will not be out tonight.

Thursday - 1-5-12

Dawson - 14 players Chris Agimudie, Larry Buell, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Glen Grusendorf, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Martn Ndengang, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Don Tiger, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 1-3-12

Bixby - 7 players. Jim French, Kelly Boyce, David Correa, Alex Tupas, Martin Ndengang, Garrett Belcher, John Moore.

Monday - 1-2-12

Dawson - 12 players Stephen Ackart, George Atkins, Larry Buell, David Correa, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Martin Ndengang, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Don Tiger, Alex Tupas. Other news: ray p. brought cookies and brownies for all players that his wife baked

Monday - 1-2-12

Dawson - Jeff McAdam will not be out tonight (tied up with the OSU game). He will be out next Monday - 1-9-12.

Thursday - 12-29-11

Dawson - 15 players. 4 first time out players - Shawn Nikookhoy (friend of Sina from Norman), Garrett Belcher, George Atkins, Randy Petty. 11 regulars - Ray Pestridge, Kelly Boyce, Sina A., Alex Tupas, Fernando Prato, Martin Ndengang, Glen Grusendorf, Johnny McClanahan, David Correa, Mike Hamby, John Moore.

Tuesday - 12-27-11

Bixby - closed (Bixby will be open next Tuesday - 1-3-12).

Monday - 12-26-11

Dawson - 4 players. Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato.

Thursday - 12-22-11

Dawson - 6 players. Sina Asadallahi, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Glen Grusendorf, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker.

Wed - 12-21-11

The Bixby club will be closed next Tuesday - 12-27-11

Tuesday - 12-20-11

Bixby - 14 players Jim French, Fernando Prato, Don Little, Kelly Boyce, Garrett Belcher, Melvin Norton, John Moore, Justin Holland, Glen Grusendorf, Martin Ndengang, Hamid Ezzat, Sina, Johnny McClanahan, Alex Tupas. Other news: Glen Grusendorf and Johnny McClanahan will be going to the Jan 28 Okla. City tournament. Garrett Belcher has joined the Marines and is in Bixby for a short time. He is part of a table tennis club in Jacksonville? and is now playing like a table tennis player and moves well. He uses a new stroke rarely seen in Tulsa called RPB (this is what he calls it) (and this is the new trivia question for table tennis players). The Bixby club will be closed next Tuesday - 12-27-11

Monday - 12-19-11

Dawson - 13 players. 1 first time out player - Brandon Cole Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas.

Monday - 12-19-11

Jeff McAdam will not be out tonight (had a sudden press meeting come up on OSU football and then he has a game to cover tonight). Jeff would like to come out in 2 weeks on 1-2-12 if Nick and Ray will be there. If not, the following Monday on 1-9 will work for him also.

Thursday - 12-15-11

Dawson - 10 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato.

Tuesday - 12-13-11

Bixby - 10 players. Justin Holland, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, Fernando Prato, John Moore, Stephan Denis, Hamid Ezzat, Sina Asadallahi, Bruce Hudkins, Nick Papineau. Players going to the Okla City tournament on Jan 28 - (10 so far): John Moore, Sina Asadallahi, Hamid Ezzat (planning but?), Stephen Ackart (playing doubles with Mike Hamby), Mike Hamby, Alex Tupas, Bob Kyker, Kelly Boyce, David Correa (maybe), Ray Pestridge (doubles only). Have not heard from potentials Larry Buell, the Agimudies, Glen Grusendorf, Johnny McClanahan. Could be up to 16 players going.

Monday - 12-12-11

Dawson - 8 players. Stephen Ackart, Larry Buell, David Correa, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Don Tiger, Alex Tupas. Players planning on going to the Jan 28 Oklahoma City tournament: Stephen Ackart (playing doubles with Mike Hamby), Mike Hamby, Alex Tupas, Bob Kyker, Kelly Boyce, David Correa (maybe), Ray Pestridge (maybe and doubles only)

Monday - 12-12-11

Jeff McAdam from Fox sports will not be out tonight since Nicky cannot make it tonight. Jeff will out next Monday - 12-19 around 6:15 PM.

Sunday - 12-11-11

Jeff McAdam from Fox Sports wants to come out to the club tomorrow - Monday around 6:15 PM and do a story and video some players. Ray Pestridge and Sina will play tomorrow for sure but Nick will not be out. I will contact Jeff McAdams to see if he still wants to come out tonight or next Monday.

Thursday - 12-8-11

Dawson - 14 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Aguimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Glen Grusendorf, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Don Tiger, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 12-6-11

Bixby - 9 players. 1 first time out player - Lincoln Brown (knows Betty Bermudez) Glen Grusendorf, Justin Holland, Kelly Boyce, John Moore, Melvin Norton, Rocki, Fernando Prato, Chris. Other news: John Moore has been working out (with very specialized exercises for table tennis) and will be ready for the Jan 28 Okla City tournament -his first tournament! Glen likes his new paddle, more control, more spin, less speed. Nicky renewed his membership!

Monday - 12-5-11

Dawson - 13 players Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Matthew Malecha, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Don Tiger.

Thursday - 12-1-11

Dawson - 8 players. Sina Asadallahi, Chris Agimudie, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato. Other news: Chris Agimudie renewed his membership.

Wed - 11-30-11

Jan 28 is the next Sooner games tournament in Oklahoma City. It will be the same events as their last tournament.

Tuesday - 11-29-11

Bixby - 11 players. Alex Tupas, Fernando Prato, Kelly Boyce, Justin Holland, John Moore, Don Tiger, Glen Grusendorf, Bruce Hudkins, Stephen Ackart, Jack Hannah, Johnny McClanahan. Other news: Glen Grusendorf is the only player wanting to go to the Springfield tournament this weekend. He will go if any one else wants to go.

Monday - 11-28-11

Dawson - 10 players. 1 first time out player - Richard Allen Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge, Don Tiger, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 11-24-11

Dawson - no players. Thanksgiving day.

Wed - 11-23-11

ITTF PRO TOUR FINALS The ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals, which has most of the world's leading players participating, takes place at theExCel Arena in London's Dockland starting on Thursday with the qualification rounds and going through to the Men's Singles Finals on Sunday evening. The event has attracted most of China's top players including the World No 1 Ma Long and the current World Champion and No 2 Zhang Jike. Ma Lin, Wang Hao and Wang Liqin are amongst the 16 entries. The women's etnry too is the best with World No 1, Guo Yan, and No 2 Ding Ning leading the field. Other world class players participating include the top Japanese player Jun Mizutani plus Dimitrij Ovtcharov, a member of the German team that won the European Championships recently. England have two entries in the Singles - Paul Drinkhall and Joanna Parker. Joanna is playing with Kelly Sibley in the Women's Doubles whislt Andrew Baggaley and Liam Pitchford are also in the Men's Doubles event. The Championship is to be televised with live streaming on the ITTF's TV channel (http://www.ittf.com/ittv) with two tables being covered throughout the event. Play starts with the Women's qualifications at 11.00 am on Thursday morning and the Men's and Women's last 16 is being played on Thursday evening. The Quarter Finals of the Women's Singles events and the Under 21 Finals are scheduled for Friday evening. On Saturday the Men's Quarters are played from 2.00 pm and the Women's Semis and Finals from 4.00 pm. Play on Sunday starts at 2.00 pm with the Women's Doubles Semi Final. The first Men's Semi Final is at 3.00 pm with the second at 5.00 pm. The Women's Doubles Final is at 6.00 pm and the Men's Singles Final at 7.00 pm. Sky TV will be showing 3 one hour programmes at a future date to be announced. Tickets are still available for all four days of the competition with pricing as follows: Thursday From £5.00 to £16.50 Friday From £10.00 to £22.00 Saturday From £15.00 to £27.00 Sunday From £15.00 to £27.00 The organisers have advised spectators to ensure that they are in possession of a ticket for Sunday as those who arrive without a ticket may be disappointed. In conjunction with the ITTF Pro Tour Finals, two separate matches (one Men's and one Women's) between Team GB and the Rest of the World is taking place at the ExCel Arena on Friday evening. Team GB will be represented by Paul Drinkhall, Liam Pitchford and Andrew Baggaley for the Men and the Women's team is Kelly Sibley, Joanna Parker and Northern Ireland's Liu Na. The Men's Rest of the World team, all Under 21, will consist of Lee Sang Su of Korea, Thomas Tregler of the Czech Republic and Omas Assar Egypt while the Women's team is Saki Tashiro (Japan), Ng Wing Nam (Hong Kong) and Nadeen El-Dawlatly of Egypt.

Tuesday - 11-22-11

Bixby - 8 players. John Moore, Kelly Boyce, Johnny McClanahan, Justin Holland, Melvin Norton, Fernando Prato, Glen Grusendorf, Jim French.

Monday - 11-21-11

Dawson - 6 players (big storm came into Tulsa at 5:00 PM). Bob Kyker, Sina A., David Correa, Ray Pestridge, Johnny McClanahan, Mike Hamby.

Thursday - 11-17-11

Dawson - 7 players. Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Glen Gruensendorf.

Wed - 11-16-11

Below is new info from the Okla City club's website: Sooner State Games Around the Corner… We are planning to have the Winter 2011/2012 Sooner State Games TT Tournament in late January or early February. Our first choice is Jan 28, but we don’t have our sanction approved by USATT yet. I’ll put up a Winter SSG Tournament Page soon – once we get our ducks in a row… Upcomming OKCTT Club Board Election It is that time again! We are due to hold elections for OKCTT Board Members before too long. Like to get it done before the end of the year. I’d like to encourage anyone interested in getting more involved to run – especially for President! Our Current Board consists of: President: Britt Salter Vice-President: David Hash Treasurer: Linda Piatt Secretary: Carl Deal Asst. Secretary: Dale Goodman We’d really like for some new faces on the Board, so, if you have the motivation, please step up and run. The current board has done a fine job, but some new blood is needed. David and Dale, in particular, have been carrying this club for something like 10 years. Your President is getting worn a little thin as well. Anyone willing to step in can count on plenty of support!

Tuesday - 11-15-11

Bixby - 9 players. Justin Holland, Jim French, Fernando Prato, Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, John Moore, Glen Grusendorf, Jack Hannah, Bruce Hudkins.

Tuesday - 11-15-11

No play at Victory this Saturday.

Monday - 11-14-11

Dawson - 12 players. Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Matthew Malecha, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge, Don Tiger, Alex Tupas, Greg Widdowson.

Thursday - 11-10-11

Dawson - 8 players. Chris Agimudie, Larry Buell, Peter Buscemi, David Correa, Mke Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Don Tiger.

Tuesday - 11-8-11

Bixby - 10 players. Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, Justin Holland, John Moore, Jack Hannah, Don Tiger, Glen Grusendorf, Johnny McClanahan, Trent Spencer. Other news: Jack Hannah sold his frame shop 2 years ago and is retired now. Glen is the only player planning on going to the Sprinfield tournament next month.

Monday - 11-7-11

Dawson - 10 players. Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanhan, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas.

Thursday - 11-3-11

Dawson - 11 players. Stephen Ackart, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Glen Grusendorf, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge, Don Tiger.

Tuesday - 11-1-11

Bixby- 9 players. 1 - first time out player - Trent Spencer Brian Flinn, Johnny McClanahan, Kyle Ng, Kelly Boyce, Chris, Jim French, Melvin Norton, John Moore.

Monday - 10-31-11

Dawson - 7 players. Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas.

Thursday - 10-27-11

Dawson - 12 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, Peter Buscemi, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Glen Grusendorf, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge.

Tuesday - 10-25-11

Bixby - 10 players. 3 first time out players (all very good ping pong players) - Paul Tims, Cale Tims, Cadon Owens. 7 regulars - Alex Tupas, Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, Jim French, John Moore, Brian Flinn, Chris. Other news: Glen Grusendorf is committed to going to the Springfield, Missouri tournament on 12-3-11 (and Bob Kyker has expressed interest also). This is the last tournament this year that is less than 4 hours from Tulsa.

Monday - 10-24-11

Dawson - 13 players. Chris Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Don Little, Ray Pestridge, Don Tiger, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 10-20-11

Dawson - no info

Monday - 10-24-11

The following was written by Sunny Sun (from an email from Guy Hendrickson) writing about Randy Kiser who died on 10-6-2011 (Randy goes way back to the days of Cliff Smith from Bartlesville in the 1970's and Randy used to play with the Tulsa Table Tennis club). Remembering Randy Kiser On October 6, 2011, Randy Kiser, one of my closest friends, died of a heart attack; he was 65. I was shocked over his death. I was deeply saddened at the loss of a dear friend and a great coach in table tennis. He and I had played table tennis in his garage almost every night for nine months in 2010. I met Randy in the Salvation Army building, where the Hutchinson Table Tennis Club members meet, on Wednesday, January 19th, 2010. That was the first time I visited the club. Before my first visit to the club, I had played table tennis for about 5 months in my workplace. During those 5 months, I fell in love with playing table tennis, and I liked to play with anyone no matter what level they played. However, the problem was that I couldn’t find anyone who had time or liked to play as much as I did. I was so happy when I found a Table Tennis Club in my small town. My first night I noticed this older man sitting in the corner silently. I notice him watching me so seriously like he was studying me. While I played he never smiled; never said a word to me. As he left the club, he gave me his phone number and address. He told me he used to be a table tennis assistant coach at US Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs. Whispering, he said to me: "I am retired. But I can play 24 hours a day, 7 days a week". Hallelujah! Randy was an answer to a prayer. For five months I had been looking for a person with the same enthusiasm for the game as I had. Next day after work I drove to his well-lit and well-equipped garage and started to play. From that day on, we played two hours, almost every night, for 9 whole months. We struck up an odd friendship. I was from China and I’m about 5’ 4" tall. Randy was about 20 years older than I and over a foot taller at 6’5". He was a veteran of the Viet Nam War and worked for many years as a Correctional Officer in a Federal Correctional Facility. He was adopted at the age of four. He never spoke of these experiences. He was a stern man and a very demanding coach. He was a very private man who had experienced a hard life. But there was something beautiful about him when he played the game he loved. This stern man was also a fun person. He loved rock & roll. He played air guitar and danced to the music while we played. I think this was who he was before the war and before the prison jobs. Randy hid this part of his personality from most of the world, yet our bond with the game allowed him to open up to me, we were opposites in many ways. But THE GAME united us. He laughed when he got me with a very weird shot. He smiled when I returned a good one. He trained me hard so I could make the shots he wanted. He wanted me to return a shot exactly where he wanted it to land. He had this method of training me to hit the ping-pong ball in the exact spot where he wanted it to land. There were two reasons for this method; it made me a more precise player and he suffered from a war injury that made it difficult for him to move as most players could. He would put his finger in his mouth and with a wet finger mark the exact spot where he expected the ball to land on his side of the table. Maybe there was a third reason and was to drive me crazy. Every time he raised his hand to his mouth, I shuddered. Sometimes I wanted to throw down my paddle and quit, because he did this all the time. Who did he think I was, Babe Ruth? He’d point; I’d have to hit the exact spot. He would forgive me for missing the mark once, but never a second time. On the second miss he would take his massive palm and slam it down hard on the table. I was tempted many times to quit, especially in the first three months. I wanted to throw my paddle at him and never return. After the first three months two things happened, we found a rhythm, a space where we could be a little bit more at ease with each other. The second thing that kept me playing with him was when my mother came to visit from China. My mother was gracious and felt it would be kind to continue playing with this man who must have suffered earlier in his life. She even proclaimed him to be a "nice" man. Before going back home to China, we dined at his home with his wife Melody. Mother was right even during those first three months I saw the goodness in him, his passion for the game and came to realize it was a blessing to have such an excellent coach. I learned through my suffering. Yes, he drilled me he also showed me how to protect my body from injury and how to relax; at least until I saw the finger going to his mouth. What an honor that a former Olympic coach took an interest in me! When I entered a tournament last year he showed up to watch me play and brought me a box of dried fruits. He believed in me! He didn’t smile much but when he did he became the nicest guy. As sometimes happens in close relationships our relation hit a bad spot. We argued, looking back it was a probably due to a misunderstanding, stubbornness and pride. After playing one night in Wichita, two people pointed out many bad habits I had while playing. Discouraged and disappointed, I told Randy who was there to watch. Randy was very unhappy when I told him what the others said. I assumed he thought I was criticizing his coaching. I sulked for two days and did not go to play at his house. On the third day he called me at told me to return his bat clamp. He said he found someone else to play with him and to return the clamp immediately. Thus our months of playing, coaching and friendship ended. After some time he called me twice, I avoided discussing the game with him. The last time I saw Randy was at the Hutchinson Spring Open tournament. He watched a few games, left early and we did not speak. Within six months he was dead. When I heard of his death I lost sleep for two nights. Then I got sick for almost one week. My guilt overwhelmed me with pain. Table Tennis: a table, a net, two paddles and a ball. It’s a difficult game and those four elements forged an unusual relationship with a stern older man and an enthusiast from China. I still love to play the game, but the memory and loss of my friendship with Randy Kiser will haunt me the rest of my life. Rest in peace, dear friend. Someday, we will meet in heaven and play again. Until then, in your honor I will play all future tournaments in your memory. I hope you can see me from above.

Tuesday - 10-18-11

Bixby - 10 players. Hamid Ezzat, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, John Moore, Justin Holland, Nick Papineau, Kyle (friend of Nick), Chris, David Correa, Brian Flinn.

Monday - 10-17-11

Dawson - 12 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Matthew Malecha, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge, Don Tiger, Alex Tupas.

Sunday - 10-16-11

Below is an article written by Stephen Ackart about the Hutchinson tournament he played in on Sat.: The morning started at 5am for me (since there is about 20 minute drive from my house to Kelly's) I was pretty pumped about the upcoming events and didn't mind the drive that much at all. After about 3 hours and 45 minutes of farm land as far as the eye could see, we get to Hutchinson Middle School (which was also having a huge garage sale, didn't have time to buy some souvenirs.) As we enter, we were met by Guy and Carl (Some of the nicest people that run tourneys). In looking around, me and Kelly notice a memoriam for Randy Kiser, whom died about a week earlier and was known by many in the Table Tennis world. I could tell Guy and Randy had quite a relationship as Guy made a speech about him, Randy and heart conditions of which both have had issues. Now onto the playing... I started my open RR with a group of 4 (David Quiring 976, a new player I forget his name, Carl Miller 1843) I beat the first 2 and then onto the infamous Carl Miller. He is now using hardbat which definitely led to my troubles in the match...He easily won 3-0. I moved onto the B group with my 1 loss. That consisted of (Mark Hukills 1407, Homar roman 1537, Haiter Malhi 1615, Jonathan Roman 1766) I started with Mark Hukills (who is a long pips player) which I won in 5, he was very steady and got everything back it seemed. I then played Homar (My first loss) and he beat me in the 5th game. I feel I could've played a little better and got the win but it was a tough match, he even took a game off Kelly. After this, I played Malhi. Once again I go 5 in tough match but ended up winning! After a short break, onto the A player in our group, Jonathan Roman. This guy is the best moving, most athletic player I have probably seen (and I have been to Wesleyan). I felt a little timid right before the match but then it all came out after the first 5 points. I found that running him back and forth is his element. I would hit top-side loop drives constantly so that all balls would bounce toward the middle of the table. This combines with my heavy chop, short serve, I ended up winning 3-1! My Metzgers first round was with Pj Phachantry 1932, Mark Hukills 1407) I first play Mark in which I beat him this time 3-1, I must have learned his pips from the last match. Up next is PJ, which I took a game off of last time I played him in a tourney, this time didn't turn out quite as well. This was my 2nd loss of the day. The second round consisted of Haiter Malhi 1615 and Carl Miller 1843. I played Malhi again with the same result, a win! then in playing Carl Miller again, I played a lot better. He still beat me 3-0 but it was 11-9,11-8,11-9. so it could've went my way. In doubles, me and Kelly played well and tired! we went onto beat Glenn & David, Guy & Dan Le and then finally Pj and Malhi to win 1st place! All in all it was a great day of table tennis and listening to the OU game (along with 5 hour energy) on the way home definitely helped me to stay awake and make it back to Tulsa safe.

Sunday - 10-16-11

The following comments are from Kelly Boyce on the Hutchinson 2011 Fall Open in Kansas (Stephen Ackart will be writing his own article also - hopefully Glen and David will send in a story also to post here). The drive to Hutchinson took 3 hours and 45 minutes from Broken Arrow (and on the way up it didn't seem that long). (You don't realize how much flat farm land there is northwest of Tulsa until you go to Hutchinson. I forgot what the horizon looks like). The tournament had 23 players (from their usual 30-40 players - maybe it was because of college football season). There were 6 tables and the lighting was excellent at the Hutchinson Middle School. Top players were PJ Phachantry (1932), Kelly Boyce (1855), Guy Hendrickson (1849), Carl Miller (1843), Matthew Cushing ( 1826) - from Lincoln, Nebraska, Jonathan Roman (1766), Cortney Spaven (1602), Stephen Ackart (1596). A tribute to Randy Kiser was created by Guy Hendrickson- a table full of mementos of Randy who died 1 week ago of a heart attack. Guy talked about Randy Kiser at the beginning of the tournament to all players - Guy knew Randy very well. Tulsa took home 5 awards (cash awards only - no trophies). David Correa won 1st place in Class D (this is a first that I had seen a player that enters his first rated tournament and comes in first - most first time players to a tournament usually lose all their matches). Stephen Ackart came in 1st in Class B (he beat Jonathan Roman - who was an incredible player to watch - plays like a 2200 level player - looks very under rated and looks unbeatable to watch him. I asked Stephen how he could have possibly beat such a good player and Stephen said he had a strategy he used - Stephen figured out Jonathan's weakness very early and played to his weakness ( I will not mention here what Stephen figured out about Jonathan in case Stephen has to play Jonathan again). Stephen also won 1st in open doubles (with his partner - Kelly Boyce). They played PJ Phachantry and Haider Malhi (1615) - both from the Wichita club - in the finals. Kelly Boyce won 2nd in Class A and 2nd in Metzgers. Lost both times to PJ in both events. Kelly and Stephen both took home $54 each. And now the food - Guy and his wife brought alot of food, more food than everyone could eat. There were homemade sandwiches - a huge mound of small cut up pieces, homemade brownies, a vegetable platter (with about 6 different kinds of vegetables with a vegetable dip), potato chips with a ranch dip, 3 different kinds of cheeses - cut up into bite size pieces, grapes, bananas (cut in half), homemade chocolate chips cookies cut into small square pieces. There were no problems or conflicts or any "table tennis fights" during the tournament, just everyone having a great fun time. I give credit to Guy for running a type of tournament where the fun is the most important thing (I can't imagine any table tennis fights occuring at a "Guy" tournament). And now a word about Glen Grusendorf - Glen has a nice personality and thanks for going and hopefully Glen will attend more tournaments.

Friday - 10-14-11

The 4 Tulsa players will meet a 5:30 am at Kelly's work (at HWY 169 and Pine). There is room for 2 more players - Stephen will drive and Glen will drive 2 seperate cars.

Friday - 10-14-11

(From an email from Guy Hendrickson today - Friday - at 9:20 AM). (There are 23 players entered so far and there are room for 40). I have spoke to Glen and confirmed he is in the tournament. We appreciate the Tulsa players, we are a little short of players than normal (20+ vs 30+) this time. The top players are PJ Phachantry, Kelly Boyce, Guy Hendrickson, Carl Miller, Matthew Cushing (all 1800+-1900+). I have attached a list of entries so far.thanks, Guy-

Thursday - 10-13-11

Dawson - 12 players. Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Stephen Ackart, David Correa, Glen Grusendorf, Peter Buscemi, Nick Buscemi, Kelly Boyce, Sina A., Don Tiger, Matthew Malecha.

Wed - 10-12-11

David Correa - please email me or call me so I can get your phone#s and email address. Stephen and Kelly will be leaving 5:15 AM this Saturday to go to Hutchinson.

Wed - 10-12-11

Europen championships are live on the web now. Can follow them live (late mornings for tulsa) or some recent archived matches, including timo boll from germany. The finals not played yet. Bob Kyker http://www.laola1.tv/en/se/table-tennis/ettu/award-ceremony-at-1730-cet/video/333-989-63503.html http://www.laola1.tv/en/int/2011-intersport-gdansk-teams/video/333-1929-.html The European Championships on ETTU Live Streaming TV The European Championships taking place in Poland starting on Saturday 8 October are being coverred on LAOLA TV which can be accessed throug the ETTU website which is http://www.ettu.org/ Coverage starts on Saturday at 10.55 hrs Central European Time which is 9.55 am UK time. Coverage for the rest of the week is as follows: Sunday 9 October Starting at 10.55 hrs Central European Time - 9.55 am UK time Monday 10 October Starting at 09.55 hrs Central European Time - 8.55 am UK time Tuesday 11 October Starting at 09.55 hrs Central European Time - 8.55 am UK time Wednesday 12 October Starting at 14.55 hrs Central European Time - 1.55 pm UK time Thursday 13 October Starting at 09.55 hrs Central European Time - 8.55 am UK time Friday 14 October Starting at 09.55 hrs Central European Time - 8.55 am UK time Saturday 15 October Starting at 09.55 hrs Central European Time - 8.55 am UK time Sunday 16 October Starting at 09.55 hrs Central European Time - 8.55 am UK time Saturday through until Wednesday are the men's and women's team events with the finals of the women's being played on Wednesday afternoon at 15.00 hrs (2.00 pm UK time) and the men's at 18.30 hrs (5.30 pm UK time). England are sending 4 men and 3 women. Paul Drinkhall from Cleveland, Darius Knight from Surrey, Danny Reed from Cleveland and Liam Pitchford from Derbyshire will be in the men's team and Jo Parker from Surrey, Kelly Sibley from Warwickshire and Emily Bates from Lincolnshire (who is a late replacement for Hannah Hicks, will be in the women's team. The whole England team uses Butterfly equipment. The Welsh team consists of Ryan and Stephen Jenkins with the Ryan Owen in the men's team and the women's team is Naomi Owen, Charlotte Carey and Angharad Phillips. 66% of the Welsh team are playing with Butterfly equipment. The Irish men's team consists of John Murphy, Paul McCreery, Ashley Robinson and Gavin Maguire. 50% are Butterfly players. Ther are no other entries for the other nations in the British Isles. The top seeds in the men's team event are Germany, whose team includes the No 1 Timo Boll, No 3 Dimitrij Ovtcharov and No 4 Bastian Steger. The second seeds are Belarus with European No 2 Vladimir Samsonov with the French in third position and the Czechs in fourth. England are in the top division (the Championship) and play Hungary, Russia and Belarus in their opening group. Wales are i the 2nd Division (the Challenge) and play Belgium Turkey and Finland. Ireland are in the 3rd Division and play Lithuania, Switzerland, Estonia and Kosova. The top seeds in the women's competition are the Netherlands with Roumania second, Poland third and Belarus in fourth place. England are playing in the second division (Championship) with Azerbaijan, Italy and Finland. Wales are in the same Division and play Sweden, Switzerland and Estonia. The individual events start on Wednesday with the quarter finals of the singles being played on Saturday with the semi finals and finals on Sunday afternoon. The top seeds in the men's singles event are: 1. Timo Boll Germany 2. Vladimir Samsonov Belarus 3. Dimitrij Ovtcharov Germany 4. Bastian Steger Germany 5. Michael Maze Denmark 6. Alexey Smirnov Russia 7. Patrick Baum Germany 8. Werner Schlager Austria The top seeds in the women's singles event are: 1. Jiaduo Wu Germany 2. Jiao Li Netherlands 3. Yanfei Shen Spain 4. Viktoria Pavlovich Belarus 5. Jie Li Netherlands 6. Qian Li Poland 7.= Melek Hu Turkey 7.= Krisztina Toth Hungary Full information of the schedule is available on the European Table Championships site which also can be accessed via the ETTU website. New Butterfly Products for November The latest addition to the Butterfly Tenergy range, the Tenergy 64FX, will be available from mid November. This will be the softest and fastest version of the FX rubbers. Suitable for players who enjoy heavy looping from mid distance. The eagerly awaited Zhang Jike Blade will also be available, with 3 handle shapes (AN, FL and ST), from mid November. This blade was designed for the current World Champion following his success in Rotterdam this year. Two layers of Arylate Carbon give this blade great speed with superb feeling. Michael Marsden Tees Sport Manager

Tuesday - 10-11-11

Bixby - 15 players. Jim French, Kelly Boyce, Glen Grusendorf, Melvin Norton, Alex Tupas, Brian Flinn, Don Tiger,Justin Holland, Nick Papineau, John Moore, Bruce Hudkins, Johnny McClanhan, Dee McClanahan (Johnny's wife), Larry Mack, Josh Mack (son's of Dee).

Monday - 10-10-11

Dawson - 8 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker.

Thursday - 10-6-11

Dawson - 11 players. Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Glen Grusendorf, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Matthew Malecha, Don Tiger.

Tuesday - 10-4-11

Bixby - 15 players. 1 - 2nd time out player - Stephan Denis (last came out 3-29-11). Justin Holland, Bruce Hudkins, Brian Flynn, David Correa, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Ted Hill, John Moore, Glen Grusendorf, Jim French, Melvin Norton, Don Tiger, Johnny McClanhan, Nick Papineau.

Monday - 10-3-11

Dawson - 9 players. Ray Awe, David Correa, Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Kelly Boyce, Sydney Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Johnny McClanahan, Hamid Ezzat. Other news: Chris has agreed to borrow the new Stiga table. 4 players going to the Hutchinson tournament on 10-15 - Glen, David, Kelly, Stephen. It is possible all 4 players may be driving up Saturday morning and coming back that same night.

Monday - 10-3-11

Ray Pestridge's first tournament results in his southwest tournament tour: (from Ray himself) We have been playing in Henderson NV, about 70 entrees, 9 in my age group 75-79. I won the Gold in singles & doubles with Carlos Ortes from Reno, a 1400 player. I beat Al Palumbo in the Semi 3-1, and Bill Neely in the Final 3-1, loosing the first game both times 11-4. So we are very pleased to date, but more to come. Now on the Las Vegas then Huntsman.

Friday - 9-30-11

The club has bought Roger Fields table tennis table and Kelly will pick it up in Bartlesville this Sunday. The table will be delivered to the Dawson center for use there. For info on the table, see below: The Bartlesville Table Tennis Club has a superior quality table that we no longer need. It was owned by Shelton Dixon who was about a 2150 player who trained in Sweden and at the US Olympic training center in Colorado. Description: It was made in Sweden and shipped to the US and is labeled as a Stiga Expert VM. It is all wood and is made in 2 halves that each have 2 rollers that are hidden when the halves are joined together. The halves are moved by rolling on those rollers and nestle to about 10”. The top is a full 1” thick and is green in color. The wooden side rails taper from to 2½” to 3½” and are 1” thick The wooden legs are 2½ by 3½ and the appropriate length There are also two extra cross wooden braces that measure 1” by 1½ under each half of the table The table has noticeably better bounce properties than the Stiga Expert Roller.

Thursday - 9-29-11

Dawson - 11 players. Stephen Ackart, Ray Pestridge, Larry Buell, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Glen Grusendorf, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker. And from Locust Grove - Nick Buscemi, Peter Buscemi, Peter Buscemi Jr

Wed - 9-28-11

Hutchinson tournament on 10-15-11 - 2 players so far committed on going - Kelly Boyce and Stephen Ackart. Note - this tournament will only accept 40 players.

Tuesday - 9-27-11

Bixby- 17 players. Hamid Ezzat, Sina A., Yee Yang, Kelly Boyce, John Moore, Kyle Ng, Brian Flynn, Ronnie Thomas, Ron Thomas, Bailey Thomas, Marshall Thomas, Melvin Norton, Jim French, Justin Holland, Don Tiger, Nick Papineau, Bruce Hudkins,

Monday - 9-26-11

Dawson - 5 players. Sina A., Sydney Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Mike Hamby.

Sunday - 9-25-11

Update on the Arkansas Open (as told by Stephen to Kelly) (if anyone has anything to add about the tournament, please email me). Tulsa took home 4 trophies (should have been 5). Glen Grusendorf took home 1st place in his rated event. Martin Ndengang won 1st in Class B singles. Bob Kyker won 1st in under 1900 and 2nd in under 1700. Stephen and Kyle did not win any events but did very well (ie raised their ratings) Bob and Stephen were in doubles and would have won except after they played one match, the tournanment committee failed to record their match correctly and did not call them again and then finished the doubles event before they realized their error. Stephen got into at "table tennis fight" with a 1500 player. The player (known to have a bad attitude) said the way Stephen was holding his left arm looked like Stephen was signaling a let. The player would stop play several times during the match using this excuse (the player was losing against Stephen). An umpire was called to watch the match and the umpire said Stephen was doing nothing wrong. The player got even madder and would not pickup the ball from the floor on his side and give it to Stephen when Stephen was serving but would only kick the ball to Stephen. Stephen would then only kick the ball back to him when the other player was serving (at this time Stephen was up 2-0). Then in the 3rd (and last game) when Stephen would win a point, Stephen would yell out something (ie "yeah") and look the player in the eye. All players left to Tulsa Saturday night. Other highlights: Kyle won some good matches against higher rated opponents. There were 68 players, 2 over 2000 with the highest being 2076 and 2-1900 players.

Thursday - 9-22-11

Dawson - 9 players. 1 first time out player - Ronnie Thomas Stephen Ackart, Ray Awe, Larry Buell, David Correa, Glen Grusendorf, Bob Kyker, Matthew Malecha, Don Tiger.

Thursday 9/22/11

Kelly Boyce as sprained his ankle while stepping out of the RV in the pitch black in campground D at Petit Jean state park. At this time it looks like he will not be able to make the tournament this weekend. (Bob Kyker did not tell me that this park was this dark.)

Tuesday - 9-20-11

Bixby - 12 players Ron Thomas (Sr.), Ronnie Thomas(Jr.), Marshall Thomas (son of Ronnie), Melvin Norton, Justin Holland, Don Tiger, Kyle Ng, Glen Grusendorf, Kelly Boyce, Bruce Hudkins, Brian Flynn, Nick Papineau.

Monday - 9-19-11

Dawson - 9 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Ray Awe, David Correa, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Amol Mudhale, Ray Pestridge.

Monday - 9-19-11

Update on the Arkansas tournament this Saturday - there are now 58 players entered. Only players from Okla are from the Tulsa club.

Monday - 9-19-11

From Stephen Ackart: If any more shirts are wanted, contact me anytime and I will get them done. I will be printing shirts for Tulsa Table Tennis club members: Navy Dri-Fit Shirt – Kelly – $20 Black tee – David Correa – $10 (Already Paid) Purple Polo – Ray Pestridge – $15 Slogan on Existing Shirt – Bob Kyker - $5 Red & Black tee – Glenn Grusendorf – $20 Green & Grey Tee – Kyle Ng – $15 (I told him $15 not realizing pricing from shirt supplier went up, will honor my verbal commitment) I hope to have all shirts in and printed by Thursday but if not, I will bring them to the tourney or give those not going to the player on Monday after the tourney

Thursday - 9-15-11

Dawson - 14 players. 1 first time out player - Matthew Malecha (been in Tulsa for 1 week from Indiana). 4 from Locust Grove - Nick Buscemi, Peter Buscemi, Steve Sawyer, Robert Blessum Stephen Ackart, Sina Asadalahi, Kelly Boyce, David Correa, Glen Grusendorf, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Don Tiger, Ronnie Thomas.

Tuesday - 9-13-11

Bixby - 11 players Stephen Ackart, Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Bob Kyker, David Correa, Ronnie Thomas, Glen Grusendorf, Justin Holland, Donald Tiger, John Moore, Nick Papineau.

Tuesday - 9-13-11

Update on the Tulsa players going to the Little Rock next weekend - 9-24: 6 players going - Bob, Stephen, Kelly, Glen, Kyle and Martin.

Monday - 9-12-11

Dawson - 10 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, David Correa, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge.

Monday - 9-12-11

TTX Online - http://www.ttxonline.com/ - has given any Tulsa club members a 10% discount code on any orders (except Butterfly products). Stephen and Kelly have used their website for ordering and so far so good. The club has purchased 4 paddles (Galaxy brand blades and rubber) from TTX that are very good paddles for $43 each (includes a paddle case) for new players. The paddles have shipped today and Bob Kyker will hold them for anyone wanting to buy one. Kelly will hold one for the Bixby players.

Thursday - 9-8-11

Dawson - 8 players. Larry Buell, David Correa, Glen Grusendorf, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Don Little, Ray Pestridge, Don Tiger.

Wed - 9-7-11

Update on the Little Rock tournament on 9-24-11: 37 players are signed up so far. 5 Oklahoma players - all from Tulsa. 11 Tennessee players. 20 Arkansas players 1 Calif. player.

Tuesday - 9-6-11

Bixby - 15 players. 2 first time out players - Nick Papineau and his dad - heard about the club from Victory church. Bruce Hudkins, David Correa, Glen Grusendorf, Ronnie Thomas, Ron Thomas Sr., Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Sina, Ray Pestridge, Justin Holland, John Moore, Johnny McClanahan.

Monday - 9-5-11

Dawson - 3 players (Labor Day - end of summer). Bob Kyker, David Correa, Ray Pestridge

Thursday - 9-1-11

Dawson - 6 players. Joe Buscemi, Peter Buscemi, David Correa, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Steve Sawyer

Tuesday - 8-30-11

Bixby - 11 players. 1 joined the club tonight player - Bruce Hudkins! 1 first time out player - Omar Rivera - traveling from Houston. Use to play, 10 years ago, with the San Antonio club. Has been to 1 USTTA rated tournament. Larry Buell (first time out in 2 months),Justin Holland, Kelly Boyce, Stephen Ackart, Melvin Norton, Glen Grusendorf, Kyle Ng, Ronnie Thomas, Ron Thomas. Other news: Ronnie Thomas was asking where he could but a good paddle. I told him Tulsa has bought 2 paddles from TTXonline.com for $35 each complete that he could buy. If the paddles, once they come in, are good, Tulsa will buy more. They are Galaxy paddles.

Monday - 8-29-11

Dawson - 14 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas, Jeremie Sanchez (brought 3 boys with him).

Thursday - 8-25-11

Dawson - 8 players 1 first time out player - Don Tiger David Correa, Glen Grusendorf, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Don Little, Amol Mudhale, Ray Pestridge.

Tuesday - 8-23-11

Bixby - 13 players. Nestor Prato, Glen Grusendorf, Melvin Norton, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Justin Holland, Stephen Ackart, Ronnie Thomas Jr., Ron Thomas Sr., John Moore, Bruce Hudkins, David Correa, Johnny McClanahan. Other news: David Correa got a new paddle from butterfly.com. Shriver rubber - 1.9 mm on both sides and a medium fast blade. Very nice.

Monday - 8-22-11

Dawson - 13 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Don Little, Amol Mudhale, Martin Ndengang, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas.

Monday - 8-22-11

(A testimonial from Stephen Ackart): I highly recommend the company I bought my products from - ttxonline.com. Here is the testimonial I left them via their website. You can see how impressed I was! I have just received my order and WOW! Fast shipment, careful packaging and top notch paddle assembly! I have ordered from numerous equipment suppliers (paddlepalace.com, zeropong.com, colestt.com) just to name a few and none have been close to what I received from your company. First of all, it came within a matter of days! Second of all, everything was neatly put in the box and it looked as though someone actually cared about my products! Third of all, I know the importance of "little things" that a company can do to make a customer feel appreciated. The stickers and pen were just icing on the cake! Thank you for your service and I am now a TTX buyer for life! PS, I will be handing out the stickers to people at my club TulsaTableTennis.com and hopefully they can get the same experience I just received!

Sunday - 8-21-11

Ray Pestridge sent in this link to a Chinese (probably) video of the history of table tennis (11 minutes long). http://www.tabletennismaster.com/blog/history-of-table-tennis/

Thursday - 8-18-11

Dawson - 12 players. 2 first time out players - Joe Buscemi (son of Peter), Nick Buscemi (son of Peter) 10 regulars - Peter Buscemi, David Correa, Glen Grusendorf, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Don Little, Ray Pestridge, Nestor Prato, Steve Sawyer, Stephen Ackart.

Tuesday - 8-16-11

Bixby - 15 players. 1 - joined the club tonight player - Kyle Ng ! 4 first time out players - David Correa, Bruce Hudkins (knows Justin Holland), and 2 players that came out with Jarrett Vincent (knows Greg Widdowson). 11 regulars - Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Nestor Prato, Martin Ndengang, Glen Grusendorf, Thomas Berryhill, Melvin Norton, Hamid Ezzat, Sina, Kyle Ng, Justin Holland.

Monday - 8-15-11

Dawson - 14 players 1 first time out player - Che-Hao Chang (with Stacy Yang). Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, David Correa, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Don Little, Noman Malik, Martin Ndengang, Ray Pestridge, Nestor Prato, Stacy Yang.

Thursday - 8-11-11

Dawson - 8 players. 1 - joined the club player - Don Little David Correa, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanhan, Amol Mudhale, Ray Pestridge, Nestor Prato. Other news: Fernando Prato had a new baby!

Tuesday - 8-9-11

Bixby - 12 players. 2 first time out players - Richard Clear, Kim Cebrecus (both know Kyle Ng from ORU). 1 - just joined the club tonight player - Justin Holland 9 regulars - Fernando Prato, Nestor Prato, Kelly Boyce, Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Martin Ndengang, Kyle Ng, Melvin Norton. John Moore.

Monday - 8-8-11

Dawson - 14 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Noman Malik, Martin Ndengang, Ray Pestridge, Nestor Prato, Fernando Prato, Alex Tupas.

Thursday - 8-4-11

Dawson - 14 players. 2 first time out players - Peter Buscemi, Steve Sawyer. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Noman Malik, Ray Pestridge, Nestor Prato, Fernando Prato, Seth Sherrif.

Tuesday - 8-2-11

Bixby - 12 players. 2 first time out players - Chris Ellis (knows Kyle from Victory church), Zack Grusendorf (son of Glen, just visiting) Ron Thomas Sr., Ronnie Thomas Jr., Jim French, Melvin Norton, John Moore, Kelly Boyce, Martin Ndengang, Stephen Ackart, Glen Grusendorf, Kyle Ng. Other news: 5 confirmed players going to the Little Rock open on 9-24 - Stephen, Kelly, Martin, Glen, Kyle. Glen got a new paddle from Paddle palace - pips out on the backhand. Players going to the Springfield tournament this weekend - none.

Monday 8-1-11

From an email from Bob Kyker about the new fridge donated by Johnny McClanahan: Johnny Mcclanahan and I moved one of the new stiga tables and net from Bixby to Dawson Monday am. We also moved in a new refrigerator that he donated. His box truck with lift gate made it easy. It would not go through any door, so I brought my tools Monday pm and took the doors off. It took several of us to get it through the west door (the widest door). It is huge and really nice.

Monday - 8-1-11

Dawson - 17 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Don Little, Amol Mudhale, Martin Ndengang, Ray Pestridge, Nestor Prato, Fernando Prato, Alex Tupas, Tao Wang, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 7-28-11

Dawson - 9 players. David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Glen Grusendorf, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Don Little, Ray Pestridge, Nestor Prato, Fernando Prato.

Tuesday - 7-26-11

Bixby - 13 players. 5 first time out players - Ronnie Thomas Jr, Ron Thomas Sr., Jade Cunningham (fiance of Spencer), Mel Staley, Anita Exendine. 8 regulars - Spencer Barnett, Glen Grusendorf, Martin Ndengang, Melvin Norton, Kelly Boyce, John Moore, Justin Holland, Stephen Ackart. Other news: 5 Tulsa players going to the Arkansas Open on 9-24 - Stephen, Kelly, Martin, Glen, Kyle Ng. John Moore stopped going to his gym to work out. As a result, the first 2 hours tonight he played very well but the last hour he played very badly.

Monday - 7-25-11

Dawson - 16 players. 3 first time out players - Srikanth Anki, Naresh Chanda, Don Little. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, David Correa, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Martin Ndengang, Kyle Ng, Ray Pestridge, Nestor Prato, Fernando Prato, Alex Tupas.

Tuesday - 7-26-11

The Dawson Neighborhood association meets tonite at 6:00 PM. I talked to Bernie (she is the secretary/treasure for the last 20 years?) from the association and she said no one is using the building except the Tulsa Table tennis club. In order to rent out the building, you have to go downtown and no one is willing to do that to rent the building. I asked her about the broken fridge and she said someone from the neighborhood donated it but she doesn't know who or when. She will mention the broken fridge in tonight's meeting. Someone from the club should go to the meeting tonight (I would but I have to go to Bixby). If no group is using the building, the city might close the building. Our club needs to be involved in what is happening at the center to help prevent any possible closing of the center.

Monday -7-25-11

A 7-25-11 email from Bill Lewis concerning the tournament in Springfield in less than 2 weeks: This message is for all: beginners, winners-n-others. 12 days till sundown - till - showdown. The highest seed to date for the August 6 tourney is the one. The only. The indescribably indestructible - and - cute. That "sassy puppy" of a player - - - Andrew Louvier. Andrew, from St. Louis, sports a gamely 2021 USATT rating. Along with his partner, Alfredo Baez, they may well take 1st Place in Open Doubles from those who might have thought they stood a chew toy of a chance. If you think you're being called out - you are. True, it's much easier to recline in a soft cushiony down sofa, eat pounds of sea-salted Pringles and sip that Red Diamond tea which you paid too much for at the Hy-Vee store on 91st and Metcalf. But. How much better is it to compete? How more satisfying to show others that talent exists. Elsewhere. Not from just Saint Lewy, but from Missouri's hinterland, from the broad wheatland plains of Kansas, from the strongholds of Tulsa, from that Oklahoma "NBA" City and from the fine natural state of Arkansas? http://www.usatt.org/events/southcentral.shtml Don't be a wimp. Don't be a poor wimpy child like Adam Sandler was in The Waterboy. When you grow up be prepared to leave "mamma says" apron strings tethered no longer. Stand on your own two callused feet. Make your points and matches count. Hit with the big boys (and girls). Be in that League Of Your Own. Of course I'll understand it if you have to pay countenance to your mother. If. You still have to get permission to play in your own back yard. That's natural. For you. But. If you've grown up. Beat the higher seed. Beat that person you've never beat before. Be one of the Few ! One of the Proud ! One of the enviable "Table Tennis" players.

Thursday - 7-21-11

Dawson - 6 players. 1 - haven't been out in years player - David Correa Sina Asadallahi, Thomas Berryhill Jr., Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge.

Tuesday - 7-19-11

Bixby - 12 players. Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, Ray Pestridge, Glen Grusendorf, Kyle Ng, Fernando Prato, Spencer Barnett, John Moore, Justin Holland, Melvin Norton, Alex Tupas, Martin Ndengang. Other news: Players going to the Springfield tournnament on Aug 6 - none Players going to the Little Rock tournament on Sept 24 - 4 players - Stephen, Kelly, Glen, Kyle.

Monday - 7-18-11

Dawson - 7 players. Nick Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Fernando Prato, Mats Johansson.

Tuesday - 7-19-11

The following at-large email is from Bill Lewis (Springfield, Missouri club) about the August 6 tournament (and other info): Greetings table tennis fanatics ! ! On August 6, there'll be a 1-Star USATT sanctioned table tennis tournament held in Springfield. If you'd like to read specifics about format and pay outs - go to: http://usatt.org/events/southcentral.shtml This tournament has $1,000 in prize money. There are only 3 sanctioned table tennis tournaments scheduled for play in Springfield between now and the end of the calendar year. The others are September 17 and December 3. If you enjoy playing competitively make sure to attend and compete. Our Summer Tuesday evening play is going strong. The past two weeks have seen 20 and 15 players respectively; with the combined last 7 weeks averaging 17. A pretty good turnout for the 6 to 10 pm time frame. Sunday play is averaging 22 players the last 2 months. So, even though it's hot outside - it's a cool 70 for those wishing to knock around that famous 2.7 gram celluloid ball. We've had some nice beginner and intermediate players filing in. Those willing to help coach them through some of the finer aspects of the game - feel free to give advice. They are receptive to hearing and learning how to improve their game. For those wishing to have increased bounty - we'll be having competitive Open Singles play this coming Sunday afternoon. Place your $2 in and you'll have a chance to earn as much as $12 back for 1st place and $8 back for 2nd. And, don't forget to email me with your questions, comments and suggestions. Thanks - Bill - - Bill Lewis - 3818 South Farm Road 103 - Brookline Station, Missouri 65619 - President ~ Ozarks Table Tennis Club - USATT Certified Referee, Club Umpire & Tournament Director - Local site: http://mowintergames.org/index.php/table-tennis.html - National site: http://usatt.org - Phone: 417.890.8092

Monday - 7-18-11

The Tulsa World article on Ray Pestridge is in today's - Monday - 7-18 edition on page 2 !! The video of Ray can be seen at tulsaworld.com/videos or here: http://www.tulsaworld.com/webextra/content/videos/channels/recent_videos.aspx Then click on "table tennis senior champion"

Monday - 7-18-11

Johnny McClanahan will be bringing out a new fridge to the Dawson center tonight! He will also be picking up the new Stiga table at Bixby and replacing it with the old table at Dawson!!

Friday - 7-15-11

Players going to the next tournament - Bob Kyker(?), Stephen Ackart and Kelly Boyce will be going to the Arkansas Open on 9-24. Unfortunately, the Springfield tournament is 1 week before on 9-17 - which is closer - only 2 hours and 50 minutes (but can't do both tournaments). Will take the RV up on Friday (both Bob and Kelly). Any players planning on going to either event, email me.

Thursday - 7-14-11

Dawson - 5 players. Glen Grusendorf, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato.

Tuesday - 7-12-11

Bixby - 15 players. 3 first time out players - Steve Stokely, Jerry Stokely, Jeremy Lusk (good hard bat player - just ask Bob Kyker). 12 regulars - Fernando Prato, Justin Holland, Kyle Ng, Bob Kyker, Melvin Norton, John Moore, Kelly Boyce, Ray Pestridge, Martin Ndengang, Stephen Ackart, Spencer Barnett. Other news: The Tulsa World took alot of video of Ray Pestridge (and Kelly) playing. They will have the video on the Tulsa World's web site this weekend along with the article on Ray. Glen Grusendorf bought a new paddle from Paddle Palace. It is the finest paddle I have ever seen. Well balance and solid feeling fiber blade.

Tuesday - 7-12-11

I wanted to let you know that my editors are planning to run the article I'm writing about Ray this weekend rather than tomorrow. I notice it was posted on the club website, so I wanted to let you know what was going on. Thanks, Amanda Bland Staff Writer

Monday - 7-11-11

Dawson - 7 players. Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Mats Johansson, Johnny McClanahan, Martin Ndengang, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato. Other news: The Tulsa World newspaper came out and interviewed Ray.

Monday - 7-11-11

The Tulsa World will send out a photographer to take pictures (on Tuesday - 7-12) of Ray Pestridge for an article that should come out this weekend.

Monday - 7-11-11

Fun in Oklahoma has added the 3 pics of Ray Pestridge to their home page. http://www.funinoklahoma.com/

Monday - 7-11-11

We received your email about Ray Pestridge's gold medals at the senior table tennis games. I'd like to do an interview with him. Around 4 p.m. today would be ideal for me (tomorrow's very busy and I think they want to run the story on Wednesday). What's the best way to get in contact with Ray? Amanda Bland Staff Writer Tulsa World

Thursday - 7-7-11

Dawson - the AC is working now! The City of Tulsa put in a new unit. 5 players - Glen Grusendorf, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato.

Thursday - 7-7-11

Official results of Ray Pestridge's single and doubles at the Seniors can be found here: http://www.nsga.com/files/Mens%20Table%20Tennis%20Final%20Rankings_0.pdf

Thursday - 7-7-11

Dawson - Bob Kyker went by Dawson today around noon the the City of Tulsa is putting in a new air conditioner unit!!! Should be OK to play now at Dawson starting tonight!

Thursday - 7-7-11

The club received the following email from Fun in Oklahoma about the newsletter email sent out on 7-6-11 about Ray Pestridge: This is fantastic and will make a Great story for the Fun News on "Fun in Oklahoma" - have any pictures of the meet or of Ray and Glendale Markwell? If not, can you email me a picture that you would like to use to represent Table Tennis in Oklahoma? Btw, I have moved latest lead in Headlines to the Main Page of the site to grab attention for the stories. Great way to get a lot of FREE exposure. Keep the stories coming and I will keep posting them. Also, if you have anyone that would like to provide a weekly or monthly column, it would be great and also get a lot of attention. Thanks Jeff Toney "Fun in Oklahoma" http://www.funinoklahoma.com/

Wed - 7-6-11

Ray Pestridge - playing out of the Tulsa club - won 2 gold medals at the National Senior Games Table Tennis event in both singles and doubles (with his partner Glendale Markwell from Meeker, Okla) in his age group - 75-79. This makes Ray a national champion in 2 categories. The National Senior Games are held every 2 years in various cities and you must qualify first by playing in the Okla state senior games. This year the National tournament was held in Houston, TX from June 16 to June 30 (in 2009 it was in San Francisco and in 2007 was in Louisville, KT). Ray also coaches table tennis players.

Tuesday - 7-5-11

Bixby - 9 players. Stephen Ackart, Ray Pestridge, Bob Kyker, Kelly Boyce, Glen Grusendorf, Brian Flinn, Kyle Ng, Justin Holland, PJ. Other news: Ray Pestridge won the National Seniors singles and doubles (with his partner Glen Markwell from Meeker, Okla) in his age group - 75-79. This makes Ray a national champion in 2 categories.

Tuesday - 7-5-11

Dawson - Kelly went by at noon and the AC was set at 79 degrees and the temperature inside was 92 degrees. Kelly will email the city of Tulsa that the AC is not working.

Friday - 7-1-11

Update on the Dawson AC: From: Battenfield, Mike - city of tulsa Sent: Friday, July 01, 2011 10:39 AM To: Kelly Boyce Cc: robert kyker Subject: RE: This is Kelly with the table tennis club at Dawson. The air conditioner unit is not coming on at all and our club is not using the Dawson center for now. The disconnect on the unit is bad and we are replacing it today.

Thursday - 6-30-11

Dawson - 2 players - Bob Kyker and Glen Grusendorf. The AC unit is not working at all now. Kelly Boyce has emailed the city of tulsa about this.

Thursday - 6-30-11

The results for the Oklahoma City tournment for last weekend are now posted on the Oklahoma City web site. http://okctt.wordpress.com/2011-summer-sooner-state-games-info/ How the Tulsa players did: Nick Agimudie - 2nd in open (Nick won the first 2 games against Addy and it was 9 to 9 in the 3rd game but Addy pulled it out. Alex Tupas -1st in U-1900 Kelly Boyce - 2nd in U-1900 Noman Malik - 3rd in U-1700 Mike Hamby - 1st in U-1300 Kyle Ng - 4th in U-1300 Nick and Chris - 1st in U-3800 doubles Alex/Noman - 4th in U-3800 doubles Nick and Sydney - 1st in U-3000 doubles

Tuesday - 6-28-11

Bixby - 14 players. 2 first time out players - Justin Holland and Steve Goodrich. 12 regulars - Ray Pestridge, Kelly Boyce, Glen Grusendorf, Brian Flinn, Melvin Norton, Sina, Bob Kyker, Hamid Ezzat, Kyle Ng, Stephen Ackart, Alex Tupas, PJ.

Monday - 6-27-11

Dawson - 4 players. Hamid, Sina, Chris Agimudie, Yee Yang. Other news: The air conditoner is not working. It was 94 degrees at Dawson.

Thursday - 6-23-11

Dawson - 5 players. Stephen Ackart, Mike Hamby, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Glen Grusendorf. Other news: Glen and Kyle Ng might go to the Okla. City tourny also this weekend. This would make 12 Tulsa players going.

Thur - 6-23-11

Update on the Oklahoma City tournament. Britt Salter has confirmed all 10 Tulsa players have entered. However, Larry Buell may not make it.

Wed - 6-22-11

10 Tulsa players (so far) going to the Oklahoma City tournament this Saturday: Martin Ndengang (his first tournament), Kelly Boyce, Stephen Ackart, Mike Hamby, Alex Tupas, Larry Buell, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Noman Malik (first tourny), Nick Agimudie. (Kelly and Stephen will pickup Martin at 115th and Memorial Saturday morning). Special note to Alex - Bixby is not available for table tennis at night except on Tuesdays.

Tuesday - 6-21-11

Bixby - 16 players. 1 first time out player - Kyle Ng (plays at Victory). Glen Grusendorf, Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, Martin Ndengang, Chris Agimudie, Fernando Prato, Sydney Agimudie, Mike Hamby, Melvin Norton, P.J., Brian Flinn, Hamid Ezzat, Sina Asadallahi, Noman Malik, Johnny McClanahan.

Monday - 6-20-11

Dawson - no play. No one showed up with a key.

Thursday - 6-16-11

Dawson -no info. Other news: The AC is not working well. The City of Tulsa has been out 3 times and they say it is working. The temperature was 90 degrees when players left at 9:00 PM on Monday. The City of Tulsa will not come out a 4th time. Bob Kyker will not be out on 6-20 (Mon.), 6-23 ( Thurs) or 6-27(Mon) due to the Seniors National in Houston.

Tuesday - 6-14-11

Bixby - Kelly Boyce will not be out.

Monday - 6-13-11

Dawson - 12 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Jacob Herriman, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Alex Tupas, Matt Wisnewsky.

Thursday - 6-9-11

Dawson - 4 players. 1 first time out to Dawson player - Brian Flinn (plays at Bixby). Bob Kyker, Fernando Prato, Ray Pestridge.

Tuesday - 6-7-11

Bixby - 13 players. 1 first time out player - Glen Grusendorf (plays at the Victory church). Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, Bob Kyker, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Fernando Prato, Stephen Ackart, Hamid Ezzat, Johnny McClanahan, Brian Flinn, Sina Asadallahi Other news: Kelly Boyce - will not be out next Tuesday - 6-14-11.

Monday - 6-6-11

Dawson - 7 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato.

Friday - 6-3-11

Dawson - due to the heat of summer (and that the Dawson building does not cool off quickly), Kelly Boyce will go by Dawson at noon and turn down the air conditioner every Monday and Thursday. Upon leaving, the club will need to set the thermostat at 80 degress or higher

Thursday - 6-2-11

Dawson - 7 players Bob Kyker, Larry Buell, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Ray Pestridge, Yee Yang, Mike Hamby

Tuesday - 5-31-11

Bixby - 8 players. Jim French, Bob Kyker, Kelly Boyce, Mats Johansson, Alex Tupas, Johnny McClanahan, Fernando Prato, Martin Ndengang.

Monday - 5-30-11

Dawson - no info

Friday - 5-27-11

Updates: Ray Pestridge and Bob Kyker will not make the Oklahoma City tournament next month because they both will be playing in the Senior National Table Tennis tournament in Houston that week. Bob Kyker will not be out the next 2 weeks due to his grandkids. No play planned for Monday - Memorial Day.

Thursday - 5-26-11

Dawson - there will be no play this Monday - Memorial Day. 10 players. Stephen Ackart, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Josh Ford, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato.

Tuesday - 5-24-11

Bixby - 5 players. Hamid Ezzat, Kelly Boyce, Jim French, Johnny McClanahan, Stephen Ackart. (big storm in Tulsa - spawned several tornados).

Monday - 5-23-11

Dawson - 10 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge.

Thursday - 5-19-11

Dawson - 2 players. Bob Kyker, Larry Buell.

Tuesday - 5-17-11

Bixby - 8 players. Ray Pestridge, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, John Moore, Fernando Prato, Martin Ndengang, Josh Ford, Rocki (didn't play - his 2 kids kept him busy).

Monday - 5-16-11

Dawson - 16 players. 1 first time out player - Ben Pestridge (son of Ray). Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Samer Charr, Hamid Ezzat, Josh Ford, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Keith Spence, Rachel Spence, Alex Tupas.

Monday - 5-16-11

Sooner State games events and starting times are now posted on the Oklahoma City website. Tournament will be held June 25. http://okctt.wordpress.com/

Thursday - 5-12-11

Dawson - 3 players (due to heavy storms in Tulsa) Hamid Ezzat, Bob Kyker, Fernando Prato.

Tuesday - 5-10-11

Bixby - 8 players. John Moore, Stephen Ackart, Jim French, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, Noman Malik, Alex Tupas, Fernando Prato. Other news: Players planning on going to the Sooner state games in Okla City on June 25 - Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, maybe Noman Malik, Alex Tupas. Fernando will not go due to reasons I cannot mention in this blog. John Moore should go (he has never been to a tournament yet).

Monday - 5-9-11

Dawson - 14 players. Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Stephen Denis, Hamid Ezzat, Josh Ford, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Keith Spence, Rachel Spence, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 5-5-11

Dawson - 7 players. 2 first time out players - Megan Campbell, Rachel Nash 5 regulars - Manan Azhar, Josh Ford, Bob Kyker, Martin Ndengang, Ray Pestridge.

Tuesday - 5-3-11

Bixby - 8 players. Stephen Ackart, Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, Martin Ndengang, Greg McCann, John Moore, Joey First. Other news: Alex renewed his membership.

Monday - 5-2-11

Dawson - 11 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Manan Azhar,, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Keith Spence, Rachel Spence.

Thursday - 4-28-11

Dawson - 8 players. 1 first time out player - Rueben Mitchell (knows Eddie Collins) Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Martin Ndengang.

Tuesday - 4-26-11

Bixby - 5 players. John Moore, Jim French, Kelly Boyce, Stephen Ackart, Johnny McClanahan. Other news: Format change for the Bixby club will take place effective today. Due to the smaller number of table tennis players coming to Bixby, in order to entice more table tennis players to want to play at Bixby, Bixby will now encourage players to play "practice matches" (this is a format the Wichita club uses - per Stephen Ackart). Players will decide whether they want to play a "real match" or a "practice match" with each other. A "practice match" is both players playing using one stroke only (ie the entire match is played, say, with backhand stokes only, or the entire game is pushing strokes only, or forehand to forehand only, etc.). The new goal to make the Bixby club a practice hub for Tulsa (this should bring out the true table tennis players).

Monday - 4-25-11

Dawson - 12 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Manan Azhar, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Martin Ndengang, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas, Johnny McClanahan. Other news: someone left a pair of large NBA black shorts with gray stripes. Bob installed a new lock on one of the nets tool boxes and it has a different combination then before. A mini-tournament was held from 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Results: 1. alex t, 2. ray p. 3. mats j. 4. bob k. 5 johnny mcclanahan

Thursday - 4-21-11

Dawson - 7 players. Simon Brain (just passing thru on business), Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Greg Widdowson.

Tuesday - 4-19-11

Bixby - 7 players. Simon Brain - from North Carolina (just passing thru on business). He has been to Tulsa maybe 2 times before. He is going to play on Thursday - 4-21. He has been rated 1950 for the last 10 years but just started using spinny rubber on his backhand and his rating dropped to 1803. Jim French, Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, John Moore, Martin Ndengang, Fernando Prato.

Monday - 4-18-11

Dawson - 16 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Bryan Figg, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Greg McCann, Ray Pestridge, Keith Spence, Rachel Spence, Alex Tupas. Other news: Reuben Agimudie left his soccer ball and sippy cup at dawson.

Thursday - 4-14-11

Dawson - 3 player (storms and tornados and hail in Tulsa) Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Matts Johansson Other news: The AC is working now.

Thursday - 4-14-11

Dawson - status on the air conditioner. I emailed the City of Tulsa on Friday - 4-8 and again today - 4-14 but have not heard back yet.

Tuesday - 4-12-11

Bixby - 10 players. Keith Spence, Rachel Spence, Kelly Boyce, Fernando Prato, Martin Ndengang, Melvin Norton, Jim French, Matts Johansson, Alex Tupas, Stephen Ackart.

Monday - 4-11-11

Dawson - 13 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Manan Azhar, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Fernando Prato, Keith Spence, Rachel Spence.

Tuesday - 4-12-11

The Victory Christian gym will not be available for table tennis this Saturday - 4-16-11.

Saturday - 4-9-11

The Ping Pong Championship tournament is currently playing on channels 27, 267, 715 and 722. This is the first ever ping pong championship tournament (being held in Las Vegas). Players play with sand paper paddles only and games are best 2 or 3. First prize is $40,000 with a $100,000 total purse.

Thursday - 4-7-11

Dawson - 11 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Fernando Prato, Troy Sanchez, Yee Yang. Other news: The AC was not working. Emailed the City of Tulsa to fix it.

Wed - 4-6-11

Players going to the Hutchinson tournament this weekend - Bob Kyker and Stephen Ackart. They are leaving Saturday morning.

Tuesday - 4-5-11

Bixby - 11 players. Alex Tupas, Stephen Ackart, Melvin Norton, Fernando Prato, Kelly Boyce, Martin Ndengang, Bob Kyker, John Moore, Yee Yang, Keith Spence, Rachel Spence.

Monday - 4-4-11

Dawson - 15 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Bryan Figg, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Keith Spence, Rachel Spence, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 3-31-11

Dawson - no info

Thursday - 3-31-11

Youtube video of the doubles final - U-3400 - between Bob Kyker and George Taplin vs. Josh Ford and Zach Moore at the Missouri Winter games held 3-19-11 - courtesy of Todd J. Dudenhoeffer, Assisstant to the Tournament Director - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLVsLG0W7ho

Thursday - 3-31-11

Larry Buell received the following email today from Bill Lewis (in regard to the email that Larry wrote about the Missouri games tournament): Received the following in an email from Bill Lewis about our tournament report on his Missouri Winter Games: Larry - thanks for mentioning the highlights of the March 19 tournament. And, Kudos about Ben and the other players. Almost universally, players enjoy reading and seeing their names in print about how they did in this match or that match and what they could have or should have done different. I would say that it means a great deal, especially to those players who are young and just starting out in table tennis. Of course - an ... (this word was deleted due to the sensitive nature of the word. Anyone wanting to know what the word is can contact Larry Buell) man like me doesn't mind reading about the advantages of their own tournament too. We're so very glad so many of your fine Oklahoma players came over to play. I enjoyed watching many matches almost as much as I do playing. Thanks again and take care. - Bill –

Tuesday - 3-29-11

Bixby - 10 players. 1 first time out player - Stephan Denis (pronounced de nee). He used to play with the Okla. City club and nows lives in Tulsa. A rated and tournament player (we knew it when he walked in with all his table tennis gear and table tennis clothes on). Joey - joined the club tonight. Yee Yang, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Fernando Prato, Stephen Ackart, Martin Ndengang, Melvin Norton, Terry Vinsant

Monday - 3-28-11

Dawson - 14 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Bryan Figg, Josh Ford, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Seth Sherrif, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 3-24-11

Dawson - no info

Tuesday - 3-22-11

Bixby - the new Stiga tables have been assembled. (They look just like the other Stiga tables at Bixby). Alex Tupas can pickup the one broken top table and take it to Victory any time he wants. Kelly will be renting a landscape trailer (cost - $50 for one day) to haul one of the new Stiga tables to Dawson. Chris Agimudie said we can store the table with the painted surface at Dawson at his house.

Tuesday - 3-22-11

Bixby - 7 players. Martin Ndengang (joined the club tonight!!), Jim French, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, John Moore, Fernando Prato, Darren Delaune. Other news: Melvin got a new paddle from Coles TT - a defensive blade with spinny inverted rubber.

Tuesday - 3-22-11

Report on the Missouri Winter Games tournament held 3-19 by Kelly Boyce. 74 players entered this tournament - including 10 Tulsa players (2 got sick - Alex and Yee and 1 did not show up - Noman Malik). 3 players were 2100 level Parviz Mojaverian-from Kansas- 2182 - 64 years old! Vladimir Altman - 2151 from Kansas Liedy Handoko-from Tenn - 2122 2 players were 2000 level - Richard Martin from Missouri and Kerry Xiao from Missouri 1 player was 2494 - Alfred Najem from Kansas 6 players - 1900 level 7 players - 1800 level 4 players - 1700 level 7 players - 1600 level (No Oklahoma City players or Hutchinson players). The tournament was held at the Bible Baptist College. Great seating in the huge gym. The seats are high above the floor so you can easily see any match. 12 tables were set up - some Stigas, Butterfly, Killerspin tables with plenty of space between the tables. Josh Ford was the Tulsa shining star. At 8:30 PM, Josh had 12 wins, zero losses and he still had 3 matches to go! While he was playing match #13, he was so tired, he sat down on the gym floor by the table to take a break! Bob Kyker and Josh were playing the last match of the tournament around 9:00 PM and I don't think anyone was left in the building but them and the tournament organizers. The tournament had alot of free food for the players, a real nice touch. (There was food left over because there was so much of it - good food too).

Monday - 3-21-11

Dawson - no info

Monday - 3-21-11

Larry's Buell article from the Missouri Winter games tournament held on 3-19-11. Missouri Winter Games Report 3/19/2011 Larry Buell Tulsa had good representation at this tournament, with Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, me, Josh Ford, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, and Ray Pestridge there (Yee and Alex were ill and could not attend). I was only peripherally able to observe my comrades in action, as I was pretty well booked in the two round robins I entered (Open RR and U2000 RR). I’m hoping that they will update our webmaster Kelly with their performance. I did hear that Josh was doing quite well in the events he entered, so mucho gratz there (along with much delight in meeting his friendly and well-behaved daughter and gracious wife!). Now on to what you really read this for! The stock market has rebounded from its recent plunge, and there are signs that….er, oh, that’s another column! I went to this tournament with two goals in mind – focus on the individual point, and have fun! I believe I achieved those two goals. My opening event (U2000 RR) had me facing Ben Lewis (1721) in my first match. Long-time readers of these reports (you’re still there aren’t you? :P) will note I have real issues with blockers/choppers, where I must initiate the action. Ben possesses a stellar control game in this regard, and it was my misfortune to face him first. His mastery of side-spin chops and ability to retrieve my corner game with consistency spelled my doom at -8, -1, -8. It is a fitting testimony to his consistent quality of play that Ben took the #1 seed in our RR (Ilya Rozenblat/1985) to 5 games in a close loss! Ilya uses anti on his BH to good effect, mixing in his offense and defense with both sides to keep a player on his toes! I was so much on my toes I couldn’t reach down to my writing pad to record our scores, but went down in 3 pretty easily to him. Then I played what was the match of my tournament against the up-and-coming Kyle Beckstrom (1734). Kyle mixes in a good offensive forehand with solid defense from his Long Pips BH. I was down to him 2-1 after the first 3 games (8, -3, -8) after trying to mix in serves/shots to his forehand and backhand, and getting back better than I gave. In the 4th and pivotal game, I changed strategies and focused my mostly topspin serves to his LP BH. Kyle would give me a low chop/block back, which I would drive fiercely to his deep FH side. If he retrieved this I would reset and start the pattern over. We went a long ways into this 4th game, battling hard with Kyle having several match points in his favor. I followed my philosophy of playing the point, not the match, and finally triumphed 17-15. I think this may have affected Kyle’s confidence and concentration, because I was able to finish out the 5th game at 3. Kyle is a gamer though, and I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of his accomplishments in the future! My last match in the RR was against Chris Hardin (1634). Chris has a really nice slow-roll topsin control game from each wing, and I found it difficult to penetrate his defenses. We went back and forth in the first 4 games, going -9, 15, 11, -7. I thought I had found a weakness in serving short, heavy underspin to his forehand (won me games 2 and 3), but Chris adjusted well in game 4 to win. In game 5 I decided to revert to my normal mixture of all types serves to all areas, and this may have flummoxed Chris, and allowed me to win at 3. In the afternoon I played in the Open RR, with mixed success. I say mixed because although I didn’t have any upsets, I did play several higher rated players very close and gave them all some trouble with my serves especially. In my first match I played young newcomer William ‘Alex’ Larson (239), who evidenced a cheerful and positive spirit that will have him succeeding in the long run! In my second match I played Vladimir Altman (2151), the top seed in our RR. We first exchanged pleasantries, and I got to practice my 40 year old Russian on him (he was gracious enough to say ‘very good’!). We talked about his business, and how sad he was that the well-to-do clientele he caters to are often unreceptive to compliments about his native country. I told him that may apply to a subsection of the American people, but he should not judge us all by this and that for the most part the people I know are open-minded and willing to listen before forming an opinion. Then he proceeded to beat the socks off me (3, 10, 8). I then played Jeff Hildebrand (1933), who had the best serves of anyone I faced in the tournament. I just could not get enough good reads off them to start my offense, and popped up returns easy enough to put away for a player of his caliber. The silver-lining in this match (-8, -6, 11, -4) was that my serves sometimes gave him difficulty as well (though mine are not nearly in the same neighborhood as his!). My last match was against the redoubtable George Taplin (1723). We were both pretty bushed by this point (George perhaps even more than I, as he had several 5-game matches prior to me). But George’s great serves (setting up quick anti BH cross-court kills off my mis-reads) and consistent chop/defense was just a bit too much for my inconsistent offense (-8, -8, 16, -9), though I did manage to make a comeback in game 3 from down 6-10 to win at 18-16. By staying close despite my misfires (in the last game I barely missed 3 down the line forehand drives that might have won me that game) I made psychological progress, that I will eventually be able to master playing against a good defensive style. So I kept telling myself all the way home…. :P Kudos to Bill Lewis and co-workers for a very well run tournament, and a special thanks to those who prepared such wonderful provender for us to replenish our depleted selves during the tournament! A quiet, rainy, contemplative drive home, into a welcoming clear sky in Tulsa and a muted, peaceful sunset – who could ask for anything more!

Thursday - 3-17-11

Dawson - 6 players. Stephen Ackart, Manan Azhar, Josh Ford, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge.

Tuesday - 3-15-11

Bixby - 11 players. Josh Ford, Noman Malik, Chris Agimudie, Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, John Moore, Jim French, Melvin Norton, Stephen Ackart, Ray Pestridge, Johnny McClanahan.

Tuesday - 3-15-11

Tulsa rec'd the following email from Bill Lewis concerning the tournament this weekend in Missouri: This email is going to the 68 players who are signed up to play in the USATT 2-Star Sanctioned 2011 Missouri Winter Games. (Since you are receiving this email, it means you're one of those 68.) </NBSP; The Baptist Bible Campus is located at 628 E. Kearney Street, Springfield MO, 65803. All players need to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their first event, and will check in at the registration desk, sign waivers and complete any unfinished paperwork. Members of the Ozarks Table Tennis Club will provide a selection of free food for players. </NBSP; ************************************************************************************* </NBSP; Players are coming from: Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Tennessee. I would like to take this opportunity to say "Thanks and Good Luck" to each player. </NBSP; Directions for driving: If you're coming from the St. Louis area on Interstate 44 drive until you see the Glenstone Street exit which will be to your right. Proceed south on Glenstone Avenue 3/4 mile until arriving at the intersection of Glenstone Avenue and Kearney Street. Turn right on Kearney and proceed 2 miles arriving at the corner of Kearney and Benton Avenue. There is a large 100% brick beige building at this corner. It's called the W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse and is on the Baptist Bible College campus. </NBSP; Directions for driving: If you're coming from Joplin on Interstate 44, proceed until arriving at the Kansas Expressway exit - this exit will be to your right. Drive 1 mile south on Kansas Expressway until arriving at the corner of Kansas Expressway & Kearney Street. Turn left on Kearney and proceed 2 miles arriving at the corner of Kearney and Benton Avenue. There is a large 100% brick beige building at this corner. It's called the W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse and is on the Baptist Bible College campus. </NBSP; Directions for driving: If you're coming from Tennessee or Mississippi on U.S. Highway 60 - at the "U.S. 60 & U.S. 65" interchange exit right and proceed north on U.S. 65. Drive north 3 1/2 miles on U.S. 65 and exit right at the Kearney Street exit. Proceed left (west) on Kearney Street driving 3 1/2 miles until arriving at the corner of Kearney and Benton Avenue. There is a large 100% brick beige building at this corner. It's called the W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse and is on the Baptist Bible College campus. </NBSP; Directions for driving: If you're coming from the Kansas City area on Highway 13 from Bolivar, drive over the top of the Interstate 44 bridge until arriving at the intersection of Kansas Expressway & Kearney Street. Turn left on Kearney and proceed 2 miles arriving at the corner of Kearney and Benton Avenue. There is a large 100% brick beige building at this corner. It's called the W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse and is on the Baptist Bible College campus. </NBSP; </NBSP; Below please find my contact information: </NBSP; Email: EpcotMagic@aol.com Land line: 1.417.890.8092 Cell line: 1.417.894.4861 </NBSP;

Tuesday - 3-15-11

This is Kelly Boyce with the Tulsa table tennis club. Just wanted you to know who the 9 players are from the Tulsa club that will be at your tournament this weekend. (only 2 players actually live in Tulsa). Bob Kyker Ray Pestridge Mike Hamby Alex Tupas Kelly Boyce Stephen Ackart Yee Yang Josh Ford Larry Buell Kelly - I have received each of the above players entry forms and they have been entered into the events of their choosing. Later on today, I will send a mass blind carbon copy of information to each player concerning the progression of Saturday's events - et al. Thanks - BILL - - Bill Lewis - 3818 South Farm Road 103 - Brookline Station, Missouri 65619 - President ~ Ozarks Table Tennis Club - USATT Certified Referee, Club Umpire & Tournament Director - Local site: http://mowintergames.org/index.php/table-tennis.html

Monday - 3-14-11

Dawson - 10 players. 1 player that used to play in the 80's - Nolan Stephen Ackart, Alex Tupas, Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson, Johnny McClanahan, Sina A.

Monday - 3-14-11

Players going to the Missouri tournament this weekend: Bob Kyker and Ray Pestridge will drive together. Ray is playing doubles only. Mike Hamby is playing 1600 and 1400 singles and doubles with Ray (u-3400) Alex Tupas is playing 2000 and open rr and open doubles with Ray. Kelly Boyce is playing 2000 and open RR and u-2200. Stephen Ackart is playing 1800, 2000, open rr singles Yee Yang driving up Friday. Josh Ford driving up Friday Larry Buell driving up Friday 9 players from Tulsa going.

Friday - 3-11-11

The Tulsa table tennis shirts are being made this weekend. Cost is $20. Contact Stephen Ackart to order them.

Thursday - 3-10-11

Dawson - 11 players. A 2100 player from North Carolina showed up - Jen Jia. She was just passing through on business. Stephen Ackart, Larry Buell, Josh Ford, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Noman Malik, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang. Other news: Josh paid $20 toward his daily fee.

Thursday - 3-10-11

The 2 new tables will be delivered to the Bixby center on Tuesday - 3-15. These tables weighs 300 lbs each.

Wed - 3-9-11

Latest on who is going to the Missouri tournament next weekend: Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Josh Ford, Kelly Boyce, Stephen Ackart, Ray Pestridge (possibly only doubles), Mike Hamby, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang, maybe Manan (10 players!) Kelly and Stephen are the only 2 going to leave Saturday morning and come back Saturday night.

Tuesday - 3-8-11

Bixby - 8 players. 1 first time out player - Rachel Spence. She is married to Keith Spence (in Jan 2011) and has been in the USA for about 8 years. She learned to play in China. A penholder. She never played in tournaments but does have table tennis strokes. She can actually smash the ball (not like a Betty Bermudez "smash") but a real "whiz past you" kill shot. Melvin Norton, Jim French, Kelly Boyce, Fernando Prato, Keith Spence, John Moore, Yee Yang.

Monday - 3-7-11

Dawson - 11 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, Josh Ford, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Fernando Prato, Yee Yang.

Monday - 3-7-11

Tulsa Table tennis shirts will be available for sale soon! Stephen Ackart is making 20 shirts today. The shirts will cost $20 each. They are dark blue with the club's name on the back and a small logo on the front. Stephen said if these shirts sell out, he can make more shirts with a different design. (This is the first time the club has had shirts).

Thursday - 3-3-11

Dawson - 6 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker.

Tuesday - 3-1-11

Bixby - 5 players. Jim French, John Moore, Kelly Boyce, Johnny McClanahan, Melvin Norton.

Tuesday - 3-1-11

The club rec'd an email (see below) from Destiny Church wanting to run a tournament at their church. Any members wanting to help out the church organinze a tournament can contact Alyse Conley. The church has 3 tables and may get 2-3 more tables (I informed her that our tables are not movable). From: alyse Conley [mailto:Alyse@destinychurch.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 10:59 AM To: Kelly Boyce; robertkyker@yahoo.com Subject: Tournament Requirements Hello, </ELLO, I am emailing you about hosting a tournament at our church, Destiny Church. We thought it might be a really great opportunity for a fundraiser for our youth group. I was wondering what the requirements to host would be…. Specifically, doing an official tournament with ratings. Any information you can provide to me would be very helpful! Thanks so much and have a great day! Alyse Conley 918-259-9080 x206

Monday - 2-28-11

Dawson - 11 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Bryan Figg, Josh Ford, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Damien Osei, Ray Pestridge, Yee Yang.

Friday - 2-25-11

Missouri tournament on 3-19-11: Stephen emailed Bill Lewis as to why there is only 15 players per round robin event. Bill's answer is below: Stephen - each event is slotted with the maximum number of players for two reasons: 1.) To finish in the necessary time frame and thus a timely completion; and 2.) Since we utilize 14 tables for this particular tournament, more players on that number of tables makes it impractical to have say 20 or more players in all events. I follow standard rules per the USATT Tournament Guidebook and the CD for Certified Referees in calculating time frames and minutiae. So, yes, 15 players per the RR events and more for SE events helps maintain timeliness & order. The Open Round Robin contains 30 players since it's the premier event. That said, whoever gets me their entry forms in first - are in. My tournaments are "first come, first serve". Those who send entry forms 5 or 6 days before the date of the tournament are not necessarily guaranteed entry. I hope that helps. This system is not perfect, yet, I think it's reasonable and it's the fairest way I know. Bill

Thursday - 2-24-11

Dawson - 8 players. Stephen Ackart, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Josh Ford, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang. Other news: 1 more Tulsa player is going to the Springfield tournament on 3-19 - Manan Azhar. 4 players did not pay their dollar tonight - Stephen, Josh, Alex, Yee.

Monday - 3-14-11

Dawson - 10 players. 1 player that used to play in the 80's - Nolan Stephen Ackart, Alex Tupas, Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson, Johnny McClanahan, Sina A.

Tuesday - 2-22-11

Bixby - 6 players. Jim French, Melvin Norton, Kelly Boyce, Josh Ford, Johnny McClanahan, John Moore. Other news: Josh Ford joined the club tonight!! Josh Ford received his email confirmation on the Springfield tournament on 3-19-11 and will drive up Friday night, the day before the tournament. Note - any other Tulsa players that have rec'd their confirmations, please email that to Kelly so we will know who is going. I will send Bill Lewis (before he makes out the draw sheets) which Tulsa players will be going so that he can be aware of the Tulsa players and put them in seperate brackets.

Monday - 2-21-11

Dawson - 12 players. 2 first time out players - Larry Figg (Bryan Figg's dad), Damien Osei (friend of Ray Pestridge). 10 regulars - Chris Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Amy Bravo, Larry Buell, Bryan Figg (joined the club tonght!), Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 2-17-11

Dawson - 9 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Josh Ford, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 2-17-11

Here is a sample of a confirming email sent from the Springfield tournament on 3-19-11: Kelly, I have entered you in the: 1.) Open Round Robin $35.00 2.) Under 2200 $20.00 3.) Under 2000 $15.00 4.) Rating Fee $ 7.00 $77.00 (Check made out to: Ozarks Table Tennis Club) 4383 2/29/2012 Boyce, Kelly 1893 OK 1/23/2010 Your membership is up to date and the amount on your check for: $77 is correct. If you'd like to purchase a 2X Missouri Winter Games shirt - you can do so in the foyer next to the Registrar's desk. We're glad you've chosen to participate in the 2011 Missouri Winter Games and feel you'll enjoy the large confines of Baptist Bible College's "Dowell Fieldhouse", the atmosphere, formats and food. If you have any questions between now and game day, feel free to contact me. Otherwise, I will be sending out a blind carbon copy email with specifics for each player concerning the tournament on ~ Tuesday, March the 15th ~. -Bill Lewis - - Bill Lewis - 3818 South Farm Road 103 - Brookline Station, Missouri 65619 - President ~ Ozarks Table Tennis Club - USATT Certified Referee, Club Umpire & Tournament Director - Local site: http://mowintergames.org/index.php/table-tennis.html - National site: http://usatt.org - Phone: 417.890.8092

Wed - 2-16-11

The club has mailed a check to TTI for 2 Stiga 410-Q tables. One table to go to Dawson (provided Dawson can find a place to store the painted Stiga table at Dawson now) and one table to Bixby (to replace the broken table).

Tuesday - 2-15-11

Bixby - 6 players. Jim French, John Moore, Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Yee Yang, Josh Ford. Other news: Players going to the Springfield tournament on 3-19-11: Yee Yang (will go the night before with his wife). Josh Ford (will go the night before - he has family there). Stephen, Kelly, Bob and Chris.

Monday - 2-14-11

Dawson - 7 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Amy Bravo, Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge.

Monday - 2-14-11

5 players going to the Springfield tournament on 3-19-11 - Bob Kyker, Kelly Boyce, Stephen Ackart, Yee Yang and Chris Agimudie.

Saturday - 2-12-11

Alex Tupas has uploaded 4 videos to You Tube. 2 of them are from the Sooner Games tournament held 2-5-11 (and shows what the new Oklahoma City club looks like). 2 are from the Victory Christian center on the regular Saturday night. The 4 links are on the home page under "links" (just under the "Join our newsletter" box. The links are also below: (1) Sooner Games - 2-5-11 - Kelly Boyce playing Khoa Bui - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBXUN-y4wxQ (2) Sooner Games - 2-5-11 - Doubles - Alex Tupas/Doug Marks vs. Stephen Ackart/Steve Marks - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV4vEE4Tde0 (3) Victory Christian center - Regular Saturday night play - Alex Tupas vs. Kelly Boyce - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p74xHRsonmk (4) Victory Christian center - Regular Saturday night play - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feEXwOab8pc

Thursday - 2-10-11

Dawson - 5 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Bob Kyker, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Wed - 2-9-11

Missouri Winter games tournament on 3-19-11 (only about 5 weeks away). Tulsa players probably going to the tournament (so far) are Kelly Boyce, Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie and Yee Yang. Two unusual features about this tournament is the limited number of players that can attend and you can only enter 3 events. In the under 2000 round robin and under 1800 round robin there is a limit of 15 players. The open round robin has a 30 player limit. This means only a limited number of Tulsa players will be accepted to this tournament. Therefore, anyone wishing to go to this tournament needs to enter early. Tulsa players should coordinate with each other soon to see who wants to go. Stephen Ackart has a minivan that can seat 6 easily and the under 2000 round robin starts at 11:00 AM and it takes just under 3 hours to go from Tulsa to Springfield.

Wed - 2-9-11

Sooner games article by Britt Salter: Winter 2010/2011 Sooner State Games Tournament is Over! The OKCTT Club hosted the 2011 Winter Sooner State Games Tournaments on Saturday, February 5. In spite of the weather and bad roads, we had over 30 folks who showed up and played hard. I’d like to thank everyone who braved the lousy weather and "interesting” road conditions. We had dedicated folk who drove in from the DFW area, Hutchinson (KS), Wichita Falls (TX), Tulsa, and even Springfield (MO)! OKCTT Club won the TT Doubles Title back from those Buellies from Tulsa! Yeah!!! I can’t imagine that the results would have been different had Larry, Chris, and some of the other Tulsa guys made the trip ;o) They’ll have to wait until the Summer Games to prove me wrong… Results for Table Tennis Events: U1200: Linda Hash (Gold), Steve Marks (Silver), Fred Williams (Bronze) U1400: Soe Myat Swe (Gold), Joe Tran (Silver), Linda Hash (Bronze) U1600: David Hash (Gold), Doug Marks (Silver), Michael Kahookele (Bronze) U1800: Doug Marks (Gold), Michael Kahookele (Silver), Thang Bui (Bronze) Open Singles: Brandon Gardner (Gold), Kelly Boyce (Silver), Carl Miller II (Bronze) Over 50: Kelly Boyce (Gold), Carl Miller (Silver), Alex Tupas (Bronze) U3400 Doubles: Khoa Bui/Thang Bui (Gold), Alex Tupas/Doug Marks (Silver), Dale Goodman/John Noori (Bronze) Results for Ping-Pong Events: Under 18 Singles: Jackson Burnette (Gold) Open Singles: Ronny Young (Gold), John Gillette (Silver), Jeffrey Burnette (Bronze) Over 50: Terry Holley (Gold), John Gillette (Silver), Jackson Burnette (Honorary Bronze) Doubles: John Gillette/Ronny Young (Gold), Terry Holley/Eric Warlick (Silver, Jeffrey & Jackson Burnette (Bronze) Highlights and Discussion There were several very interesting events and matches – wish I had time to watch them all, but I didn’t. I’ll say a few words about some of the ones I did get to see. Open Singles: The top three players fought through their round robins to meet in the finals – a 3-man RR. Carl Miller had to beat the very tough Alex Tupas to get in, and that might have slowed him down a little as he lost to both Kelly Boyce and Brandon Gardner. The championship match between Brandon Gardner and Kelly Boyce was outstanding. Kelly won the first two games fairly quickly, and things looked bleak for Brandon. Unfortunately for Kelly, Brandon showed no "quit”, and fought back to win the third game. It was a battle the rest of the way, but Brandon was just a bit too much for Kelly to handle. Brandon ended up winning in five and taking the Sooner State Games Open Singles title for the second time. Congratulations Brandon! In the U34oo Doubles, there were a couple really outstanding matches. Khoa and Thang Bui (not related, but both strong players) ended up beating all comers, but they had to fight. They had several tough matches, but the finals against Alex Tupas and Doug Marks was really something. Neither team appeared to have any business being in U3400 – the play by all was really strong (hear that Larry and Chris?!). The PP Singles was probably the closest group of the day – I had to hurt my brain to sort out the winner. There was a three-way tie at the top between John Gillette, Jeffrey Burnette, and Ronny Young. I had to go DEEP into the tie-breaking mode to determine that Ronnie won, followed by John and Jeffrey. They all dewerved Gold! The PP Doubles was almost as tough, with John Gillette/Ronny Young edging out Terry Holley/Eric Warlick for gold. Jeffrey and Jackson Burnette took bronze, but, in that group, bronze is pretty strong! The U1600 was interesting too. David Hash ended up beating all comers – including the guy who ended up winning the U1800 later! Way to go David! Who says that good guys finish last? The U1800 was close too, with Doug Marks beating down the field. He had some really tough matches, but pulled them all out. Both Michael Kahookele and Than Bui made him play "out of his mind” to win. Congrats to Dougaloo! The Over 50 PP Singles was another battleground. When the dust cleared, Terry Holley got gold over the many-multibple-time champ John Gillette. Way to go Terry, but watch out for John G.! The Over 50 TT Singles event was just as tough, with Kelly Boyce having to fight off tough competition – including the always difficult Carl Miller. Carl just doesn’t give much away, and if you aren’t ready to fight for every point, you’ll have a long day. Kelly took Gold over Carl, but it wasn’t easy! The U1200 was another tough group – about half the field had been over (some well over) 1200 in the not-to-distant past. Linda Hash ended up taking Gold over Steve Marks (Silver) and Fred Williams (Bronze). There were several really good players that didn’t medal at all… U1400 was as tough, with a lot of fast improving players mixed in with some guys that have ben over 1400 before. In the end, Soe Myat Swe took Gold over Joe Tran (Silver) and Linda Hash (Bronze). There were (again) a number of really tough players that didn’t even medal. The level of play was awefully strong!

Tuesday- 2-8-11

Bixby will not have table tennis due to the snow storm due into Tulsa on Tuesday afternoon - 7"-8" forecasted.

Monday - 2-7-11

Dawson - 10 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Amy Bravo, Josh Ford, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Ray Pestridge.

Sunday - 2-6-11

Sooner State Games tournament held yesterday - 2-5-11 (info below by Kelly Boyce). 3 players from Tulsa made this tournament - Stephen Ackart, Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce. The tournment was held at the Crossroads Mall in Okla. City (at the crossroads of I-35 and I-240) at the new Oklahoma City table tennis club (which has a 1 year lease). (The mall situation is the same as what happen to Eastland Mall when the Tulsa Table Tennis club used to play there with only about two thirds of the stores open and the other third of the mall was empty). The mall had 2 food vendors - a Chinese place and a pizza/sandwich place. The playing area had 8 tables set up in a straight row with seating on each end (about 9 chairs on each end)(the same set-up as the last place the Okla city club had). Lighting was excellent. Britt Salter ran the tournament. There were players from Wichita Falls, Tx, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Hutchinson, KS, and Tulsa. About 30-35 players. Stephen Ackart entered the under 1800, open and doubles but did not medal this time (Stephen won the under 1800 last time). Alex Tupas entered the open, over 50 and doubles and did win bronze in the over 50 and 2nd in U-3400 doubles.. Alex played Carl Miller twice (once in the open and once in over 50) and there was an altercation both times that Alex will tell you about (Alex lost both times to Carl). These were the only problems I was aware of during the entire tournament with one exception: Brandon asked Britt to take a point away from my (Kelly) game with Brandon because my free hand touched the table. I said the point was over (when I smashed the ball and Brandon did not touch the ball) when my left hand touched the top of the table about 2 seconds after I hit the ball (I lost my balance because I got excited when I saw a clean opening for a kill shot) and Brandon said the point was his because my hand touched the table. It came down to whether the point was over or not when my hand touched the table. Kelly Boyce won first in over 50 and 2nd in the open (beating Carl Miller twice and losing to Brandon Gardner (in 5 games). The top 4 seeds in this tournament were: Brandon Gardner (1941) Kelly Boyce (1893) Carl Miller (1852) Alex Tupas (1833) The tournament ended around 6:00 PM.

Friday - 2-4-11

Some Tulsa players are going to the Sooner State games tomorrow. Stephen Ackart has checked with the Turner Turnpike and the Turnpike is clear. So far Stephen and Kelly are going and possibly Sina.

Friday - 2-4-11

Just want to let everyone know their will be no Table Tennis at Victory for the next 2 weeks. The Gym is being use for various church programs...thank you. Alex Tupas

Friday - 2-4-11

No Tulsa players will be going to the Sooner State games tomorrow due to the snow (4-6 inches due today). Britt Salter has confirmed this. Noman Malik was going with Alex Tupas. Stephen Ackart was driving a mini-van and was taking Bob Kyker, Kelly Boyce and Sina. Larry Buell, Yee Yang and the Agimudies will not be going.

Thursday - 2-3-11

Dawson - 1 player - Bob Kyker (he practiced his serves all night long). (13" of snow fell on Tuesday).

Tuesday - 2-1-11

Bixby - probably no play. 11.5" of snow due during the day today. (Travis Myers said yesterday that this is the worst snow storm he has seen in 30 years).

Monday - 1-31-11

Dawson - 14 players. 1 first time out player - Amy Bravo - from Owasso and originally from Hawaii. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Josh Ford, Mike Hamby, Mats Johannson, Bob Kyker, Fernando Prato, Yee Yang.

Sunday - 1-30-11

13 Tulsa players going to the Okla City tournament next weekend and who is driving: Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, Yee Yang, Chris and Nick and Sydney Agimudie, Bryan Figg, Sina Asadallahi, Bob Kyker, Larry Buell, Alex Tupas, Josh Ford, Ray Pestridge. Drivers: Stephen Ackart is driving his mini-van and taking Kelly, Yee, Sina, Bob Kyker. The mini-van can seat 6 people easily (it has 2 bench seats in the back) and so far Stephen has 5 people going. The Agimudies will go together and may take Bryan Figg. Alex is going with his family and has to leave around 5:00 PM at the latest. Josh Ford we do not know about. Larry Buell we do not know about. Ray lives in Stillwater.

Thursday - 1-27-11

Dawson - 10 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Josh Ford, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Seth Sherrif.

Wed - 1-26-11

Info on TTI: From: PETTYTti@aol.com [mailto:PETTYTti@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 12:03 PM To: Kelly Boyce Subject: Table Tennis: Jan. 26 Hi Kelly: Thanks for considering TABLE TENNIS INTERNATIONAL as a source for your table tennis equipment. If you will e-mail the destination address to me, I'll request a shipping quote. If you order at least 2 tables, the $25 Pallet Fee is waived. Also, the shipping charge for 2 tables is only slightly more that the shipping cost for one table. If you would like a copy of our 10-page February DISCOUNT PRICE LIST sent to you by First Class Mail, please e-mail us your residential address. Although we have had the "lowest prices in North America for 43 years," not everyone is familiar with our company. During the 1990's, we were the #1 tournament dealer in the United States (we sold more equipment at more tournaments than any other dealer). We also have the reputation as the most "player friendly" dealer. In order to maintain the lowest possible prices, we do not have a website, and we only accept payment by check (credit cards not accepted). Shipping is FREE for orders of $40 or more (except tables, barriers & Newgy products; $5 for orders of less than $40). An order is shipped by 2-Day Priority Mail (or UPS) on the same day that the check arrives. If an order is needed on an "urgent" basis, we can ship immediately by COD (additional fee varies from $5.25 to $10.50). Please contact us if you have any questions. . Thanks for not sharing our prices with other dealers. . At the end of this e-mail is an explanation of "price matching." Regards, Bob & Marie Petty TABLE TENNIS INTERNATIONAL Lowest Prices in North America for 43 Years E-Mail: PettyTTI@aol.com . OCTOBER 1 thru APRIL 30 2203 Field Ln. Bedford, TX 76021-7527 Phone & Fax: (817) 868-7664 . MAY 1 thru SEPTEMBER 30 10060 Dedham Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46229-1390 Phone & Fax: (317) 894-4676 ************************************************************************************** PRICE MATCHING Did you ever wonder what it REALLY MEANS, when a table tennis dealer states that "WE WILL MATCH THE PRICE OF ANY OTHER DEALER?" IT MEANS: 1) That dealer (with the higher prices) is embarrassed that a few customers have found LOWER PRICES elsewhere. 2) That dealer will only lower its price to a few SMART SHOPPERS. 3) That dealer will NOT charge the lower price to ALL of its customer. 4) That dealer will continue to charge the HIGHEST PRICE possible to the majority of their customers. 5) That dealer will NOT lower the price in the next issue of their catalog. Do not be fooled by the "price matching dealers." They are guilty of "price discrimination" (charging different prices for the same item). If price, honesty, and integrity are important to you, always buy from the dealer that actually PUBLISHES THE LOWER PRICES.

Tuesday - 1-25-11

Bixby - 8 players. 1 first time out player - Phil Tolbert (he was at the Victory tournament) 1 - just joined the club tonight player - Jacob Herriman (he is a racquet ball player). 6 regulars - Johnny McClanahan, Kelly Boyce, Jim French, Fernando Prato, Melvin Norton, Alex Tupas. Other news: Tulsa is ordering the Stiga 410Q this week. Alex Tupas is going to the Sooner games but Mats Johansson is not.

Monday - 1-24-11

Dawson - 14 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, Bryan Figg, Josh Ford, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Sunday - 1-23-11

The Bixby club has decided to buy a new table and that will be a Stiga 410Q, the same table that the Muskogee club uses. It has a 1" top and is blue. Kelly is waiting on buying info from Darrel Lucht. Both Stephen Ackart and Alex Tupas have played on these tables at Muskogee and they said this table is fine. The tables cost $500 (plus shipping) thru Table Tennis International. Walmart sells these online for $800 delivered.

Friday - 1-21-11

The following article is courtesy of Larry Buell: Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon, puts on a good front. "I have a paddle and I have a paddle case, which makes me look very professional," she confessed to a crowd at New York's American Museum of Natural History. "But, in fact, I suck." Sarandon admits that despite co-owning the table tennis franchise, SPiN, her game is not for show. But according to one New York professor, Sarandon could be doing more than just having a little fun with friends. "In ping pong, we have enhanced motor functions, enhanced strategy functions and enhanced long-term memory functions," explained Dr. Wendy Suzuki, professor of neuroscience and psychology at New York University. According to Suzuki, table tennis works parts of the brain that are responsible for movement, fine motor skills and strategy -- areas that could be growing stronger with each match. While scientists have yet to study the brain activity of ping pong players, Suzuki believes the game enhances brain function unlike any other sport. Table Tennis Is the No. 1 Brain Sport, Scientists Say Wednesday night, researchers at The American Museum of Natural History invited Sarandon, Suzuki and a panel of table tennis enthusiasts to become part of their latest exhibition, "Brain: The Inside Story. " For one night under the iconic blue whale, high above the museum floor, visitors listened to the science behind one of America's favorite basement pastimes. While the ping pong discussion was limited to one night, the brain exhibition continues through the summer. "Table tennis is the number one brain sport, so we figured this was a great way to get people interested in the brain because a lot of people play table tennis," explained Rob DeSalle, curator for the Museum. Holding a human brain to get players' attentions, Suzuki pointed out specific areas that are stimulated by playing table tennis. According to Suzuki, there are three major areas affected by this high-speed game. The fine motor control and exquisite hand-eye coordination involved with dodging and diving for the ball engages and enhances the primary motor cortex and cerebellum, areas responsible for arm and hand movement. Ping Pong, Like Chess, Involves Strategy Secondly, by anticipating an opponent's shot, a player uses the prefrontal cortex for strategic planning. Lastly, the aerobic exercise from the physical activity of the game stimulates the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for allowing us to form and retain long-term facts and events. "There's a lot of strategy and the area that gets enhanced is the prefrontal cortex, critical not only in ping pong, but also in chess," said Suzuki. That could explain why fellow panelist, Will Shortz, calls ping pong, "chess on steroids." Since 1993, Shortz has been the man responsible for deciding just how much strategy is needed to solve crossword puzzles for The New York Times. A self-confessed table tennis addict and puzzle editor, Shortz says the key to both of his favorite activities is strategy. "Crosswords and table tennis go great together, they're both mind sports," he said. Last November, 11-year-old Alex Lipan focused all of his attention on that bouncing ball to become the top-ranked table tennis player, for ages 12 and under, in the state of New York. "You have to constantly change your method and see your opponent's weaknesses," he explained after the discussion, when visitors were invited to try their own strategies on ping pong tables set up inside the museum. Lipan makes split-second decisions by anticipating the other player's moves. By doing so, Dr. Suzuki believes that Alex is actively strengthening and changing the way his brain reacts, possibly affecting the response time of other decisions. Suzuki shared her hypothesis about what could be happening inside the minds of players. "Given the speed and strategy that they (ping pong players) are using, you can imagine that they have developed fast instincts," she said. If science one day proves a connection between table tennis and an increase in mental strength, ping pong could graduate from the basement to the classroom. . http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/brain-ping-pong/story?id=12721610

Thursday - 1-20-11

Dawson - 4 players. Bob Kyker, Josh Ford, Larry Buell, Seth Sherrif. Other news: A snow storm dropped 3 inches of snow yesterday and was going to refreeze tonight.

Tuesday - 1-18-11

Bixby - 10 players. 1 player that has not been out since 2001 - Greg Weinecke. He has been in St. Louis. Fernando Prato, Kelly Boyce, Chris Agimudie, John Moore, Melvin Norton, Jim French, Johnny McClannahan, Josh Ford. Other news: Josh Ford has got a full-time job in Tulsa and will be living here and playing here now! Chris Agimudie is wanting to go to the Springfield, Mo tournament on March 19 - a 2 star tournament. One of the tables at Bixby has a very broken table top and is too broke to fix and play table tennis on. Bixby will have to replace this table. This is the table that is very top heavy and has been dropped many times over the years. The club may buy the same table we were going to buy for the Dawson club before Mats fixed the table. The club may buy another Stiga Quickplay 2000 like the 2 that are being used at Bixby now. If anyone has any ideas about buying a table for Bixby, please let me know asap.

Monday - 1-17-11

Dawson - 12 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Seth Sherrif, Yee Yang.

Monday - 1-17-10

Results for the Victory Christian Church tournament held 1-15-11: A 1st - Sina Asadallahi, 2nd - Seth Sheriff 3rd - Nick Agimudie and Marko ( tie - did not get to play each other and determine because of time) B 1st - Chris Agimudie 2nd - Dane 3rd - can't remember Doubles 1st - Bryan Figg/Yee Yang 2nd -Bob Kyker/Ray Pestridge 3rd - Chris Agimudie/Alex Tupas

Saturday - 1-15-11

A webpage for the Victory table tennis club has been created: http://tulsatabletennis.com/victory_christian_church.html The link is on the the club's home page as link " 1C " . Tulsa now has 3 places to play in Tulsa!

Thursday - 1-13-11

Dawson - 12 players. 1 first time out player - Brad Gibson Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Bryan Figg, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas.

Tuesday - 1-11-11

Bixby - Kelly Boyce will not be out tonight.

Monday - 1-10-11

Dawson - 7 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Seth Sherrif, Yee Yang.

Sunday - 1-9-11

A You Tube video of the playing area at Victory Chruch for this Saturday's tournament - courtesy of Alex Tupas. Alex says 14 members of the Tulsa Table tennis club have signed up so far and 11 members of Victory Church have signed up so far. There will be 4 tables used. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VbePO5K5Qk

Friday - 1-7-11

New info on the Victory Center tournament on 1-15-11: 7700 S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa, OK 74136 SATURDAY Jan. 15, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m. Main Gym Bldg. All levels will play: Beginners, Intermediate, Professionals and Mix doubles. No age limit. Group Teams are welcome and encouraged NO entry fees. All levels are free to join! Prizes will be awarded to all winners at the end of the tournament To enter the tournament you may sign up in advance or just show up that day. Equipments will be provided by the host of the tournament. You are welcome to bring your own Paddles. For questions or to sign up in advance call or E-mail Pastor Loi: 918-491-7830 sloi@victory.com Noel: 918-906-1848 nlf_ranch @yahoo.com Alex: 918-289-1962 seedsact@cox.net   This is from Alex Tupas below: Just want to share with you this event that Victory is having. Pls. can you help us get the word out. We like to make this a regular event. We are gving out trophy's for prizes. We also like to encourage new and beginners to enjoy the game. We have 3 Stiga Tables and for the future I would love to see our club hold tournaments at this venue.   </

Friday - 1-7-11

The following is from an email Terry Slagle sent to the Tulsa Table Tennis club: I am researching the possibility of scheduling a one-day teaching clinic for kids at the Boys and Girls club in Bartlesville. After visiting with Mr. Harrison of the Bartlesville group and doing a little online research, I see there is a "pro” identified in the Oklahoma City Table Tennis club. Do you have anyone in your Bixby group who would be willing to teach? The whole project that I am researching is intended as a tribute to Jim Taylor, who recently passed away. I was one of his protégés back in 1976. If you have any ideas as to how this might become a reality, please let me know (contact info below includes my cell phone). My home e-mail is terryslagle@cox.net. 918/760-0074 (Cell) Thanks for your time, Terry Slagle

Thursday - 1-6-11

Dawson - 14 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Kelly Boyce, Larry Buell, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Noman Malik, Ray Pestridge, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang. Other news: Players planning on going to the Okla City tournament on Feb 5: Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Kelly Boyce, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson (if he is in town), Bob Kyker, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang, Thomas Berryhill, Hamid Ezzat, Josh Ford (14 so far).

Tuesday - 1-4-11

Bixby - 12 players. 4 first time out players - they recently graduated from Jenks and play at the Jenks community center - Aaron Dack, Sam Morton, Mat Schoemaker, Jeff Gunter 8 regulars - Alex Tupas, Chris Agimudie, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, Josh Ford, Jim French, John Moore, Ale Moosa.

Monday - 1-3-11

Dawson - 14 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Bryan Figg, Mike Hamby, Rollin Huggatt, Bob Kyker, Ali Moosa, Josh Parker, Shane Parker, Ray Pestridge, Seth Sherrif, Yee Yang.

Monday - 1-3-11

Important Notes regarding this years Sooner State Games on 2-5-11! Entry Deadline – in virtually every other SSG, we’ve had a LOT of folks wait until the VERY LAST MINUTE to enter. By "Very Last Minute”, I’m talking about the day of, or late the Friday before. While we absolutely want as many entries as possible, late entries make it impossible to pre-draw brackets and do several other things that should help the tournament run more smoothly. For this upcoming tournament, I am going to insist that I have all entries – and payment – by the time the Club closes Friday night (February 4). I would very much appreciate getting entries sooner. I will not be accepting any last minute phone-in entries, nor do I plan to allow anyone to enter the morning of the tournament. Payment – all payments shall be to the Oklahoma City Table Tennis Club. Please do not send any payments to the Sooner State Games. It will greatly simplify things for our Tournament Director (me!) if everyone sends all entries and payments to: Oklahoma City Table Tennis Club 4600 N. Tulsa Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 I plan to print out some entry forms and have them available at the club… Doubles Teams – The vast majority of the "regulars” at the OKCTT Club play, and enjoy playing doubles, but, for whatever reason, we rarely get more than a few teams signed up for the SSG. I would like for us to have a better show this year! Please don’t wait till the last minute for Winfred, Jaimie, Alan, Yu, Ma Lin, Jan Ove Waldner, or whoever to ask you to play! Regardless of your level, if you want to play doubles, find a partner – any partner – and put a team together. Doubles does not cost you ratings points (regardless of outcome). There isn’t even a USATT rating fee if you are only playing doubles. I strongly encourage folks to get on a team and have some fun. We have a rated doubles event for USATT members and also a non-rated (Ping-Pong) event for those who aren’t USATT members. I’d like to see more folks join USATT, so encourage folks to do so! Doubles – Part II – Let’s beat those Tulsa Bullies this time!!!! (Oh, and for Larry Buell (one of the Tulsa Bullies) – I believe we owe you a refund for a missed event at the last SSG. If it is acceptable to you, we can sort it out by trimming your entry fees this time – send me a note.)

Thursday - 12-30-10

Dawson - 12 players. Stephen Ackart, Thomas Berryhill, Kelly Boyce, Larry Buell, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Amol Mudhale, Ray Pestridge, Robert Yang, Fong Yang, Yee Yang. Other news: Players planning on going to the Feb 5 Oklahoma City tourny: Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, Bob Kyker, Larry Buell, Yee Yang (not firmly committed however), Thomas Berryhill, Mats Johansson (if he is in town that day and not in Europe somewhere). The deadline for entering is 2-1-11.

Tuesday - 12-28-10

Bixby - will be closed tonight.

Monday - 12-27-10

Dawson - 2 players. Mike Hamby and Larry Buell Other news: Larry Buell is going to the Feb. 5 Oklahoma City tournament.

Thursday - 12-23-10

Dawson - 4 players. Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Larry Buell.

Tuesday - 12-21-10

Bixby - 9 players. Fernando Prato, Yee Yang, Stephen Ackart, Melvin Norton, Josh Ford, Hamid Ezzat, Kelly Boyce, Sina Asadallahi, John Moore. Other news: Players planning on going to the Okla. City tournament on Feb. 5: Committed players - Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce Planning on going (but won't commit) - Hamid Ezzat, Sina Asadallahi, Yee Yang. Might go players - John Moore.

Monday - 12-20-10

Dawson - 7 players. Thomas Berryhill, Hamid Ezzat, Josh Ford, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 12-16-10

Dawson - 9 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Josh Ford, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Yee Yang. Other news: From an email Matts Johansson sent from Las Vegas tonight: I lost in the quarter final under 1600. I won 5 matches and lost 1 so far. Tomorrow I will play under 1600 over 40 years old. (Matts will finish friday)

Wed - 12-15-10

And now, a blast from the past. Below is an article Larry Buell wrote for Tim Boggan in 1978. (Larry has said, for years, he used to write table tennis articles for Tim Boggan but we never saw any of them until now). Larry Buell (TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1978, 23) reports on the Championship Singles played in the July 22 Atlanta Summer Open R.R. On one side of the draw, a "fiercely determined Larry Thoman, last year’s winner, with an almost wild exuberance” fought off Homer Brown and his "fluid fast-kill forehands” to triumph after a tense -15, 21, 18 struggle.” However, Brown still managed to get to the final. For two reasons. (1) Because Pete May and his Phantom, "mixed properly in a block/chop/drive fashion,” allowed him to 15, -17, 19 give looper Larry in turn a nasty loss. And (2) because Homer, "using his topspin wisely (i.e., sparingly), drew that inevitable rising dead ball out of Pete’s unwilling but helpless hands.” Yep, Pete lost to him two straight, allowing Homer with his 3-2 tie-breaker score to advance. On the other side of the draw, "after adjusting to the tempo of Thomas Nunes’s low backhand anti-chops, Brian Masters cleverly brought him in close with deceptive drop shots, then forced him deep with powerful drives to force him out of position for Brian’s either-way crosscourt kills.” In advancing to the final, Masters also beat Wing Man Tam—through "frequent change of pace shots and by spinning numerous loops into Tam’s body, thus not allowing him to adopt his favorite extended-arm loop/smash attack.” In the final, after Masters pulled out the first game, 25-23, "Brown seemed to lose that inner spirit of self-confidence which carries him through so many close matches.” Brian, meanwhile, "exuded the calm and self-mastery requisite for a champion.” A "dazzling series of crosscourt counters, delicate drop shots, and swirling serves” gave him closing 21-12, 21-13 wins that proved "eloquent testimony to his mature sense of initiative and strategy.” In another article: Larry Buell’s having so much fun writing up the Jan. 20 Atlanta Winter Open TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1979, 24) that I’m gonna pretty much give him free rein here: "Not since the Atlanta Summer Open of 1977 has a defensive player challenged the awesome hitting power of Southern Champion Homer Brown in an Atlanta tournament. That year it was Frank Studley of Boston who nearly broke the icy steel of Homer’s concentration with unnerving, aberrant Phantom top?/chop? returns. Homer managed to regroup, though, and play the actual rather than the expected position of the ball to win that exciting Championship finale. This year the Atlanta Winter Open final once again paired Homer with a chopper…another pretender to the sport (i.e., one who—according to popular wisdom—must substitute chicanery for talent!). But wait—THIS Phantom pretender turned out to be only too real, as one Jonathan Katz of New York craftily, steadily, and at last masterfully finessed a five-game victory in the Championship division over a dumbfounded Brown.

Tuesday - 12-14-10

Bixby - 10 players. Jim French, Melvin Norton (played 1 match and left), Sydney Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Fernando Prato, John Moore, Stephen Ackart, Josh Ford. Other news: Fernando got a new paddle - offensive speed with fast spinny rubber on both side and he likes it.

Monday - 12-13-10

Dawson - 10 players. 3 first time out players - John Matsson, Kristoffer Matsson, Madeleine Matsson (all came with Mats). 7 regulars - Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Yee Yang.

Monday - 12-13-10

Jim Taylor's funeral will be on Tuesday, 12-14-2010 at 2 pm at the Stumpff Funeral Home Chapel, at 1600 SE Washington Blvd in Bartlesville. Roland Harrison

Sunday - 12-12-10

Below is an 1976 article from Tim Boggan about the history of the Bartlesville club (and Jim Taylor's part in it): Jim Taylor gives us a little history of the Bartlesville, OK TTA and its successful Junior Program (TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1976, 10). The BTTA was formed in "a relatively prosperous community of 30,000” in 1968. Though on the average only 10-12 memberships were issued yearly, a third of them to children, the Club somehow stayed in existence. Then, in 1964, Taylor had the opportunity to teach table tennis at the YWCA to a group of "4th, 5th, and 6th grade youngsters.” Given the Y’s connections with elementary schools and its credibility with parents, Taylor and his friend Cliff Smith had an initial class enrollment of 36 students. In the last two years, "a total of 364 youngsters ["198 boys, 166 girls”] have participated in the program in basic classes, intermediate level classes, school leagues, summer leagues, open sessions, junior-high team matches, and state and national tournaments.” Emphasis is on the younger children, age 9-12, and of these, says Taylor, "about 50% of the broad cross section can play well enough to enjoy playing,” and probably "only 10 to 15%” will have "the ability and desire to become tournament caliber players.” In the 9, 10, & 11-year-old age groups our girls are superior to the boys” (the Oklahoma U-11 champion is a Bartlesville Club girl). At age 12, ”the boys become better than the girls.” Saturday morning sessions stress the basics, after which the most promising players, perhaps as many as 40 or 50, are urged to stay and play in the afternoons, get on school teams that foster sprite de corps, and play seriously at the BTTA Club. Results of the Bartlesville Green County Open (1976): Championship Singles: Bruce Smith. 2. Russ Finley. 3. Larry Kesler. 4. A. Lee. Championship Doubles: Finley/Stacy over Kesler/Smith, 19 in the 4th. Women’s: Kathy Thompson over Sue Sargent. Mixed Doubles: Smith/Sargent over Jones/Thompson, 19, 17,-18,-19, 19. Senior’s: Mort Finkelstein over Cliff Smith. U-17: Johnny Cortez over Mark Stoolz, 27-25 in the 4th. U-15: Stoolz over Cortez. 3rd Place: Roland Rittmaster over Kirk Golbach who went 19 in the 3rd with Cortez. U-13: Rittmaster over Karin Thompson. U-11: Karin Thompson over Lori Proctor. Bartlesville Jr.’s: H. Bui over L. James. A’s: Al Lee over Jones who’d outlasted Al Stacy, 26-24 in the 3rd. A Doubles: Finney/Lee over Smith/Joe Ogilvie. B’s: Roddy over Lacy in 5. B Doubles: Golbach/Stacy over Roddy/Lacy. C’s: Kelly Boyce over Steve Summer in 5. D’s: F. McCammon over C. Lewis. Consolation: Don Bassett over Ogilvie. (this article will be added to the Bartlesville's table tennis club's web page)

Friday - 12-10-10

The following is from an email today from Roland Harrison from the Bartlesville club: Jim Taylor, founder of our table tennis club, died last night. The funeral may be on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at Stumpff Funeral Home at 2 pm.. Hope some of you will be able to attend. More firm details will be announced later.

Thursday - 12-9-10

Dawson - 8 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Hamid Ezzat, Josh Ford, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge. Other news: Sina joined the club tonight!

Tuesday - 12-7-10

Bixby - 13 players. 2 first time out players - I did not get their names (a man and a woman). Jim French, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Josh Ford, Mats Johansson, Kelly Boyce, Stephen Ackart, Hamid Ezzat, Sina Asadallahi, Noman Malik, John Moore. Other news: Mats Johansson is going to the Nationals next week in Las Vegas (?). Josh Ford got a temporary job in Tulsa thru Dec. and is still looking for full time work. Sina is a 2000 level player, possibly a 2100 level. Has a fast and accurate forehand drive and moves well. Has some of the best serves I have ever seen, better than Tim Yardy's. He was trained in Iran at a university. He will be in Tulsa for the next 2 years going to OSU or OU in Tulsa. Oklahoma City's next tournament may be Feb 5.

Monday - 12-6-10

Dawson - 7 players. Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge.

Thursday - 12-2-10

Dawson - 14 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Bryan Figg, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Noman Malik, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas, Robert Yang, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 11-30-10

A new web page has been created for the Bartlesville Table Tennis Club. http://tulsatabletennis.com/bartlesville_table_tennis_club.html This link appears on the tulsatabletennis.com web site alittle over half way down as link "1B".

Tuesday - 11-30-10

Bixby - 5 players. John Moore, Alex Tupas, Jim French, Fernando Prato, Matts Johansson.

Monday - 11-29-10

Dawson - 8 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Shawn Ford, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge.

Thursday - 11-24-10

Dawson - Thanksgiving day.

Wed - 11-24-10

Ray Pestridge (and a photo of him) is in the lastest USA table tennis magazine - Nov/Dec 2010 edition on page 39.

Tuesday - 11-23-10

Bixby - 13 players. 3 first time out players - Sam Davis, Phu Pham (from Okla. City but never played at their club), Stacy Yang. 10 regulars - Ray Pestridge, Kelly Boyce, Stephen Ackart, John Moore, Fernando Prato, Greg McCann, Josh Ford, Hamid Ezzat, Melvin Norton, Noman Malik. Other news: Josh Ford is looking for work in the Tulsa area in human resources. He is living in Lubbock but cannot find HR work there. He is also 200-300 points underated. Greg McCann is seriously considering using pips out and will be buying a new paddle soon from Paddle Palace. Fernando Prato joined the club tonight!! Greg McCann renewed his membership tonight!!

Monday - 11-22-10

Dawson - 13 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Robert Yang, Tuo Yang, Yee Yang. Other news: Chris renewed his membership.

Thursday - 11-18-10

Dawson - 16 players. 3 first time out players - Ben Lewis (from Springfield, Missouri), Phu Pham (from the Okla. City club), Stacy Yang (from Tulsa). 13 regulars - Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Josh Ford, Bob Kyker, Fernando Prato, Alex Tupas, Robert Yang, Fong Yang, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 11-16-10

Bixby - 8 players. 1 first time out player - Harish Patel. He played with the Little Rock Club and has moved to Tulsa and will be playing at the Bixby club only. Current rating - 1336. He also joined the club!! Darren Delaune, Kelly Boyce, Ray Pestridge, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, John Moore, Jim French.

Monday - 11-15-10

Dawson - 8 players. Sina Asadallahi, Manan Azhar, Darren Delaune, Josh Ford, Mike Hamby, Jeremy Herd, Bob Kyker, Fernando Prato.

Thursday - 11-11-10

Dawson - 13 players. 1 first time out player - John Tran Seth Sherrif, Larry Buell, Yee Yang, Sina Asadallahi, Bryan Figg, Manan Azhar, Anthony Nguyen (last night to play - moving to Alabama), Chris Agimudie, Alex Tupas, Jeremy Herd, Ali Moosa, Keegan Sequeira. (info courtesy of Larry Buell). Other news: A personal note from Larry Buell on Anthony leaving: "A special good-bye and good luck to Anthony Nguyen, whose last night in TTT was yesterday. He is moving to Alabama, and according to Anthony is about 3.5 hours away from the closest table tennis center, which doesn’t even have regularly scheduled practices (sad face!). Anthony, you’ll always be welcome back here!!

Wed - 11-10-10

Update notice - The Oklahoma City club must vacate their building by 11-22 and their last night of play will be 11-16 (a sad day for sure). At this time, they do not have a firm place to move to (unless they can come up with $165,000 by next week to buy the building).

Wed - 11-10-10

The Oklahoma City club is no longer using their old website. They are now using an easier to maintain website.

Tuesday - 11-9-10

Bixby - Kelly Boyce will not be out tonight due to illness.

Monday - 11-8-10

Dawson - 15 players (info courtesy of Larry Buell). 2 first time out players - Ali Moosa, Josh Ford Larry Buell, Jeremy Herd, Sina Asadallahi, Sydney Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Anthony Nguyen, Hamid Ezzat, Amir Khan, Manan Azhar, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 11-4-10

Dawson - 15 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Bryan Figg, Mike Hamby, Jeremy Herd, Bob Kyker, Anthony Nguyen, Fernando Prato, Seth Sherrif, Steven Szabad.

Tuesday - 11-2-10

Bixby - 9 players. Chris Agimudie, Yee Yang, Kelly Boyce, John Moore, Sydney Agimudie, Jared Childers, Jacob Childers, Michael Childers, Jim French. Other news: No one from Tulsa is going to the Wichita tournement this weekend. Yee Yang will check out the Houston table tennis club this weekend.

Monday - 11-1-10

Dawson - 12 players. Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Sina Asadallahi, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Bryan Figg, Mike Hamby, Jeremy Herd, Bob Kyker, Seth Sherrif, Yee Yang.

Friday - 10-29-10

(The following info is from Chris Agimudie) Bill Lewis from the Springfield, Missouri club is taking orders for new table tennis tables (at a great price). "I am taking orders for new table tennis tables. Killerspin is offering, to clubs only, an opportunity to buy their latest MyT10 1 inch, blue topped and 8 wheeled tables. There is a $75 charge for handling. The total cost to you for one table is: $700. In the download is an attachment which contains a photo of the table offered. You can also go to www.killerspin.com to have a look. If you're interested, please let me know as soon as possible. When I receive the minimum order of 5 tables, the order is placed and shipment is within 3 to 4 days. It is not currently possible to find a comparable table at this cost on the Internet. (Killerspin lists this particular table on their web site for: $1249) Again, this offer is being made only to clubs. - Bill Lewis - 3818 South Farm Road 103 - Brookline Station, Missouri 65619 - President ~ Ozarks Table Tennis Club - USATT Certified Referee, Club Umpire & Tournament Director - Local web site: http://mowintergames.org/index.php/table-tennis.html - National web site: http://www.usatt.org - Ph: 417.890.8092 (The Tulsa club could buy one of these for the Dawson club but Dawson would have to get rid of one of their current tables to make room). Also for a link to the last tournament at Springfield, Mo. on 10-22-10, click here: http://butterflyonline.com/2010/10Celluloid.asp

Friday - 10-29-10

Wichita is having a sanctioned tournment next weekend - 11-6-10. Wichita is 3 1/2 hours from Tulsa for those who have never been there.

Thursday - 10-28-10

Dawson - 8 players. Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Jeremy Herd, Bob Kyker, Anthony Nguyen, Seth Sherrif, Yee Yang. Other news: Anthony Nguyen will be moving to Alabama in 2 weeks.

Tuesday - 10-26-10

Bixby - 8 players. Darren Delaune, John Moore, Sydney Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Noman Malik, Yee Yang. Other news: Hamid and Chris may go to the Fort Worth tournament in 2 weeks. When getting the tables out, open the north door only, do not open the south door any longer due to a conflict this is causing with the gymnastics program.

Monday - 10-25-10

Dawson - 11 players. 3 first time out players - Dave Arora, Sina Asadallhi, Jeremy Herd. 8 regulars - Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Bob Kyker, Alex Tupas.

Thursday - 10-21-10

The world's best ball picker upper - a You Tube video (from the USATT web site). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st9RK5AEdk0

Wed - 10-20-10

The Oklahoma City club will be moving out of their current location at the end of November when their lease is up. They do not have any new place to move to at this time but are looking. Check out the Okla city's web site for more info on this.

Tuesday - 10-19-10

Bixby - 12 players. Hamid Ezzat, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, John Moore, Jared Childers, Jacob Childers, Michael Childers, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Johnny McClanahan, Joshua Mack, Bob Kyker.

Monday - 10-18-10

Dawson - 9 players. Hamid Ezzat, Johnny McClanahan (came in late), Tim Yardy, Larry Buell, Manan Azhar,Yee Yang,Fernando Prato, Aemon Al-Kazaz (new)

Sunday - 10-17-10

Update on the Senior Olympics in Tulsa last Monday - 10-11-10 (by Bob Kyker) The Tulsa club had 3 players in the 70-74 age group. The results of this group were: (1) Bob Kyker (2) Ray Pestridge (3) Nestor Prato Note - Bob Kyker will not be at the club Monday - 10-18.

Thursday - 10-14-10

Dawson - 8 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Thomas Berryhill, Hamid Ezzat, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge.

Tuesday - 10-12-10

Bixby - 14 players 4 first time out players - Keith Martindale (his wife attends a meeting in another program), Max McClanahan (cousin of Johnny), an Asian women (I did not get to talk to her), John Land (knows Greg McCann from TCC). 10 regular players - Noman Malik (played one match and left), Darren Delaune, John Moore, Kelly Boyce, Greg McCann, Nestor Prato, Fernando Prato, Johnny McClanahan, Joshua Mack, Larry Mack.

Tuesday - 10-12-10

The Muskogee club has their tables now. Stephen Ackart will be going to the Muskogee club this Thursday (in case anyone would like to join Stephen).

Monday - 10-11-10

Dawson - 13 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Ray Awe, Manan Azhar, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang, Tim Yardy.

Thursday - 10-7-10

Dawson - 8 players. Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Noman Malik, Anthony Nguyen, Ray Pestridge, Yee Yang. Other news: Bob Kyker and Ray Pestridge are playing in the Okla. Senior Olymipics this Monday - 10-11-10 at Hick's park at 9:00 AM. The air conditioner has not been fixed and it appears the City of Tulsa is going to wait until next year before fixing the AC.

Tuesday - 10-5-10

Bixby - 11 players. Jim French, Melvin Norton, Johnny McClanahan, Joshua Mack, Jared Childers, Jacob Childers, Michael Childers, Darrell Lucht, Steve Duggar, Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce. Other news: Jim French renewed his membership!

Monday - 10-4-10

Dawson - no info yet.

Sunday - 10-3-10

Muskogee Table Tennis web page has been created: http://tulsatabletennis.com/muskogee_table_tennis.html

Thursday - 9-30-10

Dawson - 7 players. Stephen Ackart, Yee Yang, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Noman Malik, Mike Hamby, Nestor Prato.

Tuesday - 9-28-10

Bixby - 12 players. 3 first time out players - Kristen Prato (wife of Fernando Prato), Larry Mack and Joshua Mack - step sons of Johnny McClanahan. 2 haven't been out in years players - Steve Dugger (from Indianapolis - he knows Jim French), Darrel Lucht. 7 regulars - Manan Azhar, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, John Moore, Noman Malik, Fernando Prato, Johnny McClanahan. Other news; The Muskogee club has bought 2 new Stiga tables due in within the week.

Tuesday - 9-28-10

Report from Bob Kyker on the seniors tournament he attended this weekend in Topeka, Kansas. "George Taplin and I won the gold in sr dbls (65-69 bracket) in ks senior olympics in topeka last saturday. I won the gold in the 70-74 bracket and Ray Pestridge came in second (silver).

Monday - 9-27-10

10 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang. Other news: Bob Kyker will not be out Thursday so someone needs to collect the daily money at Dawson. The A/C is not working. I emailed Mike B. at the park dept on 9-28 about this.

Friday - 9-24-10

Good luck to Ray Pestridge & Bob Kyker on their Seniors tournament this Saturday - 9-25 in Topeka, Kansas. The next Seniors tournament is Monday October 11th (?) in Tulsa! If anyone is off work they should go and watch and support table tennis. (info from Stephen Ackart).

Thursday - 9-23-10

Dawson - 8 players. Stephen Ackart, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Seth Sherrif, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 9-21-10

Bixby - 6 players. Jim French, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, Fernando Prato, John Moore, Johnny McClanahan. Other news: Johnny McClanahan joined the club tonight!

Monday - 9-20-10

Dawson - no info

Thursday - 9-16-10

Dawson - 13 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Mohammed Malik, Anthony Nguyen, Fernando Prato, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 9-14-10

Bixby - 8 players. Mike Childers, Jared Childers, Jacob Childers, Fernando Prato, John Moore, Alex Tupas, Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce

Monday - 9-13-10

Dawson - 11 players. Chris Agimudie, Joel Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Bryan Figg, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Martin Ndengang, Fernando Prato, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Saturday - 9-11-10

The following email was sent to the club on 9-11-10: Hello- I am in charge of a tennis fundraising event for LaFortune Tennis Center. We are having our event on October 3rd (2010). The committee would like to have table tennis available to the adults and kids who attend. (Tennis players just love table tennis!!) Do you know if we can rent 4-6 tables for that day? Who can I contact? Thanks-- Nancy Inhofe - inhofe@swbell.net (Kelly Boyce replied to her that the club does not rent out our tables and the club does not like to move our tables to other centers).

Thursday - 9-9-10

Dawson - 8 players. Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Fernando Prato, Steven Szabad.

Tuesday - 9-7-10

Bixby - 10 players. Jim French, Bob Kyker, Reed Kyker, Kelly Boyce, John Moore, Michael Childers, Jared Childers, Jacob Childers, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Monday - 9-6-10

Labor Day - 2 players. Alex Tupas, Manan Azhar (played for 1 hour).

Thursday - 9-2-10

Dawson - 6 players. Stephen Ackart, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Sat - 9-4-10

Table Tennis robot for sale: (from an email John Potochnik sent on 9-3) This is a new-in-box 2050. The 2050 is a programmable version of the 2040. Details are available at www.newgy.com. New this unit sells for $895 plus $50 to ship. The Wichita State University team won it at the College Nationals this past Spring and now I’d like to sell it to help finance the activities of this year’s team. You can contact me with further questions at pjphachantry@gmail.com or at 316-209-2684. This will come with full warranty just as if you'd bought it directly from Newgy. Shipping is free with the purchase. PJ Phachantry

Tuesday - 8-31-10

Bixby - 8 players. 1 first time out player - Cody B. Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton (only played 1 match due to illness), Brian Flinn (a Jenks soccer player), P.J. Cardwell (a Jenks student), Manan Azhar (left early), Fernando Prato.

Monday - 8-30-10

Dawson - 16 players. Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Brian Figg, Mike Hamby, Mats Johannson, David Kenny, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Fernando Prato, Steven Szabad, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang, John Moore.

Thursday - 8-26-10

Dawson - 11 players. Stephen Ackart, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, David Kenny, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Steven Szabed, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 8-24-10

Bixby - 11 players. Jim French, Kelly Boyce, Michael Childers, Jared Childers, Jacob Childers, Ted Hill, Fernando Prato, Martin Ndengang, Yee Yang, Manan Azhar, John Moore

Monday - 8-23-10

Dawson - 15 players. 1 player that was has been out to Dawson only one time (on 8-25-09) since moving to Tulsa - Brian Figg (rated 2057) (for more info on Brian, check the blog). Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Mike Hamby, Thomas Her, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge (joined the club!), Fernando Prato, Seth Sherrif, Steven Szabed, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang. Other news: Ray Pestridge joined the club!

Thursday - 8-19-10

Dawson - 12 players. Stephen Ackart, Manan Azhar, Thomas Her, Bob Kyker, Anthony Nguyen, Ray Pestridge, Nestor Prato, Fernando Prato, Seth Sherrif, Steven Szabad, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 8-17-10

Bixby - 10 players. 1 first time out player - Josh Ford (plays at the Lubbock table tennis club - rated 1513 and last played in a tournament on 1-31-09). Noman Malik, Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Darren Delaune, John Moore, Manan Azhar, Yee Yang, Jacob Herriman, Matt Wisnewski. Other news; Yee Yang paid his membership. Matt Wisnewski bought a new paddle from Paddle Palace. Jacob Herriman bought a new paddle from Paddle Palace. Manan Azhar has new rubber also. Josh Ford may move to Tulsa. No one is planning on going to any tournaments.

Monday - 8-16-10

Dawson - 12 players. Manan Azhar, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Anthony Nguyen, Nestor Prato, Nestor's son, Seth Sherrif, Steven Szabad, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Saturday - 8-14-10

Nestor Prato's picture was on the home page of Butterflyonline.com! (Nestor has been playing with the club recently) http://www.butterflyonline.com/ It is near the bottom of the page and it is a head shot of Nestor just above the words "Tournament tough". Click on the picture to see a full view of Nestor in action. (info courtesy of sharp eyed Alex Tupas).

Thursday - 8-12-10

Dawson - 14 players. Stephen Ackart, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Thai Diep, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Darrel Lucht, Anthony Nguyen, Ray Pestridge, Seth Sherrif, Steven Szabad, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 8-10-10

Bixby - 7 players. 2 first time out players - Istvan (Steve) Szabad (learned to play in Hungary - a penholder), Sam Agbasi (he played in some California clubs briefly). 5 regulars - Jim French, Kelly Boyce, Martin Ndengang, John Moore, Alex Tupas. Other news: John Moore got a new paddle from Megaspin. All-round blade with Mark V on one side and a $14 piece of rubber on the other side.

Monday - 8-9-10

Dawson - 11 players. 1 haven't been out in 8 years player - Istvan (Steve) Szabad (learned to play in Hungary). He last played when the club was at Eastland Mall in 2002. Chris Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Junaid Malik, Hugh Pham, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams

Monday - 8-9-10

From: Battenfield, Mike (city of tulsa maintenance) Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 2:49 PM Subject: : The air conditioner at Dawson is not working. It was repaired on Friday, but the thermostat was turned off to prevent it from running all the time. So it will be hot until it has a chance to cool the building down.

Thursday - 8-5-10

Dawson - 7 players. The air conditioner was not working. (The City of Tulsa has been notified). Stephen Ackart, Manan Azhar, Bob Kyker, Junaid Malik, Amol Mudhale, Hugh Pham, Alex Tupas.

Tuesday - 8-3-10

Bixby - 14 players. 2 first time out players - John Pope - just moved from Florida (and has table tennis strokes), PJ Cardwell (came with Brian Flinn). 1 haven't been out in a long time player - Brian Flinn 11 regulars - Melvin Norton, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Darren Delaune, Jared Childers, Jacob Childers, Michael Childers, Betty Bermudez, Manan Azhar, Hamid Ezzat, Kay Benyarko

Monday - 8-2-10

Dawson - 14 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Martin Ndengang, Ray Pestridge, Hugh Pham, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 7-29-10

Dawson - 8 players. 1 first time out player - Martin Ndengang Larry Buell, Thomas Her, Bob Kyker, Nestor Prato, Seth Sherrif, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 7-27-10

Bixby - 14 players. Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Yee Yang, Manan Azhar, Hamid Ezzat, Michael Childers, Jared Childers, Jacob Childers, Darren Delaune, Rocki, Tariq, Nestor Prator, Martin Ndengang, John Moore.

Monday - 7-26-10

Dawson - no info

Friday - 7-23-10

Tulsa Table Tennis T-shirts will be available soon for $20 to $25 each. Stephen Ackart is designing a T-shirt for the club. He has the rough draft with him now. As soon as he finishes the rough design, he will give it to a graphic artist (that Stephen knows) who will then create a finished look and who will then give it to the T-shirt manufacturer. The initial order with the T-shirt manufacturer is 20 shirts minimum. The club will purchase 20 shirts and anyone wishing to purchase a shirt can contact Stephen for the size. Anyone wishing to submit a competing design can do so or get with Stephen to give him additional ideas for the design he is working on now. If there are 2 designs that everyone likes, the club may purchase 20 shirts of each design.

Thursday - 7-22-10

Dawson - 8 players. Stephen Ackart, Larry Buell, Leonard Williams, Sydney Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Nestor Prato, Hamid Ezzat.

Wed - 7-21-10

The City of Tulsa just emailed me that the door was not locked (or locked and the door was not closed tight) last Thursday - 7-15 and someone opened the door after our club left and set off the alarm. I don't know who closed up last Thursday, but someone needs to find out who closed up and let them know what happened. The City also told this has happened several times over the last year. There is no issue more important for our club than this. Our club could lose our keys to Dawson if this happens again. Please let me know so I can provide feedback to the City of Tulsa about this.

Tuesday - 7-20-10

Bixby - 12 players. 3 first time out players - Ty Lankford (his daughter does gymnastics on Tuesday nights), Martin Ndengang (he played in Camaroon?), Ray Pestridge 9 regulars - Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, Jared Childers, Michael Childers, Darren Delaune, John Moore, Matts Johansson, Kay Benyarko.

Monday - 7-19-10

Dawson - no info. Waiting on Larry Buell to send the names.

Thursday - 7-15-10

Dawson - 11 players. Stephen Ackart, Larry Buell, Yee Yang, Manan Azhar, Leonard Williams, Alex Tupas, Nestor Prato, Thomas Her, Ray Pestridge, Betty Bermudez, Anthony Nguyen. (names from Stephen Ackart).

Tuesday - 7-13-10

Bixby - 17 players. 6 first time out players - 5 from the Centrilift Company - Jacob Herriman and Matt Wisnewski (both have been out to Dawson before) and they brought 3 Chinese employees ( ie Hu, He, Lu) who will be in Tulsa for 1-2 months. Also John Karamarczyk (goes to Kays church). 11 regulars - Jim French, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, Alex Tupas, Darren Delaune, Kay Benyarko, Judah Narh, Micheal Childers, Jacob Childers, John Moore, Zack Eldridge.

Monday - 7-12-10

Dawson - 13 players. 1 first time out player - Thomas Her (knows Yee Yang). Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Robert McKinney, Nestor Prato, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 7-8-10

Dawson - 13 players. 1 - first time out player - Nestor Prato (making his once a year trip to Tulsa from Venzuela) Stephen Ackart, Manan Azhar, Betty Bermudez, Larry Buell, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Yu Ohshima, Anthony Nguyen, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Wed - 7-7-10

Don Beckstrom from Wichita sent this email to Tulsa on 7-2-10: From: "donbeckstrom@cox.net" Subject: Challenge Looking to start a regional team challenge of some type. Wichita vs tulsa vs okc vs hutchinson vs salina/abilene. Any ideas or interest. Sanctioned or non-sanctioned. We would travel there or meet in okc or what ever works. Just putting out feelers for ideas? Thanks. Don Beckstrom. A team type tourney of some time (a & b teams if needed) Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Tuesday - 7-6-10

Bixby - 17 players. 5 first time out players - Corey Wilson (the dad), Ethan Wilson, Jared Wilson. Judah Narh (knows Kay from his church). Jerry Nabb from Santa Fe, New Mexico. 2 haven't been out in a long time players - Nestor (from Venzuela) and Tariq (from Pakistan). 11 regulars - Darren Delaune, Alex Tupas, Melvin Norton, Kelly Boyce, John Moore, Michael Childers, Jacob Childers, Jim French, Kay Benyarko, Rocki.

Monday - 7-5-10

Dawson - no players. The day after July 4th.

Thursday - 7-1-10

Dawson - 9 players. Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Yu Ohshima, Ray Pestridge, Khaled Shehada, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 6-29-10

Bixby - 6 players. Melvin Norton, Kelly Boyce, John Moore, Jim French, Darren Delaune, Kay Benyarko

Monday - 6-28-10

Dawson - 12 players. 2 first time out players - Reuben Agimudie (Nick's son - just watched only). Yu Ohshima (from OSU). 10 regulars - Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Don Beckstrom, Kyle Beckstrom, Bob Kyker, Reed Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams.

Saturday - 6-26-10

Larry's Buell's article on the Sooner State Games this weekend: 2010 Summer Sooner State Games June 26 Larry Buell The days of summer are sizzling, and so was the play at the Summer Sooner Games this year! . First to heat up and catch on fire was our own Steve Ackart. Steve has always had the tools to succeed, now he has paired those with a more insightful game strategy to begin climbing the ladder of Table Tennis success! . Steve played exceedingly well in both the U-1700s and U-1850s. I was not there to observe the U-1700s, but the results speak for themselves – Steve won this event! . Equally impressive, though, was his victory in winning the U-1850s. He battled out wins over 2nd place finisher John Noori (1611) and Warren Lemma (1617). John had been playing well, with a powerful forehand drive/smash and exceedingly tricky side-top corkscrew serves. Warren, who plays with LP BH, combined excellent control and occasional flip kills on his BH with powerful drive kills on anything up from his FH. Steve used his excellent service returns, daunting FH kills, and well-placed BH loop/drives to down each of these capable opponents. . Now I’ll inject a small (lol like that’s gonna happen) recap of my day: . Started off with a gut-wrenching loss to Chris Reid (1894) in the U-2000s losing 11-7 in the 5th (have gone up 2-0 in the match). Chris, a powerful loop/kill FH lefty, opened up trying to drive/kill my serves. This got him in early trouble, as I was able to vary the spin and keep him guessing (most often incorrectly). But in the 3rd game on, he did what every great player should be able to do, change a losing game plan to a winning one. He began to return my serves with soft, short flips to both sides of the table instead of going for winners, thus waiting for me to make the first move (read, error). I do so hate playing against a good slow-paced control game! His consistency out did my occasionally successful attack bursts, and he earned a well-deserved W. . I was so mentally fatigued by this, my next match in the U-2000s (against previously mentioned Warren Lemma), was a quick 3-0 loss, as I could not muster the patience and varied shot selection to overcome his consistent BH and rally killing FH. . I got some good coaching from Britt Salter after this (thanks Britt!) who pointed out to me I needed to play the patience game better with these type control players. So I applied this in good stead with my next U-2000 opponent, the aforementioned John Noori, for a 3-1 victory. . My first match in the Open singles was against eventual winner Jonathan Dorn (1998). He used an interesting combination of hard-bat BH, with a great spinny loop/kill FH. I managed to win the first game, using my serves/variety to good effect, but like the experienced player he is Jon adapted thru the rest of the match and straight-gamed me for a 3-1 win. . I next played David Hash (1632) in the Opens. David has a good wing game, but I was able to keep him a bit off balance with my serves and change of pace play, and managed a 3-0 win. Since the top two made it into the playoff round, I advanced to the semi-finals. . There, I met my nemesis Chris Reid again, and again we played to 5 games (I was up 2-1 at one point). However, he again returned to his previously successful style of soft top-spin placements in the 4th game until he could get an opening for his devastating kill drives from either wing, and he basically mopped me up in the last two games. . I proceeded to the consolation round for 3rd/4th, to play against Ankur Tangirala (rating not on USATT website). He was a very capable rally player, but had much difficulty reading my serves and this helped me to a 3-1 victory for 3rd place. . In the O-50s, I first played Steve Marks (1183), who’s game is improving in consistency and was able to read my serves better than prior engagements. I held on to win 3-0. . Next I faced Dale Goodman (1678), who has given me much trouble in the past with his corner-to-corner block-punch hits. However, Dale, like all of us, has his on/off days, and this day I was fortunate to come up the winner (my serves, patience, and wing loop/kills were effective this match). . Finally, I faced Warren Lemma again in what was effectively the finals. This time I was able to play with more patience, but Warren’s BH soft-touch consistency, great ability to return my serves, and snap-kill FH shots wide overcame me to win in 5. I was happy this late in the day to place 2nd! . The last event was a surprise entry for me, the U-3400 doubles. I say surprise because I had expected to play in it with Chris Agimudie (in fact, we had been practicing for 3 weeks for this event). Sadly, Chris was called into work Saturday and was unable to make the tournament. . During the tournament, Steve came to me and asked if I wanted to play in the doubles. I had not wanted to play with a complete stranger, because doubles is very much a team event, with coordination and compatibility key to success. However, Steve and I have played the occasional doubles at Dawson, and I was very receptive to this pairing. . We started off with what I believe was our toughest match (we were still feeling out positioning and expectations), against Khoa Bui (1655) and Tiffany Tran (1240). They played remarkably well together, and Tiffany’s rally savers and Khoa’s rally enders almost put an end to our doubles hopes. But Steve picked his kills carefully, using control to get us back into points, and my serves against Tiffany picked up enough winners that we were able to eke out a 3-2 win. . Our next match was against Dale Goodman and his daughter Aaranya (774). Aaranya played doubles much better than her rating would indicate, making many key returns and even winners against us! This is no doubt due to good coaching from her Dad! With more seasoning and patient progression, she is sure to blossom in the not-to-distant future! Dale’s punch blocks and wide wing hits were very effective at keeping them in points and often winning them outright, so Steve and I felt fortunate to emerge with a 3-1 win to get into the Finals. . Our last match of the (long but productive!) day was against Britt Salter (1684) and John Noori. By this time Steve and I felt very comfortable moving in tandem with each other. The combination of Steve’s awesome kill shots (a lot of oohs and ahs from the spectators on these!) and my serves (and even service returns) causing difficulty overcame the good serves of John and canny ball placement of Britt to give Steve and me the doubles championship 3-1. . Another in a long line of well-run, fun tournaments hosted by our sister club in OKC! Kudos to John Potochnik, who was tournament director, and the friendly and effective members of the OKC club, presided over by Britt, David Hash, and Larry Kesler . . The perfect ending to this day was a pleasant dinner with my son and his girlfriend in Norman, followed by a quiet, beautiful drive home along a turnpike turned rose by the setting sun. God is good! . Larry Buell

Saturday - 6-26-10

Results for the Sooner State Games that Stephen Ackart and Larry Buell attended are: 2010 SUMMER SOONER STATE GAMES RESULTS Table Tennis (USATT Rated Events) (info courtesy of Stephen Ackart) . GOLD SILVER BRONZE Under 1250 Singles: Jay Gustafson Tiffany Tran Ryan Bao . Under 1500 Singles: Tiffany Tran Soe Myat Swe Ryan Bao . Under 1700 Singles: Stephen Ackart Warren Lemma Joe B. Williams . Under 1850 Singles: Stephen Ackart John Noori Warren Lemma . Under 2000 Singles: Jonathan Dorn Chris Reid Warren Lemma . Open Singles: Jonathan Dorn Chris Reid Larry Buell . Over 50 Singles: Warren Lemma Larry Buell Dale Goodman . Under 3400 Doubles: Larry Buell & Stephen Ackart Britt Salter & John Noori Khoa Bui & Tiffany Tran . Ping-Pong (Non-Rated Events) Singles: Ronny Young John Gillette Kyle Williams There are several players in this tournament some of the players from the Tulsa club has probably never heard of. Below are comments about them from Stephen Ackart: John Potochnik was the tourney director! He was on top of everyone starting matches and finishing up round robins like he usually is. Jonathan Dorn (1998) - he was from Texas and frequents the Wesleyan Tourneys. He lives in Austin and played in the US Open last year. Very strong player and I think he was under rated at 1880, more like a 2000+ player Warren Lemma (1617) was another Texas player that had a coach with him from Wesleyan. I was one of his only 2 or 3 losses (I believe). Si-Dung Lam (1653) is an OKC player that I see a lot at tourneys and has beat me everytime in the past. It was nice to play him and beat him both times! :) Unkar (1700) is a Kansas player from the middle east. He was a strong player when he was on. The first match he beat me in 4 and then the 2nd one I beat him in a deuce 5th. Chris Reid (1893) is a Kansas player I have seen frequently as well. Next tourney he wants to play doubles with me if we can qualify without being over the rating limit. Our styles really click and he's a lefty. We hung out and talked frequently throughout the tourney. He is also the same exact height as me, our name would be the twin towers (We were joking about it all tourney if we played doubles). His wife or girlfriend was also there taking pics and she was very nice. John Noori (1611) is an OKC player. He is a good, consistent looper / driver that beats a lot of players above him. one of the nicest players at the whole tournament. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more on Stephen's tournament (from Stephen himself): Singles matches - didn't track doubles but me and Larry went undefeated Warren Lemma (1617) - Won - Long pips on back, inverted forehand - played like bob kyker Si-Dung Lam (1653) - Won - inverted both - very consistent Looper / Driver Joe b Williams (1648) - Won - Inverted Both - Semi aggressive looper / driver David Hash (1632) - Lost - Inverted both I think - Aggressive hitter / misdirection Sow Swe (1334) - Won - Inverted Both - Good strokes looper, has great potential Dale Goodman (1678) - Won - short pips on one side I believe - Misdirection / quick hitter Warren Lemma (1617) - Lost - Long pips on back, inverted forehand - played like bob kyker Dalton Daugherty (1615) -Won - Inverted Both - great strokes, looper Ryan Bao (1120) - Won - Still figuring out his game Si-Dung Lam (1653) - Won - inverted both - very consistent Looper / Driver Dalton Daugherty (1615) - Won - Inverted Both - great strokes, looper Jonathan Dorn (1998) - Lost - Inverted forehand, hard bat short pips backhand - Consistent looper with forehand, smashed everything backhand Unkar (1700) - Lost - Inverted both - consistent looper / killer John Noori (1611) - Won - aggressive looper / driver Dalton Daugherty (1615) - Lost - great strokes, looper Chris Reid (1893) - Lost - Aggressive looper / driver Unkar (1700) - Won - Inverted both - consistent looper / killer TOTAL: 11Wins - 6 Losses (May be a few more matches, started getting tired near the end and not tracking matches) Note - Larry's Buell's article to follow next!

Thursday - 6-24-10

Dawson - 11 players. 2 first time out players - Holly Tanner, Darren Delaune Betty Bermudez, Misty Berryhill, Hamid Ezzat, Bob Kyker, Reed Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Khaled Shehada, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams.

Tuesday - 6-22-10

Bixby - 10 players. 1 - 2nd time out player - Mohammad Malik. Played in a club in Pakistan. Alex Tupas, Allain Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, Stephen Ackart, Larry Buell, Jim French, Darren Delaune, Kay Benyarko. Other news: Only 3 Tulsa players are going to the Okla. City tournament this weekend. Stephen Ackart, Larry Buell, Chris Agimudie.

Monday - 6-21-10

Dawson - 12 players. 1 first time out player - Malek Mohammed (from McAlester) Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Betty Bermudez, Larry Buell, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Reed Kyker, Anthony Nguyen, Alex Tupas.

Monday - 6-21-10

Possible coaching clinic in Tulsa or Okla. City with Stellan Bengston? Bob Kyker writes: Mats has been attending some personal coaching with Stellan Bengston in San Diego, CA. and it looks like he has helped him tremendously. Stellan's coaching skills are good for all levels, from beginners to Persson and Waldner. In fact, Persson is coming to San Diego this summer for another 2 week session with him. Tulsa would like to see if we could get him in Tulsa for a clinic. His clinic for us would be divided into three groups to fit our levels, such as: up to 1400, 1400 to 1800, and 1800 up. The classes would be either two 2 and a half days at $300, probably over a week end or a five day one for $500. Stellan needs to have 14 sign up for either clinic and we can combine these with other clubs, say Okla City. I'm not completely sure about all the details, but Mats has been talking to him and he is interested in coming to Tulsa and/or Okla City. Stellan will also have one in Houston this fall. It would be good to have ours close to their time. for his travel expenses. I plan to go if we get him. Those interested at Dawson so far are Nicky, Chris, Reed, Mats, me and couple others. He tailors his sessions individually with each player to help them improve with their style, not necessarily his. I think he can make the path that we all want for maximum improvement in the shortest possible time. Let's find out who is interested at this time and see if we can get enough from Okla (and Kansas?) to get him here. To learn more about Stellan, his website is stellangie.com. Let me (Bob) and Mats know for more information.

Friday - 6-18-10

Below is a news story about the Okla. City club by the OK Gazette dated 12-16-09: Table tennis finds permanent home in metro as migrating enthusiasts settle near downtown Wednesday, December 16, 2009 By Charles Martin Table tennis is a sport indiscriminate of age, gender or background. Take a recent example seen at the Oklahoma City Table Tennis Club’s new facility at 1604 N.E. Eighth: An aged man breathlessly hobbled to one side of a table, paddle in hand, and looked across to his opponent, a lithe and athletic young man. The kid darted back and forth, jumping for shots and smacking them back at the old man with added style for emphasis. The old man’s game was more efficient, much slower and lacking much of any style, yet he matched the younger player’s boundless energy by steadily edging him out of position before finally smacking a perfect kill shot. Britt Salter, club president, and David Hash, vice president, both smirked as they watched the battle. "There are so many levels of table tennis, you can be a garage-style player all the way to a professional,” Hash said. "A 5-year-old to a 90-year-old man — anybody can do it, and the nice thing about competing at Ping-Pong, you can have an inexperienced 15-year-old in a tournament play older people at the same level. A 12-year-old can play a 44-year-old, as long as they are rated at the same level.”   Salter said the club has been around since the 1950s, but has bounced around from facility to facility until finally landing a permanent home. It took the club years of fund-raising to secure the new space, purchase 10 tables (at around $1,600 apiece) and three table-tennis robots, and fix up the building so it was fit for players. "We renovated the building when we got it,” Salter said. "It was really dark and dingy, so we put in some lights, painted the walls, cleaned up and painted the floor. We put in air conditioning and some bathrooms.” He hopes the club will help stir up more local interest in the game, which, according to the Web site of the Olympic movement, has more participants worldwide than any other sport. That diversity can be seen as players from all nationalities converge on the club. Salter said champions from all over the globe — including former Olympian from Ghana, Winfred Addy — belong to the club. That kind of skilled membership draws enthusiasts from across the region to get lessons and pit their game against the best.   One migrating player is a quiet teenager who shuffled into the club with a headband, track shorts and a gym bag full of equipment. Salter said the kid has driven from Weatherford regularly for the past year, and his game has improved dramatically. The key to becoming a good player is to diversify one’s skills, Salter said. To help get new players up to speed, the club holds tournaments for beginners on Monday nights. Entry into a tournament will initially be the entry into the club, which is $5 for adults and $3 for full-time students and those under 18. Playing in tournaments is beneficial, because it forces players to face unfamiliar opponents. "A lot of people will come up here with a buddy and stand six feet away from the table and loop back and forth,” he said. "Problem is, when they go to a tournament, they will have problems when they run up a guy who won’t give them a ball to loop, and they can’t make them because they don’t know how to do that.” That’s why older players who may have lost a few steps physically might still be able to top young guns with loads of energy. A seasoned vet can recognize and exploit one gaping hole in their game. "There are a lot of techniques and clever ploys a player will use,” Salter said. "Table tennis is a strength-versus-weakness game. If player A is playing player B and beats him every time, and then player B plays player C and beats him every time, that does not mean that player A will beat player C. It’s not algebraic, because there might be one thing that player C does that does not bother player B, but just tears up player A.” And just as the young man hopped around the table, lunging in desperation to save shots as he got worked over by the older man, Salter recalled his own introduction to the club years ago via an 80-year-old man named Wally. "Wally had rubber (on his paddle) that looked like Moses played with his paddle while parting the Red Seas. It was that old,” he said. "So I walked up to the table, thinking I was getting really good. Wally beat me like a drum about 40 or 50 times. And when I finally figured out how to beat him, it was a proud moment for me.” —Charles Martin

Thursday - 6-17-10

Dawson - no info

Tuesday - 6-15-10

Bixby - 4 players. 1 - hasn't been out in years player - Kay 3 regulars - Melvin Norton, Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce Other news: Players going to the Okla. City tournament on 6-26 - Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie (maybe), Larry Buell (maybe).

Monday - 6-14-10

Dawson - 15 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Reed Kyker, Anthony Nguyen, Ray Pestridge, Khoi Tran, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 6-10-10

Dawson - 14 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, William Broyles, Larry Buell, Zack Eldridge, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Bob Kyker, Reed Kyker, Khaled Shehada, Greg Widdowson, Leonard Williams.

Tuesday - 6-8-10

Bixby - 10 players. Shawn Ford, Darren Delaune, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Hamid Ezzat, Jim French, Michael Childers, Jared Childers, Jacob Childers, Betty Bermudez. Other news: The Childers will be moving permanetly to the Phillipines around Dec. Jacob and Jared Childers got very nice paddles from Paddle Palace. They sold their X-Box to pay for the paddles! Paddles are fast and responsive. Michael Childers got his paddle from Coles TT - one of the "Dawei Premade Buster" blades. Shawn Ford got a new paddle from Amazon.com. Hamid will not be going to the Okla. City tournament at the end of this month. He is enjoying his long pips rubber and giving most players fits with it. Shawn Ford travels alot and never knows when he will play.

Monday - 6-7-10

Dawson - 17 players. 1 first time out player - William Broyles - friend of Zack Eldridge. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Thomas Berryhill, Larry Buell, Zack Eldridge, Shawn Ford, Mike Hamby (joined the club tonight), Bob Kyker, Reed Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas, Greg Widdowson, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang. Other news: Mike Hamby joined the club tonight! Leonard Williams joined the club tonight (he has been an honorary member since the beginning) Chris Agimudie might go to the Okla. City tournament this month.

Monday - 6-7-10

Sooner State Games in Okla. City is the end of this month - June 26. Only Stephen Ackart is committed to going.

Thursday - 6-3-10

Dawson - 15 players. 2 first time out players - Josh Ford from Lubbock and Anthony Nguyen who just moved to Tulsa from Seattle, current rating - 1749. 13 regular players - Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Thomas Berryhill, Hamid Ezzat, Mike Hamby, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Reed Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Khaled Shehada. Other news: Players going to the Okla. city tournament on May 29 - Stephen Ackart only. Maybe Chris, maybe Bob.

Tuesday - 6-1-10

Bixby - 9 players. 1 first time out player - Anthony Nguyen. Played in the Seattle, Washington club and in the Paddle Palace tournaments. Current rating - 1749. His last tournament was 4/2008. He moved to Tulsa 2 weeks ago. However, he has not decided if he will live in Tulsa or Okla. City. 3 just joined the club for 6 months players - Michael Childers, Jared Childers, Jacob Childers. 5 other regular players - Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, John Moore, Corey Flaugher. Other news: The new barriers (4) looked great and dressed up the playing area. Also kept lets to a minimum. (Should have done this years ago).

Monday - 5-31-10

Dawson - Memorial Day - no play.

Friday - 5-28-10

Dawson - Players - please be sure to pay your $1.00 per night. According to Bob Kyker's Excel sheet, there have been 78 players since we started the $1.00 per night and so far Bob has collected $53. This is a new program for Dawson and so it will take a short time to get everyone going on this. Bob, can you start tracking the money and players beginning next week to see how the payments go for the next month.

Thursday - 5-27-10

Dawson - 9 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Taylor Carmona, Bob Kyker, Reed Kyker, Seth Sherrif, Leonard Williams. Other news: 4 barriers were taken from the Dawson center to be used at the Bixby. 3 of the long barriers - Donic (2) and the Newgy (the worst looking one). Also one Stiga was taken. This leaves 5 new barriers at Dawson and 4 Jim French barriers.

Wed - 5-26-10

Dawson - all 9 barriers are now set up. The Bixby club needs 3 or 4 of these barriers and the Dawson club needs to decide which 3 or 4 barriers to give to the Bixby club. Please email Kelly your decision and he will pick them up this Friday. Also, if someone wants to write a short critic about the barriers we can post that info so that if we want to buy more in the future we will know which brand to buy. Also, the plastic wall we recently bought to place against the ends of the stored tables (in order to keep kids from playing inside the tables and breaking the tables) was not installed tonight and was just hanging on the volley balls posts. Please make sure that wall is installed to keep the kids out of the tables. Also, place a Jim French barrier on the end of the last table to discourage kids from climbing under the end table (and getting inside the table, again to keep the kids from playing inside the tables).

Tuesday - 5-25-10

Bixby - 11 players. 3 first time out players - Michael Childers, Jered Childers (he is 20 months older than Jacob), Jacob Childers. They drive up from Tahlequah! Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Darren Delaune (he joined the club tonight!), John Moore, Yee Yang, Betty Bermudez, Rocky, Corey Flaugher Other news: Betty had an epiphany last Tuesday. Ask her and she will tell you about it. Corey Flaugher has now (after 6 years) developed his own winning style of play. Very effective strategy. Darren Delaune joined the club tonight!

Monday - 5-24-10

Dawson - 11 players. 1 - first time out player - David Smith. Visiting from Washington state. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Bob Kyker, Manan Azhar, Mike Hamby, Ray Pestridge, Khaled Shehada, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams. Other news: The Stiga and Tibhar barriers from Paddle Palace came in and will be at the club on Thursday.

Thursday - 5-20-10

Dawson - 11 players. Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Yee Yang, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Mike Hamby, Michael Childers, Jered Childers, Jacob Childers, Seth Sherrif, Hamid Ezzat. Other news: Larry Buell started the new rotation system of play. Details of this new play system are as follows: From Larry's comments on tonights play: We began using the new rotation system (high table plays one game, when finished all those in the lead move 1 table towards high table, those behind move away 1 table away). This seemed to catch on well, and kept the playing circulating with lots of different opponents/styles mixing it up in short order. By the middle of the evening, we began doubles on the 4th table and continue the rotation on the remaining three. We'll continue to evaluate this new rotation as we gain more experience with it. For more info on the rotation system: Table Rotation Alternative (proposal by Larry Buell) Currently, we have a rather 'loose' system of placing our paddles at a table we wish to challenge, winner stays up. This has several drawbacks, especially when there are good players at separate tables -- they never get to play each other (at least without significant downtime to wait). Also, when there are lots of people, sometimes the wait is 30 minutes or more with multiple paddles per table. Solution: Have all players choose one of the 4 tables to pair up at. They will only play one game. When the players at the highest designated table (in Dawson, the one to the North) completes one 11 point game (continue to decision if deuce), all play stops at all tables. The losers move 'down' (in Dawson, to south) one table, the winners (those who are in the lead at time designated table stops play, or if tied the one who wins the next point) advance (winner at designated table stays there). Players not initially at the 4 tables or who move down off the 4th table with a loss place their paddles in order on the 4th table. This will allow the better players to get more frequent opportunities to play one another, and also ensure rapid interleaving of 'sitting' players to get back into play frequently. We could opt to do this only when all tables are filled, or when a the players who are present choose to do this. ** Note to Tulsa players - if you want to voice your comments about this new rotational system, please email me your comments and I will include them on this forum.

Wed - 5-19-10

Update on the barriers/surrounds for the club: The following have been purchased in these quantities: Donic - 3 , Stiga - 2, Newgy - 1, Tibhar - 1, Joola - 2. . The price of the above: Donic - $34 each - delivered from Paddle Palace (27" x 91") (not full cover) (Germany company) Stiga - $25 each - delivered from Paddle Palace (27" x 78") (not full cover) (Sweden) Newgy - $37 each - delivered from Newgy (27" x 91") (full cover type) (Gallatin, Ten.) Tibhar - $35 each - delivered from Paddle Palace (27" x 91") (full cover type) (Slovenia) Joola - $30 each - delivered from Megaspin.net (29" x 79") (not full cover) (5.5 lbs) (Germany) . The Butterfly barriers were too expensive - $60 each so we did not buy any of these. (these purchases made available in part by Mats Johansson)

Tuesday - 5-18-10

Bixby - 8 players. Melvin Norton, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Jim French, Rocky (from Pakistan), Greg McCann, Betty Bermudez. Other news: Betty has not been out for a while because she was in a motorcycle accident with her boyfriend Ryan. Leonard Willams was once the 7th best hurdler in the USA (when he lived in Kansas) (we all knew, over the past many years, that Leonard was in better shape then the rest of us but we didn't know why). Leonard has also lost his "special members privileges" and should now be considered a regular player. Please do not consider Leonard "special" anymore. Jim French played remarkable well tonight surprising most players ( and mostly himself). Greg McCann is going for his Masters Degree (in Science and Business?) and so he may not be out much for the next 18 months. Greg has been out of college for 25 years(who knew, he certainly doesn't look it). Leonard is no longer coaching hurdling (and no longer has that strange and mysterious physical problem) and so he says he wants to start going to tournaments. Alex will not be going to the Nienhuis Park tournament on May 29 but Betty might. Nienhuis phone# 259-6550 - at 55th and Lynn Lane in Broken Arrow.

Monday - 5-17-10

Dawson - 11 players. 3 first time out players - Michael Childers (father) and his 2 sons - Jacob Childers and Jered Childers. 8 regulars - Larry Buell, Alex Tupas, Hamid Ezzat, Khaled Shehada, Sydney Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Thomas Berryhill. Other news: Larry said the new barriers looked and worked great. Larry also said "Jacob and Jered showed remarkable poise and ability for their first time!" The club has bought some Stiga and Tibhar barriers from Paddle Palace and will have them at Dawson next week. Nienhuis Park is having another tournament on May 29. The last tournament they had 15 players, many from the Tulsa club. Nienhuis phone# 259-6550 - at 55th and Lynn Lane in Broken Arrow.

Thursday - 5-13-10

Dawson - 10 players. Sydney Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Yee Yang, Larry Buell, Leonard Williams, Alex Tupas, Mike Hamby, Jacob Herriman, Matt Wisnewski, Manan Azhar. Other news; The barriers from Newgy and Paddle Palace came in and will be assembled and in place Monday.

Tuesday - 5-11-10

Bixby - 7 players. Darren Delaune, Jim French, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang, John Moore, Melvin Norton.

Monday - 5-10-10

Dawson - 8 players. Yee Yang, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Mike Hamby, Leonard Williams. Due to the tornando like storms all players went home early.

Monday - 5-10-10

The security wall has been installed at Dawson and anchored with 2 coded high security cables. This should keep kids from climbing inside the tables. Bob Kyker will train all players on how to attached and detach this cable. Also, barriers have been ordered from Paddle Palace and Newgy. We hope to have the barriers at Dawson next week.

Thursday - 5-6-10

Dawson - 9 players. 1 - 2nd time out player - Mike Hamby. 1 - 1st time out player - John Issis 7 regular players - Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Leonard Williams. Other news: Mats Johansson fixed the broken table tonight!!! (with the help from other members) Bob Kyker said the table is as good as new now. Kelly Boyce will be buying full cover barriers (full cover barriers cover the end legs also) tonight to place between the tables to help keep the balls inside each court. (with the money Matt saved the club we can now afford the better barriers). Only few brands carry the full cover type barriers - Tibhar ($35 each) and Newgy ($35 each - 27" x 92" dimensions). The brands that do not cover the end legs are Donic, Stiga, Kettler, Joola. Not sure about the Killerspin yet.

Thursday - 5-6-10

Update on the Dawson table issue and barrier issue. The Ozarks club only has 1 table left (and you can be sure it is the table in the worst shape). Therefore, it looks like the club will be buying a Stiga Elite Roller. For a barrier around the tables, a trellis might work well enough to keep kids from climbing inside the tables. We can buy a few and simply tie them together. We will check with Home Depot, Lowes and Sutherlands for trellis's and possibly they may have other ideas on light weight fencing. The club will also be buying some table surrounds/barriers. We will buy one of each type at Paddle Palace to see how they perform before buying many.

Wed - 5-5-10

On buying a table for Dawson, the search, so far, comes down to: A Stiga Elite Roller at Paddle Palace for $1100 delivered (Dawson has one now). Weighs 332 lbs or a Stiga Prestige that the Ozarks table tennis club has for sale for $400, our pickup in Springfield, MO. Weighs 304 lbs Springfield had 6 tables and I emailed Bill Lewis for additional info. For a picture and info on the Stiga Prestige - http://www.robbinstabletennis.com/T8283.htm for info about the Ozarks club: http://ozarkstabletennisclub.com/

Tuesday - 5-4-10

Bixby - 6 players. Darren Delaune, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Melvin Norton, Sydney Agimudie, Chris Agimudie. Other news: No one is planning on going to any tournaments (even Chris). Darren just bought a new paddle from Coles TT. He paid $30 for it and it is fast. The best $30 paddle I have ever seen. It is a Dawei Superior Wood blade with Dawei Super Power rubber. The club may buy a few of them for loaner paddles for new players. The club may make a decision tonight about what table to buy for the Dawson club. The type of table will be posted on this blog to solicit opinions about it before actually buying it.

Monday - 5-3-10

Dawson - 9 players. 1 first time out player - Mike Hamby Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Bob Kyker, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams.

Sat - 5-1-10

Idea for a wall around the tables at Dawson: Bob Kyker had an idea about using plywood attached together with hinges. To expand on his idea, how about buying 4 ' x 4' pieces of 1/4" plywood and laying them in a straight line so you have the plywood on the floor being 4' x 16' long. Then attached each piece together with hinges. In order to fit the width and length of the space where we store the tables we will need to cut some of the plywoods pieces down to maybe 2' wide to better fit the space. The plywood can be painted the same color as the walls at Dawson so they do not look to noticable. We may want to use 5' tall pieces of plywood to better cover the tables and keep kids from climbing over it. We could drill 2 holes (about 10" apart) on each end of this portable plywood wall and thru these holes run a chain and lock and run them thru the legs of the folded tables. We may also want to cover the tables with table covers from Paddle Palace. To keep water from soaking into the bottom of the wall (and ruining the wall), we will need to have something to attached to the bottom of the wall to keep it off the floor. Maybe rubber feet of some kind.

Thursday - 4-29-10

We have added 4 new pages to the bottom of our home page to help gather the info Tulsa will use to decide what tables, barriers and table covers to buy. Those pages are: (38) Barriers Tulsa might buy - click here (39) Tables Tulsa might buy - click here (40) Table covers Tulsa might buy - click here As we gather info from many sources (ie Paddle Palace, EBay, Craigslist, etc) we will add that info to these pages until the club decides to purchase the equipment. The 4th web page - "Space used by the Tulsa table tennis club" is a new web page and the link will at the bottom on the home page as (23 A).

Thursday - 4-29-10

Dawson - 6 players. Bob Kyker, Stephen Ackart, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Wed - 4-28-10

Dawson - since the City of Tulsa will be renting out the Dawson building, our tables are in an exposed position and subject to damage. The club had a table destroyed recently because kids were climbing on and inside of one of the tables. To prevent this, the club needs to buy/build some kind of portable wall to place around the tables. A wall maybe 6' high. If any players have any idea how to do this or where to buy something like this, please contact the club.

Tuesday - 4-27-10

Bixby - 7 players. 1 - 2nd time out player - Darren Delaune. He ordered a paddle from Coles TT. John Moore, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Taylor Carmona, Betty Bermudez - she joined the club tonight!!, Yee Yang. Other news: Betty said she will email a story about her attending the Nienhaus tournament on 4-24. (She said she will write it and send it to be published on this blog on Wed - 4-28). Stephen Ackart and Kelly Boyce will research and buy a table for the Dawson club. Before the table is bought, we will list the table and other info on this blog to see if anyone objects or has a reason not to buy that table. The club will buy some barriers (professional type) for the Dawson and Bixby clubs to be used between the tables only (not to surround any tables). 3-4 for Bixby and 3-4 for Dawson might be enough.

Tuesday - 4-27-10

Lucy Dolman from the Tulsa Parks dept called me today. The parks dept. wants to charge the Tulsa Table Tennis club per quarter (every 3 months).. I agreed to this. The agreement starts in 1 week. Someone at Dawson will have to start collecting $1.00 per night per person at Dawson from the players for as long as we play at Dawson. (This will be in addition to the club's $40 per year membership). I also asked Lucy about if there were other centers our club could move to. She said there are now 8 City of Tulsa centers left open and will probably be down to 5 centers in the future. The 5 that will be left, some are art centers, not recreation centers and the few recreation type centers will be difficult to find openings in and with enough storage space to store our tables.

Monday - 4-26-10

Dawson - 16 players. 3 first time out players - Pamela Berryhill (mother of Thomas), Thomas Berryhill Sr. (father of Thomas), Jim Lundine (friend of Mats from Canada). 13 regular players - Sydney Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Thomas Berryhill (paid his $40 membership tonight!! ), Larry Buell, Taylor Carmona, Hamid Ezzat, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang. Other news: Leonard Williams will attend the Dawson Assoc. meeting tomorrow night. Taylor Carmona is looking for a ride to the Springfield, Missouri tournament on May, 29.

Monday - 4-26-10

The Nienhuis Park director just emailed that they do not have the room to store our tables and so the club will not be moving to Nienhuis park.

Sat - 4-24-10

As an incentive to lure the Dawson players to Nienhuis Park on Wed. and Friday nights, the club will propose the following. No cardboard barriers will be used at Nienhuis. The club will purchase 3' high professional type vinyl barriers, enough to surround each table - 15' x29' minimum. Also, we will start charging $3 (or $4) per night to play and drop the yearly membership. The money will be collected by the center staff prior to playing.

Friday - 4-23-10

I went by Nienhuis Park tonight and talked to Thor Rooks. He said he thinks he can make enough storage room for 6 tables but to check with him next week. He will have to throw some things away to make room for our 6 tables. He said the gym is getting new light fixtures and brighter lights in May. I told him I think our club will commit to Nienhuis park on Wed's and Friday's if most of the Dawson players will agree to start playing at Nienhuis instead of Dawson. Will someone at Dawson take a vote next Monday and Thursday to see who will and who will not play at Nienhius. If too many people will not play at Nienhuis then we may not move the club.

Friday - 4-23-10

"Space used by the Tulsa table tennis club" is a new web page and the link will at the bottom on the home page as (23 A). This page will show how much footage of playing space the club currently uses for our tables at Bixby and Dawson. This info will be used as a spacial reference when looking for new places to play in order to get an idea how much space is needed for setting up tables. At Dawson: the usable area (ie the area between the cardboard barriers) is: Usable width now is 49' (55' from wall to wall - north to south) and we set up 4 tables but it is somewhat cramped. The recommend width for club usage, according to the USATT would be 60' minimum (15' per table) for 4 tables. For tournament play, the width should be 100' (25' per table) For the distance behind the tables, the usable width now (for the larger part of the room - the distance between the chair caddies and table caddies on the north end of the room) is 29' (from wall to wall is 36' - east to west) and this distance is fine for most players except choppers. The usable footage of the shorter part of the room behind the tables is 26' (from wall to wall is 30'). The USATT recommends 29' for a club table playing area and 39' for tournaments. A folded table is 5' long and 28" wide and 6' 3" high. However, by interweaving the tables together, you can get 4 tables in a space 5' x 8'. The cardboard we use is 4' high. Nienhuis Park: The large meeting room is 32' x 49' (the same width as Dawson but more room behind the tables). Only 3 tables can be set up here. The recreation room is 26' x 37' (only 2 tables can be set up). The distance behind the tables is the same as Dawson in the smaller part of the room (which means this area is too small for serious play).

Friday - 4-23-10

More on Neinhaus park - Only nights to use 1/2 of the gym are Wed. and Friday nights. The gym is tied up on Monday nights with volleyball leagues and Zumba. On Tuesday, Wed. and Thursday nights, they are for open volleyball and basketball. Wed. nights and Friday nights are open basketball and volleyball now but they will give table tennis half the gym because Wed. and Friday are slow nights. The 1 large meeting room is open Monday, Wed, and Fridays (Tue and Thursdays are used by Karate). However, if a group wants to rent out the meeting room, we would get bumped. There is a general recreation room with 2 ping pong tables, foos ball table, pool table that is always available but we would have to move the equipment out of the way to set up our tables. So, to use the gym we would have to play on Wed. and Fri nights.

Friday - 4-23-10

Update on Neinhaus park. Is the largest community center I have ever seen. (the entire park complex is located on an area that is 3/4 mile long). (They call them community centers now, not recreation centers). Brand new place. The gym is 2 gyms in one and they have a curtain to seperate the 2 halfs from each other so they can have 2 programs at the same time in the gym. They also have 2 large rooms we could put up to 4 tables in each one if the gym is not available the nights we choose to play. Neinhaus is open from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM each day. I talked yesterday - Thursday (for about 30 minutes) - to the center director - Thor Rooks (he is in his 20's and has been there for only 1 year) and he was very interested in starting up any new program for his center as long as it is open to the general public. The center does not have alot of storage areas and storing the tables may require scattering a table or 2 in some of the rooms throughout the building. Center phone# 259-6550

Thursday - 4-22-10

Dawson - 8 players. Sydney Agimudie, Betty Bermudez, Larry Buell, Taylor Carmona, Hamid Ezzat, Bob Kyker, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 4-22-10

The Broken Arrow Community Center - Nienhuis Park - on Lynn Lane between 51st and 61st - wants to start a table tennis program and they want our club to move there and they will not charge us to play. We can play almost any night we want, 2 nights a week is fine.

Tuesday - 4-20-10

Bixby - 9 players. 1 first time out player - Darren Delaune Manan Azhar, Kelly Boyce, Betty Bermudez, Alex Tupas, Taylor Carmona, Jim French, Corey Flaugher, John Moore. Other news: Manan had a sheet of Inspirit rubber he bought 3 months ago that turn to glass. Manan doesn't know why the one sheet is slick and hard now. Betty Bermudez wants to commit herself to more table tennis (and wants to beat the 3 girls of Oklahoma City).

Monday - 4-19-10

Dawson - 10 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Betty Bermudez, Larry Buell, Taylor Carmona, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Leonard Williams.

Thursday - 4-15-10

Dawson - 7 players. 1 first time out player to Dawson - Betty Bermudez Stephen Ackart, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Taylor Carmona, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker.

Tuesday - 4-13-10

Bixby - 6 players. Melvin Norton, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Corey Flaugher, Jim French, Taylor Carmona.

Monday - 4-12-10

Dawson - 13 player. 2 first time out players - Greg Shear and Ben Stinnett. Also, Manan Azhar, Thomas Berryhill, Larry Buell, Taylor Carmona, Hamid Ezzat, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Monday - 4-12-10

Funeral info on Stefan Zolarek (provided by Hamid). There is going to be a viewing all day on Wed. April 14th from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and the funeral services are going to be on Thursday April 15th at 2:00 PM. Location for both is: Mobley Dodson Funeral Service 211 E Broadway Street Sand Springs, OK 74063 . (Note - The club has added a "Notices" web page for any wishing to add their thoughts about Stefan). . Also, from Hamid Ezzat: Stefan Zolarek (08/23/1953 – 04/09/2010) Stefan was a private man and he always acted grumpy and sounded grumpy too but he was a gentle man for those who got close enough to him and got to know him. He would not make friends very easily but he would do anything for his friends. He loved fishing and camping and we used to fish and camp together all the time. He was a family man and cared a lot for his daughter Christine and his granddaughter Claudia and his son in law Aaron Elmore and his sister Maria. He was a great table tennis and soccer player and was active in both sports until 8 to 10 years ago. Unlike some table tennis players who have to have a special paddle to play with, he could play with any paddle and sometimes he challenged people and played with his slippers or a very small paddle that he made himself (about 4 inches in diameters). Stefan was a great friend to me and I am sure going to miss him and also miss his favorite greeting phrase which was "hey buddy”…

Friday - 4-9-10

Tulsa player Stefan Zolarek passed away today due to cancer. Stefan played mostly in the 1980's and 1990's and his last tournament was in 1999. Stefan was very active with the Tulsa table tennis club during that time (rated over 2000). Stefan played in many tournaments in and around Oklahoma and those lucky enough to go to tournaments with him knew how much fun he was to go with. I, Kelly Boyce, went to many tournaments with Stefan and enjoyed going with him alot. He could be alittle short tempered and cranky but he always was fun to be around (at least with me he was). I remember he had a table set up at an apartment complex he used to work at on 21st street and many Tulsa players would meet there and play with Stefan and we all had some of the best times there playing table tennis. I played Stefan many times in tournaments and I never beat him. However, I also never had so much fun losing to someone like I did to Stefan. The club will create a web page called "Notices" on our home page and list any info we receive about Stefan on that page. Anyone wishing to email us about Stefan, we will add to that web page.

Thursday - 4-8-10

Dawson - 6 players. Stephen Ackart, Manan Azhar, Taylor Carmona, Bob Kyker, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Wed - 4-7-10

Update on the Dawson situation. Lucy Dolman from the City of Tulsa parks dept called me today and said she rec'd the liability insurance certificate and she will look it over and get back to me next week or so.

Tuesday - 4-7-10

Bixby - 6 players. Melvin Norton, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Hamid Ezzat, John Moore, Taylor Carmona.

Monday - 4-5-10

Dawson - 11 players. Thomas Berryhill, Larry Buell, Taylor Carmona, Hamid Ezzat, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Hugh Pham, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang. Other news: Shawn Ford left his snow board at Dawson on 3-23-10.

Monday - 4-5-10

Dawson - info to follow later. Update on the Dawson situation: As soon as the club gets a new insurance liability cert from the USATT and we give it the city of Tulsa and they approve it, we will ask the City of Tulsa if they will accept $1.00 per person per night for rent. I will ask the City of Tulsa if they have other centers available which we may relocate. I will also ask the Tulsa County parks dept. to see if they have any centers open. The County parks do not charge rent.

Friday - 4-1-10

Update on the Dawson changes. Kelly Boyce talked today to Lucy Dolman-director of parks and recreation dept.- for all building rentals. She said all groups that use the building will have to meet the City's requirements which include signing contracts for any group that uses a city building, key deposit of $100 per key (fortunately we only have one key). Liability insurance (which we have, fortunately). All groups have to pay something to the city to use their buildings. The amount the club will pay is unknown and she asked me to ask the club members how much they want to offer to the city to use the building. The next step will be to get her proof of the club's liability insurance (which I requested from the USATT today) and then I will meet with her (she offered to come out to the club and talk there or meet her at her office in downtown Tulsa in the new building the city moved into recently - I think it is called the OTS building) and discuss how much money to pay. If she accepts our offer of money, we can then sign the contracts the city has and be "good for the next 10 years". (Thanks to Leonard Williams for attending the 3-30-10 - Tuesday Dawson meeting and providing the contact info for Lucy).

Thursday - 3-31-10

Dawson - 8 players. Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Taylor Carmona, Hamid Ezzat, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 3-30-10

Bixby - 9 players. Betty Bermudez, Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Johnny McClanahan, Manan Azhar, Taylor Carmona, Greg McCann, Corey Flaugher.

Tuesday - 3-30-10

Bernie at the Dawson Assoc. said there is a meeting tonight at 6:00 PM. (I have not been able to contact Leonard). The Tulsa Parks have taken over the building and may start charging rent. Hope Leonard can make the meeting tonight.

Tuesday - 3-20-10

Larry Buell's article on the Sooner Games he attended on Sat. - 3-27-10 OKC Spring Teams Report (3600 limit top two) 3/27/10 Larry Buell Team events, especially in traditional Davis Cup format (best 3/5 matches, 2 singles/doubles/2 singles) can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. This Tournament proved to be no exception! Chris Agimudie (1614) and I (1627) had decided to play together this year. Due to a potential scheduling conflict (Chris had to leave around 5 PM for a wedding), we asked our friends at the OKC club to find us a third member. They did, and it proved to be a propitious wedding of circumstance and opportunity! Our third member, Ousama Moammar (1435), hails from Lawton (about 95 miles SW of OKC for those of you geographically challenged like I am). He has not had an opportunity to play much, either in club or tournament settings, but I have a feeling after his stellar performance at this event that may soon change! The format of this tournament was to gather the 12 teams into 4 groups of 3 each in the first half of play. The teams would then be placed into 3 groups of 4 each in the second half based on first half results. In our first match we faced quick of hand and laughter Don Beckstrom (1988) and his rapidly improving son Kyle (1555). In this match, Chris opened up against Don and Ousama against Kyle. While Chris came close to downing Don in 2 of his 3 games, he succumbed 3-0. Ousama in the meanwhile took long-pips BH Kyle to 9 in the 5th. This to me was a tremendous accomplishment, for someone who rarely sees long pips! Chris and I have been practicing doubles these past few weeks, especially in coordinating our movement since we both return serve right-handed. This practice paid off in helping us defeat Don and Kyle 3-0 in the doubles. Don and Kyle came back in the 2nd half of singles and took the tie. Our next tie was against Tiffany Tran (1189) and Khoa Bui (1753). I played Tiffany first. She had a fine counter game both forehand and backhand, but still needs seasoning on reading serves. My serves thus served up a 3-0 win for me. Chris played Khoa next. Khoa had a fine forehand loop/kill game, and was able to smack enough winners to get by Chris 3-1. In doubles Chris and Ousama played, and though Ousama has not had much doubles experience he proved a quick learner as he and Chris managed a key win. In the second half, Chris was able to overcome Tiffany 3-0. Because he played the 5th game and finished before Khoa and I, this still counted. In my match against Khoa, Chris provided me some much needed advice, telling me to focus deep to his backhand, and not give Khoa time to run around it for his trademark forehand kill. Then, to follow this up with running around my BH for my wannabe trademark forehand putaway. This, in addition to my serves creating some confusion for Khoa, enabled me to a surprising 3-1 win, and our team won this tie. This placed us into the B division in the afternoon. Our first match in the B’s had us facing Bob Cockerham (1778), a fine hardbat player, and Bob Gay (1419), both out of Topeka, KS. Ousama first played Bob C, and found the hard bat style as tough as we all do, losing 3-0. I played Bob G well, winning that match. Chris and Ousama then lost a tightly fought doubles match. In the second half, Ousama showed increasing confidence in his play against Bob G, and won his match. I faced Bob C, and although I took him to 8 in the 5th, had too many net balls resulting from over-reacting to his hard hits as though they had top-spin (which they of course did not). So we lost in a close 3-2 tie. Our next matchup had us facing Mohammed Alsadah (1667) and John Savage (1774) of Texas. John is a tall, lanky hitter and Mohammed was a swift moving counter puncher. Here my notes get a bit sketchy (so sue me!). I ended up winning my match against John 3-1, my serves again serving me well. My match against Mohammed was far tougher, as he quickly figured out how to read my serves and that setup a rally game where we traded winners continuously. Again, both Ousama and Chris provided much-needed coaching and encouragement, helping me tough out a 11-9 win in the fifth with a few FH cross court loop/kills from deep on my BH side to his BH side. We won this tie to move on to our last tie. Our final tie of the day had us facing Jerry Gustafson (1685) and Chris Reid (1789). I played Chris first, and got a bit overconfident when my serves led me to an 11-3 win in the first game. Chris adjusted throughout the remainder of the match, pushing my serves back rather than trying to drive/kill them. This again set up a rally-type match, and Chris’ superior mobility and deadly forehand drive/kills mopped me up 3-1. Chris A managed a straightforward win against Jerry (sorry, didn’t track the score). Chris and Ousama then had what was probably the most exciting and rewarding doubles match of our day, when they came back from being down to win their doubles 3-2 at 11-9. The key shot in the 5th game came at 9-9, when Ousama slammed a terrific forehand for a clear winner, giving he and Chris both confidence and momentum. There were enthusiastic hugs all around after this hard-fought victory! I felt Ousama’s progress during the tournament outstanding, and he evinced a positive spirit and team-oriented attitude that was a real boost to our success. In the 2nd half, Chris A then faced Chris R. Chris R’s terrific and sadly reliable forehand kill shot on anything up or long was used to great advantage and won that match 3-1 for him. I played Jerry, who fortunately for me had a hard time reading my serves, and won that match 3-1, ending in a 3-2 win for us. The results all in, we ended up in a 3-way tie for first in our B division. So it came down to counting games, and out of all the games played that afternoon (I estimated over 48 for our team alone) the tiebreaker went to the Topeka Bobs – by 1 game. Our Tulsa/Lawton team came in a solid second, and we were rewarded with a welcome $50 for our efforts (split 3 ways, pretty much paid our entry fees!). I would like to commend our OKC club (President Britt Salter, VP David Hash, and Referee Larry Kesler, soon off to Austria for more international fun, as well as the other club members) for putting on a very well-run tournament, which finished well ahead of our expectations and saw us braving the newly dampened highways home by 5 PM.

Monday - 3-29-10

Dawson - 8 players Hamid Ezzat, Nick Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Mats Johansson, Ray Pestridge, Taylor Carmona and Alex Tupas

Sunday - 3-28-10

4 videos of Tulsa players were uploaded to YouTube by Alex Tupas. To view, click on the links below just under the "Join our Newsletter" box.

Thursday - 3-25-10

Dawson - 10 players. 2 first time out players from Claremore - Jacob Herriman and Matt Wisnewsky 8 regular players - Stephen Ackart, Zaeen Afzal, Sydney Agimudie, Hamid Ezzat, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Hugh Pham, Ray Pestridge. Other news: No word about the new table Bob Kyker will be buying for the Dawson club. Only 2 Tulsa players still going to the Okla. City tournament this weekend.

Tuesday - 3-23-10

Bixby - 11 players. 1 first time out player - Sean Ford. Just moved to Tulsa from Lousiana. Played alot of tennis in college. He travels alot and may not show up to play much. Very strong and fast (but undiscipled) forehand drive. 10 regular players - Jim French, Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Larry Buell, Betty Bermudez, Melvin Norton, Mats Johansson, Manan Azhar, Corey Flaugher. Other news: Tulsa players going to the Oklahoma City tournament this weekend - Larry Buell and Chris Agimudie only. Both playing together.

Monday - 3-23-10

Dawson - 17 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Thomas Berryhill, Larry Buell, Taylor Carmona, Samer Chaar, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Antonio Lewis, Robert McKinney, John Moore, Hugh Pham, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams. Other news: Bob Kyker just reached a milestone. He has played in 80 sanctioned tournaments since 1994. This maybe the most tournaments of any other player in Oklahoma. Bob started playing tournaments in 1976. No word from Bob Kyker on getting the new table.

Thursday - 3-18-10

Dawson - 7 players. One - haven't been out in a long time player - Taylor Carmona. He has been at OU and OSU for the last 2 years (the last tournament he went to was a Hutchinson tournament with Bob Kyker, Stephen Ackart and Kelly Boyce). Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Bob Kyker, Johanny McClanahan, Leonard Williams. Other news: Bob Kyker is going to buy a new table soon (could be anyday now).

Tuesday - 3-16-10

Bixby - 7 players. Johnny McClanahan, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, Stephen Ackart, John Moore, Corey Flaugher, Jim French. (Johnny and Corey came in at 8:00 PM !) Other news: Johnny just got a new paddle from Coles TT. Very nice. With Six Shooter and Inspirt rubber on a Quattro blade. Paid $47 for it.

Monday - 3-15-10

Dawson - 6 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Antonio Lewis, Leonard Williams. Other news: Dawson will be getting a new table to replace the broken table. Bob Kyker is researching the new table now.

Thursday - 3-11-10

Dawson - 9 players. Stephen Ackart, Ray Pestridge, Matts Johansson, Hugh Pham, Leonard Williams, Larry Buell, Sydney Agimudie, Seth Sherrif, Zaeen Afzal. Other news: Stephen Ackart will not be going to the Okla. City tournment on 3-27 due to his 1 year wedding anniversary being that weekend.

Tuesday - 3-9-10

Bixby - 6 players. 2 first time out players - Billy Wallace (he used to play with the club about 7 years ago), Johnny McClanahan. 4 regular players - Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, John Moore, Betty Bermudez. Other news: Kelly Boyce and Stephen Ackart will be playing in the Okla. City team tournament on 3-27-10.

Monday - 3-8-10

Dawson - 12 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Thomas Berryhill, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Bob Kyker, Hugh Pham, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Sunday - 3-7-10

For a YouTube video of a doubles match between Alex Tupas, Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie and Sydney Agimudie (with Bob Kyker and Kelly Boyce playing in the background) during the 2010 Sooner State Games in Jan, 2010 (taken and added to YouTube by Alex Tupas)(this link is added to our permanent links (at the bottom of our home page) for future reference) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6iFlqHuniU

Thursday - 3-4-10

Dawson - 10 players. 1 first time out player - Shawn Ford. Zaeen Afzal, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Bob Kyker, Johnny McClanahan, Hugh Pham, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Leonard "crowd control" Williams. Other news: Leonard Williams stepped up to the plate tonight and helped control a rowdy crowd.

Tuesday - 3-2-10

Bixby - 6 players. 1 first time out player - Hugh Pham Jim French, Corey Flaugher, Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Chris Agimudie. Other news: Special note to the Dawson club: the next time your club plans on sending a ringer out to try to take out the Bixby players (ie Hugh), please let the Bixby club know in advance.

Monday - 3-1-10

Dawson - 15 players. 1 first time out player - Johnny McClanahan Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Thomas Berryhill, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Bob Kyker, Hugh Pham, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang, San Z.

Friday - 2-26-10

Results from the Sooner State Winter games held 1-23-10 are now posted on the USATT.org web site. To view: http://www.usatt.org/history/rating/history/

Thursday - 2-25-10

Dawson - no info

Wed. - 2-24-10

Message from Bob Kyker: I will not be at Dawson this Thur or next Mon.; could someone else get the player roster. I also have a black thermal shirt, a pair of tennis shoes, an elastic knee brace, and an elastic elbow brace that people have left. I will bring them next thur (3.4.10). I guess I am the only one from Tulsa going to Wichita this Sat.

Tuesday - 2-23-10

Bixby - 7 players. Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Hamid Ezzat, John Moore, Melvin Norton, Betty Bermudez, Manan Azhar.

Tuesday - 2-23-10

Leonard Williams will be attending the Dawson Neighborhood Assoc. meeting tonight.

Monday - 2-22-10

Dawson - 14 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Corey Flaugher, Bob Kyker, Hugh Pham, Ray Pestridge, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang, San Z. Other news: No one is going to the Wichita tournament this weekend (or any tournament).

Sunday - 2-21-10

152 photos of Tulsa players have been added from the Sooner State Winter games held 1-23-10. To view - click on "photos".

Thursday - 2-18-10

Dawson - 9 players. Sydney Agimudie, Hamid Ezzat, Corey Flaugher, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Yee Yang, San Z., Hugh Pham (just graduated from OU and is working in Tulsa at BOK).

Tuesday - 2-16-10

Bixby - 9 players. 1 - first time out player - Wes Harwell Manan Azhar, Jim French, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang, Corey Flaugher, Khaled Shehada, Melvin Norton. Other news: No one is planning on going to any tournaments.

Monday - 2-15-10

Dawson - 14 players. 2 first time out players - Wes Harwell, Mami Mannell (from England) 12 regular players - Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Thomas Berryhill, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, John Moore, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang, San Z.

Thursday - 2-11-10

Dawson - 8 players. Zaeen Afzal, Thomas Berryhill, Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Khaled Shehada, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 2-9-10

Bixby - 12 players. Amol Mudhale, Kelly Boyce, John Moore, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Ben Bass, Khaled Shehada, Corey Flaugher, Melvin Norton, Betty Bermudez.

Monday - 2-8-10

Dawson -13 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Ben Bass, Thomas Berryhill, Hamid Ezzat, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang, Manan Azhar, David Bailey, Nathan Littledave (paid $40), San Z., Bob Kyker. Other news: Bob Kyker is going to the Wichita tournament on 2-27 with George Taplin and Rob Sharp. There total rating is 5192 and the tournament has a rating limit of 5200 for 3 people. Nicky, Chris and Sydney might go also.

Saturday - 2-6-10

Stephen Ackart went to the Oklahoma City club on Saturday around 2:00 PM but there was no one there except Britt Salter who was watching the front desk.

Thursday - 2-4-10

Dawson - 9 players. Zaeen Afzal, Ben Bass, Larry Buell, Yee Yang, Manan Azhar, Alex Tupas, David Bailey, Seth Sherrif, Bob Kyker.

Tuesday - 2-2-10

Bixby - 12 players. 1 - joined the club tonight player - San Z ! 2 - haven't been out in years players - Rick Fraley, Blake Fraley. (Blake just graduated from OSU). 9 regular players - Yee Yang, Kelly Boyce, Hamid Ezzat, Alex Tupas, Betty Bermudez, Melvin Norton, Corey Flaugher, Bo Brewer, John Moore. Other news: Yee Yang said he has lost his tournament spirit he had from the last Sooner State Games he went to and doesn't know how to get that spirit/drive/attitude back. No one is planning on going to any tournaments. Betty Bermudez says she wants to be the next Oklahoma womens state table tennis champion. She saw her competition on Okla. City (3 women) and she thinks she can take them out with some more training.

Monday - 2-1-10

Dawson - 11 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Ben Bass, Thomas Berryhill, Mats Johansson, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Manan Azhar, Bob Kyker.

Monday - 2-1-10

So who is Michael Landers? Click below to find out. http://www.usatt.org/news1/landers_today_show.shtml . For a video of Michael Landers by the NBC Today's show: click below http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/35142696#35142696 . Oct. 6, 2009: Whether you call it ping pong or table tennis, this indoor sport has never been more popular. NBC's Amy Robach reports click below http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&brand=msnbc&fg=&vid=d19597e0-4a47-4539-954b-07b7bb6bc50f&from=00

Thursday - 1-28-10

Dawson - 5 players.(big ice storm hit Tulsa tonight) Bob Kyker, Stephen Ackart, Mats Johansson, Yee Yang, Hamid Ezzat.

Wed. - 1-27-10

Larry's Buell article on the Sooner State Games tournament on Saturday is below: 2010 Sooner Winter Games January 23, 2010 Larry Buell Gentlefolk, To paraphrase a favorite movie of mine (Groundhog Day): Ok players, rise and shine, and don’t forget your warmups ‘cause it’s cooooold in here today! Because the heating in the club tended to create a ‘sweating’ condition on the concrete floors, the OKC club wisely chose to turn on the A/C to avoid potentially dangerous footing conditions. Most players adjusted very quickly to the cool clime, but yours truly just had to be different and take some time to get fired up. In the U1900 event, I was in a RR of four with Britt Salter (1754), Chris Agimudie (1610) and Yee Yang (1573) – lots of familiar faces here! For you loyal readers of these reports, you’ll recall I’ve been touting Chris and Yee as two of our brightest up and coming stars. They did not disappoint in this event! Yee sliced through the competition like a hot knife through butter, with a combination of ferocious wide kill shots and timely defensive counters that saw him win the RR. Chris, though suffering at least in his match against me from tight triceps, easily dominated yours truly with a smooth rip drive/kill attack and well positioned pushes. Britt played smart positioning, consistent rallies and took advantage of anything up. As you may have surmised by now, I went 0-3, and was feeling rather discouraged (to take nothing away from the fine play of my opponents!). I’d like to thank Chris for offering me encouragement and wisdom to get past this temporary down! Yee made it to the semifinals of the U1900, a place he will be at again (and surpass I’m sure) in the coming years! There’s an old adage that says “Never change a winning game plan”, the compliment to which is “Think about changing a losing game plan”. So I did some thinking before the Opens, and decided to put on my warmups to keep my extremities toasty, and this seemed to be just the right move for me! I was seeded 3rd of 4 in the Open RR, with Britt Salter, John Raunikar (1674), and a player named (if I recall correctly) Shaolong (who’s rating I could not find). I faced a confident Britt first. But this time I was able to play with more movement, tempo and touch and managed a -6,7,5,9 upset over my staunch opponent. John Raunikar had not played a tournament in 2 years, so was (as he admitted) a bit rusty. He demonstrated fine rally strokes, but had a bit of trouble reading/returning my serves so I managed a 5,11,-6,8 win over him. Shaolong, a penholder, surprised me by having a much better backhand than forehand, so I did the reverse of what I usually do against penholders and focused 90% on his forehand, resulting in a 4,6,6 win. Shocker of shockers, I move on! To face the indomitable Don Beckstrom (1957) in a single elimination quarterfinal, who combined beautifully low, well placed touch pushes on his anti backhand with powerful forehand kills of most everything I could dish up, to cruise to a 3-0 over me. Meanwhile, Bob Kyker (1669) and I paired up in the U3600 doubles RR (12 teams, 4 RRs of 3 teams each). Bob and I have played doubles together for many years, but this year we changed strategy a bit, with me receiving serve on my FH instead of BH side. This has helped, as anything long I can loop/drive with good angle crosscourt, and I’ve been working on my FH pushes so they are more consistently low and well placed. Our first opponents were David Hash (1581) and new up-and-comer Linda Piatt. Linda has only been playing ‘serious’ table tennis for a few months, but she has a remarkably good sense of touch and position for that amount of time played! We managed a 3-0 win in the official play, then in practice David and Linda went on to beat us 3-2! So with a little seasoning I think they will have some great success in the future. Our next RR pitted us against two fine players, Cheung and Huang (spelling? Hard to read Larry Kesler’s writing sometimes lol! Sorry didn’t get their ratings). This was a very close match, as they had powerful forehands and punished anything even slightly up. They were having some issues with my serves, and my drives off the serve and backhand kills were (frequently enough) going where I wanted them to. Bob was moving well, and his long pips BH chops/pushes, bruising reverse BH kills, and potent forehand loop/kills helped carry the day (-7, 10, -7, 9, 9). This 5 game match was to be a sign of things to come….. In the doubles finals (RR of four), we were pleasantly surprised to see an all-Tulsa contingent! I won’t go through the excruciating details of each match we played, but suffice it to say we went to 5 in all 3 matches, losing a heartbreaking fifth in each case at 8 or 9 to the eventual winner’s Nick/Syd Agimudie (gratz Syd on a final match-winning smash against Chris/Alex!), 2nd placers Chris Agimudie and Alex Tupas, and 3rd place finishers Tao Wang (1615, who has spent his away from club time very profitably, fine movement to setup his devastating forehand kills!) and partner Ke Liu (couldn’t find rating, but as he won the U1900s it should be pretty good lol) who could get to anything and return it with vigor. So although we didn’t win any of our final doubles matches, we old folk definitely made the younger crowd work hard for their success (not a bad philosophy, come to think of it). Other event results (keep an eye out for the official OKC postings) I managed to catch: Nick Agimudie (2157) came in 2nd in the Opens to the powerful, consistent Winfred Addy, 4-2 (played best of 7). Kelly Boyce (1938) won the O50s, with Bob Kyker finishing a strong 2nd. Ke Liu (from Tulsa) won the U1900s. Yee Yang won the bronze in the U1900s. Alex Tupas, in his first tournament, won his U1900 initial RR to make the playoffs. All in all, an excellent representation of Table Tennis from our Tulsa compadres! Again, a well run tournament by Britt Salter, Larry Kesler, David Hash, and the other fine members of our esteemed club in OKC! Keep up the good work, the good pizza, and the good humor!

Tuesday - 1-26-10

Bixby - 9 players. Manan Azhar, Kelly Boyce, John Moore, Ben Bass, Yee Yang, Thomas Berryhill, Bo Brewer, Dylan Brewer, Corey Flaugher.

Tuesday - 1-26-10

Dawson - The Dawson Neighborhood meeting is tonight and Leonard Williams has agreed to attend the meeting for the Tulsa Table Tennis Club. Leonard also said he plans to start playing again within a month if his health improves.

Monday - 1-25-10

Dawson - about 8 players. Yee Yang and Chris Agimudie were there. No list was set in of names.

Friday - 1-22-10

Update on who is going to the Okla. City tournament tomorrow. Larry Buell - going with his wife and will visit his son in Okla. City. Ben Bass, Thomas Berryhill, Nathan Littledave are leaving Friday. The 3 Agimudie's are going together. Kelly Boyce will leave Saturday at 12:30 PM since his first match starts at 3:00 PM. Stephen & Bob riding together. Leaving at 9am Saturday YeeYang - possibly going tonight - Friday- since it's his wife's b-day Mats Johansson - going early because he has to pick up an engine from a junk yard in OKC Alex Tupas - wasn't there Tao Wang and Ke Liu are driving together. . For a full list of the players: Larry Buell Ben Bass Thomas Berryhill Nathan Littledave Nicky Agimudie Chris Agimudie Sydney Agimudie Kelly Boyce Stephen Ackart Bob Kyker Yee Yang Mats Johansson Alex Tupas - first tournament - estimated rating - 1850 Tao Wang Ke Liu - first tournament - from China - estimated rating - 1900 . (15 players)

Thursday - 1-21-10

Dawson - 10 players. Stephen Ackart, Zaeen Afzal, Sydney Agimudie, Ben Bass, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Robert Yang, Fong Yang, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 1-21-10

The under 3600 doubles (for this weekend's Okla. city tournament) will begin at 2:00 PM (per Britt Salter).

Wed. - 1-20-10

Update on who and when and how Tulsa players will be going to the Okla. City tournament this Saturday. Larry Buell - going with his wife and will visit his son in Okla. City. Stephen Ackart and Bob Kyker are probably going together. Ben Bass is leaving Friday. The 3 Agimudie's are going together. Kelly Boyce will leave Saturday at 12:30 PM since his first match starts at 3:00 PM. Yee Yang ? Mats Johansson ? Alex Tupas ? Thomas Berryhill ? Nathan Littledave ? Tao Wang ? Ke Liu ? Ray Pestridge is going but is only playing doubles. (14 probable Tulsa players)

Tuesday - 1-19-10

Bixby - 17 players. Yee Yang, Melvin Norton, Manan Azhar, Corey Flaugher, Kelly Boyce, Betty Bermudez, Chris Agimudie, Larry Buell, Sydney Agimudie, Stephen Ackart, Eugene Quaye , John Moore, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas, Jody Vivion, Matts Johansson, Ben Bass.

Monday - 1-18-10

Dawson - 17 players. Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, David Bailey, Ben Bass, Thomas Berryhill, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Nathan Littledave, Ke Liu (came with Tao), Ray Pestridge, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Tao Wang, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 1-14-10

Dawson - 16 players. Stephen Ackart, Zaeen Afzal, Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Ben Bass, Thomas Berryhill, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Robert McKinney, Khaled Shehada, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas. Other news: Possibly 14 players from Tulsa going to the Okla. City tournament this weekend. Full list of players will be posted after Monday's - 1-18 - play and who is driving and when they are driving.

Tuesday - 1-12-10

Bixby - 18 players 1 first time out player - Fally Ologolo (pronounced "Folly"), From Africa. Has been in Tulsa since 1985 and works with Alex's wife. Sydney Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Betty Bermudez, Melvin Norton, Matts Johansson, Kelly Boyce, Mark Chumbley, Chris Rozene, Corey Flaugher, Grant Rodgers, Bobby Lamb, Eugene Quaye, John Moore, Jim Turner, Ben Bass, Alex Tupas, Thomas Berryhill. Other news: Jim Turner has decided to start coming out again. Last time played was 1-4-07 (3 years ago). Betty Bermudez has gotten a new paddle and is perfect for her game. Greg McCann recommended it to her. No new players going to the Okla. City tournament next weekend. Looks like 12 players are going. See previous blog entry for names of the players going. Matts will be attending a Stellan Bengston training camp in Oregon soon. Corey Flaugher has his cast off his right hand and is playing well. Alex Tupas has a new paddle and is the fastest paddle I have every used. Ask Alex if you can bounce a ball off his racket so you can see for yourself what a really fast paddle is (he won't mind if you ask him).

Monday - 1-11-10

Dawson - 14 players. 2 first time out players - Todd Souvannavong, David Bailey Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Ben Bass, Hamid Ezzat, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang. 12 confirmed Tulsa players going to the Okla. City tournment next Saturday: Larry Buell and Bob Kyker (doubles) Yee Yang and Ben Bass (doubles) Ray Pestridge and Mats Johansson (doubles) Chris Agimudie and Alex Tupas (doubles) Nick Agimudie and Sydney Agimudie (doubles) Stephen Ackart (no doubles partner yet) Kelly Boyce (not playing doubles) Also, Tulsa is trying out Double Fish balls from Coles TT to see if they will become the standard ball for the Tulsa club to use (as opposed to the Nittaku balls Tulsa is using now).

Thursday - 1-7-10

Dawson - 6 players. Sydney Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Ben Bass, Bob Kyker, Khaled Shehada, San ZZ.

Tuesday - 1-5-10

Bixby - 14 players. Alex Tupas, Corey Flaugher, Jim French, Bobby Lamb, Grant Cottrell, Bo Brewer, Mark Chumbley, Manan Azhar, Yee Yang, John Moore, Sydney Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Betty Bermudes, Ryan McDaniel.

Monday - 1-4-10

Dawson - 13 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Ben Bass, Thomas Berryhill, Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Khaled Shehada, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang, San ZZ.

Thursday - 12-31-09

Dawson - 3 players.(New Years Eve!) Bob Kyker, Yee Yang, Alex Tupas

Tuesday - 12-29-09

Bixby - found out today they finished the floors. However, as far as we know, no one will be there to play.

Monday - 12-28-09

Dawson - 10 players. Rob McKinney, Kelly Boyce, Bob Kyker, Alex Tupas, Antonio Lewis, Larry Buell, Ray Pestridge, Greg McCann, Ben Bass, Nathan Littlefield. 1 spectator - Ted Cavallin (knows Greg McCann). Other news: Ben Bass can get a good hotel rate for Friday night (the day before the Oklahoma City tournament) from the company he works for. Contact Ben for further details.

Thursday - 12-24-09

Dawson - closed - Christmas Eve.

Tuesday - 12-22-09

Bixby - closed due to the floors being waxed.

Monday - 12-21-09

Dawson - 10 players. Fong Yang, Yee Yang, Robert Yang, Kelly Boyce, Bob Kyker, Sydney Agimudie, Khalid Shehada, Thomas Berryhill, Ray Pestridge, Ben Bass.

Sunday - 12-20-09

Subject: robot for sale Hey table tennis players, I'm selling my Newgy 2040 for $500. It's in perfect condition and has less than 20 hrs playtime. I just moved and don't have room for a table anymore. It comes with about 50 practice balls. Zach Eldridge (wth the Tulsa Table Tennis club). zache5688@hotmail.com

Thursday - 12-17-09

Dawson - 6 players. Ben Bass, Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang, Robert McKinney.

Tuesday - 12-15-09

Bixby - 10 players. Jim French, Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, Ben Bass, John Moore, Paul Beatty, Mark Chumbley, Corey Flaugher, Yee Yang. Other news; Yee Yang has found his game. Sneaky forehand sidespin and consistent backhand topspin combined with persistence and tenacity and patience. Ben Bass has a great new strategy and rubber combo. If he gets his new game plan together, we could all be in trouble.

Monday - 12-14-09

Dawson - 15 players. Manan Azhar, Ben Bass, Thomas Berryhill, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Taylor Kenny, Bob Kyker, Antonio Lewis, Greg McCann, Robert McKinney, Ray Pestridge, Adam Rouse, Alex Tupas, Robert Yang, Yee Yang. Other news: Players going to the Okla. City tournament on 1-23 - the same 12 players listed last week.

Thursday - 12-10-09

Dawson - 7 players. Zaeen Afzal, Manan Azhar, Ben Bass, Don Beckstrom, Bob Kyker, Adam Rouse, Yee Yang. Players planning (or thinking about) going to the Okla. City tournament on 1-23: (12 so far). Larry Buell Bob Kyker Mats Johansson Yee Yang, Alex Tupas with Chris Agimudie, Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, John Moore, Ben Bass, Thomas Berryhill, Manan Azhar Also, Don Beckstrom Ray Pestridge

Wed - 12-9-09

The Oklahoma City tournament will be held Jan. 23 (not Jan 30) - per Britt Salter. fyi

Tuesday - 12-8-09

Bixby - 12 players. Alex Tupas, Melvin Norton, Kelly Boyce, Yee Yang, John Moore, Chris Rozene, Corey Flaugher, Mark Chumbley, Jesse Andrews, Paul Beatty, Ben Bass, Manan Azhar (joined the club tonight!!). Other news: Tulsa players going to or are seriously thinking about going to the Oklahoma City tournament on Jan 23 are: (this info courtesy of rumors provided by Yee Yang and others): Yee Yang, Alex Tupas with Chris Agimudie, Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, John Moore, Ben Bass, Thomas Berryhill, Manan Azhar. Manan Azhar joined the club tonight!

Monday - 12-7-09

Dawson - 13 players. 1 first time out player - Taylor Kenny - a Spartan student. 12 regular players - Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Adam Rouse and Dylan Savage (Spartan students), Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 12-3-09

Dawson - 10 players. Stephen Ackart, Manan Azhar, Ben Bass, Larry Buell, Mats Johannson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Adam Rouse, Dylan Savage, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 12-1-09

Bixby - 14 players. 4 -first time out players - Wendell Hillhouse (a fireman and plays the best game of ping pong I have seen - he beat Jack Hannah twice), Dylan Savage (a Spartan student), Adam Rouse (a Spartan student). Jesse Andrews (works with Chris and Corey) 2 - haven't been out in a while players - Jack Hannah (Jack said his shoulder was hurting when hitting high forehands and he said he would not be playing again). Ben Bass - first time since May. Softball season is over and Ben will start playing again. 3 - ex-Bixby high school players - Mark Chumbley, Chris Rozene, Bobby Lamb. 5 regular players - Corey Flaugher, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, John Moore, Manan Azhar

Monday - 11-30-09

Dawson - 10 players. 1 first time out player - Adam Rouse - from Spartan Nicky Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Robert McKinney, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 11-26-09

Dawson - no play. Thanksgiving day.

Wed - 11-25-09

The Oklahoma City will be having a tournament on Jan 23 or Jan 30. For details - http://soonerstategames.org/events.php?event_id=17 or http://oklahomacitytabletennis.com/upcoming_tournaments_and_dates.html

Tuesday - 11-24-09

Bixby - 15 people 2 first time out players - Tim Horton (from the TCC program) and Daniel Martinek (friend of Tim's). 3 haven't been out in a long time players (from Bixby High School at one time) - Mark Chumbley, Chris Rozene, Paul Beatty. 10 regular players - Ryan McDaniel (boyfriend of Betty), Betty Bermudez, Greg McCann, Manan Azhar, Corey Flaugher, Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Jim French, Melvin Norton, Yee Yang. Other news: Yee Yang has mastered the art of ball control (next step will be his speed and power). The Oklahoma City will be having a tournament on Jan 23. For details - http://soonerstategames.org/events.php?event_id=17 or http://oklahomacitytabletennis.com/upcoming_tournaments_and_dates.html

Monday - 11-23-09

Dawson - 8 players. Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Bob Kyker, Robert McKinney, Ray Pestridge, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 11-19-09

Dawson - 7 players. Thomas Berryhill, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Ray Pestridge, Seth Sheriff, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 11-17-09

Bixby - 10 players. 1 first time out player - Ryan McDaniel (boyfriend of Betty). 2 - 2nd time out players - Betty Bermudez, Beau Brewer 7 regular players - Jim French, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Manan Azhar, Yee Yang, Corey Flaugher, Greg McCann. Other news: The TCC tournament on Saturday was a success. 16 players entered. Play was from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Alex Tupas was there but did not play. Manan Azhar won the tournament. 2nd went to Keegan Sequeira. Only singles was played. The doubles will be played this coming Saturday. Singles format was all 16 players were put into one giant round robin and they played continuously until they ran out of time.

Monday - 11-16-09

Dawson - 12 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Robert McKinney, Seth Sheriff, Alex Tupas, Greg Widdowson, Yee Yang. Other news: Manan Azhar won the TCC tournament held 11-14. 2nd went to Keegan Sequeira

Thursday - 11-12-09

Dawson - 8 players. Stephen Ackart, Zaeen Afzal, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Bob Kyker, Robert McKinney, Seth Sheriff, Alex Tupas.

Tuesday - 11-10-09

Bixby - 12 players. 3 first time out players - Beau Brewer and Eric Schmidtt (friends of Corey Flaugher). Betty Bermudez (a Cuban - Puerto Rico player from Florida going to TCC and playing at the TCC table tennis program). 9 regular players - Corey Flaugher, Jeff Ravenscroft, John Moore, Jim French (and playing very well - just ask Yee), Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Greg McCann, Yee Yang, Manan Azhar. Other news: TCC is having a tournament this weekend for TCC players only. 22 players have signed up so far. Format maybe an initial round robin followed by single elimination.

Monday - 11-9-09

Dawson - 11 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Robert McKinney, Ray Pestridge, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang, Tim Yardy.

Monday - 11-9-09

From Rob McKinney. I have a Juic Kalinic blade for sale with no rubber. It's an ALLROUND+ / 5ply blade and Juic has been making this blade since the early eighties. This blade is about 18 years old and has seen very little play over the years. No bad plies that I can see, handle, although dirty, is very solid and a few battle scars. I only want maybe $10 for it. In addition, I'm looking for some old inverted rubber (red and black). We have some mini bats that are used to play the neighbors with that need new rubber.

Friday - 11-6-09

Ray Pestridge called Bob Kyker. Ray is back home from his mission trip to uk. Ray plans to come to Dawson next week. Also, last week, someone left a racket with red friendship & black mendo rubber in a new blue juic case.

Thursday - 11-5-09

Dawson - 7 players. Zaeen Afzal, Chris Agimudie, Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Robert McKinney, Amol Mudhale, Alex Tupas.

Tuesday - 11-3-09

Bixby - 6 players. Jeff Ravenscroft, Manan Azhar, Melvin Norton, Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, John Moore.

Monday - 11-2-09

Dawson - 11 players. Chris Agimudie, Joel Agimudie, Larry Buell, Bob Kyker, Robert McKinney, Amol Mudhale, Keegan Sequeira, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang, Tim Yardy.

Thursday - 10-29-09

Dawson - 10 players. Zaeen Afzal, Manan Azhar, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Greg McCann, Robert McKinney, Amol Mudhale, Keegan Sequeira, Alex Tupas.

Tuesday - 10-27-09

Bixby - 8 players. Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, Matts Johansson, Alex Tupas, Jim French, Chris Agimudie, Manan Azhar, Jeff Ravenscroft.

Tuesday - 10-27-09

Leonard Williams will attend tonight's Dawson Neighborhood Assoc. meeting. (Leonard has been having multiple physically ailments that have been preventing him from playing).

Monday - 10-26-09

To see Dan McIntosh, from the Muskogee club, play Ray Presnell recently in a tournament in Springfield, Missouri, click here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56akisn73EQ

Monday - 10-26-09

Dawson - 12 players. 1 first time out player - Simon Brain - just visiting from North Carolina 11 regular players - Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Antonio Lewis, Robert McKinney, Amol Mudhale, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang. Other news: Dan McIntosh is on You Tube playing table tennis! To see Dan play - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56akisn73EQ

Thursday - 10-22-09

Dawson - 5 players. Stephen Ackart, Larry Buell, Robert McKinney, a player from the 1970's (Stephen said Larry would know who this was), another player we forgot their name. (Larry, can you fill in the blanks?)

Tuesday - 10-20-09

Bixby - 8 players. Player A, Olga Shendrik, Igor Shendrik, John Moore, Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, Alex Tupas, Amol Mudhale. Other news: This week is Player "A"s last week with the club. He will be moving out of state to an undisclosed location working for an undisclosed company. Alex Tupas got an new rubber for his backhand from Coles TT. It is slower (but spinny) which gives Alex more control which he likes. He paid $15 for it (which he likes also).

Monday - 10-19-09

Dawson - 12 players. 1 - haven't been out in years player - Robert McKinney (was an 1800's player). Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Ted Bennett, Hamid Ezzat, Player "A", Bob Kyker, Amol Mudhale, Seth Sherrif, Chang Yang, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 10-15--09

Dawson - 14 players. Zaeen Afzal, Stephen Ackart, Don Beckstrom, Kyle Beckstrom (Don's son), Ted Bennett, Hamid Ezzat, player "A", Bob Kyker, Amol Mudhale, Seth Sherrif, Chang Yang, Robert Yang, Fong Yang, Yee Yang.

Wed. 10-14-09

Special note - Don Beckstrom and his son will be playing in Tulsa tomorrow - Thursday night at Dawson.

Wed - 10-14-09

The results are in for the Oklahoma City tournament held 10-26-09 on the USATT.org web site. http://www.usatt.org/history/rating/history/

Tuesday - 10-13-09

Bixby - 12 players. 3 first time out players - Storm Fletcher, Jeff Ravenscroft (his daughter is in the gymnastics program that night), Amol Mudhale. 9 regular players - Joel Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Melvin Norton, Kelly Boyce, Jim French, Alex Tupas, Manan Azhar, John Moore, Alto Guidry. Other news: John Moore has developed a very offensive backhand. John said he wants to make his backhand more of a weapon. Alto Guidry is now 90% sure he will be moving to Virginia and working for the government in 6 weeks.

Monday - 10-12-09

Dawson - 14 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Ted Bennett, Thomas Berryhill, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Bob Kyker, Amol Mudhale, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Robert Yang, Yee Yang, Tim Yardy.

Thursday - 10-8-09

Dawson - 9 players. 2 first time out players - Isac Iracheta and Caleb Miller (both know Ted Bennett). 7 regular players - Ted Bennett, Alto Guidry, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Amol Mudhale, Seth Sherrif. Other news: Mats and Ted renewed their memberships!

Tuesday - 10-6-09

Bixby - 9 players. 1 first time out player - Noman Malik (played in tournaments and clubs in Pakistan). 8 regular players - Jim French, Igor Shendrik, Olga Shendrik, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Stephen Ackart, Alto Guidry, John Moore. Other news: Alto Guidry is 25% certain he will be moving to another state in 6 weeks. Alto also renewed his membership!

Monday - 10-5-09

Dawson - 7 players. 1 - first time out player - Amol Mudhale Sydney Agimudie, Ted Bennett, Matts Johansson, Bob Kyker, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas.

Thursday - 10-1-09

Dawson - 5 players. Ten Bennett, Larry Buell, Alto Guidry, Bob Kyker, Seth Sheriff.

Thursday - 10-1-09

From an email from Christian Lillieroos dated 10-1-09 Dear TT enthusiasts Next Saturday October 3rd we will have our third Group Lesson at the Oklahoma City Table Tennis Club. The theme will be Serve return, push and basic footwork. 50% of all your point will starts with a serve return in a match. The charge is $35 ($30 for club members). We will start 10 am and end 1pm. The club continues to play until 4 pm, and you can continue to play, which is included in the prize for the clinic. Christian Lillieroos will be Coach. We have a limit of 10 slots and last time they went pretty fast, so hurry up and sign up. Please feel free to spread the word and forward this email to your friends. Sincerely Christian Lillieroos

Tuesday - 9-29-09

Bixby - 6 players. Alex Tupas, John Moore, Kelly Boyce, Manan Azhar (from the TCC campus), Seth Sheriff, Alto Guidry.

Wed - 9-30-09

Larry Buell's report on the Oklahoma City tournament held 9-26-09 (for those not familiar with who Larry is, Larry used to write stories for Tim Boggan). 2009 Fall OKC Team Tournament 9/26/09 Larry Buell Gentlefolk, Saturday dawned, a crisp and beautiful day. The trip from Tulsa to OKC for this tournament simply flew by! Chris Agimudie and I came representing our club, and we had an auspicious beginning by arriving at the same time (unplanned even J ). Chris was accompanied by his friend Ann, while my son met us and took my wife to Norman for the day. The Team Tournament format was standard Davis Cup, with teams consisting of 2-4 members. In this Team Tournament the ratings for the top two team members could not exceed 3600. Any two can play in the two singles matches, any two can then play the doubles. Singles are continued after the doubles as needed until one team wins 3 matches. Of interest is that there is no set rule concerning the playing of the singles after the doubles – they can be played in order, or in parallel. The thing to find out from the local tournament official is whether the parallel play is optional or mandatory. Because although the event form lists the singles in a certain order, the first singles after the doubles that gets a team to 3 wins will conclude play. Some of the teams did not know this and so experienced a little ‘gamesmanship’ while one of the parallel singles dragged out a match waiting to get the results of the other. It is purely optional once a tie has been decided while a singles match is still in progress if that pair wishes to finish their match (for ratings only). 12 teams took part in this event. So Larry Kesler (the tournament referee, who along with Britt Salter, Dale Goodman and David Hash organized another great tournament!) divided the first half of play into 4 RRs consisting of (I’ll pause here for new math pupils to compute) 3 teams each. In our first tie Chris and I, seeded 2nd in our RR behind overall 1st seeds Carl Miller (1818) and Guy Hendrickson (1727) played the 3rd seeded team of Doug Marks (1374) and Si-Dung Lam (1629). Doug has been working with Winfred Addy, and the work has born fruit. Doug was killing with great accuracy anything slightly up, and was quick on his counters. In my match against him (lost 12-10 in the fifth) I simply could not overcome his power and consistency. I foresee a meteoric rise in this young man’s rating, helped in no small part by his victory over me J (Chris estimated his hit/counter game at well over 1800 level). Chris won his match versus Si (played simultaneously so could not watch), then on to the doubles. Chris and I played very smoothly together, with Chris getting big shots off both forehand and backhand (especially off a long serve) and me moving the ball around trying to get our opponents out of position. We won the doubles 3-0. Then Chris played a tough match against Doug, which he felt fortunate to win and we won our first tie 3-1. We next faced the top-seeds Carl and Guy (again, played simultaneously). Carl has been tough for me to beat over the years, as his consistency, change of pace, mobility and slight of hand direction changes give me no consistent rhythm to get my game going against (I imagine this is his intention against all opponents – he reminds me of the playing strategy of John McEnroe, who also changed the pace on every shot so as to give his opponent no rhythm to fall into). I did manage to take one game off Carl, which was a minor victory for me. Chris played Guy, whose rating has taken a what I’m sure will be a temporary tumble, very close, and was improving each game. Next time, Chris! In the doubles we took them to 5, losing 11-9 in the 5th. I had two opportunities at 9-9 and 10-9 to put away forehand high kill shots, but by lifting my shoulder up too high hit long each time (sigh). Sorry Chris! But our good doubles play did give us a lift despite the loss. In the 2nd half of play, Larry organized the teams into 3 RRs of 4 teams each. Our first tie was against a team using 3 players, Rod Cowles (1813), Jerry Gustafson (1693) and Gordon Dickey, Jr (1593, who has been getting coaching tips from none other than Sean O’Neill). Rod played Chris first while I played Jerry. Rod had a style I hadn’t seen since the 70s – hardbat! He was a very effective chopper, with terrific court coverage and great variations of spin. Chris, who wasn’t even around in the 70s to see this, lost a tough match 0-3. I played Jerry, who was a chopper/topper, but hadn’t played a tournament in 9 years. He had good touch/reactions, but was a bit rusty and I managed a win (3-0) by giving him easy low pushes then driving long to the corners, killing anything up. Jerry did play better each game. We then went into the doubles, where Rod and Gordon paired up. They whupped us good J Rod told me he and Gordon (a lefty) play a lot of doubles together, and it showed, Gordon kept anything not up simply in play, while Rod moved the ball around with his hardbat chops quite well. Anything we left up from the chops, Gordan would kill to the opposite corner. Very effective duo! We lost 3-0. In the 2nd half, Chris handled Jerry well with a 3-1 win, while I played a very cagey but ultimately unsuccessful match against Rod, losing 12-10 in the 3rd. Britt Salter was kind enough to tell me afterwards I had the right approach to Rod’s hardbat style (giving him nospin pushes/blocks until something came up which I then tried to flat kill), but my kill shots were nipping the net too frequently for me to overcome Rod’s consistency. Our next tie was against Eddie Thompson (1739 spinny/anti combo) and Clayton Pavlorek (unrated, tennis player picking up TT) from Texas. Eddie, playing Chris first, used a great 1-2 punch of block/chop with anti and great drive putaways to beat Chris 3-0. Clayton, a tall, lanky player with great court coverage, had terrific drive/kills on anything up. When he learns to return services he will be a force to contend with (my severe underspin short/long serves gave him much trouble, enabling a 3-0 win for me). In the doubles Chris and I again moved well together, giving each other encouragement as we managed a solid win. Then Chris played Clayton, where Chris’ great drives and smart ball placement got him the win, giving us the tie win as well. Our last tie of the day was against Craig Milkowski (1663) and Dalton Daugherty (1608) with Britt Salter (1653) joining Craig in the doubles. We were both a bit under the weather at this point, Chris having pulled his right peck muscle and me just running short on fuel J But Craig and Dalton played strongly and solidly, earning their victories. I lost to Dalton 11-9 in the 5th, his consistency with both pushing and driving and his good service returns ending up too much for me. In the doubles against Britt and Craig, Chris and I gave it everything we had, losing an excruciatingly close match 12-10 in the 5th. I thought Chris played extremely well, and with more experience at shot selection will soar into the 1800s at minimum in the next year. I am (once again) in a transition period, changing my game from playing back from the table for counter drives to standing up close for positional picks, blocks, short topspin drives and kills. My timing still needs adjustment for playing this close, but I played solidly against the 1800 players and feel confident this is the direction I should pursue. My weaknesses continue to be the ‘easy’ stuff, which I consistently overhit, but in the next few months I will focus on this and hopefully see another plateau of play reached by mid next year. A big thank you to Ann for her cheerful support and encouragement of us both throughout our play! A bright finish to the day – Chris and I were done in time for him to get back on the road to the TU football game (without missing much I hope!). I traveled down to Norman for a great visit with my son, dinner, and then some sweet dancing down memory lane with Rock Band: Beatles tunes (I was the Walrus) before the drive home. Thanks again to the folks in OKC for staging another great tournament! (note - Larry added some smiley faces throughout his article, but due to coding errors, this program will not support the smiley faces and it printed them out as a "J" ).

Tuesday - 9-29-09

Dawson neighborhood assoc. meeting tonight. Leonard Williams will attend the meeting.

Monday - 9-28-09

Dawson - 8 players. Stephen Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Bob Kyker, Antonio Lewis, Seth Sheriff, Alex Tupas.

Thursday - 9-24-09

Dawson - 6 players. Chris Agimudie, Joel Agimudie, Bob Kyker, Antonis Lewis, Seth Sherrif, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 9-22-09

Bixby - 8 players. Chris Agimudie, Melvin Norton, Kelly Boyce, Olga Shendrik, Igor Shendrik, Alto Guidry, Alex Tupas, Joel Agimudie. Other news: Players going to the Okla. City tournament this weekend - Chris Agimudie and Larry Buell. Rumor has it that Yee Yang may go. Alex Tupas, on Monday night, got flooded out at Sheridan and Virgin (3 blocks from the club !)while trying to make it to the Dawson club. Had to leave his car at the transmission place there.

Monday - 9-21-09

Dawson - 4 players. Big storm in Tulsa. Lots of flooding. Stephen Ackart, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker. Other news: Tulsa players going to the Okla. City tournament this weekend - Chris Agimudie and Larry Buell.

Thursday - 9-17-09

Dawson - 7 players. Chris Agimudie, Larry Buell, Alto Guidry, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Antonio Lewis, Alex Tupas.

Wed. 9-16-09

From an email from Guy Hendrickson, tournament director in Hutchinson, KS: The last of our 2009 series of USATT sanctioned tournaments is scheduled for October 17, 2009. Our feature players for this tournament are Alfred Najem, Emporia , KS (2474 current rating) and Christain Wolf, Wichita, KS, (2136 current rating). The maximum players allowed to be entered are (36) thirty six to make the most matches available to all players. Please enter soon to guarantee your place in the tournament,

Tuesday - 9-15-09

Bixby - 5 players. Stephen Ackart, Kelly Boyce, Thomas Berryhill, Melvin Norton, Alto Guidry. Other news: No one going to the Okla. City tournament next weekend.

Monday - 9-14-09

Dawson - 9 players. 1 first time out player - a friend of the Agimudies - did not get his name. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Antonio Lewis, Yee Yang. Other news: Tulsa players going to the Okla. City team tournament on 9-26 - none so far.

Thursday - 9-10-09

Dawson - 7 players. Don Beckstrom, Larry Buell, Alto Guidry, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang. Other news: No Tulsa players, so far, are going to the Sept. 26 Okla. City team tournament. Dead line to enter is Sept. 22. Yee Yang won a match from Don Beckstrom! Hugh Pham has gone back to school and will not be out for awhile.

Wed - 9-9-09

Bob Kyker is back!! (He came out Monday and no one showed up). Below is from an email Bob sent today about the tournament in San Francisco. I advanced from my round robin but lost early next round. I played very well, but my key loss was to mark adelman from calif in four games. he was a very strong looper both wings, shots were too fast for my new chopping technique. I kept chopping the ball back too long. however, I hit 12 to 15 seemiller backhand kills past him that he didn't touch and his comment every time was "that's too good". good, but not good enough. he went on beat the no. 2 seed (about 2050) worse than he beat me and lost only to a 2050 player in the finals. in doubles, george taplin and I won our round robin and then lost to a 2050 combined rating team. our rating was 3435. we found out next day that the 2050 team was composed of a 2050 rated player (no. 2 seed) and an unrated player (zero rating). ha! we felt better but this put us out of the top contender list and went into consolation, winding up 7th. george came in 6th in singles. this was our lowest performance to date, but the competition was the strongest, also. entries included george braithwaite, homer brown, lon dean, larry thoman, jim mcqueen, etc. we drove 2000 miles to san francisco just to play only four singles matches, but we'll be back!

Tuesday - 9-8-09

Bixby - 8 players. Jim French, Alto Guidry, Kelly Boyce, Larry Buell, Jordan Baker, Alex Tupas, John Moore, Seth Sherrif. Other news: Larry Buell has a new style and strategy that is very effective (he has been taking secret lessons). The club has decided to use Nittaku balls only. No more Gambler balls.

Monday - 9-7-09

Dawson - no play. Labor Day.

Thursday - 9-3-09

Dawson - no info

Tuesday - 9-1-09

Bixby - 12 players. 1 - 2nd time out player - Jordan Baker. 1- haven't been out since 9-19-06 player - Nestor Prato (?) - from Venzuela - just visiting. Uses long pips on his backhand and controls the ball very well with it. He gave Alex Tupas fits with it. Not sure how Chris Agimudie played against it. 10 regular players - Jim French, Kelly Boyce, Alto Guidry, Chris Agimudie, Alex Tupas, Melvin Norton, Igor Shendrik, Olga Shendrik, John Moore, Seth Sherrif.

Monday - 8-31-09

Dawson - about 10 players. Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Yee Yang, Larry Buell, Alex Tupas, Antonio Lewis and others.

Friday - 8-28-09

OKLAHOMA CITY FALL TEAMS TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT September 26, 2009 @ 9:00 am. Enter by 22 September. For info: http://oklahomacitytabletennis.com/FallTeamTourney.xls

Thursday - 8-27-09

Dawson - no info

Tuesday - 8-25-09

Bixby - 12 players. 2 first time out players - Jordan Baker and Brian Figg - current rating - 2057. (more about Brian below). 1 watcher - Krassi Figg - mother of Brian Figg 10 regular players - Greg McCann, Melvin Norton, Stephen Ackart, John Moore, Kelly Boyce, Alto Guidry, Igor Shendrik, Olga Shendrik, Alex Tupas, Seth Sherrif. Other news: Brian Figg and his mother moved to Owasso about a month ago from Kansas City where Brian learned to play (the only place Brian has played at). Brian is 15 years old and plays pen-hold style and is a big time baseball player (looking for a scholarship in baseball. Owasso's baseball team has been in the finals of the Okla. high school 6A state championships in 12 of the last 13 years !). His last tournament was on 3-1-08 at the Missouri Winter Games and he played Hamid Ezzat and Wilhelm Kruger! Krassi Figg, his mother, plays with the Tulsa Symphony. Contact info for Brian will be posted on the members section of this web site (password protected page). . Greg McCann has 12 students signed up for the table tennis class he has at TCC. They play on Friday afternoons and Tulsa club players can attend his class as a guest.

Monday - 8-24-09

Dawson - about 10 players.

Thursday - 8-20-09

Dawson - 8 players. 1 first time out player - Brian Figg. 7 regular players - Stephen Ackart, Sydney Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Joel Agimudie, Larry Buell, Seth Sheriff, Alto Guidry.

Tuesday - 8-18-09

Bixby - 11 players. 1 first time out to Bixby player - Joel Agimudie Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Chris Agimudie, Yee Yang, John Moore, Thomas Berryhill, Melvin Norton, Igor Shendrik, Alto Guidry, Seth Sherrif.

Monday - 8-17-09

Dawson - 8 players. Matts Johannson, Seth Sherrif, Larry Buell, Chris Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Alex Tupas, Antonio Lewis.

Thursday - 8-13-09

Dawson - no info

Thursday - 8-13-09

Stephen Ackart is wanting to go to the Little Rock tournament on 10-17-09. Anyone interested, contact Stephen.

Tuesday - 8-11-09

Bixby - 9 players. 1 first time out player - Sam, a close and personal friend of Chris Agimudie. Sydney Agimudie, Chris Agimudie, Kelly Boyce, Alex Tupas, Melvin Norton, Alto Guidry, Yee Yang, Bernard. Other news: Yee Yang did go to the Wesleyan tournament in Dallas about 2 weeks ago. Chris Agimudie just got back from the tournament in Houston. 150 players attended. Chris did beat a 2000 level player! The best player at the tournament was from China and is ranked 80th in the world (he won the tournament easily).

Monday - 8- 10-09

Dawson - about 4 people. Yee Yang, Alex Tupas, Larry Buell, ?.

Thursday - 8-6-09

Dawson - no info

Tuesday - 8-4-09

Bixby - 12 players. 1 - hasn't been out in a long time player - Venkatesh ("Ven") Movva - current rating - 1962. Last tournament he attended was in 10/2001. His highest rating - 2008. 11 regular players - Martie Quaye, Eugene Quaye, Emmanuel Quaye (all brothers), Alex Tupas, Kelly Boyce, Hamid Ezzat, Chris Agimudie, Igor Shendrik, Melvin Norton, John Moore, Alto Guidry. Other news: Chris Agimudie will be leaving this Friday to attended the 4 star tournament in Houston, Tx. this weekend!

Tuesday - 8-4-09

The following emails below are from Britt Salter and Christian Lillieroos Tulsa players - please note that Chris Agimudie attended the first group lesson and was very pleased. 1st email below from Britt Salter, President of the Oklahoma City Table Tennis club:: Please note that the first session was full, and that it was very well received. Everyone - We'll be offering another Group Lesson on Saturday, August 15th. This one will concentrate on service. If you've played Christian or Winfred, you know that they can use their service to tie up opponents, dictate their returns, and even get some free points. Service and service return are two things that NOBODY can ever be too good at. Please feel free to forward this to any who might be interested... Also, if you are interested in this sort of thing, send me a note - I'm going to put together an E-Mail group. Britt - bsalter5@gmail.com 2nd email from Christian Lillieroos below: Dear TT enthusiasts, On Saturday August 15th we will have our second Group Lesson at the new Oklahoma City Table Tennis Club. The theme will be Serve and Ready position. Every point starts with a serve you can never get away from it if you want to play a match. The charge is $35 ($30 for club members). We will start 10 am and end 1pm. The club continues to play until 4 pm, and you can continue to play, which is included in the prize for the clinic. Christian Lillieroos will be Head Coach and Winfred Addy will be the assistant coach. Reply to: chlillieroos@att.net if you want to sign up and reserve a spot. We have a limit of 10 slots and last time they went pretty fast, so hurry up and sign up. Please feel free to spread the word and forward this email to your friends. SIncerely, Christian Lillieroos

Monday - 8-3-09

Dawson - no info (Bob Kyker in San Francisco)

Thursday - 7-30-09

Dawson - 15 players. Zaeen Afzal, Ray Awe, Travis Bow, Larry Buell, Thai Diep (from Muskogee), Alto Guidry, Bob Kyker, Antonio Lewis, Darrel Lucht (from Muskogee), Hugh Pham, Brent Roberts, Seth Sherrif, Leonard Williams, Robert Yang, Yee Yang. Other news: Bob Kyker will be going to San Francisco this weekend for the National Senior's tournament!

Thursday - 7-30-09

(The following is from an email sent out yesterday by Britt Salter, President of the Oklahoma City TT club about a table tennis training camp this weekend at Okla. City). Everyone, I know it is short notice, but this is the best I can do... Please pass this along to anyone who might be interested. We hope to expand this concept and do it with some regularity in the future. Christian Lilleroos (with help from Winfred Addy) will be holding a mini "TT Training Camp" this Saturday (1 August) at the OKCTT Club (New Location) from 10:00am to 1:00pm. The cost is $30 and that includes club entry fee for the rest of the day - until at least 4:00pm. Christian plans to primarily stress the fundamentals at this session, but, for most of us, that is a very good thing. The session is limited to the first 10 entries - I think three OKCTT club members are already signed up. There is a chance that it will be expanded, but not by much this go-around. For those who don't know, Christian founded and coached at Texas Wesleyan, and has been a coach for the USA, Mexico, and likely other countries national teams. Winfred Addy is an ex-olympian and is also an outstanding coach. If interested, please send me (Britt) an E-Mail at: bsalter5@gmail.com I will forward them to Christian. Even if you aren't interested, or just can't make it, please spread the word, and keep us in mind! Britt Salter President OKCTT Club

Wed - 7-29-09

A great table tennis rally link on "you tube" - courtesey of Larry Buell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUJ91PuHyLY

Tuesday - 7-28-09

Bixby - 14 players. 4 first time out players - 2 friends of Khalid (did not get their names), Marty Quaye, Brett Stewart. 10 other players - P.J. Cardwell (plays baseball at Jenks HS), Sam Savin (plays football at Jenks HS), Kelly Boyce, Melvin Norton, Khalid Shehada, Alto Guidry, John Moore, Thomas Berryhill, Jim French, Eugene Quaye. Other news: Jim French is giving up shuffle board (too many late night tournaments)

Monday - 7-27-09

Dawson - 13 players. Chris Agimudie, Joel Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Zack Eldridge, James Gateley, Bob Kyker, Antonio Lewis, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang. Other news: Bob Kyker will be going to San Francisco this weekend to the National Senior Table Tennis tournament (with George from Kansas).

Monday - 7-27-09

President Obama buys a ping pong table. http://www.paddlepalace.com/a_obama.asp . The table he got is a Stiga - http://www.paddlepalace.com/Stiga-STS-410-Q-Table/productinfo/TE410/

Monday - 7-27-09

Where is the most expensive table tennis club in America? http://www.spinyc.com/ (Spin New York)

Monday - 7-27-09

What is a "ping pong door"? http://www.fubiz.net/2009/07/09/ping-pong-door/

Thursday - 7-23-09

Dawson - 12 players. Zaeen Afzal, Chris Agimudie, Joel Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Zack Eldridge, James Gateley, Alto Guidry, Bob Kyker, Greg McCann, Seth Sherrif, Leonard Williams.

Wed - 7-22-09

Results have been posted on the Oklahoma City tournament held 6-27-09 on the USATT.ORG web site. A total of 17 players entered this tournament including 6 players from Tulsa. To view the results - click on the following link: http://www.usatt.org/history/rating/history/ .

Tuesday - 7-21-09

Bixby - 11 players. 1 - 2nd time out player - Manan Azhar (from the TCC program). Khalid Shehada, Thomas Berryhill, Melvin Norton, Kelly Boyce, James Gateley, Alex Tupas, Yee Yang, Alto Guidry, Mats Johansson, Zack Eldridge. Other news: Yee Yang will be going to the Wesleyan tournament in Ft. Worth this weekend. He will be going with Winfred Addy and Linda from Okla. City.

Monday - 7-20-09

Dawson - 13 players. 1 first time out player - Travis Bow Zaeen Afzal, Chris Agimudie, Joel Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Larry Buell, Zack Eldridge, Hamid Ezzat, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Hugh Pham, Seth Sherrif, Leonard Williams.

Thursday - 7-16-09

Dawson - 12 players. Zaeen Afzal, Chris Agimudie, Joel Agimudie, Larry Buell, James Gateley, Alto Guidry, Bob Kyker, Antonio Lewis, Hugh Pham, Seth Sherrif, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Tuesday - 7-14-09

Bixby - Kelly will not be able to attend tonight.

Monday - 7-13-09

Dawson - 16 players. 2 first time out players - Ibad Rehman and Keegan Sequerra - both from the TCC table tennis program. 14 regular players - Chris Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Zack Eldridge, Hamid Ezzat, Mats Johansson, Bob Kyker, Antonis Lewis, Hugh Pham, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Thursday - 7-9-09

Dawson - 15 players. Zaeen Afzal, Chris Agimudie, Joel Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Larry Buell, Zack Eldridge, Hamid Ezzat, Alto Guidry, Bob Kyker, Antonio Lewis, Dan McIntosh, Hugh Pham, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams Other news: The air conditioner has been fixed. Temperature runs 76 degrees all the time.

Tuesday - 7-7-09

Bixby - 15 players. 4 first time out players - Gray Whitman and Zane Simmons (both play on the varisty tennis team at Jenks), P.J. (friend of Brian Flynn), Misty Berryhill (wife of Thomas Berryhill). 11 regular players - Yee Yang, Chris Agimudie, Ben Bass, Kelly Boyce, Jim French, Al Houser, Igor Shendrik, Olga Shendrik, Alto Guidry, Brian Flynn, Thomas Berryhill.

Monday - 7-6-09

Dawson - 14 players. Thomas Berryhill, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, James Gateley, Bob Kyker, Mike Malan, Greg McCann, Dan McIntosh, John Moore, Hugh Pham, Seth Sherrif, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang. Other news: The air conditioner still does not work well. The park maintenance has been out 3 times in the last month to fix it. Club has not decided what to do about this.

Monday - 7-6-09

Results from the June, 27 tournament at Oklahoma City are posted. http://oklahomacitytabletennis.com/sum09results.html

Thursday - 7-2-09

Dawson - 9 players. 1 first time out player - James Gateley (from the Dallas club). 8 regular players - Ben Bass, Larry Buell, Hamid Ezzat, Alto Guidry, Bob Kyker, Antonio Lewis, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Mon. - 6-29-09

Email from Ben Bass on the tournament he attended on 6-27-09 in Okla. City - his first tournament. I'd like to add another update to the blog for today on the TT website please. I took 1st in the 1250 (I know it's not a major bracket :D )! And would like to say thanks to everyone at Bixby and Dawson for all of the help, pointers, and practice they have given me. Especially to you, bob, yi, steve, and alex. You guys make the game fun even when you are beating me in the matches!

Tuesday - 6-30-09

Bixby - 12 players. 1 first time out player - James Gateley from the Dallas club. 11 regular players - Thomas Berryhill, Nathan Littledave, Kelly Boyce, Hamid Ezzat, Ben Bass, Melvin Norton, John Moore, Greg McCann, Alto Guidry, Igor Shendrik, Olga Shendrik.

Monday - 6-29-09

Dawson - 19 players. 2 first time out players - Mike Malan, Eduardo X (both students of Greg McCann). 15 regular players - Chris Agimudie, Joel Agimudie, Nick Agimudie, Sydney Agimudie, Ben Bass, Hamid Ezzat, Larry Hill, Marquel Johnson, Bob Kyker, Antonio Lewis, Greg McCann, Hugh Pham, Seth Sherrif, Joe Spaulding, Alex Tupas, Leonard Williams, Yee Yang.

Monday - 6-29-09

Article from Larry Buell on the Okla. City tournament he attended Saturday, 6-27-09: Sooner State Games Summer Tournament Report June 27, 2009 Larry Buell Gentlefolk, Well, the times they are a’changin’, and so has the location of the OKC Table Tennis Club. Their new site is at 1600 NE 8th Street in OKC. BTW, if you have GPS be verrry careful selecting your destination, because my GPS gave me 2 choices for this address in OKC, and I naturally picked the wrong one (ending up scratching my head wondering where a table tennis site would be amongst all these nice residential houses in the far south OKC suburbs). The one you want has Jordan as a cross street (the OKCTTC site map is correct). The OKC club has done a tremendous job cleaning out and refurbishing this place in a short time. The bathrooms (one measure I use to gauge the quality of a place) were superb, especially the main one that had new carpet and beautiful tiling on the wall (and is very spacious!). The club has room for many tables (which were all in terrific condition), in addition to a lounge/counter area in the front. The air conditioning for the main building is good, and will be helped even more when they get the lounge area a/c fixed (soon, soon as they said!). The tournament was a typically well-run event by the capable OKC club members. We had good participation from Tulsa, with 5 members doing a great job representing us: Steve Ackart, Chris Agimudie, Ben Bass, Yee Yang, and me. From talking with the Tulsa players, and watching them, the future of Tulsa Table Tennis is in good hands! Steve had some great matches he played with his fearless power game, Chris is playing with greater confidence and patience that is approaching his awesome talent, Ben has a terrific court sense and fine ball control (his game will only get better with time) and Yee of course is one of our most improved players and is dangerous to any player with his combination of control and power. As for me, although I did not have the success I had in this tournament in February, I also did not have the failures. I have been trying to improve my power game and focus, and these both were in evidence during my play. Though it was a long day (entered U2000, Open, Over-50s, all RRs in which I played from Noon to 7:30 PM), I felt fairly strong right through to the end. My toughest matches (from an “I almost won” point of view) were against Chris in the U2000 (lost 3-2 in an incredible -3, 10, 8, -9, -10 match, where Chris seemed unable to miss a power loop or cross-court kill when he needed them…grr J ). Chris indeed was playing well as he upset 2nd overall seed in the tournament Brandon Gardner (1835) of Texas, a strong young player who will only get better as he learns to wait for the opportune time to strike. My other successful loss was to that same Brandon in the runner-up playoff for 3rd/4th in the Opens. We played a ‘coat of paint’ match which I lost 2-3 (-9, 8, 8, -13, -8). I actually had 2 match points in the crucial 4th game, one of which was a ‘dratted white stuff’ shot that saw my cross-court forehand power loop just graze the top of the net and miss the table by scant centimeters. Brandon gave out a loud sigh of relief at that one! Overall though, I believe I am in the place I wanted to be, challenging a whole new class of player (my serves still gave folks trouble, that helped!), needing only a better push and serve return to enter into the next level of play. The redoubtable left-hander Scott Ryan (1874/TX) was top seeded and won the Opens. The ever reliable and court sagacious Carl Miller (1824, KS) was 3rd seed and came in 2nd. Brandon of TX (seeded 2nd) came in 3rd, and yours truly was seeded 4th and came in 4th. In the U3400 doubles, Scott and his partner Ken Potts (1341/TX) came in first, and our own Yee Yang/Ben Bass showed terrific court coverage and patience to finish 2nd. Chris and Steve showed promise as a power combo to finish 3rd. All told, this was a very good tournament experience, and I can only hope for more of the same in the days ahead!

(this web page was created on 2-16-13)