Diana Casas came within a whisker of four titles (Photo Martin Avila) by Ian Marshall, Editor Three titles apiece for Colombia’s Diana Casas, Peru’s Milagritos Gorriti and Brazil’s Natalia Lucena; it was the ladies who concluded proceedings the most successful at the 2016 Latin American Veteran Championships which ended in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Sunday 27th November. The only man to equal the feat was Ricardo Rodriguez, like Diana Casas from Colombia. Notably, Diana Casas, who competed in three World Championships, being present in 1989 in Dortmund, in 1997 in Manchester and two years later in Eindhoven, came within a whisker of securing four titles. She won women’s team 45 to 54 years in partnership with colleague Claudia Garcia; before securing the mixed doubles
Month: November 2016
Jean-Michel Saive guest of honour
Nostalgia in Belgium (left to right) Frans Lanckman, Jean-Michel Saive, André Damman, Pierre Juliens and Alex Rosmarin Photo: courtesy of Pierre Juliens) by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor Now retired from international duty; nevertheless Jean-Michel Saive continues to compete in the Belgian National League; he represents Logis Auderghem. Recently he invited the man who was once his mentor, André Damman, now a member of the ITTF President’s Council, as the guest of honour. Good news and it would appear that Jean-Michel Saive has forgiven André Damman for making him sit on the bench and watch Remo de Prophetis, Thierry Cabrera and Didier Leroy be the selection time and time again. A great deal of water has passed under the bridge since the 1983 World Championships
Honours shared in Santo Domingo
Colombia's Ricardo Rodriguez celebrates, he partnered Roberto Velandia to success in men's team 40 to 44 years (Photo: courtesy of Freddy Almendariz) by Ian Marshall, Editor Brazil secured gold in men’s team 35 to 39 years thanks to the efforts of Nomando Allencar and Neder Neves; they recorded a three matches to one verdict against the Peruvian trio of Alfonso Manosalva, Renzo Luz and Piero Hurtado to secure the title. Also, they enjoyed success in women’s team 55 to 64 years with Sandra Lopes and Natalia Lucena finished in first place in a group organised event ahead of Argentina’s Maria Gonzalez and Evelina Weber. Gold for Brazil, Natalia Lucena partnered Sandra Lopes to women’s team 55 to 64 years success (Photo: courtesy of Freddy
Gothenburg provides historical setting
A worthwhile journey from Japan, Yukimune Yukihito reached the semi-final round of Men's Singles 40-59 years (Photo: Lars Lanhed) by Hans Westling, Chair World Veteran Championships Committee Situated on the west coast of Sweden, Gothenburg, recently staged what is now the largest annual veteran tournament in Scandinavian countries; play commenced on Friday 4th November and concluded on Sunday 6th November. This was the 39th time players from all parts of Europe gathered, not only for three days of competition; also for social events; furthermore, players from Japan gave the tournament a global touch with Yukimune Yukihito being a bronze medallist in men's singles 40-59 years. Home for the tournament was the Exercishuset, located near local hotels, originally a military school and now a protected