TTNSW JUNIOR PLAYERS EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES IN THE 2020 HSC

TTNSW junior players had excellent performances in the 2020 HSC, and have entered the top Australian universities in 2021. The achievements of TTNSW junior players are summarised as but not limited to: University of New South Wales - Alex Yeung, Anthony Fikh, David Lee, Grace Lam, Joshua Lam, Laura Flood and Roy Lin; University of Technology, Sydney - Alex Lee, Charlie Huang and James Kim; University of Sydney - Eric Zeng, Jules Vahl and Serena Hu.

The Vice President of TTNSW, Ted Davis said: “Students studying for the HSC in 2020 have endured one of the most challenging years in a generation. In a normal year enrolling in the top universities is an outstanding achievement, and to do so in a year like 2020, is a credit to the dedication and talent of the students.”

Ted continued: “Congratulations to our exceptional junior players who achieved top marks this year, I am sure your teachers, family, friends and TTNSW are incredibly proud of you.”

TTNSW Secretary and State Junior Team Manager, Leonie Whiteford, congratulated “An inspiring cohort of our junior players who rose to the occasion. Your academic achievements recognise your intellect, perseverance and a passion for learning that will hold you in good stead for the future.”

Leonie continued: “TTNSW thanks all of our table tennis community, along with family and friends who have supported and encouraged our junior players in the 2020 HSC to achieve these excellent results in a year like no other”.

Ted emphasised: “Two of our junior players Grace Lam and Jules Vahl acquired an ATAR of 99.95, which is the maximum ATAR for last year's HSC. It looks like playing table tennis is very helpful for academic performances, especially for the HSC.”

Grace Lam said: “Playing table tennis throughout high school not only helped me stay fit, but also enabled me to take a break from studying. I continued to play table tennis even in my senior high school years.”

Grace continued: “Sometimes, it's a pity to see that some players put a pause in their table tennis because they want to focus on their school work. I will be happy to share with the table tennis community about how table tennis can complement high academic performance and help with mental wellbeing. Hopefully this will encourage both parents and players, especially during these tough COVID time !”

In the end, Grace said: “Thank you - TTA and TTNSW for providing such a nurturing table tennis environment throughout my junior years.”

Jules Vahl said: ”I first started playing table tennis at age 7 after my father introduced me to the game. Initially I was better known as an umpire than as a player. I was an assistant umpire at several Bennelong Cup events. Gradually my skills as a player developed under the watchful supervision of Paul Zhao and his coaches at PCYC Waitara, where I am still training after I started my university studies in 2021.”

Jules continued: “I was first selected for the NSW team in 2013 and represented NSW in five national championships.

 I was ranked 2nd in NSW in French Continuers and 4th in both Latin Continuers and Latin Extension in 2020 HSC. I am currently still training at PCYC Waitara and at the University of Sydney Table Tennis Club.”

In the end, Jules said: “I am very grateful to TTA and TTNSW for their continued support of my table tennis journey. I look forward to proudly representing NSW at this year’s nationals and beyond.”

Leonie said: “What a fantastic result! We have been up skilling our environment with modern platforms and younger players driving this. We highly welcome our junior players sharing their journeys with the Table Tennis Community. TTA and TTNSW are proud of your achievements. Our achievements are not only measured by winning results but providing an environment for our members to achieve in their personal lives as they venture into society. Again congratulations! Well done! Boys and Girls!”

TTNSW Director, Michael Li said “TTNSW is proud of our junior players’ achievements in their 2020 HSC. TTNSW is pleased to see that junior players Alex Lee, Alex Yeung, David Lee and Jules Vahl have already completed their TTA Level 1 Coach Accreditations, and TTNSW is looking forward to their continuing contribution to our table tennis community.”

Michael Li thanks David Lee, Jules Vahl and Grace Lam for the interview, discussion, advice and support in contributing to this article.

                    National Junior Table Tennis Championships 2019

                                            ~ NEW SOUTH WALES ~