Future U.S. Champions Shine
Bright at the Hopes Events, Valencia, VEN. , April 19-23, 2010
by Lily Yip
Photos courtesy of Gerry Chua
A special feature that took place in conjunction with the
Venezuela Junior & Cadet Open, the Hopes Events were created to
give added international experience and encouragement to the players
born on or after the 1st of January 1998. The ITTF Competition Department
working with the Host of the Venezuelan Junior & Cadet Open made it
happen, and three young participants from the USA entered: Alan Wang,
Ethan Chua, and Jonathan Ou. Alan Wang who hails from N.J. is
currently USATT rated at 2221; Ethan Chu of CA. is USATT rated at 2198;
and Jonathan Ou from FL.
is USATT rated at 2179.
Note: while these players
are not yet on the USA Team they are developing players of great talent
and promise. They, for the most part, were sponsored by their parents with
assistance from the USATT. The parental support was strong. When parents
clearly demonstrate a love and interest in their children and support
their enthusiasm for table tennis, it gives these children a decided
advantage.
The results tell the story.
Results of Hopes Boys Singles:
1st Place, Gold Medalist - Allen Wang (USA)
2nd Place, Silver Medalist - Ethan Chua (USA)
3rd Place, Bronze Medalist - Jonathan Ou (USA)
Results
of the Cadet Team Event: USA - 2nd Place
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We
certainly can be proud of the fine performances of Allen, Ethan, and
Jonathan, as well as crediting their parents and the USATT for their vital support. Mr. Gerry Chua, Ethan's dad, is an excellent photographer and supplied the winners' photos shown below.
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