Over-18 TT competitions needed in Jamaica - Lillieroos

While gearing up to stage its first professional table tennis tournament, the sports local organisers must tackle other key development issues.

International instructor Christian Lillieroos, who ended a month-long stint in the island on Monday, says while there are many youth tournaments, there is a missing link which has prevented Jamaica from becoming a force on the table.

“We have more programmes now for Under-18 but not enough for Over-18; so if you have a strong junior programme and when they turn 18 there’s nothing left for them to do, that’s not really motivation,” said Lillieroos. In the past month, Lillieroos helped Table Tennis Jamaica with the upgrading of its officials. He says they are now equipped to handle a tournament of international standards.

Lillieroos also said that having a pro-tour on the local calendar will do a world of good for the sport.