Based on a majority decision taken by the Board of Directors of the ITTF, Glues containing harmful volatile compounds are no longer approved by the ITTF effective immediately. Although it is felt by the Board of Directors that the current levels of volatile compounds in Glues used to affix rubber coverings to the table tennis blade are in very small quantities and if applied correctly in a ventilated area provide no serious health risk to the players, it is felt, however, that long term use of such glues may have negative health effects. Therefore, as of immediate effect the ITTF informs all players to cease using glues containing volatile compounds (VCs).

It is, therefore, the responsibility of each player, or his/her parents in case of minors, to cease using glues containing VCs. Any player using such glues will be doing so at his/her own risk and the ITTF will not be held responsible of any consequences or ill effects resulting from the use of such glues.

All existing ITTF approvals of glues are WITHDRAWN effective immediately. This withdrawal applies to ALL glues currently on the market. The ITTF will cease to approve any type of glue effective immediately. However, the ITTF’s current “racket testing” programme and protocols will continue, which controls the amount of VCs in a racket in order to protect the health of the players.

The ITTF will publish and circulate widely a list of available glues that are free of volatile compounds. This list will be updated regularly on the ITTF’s website.

As of 1 January 2008 for ITTF Junior events, and as of 1 September 2008 for all other ITTF events, the ITTF will implement a new zero tolerance racket testing programme and protocol, using the “e-nez” and RAE instruments to ensure that all rackets used by players are VC free.

In addition, as of today, in the case that a proven severe health incident occurs and is confirmed by the medical authority recognized by the ITTF, then the ITTF would implement the new testing programme immediately (VC free) at that date (confirmation of the incident) and sanctions would be applied for failed tests. An exact legal announcement of this procedure will be made shortly by the ITTF.

The ITTF urges all parties involved, players, national associations, continental associations, manufacturers, and parents to act accordingly.

Essex Closed Championships Tournament
   BATTS, Norman Booth Centre, Old Harlow

                        13-14th January 2007

Under 21 Mens Singles

WINNER: Umair Mauthoor (Ilford)

Michael Copleston (Romford) v Ashley Skeggs (Braintree) 3-2

(9-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-9, 11-8)
Michael Copleston (Romford) v Umair Mauthoor (Ilford) 3-2

(4-11, 11-9, 11-7, 4-11, 11-5)

Tony Halling (Southend) v Yasir Mauthoor (Ilford) 3-2

(9-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-7, 11-9)

Under 21 Final:

Umair Mauthoor  V Tony Halling 3-2
6-11, 11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7.

Mens Restricted Singles

Ryan Savill (Brentwood) v Kevin Read (Southend) 3-0

(11-6, 11-7, 11-8)
Ryan Savill (Brentwood) v Simon Webber (Chelmsford) 3-0

(11-3, 11-4, 11-4)

Paul Sayer (Romford) v Rizwan Umarjee (Ilford) 3-0

(11-4, 11-2, 11-3)
Paul Sayer (Romford) v Reuben Okai (Harlow) 3-0

(11-2, 11-5, 11-4)

Men's Restricted Singles Final

Ryan Savill (Brentwood) v Paul Sayer (Romford) 3-1

(11-3, 8-11, 11-6, 11-9)

Mixed Doubles Final
Kelly Skeggs & Gary Tendler v Yasir Mauthoor & Holly Stubbings 3-1  (8-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-7)

Men's Doubles Q/finals
Martin Kubrt & Fred Dove (Harlow) v Kevin Read & Tony Halling (Southend) - 3-2
11-9, 8-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9.

Men's Doubles Final:
Martin Kubrt & Fred Dove (Harlow) v Mark Wicker & Steve Kerns (Chelmsford) 3-0
11-8, 12-10, 11-7

2006/7 Essex Closed Championships

The Essex Closed Championships Tournament will be held at BATTS, Norman Booth Centre, Old Harlow on Saturday 13th Sunday 14th January 2007. According to Essex TT Association there are about 21 events planned for this Tournament.

Watch out for the Tournament results in this page coming up very soon.

source: essextt

TT Men's World Cup - Paris, France

The Chinese players get the winner and runners up seats again.

Ma Lin won the TT  Men’s World Cup in Paris on Sunday 29th October 2006 and in so doing wrote his name indelibly in the history books of table tennis.

It is the fourth time he has won the title, no other place has won the coveted crown more than twice.

In the final he beat Chinese national team colleague Wang Hao 6-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-9, 4-11, 11-4

source: http://www.ittf.com/index.html

Southend TT League - New Winter League Season 2006-2007

On the week commencing 25th September 06 the Winter League started again, exciting as ever with very strong teams in 5 Divisions.

Rawreth Juniors will be represented by 3 teams in 2 Divisions trained and captained by Andy and David Nunn following their excellent display in last season’s Winter League.

PREMIER DIVISION