Kayson Ninvalle had an impressive start to the 2012 Mashramani table tennis tournament by winning the under-eight category yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).
The six-year-old racket wielder, the son of Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steve Ninvalle, disposed of Khalid Glasgow in straight sets, 11-4, 11-6 and 11-4. Ninvalle’s backhand was the dominant stroke in the contest and he threw in the occasional forehand. After winning the under-eight title Ninvalle turned his talents to the under-10 category where he reached the semifinals. He ended in third place as Niron Bissu put an end to his parade in the semis at 10-12, 2-11 and 9-11.
Bissu, who was undefeated in his group matches, lost out to the ever consistent Tyriq Saunders in the under-10 final.
Saunders, who has become the most promising cadet player around, showed why he is the best by easily defeating Bissu, the match ending 11-7, 11-5, 8-11 and 12-10 to claim the top position.
Meanwhile, Salanas Jackman came out on top to win the girls’ Under-10 category in the round-robin competition. Jackman defeated both Nevaeh Clarkston and Priyanna Ramdhani to earn the number one position in the category.
