Rising Young Star Continues to Impress

16 year old Turongo Mahara continues to impress in the latest round of Interclub at Kihikihi Table Tennis. Only in his 2nd year of competitive club play with no previous coaching, except playing at home in his garage with his brothers.

Last night Turongo was playing in the A Grade Competition and commenced his night playing Shannon Atwill, who he beat in a 5 set thriller coming back from 2 sets down 4-11,10-12, 11-6, 11-8, 11-5. He then played the Number 1 Seed in the opposing team Sam Roa, who Mahara also beat in another 5 set thriller coming back from 2 sets down 3-11, 7-11, 12-10, 11,7, 11-8. Mahara finished his night in the A grade singles easily beating Club Youth Player Kieran Tongautu 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11-9.

We are so excited about the prospects of Turongo in our club as I believe with the right coaching and consistent practice on a weekly basis, Turongo could become one of the top players consistently in the entire Waipa Area at the highest level.

Last night we welcomed 4 new players to the club who had a wonderful night participating and enjoying the club atmosphere. Our club was nearing it’s maximum capacity with 26 adults participating last night with still 6 regulars absence due to other commitments. In only our first year after the resurrection of the club, things are looking great for the future.

Many club members enjoyed some of the new equipment that had arrived due to our recent funding from the Community Board, new bats, balls & Nets. But we are looking forward to the rest of our equipment arriving over the next few weeks, which include, scoreboards for each table and the clubs very own table tennis robot to assist with development of players skills that will assist our youth program commencing on Wednesday and sport overall.

We are still seeking some urgent funding or help in regards to purchasing some new tables for the club as the tables we are currently using are about 30 years old. Any support from the community or local businesses are asked to contact our club president through our website for details.