Munroe highlights positives from CAC
By Donald Duff
Stabroek News
December 25, 2002
Guyana’s lone table tennis representative to the Central American and Caribbean Games held in El Salvador Godfrey Munroe has highlighted a number of positives from the experience.
While other countries sent teams as well as individual players to the championships Munroe was the only racquet wielder from Guyana, and coming up against the likes of Puerto Rico’s David Fernandes, Guatemala’s Omar Flores, Mexico’s Guillermo Munoz and the Bajans, Trevor Farley and Robert Roberts proved a tough task.
The competition was of a high standard, with 20 countries out of 31 nations competing in table tennis and the action according to Munroe was fierce in its intensity.
Yet Munroe held his own against Farley, reigning Caribbean men’s singles champion before bowing out 4-2 in the round of 32.
Against Farley, Munroe was leading 2-1 and 10-8 in the fourth game but lost that game 16-14. That proved to be the determining factor in the encounter which was closely contested. The result emphasises the need for exposure for local players before major engagements.
Stabroek Sports caught up with Munroe upon his return and in the interview below he shares his experiences of the tournament.
“The tournament for me emphasized the reality that we have to be more scientific in our preparation and approach to the game since most of the top players in the region are going external of the Caribbean for training and competition, it makes it much more difficult to win medals at these championships,” he told Stabroek Sport in an exclusive interview.
“Additionally, the implementation of the new rule changes made it very challenging for all the players. The players are much more exposed; no longer are the days of mere ability/talent doing the trick. The tournament also brought out the need for more facilities and better facilities to be had, such as tables, rubbers etc. in Guyana,” Munroe added.
“I also felt that if we had a representative team our medal chances would have increased since lots more events could have been played,” Munroe said.
According to the former national men’s singles champion, the tournament served as a good assessment of where his game is presently.
Munroe was very enthusiastic about his play. He feels it just needs a little more technical work and exposure.
He lamented not playing in the team and doubles events which robbed him of receiving a tournament ranking and also missing out on the opportunity to be match ready.
Munroe said he practised twice daily with varying team members of other countries which helped to lift his game.
“Initially I had plans on playing the doubles events with a player from some other country which is now customary, but a decision was made to bar such a move by the organizing committee,” he revealed.
And what of 2003?
“I have in my plans in the future to venture into North America to play a few more competitions before these major tournaments, or even going out to training stints or a scholarship opportunity.”
Of the CAC Games Munroe said: “I was honoured to carry the flag for the opening games. The camaraderie with the other team members was great, and there was always a word of encouragement. The chef, (Garfield) Nyota, Nicolette, Luke and Mr. Poole were great.”
Munroe revealed that his participation has resulted in benefits for the GTTA.
“I was also able to represent the association at varying forums. I discussed the hosting of the Junior Caribbean Games in 2003, met with Mr. Frank Amaro of the Brazilian and Latin American Federation and discussed the possibility of players going to Brazil to train.
“Also, the owner of Tibhar, a table Tennis equipment manufacturer has promised 10 competition or alternatively 15 training tables to be made available for Guyana.
“However, it requires the GTTA to pay the freight charges out of Europe and a contractual obligation to use Tibhar products for a two-year period. (contractual details are still to be worked out).
“The issue of the Pan America qualification was discussed it was decided that there were 32 male and 32 female places available, for the 2003 Pan American Games to be held in Guatemala from March 1-9.
“Each country can field a representative team of 4 males and 4 females with two doubles pairs. However, if the players playing the singles are not playing doubles then an additional 4 players can represent the country in doubles.
“Future plans for myself include the pursuance of my master’s degree. A scholarship opportunity can play a great role in assisting. I also intend to play table tennis for a while. I think there is a still lot of undeveloped potential. I also want to venture out in the international area during the February month period in view of the Pan Am Trials “Guyana can have a bright future in the sport. There are lots of talented players around, the likes of Matthew Khan, Christopher Franklin, Dennis France, Zack Gonzales Jonathan Sankar the latter two whom I think based on their ages have enormous potential.
“For the older brigade the likes of Idi Lewis, myself, Paul David, Sydney Christopher who in my opinion still has a lot to offer augurs well for a positive future ahead once given the right environment.
“I would like to thank some persons/ sponsors who in their own capacity have made things a little easier for table tennis Mr. Hickerson, Vegetarian Gardens, Ansa Mc Al, Mr. Chetram Singh, Mr. Beni Sankar the President of the GTTA and my family, friends, and colleagues who are always supportive.”
