the goan I network
PANAJI
Noel Noronha and Ajit Ghantker, both former State Table Tennis champions, demonstrated yet again that age is just a number as they led from the front to propel Panjim Table Tennis Club to a scintillating 3-0 win over Team SH, in the third Invitational Table Tennis championship organised by Miramar Sports Club, at Indoor stadium, Campal.
The match between Team SH having in their fold cadet India number 2 Shantesh Mapshekar and upcoming star Rutuj Sonawane and the Panjim TT Club team was expected to be a tough one, but Noel and Ajit proved why they are still considered as formidable forces in the Goan TT circuit.
In the championship featuring several outstation players and teams, Ajit was in vintage form against Goa Junior number two ranked Rutuj Sonawane in the first match of the tie. The match was closely fought with Ajit prevailing 11-7, 5-11, 6-11, 11-3, 11-7 over his young opponent.
In the next match Noel too got quickly into his elements, putting it across Pranav Naik with a 3-1 scoreline (11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-4). In the doubles match, Ajit Ghantker partnering Kewal Tamhankar beat Rutuj Sonawane and Shantesh Mapshekar 11-5, 6-11, 11-8, 11-7 to complete the 3-0 win.
In their next league games, Panjim Table Tennis Club beat Panjim Morning Stars and SH with identical scorelines of 3-0 while SH put it across to Morning Stars 3-0.
In the Under 15 Team championship event, SH defeated BPS A 3-1 while Budding Stars shocked SH to keep Group B evenly poised.
