Zhang and Wang Clinch Titles at 2024 USATT Pacific Regional Championships
by Vlad Farcas
The Orange County Table Tennis Academy (OCTTA) in Fountain Valley, CA, became the premier table tennis destination in the USA this past weekend. The Southern California club attracted 276 players who participated across 25 singles and 3 doubles events over 3 days of intense competition. With a generous prize pool exceeding $10,000 and stunning glass awards awaiting the champions, the tournament, meticulously orchestrated by Dr. Tuan Le and his wife Helen, was a true delight for those who attended.
Dominance Defined by Pacific Men’s and Women’s Champions
Xiang Jing Zhang showcased sheer dominance in the Men's Singles event, sweeping through the competition and clinching the title flawlessly without conceding a single game, triumphing over Major League Table Tennis (MLTT) player Johan Hagberg (Seattle Spinners) in straight games. Similarly, Yixiao Wang mirrored this feat, sailing through the Women’s Singles Tournament without dropping a game to secure the coveted title.
Thrilling Upsets and Triumphs in Youth Divisions
In the U19 Girls division, Tiana Piyadasa (2059) of OCTTA stunned top seed Kayleigh Cui (2193) in a thrilling upset. A similar narrative unfolded in the U19 Boys event, with Ethan Liu (2393) seizing the championship after defeating Alex Luo (2395), the number one seed. However, Luo displayed resilience by bouncing back to claim the Boys U17 title. Rising prodigy Sophia Chen, only 12 years old, of the 888 Table Tennis Center showcased her prowess by dominating the youth categories, emerging victorious in both the U17 Girls and Girls U15 events. This tournament served as invaluable preparation for California's top junior players, many of whom are poised to compete in the upcoming 2024 US Junior Team Trials - Part 2 (hosted at the 888 Table Tennis Center from May 24-27), while also accruing crucial points towards the newly instituted USATT Ranking System.
Top Seeds Shine Bright in Senior Divisions
In the O40 Men's Singles category, top seed Vinay Chandra of Colorado clinched the title by triumphing over Guo Hui Lu in the finals. The O50 Men's Singles event mirrored this pattern, with Chi-Sun Chui, the top seed, securing the gold medal by defeating Tri Dinh in a gripping finale.
More Regional Championship Events in May
The month of May includes exciting Regional Championship events across the country. The USATT Southwest Championships are set to unfold at the Houston International Table Tennis Academy (May 10-12), with registrations still open. The following weekend (May 17-19) Broward Table Tennis Club will host the USATT Southeast Championships while Spin and Smash will host the USATT Midwest Championships. The USATT Northeast Championships will take center stage on June 15-16 at the Westchester Table Tennis Center to conclude the regional series.