The Ghana Table Tennis Association successfully concluded the second edition of the Otumfuo Smash Tournament at the Ahinsan Youth Centre after two days of exciting table tennis action.
The tournament, dubbed Otumfuo Smash 2, took place from March 6 to March 7 and brought together over 180 players from across the country.
The competition featured three categories: Hopes Under-12, Youth Under-19, and Seniors, with both male and female divisions showcasing emerging and experienced talents.
In the Hopes Under-12 girls’ category, Lovely Akua emerged victorious after defeating Sheila Akolgo 3–2 in a closely contested final with scores of 11-8, 9-11, 11-5, and 11-9. In the boys’ division, Emmanuel Azu claimed the title after beating Ransford Antwi 3–1 with scores of 11-6, 13-11, 8-11, and 11-5.
The Youth Under-19 girls’ division saw Joanita Borteye dominate Emmanuella Yaa Kyere with a straight 3–0 victory (11-3, 11-3, 11-5). In the boys’ category, Israel Aklie also secured a convincing 3–0 win against Frederick Mensah with scores of 11-9, 11-4, and 11-9.
The Senior category produced thrilling matches as several experienced players returned to competitive action after a long break. In the women’s final, two-time Sheroes champion Augustina Badioo edged fellow two-time champion Cynthia Kwabi in a tense 3–2 victory to claim the title. Badioo had earlier defeated Joanita Borteye 3–2 in the semi-finals to book her place in the final. Eva Adom Amankwah and Joanita Borteye secured third place.
Speaking after her victory, Badioo expressed gratitude and highlighted the effort behind her triumph. “I’m really happy and first of all I thank God for bringing me this far. I prayed before coming into this tournament and I believe God has answered my prayer. I came with the intention to win, but in sport, anything can happen. Through hard work and excessive training, I was able to come out victorious and I am truly grateful.”
“Everyone played very well in the tournament, but by God’s grace I won. The only real challenge I had was in the final match. My opponent’s service gave me some problems and she led 2-0. When I was able to adjust and handle the service better, I came back strongly to take control of the game.”
“In the semi-finals I faced Joanita again and it was not easy because we had previously met in the Sheroes competition. I learned from my previous mistakes and came prepared this time. We are now preparing for the World Championship in London. I want to thank the Ghana Armed Forces for giving us the opportunity to train and compete, as well as my coaches, supporters, and everyone who has supported me.”
In the men’s senior division, the 2025 SWAG Table Tennis Player of the Year, James Marfo, defeated Francis Antwi 3–1 in a hard-fought final with scores of 9-11, 12-10, 12-10, and 12-10 to be crowned champion. Emmanuel Commey and Samuel Hagan finished in third place.
Marfo acknowledged the tough competition he faced throughout the tournament. “This tournament was very difficult because most of the top players were in my lane. Players like Israel Aklie, Sinia and Emmanuel Commey have played table tennis for many years and they are very experienced, so the competition was really tough. I trained very hard for this event and I am grateful to God for helping me win.”
“We are preparing for the West African Games in July, so I will continue to train hard to represent Ghana and win more medals for the country. I want to thank the Ghana Table Tennis Association, especially our president Mawuko Afadzinu, and the executives, for organizing this competition. I also appreciate my manager, Michael Legend-Dankwa, my coaches, and supporters for their constant support.”
Winners and runners-up in the various categories received prizes from the organisers to recognize their outstanding performances.
By: Victoria Kwofie
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
