The Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA) has announced a 15-member delegation to represent the country at the Caribbean Mini and Pre-Cadet Championships, scheduled to take place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from July 1-7, 2024.

The delegation, which includes 10 players, three coaches, a team manager, and newly elected JTTA President Ingrid Graham, was selected following the successful staging of the 2024 National Mini and Pre-Cadet Trials held at the Excelsior High School auditorium on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

The players selected to represent Jamaica are: U11 Boys: Malone Bird, Yashma Anderson, Jathneil Todd, Rudane Hemmings; U13 Girls: Kira Scott, Christina Royes; U13 Boys: Anthony Bird, Ajani Spencer, Kyle Johnson, Andrew Anderson.

In addition to the players, the delegation will be supported by a team of experienced coaches and staff to ensure optimal performance at the championships.

The JTTA is seeking the assistance of donors to help cover the costs of airfares, accommodation, gears, and equipment for the team as the association is committed to providing the necessary support for the athletes as they prepare to compete on the regional stage.

In a press release, the JTTA expressed gratitude to the organizations and individuals who contributed to the success of the trials, including Excelsior High School, Mr. Desmond Palmer of Financial Management Services, Mr. Daren Mears (Herbalife Coach and Distributor), Gewo Jamaica, and Dr. Barrington Houston (KSATTA Director).

Reflecting on the previous year's performance, the JTTA highlighted the achievements of Jamaican players who secured two silver medals in the U13 Boys event and three bronze medals in the U13 Boys event at the 2023 championships. The association is hopeful that this year's team will build on that success and bring home even more medals.

The JTTA is confident that the selected players, with their dedication and hard work, will make Jamaica proud at the Caribbean Mini and Pre-Cadet Championships. The association is also excited about the new direction and leadership under President Ingrid Graham, who is expected to bring fresh energy and vision to the organization.

Tsenaye Lewis is a proud teen table tennis player after she picked up a couple of titles and two other podium finishes at the recent Carmel Barrau Open Tournament at the Broward Table Tennis Club (BTTC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Lewis was entered in seven categories in which she played 29 matches, winning 22 against 20 males and two female players ranked from 679-2477 by USA Table Tennis (USATT).

“This was a good opportunity to practice my skills and test my abilities against a variety of players – ranging from females my age to grown men. I think I represented myself well and learnt a lot,” she said afterwards.

That, she did.

She placed first in Under-1150 beating 954-rated Damian Casanova in three straight sets, 11-8,11-8,11-8 and first in Under-1350 silencing 1325-rated Jose Renator Goncalves 11-8,11-8,8-11,11-8.

She snagged third place in the Under-1800, losing to 1569-rated Angel Luis Nunez then another third place in the Under-1550, going down to the unusual navigations of 1495-rated Efrain Perez in the semi-finals.

 “I am very proud of her performance at the Broward Open as this was her first individual international victory,” said her coach Dale Parham of Skills Unlimited Table Tennis Academy (SUTTA).

“With more international exposure, the right support and training facilities, she has tremendous potential to go far.”

Coach Parham noted that her ability to make quick mental adjustments allowed her to compete against the male players was especially impressive.

Jamaica’s Men’s Champion Simon Tomlinson attended the tournament and was pleased with what he saw from the talented teen.

“Tsenaye played really high-quality matches against players equal to or above her level,” he said.

“I have had a chance to do some work with her along with Coach Dale Parham over the past few weeks and she has continued to show tremendous potential. I am excited to see what the future holds for her.”

Prior to her entry into the tournament, Lewis did not have a USATT rating, but this performance will get her on the USATT scale.

At the Jamaica Table Tennis Association’s (JTTA) National Table Tennis Tournament held in August 2021, Lewis was the U15 champion and the runner-up in the Women’s Open competition as well as the Under 21 category.