Jawad Memorial Table Tennis Cup (EJMTTC) gets underway

CEBU, Philippines - A record-field of over 500 athletes will plunge into action as the 'Silver' edition of the Erne Jawad Memorial Table Tennis Cup (EJMTTC) gets underway today at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu atrium.

Now on its 25th year, the event held in memory of the late Cebuano table netter Erne Jawad could lay claim as the  longest existing table tennis tournament in the Philippines.

More importantly, it lives up to its role as a breeding ground of Pinoy table tennis talents. Among its brightest products are Ian Larriba, the first female table tennis Olympian, and World Championship campaigner Richard Gonzales.

As it hits another milestone, event organizer Jessica-Jawad Honoridez said they also want to make the tournament extra special by offering bigger cash prize this time on top of the specially designed trophies. Also, all registered participants will be given a souvenir shirt.

The three-day tilt sanctioned by the Table Tennis Association of the Philippines (TATAP) features a single and team event for men's, women’s, boys and girls 17 and 13-under categories. The women’s and 13-under team competition have been included for the first time during to strong public clamor.

The organizers, however, had to cancel the liha event due to time constraints. (FREEMAN)