He also called for the setting up of structured programmes in the schools to unearth talent for the future.

Christophe led a high level delegation from the recently elected Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) and ran off promotional matches -- the body’s first venture since taking office to reach rural communities to promote the game.

Members of the community and fans who witnessed the day's programme had discussions with the GTTA representatives and several points were raised on the way forward.

Christophe said the suggestions were all positive for the game's future in Linden, from where quite a number of players had represented Guyana in the past.

The GTTA head was in high praise for the efforts now being made by former junior national champion Marlon Washington and another past junior national Auric Tappin and Raynor ‘Copter’ Anderson.

The association’s venture was a promise to decentralise the sport throughout Guyana and the matches were well received by the small but appreciative crowd in the lower flat of the Mackenzie Sports Club.

Among the team of officials were senior vice-president Maurice John, junior vice-president Godfrey Munroe, treasurer Joel Wilburg and assistant secretary/treasurer Lyndon Johnson.

The goodwill match between the Select Georgetown and the representative Linden team was won by the hosts 4-1. Wins for the Linden side came from the racquets of Marlon Washington who won in straight sets over Dexter Whinfield, while Stephen Barrow fought back after being down in the first game to win 2-1.

Stephen Joseph beat Colwyn Lynch 2-1 and Raynor Anderson accounted for Keron Van Lange 2-0.

The lone city win was recorded when Michael John got the better of Auric Tappin 2-1.

In the Under-15 individual competition, city lass Delicia Cummings won, whipping Keron Van Lange in the final 11-5, 11-9. She defeated Maurice Cummings of Linden 4-11, 11-6, 11-9 in the semifinals, while Van Lange was victorious over Colwyn Leitch 11-6,11-9.

The Under-18 winner was Michelle John who beat Colwyn Leitch in the final 11-4,11-3. In the semifinals John was the winner against Delicia Cummings 11-7, 11-7 while Leitch got the better of Maurice Cummings 15-13, 11-4.

The veterans’ tournament saw Leon Yaw defeating Garfield Shepherd in one semifinal game 11-4, 11-3 and Abdulla Hamid, better known for his basketball skills and football officiating, reaching the final with a 11-9, 12-10 win against Terry Casey in the other semifinal.

Yaw won the veteran's trophy when he beat Hamid in the final 11-6, 11-7.

Linden's Joel Humphrey was adjudged the most promising player while Maurice Cummings was drafted into the national squad now in training for the Junior Caribbean Championships scheduled for Guyana next month.

Cummings of Linden, who was the best Linden junior player on show, was the recipient of a rubber for his racquet from national player Matthew Khan who was among those impressed with the talent seen in the youngster.

Another promising Linden player, Leon Thompson, also received a rubber for his racquet from another national player Christopher Franklin, who was among the party of national players who made the trip.