2022 is the first time in a while, if ever, that TGS has sent a team to the NZSS Table Tennis championships. This years tournament was held in Hamilton and the team consisted of Gavin Wu, Carrie Guo and Robert Park.

Gavin Wu has provided an overview of the team's tournament - please enjoy the below.

'Our first game started with burnside high school who travelled from Christchurch for this event. Carrie started the game off with a 1:0 lead. 

I was 2nd as I played their best player. My game was losing by 2:0 rounds as I discussed the team with a strategic plan. I managed to win back 2 more rounds as it was tied up 10:9 for rounds 2:2. I lost by the last point. Robert played his game as he lost 3:0. Our team was down in rounds 2:1.

The next doubles was me and Carrie, this number was a powerful duet as me and Carrie had previous experience in doubles together in particularly the Auckland open. We took this game with 3:1.

The teams were tied 2:2. Carrie won the next game 3:0 then Robert lost 0:3. 3:3 to our teams. All tied.

All pressure was on me as I tried my best. Despite a low energy state from waking up very early for the arrival at Hamilton, I gave it my all. However some shots I was insufficient in the ability to run fast. This resulted in a loss due to low stamina. Our team closely lost 4:3 on the first.

The next team we played was Avondale, this team was one of the strongest teams in the group. Carrie started off with a win against their weaker player. 

1:0 to us. The next game Robert played resulted in a loss. 1:1 (TGS : Avondale). The next game I played their strongest male player. My energy levels were high as lunch break was parallel to this schedule. The player started with a 1:0 lead, however I spotted his weakness and won the game 3:2.

The next game consisted of our leading number. Me and Carrie doubles. We defeated the opposition with a 3:1 game. Our team was leading 3:1 in group scores which gave us a win if one more game was in our favor. Carrie won her game 3:0 with their male best. Robert also won his game 3:1. Avondale was defeated by us 5:1.

The next game was our game to decide the entry to A grade division or B grade. TGS 1 VS Macleans 1. The team consisted of top Auckland male players that gave us a tight game. The game started with Robert playing their player with a defeat. Team score : 0:1 (TGS : Macleans) 

Then Carrie started by playing one of their players as she lost the first round. Our team strategized some effective strategies as she defeated the opposition with 3:1. The difficult match was particularly due to low energy levels and ineffective stamina resulting in simple mistakes.

Team score : 1:1 (TGS : Macleans) 

A relatable game occurred with my game with their player. I had a immediate 1:0 lead advantage. However due to low stamina I threw my other games. Team score : 1:2 (TGS : Macleans). Robert lost his game as the opponent spotted weaknesses in his shots. Team score : 1:3 (TGS : Macleans) 

This was our critical moment as another win for Macleans would indicate defeat. It was all on our powerful duet, me and Carrie vs Macleans. This game was rather a tight but promising game as the previous year at the Auckland open, me and Carrie have beat their combination. Last year, we beat them 3:0. The start of the game gave us a edge as we beat them the first 2 games. However insufficient energy resulted in bad footwork as they took back the 3 rounds indicating a loss.

We lost the first day indicating the spot in the B grade division. We started our game by playing Westlake boys. All of us were energized and high in stamina as I played first. 3:0 Win for Gavin. 3:0 Win for Carrie. 3:0 Win for Robert. 3:0 Win in Gavin + Carrie doubles. We took out Westlake 4:0 moving us through the B grade. We were all super energized and ready. 

The next team we took was St Paul's.

This team was one of the strongest teams in the division, however all of us were strongly energized. Carrie started with a 3:0 win. Robert started off slow, with a 1 round loss. However me and Carrie gave him constant support and analysis of the opposition boosting him to a 3:1 win. 2:0 (TGS : St Pauls) 

My next game was a test. I played their best player. However, through this game I learnt important aspects of sport. This is reflective on the 2nd day singles as I took out this player 3:0.

2:1 (TGS : St Pauls) 

Carrie and me played doubles, our unbeatable number resulted in a 3:0 win with rounds constantly being 11:1.

Finals : Unfortunately on the day, Carrie had constant nosebleeds as she felt unwell. This dramatically reduced her performance. Due to the previous day, we have beat Avondale. They were also in the B grade division. We were confident the day before on a win however Carrie was unable to play their best player. We organized a draw where Carrie wouldn’t clash with their best player which resulted in a disadvantage. The game started with Robert losing 3:0 to their player. Then Carrie beat their player with 3:0.

1:1 (TGS : Avondale) 

I played their male best which I previously beat yesterday. However this player effectively analyzed with their team tactics to beat me the night before. This included recordings of me playing. This resulted in a 3:2 win for him. 

1:2 (TGS : Avondale) 

The next number should be promising as our duet for doubles was relatively strong. Me and Carrie teamed up as we versed them. The previous day we beat them in this number. However due to Carries nosebleed reducing energy levels, our coordination was less effective resulting in a loss. 3:2.

1:3 (TGS : Avondale). 

This was a significant moment for us where I had to win my game for victory. I was against their best player who was top 2 in Auckland females. I started the game powerfully with a lead. However she came back and won the first round. The 2nd match was a powerful moment in the whole game as it testified the importance of good sportsmanship. 

During the match, my opponent hit her eye with the ball which injured her. I immediately went up to her and signaled for assistance in medical as the icepack quickly came. She had to go on timeout. At this moment I was able to call a default win. However I refused and told everyone to continue the other games until she is feeling better to finish our game. The audience cheered with applause.

Carrie continued her game as she won the opposition 3:0. 

2:3 (TGS : Avondale) 

After she felt better, I played with her to finish our game. Unfortunately I played her and loss. I constantly reminded that she was injured but I played my best.

2:4 (TGS : Avondale) 

The season was over.'

Analysis and report written by TGS 1 team captain : Gavin Wu - thank you.

Special mentions to Ms Leslie McGowan for taking the photos and congratulations on Carrie Guo on best player. Also thanks to Robert Park for being a great team member and constantly supplying support and elevating team spirit.

Article added: Tuesday 06 September 2022