Lots of news, so I'll make this succinct:
Fall League Night
The WTTC's Fall League Night has two weeks to go -- the next two Thursdays. We'll award prizes for the season on Dec. 18. First place (most team wins), $100. Second, $50. Also, the Most Improved Player (whose League Night rating has increased the most since September) will win a trophy. The current leaderboard for team wins:
10 -- Neville Roberts, Rohan Acharya (who've been neck and neck all season)
8 -- Rahul Acharya
7 -- Art Dubow, Artem Studenikin
6 -- Paolo Alimonti, Vijay Naik
5 -- Ben Nisbet, Bonnie O'Shea, Dirk Klingner, Ying Zhang
Winter/Spring 2015 League Night
The new season will start on Thursday, Jan. 8, and run through mid-May. Same rules as before. Before we begin, players' ratings will be re-synced with the USATT's, where appropriate.
November Open
If you haven't been to our website lately, check out all the links under our November Open wrap-up. There are photos and videos galore.
December Open (Dec. 27-28)
The last tournament on the 2014 North American Tour. A brand-new event this month is Hi-Lo Doubles. Everyone who signs up will be listed by rating from top to bottom. The highest and lowest players will be paired, then the second-highest and second-lowest, etc. Just $15 to enter. The registration form for everything is here.
Holiday Training Camp (Dec. 29-30)
Robert and Rawle will be conducting two days of intensive group training right after our December Open, 10 am-3 pm each day. $50 a day, or $85 for two days. Registration form.
Kids' Winter Tournament (Jan. 10)
Four events this time: 10 Years & Under, 11-12, 13-14, and Open (17 years and under). USATT membership is not required. Money prizes are offered for the open -- and Kai Zhang is not allowed to compete! Information and registration form.
Kids' Winter/Spring Training Clinic (Jan. 12+)
With Rawle. Same times as before: Mon., Wed., 4:30-6:00 pm; Sat., 10 am-Noon. Also advanced training Sat., Noon-2:00 pm. Registration form here.
Athletic Flooring
The club will be installing athletic flooring throughout the main room probably within the next few weeks. Afterward hard-soled shoes will not be allowed in this area. If you're willing and able to help install the flooring, please let me know.
North American Tour Grand Final (Feb. 7-8)
A 5-star event, featuring the 16 elite players who've earned the most NA Tour points during 2014. Includes a welcome party and entertainment on Friday night. If you can help, let me know.
Christmas Gifts
Do you know someone who'd like to receive a membership, play time, or table tennis lessons at the club? Gift certificates are available.
Pong Talk With the Stars
In case you haven't seen it, Rahul Acharya in now conducting a terrific blog with interviews of noted personalities in table tennis. His latest subjects are the Alguetti boys and Kai Zhang. Check it out.
Visit by Gordon Kaye
Last but not least, Gordon Kaye, the new CEO of the USATT, is visiting our club again on Tuesday evening, Dec. 9. If you're available, come by and say hello. He's a go-getter who's full of ideas for helping our world.
K