AUSTRALIAN table tennis great Paul Pinkewich was the special guest at the Orange Table Tennis Association’s recent term two grand final night.

The multiple national champion was in town to pass on some tips to the growing number of players in the city, as well as deliver two new competition tables and 20 court barriers to the club.

The purchase of the new equipment was made possible by the generosity of Orange Credit Union, who provided a $1500 grant to the newly formed association.

“We’re ecstatic to have the extra tables and barriers,” club member Graham Schumann explained.

“The club has grown so quickly that we’ve already outgrown the seven tables we’ve been using up until now. Having court barriers will also add to the professionalism of the play and lead to fewer game interruptions due to someone else’s ball entering your court.”

The club’s second competition of the year saw 14 teams of three players take part.

The final was fought out between the Cardiac Arrests, consisting of Wal Reynolds, Jason Hurford and Rob O’Brien, and The Best made up of Rob Beaumont, Steve Fitzgerald and Jarod Vangestel.

Cardiac Arrests proved too strong taking the final 20 games to 17.

Jarod Vangestel, the club’s youngest member, was on the losing side, but he was named most improved player for the competition.

The next competition starts on July 22.

A new player grading night for the association’s term three competition will be held today. National level coach David Beaumont will also be visiting to provide individual coaching for players.

Social and competition players are welcome every Tuesday night at the Canobolas High School gymnasium.

For further details, contact Peter Howard on 0414 625099