Women’s singles defending champion, Michelle John and men’s singles national player Idi Lewis have both confirmed that they will not be returning to Guyana for the National Table Tennis Championships scheduled to begin this weekend at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Both John and Lewis are currently residing in the United States and were invited to return home for the championships which are expected to feature the best of Guyana’s players.
John stated that while she would like very much to return and defend her title her educational commitments would not allow at this time. John conveyed her disappointment at not being able to defend her title, and wished those vying for the title all the best.
“No I will not be coming home for the tournament because of my studies, I have my final exams coming up shortly,” John said yesterday in an e-mail.
“I am disappointed that I will not be there to defend my title but I have to put my education first. I know that my other teammates will have an exciting tournament as well as the younger female players and I do wish them all best of luck, and may the best girl win. Hopefully I will be present for the next national championships,” she added.
John took the title when the tournament was last held in 2008, and has since had the title since but no championships were held in 2009. John was a powerhouse in table tennis in Guyana before she left in 2009 for the US on a four-year table tennis scholarship.
Lewis also via e-mail expressed his regret that he would not be able to attend the event, also citing other commitments.
“Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it this year. It’s just bad timing. I have some other stuff going on right now that needs my attention but hopefully I’ll be able to make it next year,” Lewis said.
