Hokkien Association Asian Teams International Table Tennis Championships was held on November 22– 23, 2008 at the Ground Floor Main Atrium of Danga City Mall, Malaysia.

Being one of the more active table tennis association in the Philippines, the Table Tennis Association of North District (TATAND) was invited to join the 3rd Hokkien Association International Table Tennis Championship held in Danga City Mall, Jahor Bahru, Malaysia on Nov. 22– 23, 2008.

Without hesitation, the TATAND paddlers agreed to join and sent a team on Nov. 20, 2008 to Kuala Lumpur headed by its Association President, Charlie Lim and Exec. Vice-President Philip Uy together with Marcos de Jesus, Arnie Uy, Richmond Ong, Michael Dalumpines and Rodolfo Quijano Jr. The team received a very warm welcome and was treated with utmost hospitality.

The team arrived in Johor Bahru on the 2nd day of the trip. A friendship game was arrange with Kang You Ping Pong Guan, a local table tennis association.

A total of 18 teams joined the Championships, teams from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The teams were divided into 4 groups in a single round robin, with the top 2 teams to qualify to the 2nd round. TATAND Team displayed a lot of impressive shots beating all the teams in the group.

On Nov. 23, during the 2nd round, TATAND Team lost to a very strong Malaysian Team. All the efforts exerted were to no avail, and had to settle for an award of 100 Ringgit at the quarterfinals.

After the tournament, the team went to Singapore for some sightseeing and shopping. After returning to Kuala Lumpur, they were invited to a friendship match with Gold Cup Table Tennis Association. TATAND Team won with scores of 5/2 and 4/3.

The day before departure, the Team went to Genting for more sightseeing and riding the cable car was one of the most enjoyable experience they had. A chance to play with other Asian table tennis players, experiences earned, and new friendships formed made this trip very worthwhile indeed.

Article & photos on this page courtesy of Charlie Lim