Marfo, Baidoo win Otumfuo Smash II
The second edition of the Otumfuo Smash Table Tennis Tournament successfully concluded after two days of exciting competition, bringing together some of the country’s promising young talents and experienced players in a celebration of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
Organized under the auspices of the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), the tournament featured multiple categories including Senior Men, Senior Women, youth and mini cadet divisions, providing a competitive platform for emerging and established players.
In the Men’s Singles, James Marfo emerged champion after an impressive run throughout the competition. He defeated Francis Antwi in the final to claim the top prize, while Emmanuel Commey and Samuel Hagan finished as joint third-place winners.
The Women’s Singles title went to Augustina Baidoo, who produced a strong performance to secure the championship. Cynthia Kwabi finished as runner-up, while Eva Adom-Amankwaa and Joanita Borteye settled for joint third place.
In the Girls Under-19 category, Joanita Borteye showcased remarkable form to clinch the title. She defeated Emmanuella Yaa Kyere in the final to emerge champion, with Diana Bortelley Quaye and Emerald Bortey claiming joint third place. Borteye’s victory in the U19 division, coupled with her podium finish in the senior women’s event, highlighted her versatility and strong showing at the tournament.
In the Boys Under-19 category, Israel Aklie emerged champion after an impressive performance in the final, defeating Frederick Mensah to secure the title. Michael Agyapong and Joshua Kotei Nii Quaye finished as joint third-place winners. The competition also featured the Under-12 divisions, where the young talents displayed great promise. In the Boys Under-12 category, Emmanuel Azu secured the championship while Ransford Antwi finished second. In the Girls Under-12 event, Lovelyn Akua Yeboah emerged winner with Sheila Akolgo taking the runner-up position.
The Otumfuo Smash Tournament continues to grow as an important platform for the development of table tennis in Ghana, offering young players valuable exposure while also attracting some of the country’s top competitors. The maiden edition of the tournament produced champions such as Felix Lartey and Joanita Borteye, and the second edition further strengthened its reputation as a competitive and exciting event on the national table tennis calendar. With the successful completion of this year’s competition, attention will now turn to future editions as organizers aim to expand participation and continue nurturing the next generation of table tennis stars in Ghana.
