The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) is set to host the National Senior Table Tennis Championships 2025 this weekend, marking the return of the prestigious event after a two-year hiatus. With national titles on the line and a place in Guyana’s table tennis history at stake, several of the country’s leading players will take to the tables when the senior edition of the championships unfolds.
Following the resolution of recent venue challenges, the championships—originally scheduled for the National Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue—will now be staged at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue on September 27th–28th and October 4th, 2025.
The tournament will feature Men’s and Women’s Singles, Men’s and Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, and Open events.
Schedule of Events
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Men’s Competition
With five-time national men’s champion Christopher Franklin announcing his absence from this year’s tournament, the path is open for a new champion to emerge.
• Shemar Britton, Guyana’s top international player, enters as the favorite. Recently returning from a high-level training camp in the USA, Britton is determined to capture the crown.
• Jonathan Van Lange, West Indies Under-19 cricket captain and a rising table tennis star, has been excelling on multiple fronts. His performance at the Caribbean Senior Championships and selection for the Pan Am TT Championships underline his potential, though his cricket duties may impact his challenge.
• Niran Bissu, fresh off his second senior national team appearance in Barbados, is known for his explosive attacking game and could pose a serious threat.
• Elishaba Johnson, an experienced and versatile player, will be aiming to cement his place among the nation’s elite.
• Joel Alleyne, a seasoned competitor, brings grit, experience, and a fighting spirit that always makes him dangerous.
• Nigel Bryan, former national champion, recently returned from training in India and has signaled his intent to reclaim a spot on the national team.
The men’s field also features a group of young and determined players including Malachi Moore, Krystian Sahadeo, Colin Wong, Umar Pervival, and Hewley Griffith (visiting from the UK). There are also reports that former standout Paul David, along with other overseas-based Guyanese, may register to compete.
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Women’s Competition
On the women’s side, the competition will be wide open:
• Defending champion Chelsea Edghill is still recovering from injury and may not compete this year.
• Natalie Cummings remains uncertain due to professional commitments.
• Thuraia Thomas, currently studying in Trinidad and Tobago, has formally indicated her unavailability.
This creates opportunities for the next generation of female players. Jasmine Billingy, Samara Sukhai, Akira Watson, and Angela Robinson , Shackey Damon among others are all expected to step up and battle for top honors.
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Rebuilding and Looking Ahead
The staging of the National Senior Championships comes at a critical time for the GTTA, as the association works to reset and rebuild following leadership changes and the transition of several key national team members.
This year’s championships will:
• Serve as the foundation for re-establishing the national ranking system.
• Provide the basis for future national team selections.
• Act as preparation for upcoming regional and international competitions, including the 2026 CAC Games, 2025 Islamic Games, and other regional events.
The GTTA reaffirms its commitment to restoring table tennis to national prominence by providing opportunities for both established athletes and the emerging generation of players to showcase their talent.
Saturday, September 27, 2025
• Men’s Doubles: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Mixed Doubles: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Men’s Singles Preliminary Rounds: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Sunday, September 28, 2025
• Men’s Singles Finals: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Saturday, October 4, 2025
• Women’s Doubles: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Women’s Singles: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• C Class Open: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• B Class Open: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
