Por CBTM
"Tomorrow is the last day" he said in his latest e-mail earlier in the week. The entry deadline imposed by the Safir Table Tennis Club and their "watchdog" Mr. Henrik ÖRNELAND was two days ago.
The tremendous success of the Safir International junior meet is a result of hard work, loyal volunteers, tradition and most important a strong international vision and pride.
So, I guess it's time for the Safir's again. Winter in the heart of Sweden, jacket zipped, toque down and the always crowded wooden bleachers in good old "Idrottshuset", waiting to be filled by young promising players from all over the world.
Test
Dare to develop, put in the extra hour and that extra mile of driving to satisfy customers, just to make players and coaches wanting to come back. The five days in Örebro has become more of an addiction than anything else. A true test of skill, form, effort and capacity against the toughest opponents around.
In fact I would not hesitate to say that the Safir's International Event today is the most important table tennis event of the year in Sweden featuring close to 700 particpants from 47 countries. As an international table tennis happening in Sweden, it has by far surpassed , such a strong "brand" as the Swedish Open (SOC)
ITTF World Junior Circuit Event
For the fourth year in a row the Örebro event is part of the steadily growing ITTF World Junior Circuit. In 2006, a total of fourteen events in all the six continents will qualify twelve junior boys and twelve junior girls for the ITTF WJC finals in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
With a field of close to 160 junior boys and 84 girls in junior singles this is one of the hardest circuit events to win. Browsing through the mouth-watering entry lists is indeed a true delight for any fan of our sport, ITTF GJP Managers included. To predict the final outcome should certainly be worth more than a free wooden seat in Idrottshuset.
Favourites
Playing in Örebro, for the very first time, is one of the most interesting junior boy players in the world for the moment. Doomed for stardom and with plenty of Pro Tour experience under his belt, the sixteen year old CHIANG Hung - Chieh from Chinese Taipei will be the player to beat in this event. With a balanced, well groomed, modern game he can even pose a treat deep into the Men's singles - Nittaku Cup event on Friday evening.
In the girls' event my vote goes to the Romanian left hander Elizabeth SAMARA to defend her junior title from last year. Even if there still is plenty to wish for in terms of aggressiveness, footwork and pure strength, SAMARA always seems to survive with her healthy skills of placement and spin variation.
Future
Let me finally, so to say, throw in some real candy for the future in the ring.
Making his first start in Sweden, but surely not the last, is the 11 year old Adam HMAM from Tunisia. The opponents will of course be too tough to handle this time but the youngster is still worth a look as one of the more promising young players from Africa.
You will find him somewhere close to the surrounds, far away from the table. Not efficient on this level - but the entertainment level remains high.
Talented Korean
Competing with no. 299 on his back is one of the finest young cadet boys in the world today. Brilliant technique, fighting spirit and maybe the best cheer in the world of table tennis is coming to Sweden. Name: JUNG Young Sik, Country; Korea Republic.
To all the coaches, athletes, spectators and the media attending the Safir's 2006 - Thanks for showing interest in the ITTF World Junior Circuit 2006. Welcome to Sweden. Enjoy the moment.
To Mr. Lars ELWIN and his loyal staff - Good luck and thanks for all the hours.
For the love of our sport,
Mikael Andersson
ITTF GJP Manager
