November 1st Tournament

El Paso Table Tennis Club's November 1st Tournament

El Paso Table Tennis Club's Nov 1st Tournament
November 4, 2009

Bernardo Escoto - Division A Winner
Photo by: Robert Compton

Article By Mark Nordby / See Article on Butterflyonline.com

Nov 1st Tourney
The Division A winner was 1999 rated Bernardo Escoto. His coach has been trying to get him to play under control and not go for crazy winners and today he did that incredibly well. The surprise finalist was 1858 rated Robert Compton as he upset Landry Nfonsam(rated 2034) of New Mexico in the initial round-robin in a 5 game battle of all-out attacking. Rick Massoth(rated 1919) of New Mexico also played well losing out in a tiebreaker decided by points which put him in Division B which he won fairly easily over Michael Gopin (rated 1947) who happens to be the financial backer for this excellent club and is also struggling at the moment between attacking and defending which was his old habit.
Some other notable performances were put in by Jeffrey Warber Jr(rated 1052) who showed more determination than usual by battling to the final of Division C. Alex Guima(unrated around 1100) had to defeat Jeffrey twice in a row in the double-elimination event after losing to him earlier in the day. And most -improved has to go to John Gagas(rated 737) who had 1 upset and many closer matches showing off his new developing topspin strokes.
Our turnout was not great as sunday was difficult for many of our regulars and we also have many injuries keeping players out including myself (knee).
I do think those in attendance enjoyed the excellent conditions. Our next tourney will be Feb 20 and will be a 2-person team event. Thanks to everyone who supported our tourney!