History of U.S.

Table Tennis
Vol. IX: 1977-1979

Thanks to the major table tennis manufacturers...enough funds have

been raised to make the USTTA dream of having an executive director, staff,
and permanent home come true.

BY TIM BOGGAN
USATT HISTORIAN

USTTA Executive Director Bill Haid

TIM BOGGAN
Tim Boggan is a former
International Table Tennis Federation
Vice-President, a former three-term
President of the United States Table
Tennis Association (now USA Table
Tennis), and a former Secretary of the
Association.
For 13 years he served as Editor
of the USTTAs National Publication,
then followed by editing his own
magazine. He is the author of Winning
Table Tennis (1976), and thereafter
Volumes I through IX of his continuing
multi-volume History of U.S. Table
Tennis.
He taught English at Long Island University in Brooklyn for33 years, and
since 1965 has been a prodigious writer for the Sport. Having retired from teaching,
he is currently the Associations Historian and Chair of its Editorial Advisory Board.
He has received the ITTF Order of Merit Award and the USTTA Barna
Award. In 1985 he was inducted into the USTTA Hall of Fame, and in 2006 received
the Mark Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award.
He was a member of the 1971 U.S. Ping-Pong Diplomacy Team that
opened the door to China, and since then has attended, as official and/or journalist,
more than 25 World Championships. In 1975 he Captained the U.S. Team to the
Calcutta Worlds.
As a player through six decades, he has on occasion, in addition to some
modest early tournament success, and, later, some success in World Veterans
Championships, been the U.S. Over 40, 50, 60, and 70 Singles and Doubles
Champion.
Both of his sons, Scott and Eric, were U.S. Junior and then U.S. Mens
Singles and Doubles Champions. Both are in the U.S. Hall of Fame.
Price: $40.00

Back Cover Photos by Mal Anderson

History of U.S. Table Tennis

VOL. IX: 19771979:

Thanks to the major table tennis manufacturers...enough funds

have been raised to make the USTTA dream of having an
executive director, staff, and permanent home come true.

by Tim Boggan, USATT Historian

Copyright 2009

This book is for Nisse Sandberg from his

(for 35 years now) Skounish Embassy Ambassador

Still again, I want to acknowledge how much I appreciate Larry Hodgess great contribution.
Without his experience and efficiency (particularly in helping me to shape photos and lay out
pages), I might not be able to continue writing these books.

Still again, Mal Anderson gets more than a special nod for sharing with me his enormous, near
half-century collection of photos of players and officials.

Still again, I pay special thanks to Dave Sakai for his many years of giving me the help and
encouragement I need to produce these books my way.

Still again, I take this opportunity to applaud Professor Scott Gordon, the USTTA Film
Archivist, for his determined efforts to locate and preserve the all too few films from our
historic past.

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ISBN NUMBER: 0-9707657-8-9

COPYRIGHT 2009
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced
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photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the copyright
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2

Acknowledgements
From Oct., 1933 through Nov.-Dec., 1993, the name United States Table Tennis
Association (USTTA) prevailed; thereafter the Association is referred to as USA Table Tennis
(USATT). During the years this volume deals with (1977-79), Im of course greatly indebted
to the official publication of the USTTA, Table Tennis Topics.
Those to whom I particularly want to show my gratitude: Mal Anderson, Tommy
Andersson, Stewart Ansteth, Ray Arditi, Mike Baber, Mike Babuin, Ed Ball, Tom Baudry,
Peter Becker, Angelita Bengtsson, Insook Bhushan, Lou Bochenski, Sally, Scott, and Eric
Boggan, Houshang Bozorgzadeh, George Brathwaite, Bard Brenner, Larry Buell, Bernie
Bukiet, Mike Bush, Dick, Sue, Scott, and Jimmy Butler, Errol Caetano, Jack Carr, Lim Ming
Chui, Robert Compton, Dave Cox, Jay Crystal, Joe Cummings, Fred and Carl Danner, Kasia
Dawidowicz, Dave Dickson, II, Wendell Dillon, Charlie Disney, Dick Evans, Shazzi Felstein,
Bobby Fields, Neal Fox, Danny Ganz, Kanchan Gilfillian, Bob Glass, Grady Gordon, Cosmo
Graham, Bob Green, Danny Green, Hal and Alice Green, Fred Grobee, Howie Grossman, Ray
Guillen, Don Gunn, Bobby Gusikoff, Harvey Gutman, Bill Haid, John Harrington, Rufford
Harrison, Judy Bochenski Hoarfrost, Bill Hodge, Larry Hodges, Mike Hoffland, Bill Hornyak,
Jack Howard, Franz-Josef Huermann, Steve Isaacson, John Jarema, Dean Johnson, Bob and
Barbara Kaminsky, Dennis Kaminsky, Gus Kennedy, Larry Kesler, Yvonne Kronlage, Lem
Kuusk, Mike and Bob Lardon, Don Larson, D-J and He-ja Lee, Joseph C.H. Lee, Y.C. Lee,
Marv and Caron Leff, Jochen Leiss, Paul Lewis, Ray Mack, Attila Malek, Barry Margolius,
Bowie Martin, Sr., John Masters, Dale McColley, Tom McEvoy, Jack McLarty, Jim McQueen,
Jack Buddy Melamed, John Messerly, Brian Miezejewski, Dick Miles, Parviz Mojaverian,
David R. Moore, Leah Thall Neuberger, Joe Newgarden, Arthur and Louise Nieves, George
Nissen, Dean Norman, Tim OGrosky, Sean ONeill, Tyra Parkins, Sheri Pittman, Marv
Plevinsky, Tom Poston, Marty Prager, Scott Preiss, Pam Ramsey, John Read, Philip Reid,
Marty Reisman, Errol and Jairie Resek, Danny Robbins, Stan Robens, Fuarnado Roberts, Raul
Rodriguez, Dave and Donna Sakai, Nisse Sandberg, Gene and Sue Sargent, Sol Schiff, Chris
Schlotterhausen, Perry Schwartzberg, Dr. Michael Scott, II, Dan, Rick, and Randy Seemiller,
Adham Sharara, Ron Shirley, Dan and Patti Simon, Simon Stuffy Singer, Tom Slater, Jeff
Smart, Neil Smyth, Rudi Stipkovich, Duke Stogner, Roger Sverdlik, Dell and Connie Sweeris,
John Tannehill, Larry Thoman, Russ Thompson, Jose Tomkins, Zdenko Uzorinac, Jim Verta,
Herb and Marilyn Vichnin, Ron Vincent, Ron Von Schimmelman, Bob Vukovich, Dr. Bill
Walk, Derek Wall, George and Kathy Walters, Si Wasserman, Michael Wetzel, C. J. Williams,
Tom Wintrich, Charlie Wuvanich, and Mort and Evelyn Zakarin.
I again want to thank Leah Neubergers sister, Thelma Tybie Sommer, for agreeing
after Leahs death, that I might, in succeeding her as the Associations Historian, have access
to her conscientiously-kept records, letters, photos, newspaper clippings, magazines, and
tournament programs from around the world. I want also to thank again Leah and Tybies late,
longtime friend Bob Green for taking the considerable time and trouble to box up and send to
me all this information, which I find indispensable in writing these books.

Introduction
In my last few volumes, Ive been pretty upbeat about the ups and downs of whats
been happening in U.S. table tennis. But others have not always felt this way. Heres Lou
Bochenski who, as weve seen, has risked his and his familys future in establishing and
successfully running his Paddle Palace Club:
Table tennis in this country has long suffered because
of lack of guidance and action of the USTTA. This was partly
because the USTTA has been run by volunteers [including for
a time Lou himself] with part-time management and constant
bickering among the EC members. Those with the most
imagination and who worked the hardest were constantly
under attack from jealousy, personality conflicts, and other
reasons. Too often the EC members were too intent on
keeping the status quo. From lack of change we often
stagnated.
Of course this is a man whose solvency has been
dependent on the survival of his Portland, OR Club, and
whos been disillusioned and saddened by the USTTAs
failure to secure the 1979 World Championships which went
instead to North Korea. But though Lou and his Club will not
get the publicity advantages an imminent World
Championships would have brought him, the movement in
U.S. table tennis Ive been pointing out continues. Indeed, by
1979, Lous Paddle Palace will no longer exist; he will lease a
site to Portlanders for a new Club; and, buying up anothers
inventory, will concentrate on building up his Paddle Palace
Table Tennis Companys sales.
In my Intro to Vol. VIII, Id said, regardless of my
personal passionsmy interest in professional-minded playfor-pay tournaments here and abroad, in seeing the
competitive advance of my sons, in making the USTTAs
Topics worldlyI wasnt against USTTA amateur growth.
Growth as might be noted in a proliferation of clubs,
leagues, interscholastic and community-based recreation
competition. As youve seen in these history volumes, Ive
always been committed, not without controversy, to allowing
any USTTA member or groups of members to express a point
of view in our magazine. Id said, with regard to dedicating
oneself to a USTTA build-up in grass roots play, in increased
Association membership, Somebody go ahead, bring it
about, a consortium of the interested do it.
Well, Ron Shirley and his friends were certainly
interested in doing it. It was soon obvious with the
4

establishment of his TTCA (Table Tennis

Club of America), and then the publication of
Rons Table Tennis magazine, that he was
really, though denying it, creating a rivalry
with the USTTA. And if that didnt advance
his advance-table-tennis-in-the-United-States
cause and his own centrist place in it, there
was an accompanying alternativewrest
USTTA control from the Eastern bloc
influence of Boggan, Miles, the Players
Association, and establish a Southwestern
power.
Running the 1978 Openagain in
Oklahoma Cityhelped. But control of the
E.C and Topics was essential. If the USTTA
was going to increase its membership and if
those like himself in the table tennis business were to sell much more equipment, all those nonUSTTA amateur-minded players had to be appealed to. A stumbling block for the
manufacturers and distributors which theyd had to recognize, like it or not, was that the
USTTA was really elitist. The Association was for tournament players, and of course, since
relatively speaking there werent many of them, they didnt provide a satisfactory market. Yet,
paradoxically, Shirley knew that what his prospective non-USTTA members wanted to read
were stories and photos of the best professional players and coachesso he did the best he
could with assists from the Seemiller brothers, Ogimura, and his Yasaka connections.
But, also paradoxically, Table Tennis, though it published some encouraging letters
(Finally someone has published a magazine the way it SHOULD be published), it just
couldnt get the membership it needed. It may be that an in-group exchange of divergent views
was more Club-like in the USTTA magazine than in the Table Tennis Club of America one.
USTTA readers were exclusive, an in-group family of tournament-goers that had their
geographical sections in Topics. Boggan, who wanted to continue being the Editor and had a
USTTA contract to do so, was not relinquishing the magazine, despite efforts to unseat him
through proposing a new Editor, and casting (though not enough) E.C. votes against Tims
continued appointment.
The 1977 election of E.C. officers was historic. It brought in a slate of officialsRon
Shirley, Fred Danner, Bowie Martin, and Jack Carrcommitted to getting the manufacturers
financial support for a USTTA Executive Director. They chose Bill Haid, who had experience
in lithography, printing, and marketing, and a sports background, both as a player and official.
He was also an agreeable choice to the Southwests Ron Shirley, Gene and Sue Sargent, Stan
Robens, and Tom Wintrich, a potential new Topics Editor. Satisfied with Bill, the
manufacturers provided the USTTA with $30,000 a year for 1978 and 1979 to pay Bills
$10,000 yearly salary and set up a headquarters in the St. Louis area.
Heres Haid in his first For The Record column (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1978, 4):
The present Executive Committee, acknowledging this [USTTA] dormant stage of so
many years [sic], has decided to shake the rafters and lift Table Tennis into the forefront
make it the popular sport it so richly deserves to be. The driving forces towards this goal are
5

Sol Schiff and Bowie Martin. Bowie has so impressed fellow manufacturers of Table Tennis
equipment with this fact [referent?] that he was instrumental in the mailing of the necessary
donations [the mailing was important?] towards igniting this program into its initial stage. We
need this same support from all Manufacturers, from all Committee Chairmen, and of course
from every member and player in the USTTA.
As the new Executive Director of the USTTA, I refuse to bow to the circumstances of
the past and will tackle the situation, working for growth until Table Tennis is recognized as a
major sport.
ITS TIME THIS SLEEPING GIANT IS AWAKENED.
This not exactly
ringing rhetoric, with its
hint of a fairy tale wish
come true, or not true,
depending on what the
giants like, is linked to
Stan Robenss
Development Fund
Drive that seeks to
raise $1,000,000. All
that is needed, dear
USTTA readers, is
your personal
contribution, your table
tennis clubs
contribution, and your
time and effort in
soliciting donations
from individuals and
companies. Thats all?
Think this giant will be
awakened? Maybe
better not bother it.
Thanks to Fred Danners inexhaustible efforts, howeverincluding a lets-get-thisstraight correspondence with ITTF Secretary Tony Brooks that the USTTA was not, as
Brooks had been led to believe, opposed to adding Table Tennis to the Olympic Gamesthe
E.C. initiated our Associations connections with the U.S. Olympic Committee and eventually
to table tennis acquiring a permanent office in Colorado Springs. Danner explains (TTT, Sept.Oct., 1977, 11; 14) that with the passage of the Tax Revenue Reform Act of 1976, the USTTA
became eligible for tax-exempt status as an amateur sports organization that fosters national
and international competition. The Association was now about to move in a so-called
amateur direction. The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) was named, under a House of
Representatives Revenue Bill, as the new U.S. Central Sports Organization (CSO)and so
had authority over all U.S. amateur sports bodies. Danner, the amateur-minded E.C. member
assigned as liaison with the USOC, was of course interested and instrumental in facilitating a
CSO-USTTA connection.
6

USTTA will move their headquarters to the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center in October, 1980.

As usual, he knew what he was doingwas alertly successful in getting Table Tennis
to be the first USOC Group C sport, be eligible for the Pan-Am Games, and, in conjunction
with the inroads and follow-ups ITTF President Roy Evans had been making for a reported
eight years, might be said to have initiated, or at least helped to initiate, Table Tenniss
eventual entry into the 1988 Olympics. To read Freds hundreds-of- pages of Work-inProgress Memoirs is to see in or out of our Sport his unrelenting struggle to thwart bumbling
bureaucrats who, lazily, disinterestedly, delay his reasonable requests. The creative persistency
he shows in accomplishing his aims is admirable.
Meanwhile, at the 1977 Birmingham Worlds, the ITTF under President H. Roy Evans,
was making History (see Bulletin 151, Sept., 1977, reprinted in TTT, Nov.-Dec., 1977, 5).
Prompted by
cries of
shamateurism,
it had
avoided for
42 years the
distinction
between
amateur and
professional
and regarded
all who took
part as
players.
Each
National
Birmingham Worlds photo by Neal Fox
7

Association had been free to make their own rules regarding payment to players. Now,
however, the many new member-countries of the ITTF, particularly those in Asia, Africa, and
the Americas (where countries want to play in the Pan-American Games), needed the financial
and development help membership in the Olympic family could give them. Plus the fact that
maybe Table Tennis would one day be in the Olympics. So they successfully voted in at the
ITTF Meeting in Birmingham the proposal that an amateur be defined according to Article
26 of the IOC Constitution and its by-laws. This meant that each player the world over had to
choose to be labeled either a professional or an amateur, and that each ITTF member-country
had to keep two rosters.
The IOC/USOC knew sports was a big business.
To counteract the cry that shamateurism was
back, those in the Olympic movement, including
the ITTF, tried to maintain integrity, credibility, by
liberalizing the definition of an amateur. Heres
what Evans, speaking for the ITTF (and the
USTTA), said was now acceptable payment to an
amateur:
ITTF President H. Roy Evans
Payments
Assistance administered through the National Olympic Committee or National
Association for traveling, subsistence, pocket money for incidental expenses, personal sports
equipment and clothing, cost of medical treatment, physiotherapy, and authorized coaching
and insurance coverage in respect of accident, illness, disability and loss of personal property;
Compensation authorized by his National Olympic Committee or National Association,
in case of necessity, for financial loss resulting from his absence from work or other basic
occupation in which to take part in any competition held under the auspices of the
International Olympic Committee or the ITTF, provided that in no circumstances does the
amount of compensation exceed the amount which the player would have earned during the
same period.
Prizes won in competition within the limits already laid down by the ITTF. [Those
prize-money limits are, importantly, what? Evans doesnt sayits a thorny question].
There followed what was not acceptable for an amateur:
Be, or ever have been, a professional athlete (or player) in any sport or have entered
into a contract to that end and before the closure of any competition which he has entered as
an amateur;
Be, or ever have been, a professional coach or trainer in any sport, although he may be
a physical education or sports teacher who gives elementary training;
Have allowed his person, name, picture or sports performance to be used for
advertising, except under any contract for sponsorship or equipment which the ITTF, his
National Olympic Committee or his National Association enters into, any payment under such
contract being made to the contracting organization and not to the individual.
He may not carry advertising material on his person or clothing in any competition held
under the auspices of the IOC, either than trade marks or technical equipment or clothing as
agreed between the IOC and the ITTF.
8

He may not accept payment, reward, benefit or allowances for playing except as
provided under Payments above.
A player shall be classified as professional if he accepts any payment, reward, benefit or
allowances other than those specified above either directly or by means of a fictitious, apparent
or sham profession.
Though these regulations arent as restrictive as the 13 no-nos the 1932-33 New York
TTA Handbook wanted to enforce (see Vol. I, 60-61), theyre restrictive enough. What now of
the heretofore burgeoning prize money tournaments? Will they go the way of the dodo?
Quite the contrary. Gradually the shamateurism disguise would be more and more
dropped until it wasnt even appropriate to call an Olympian an amateur.* Certainly the
Seemiller brothers werent going to think of themselves as amateurs. In July, 1977, Danny told
a Daily Oklahoman reporter he made a decent living (around $15,000 to $20,000 a year and
a little extra money from endorsements [also Danny, dont forget the over $9,000 total you
made from the 1977 and 78 World Racquets Championshipsand you didnt even play Table
Tennis in those!]). Heres professional-minded Danny just returned from playing on the U.S.
Team at the Oct., 1977 Hong Kong Invitational:
What a great trip...being treated first class all the way. What a difference! Actually
being thought of as top professional athletesthats something were often not used to in the
U.S.
Hong Kong was just fantastic. The competition was of the very highest quality, and we
were given the red-carpet treatment the whole time we were there. We stayed at one of their
finest hotels and had a
limousine for own
private use whenever
we wanted it.
[Actually, the
amateurs were
treated the same way.]
Want to share
Carl Danners 1977
conclusion? People
who have money, who
can allocate money for
sports must be
educated to see what
an enjoyable sport
table tennis really is.
You can have all the
prize money you want
and promote
meaningless events to
High-quality Hong Kong competition: the U.S. professional Ricky Seemiller
non-existent
versus the Peoples Republic of China amateur Guo Yuehua, two-time World
spectators, but without
Mens Singles Runner-up, two-time World Mens Singles Champion.
9

a wide base and real places to play, U.S. table tennis will never be
more than the shabby second-rate spectacle it is now.
IS that what it is now? What it was? What its come to? Dr.
Michael Scott opened the Topics floodgates with his JulyAug.,1978 article Lets Save Our Sport, then othersagreeing
or disagreeing that our Sport is threatened by the malignancy
Michael speaks ofrushed to follow. Scott complains that Our
equipment is not sufficiently standardized.The differences in socalled official I.T.T.F. approved balls and rubber are so
disparagingly different that we are really playing a variety of
different games under the collective description of table tennis.
Chicagos Ted Markey agrees: No other sport allows such a
Dr. Michael Scott may
diversity of equipment that so totally alters the characteristics of
complain about the state of
the game. Unless a change is forthcoming, he says, I too will join the Sport, but he keeps his
spirits up.
many others whove abandoned table tennis for other sports where
just an opponents equipment wont afford him such an
advantage.
But Delawares Dick Blaner argues that to compete against a younger player, an older
player must use his wits, his mind, his cunning in order to upset the youthful players rhythm,
strokes, and overall game. He defends the use of combination rubber, says its not so easy to
flip different sides of the racket effectively, not so easy to play with Phantom, Feint,
Antispins, with different sponge thicknesses, and on different ply and different wood
blades!...You must learn altogether new strokes, new spins.Using such a racket is actually a
science and must be studied. This new technology, he says, offers an older player a chance to
defeat an opponent who is better only because of his youth and physical abilities. Blaner
believes that if the younger player is really basically better than the older player he will win
that is, Id have to add, if he has sufficient opportunity to get used to what hes playing
against.
Scott fears its too late for standardizationthe manufacturers have control. He wishes
the U.S.T.T.A. could act independently from the I.T.T.F. But our present E.C., though
composed of fine people, consists of several who represent various manufacturers of
equipment so I cant imagine theyll endorse my views too enthusiastically because of their
conflicts of interest. The proliferation of rubbers is as controversial as sponge was on first
coming into the hard bat world. Scott has allies those who abhor the deception thats now
part of the game. Its not skill, its trickery, they say. Its unfair, its unsportsmanlike, its
playing dirty. So the simplistic cry rings out, Lets Clean Up Our Sport! To be countered
by the complication inherent in the USTTAs new pitch-line Discover the Sport Youve
Always Played.
This equipment controversy well continue to follow, for its here to stay. Perhaps, as
Carl Danner hopes, people can be persuaded to see modern-day table tennis as enjoyable, but
perhaps, such has been the drastic evolution, too many cant. Still, if a wide table tennis base
doesnt exist, will never exist, and there are few real places to play, does that mean I shouldnt
be writing Vol. IX? Or that I or anyone else shouldnt be trying to do not what we cant do
for the Sport but what we can do?
Fortunately for the professionally-minded members of the U.S. World Team, the
movement for prize money in North American tournaments doesnt seem to have been
10

curtailed. True, the ITTF has ruled at the 77

moment that a player may not accept prize
money in any one event in excess of 1,250 Swiss
Francs and still retain his amateur status. But so
what? 1977 saw the $2,500 Harvard Eastern
Open, the $1,200 Ocean State Classic, the
$3,500 CNE Open, the $4,220 U.S. Open
(reduced to $3,870, though lots of unpaid prize
winners, for Tournament Director Gusikoff
quickly ran out of money), the $1,000 Atlanta
Fall Open, the $2,700 Nissen Open, the $4,000
Detroiter-Yasaka Invitational, the $5,000
USOTCs, the $1,000 Miami Beach Open, and
the $12,500 Caesars Palace U.S. Closed.
In 1978 we had the $2,500 Pacific Coast
Open, the $1,200 Lehigh Valley Open, the
$4,000 Eastern Open, the $1,250 Albuquerque
Manzano Open, the $2,000 Louisiana Open, the USTTA President Sol Schiff (L) applauding Neil
Smyth, Vice President of Caesars Palace. The
$5,000 U.S. Open, the $2,500 Nissen Open, the trophy Sol is holding is for Neil in appreciation
CNEs (at which one individual alone, Danny
of his successful efforts in helping to bring the
Seemiller, made $625), the $1,000 Louisville
1976 Closed to Las Vegas.
Open, the $1,300 Atlanta Fall Open, the $3,500+
USOTCs, and the $13,500 Caesars Palace Closed. The appearance of such tournament prize
moneythe 1979 U.S. Open will offer $15,000didnt happen in a table tennis stagnant time.
The difficulty, a constant, will be for the
U.S. to continue to try to catch up with the
most progressive opportunities gradually
offered the table tennis professional in other
parts of the world. In the U.S., money
talks, allows a sport to be taken seriously.
Thirty years later, a press release from the
ITTF announces, The 2009 Kuwait and
Qatar Open will have new record prize
money of U.S. $300,000. The winner of the
Mens and Womens Singles event will
receive $30,000 respectively.The prize
money has been extended to the round of
32 in the Mens and Womens Singles.
During 1977-78 there were some
opportunitiesnot enoughfor U.S.
players to go abroad. In 1977, at the
Birmingham, England Worlds, our U.S.
Mens and Womens Teams advanced to
First Division play; Insook Bhushan won
the Womens at the Benson and Hedges Love Bird Invitational in Kingston, Jamaica; U.S.
Mens and Womens Teams participated in the Maccabiah Games at Tel Aviv, Israel; D-J/He-ja
11

Lee signed up for League play in Germany; and a Mens Team went to Hong Kong and
afterwards to Tehran for a U.S-Iran Match.
In 1978, George Brathwaite reached the Mens final in the Caribbean Championships,
and won the Barbados Invitational; Robert Compton spent a week in England at the Tees
Sport Summer School coached by the best of English professionals; a U.S. Mens Team visited
Trinidad/Tobago and played Matches at five different locations in that country; and a U.S.
Womens Team took part in the Korea-Germany-U.S. Womens Goodwill Games at Seoul,
South Korea. In 1979, the highlight trip for our players was the combined one that took them
to Pyongyang, North Korea for the World Championships, and to Peking, China for Friendship
Matches. Also, Judy Bochenski and Kasia Dawidowicz were in the Far East for coaching.
The SOJC Under 14 award ceremony; 5th place finisher
Eric Boggan (far right). Looking on: Nisse Sandberg.

In 1978, the U.S. Junior TeamRutledge Barry, Jimmy Lane, and Eric and Scott
Bogganwent to Stockholm for the Swedish Junior Open. Hosted there by Nisse Sandberg
and his Angby Club, they had some success. Seventeen-year-old Scott would then reach the
Mens final at the Toronto CNEs. But.15-year-old brother Eric would one-up himmaking
USTTA history at the 1978 U.S. Closed. By upsetting Defending Champion Danny Seemiller
he became our youngest-ever National Mens Championand promptly declared himself, or
his father did for him, a professional. Also, there were other meaningful Junior happenings. In
1978 not only did Quang Bui go to Japan to improve his game, but Scott Butler and,
following him at the beginning of 1979, Sean ONeill and John Stillions were off to Sweden
for tournaments and training.
Further, Butterfly-sponsored Danny Seemiller, mindful of his upcoming play at the
Pyongyang Worlds, took the opportunity in Feb., 79 to train in Japan for two weeks with
former World Champions Hasegawa and Itoh, and then share his diary of those days with us.
Pyongyang! It had been at least a quarter of a century since U.S. citizens walked those
streets. Readers will see in this volume what kind of World Championships that strange
country held. Of more than corollary importance was our accompanying stay in China on this
North Korea trip. It allowed (and more of this in my next volume) Fred Danner, joined by
USTTA President Sol Schiff and Team Leader Gus Kennedy, to arrange a high-level May,
12

1979 meeting with Sung

Chung, head of the AllChina Sports Committee,
in which China changed
their previous policy of
boycotting the Olympics
and agreed to participate
in the Games with Taiwan
(as long as neither one
used the former flag and
anthem of the Republic of
L-R: Fred Danner, Chinas Sung Chung, head of the All-China Sports
China). A decision was
Committee, Sol Schiff, and Gus Kennedy.
reached where the U.S.
would pursue Chinas interest in getting into the Olympic Games, while China, abetted by USTTA
President Schiff, would use its influence to restore membership of South Korea in the Asian Sports
Federation.
Danner, as the Group C Delegate for Table Tennis, could argue to USOC Executive
Director F. Don Miller that we cant have true World Olympic Champions while we exclude a
quarter of the worlds population from participating in the Games. Fred of course knew that
as a Group C Member Table Tennis didnt get any Olympic Development Funds, but as a
Group A Member we would get a full share of these funds. So if China joined the Olympic
Games, Table Tennis could not be far behind.
Thus, in U.S. Table Tennis the decade of the 1970s, more than any other since the
Association was organized in the 1930s, continues to show not lethargy but movement, and
this despite 1978s worst debacle of USTTA Election apathy in the Associations history
forced apathy by unwise, restrictive who-can-and-cannot-run-for-office laws.
I think readers of this volume will conclude that in the U.S. theres been an increased
outreach to both the amateur and professional player. The 1960s isolating, paralyzing parochialism
has given way to a worldly understanding of how not the game but the Sport is played.
SELECTED NOTES.
*IOC changes will comethough slowly. In 1981 (see Newsday, Oct. 2, 1981), after
electing 331 male members in the 87 years of its existence, the International Olympic
Committee elected its first woman yesterday.
Meanwhile, the IOC, acting under the leadership of its new President, Juan Antonio
Samaranch of Spain, also voted to liberalize Olympic eligibility rules, turning over to the
various international sports federations much more responsibility for setting their own rules on
who can compete in the Olympics.
Samaranch said that while the IOC intends that professional athletes be banned from
the Games, it no longer is proper to use the word amateur to describe all the competitors.
Under the revised Rule 26, athletes will be permitted to receive subsidies, and athletes from
Western countries will be placed on a more even footing with those of the East.
The rule change was initiated by runner Sebastian Coe of Great Britain, who told the
IOC in a speech Monday that modern athletes are forced to make sacrifices to train full time to
attain Olympic standards and should be compensated. Coe reportedly is the first athlete in
Olympic history to initiate a major rule change.
13

Chapter One
1977: E.C. Election Brings Major Changes.
The
movement
weve seen in
U.S. Table
Tennis in
previous
1970s
volumes
continues.
Initially
interest is
strong. While
U.S. Teams
are
competing at
the 1977
World
Championships
Here in Birmingham, England, the U.S. Mens Team has just rallied to beat Italy and
in
advance to Championships Division play.
Birmingham,
Photo by Mal Anderson
USATT
members are voting to elect for a two-year term four of their E.C. officers. The backgrounds
of nearly all the many candidates are well-known; however, regarding this or any USTTA
election, you may find it interesting to take a look at an article (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1977, 17) by
Colin Graevnor. Heres much of what he has to say:
It must be remembered that Associations are actually investments by the persons
who work in the way of personal ego, hope, enthusiasm, etc. and cannot be settled up with
cash, or the advantage of being a small part in a greater success.
Such persons in effect own the business and know how, first of all, to cater to the
powers who control their continued employment, their increases, their power, and then, in a
secondary way, how to advance the organization.
Associations invariably punish those who move into the limelight and do a great
service for the Association but do not control firmly a power base of vote support.
Associations reward workers who are able to develop strong vote power bases
through any special meansusually through personality, politics, race, traditionand they
cast out those who fail to exert the important personality achievements..
Any club thrives [well, works] because it establishes a firm level of general
equality among all those who have any responsibility for the operation.
So keep in mind, if your vehicle of operation is an Association, there seems to be no
known way to keep out of the control of the changing powers of the members which, sadly enough,
get directed to anyone who tries to put on something big, spectacular, and who stands out.
14

For the three positions of Vice-President (TTT, Mar.Apr., 1977, 11+) there are 13 candidates: Lou Bochenski,
Tim Boggan, George Brathwaite, Bard Brenner, Fred Danner,
Bob Gusikoff, Bowie Martin, Dick Miles, Peter Pradit, John
Read, Mike Scott, Ron Shirley, and Lyle Thiem. For the one
position of Treasurer there are three candidates: Jack Carr,
Hugh Lax, and Peter Stephens. CHANGE is a major theme.
Danner, Martin, Shirley for V-P and Lax for Treasurer
have formed a slate. Somewhat loosely, Boggan, Gusikoff,
Miles for V-P and Stephens for Treasurer have formed
another, and have taken out a few paid-for ads in the Mar.Apr. Topics. These are in the form of scattered endorsements
for Peter Stephens from pictured top playersthough
confusingly the ads dont include a line in each endorsement
that designates them as ads). The Shirley slate will prevail in
this election, will overwhelmingly fill all three V-P positions
Shirley 656 votes; Danner 634; and Martin 549; following
them come Boggan 207; Bochenski, Brathwaite, Gusikoff,
and Miles in the lower 140s; the others 50 or more votes
behind. The position of Treasurer was somewhat contestedLax 482; Carr 307; and Stephens
206.
Danner, I feel its fair to say, is not always careful with his facts, and, in his eagerness
to have his slate get in, takes several liberties in his Campaign Statement. He begins by saying
that our memberships are down from 6600 in 1973 to about 4500 today. Where Danner got
this information I dont know. Neither I nor the official USTTA magazine I edited was privy to
it. But I do know that in TTT, May-June, 1972, 11 Fred wasnt talking 6600 members but
estimated that we had between 3000 & 5000 members. Marv Shaffer, our Membership
Chair,* then reported in TTT, Jan.-Feb.,1973 that the Association had 3,390 adult members
and 1,225 Junior members. Thats the only specific reporting of the Membership into 1977
Ive seen since.
Fred Herbst (see Vol. VIII, p.33), writes that during the 1974-75 season the
membership has dropped by 10% and may drop further next year [the 75-76 season]
because of inflated fees for memberships and tournaments. This isnt surprising. Many table
tennis players through the decades have been notoriously cheap, and its practically a given
that, for some, fees will always be inflated, and its not worth it to them, as costs for
everything else rise, to continue to be members. In administration after administration, the
perennial question from any member or perspective member is, What am I getting for my
membership? Very often its not enough.
Danner says that Boggan had become so frustrated with his own policies on the E.C.
that he retired. Thats just not true (see Vol. VII, p. 442)Id clearly explained in Topics that
my dual job as President and Editor had so affected my wife, Sally, that I had to give up both
positions, or at least one of them.
Fred says Tim deserted the E.C. to stand on the picket line at Philadelphia. That isnt
true either. Because I differed with other E.C. members on the worth of the Players
Association and their picket line, I deserted? Nonsense. I continued on the E.C. and quite
rightly no action was ever taken against me for expressing my independent views. Fred says I
15

was protesting my own policies. Clearly, I wasnt protesting but was following through with
MY own policies.
Fred says I made unjustified derogatory comments about products of two major
sponsors. Unjustified? See, for example, Vol. VII, pages 308 and 323, where my comment
about the tacky shirt Hertz wanted everyone to wear as often as possible was echoed in print
by another player who was certainly harsher on Hertz than I was.
I made comments and supported players that caused sponsors to withdraw their
support. No other reasonit was just what I did. But of course other sponsors, Billie Watkins
for one (see Vol. VIII, p. 403), acted on my criticisms, improved her tournament performance.
Our top players had to beg Tims E.C. for some consideration. Tims E.C.? I wasnt
the President. Tim was reluctant to help the top players? Why the hell was I on the picket line
with them?
Because I forced tournaments to give prize money, I caused major problems?
Maybe. But, if so, good for me. As weve seen, Fred is very amateur-minded and has a history
of being anti-prize money, didnt offer it in his own Long Island tournaments. And his running
mate, Jack Carr, isnt too fond of the Players players either. He says, Top players will get top
pay whenthe best U.S. players become the best World playerswhen the general public
recognizes table tennis as the outstanding sport we know it to be; and when all three major
networks and public television want and bid to televise our major tournaments. Heyyy, maybe
our players will accept something less than top pay. Do you think?
Anyway, .its obvious Freds on the side of the amateur player and Im on the side of
the professional player, as was clear from the many pages in Vol. VIII devoted to a divide that
remains ever present.
Boggan in his Campaign Statement quoted famed
filmmaker Jean Renoir at length. Heres an excerpt:
Indeed, it seems that even at this time of my life
[hes 80], I cannot keep to a straight line. I feel like a birda
big bird that picks here and there from the fruits of the most
different sorts of orchard. I have often said how much I
distrust blueprints; even when I am free to describe what
interests me, I let myself drift into a sort of literary anarchy.
Thus it was with great joy that, in the last few years, I
orchestrated the disorder of my film, The Little Theater of
Filmmaker Jean Renoir
Jean Renoir.
Photo by Richard Avedon
I have been happy. I have made films that I wanted
to make. I have made them with the people who were more
than my collaborators; they were my accomplices. This, I believe, is one recipe for happiness:
to work with people you love and who love you.**
Oh, I said, if with the USTTA Executive Committee I could have the happiness Renoir
speaks of, with what passion, what energy, what imagination I could help make our little table
tennis world a long-lasting reality. But, o.k., like other E.C. members Ive been doing what I
can. [I should think if Boggan wants soul-satisfaction hed do better not to reflect on the make
believe that isnt, but to concentrate on the here and now that is. Does doing what I can
sound ambitious enough?]
16

Fred, who softens his tone against me (Tim tries to do

good things for table tennis), is very much, as is John Read,
against Dick (lets make a deal) Miles. Dick wants a
progressive and forward moving E.C., as opposed to antique
lawmakers who dont think beyond the next by-law. Were
suffocating, he says, under by-laws and standing rules, all set
down by our executives as weapons of control, or devices by
which they maintain themselves in office. Bumbling
nincompoops, Miles says the Houston Astrodome people had
called our E.C. Dick points out A fresh start is needed. Of
course thats exactly what the Danner slate wants. Miles says we
Miles: The USTTA needs a
dont need an Executive Director, we need a professional
high-priced professional
salesman, a high-priced professional con-artistwho can bring in
con artist.
outside money to promote the sport.
In his Campaign Statement, Carr gratuitously lists the names of 20 officials round the
country who get his support (and so will support him, yes?). Heres his predictable
bureaucratic voice:
There is much to be done toward realization of the full potential of our
organization in favorably affecting the future of table tennis and its recognition as a major
sport of our country. To this end we need to be very selective in choosing our E.C. members.
We need assurance that those we choose have an avid interest in the sport, ABOVE
PERSONAL GAIN, and that they will dedicate themselves to the responsible and professional
discharge of their duties as members of our governing body. We must be sure they will govern
themselves and our organization according to our USTTA rules as prescribed in our
Handbook, that they will keep themselves informed on the issues before us, and that they will
reply promptly to correspondence on USTTA matters.
I must say that, given Jacks monomaniacal preoccupation with the USTTA Handbook
which hes spent countless hours rewriting and reshaping, his own PERSONAL GAIN (see
Graevnors personal ego/own the business comments) is certainly reflected in his wanting
to insist that the changing rules therein be followed to the letter. Hed rather have that than
money. Its his deal, the one he most wants. That and the recognition for all his perennially
stated efforts that he obviously doesnt think hes received.
His Campaign Statement continues with comments about the George M. Otto Report
that no one on the E.C. had cared much about, including Jack. In Vol. VII, p.352, we read,
Aside from Jack Carrs July 5, 1976 relentless questioning of, and [pages of] objections to
this Report (he found it excellent and outstanding but a disappointment!), and Ottos
generally politic July 29 reply, theres no follow up at all. When Jack authoritatively says,
There is nothing in your Report which is new to me, and most of which was discussed by the
E.C. within the past 12 years, its no surprise that the E.C. isnt going to hire Ottos
management firm (at $21,000 for the first year).
But now in his Campaign Statement Jack says, I would further urge the prompt
adoption of some of the more important recommendations of the report of George M. Otto
Associates.Perhaps [no Perhaps about it] the reason I am so impressed with this report is
that it reaffirms much of what I have been saying for years.George Otto avers, One of the
17

most important functions of Executive Committee members is

the careful and effective supervision of Committees [by who?
Jack?]. An Executive Committee member should have been a
USTTA member five or more years and should have served on a
minimum of two different USTTA Committees, and should have
successfully chaired at least one USTTA Committee for a period
of not less than one year. My own qualifications more than
satisfy these prerequisites. [Would then that we had an E.C.
of nine Jack Carrs?]
Carrs opponent, Peter Stephens, an accountant, says there are
too many personality conflicts among E.C. members that restrict
progress [hes certainly got that right], and he proposes a new
approach to increase the standard of the game. Start by
Jack Carr
bringing promoters of small tournaments together [how do
that?]. Peter says its better to have one tournament per month
with substantial prize money than three or four with next to nothing. He wants to set up a
tournament fundto supplement certain tournaments. Wants to establish a committee to
assist promoters in finding sponsors. He stresses the need to increase Junior membership,
and would like to be able to guarantee that top players and juniors will enter certain
tournaments. In general he hopes to encourage a more professional atmosphere.
Bowie Martin begins by saying that the USTTA membership is about 15% lower than
some six years ago. Does he mean in 1971 before the Ping-Pong Diplomacy publicity or
immediately after this unusual occurrence drew membership interestthough only for a short
while? He must mean after. But, given the momentary publicity, what point does that make?
Businessman Bowie, Danner, and Shirley/Lax who
use virtually, word for word, the same identical
Campaign Statement (I presume written by Shirley),
all want professional management. (Lax, said to be
in ill health, surely wasnt serious about running;
hell no sooner be elected than hell resign, and Carr,
whod run for that office, will, Anderson says, be
talked into taking Hughs placethough perhaps
this switch was considered in advance, for, though
Sue Sargent (and consequently Shirley?) didnt want
Jack, Danner had urged the membership to vote not
for Lax on his slate but for Carr).
The elected Slate Management means an
Executive Director and a Central Headquarters from
which to operate. Long and short-term goals will be
established so that money will be wisely spentsay,
in an effort to set policies for the average player,
increase membership, and develop public relations.
George Brathwaite details how hes been a
Goodwill Ambassador abroad. He wants to
emphasize Junior play. And he sees the need to
George Brathwaite:
establish unity among the E.C. members. Brathwaite
not the model EC member?
18

is a fine gentleman, says Thiem, but hes too closely aligned with Boggan and Miles. Too
badotherwise (like that lime-green polo shirt hes wearing?), you might consider him the
model E.C. member.
Lou Bochenski details his life commitment to Paddle Palace activities. He agrees with
Shirley that we need an Executive Director, agrees with Danner that we need to develop table
tennis in the schools. He also says we have to develop a much larger base of clubs. Hes not on
any ego trip, but, in reply to criticism that, as far as E.C. matters go, hes just an inexperienced
club owner, he asks rhetorically, Who could possibly be better qualified to help solve
problems than someone who has direct contact with them day to day on a much more
intensive basis than just about anyone else. Who could possibly want table tennis in this
country to improve more than someone who is directly involved full time in helping others in
table tennis. Our E.C. needs an overhaulget rid of all this petty squabbling and bickering.
But, Lou, elections are conteststhe in-fighting is part of a democratic process. People want
to be heard.
Bard Brenner wonders where the leagues are, the large school
programs, the professional tournament circuit. He says we need regional,
state, district, and city officials functioning all over the country and must
train and compensate these people. Bard stresses his experience in
technical management, real estate sales, politics, and sports promotion.
Hes had control of a million dollar budget,has handled multimillion
dollar sales. Hes dealt with executives of the banking, hotel, and airline
industries. Hes learned from his father, a mayor, and a superintendent of
schools. Hes gained knowledge from members of the established sports
world,learned his lessons from people in football, tennis, and jai alai.
Elect Bard Brenner this year, he says, and youll be glad you did next
year.
Bobby Gusikoff doesnt say much in his Campaign Statement,
aside from emphasizing that the key issue is whether you believe that
those running for the E.C. will get something positive and beneficial done
while in office. However, in his Match Point column (TTT, Mar.-Apr.,
1977, 11), he urges the membership to elect Boggan. He praises Tims
Bards handled
tireless efforts to further table tennis, especially as Editor of Topics. His many a trophy--for
very special touch makes the magazine imaginative, stimulating,
himself and others.
informative, and sometimes brilliant (as in
HANShis memorial poem to Hans Alser).
Gusikoff speaks of how things are running very smoothly for
his 77 U.S. Open, and how he hopes to have a number of world-class
players there and celebrities to watch them (Michael Caine and Elliott
Gould were two whod come by). In his full-page Entry Blank in
Topics, Bobby announces hes giving out $7,500 in prize money and
awards (specifically, however, the cash prizes he lists per event add up
to $4,300 and later hell post-tournament report the amount as $3,870).
He lights a fire (though a small one in comparison with the raging one
hell bring on in a later column) when he takes the manufacturers to
task, particularly Butterfly. Despite sales that reach far into the
millions, he says, Butterflys meager contribution to the 77 Easterns
Elliott Gould
19

was $60, to the 77 U.S. Open $400. As for the recently formed Manufacturers Association,
they put forward only a mere token effort toward the growth of table tennis in the U.S.
By April, maybe Bobby will have to admit things wont be going so smoothly for his
Open. When he asked Dick Miles to contact Diversified Products to see if theyd donate tables
for his Open, Diversifieds Executive Vice-President Cal James replied negatively. In an Apr.
14, 1977 letter to Dick (TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1977, 12) James said that Diversified had
participated in the 1975 and 1976 U.S. Opens and the 1976 Closed, and except for the 1975
Open the tournaments have not been effective in promoting the game of table tennis or our
products.
In our judgment, continued James, the 1975 Open in Houston was professionally
staged and gained excellent exposure because professionals such as Mr. Jimmie D. Fore at the
Astro Dome handled the tournament. It seems to me that this event would be much better off
if it would stay under the direction of a professional such as Mr. Fore from year to year, at
least until the event can be established.
Thats a boost not for Gusikoff but for Miles, so instrumental in securing for the
USTTA the Houston venue. However, Dick may have helped Bobby get, reportedly, 50
Diversified tables for use in his Hollywood U.S. Open at a cost of $2,500.
Peter Pradits Campaign Statement stresses that hes sincere and well-meaning in
wanting to do something for table tennis.
John Read, who prides himself on being a detail man, says we
need a paid full-time Director to promote our sport. We need to
change the direction of the USTTA from a group of individuals, each in
his own way (selfishly holding on to his power) trying to make sure
every little rule is observed, regardless of the fact that it may hurt
progress, or trying to make as much money as possibleto a
progressive, forward-looking, well-managed associationone the
manufacturers will help if we have well-planned programs.
Tyra Parkins makes the case for Dr. Michael Scott as one whos
not part of any
clique, doesnt
John Read
have a
personal axe to grind, and whos
been active in all facets of the game
as a tournament director, promoter,
club president, coach, and player. He
also has a business backgroundand
so has the knowledge of efficient
organization and of fiscal
responsibility.
Lyle Thiem in his Statement chastises
current E.C. members for their internecine rivalry
and pettiness. He says hell be fair and impartial
to views of the top playersand the views of the
great mass of B, C, and D players who make up
the majority of table tennis supporters. He
Tyra Parkins (L) makes a case for Dr. Michael Scott.
stresses his seven-year success as a Club owner
Scotts photo by Harry Frazer
20

whos run over 100 tournaments, and is now getting table

tennis into the Dayton, Ohio public schools. Like
Bochenski he understands the problems of Club workers
and organizers. Thiem is for President Schiff (has done
everything possible to prevent USTTA control by a select
few), Danner, and Carr, and he doesnt feel Miles and
Boggan would offer harmonious support to Schiff. They
shouldnt be on the E.C. anyway. Lyle is against Miles
because Dick wont work for the USTTA unless he
personally reaps the primary benefits of his work. As for
Boggan, hes a good editor, but then he says somewhat
paradoxically my personal dealings with him have
demonstrated to me that he is un-organized, forgetful, and
fails to answer correspondence promptly.
In addition to
President Schiff,
other E.C. members An accolade and a boutonniere for Sol
who still have a year
to serve on their term of office are: Executive VicePresident Rufford Harrison, Vice-President D-J Lee,
Corresponding Secretary Sue Sargent, and Recording
Secretary Mal Anderson. Mal (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1977,
12) expresses his views of the candidates. Danner is an
excellent choice, especially because he works to bring
more juniors into our sportour most important
goal. Carr is the best Treasurer weve hadis
outstanding and has the highest personal integrity.
Read is experienced and dedicated, has held many
USTTA positionshed be a good V-P. Shirley
Mal Anderson
(representing T.T. Oklahoma and T.T. [Club of]
America) and Martin (representing Martin-Kilpatrick
T.T. Co.) have a conflict of interestbut theyd be good V-Ps. Scott, intelligent, a good
worker and independent, is a must for the E.C.
Club owners Lou Bochenski and Bobby Gusikoff, who has not yet shown us he can
perform in a dull grind type of job [thats a requisite?], do have a conflict of interest. Boggan,
a good worker, has two conflicts of interestlike Brathwaite, hes an official in the Players
Association, and the Editor of Topics. Miles is entirely for himself. Brenners record is not
as good as the other candidates. Brathwaite, Lax, and Pradit are untried, [and Club owner
Thiem goes unmentioned]. C.P.A. Stephens never completed the audit of the USTTA books he
agreed to do, and never returned the books. So, for sure, vote for Danner, Scott, and Carr, and
choose between Read, Shirley and Martin.
As you can see, differences abound, but I should say with the possible exception of
Pradit that PERSONAL GAIN of some kind (involving everyones sense of self-worth) is very
much common to all those running for office, all of whom genuinely want to help improve the
Association. You, reader, along with the current 70s membership, will hopefully want to see
what this election leads to.***
21

Before and after: Marv Shaffer shaven; Marv Shaffer bearded. Some would say Marv had a hair attack.
Photo on left by Mal Anderson; photo on right by Rufford Harrison

SELECTED NOTES.
*Marv tells us (TTT, Jan.-Feb., 1977, 12) that hed planned to run for Vice-President in
this election, but had been feeling quite ill during the month of December, so decided against
it. After a Dec. 31 heart attack, he spent the first few days of the new year in the coronary
unit of the Yale New Haven Hospital and the following two weeks in complete inactivity. He
apologizes for the delay in the processing of memberships and subscriptions as well as the
filling of orders for literature and insignia, and promises to do his best to catch up.
Marv asks all table tennis clubs to institute a program that will urge their members to
put in a solid hour of activity[involving] constant physical effort, every day, in the
morning or evening. Want to ward off heart attacks? Make it a way of life, he says. The
resulting weight control and mental acuity, and zest for life are well worth the effort.
**Reading, over 30 years later, this Renoir passage and my reaction to it, Im struck by
the latent comparison I sense is thereRenoirs feeling about his films and my feeling about
my Topics morphed now more independently into my more recent History books.
***This E.C. election, as were about to see, will lead to some historic changes in the
USTTA. But at the moment I want to comment on the 1975 election and particularly on the
thinking of its Chair Fred Danner. Id said in Vol. VIII (1975-77) that I hadnt a copy of
Danners Nominating Committee Report, but that I did have a copy of the furious critique it
drew from me. For some reason Id said that this Report was unsigned. Id also said that I
found it hard to believe that Fred himself, who ran for office in that Election, wrote all that
appeared there. Fred, wanting to clarify his role, has recently sent me, upfront, a signed copy
of his Report, which I now feel I can, and should, comment on, especially since the thinking
behind it carries over into the 2006-2007-and 2008 elections.
22

Fred Danner

Sometimes, in his zest for thoroughness and for what he

wants, Fred overextends his argumentsand just as Ive
praised this Hall of Famer and will continue to praise him, so I
feel that when I dont agree with him I say so. However, I
hasten to admit that here Ive toned down considerably the
ferocity toward Fred I felt and expressed in my original reply to
the E. C. on reading this Report. Id not distinguished myself
then by likening Fred and his distraught tactics to Senator Joe
McCarthy and that mans warped accusations.
My objections follow. First, Candidate Forms asking
the receiver to run for USTTA office were sent to 73
recipients. This was not a thoughtful, but a have-to-get-it-done
blanket mailing that is an understandable approach but
incongruous when later in his Report Fred argues that its the
E.C. (the very E.C. hes been a member of) that tends to prevent truly qualified people from
seeking E.C. positions. Has the Nominating Chair no responsibility in this selection? How is
the E.C. preventing truly qualified people from running? How might that change with
another Nominating Chair?
Then, Danner says, USTTA President Charlie Disney directed the Nominating
Committee to poll the members of the USTTA Executive Committee to obtain their
endorsements of each candidate. Candidates not receiving at least 2 of the 9 possible votes
would be dropped from the ballot. Huh? A candidate could get an invitation to run for office,
then, if he decided to accept, he could be barred from running by, among others, those he
wanted to run against? Fred didnt like this procedurethough it was called for by the
USTTA Manual (I being an E.C. member who voted that proviso in!). However, Charlie
insisted.
Turns out three first-time candidates (Dal-Joon Lee, Peter
Pradit, & Fuarnado Roberts) were declared ineligible. According to
an accompanying chart showing how each E.C. member voted, these
three got only one votefrom Miles who, apparently really disliking
this procedure, only voted for those three and Vic Landau whod
decided not to run.
This rejection prompted Tim Boggan to put forward a let em
run petition which, according to the rules, if 100 USTTA-member
signatures were on it, Lee, Pradit, and Roberts could be reinstated as
eligible. This Danner liked, for their rejection might be
misinterpreted by USTTA members as an attempt to prevent
popular candidates not in E.C. favor from being on the ballot.
Misinterpreted? Moreover, Fred had assured these three candidates
that their applications were in order and that no bureaucratic tricks
would prevent their names from being on the ballot. When the
Membership Chair said only 96 of these signatures were valid, Fred
last-minute quickly circulated a petition of his own and got the three
candidates their extra needed endorsements. (John Read, after a list of the candidates had been
made public, said hed submitted a valid petition but that it had been lost in the mail. Disney
did not allow Read to run.).
23

As it turned out, there was a gap in the voting between what the E.C. would have and
what the Membership would have. I got 3 out of 9 possible votes to run for office from my
fellow Executive Committee members and 568 votes from the membership, was first among
the16 announced candidates. Miles got 4 votes from the E.C. and 498 votes from the
membership to place 3rd in the overall voting (behind Jack Carr). D-J Lee, who got only the
one vote to run from the E.C., finished 5th (behind Sol Schiff) with 371 votes. Danner got 8
votes from the E.C. and 279 votes, was 7th in the voting. Bob Kaminsky also got 8 votes from
the E.C., but only 170 membership votes, the same as Fuarnado Robertsso, as Graevnor
would say, at the moment those two, finishing tied for 10th, had the same power base of
support (or lack of it)?
We now come to Danners Recommendations for Future USTTA Elections.
Much is made by some, as weve seen, about candidates who
have conflicts of interest. So when Danner suggests that future
elections can be held at SIGNIFICANTLY lower cost IF they are
processed by the National Junior Table Tennis Foundation, the very
Foundations Danners responsible for, does that mean he can still be
the Nominating Chair? (In the 2005 election, Danner, who was
running for office, had his friend Chris Schlotterhausen in charge of
counting the ballots, and me, among others, witnessing the count.)
Fred says this 2005 election was severely compromised when
a campaign statement sent out by Tim Boggan concurrent with the
USTTA ballot and containing statements on behalf of Boggan, Peter
Stephens, & Miles misrepresented several facts. [What facts?] Before
any answer to these misrepresentations could be mailed, over 700 of
the 1194 ballots returned had been received by Chris
Schlotterhausen.
I myself dont think the election was compromised (the results
skewed) by the leaflets I or the people on my slate sent out. Certainly
to say the election was severely compromised is to be absurd. In
Chris Schlotterhausen
fact, speaking for myself, Miles, and Stephens (who was not as
Photo by Mal Anderson
responsible as he should have been in mailing out our circulars), our
timing was bad and our circulars got out late and so had very little if any effect on those 700
ballots so quickly received by Chris Schlotterhausen. Moreover, in view of the 1973 election
two years ago, that Miles and I should receive so many votes (given this time too the support
of President Disney) should hardly come as a surprise to anyone. As for my own election
statement, it was quite predictable, echoed the same judgments that had gotten me elected in
the pastand consisted of statements of facts and feelings that I believe I had a right to
express.
Fred recommends that the E.C. endorsement of candidates be dropped as a
requirement for becoming a qualified candidate. But then he modifies that statement to
suggest that instead of the rule needing 8 E.C. members to block a potential candidate from
running, 5 would be enough now. He says, The E.C. by a majority vote could replace any
candidate recommended to them by the Nominating Committee. Also, he wants to limit the
number of candidates TO THREE MAXIMUM FOR ANY POSITION. (Would a petition
still be allowedand, if so, how hard would it be to get 100 signatures if a candidate were
serious about running; further, a petition would have the added advantage that the E.C.
24

couldnt reject the petitioner who didnt go through

the Nominating Committee.) This idea of limiting the
opposition is strongly held by some in officeand, as
well see, will be the bane of Nominating Chair Barry
Margolius wholl succeed Danner in supervising the
2008 USTTA elections.
Fred recommends that the Editor of Topics
NOT BE ELIGIBLE to run for the E.C. The Editor of
Topics has a dual responsibility to report the Table
Tennis News and to act as a FREE PRESS check on
the absolute power of those on the E.C. I couldnt
agree more. So far as Im concerned, if any Topics
Editor ever acted as a FREE PRESS check on behalf
of the membership, it sure has been me. How long now
have I been both an E.C. member and the Editor?
Years, right? And I just received the most number of
votes in the election. Anyone gets out of line in print,
he hears about it from the membership. Fred also says
that if an E.C. member is the Editor he cannot use the
Topics as a platform for his own candidacy. Fred
Tim Boggan: eligible to act as a Free
means of course cannot use Topics to excess, for all
Press check on himself?
candidates get a platform.
Fred says the Nominating Chairman should NOT be allowed to be a candidate for the
E.C. (as he was this year).Why not? Because, to ensure everythings fair, $50 additional
expenses for an open count had to be incurred. Fred adds, It may be difficult to get someone
to do the Nominating Chairmans job which requires over 100 hours of work [doing what?]
for which some expenses are not reimbursed [why not?], and for which an honorarium of only
$50 is paid. [Want more? Deserve more? Ask for it.] For an equivalent amount of work on the
Topics, the editor now receives about $500. [Any difference in the mental work, the training,
the experience required to do these two equivalent jobs? And of course the editor doesnt do
this work once a year, but six times that.]
Why, as Fred constructs these abstractions, not mentioning me by name, do I get the
feeling Im not wanted on the E.C. and maybe not as the Editor of Topics? Sure Jack Carr,
Freds choice for Treasurer, isnt on this Nominating Committee?
Fred claims the Topics Editor has an unfair advantage by his access to sets of labels
made to distribute the Topics. So what does that mean? When I want a set of labels I just ask
the Membership Chair for them, and without asking me what I want them for (sneakily, I
wouldnt tell him?), or whether Im going to pay for them (whats the cost$10 for a 1000?),
he just gives them to me?
Fred says that the use of the official USTTA copyright trademark by candidates in this
election misled the USTTA voters into thinking that the statements represented a policy view
of either the E.C. or the Association. Is he talking about the USTTA trademark on the
Boggan-Miles-Stephens circulars? All knew this was a traditional, yearly election. All USTTA
voting members had received Topics, all had seen the USTTA trademark there not just on my
own election page but on everybodys. Who could think in a perennial, always free-choice
election, they werent free to vote as they wanted to?
25

Freds worried about a letter he received (a copy of which he didnt give me), so he
recommends that all candidates for USTTA office should be obligated to sign a statement
waiving rights to recourse to legal action to anything said or printed which is clearly labeled as
election material. Anybody who tries to slander one of the candidates, or tries to prevent
factual information from reaching the members by threat of legal action should be removed,
be he/she a candidate or an E.C. member. We cant afford to be a party to a suit causing our
present liability policy premiums to skyrocket from the present $33/year.
Restrictions need to be put in place to limit the total out-of-pocket funds spent by any
candidate or group of candidates in a USTTA election. It is unfair for rich candidates to buy
office.
Rich candidatewell, thats not me. In fact, Fred leaves us with a recommendation
that seems to echo his sons Carls advice to me, I suppose youll be coming to L.A. [for
Gusikoffs 1977 U.S. Open], even though you cant afford it. I read of the ridiculous amount
you spent at the Easterns. Tim, youve got to realize that the government is the only entity
which can continuously spend more than it makes.
Heres Freds final recommendation: All candidates for E.C. positions should show
some evidence that they are financially solvent. It is ridiculous to permit candidates to qualify
so that when elected they can draw from the USTTA treasury to compensate for their living
expenses. It is equally ridiculous to expect those who cant financially meet their own
obligations to set financial policies for the $40,000 budget of the USTTA.
Well, on second thought, maybe this doesnt apply to me. The compensation I get from
the USTTA treasury for my E.C. work, even my Topics work, isnt enoughmy obligatory
living expenses are too high.

26

Chapter Two
1977: Jan.-Feb. Tournaments.
Since the Thais, Chuchai Chan and Apichart Sears, had moved from their previous
home base at Charlie Disney Club in Minneapolis to Lou Bochenskis Paddle Palace, January
featured plenty of competitive action up in Portland, OR. The more so when at the Jan. 7-8
lead-off Joe Lee Open, Zlatko Cordas and Eddy Lo came down from Vancouver, drawn by the
$750 Joe himself was putting up in prize money.
Jay
Zlatko Cordas
Crystal (TTT,
Courtesy of Zdenko Uzorinac
Jan.-Feb., 1977,
24), in reporting
on the
tournament,
stresses how
much in
command Cordas
washe didnt
lose a game,
either in the Open
Singles on
Saturday or in
the Team event on Sunday. Zlatkos steady, fast backhand kept everyone on the run. Losing
Open quarterfinalists won $20 each: Houstons David Babcock, after getting by chopper
Charlie McLarty, lost to Cordas; Judy Bochenski, whod been training hard for the Worlds
with the Thais, fell to Sears; Dean Doyle was knocked out by Chan; and Crystal was beaten by
Lo. In the semis, Chan took Lo in four; and Zlatko, though being forced into deuce one game,
blanked Sears. In the final, Chan wasnt ready mentally for this match. He just tried to kill
every ball he could and though they were unstoppable when they went in, not enough went
in.
Other Open Results: AAs: Final: Doyle over Jeff Kurtz. In the
semis, Doyle defeated Crystal who said that Dean was blocking my
all-out loop kills back at me when he wasnt supposed to (Ill never
learn) and forcing me to chop the next ball, then killing that. With
games tied at 1-all, I was up 16-11 in the third when that cold, clammy
hand somehow tightened around my throat and I lost that game 21-17,
and the next. In the other semis, Jeff Kurtz, with his smooth, allaround game, just chopped and picked his way by Judy. In last
months AA event, Jeff had blown a 2-0 lead to Carl Cole, but this
month, in the quarters, he beat Carl three straight. As went to Mike
Bochenski. Home from school for the weekend, Mike pocketed $25
after not playing for months. B winner was Rick Livermore who
gained 160 rating points this tournament, moving him into Class A.
(Jay sees improvement not only in Rick but in the majority of the
Paddle Palace membership.)
Rick Livermore
27

Chan/Sears
($100) won the
Sunday two-man Team
event thanks to a close
win over Cordas/Lo.
Zlatko stopped the
Thais, but after Chan
beat Lo, and Chan and
Sears won the doubles,
all depended on the
Sears-Lo match. Down
1-0, Sears seemed
unable to handle
Eddys super-spinny,
side-topspin serves and
loop kill follow-up.
But then midway
through the 2nd Sears

Apichart Sears giving an exhibition

Photo by Lou Bochenski

turned the match

around, returning
Eddys serves and
angle-blocking his
loop to win that
game and then the
third. When
Cordas and Lo left
early (theyd have
a six-hour drive to
Vancouver), Doyle/
Crystal ($50) took
second.
In the two weeks
after this Lee
Open, two local
mall department
stores sponsored
invitational
tournaments, and
Chuchai Chan photo by Don Weems
Judy Bochenski photo from Dec. 8, 1980
in the process gave
Pacific Northwest Program
Bochenski enough
publicity that maybe hell rent out the Paddle Palace to a local disco group sponsoring a citywide dance.
On into Feb. and the Palaces Chicos Pizza Open where Chan defeated Sears in a tight
20, -17, 18, 21 final. Other Results: Open Doubles: Khoa/Quang Bui over McLarty/
Livermore. Semis: Bui brothers over Ron Vincent/Pou, 24, 19; McLarty/Livermore over John
Fredrickson/Joe Romanowsky, 19, -20, 17. Juniors: Bobby Rinde over Romanowsky, 13, 27
28

in the semis, then over Oslund in the final. AA: Judy Bochenski over Bill Mason, deuce in the
4th in the semis, then over Crystal, 12, -22, 20, -21, 19, in the final. As: Jon Birck over
Livermore, 18, 29, in the semis, then over Mason in the final. A Doubles: Bui/Bui over
Vincent/Pou whod advanced over Romanowsky/Livermore, -14, 21, 19. Bs: Oslund over
Bruce Douglass, Cs: Young Jo Kim over James Jenkins. Ds: Jenkins over Jim Hermann. Es:
John Kretchmer over Hermann. Fs: Benji Klevit over Clark Weeks, 23-21 in the semis, then
over Charlotte Breit. Gs: Tom Harris over Breit.
Jay Crystal spoke of this Charlotte, an older lady, as having a German accent and a
liking for thin brown cigarettes. She, Dean Doyle and Jay drove to Las Vegas for the 1976
Closed. Then, says Jay, we drove back 15 hours, straight through, arriving home on
Christmas Eve. Charlotte shared Christmas dinner with my family that year.
Stanfords Carl Danner in a Feb. 17 letter to me says, This has been the worst winter
out here for snow and rain, possibly ever. The counties 30 miles to the north are on water
rationing, and theres going to be a power shortage this summer because there wont be
enough water in the rivers to use all the hydroelectric power needed. But do sweat-soaked
table tennis players care about water?
Winners in the San Francisco Winter Open: Double
Elimination (D.E.) Open Singles: Manh Van Nguyen over Richard
Liang, then over Henry Fung whod split matches with Liang.
Womens Singles: 1. Darlene Galliadi. 2. Jeanne Wrase. 3. Tina
Smilkstein. 4. Joy Gee. 5. Tonna Albright. As (D.E.): Paul Wong over
Frank Chang, 19 in the 3rd, after Chang had beaten Wong, 19, 20.
(Who had a double loss?) Bs (D.E.): Wong over Erwin Hom, after
Wong and Hom had split matches. Cs (D.E.): Ken Lee twice over
Keith Liu. Ds (D.E.): Lee twice over Stanley Leong. Seniors: Azmy
Ibrahm over Harry Nelson whod split matches with Dan Goodman.
Tom Wintrich (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1977, 29) tells us
something about the Albuquerque, NM Club of the
Month, and the Duke City Team Tournament that was
played there Jan. 22. In the last 9 months, says Tom,
the Club has grown from 47 members to 86. It
meets at a rent-free gymnasium (courtesy of the Parks
and Recreation Department)located between the
two largest shopping centers in New Mexico with
freeway access virtually at its doorstep. The ceilings
are 25 feet high and there is ample space downstairs
for 10 barriered tables with 4 more upstairs in smaller
rooms. There is also a lounge, equipped with a
refrigerator. Dues are $10 annually for adults, $3 for
children. Scheduled play is four times a week, but its
Tom Wintrich: Possible to play in
possible to play every day.
Albuquerque every day
Over the last 15 months, during three 2-star
Photo by Mal Anderson
tournaments, the Club has given away over $1,175 in
prize money. Many of the colorful members are junk players. Theres our current U.S. Closed
Senior A winner Les Enslin and his Phantom rubber. Werner Johnsons anti-spin defense. Lang
Lan Hos jerky chop abetted by a backhand played off plain wood. Paul Longmires mixed
29

Mark V and wood returns. Ernie Sandovals rotating wrist serves. Bill Roadys $1.98 Sears
special paper-thin bat that sucks the speed and spin out of any good hit. George Ingrams
unusual play in which he hits every forehand shot using the backhand side of the racket, thus
creating quite a distraction for his opponent and further mystifying him with nasty sidespin.
Even Dennis Gresham, the Clubs most aggressive hitterwont play in a normal way but
must always loop the ball from beneath the table with a whipping stroke, utilizing a cocked
wrist[that] zings the ball back with heavy top and side spin.
A little eccentric some of our members may be, but theyre as serious as our perennial
Club President Vic Smith or our durable Tournament Director Liz Gresham. And serious, too,
at unwinding at Shakeys Pizza Parlor on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Hiding away in the
rear corner of the restaurant, we empty those dollar pitchers as quickly as a 3rd ball attack.
Between bites of pizza and German toasts (some of us also speak Chinese, Spanish,
Vietnamese, Hindi, and English) we exchange cordial remarks and reminiscefor in this
Club weve fun things to share.
In the Duke City Team Tournament,
eight four-person teams competed for
$500. First was the Colorado team of (A)
Bohdan Bob Dawidowicz, (B) Jerry
Plybon, (C) Kasia Dawidowicz, and (D) Rick
Jones. When Kasia won a tie-breaker from
George Ingram and Mike Mui (Kasia lost to
George but beat Mike whod downed
George), the Colorado team had all four
singles winners. In A Doubles, the
Dawidowicz father/daughter combo was
undefeated, so all in all the Colorado team
was $290 richer. B Doubles went to Dennis
Kasia Dawidowicz
Gresham/Helmuth Vorherr over Plybon/
Photo by Tom Slater
Jones. Denniss double-wing super sidespin
loops from six to ten feet back of the table
were particularly effective. So the Gresham/Vorherr/Mui/Ed Stein team earned $160 for
second. Third ($100) went to Johnson/Keith Treece/Wintrich/Roady
over Longmire/W.D. Gutscher/Ingram/Carl Duimstra. O.k., plays over,
everyone goin to Shakeys?
An unidentified reporter (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1977, 24) fills us in on
the Jan. 29-30 Irving, TX round robin. Here 12 groups of six players
each competed in initial round robins wherein the finishing positions
would determine whether a player would continue on in a Championship
or A-B-C-D-E round robin. In the double round robin Championship
Gary
division (12 qualifiers split into two six-man groups), players who
st
nd
Fagan
finished 1 or 2 in each round robin would advance to a final round
robin group of four that included a carry-over result.
In the one Championship section, qualifiers Gary Fagan and
Bruce Smith were each 4-0 before meeting to determine the winner.
Their 5-game match featured some beautiful counter-hitting and
defensive play. At 19-all in the 5th, Bruce tried to hit in a ball he had
30

Tommy Vaello

been successfully loop-driving, and it didnt go in,

then Gary blocked down Bruces loops for a 21-19
win. In the other Championship section, Joe
Cummings
emerged as the #1 finisher, but it wasnt easyhe
had to rally from down 12-7 in the 3rd against
Grady Gordon, and from down 14-7 in the 3rd
against Russell Finley. At deuce, Russell hit a
powerful forehand that looked like a sure winner.
Cummings, however, got his bat on the ball and
watched his return hit the edge on Russells side for
the turning point of the match. The #2 finisher was
Gordon who, having put Phantom on his backhand,
was able to upset both #3 seed Tommy Vaello and

Russell Finley

#6 seed Finley.
In the final round of four, Joes sharp-angled dead blocks proved to be too much for
Bruce; and Garys loops did in Grady. So with the carry-overs, Bruce and Grady each had two
losses, and could only battle for 3rd Place. The crafty veteran Gordons Phantom really
bothered Bruce in the 1st, but then he changed from a too cautious strategy to a confident allout attack, and was able to eke out a 21-19-in-the-3rd win with a deceptive serve that Grady
pushed into the net. In the final, though Gary had dominated Joe in the past, it wasnt that
way this time, for Joes super-steady blocking allowed him to win, 16 in the 3rd.
Womens went to Nancy Hilland her reward was that
Cliff Smith and other players raised the money to replace what
was stolen from her billfold at this tournament. She much
appreciated their kindness.
Other Irving Open Results: Championship Doubles:
Cummings/Vaello (Tommy won the Billie Watkins
Sportsmanship Award) over Finley/Bob ONeill. As: Duc
Truong with an all-out attack over Don Weems. Bs: David
Harville over Mark Stoolz. Cs: Ernest Rapp over Paul Taylor.
Ds: Robert Estell over Kyle Drake. Es: David Ruff over Karin
Thompson. A Doubles: Steve Arnold/Kenny Pitts over J.C.
Tenay/Randy Womack. B Doubles: James Rautis/Billy James
over Sid Minyard/Rich Puls. C Doubles: Bob Miller/Doug
Nancy Hill: Money replaced.
Whitwood over Truong/Woo. D Doubles: Estell/Boze over
Ruff/Gene Sargent. E Doubles: J. Stanley/R. Stanley over Thompson/McBride.
Oh, oh, Larry Knouft, whos to be commended for his past work with Juniors, but
whos been plagued with money problems and has a long history of not paying debts and
bouncing checks to the USTTA and others, has been indefinitely suspended from the
Association. But he still managed to con Great Plains Regional Director Sue Sargent again. In
an Apr. 10, 1977 letter to Disciplinary Chair Dr. Michael Scott, we learn that Sue wasnt going
to affiliate Larrys Blue Springs, MO Club, but when a Mr. Harry Stephens promised me that
he would take full responsibility[I] affiliated Larrys club and granted a sanction for Larry
to run his Jan. 22nd Blue Springs Open. Alas, his affiliation check bounced, he ran the
tournament but sent in no sanction fees, no membership fees he collected, and after five
31

months had still not sent a table to a fellow who was foolish enough to buy from him. Sue
recommends that Larry be permanently suspended.
Results of the ($300?) Blue Springs Open: Mens: 1. Rich Doza ($75). 2. Mark
Kennedy. 3. Steve Kraly. 4. David Barnes. Mens Open Doubles: 1. Kraly/Steve Finney. 2.
Mark Walsh/Kennedy. Womens: 1. Linda Ludwigsen. 2. Winnie Yu. Mixed Doubles: 1. Steve
Downing/Yu. 2. Finney/Ludwigsen. As: 1. Doza. 2. Allen Lee. A Doubles: 1. Finney/Roland
Rittmaster. 2. Scott Grafton/David Barnes. Bs: 1. Peter Braun. 2. Bernie Braun. Cs: 1. Ken
Bull. 2. Finney. Ds: 1. Donny Fritsche. 2. Randy Fritsche. Seniors: 1. Walsh. 2. David Scott.
U-17s: 1. Bruce Hunt. 2. John Hoffman. U-17 Doubles: 1. Rittmaster/Hunt. 2. Sam
Rittmaster/Hoffman. U-15s/U-13s: 1. Peter Braun. 2. Bernie Braun. Girls: 1. Shelley Lane. 2.
Wendy Wyrick.
Rating Chair Neal Fox is now offering for $3 a printout of a players season record.
Such a printout, he says, may prove valuable in gaining sponsorship. Of course players
wont like it if directors dont send in results of their tournaments in timely fashion. Naturally
Neal never received any results from Knoufts tournament.
Given Knoufts difficulties, Steve Finney has taken over the Presidency of the Kansas
City Club. He reports (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1977, 8) on the Feb. 5-6 Junior Championships that
the Missouri-Kansas Junior Table Tennis Program put on in cooperation with the Metcalf
Shopping Center in Overland Park, Kansas. Over 110 entrants, both boys and girls, in nine age
divisions took part. The tournament staff was manned with walkie-talkies in order to control
play on eight tables placed throughout the three levels of the shopping center. K.C.
regularsPeter and Bernie Braun, Sam and Roland Rittmaster, Bruce Hunt, and Steve
Schlesselmanwon in their respective divisions, and each received a trophy plus a
merchandise prize (offered were jackets, model ships, headphones, and gift certificates valued
at over $400).
The tournament attracted new junior players, and the Shopping Center benefited by
increased business. The Center Director was so pleased that an adult tourney is being planned
for September plus another junior tournament next February.
Tom McEvoy covers the years opening play at Grand Rapids. The Jan.15 Michigan
Open saw Mike Veillette (18 in the 5th) end Mike Babers long winning streak (Baber hadnt
lost a tournament here in all of 76). In the ending round robin, runner-up Bob Hazekamp also
beat Baberbut it was Bobs incredible quarters match with Larry Wood that had everyone
abuzz. Down 2-0, Bob hung in there to win the 3rd, 40-38, then took the last two games, also
at deuce. The other semifinalist was Leonard McNeece whod upset McEvoy.
Other Michigan Open Results: Open Doubles: Dell Sweeris/John Huizinga over
Veillette/Baber, deuce in the 3rd. As: Ron Ryel over Cody Jones. Bs: Bill Hornyak over Mike
Menzer. Cs: Jim Doney over Gordon Haan. C Doubles: McEvoy/Bill Allan over John Missad/
Grace Ide. Ds: Scott Sommer over Rob Lichtenheld. Novice: Allan over Jeff Eddy, 21, 21.
Beginners: George Pantuliano over Terry Johnson. Handicap: Jones over Steve Walquist.
Over 40: Hornyak over Ward Wood. U-17: Doney over Torsten Pawlowski.
It was another bad day for #1 seed Baber at the 56-entry Feb. 12 Winter Wonderland
Open held at the Garfield Park Lodge. Also, the other top seeds werent too happy: #2 seed
McEvoy lost to Bill Hornyak; #3 seed Rick Vanderlind went down to Steve Claflin; and #4
seed Hazekamp was beaten by Ron Ryel. In the final round robin, Bill couldnt hold a 14-11
lead in the 5th against Ron who also won out over Steve. Baber, meanwhile, easily disposed of
Hornyak and Claflin. Against Ryel, though, Mike was down match point in the 4th, but 23-21
32

prevailed to go into the 5th. Then

Wonderland it was for Ryel who
came from 18-12 down to win, 2220. And speaking of coming from
someplace, West Virginias Dan
Oates and Marylands C.J. Williams
drove all the way up from Maryland
along with C. J.s son Dave,
Baber finally righted himself
Mike Baber, Michigan
at the Feb. 19 Michigan Closed
State Champion
where George and Madeline Buben
Photo by Mal Anderson
were presented with a beautiful
Revere bowl for their many years of
service to Michigan table tennis.
Results: Mens Open: Baber over
Veillette, 10, 18, -22, 20. Semis:
Baber over Bill Lesner; Veillette over Jeff Smart, 18, -19, 20, -16, 18. Open Doubles: 1.
Baber/Veillette. Womens Singles: Maureen Farmer over Michele McKinstry, 23-21 in the 5th
in the semis, then over Genevieve Hayes in the final. Womens Doubles: 1. McKinstry and ?
Mixed Doubles: Veillette/McKinstry over Lesner/Janice Martin. Esquires: Chuck Burns over
Laurie Ault. Seniors: Burns over Ward Wood whod gotten by Ed Jerome in 5. Senior
Doubles: 1. Burns/Quinn. U-17 Boys: Steve Claflin in 5 over Huizinga who in the semis
eliminated Mike Bush. (Could there be another one! I dont think so. Should read Mike
Budi?). Under 17 Girls: 1. Hayes. U-17 Doubles: 1. Huizinga/Doney. U-15 Boys: Steve
Claflin over Huizinga in 5. U-13 Boys: 1. Dave Claflin.
As: Burns over Steve Claflin (from down 2-0 and at deuce in the 4th). A Doubles: Ryel/
Larry Wood over S. Claflin/Dean Danigelis. Bs: S. Claflin over Bob Moore (from down 2-0).
Semis: Claflin over Brock Huler in 5; Moore over Steve Walquist, 15, 19, -20, 20. B Doubles:
Brian Tunnell and Bob Quinn (there are two of them too?) over Cody Jones/S. Claflin in 5.
Cs: Tunnell over Mike Budi. C Doubles: Joel Plotkin/Mark Holowchak over Budi/Aaron
Smith, 18 in the 4th. Ds: Wolfgang Hoffman over Steve Veillette in 5. D Doubles: Gary
Calkins/Hoffman over Arthur Weir/ Stewart Ansteth. Es: K.S. Krishnan over Debbie
Payotelis. Novice: Krishnan over Charles Dunscombe whod defeated Mark Casey in 5.
Novice Doubles: 1. Claude Bertolin/Allan Flowers. Beginners: Bertolin over Casey (from
down 2-0). Beginners Doubles: Casey/Dipti Ghosh over David Claflin/ George Pantuliano.
Mens Consolation: Steve Walquist over Gunter Pawlowski. A Consolation: Jones over
John Trevethan, 19 in the 3rd. B Consolation: Chuck Glinz over Plotkin. C Consolation:
Calkins over Steve Wasik. D Consolation: Torsten Pawlowski over Michele McKinstry, 20, 21.
E Consolation: Dunscombe over Lee Bahlman. Novice Consolation: Pantuliano over Mike
Crumley. Beginner Consolation: Bjorn Pawlowski over Pantuliano.
Jim Dixon has recently changed jobs and is now Director of the Buffalo, N.Y. Masten
Boys Club, site of the Buffalo TT Club. This gives Jim more time to coach juniors whom he
also arranges trips forto Rochester, N.Y. and to Dayton, Ohio tournaments. Results of
Buffalos 1977 opener, the Jan. 21-23 Felix Yok Open: Mens Open: 1. Rick Seemiller, 3-0. 2.
Jim Dixon, 2-1. 3. Randy Seemiller, 1-2. 4. Jim Shoots, 0-3. As: 1. Gary Martin. 2. Andy
Beckenback (advancing with a 5-gamer over Dan Rzewnicki). 3. Vic Meredith. 4. G. Juhusz.
33

Bs: 1. Harry Hawk over Don Clawson.

B Doubles: Hawk/Rzewnicki over Martin/Videl,
-18, 21, 21. Cs: B. Weiner over C. Clifford. C
Doubles: Fox/Scherer over Joe Destefano/
Rzewnicki. Ds: J. Garcia over Clifford, 21-19 in
the 3rd, then over C. Bensch. Es: Dan Spearman
over Mike Carlson, 18 in the 3rd. Seniors: 1.
Bob Brickell. 2. Juhusz. 3. Vic Meredith. 4. Dave
Carlson. U-17s: Jim Meredith over Garcia. U15s: Dave Carlson over N. Ross. U-13s: D.
Carlson over Dan Spearman, 23, -18, 23, 19.
Youngstown, Ohios Junior of the
Month (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1977, 8), 16-year-old
junior high school student Phil Panno, wont be
found now in either Buffalo or Dayton
tournamentsbut thats because hes probably
more preoccupied at the moment with baseball or
football, especially since, as Stan Wolf tells us,
Phil Panno
Phil has no Club to go to, plays only in his
basement. Yet he was the U-17 A finalist in the 76 Closed and hes just recently attended a
Danny Seemiller clinic. So maybe hell turn up later in the yearor later in lifeit happens.
Youngsters in Dayton have quite an advantage, for we
learn from Lyle Thiem that hes been successful in getting
table tennis established in the Dayton Public School System on
an intramural basis, and of course he also runs the Dayton
Table Tennis Center where juniors can repeatedly come for
coaching, practice, and tournament play. Lyles talking about
students from grades 5 through 8 at approximately 45
elementary schools and students from grades 9 through 12 at
nine high schools. Hes seen to it that each school has a table,
some paddles, and the Laws of Table Tennis. Elementary
schools will run a tournament or tournaments (sometime
between Oct. and Jan.) in four divisions5th and 6th-grade
girls and boys, and 7th and 8th-grade girls and boys. High
schools will follow suit with their girls and boys 9th and 10thgrade, and 11th and 12th-grade divisions.
In February, the winners and runner-ups in each of the
eight divisions from all participating schools will come to
Lyles Dayton Table Tennis Center on scheduled Monday
Lyle Thiem: Established TT
evenings (addresses and phone numbers provided for
in Dayton schools.
scheduling by the cooperating Board of Education).There they
Photo by Ken Lowden
will competitively determine the Dayton School Champions
and runner-ups in each division. No entry fee is required, and the trophies will be provided by
Lyle or hopefully by sponsors. In addition, the Ohio TTA and the Dayton Club will help at
least some of these finalists attend a D-J Lee clinic. Lyle estimates that over 400 students, all
of whom at least know how to play a little, will visit his Club. Once there, Lyle can introduce
34

them to the USTTA, and if even 5% of these 400 young players go on to become really
interested in the sport and want to play regularly at Lyles Center hell consider his work
successful.
Meanwhile, here are the Results from Lyles first tournament of the yearthe Jan. 8-9
Dayton Open. Open Singles: Jim Dixon over Jim Shoots. Semis: Dixon over Greg Collins in
5; Shoots over Insook Bhushan, 17, -20,-9, 19, 20. As: Collins over Glen Marhefka, deuce in
the 5th, then over Karl Will (from down 2-0). Bs: Larry Hensley over Bill Walk, -14, 20, 19,
then over Marhefka. Cs: Walk over Don Prouty. Ds: Peter Braun over Bernie Braun, 26-24
in the 3rd. Esquires: Voldis Daskevics over A. Edmonds. Seniors: Walk over Thiem in 5, then
over Laszlo Keves. Young Adults: 1. Mike Kenny. 2. Tim Yates. U-17s: Tony Marcum over
B. Hensley. U-15s: Peter Braun over Mike Walk. U-13s: P. Braun over B. Braun.
Jerri Starr (TTT, May-June, 1977, 24) covers the D-J Lee Open which because it was
held on the same Feb. 19-20 weekend as the Michigan Closed may have lost some potential
entries. D-J didnt play, was kept busy running the tournament, and both his wife He-ja and
John Tannehill were ill, so the favorite Insook didnt have much competition.What? Ray
Guillen was there! Howd that happen? Unfortunately, Starr doesnt explain. We do learn,
though, that in the final Insook soon got used to Rays fast side-to-side loops and when Ray
couldnt follow with a point winner, Bhushan scored an easy win. Insooks changing racket
sides confused Ray. When she flipped to her pimples-out backhand, Ray would block these
shots into the net. Best matches in this event: Alan Nissen over Greg Collins, deuce in the 4th,
and Joe Rokop over Mark Wampler, 19 in the 4th.
Other winners: Open Doubles: Collins/Wampler over John Spencer/Charles Butler.
Semis: Collins/Wampler over Guillen/Rokop, 19 in the 4th; Spencer/Butler over Bhushan/
Nissen, 17, -19, -21, 17, 21. Womens: Denise Horn over Kim Kordash. As: Butler over
Collins. A Doubles: Spencer/Se Kwan Oh (D-Js nephew) over Rod Mount/Nguyen. Bs: Oh
over Mount who got by Sam Shannon in 5. B Doubles: Oh/Earl Nittskoff over Mount/Don
Prouty. Cs: Shekhar Bhushan over Shannon. Ds: Bill Johnson over Jack Pangburn, 19 in the
4th. Consolations: Bill Walk over Johnson. Esquires/Seniors: Shannon over Hornyak. Senior
Doubles: Ron DeMent/Walk over Hornyak/Pangburn.Young Adults: Jeff Williams over Oh.
Boys U-17: Williams over Prouty. Girls U-17: Horn over Kordash. Boys U-15: Williams over
Jeff Pangburn whod been given a 17,-25, 14, 20 scare by Kerry OBrien.
According to Kris Pamgburn, the Jan. 22-23 Southern
Indiana Closed at New Albany drew the unusually low number of
only 70 players (probably due to severe weather). Seems, with
such a geographical limitation, like a good turnout to mebut I
dont know what the Closed parameters were. Anyway, several
people get a nod of appreciation: Ruth Bowman of the local
Department of Parks and Recreation, Jack Pangburn, Bill Johnson,
and even Bernie Hock for his valuable advice.
Winners of the $250 in trophies: Mens: Jim Yates over
Richard Hicks, 18 in the 3rd, then over Kris Pangburn. Mens
Doubles: Hicks/Ricky Hicks over Kris Pangburn/Bill Hornyak
(whats he doing here?he lives way up north in Michigan City).
Womens: Cindy Marcum over Carol Mead. Mixed Doubles:
Hicks/Norma Hicks over Jerry Marcum/Marcum. As: Dave
Russell over Festus Mead. Bs: Bill Johnson over Jack Pangburn.
Bill Johnson
35

B Doubles: Johnson/Charlie Buckley over Mark Rutland/Waldbieser. Cs: Tony over Jerry
Marcum. Novice: C.C. Wan over Cam Anderson. Consolations: Johnson over Gary Dodge.
Esquires: Hornyak over Jack Pangburn. Seniors: Hornyak over Sam Shannon, 17 in the 5th.
U-21: Kris Pangburn over Tony Marcum. U-17: Marcum over Jeff Pangburn. U-15: Pangburn
over John Allen. U-13: Pangburn over David Hosea.
Results of the Feb.
12 Arkansas D & R
tournament: Group
1. 1. Duke Stogner.
2. Sammy Peters. 3.
Paul Hadfield. 4.
Mike Hastings.
Group II: 1. Nancy
Hill. 2. Jerry Pruden
(twin brother to
Jim). 3. Tim Kirby.
4. Jerry McKee.
Group III. 1.
William Hall
William Hall. 2.
Sammy Peters
Bobby Crider. 3.
Thomas Goods. 4.
Jim Pruden. Jim, who lived in Hope, defaulted his round robin semis matches and returned
homean ominous sign that, though hed been making numerous trips to the cancer center in
Houston, he would soon succumb to the terrible wasting disease.
Jan. 9 Florida Closed
winners: Championship
Singles: Greg Gingold over
Jerry Thrasher. Championship
Doubles: Joe Sokoloff/Richard
McAfee over Wayne Daunt/
Marv Leff, 19 in the 5th. Ladies
Singles: 1. Olga Soltesz. 2.
Bev Patterson. 3. Nancy
Newgarden. 4. Sandra Isaac.
As: Ron Rigo over Soltesz, 21, 19, 16, then over Jack
Wise. Bs: Wise over Gerry
Maglio, -21, 19, 15, then over
Bob Walker. B Doubles: Ed
Greg Gingold:
Baker/ Fumio Hamano over
Jack Wise
Mountain Dew Champion
Randy Hess/Bev Patterson, 19
Photo by Mike Wetzel
Photo by Mal Anderson
in the 4th. Cs: Phil Gibbs over
Baker. U-1600 Singles: J Wise over Lapthong Hoang. Handicap Singles: Clinton Steffan over
Dave Nicolette. Seniors: Leff over Walker. Juniors: Ron Rigo over Julian Millan.
Steve Carlson (TTT, May-June, 1977, 26) says the $500 Largo, FL Winter Open drew
107 entries, among them some local ones that described themselves as Championsto wit:
36

the 1947 Central Toronto YMCA

Champ, the number 4 wood player
from Montana, a Class B
semifinalist in the Bangor Closed,
and an unbeatable who claims to
have beaten the world champ.
Would that these stalwarts had
been seen in action on TV, but
local color would have to be
served by Tournament Director
Gerry Maglio and Tournament
Referee Greg Gingold who also
Largo Open Tournament Directors Gerry Maglio (L)
got some newspaper coverage.
and Steve Carlson.
Gingold plays only once a week
Photo by Larry Lansford
at his Largo Club, but, in beating
his clubmate Pat Patterson, 18 in the 4th in the Championship Singles final, he could be seen
bounding around the table with cat-like reflexes, cracking in his whip-drive forehand and
Gomozkov backhand. Carlson says its amazing how well Greg plays with so little good
competition in the whole state. How does he spend his free time? Well, you can usually find
him in the Game Room at the University of South Florida playing pinball, eating bagels and
chocolate chip cookies, and doing impersonations of Peter Gordon Stephens or reciting
excerpts from Bert and I. After the Club on Thursday nights he quaffs down a six-pack of
Mountain Dew and then watches Mary Hartman-Mary Hartman.
In coming 2nd, Patterson had to rally from down 2-1 to beat crafty defender Steve
Rigo. Steves a real crowd pleaser with his long range chops and acrobatic lobs. He even
killed in a couple of spectacular shots from the barriers. Pat also had a good 18-in-the-4th
match with 3rd-place finisher Olga
Soltesz whod upset Marv Leff in 5 in
the quarters before downing Rigo in 5.
Other Results: Championship
Doubles: Leff/Daunt in 5 over Rigo/
Rigo whod advanced, 17 in the 5th,
over Patterson/Patterson. Womens: 1.
Bev Patterson. 2. Soltesz. 3. Muriel
Stern. 4. Mi-ja Oh. As: Pat Patterson
over psyche-out artist John Elliott
whose steady table game allowed him
to squeak by Bev Patterson, 19 in the
5th. Bs: Maglio, sporting an antiPat Patterson
topspin backhand flick and Mark V
Photo by Ben Kosmeder
forehand loop mixed with a determined
chop and lob defense, prevailed over
Bev, 17 in the 5th. B Doubles: Clint
Steffan/Doug Wilcock over Bev and her father Randy Hess, -17, 21, 21. Cs (55 entries): Dave
Driggers, Florida State University student from the New Carrolton, Maryland Club, used his
very quick and powerful forehand loop to go through Maglio. Ds: Atlantas Jimmy Jonyer
37

Flynn over Steve Federico and his patented Arm-pit put away. Novice:
Randy Knabel over Frank Bartalos in 5. Consolations: Ron Rigo over Jim
Blankenship. Seniors (26 entries): Leff over Maglio who survived Jim
Leggett in 5. Juniors: R. DeBrot over R.Babcock.
Note: Dr. Stan Morest, 1938 USTTA President, was on the scene. As
was John Sholine just returned from Darkest Africa where he played some
TT in Liberia. He told us that he and an Australian friend were arrested at
gunpoint for driving one evening without their headlights on. Tournaments
just arent the same unless Sholine has a bizarre tale to tell.
Winners in Phillys Feb. 26-27
Quaker City Open (note strange new
Dan Green
unexplained X-Y-Z events): Open
Singles: Parviz Mojaverian over
Scott Boggan, 25-23 in the 5th, then
Steve Federico
over Stan Smolanowicz whod
downed Roger Sverdlik in 5.
Mens Doubles: Sverdlik/Hamid
Hayatghaib over Scott/Eric
Boggan (from down 2-0). As:
Alice Sonne in 5 over Dan Green
(who in the Open had also gone
5 with Scott Boggan). Bs: Al
Allen over Don Garlanger. Cs:
Scott McDowell over Dave
Dickson, III. Ds: Marv Plevinsky over A. Koyejo. Es: Bob Cogley
over Jim Releford. Fs: Brian Eisner over Tony Gegelys. Gs: Koyejo
over Bert Poole, Jr. Ns: Koyejo over S. Johnson. Xs: Mark Boardman
Scott McDowell
over Larry Carastro, 19 in the 3rd. Ys: A. Childs over Jerry Kates. Zs:
H. Marmorstein over P. Actor. Handicap: Barry Zukerman over Horace Roberts. Handicap
Doubles: 1. Koyejo/Douglas Haynes. Seniors: Ron Heilman over Al Gill whod eliminated
Seymour Shenkman, 19, 19. U-17s: Jeff Steif over Dickson. U-15s: Dickson over Eisner.
Semis: Dickson over Dana Gvildys (from down 1-0 and at 21-all in the 2nd); Eisner over
Danny Gastel, 19 in the 3rd. Under 13s: R. Gvildys over Zukerman.
Long Islands Felix Bogart relates his adventures playing in the Catskills (he was the
Ellensville Echo Hotel Champ (on a Junior-size table, with a wooden center barrier impersonating a
net, seamed balls, and sandpaper rackets. No fair, though, Felix brought his own rackets and
Nittaku balls). He also remained undefeated on dropping into class hotels (the Echo was costing
him and his family $21 a nightcomplete with three meals, pool, steam room, and night club).
Later hed play in an East Meadow, Long Island tournament at the Nassau County Medical Center
where 90 people participated (as in an Emergency Room?) in a Fri.-Sat. tournament under, uh,
conditions that prompted Sid Jacobs, for one, to blow his cork and quit.
In between these excursions, Felix entered the Jan.15-16 Open played at the Lithuanian
Franciscan Brothers gym in Highland Park, Brooklyn. This tournament, under the direction of
Pranas Gvildys and Tadas Jasaitis, drew established circuit players, but for a while it was as if
Felix was back in the Catskills. One player tried to make him mad, psyche him out, wear him
down (Felix is 56), by not picking up loose balls but kicking them back to him. Another,
38

though he had at least 10 good paddles at home, preferred to play

with, er, just a blade that had the handle to it broken off.
But, alright, back to normalcy with the Highland Park Results:
Open Singles: Errol Resek over Rutledge Barry in 5. (I cant resist
adding that the here quite normal Chuck Turchick, banned from
Disneys, turned up to be beaten in the quarters by young Barry.)
Ladies: 1. Alice Green. 2. Louise Nieves. 3. Dana Gvildys. Seniors:
Horace Roberts over Henry Deutsch, 16 in the 5th, after Henry had
knocked out Tim Boggan in 5. U-2150: Barry over Scott Boggan in
5, after Scott had defeated his father, 12, -13, 16, 31 (sic). U-2000:
Hal Green over Bill Ma whod eliminated Peter Wai, 19 in the 4th. U1800: Wai over Jim Releford, 18 in the 5th, then over Turchick. U1700: Chuck Zakarin over Andy Diaz. U-1600: Diaz over Jack
Rozales, 16 in the 5th. U-1500: Diaz over Rozales. U-1400: Ray
Hal Green
Debs over Saul Cabrera. U-1300: Bruno Forcell over Debs.
(Boys and Girls matches all Double Elimination.) Boys U-17:
Mike Lardon twice over Bill Yeh (who beat Paul Gvildys
deuce in the 3rd). Boys U-15: Gvildys twice over Stephen
Yeh. Boys U-13: Brad Lardon twice over Jeff Pedicini.
Girls U-17: Dana Gvildys twice over Jackie Heyman.
Girls U-15: Gvildys twice over Ai-Wen Wu. Girls U-13:
Ai-Wen Wu twice over her sisterAi-Ju Wu.
Alan Ziegler (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1977, 25) tells us
that the Feb. 12-13 N.J. Lincoln Open at Westfield drew
157 entrieswhich was good news and bad. Alan will
delay his Open write-up to give you first the other
Results. In Open Doubles, George Brathwaite/Roger
Sverdlik upset the Seemiller brothers, 21, -16, 16, 19.
Dannys strategy (ask him why) was to mostly block and
chop against
Brathwaites heavy spin
drives and watch as
Roger and Ricky
Brad Lardon
Photo by Mal Anderson
alternated smacking in
winning kills or fast
loops. With games tied at 1-1, the New
Yorkers got off to an 11-3 start in the
3rd, won it at 16 when Danny
repeatedly attackedand repeatedly
missed. The Seemillers were beaten
because they couldnt win either the
first or the last close game.
Other winners: Womens: Carol
Davidson over her sister Hodiah.
Reportedly, Carol is the Caribbean
Carol Davidson
Womens Champ, Hodiah the
Hodiah Davidson
Photo by Mal Anderson
39

Caribbean Womens Junior Champ. As: Al Schwartz, showing great ball control, over Tim
Boggan, 18 in the 4th. A Doubles: Jeff Steiff/Elliot Katz over Randy Seemiller/Larry Goldfarb.
Bs: Schwartz over Elmer Wengart. Cs: Ralph Bockoven over Jim Releford. Ds: Don
Feltenberger over Stuart Kroll, 18 in the 5th, then over John Eng. Es (62 entries): Andy Diaz
over John Markson. Fs: Danny Gastel over Bob Ertel. Dannys left-hand services and fast
loop follows proved stronger than Bobs soft-loop, sidespin play. Gs: Yum-Bui Wong and
his penhold attack over Colin Flinch.
Esquires: Sid Jacobs over
Brian Eisner
Manny Moskowitz. Seniors:
Photo by Mal Anderson
Boggan over Horace Roberts, def.
U-13s: Brad Lardon over Jeff
Pedicini. U-15s: Brian Eisner over
Dana Gvildys. U-17s (Mike Stern
unable to enter because he now has
a job that curtails his opportunity to
play: Eric Boggan over Scott
Boggan, 18, -19, 17. Perhaps the
most memorable moment [of the
Boggan brothers] match
immediately followed a long and furious exchange of counter-hits and well-angled blocks.
Scott won this point when his ball hit and dribbled over the net, whereupon Eric, virtually
in tears, shouted, Play fair! Eric, however, has been known to brighten up, like when he
recently received recognition as one of Sports Illustrateds Faces in the Crowd.
Zieglers write-up centered on the Open Singles. In quarters play, Danny Seemiller
defeated Roger Sverdlik whod been pressed by Jeff Steif; and Eric Boggan eliminated Randy
Seemiller. In the 8ths, against Fuarnado Roberts, Eric would again and again drive Robbie
through the rear barrier. Its barely possible that the result might have been different if Roberts
had a whole gymnasium in which to range; his stylish
returns were amazing, but Erics deceptive forehand kills
to Robbies backhand were very impressiveI dont
know how he gets such a good angle from the point he
takes the shot.
On the other side of the draw, George Brathwaite
played an 8ths match against Bill Sharpe, and when Bills
Phantom neutralized Georges spinny drives and allowed
Bill to bang in enough balls to win the 1st, The Chief had
to change his strategy. He reduced his spin and increased
the speed and force of his drive. This greater speed not
only turned his match with Bill, but succeeded in
pressuring Ray Guillen, so that when George reverted to
heavy topspin from both flanks and interspersed these
shots with great-save returns, Guillen just looked
bewildered. In the remaining Robert Earle-Ricky
Seemiller quarters, Robert, mixing offense and defense
equally well, rallied in the 1st from 19-16 down to 19-all
when he was able to handle an edge ball and also make a
The Chief at the ready
40

great save on a net rollover. But a tremendous serve and follow-up loop by Ricky gave him
the game. Though Earle took the 2nd comfortably, he really needed that 1st game and the
impetus it would have given him, for, after losing the 3rd, he couldnt hold a 6-0 start in the 4th.
In the one semis, Danny had no trouble with Eric. In the other, however, George and
Ricky often seemed locked in a battle of wills with each coming at one another with smashes
and indefatigable counters, all full-force exchanges that made their match the most entertaining
of the tournament. Eventually Georges great footwork and backhand counter-hits couldnt
overcome Rickys angled blocks and difficult serves (they seem better than Dannys). In the
straight-game final, Danny, whod block and chop, prevailed over Ricky, whod hit and
loop. Danny was just more consistentin effect, more professional.
Tournament Director Colin Mallows added a Postscript in
which he apologized for delays on Saturday evening and Sunday
morning. Unorganized umpiring that allowed excessive warm-up
time, a 7-man round robin in the Esquires (only one-game matches,
still), and many players being unavailable Sat. evening because they
not unreasonably went out to dinner caused serious scheduling
problems.
Mallows could probably profit from reading experienced
Tournament Director Wendell Dillons Tournament Tips articles in
Colin Mallows intent on being efficient Topics. Not perhaps the introductory one (Nov.-Dec., 1977, 20) in
which Wendell talks about the need for a beginning Tournament
Committee and the various playing formats (round robin, say, or double elimination)Colins
already had the benefit of an initial schooling from Westfield regulars. But if holed up by
himself doing the scheduling, as perhaps he was for this Lincoln Open, he (or any other
Tournament Director) might profit from the second Tournament Tips (Jan.-Feb., 1978, 10)
that address scheduling of events. Wendell talks of the best use of table time, how best to
program for the spectators, and how to minimize the conflicts caused by successful players
who, still in several events toward the end of the tournament, are clogging play.
Anyway, be assured, as Ziegler says, that Colin and crew are working on ways to
ensure that such inefficiency doesnt happen again. After all, the whole idea is for the players
to enjoy the occasion.

41

Chapter Three
1977. Danny Seemiller/Insook Bhushan Win
$2500 Harvard Eastern Open. 1977: Readers
Potpourri. 1977: Table Tennis Club of America and its
Magazine Signaling Rivalry to USTTA and its
Magazine. (Tabloid Topics and Boggan to be
Replaced?)
Danny Seemiller ($650) and Insook Bhushan
($250) won the major Singles and Doubles events at
the $2,500 Harvard Eastern Open, held Mar. 4-6 in
Pittsburghs Community College of Allegheny County
gym.
It was the Easts rising junior players,
howeverparticularly Rutledge Barry, Mike Stern,
Faan Hoan Liu, Mike Lardon, Scott and Eric Boggan
(along with Phil Panno, Steve Lowry, Greg Collins,
and Jeff Steif) who were the talk of the tournament.
In the opening round of the Mens Singles,
Danny Seemiller wins
Harvard Eastern Open
U.S. Team member Ricky Seemiller was pulled away
from the Control Desk, where for a day and a half hed
been helping other members of the Seemiller family and
their friends to run the tournament, and was sent out,
without much if any warm-up, to play Rutledge
Bermingham Barry, III.
Maybe the computer that assigned this strange
first-round match calculated that young Barry wouldnt
have arrived from his presumed all-night play in New
York City in time to catch a cab at the airport to meet
even a groggy-looking Ricky on court. But Rutledge, it
turned out, had unexpectedly arrived the night before,
and it was Ricky who only got three hours sleep.
Perhaps he was taking Rutledge too lightly?
Down 10-1 in the first it must have occurred to him he
was not going to win three straight. Actually, Barrys
style is difficult for Ricky to play. Rickys very good
when you come hard into him. But Rutledge mostly just
pushes and cleverly mixes up his spin. Since time and
again he returns Rickys dreaded variation of serve with
Rutledge Barry
some near effortless little sidespin slice or swipedeft
Photo by David R. Moore
open-racket touches that carry back to the server
something of his own spinRickys normal serving advantage is nullified.
Still, Seemiller is up 17-13 in the 5th. At which point Rutledge begins serving and Ricky
is strangely paralyzedloses five points in a row! (Hows he supposed to play, moans
Danny, after he misses three serves!) Down 20-17, Ricky gets hold of himself for one serve
42

and follow, then its all over. Danny, very distraught,

will tell anyone whos willing to listen, or not, how
stupid Rickys been for not getting himself together
before the match. If you lose the first game, you have
a very good chance of going five. And you cant ever
be sure of controlling a five-game match.
Ricky stalks out of the rear of the gym and
frisbees his racket high in the air toward (but not into)
the river. Hey, says Fuarnado Roberts whos come
over to sympathize, you need that for the Worlds.
Brother Danny has tears in his eyes, is mumbling, So
stupid. So stupid. Ricky knows Rutledge isnt going to
follow up his serveall he had to do was get it back.
If Hsu Shao-fa serves and pushes, Ill return every
ball. Finally, he turns to poor Ricky and says, Are
you a player or a tournament committeeman? We
wanted to put on a great show here. The people were
coming to see you tomorrowand now youre out of
Ricky looking stupid.
the tournament.
Cartoon by Mike Bush
A good thing theyve got the $75 Youth event
or Ricky wouldnt be playing any more singles at all.
Mournfully, with his girl friend at his side, he walks slowly off toward the river after his racket.
Rutledge goes on to beat Rutgers guitar-playing Gary Wittner, 19 in the fourth, before
losing to Dave Philip in a no-contest match (Sometimes I dont really care, you know?).
In the $125 first-prize As, Barry downs Dave Sakai, then, what the hell, allows Eric
Boggan to get close enough to risk an in-close 20-19 match-point loop, and when it goes in,
Rutledge goes out. To the sudden realization that its not the I-dont-care-much-about-it Juniors
hes lost but the money event. What young Barry spends his time doing from here on out is not too
face-card down clearbut after losing in the third round of the 17s to Ohios Greg Collins, he
defaults out of the Under 21, the Under
15, and the Junior Doubles.
Engaging in his own particular
form of childs play is laughable,
loveable Mike Stern, Rutledges
supposed Junior Doubles partner. His
first-round match in the Mens is
against Chicagos Arlington Heights
penholder Faan Hoan Liu who in their
last encounter beat Mike deuce in the
fifth. This time Faan is up 19-16 in
the fifth but cant hold the lead. Stern,
with the ad, slaps a ball literally 15
feet off the tablethen looks over at
the spectators, shakes his head, turns
a grin into a laugh, as if to say, That
Mike Stern: Wham!
was a good one, wasnt it.
Photo by Raul Rodriguez
43

Stern is something more than a growing boy. Its whispered hes a third-degree black
belt, and that when he played lacrosse he used to warm up by doing 1000 sit-ups, 300 pushups, and who knows how many miles of roadwork a day. Now he gets another ad, serves
chop, and when Faan makes the mistake of pushing the return, Stern-Hes-Not slaps at another
ballhard enough to remind you that, so goes the legend, he once in a friendly barroom brawl
broke his hand splitting someones jawand (Whoosh!) it goes in..
In the As, Stern got beat (I wont say upset) by expatriate south-westerner Charles
Butler. And for some careless or perverse reason Mike didnt play in the Under 21 money
eventthough hes been hard at work as a mechanic in a local New Jersey gas station trying
to save up the near $3,000 he needs for that Honda 750 with the K-5 model turnpike cam and
leaders. True, he did win the Under 17s, but the way he and Scott Boggan joked their way
through the final they shouldnt have give either one of them the trophy.
In the Mens, though, Stern continued forward, much as if he were racing some prostocker Camerro (which, as it happens, he does in real life). First he sent Roger Sverdlik out of
the lights into the dark pits. Then he finished off a screaming Alan Nissen, 18, -20, -20, 20, 13.
Alan was defending and pick-hitting well enough to winand perhaps this was because hed
had the advantage of practicing a little against Mike in Columbus the week before the
tournament. What was Stern doing so far away from his Westfield, N.J. Club? Training of
coursewith D-J Lee and Ali Oveissi (whos sort of looking after Mike)and, oh, yes,
Mikes girl was out there in Ohio.
This moving around was apparently helpful to the fast-maturing Stern, for, though
down 2-1, he had Danny Seemiller 20-17 in the fourth! Danny would loop (sometimes
powerfully) and Mike, having been a sparring partner to his former teacher Sam Hammond,
would block (sometimes make a beautiful smother block), then whenever Danny would push
the return, Mike would loop down either line. Whereupon Danny, with his extraordinarily fast
reflexes, would be there to block it back, and play would continue with one or the other
looping or blocking.
Down triple-game point (you remember what Danny said to Ricky about not
necessarily having control in a fifth game), Danny wins three in a row to get to deuce. Then
finds himself playing a long point on defensewhich he also wins. After which, at match
point, he spin serves off! Stern, though, cant take advantage, and Danny scores five of the last
six points to close out the match.
Everybody crowds around Mike, and someone asks him if hes done so well because of
his physical traininghis running, for example.
Well, says Stern, two miles is all you need for table tennis. In fact, all you need is
one mile. In fact, not even that.
What about coaching? someone else asks. Did your four days hard practice in
Columbus help?
Mike smiles disarmingly, says, How much can coaching help? If you cant learn it on
your own, youre no good.
One well-wisher persists in predicting a great table tennis future for him. But Stern
only gives a little laugh and pats the guy on the back. Im quitting after this, he confides.
And, still smiling, says, I dont have time to practice.
Two good semis in the Under 17As: the eventual winner, Jeff Williams, beat Jim
Meredith, 24-22 in the 4th, and the eventual runner-up, Tim Seemiller, beat Steve Claflin in
five. Under-11s went to future superstar Sean ONeill over Dan Walk. Best in Esquires was
44

Hal Green over Sam Shannon, 10, 20,

Mike Lardon
-20, 15. Seniors winner was Bill
Photo by Mal Anderson
Sharpe over Tim Boggan. And
Sharpe/Boggan took the Senior
Doubles from Walk/Gary Falce.
Another good Mens match is
played between current U.S. Open U17 finalist Mike Lardon and six-time
U.S. Open Champion D-J Lee. Mike,
after having rallied from 20-18 matchpoint down against Raleighs Jim
McQueen, is playing it very cool
against D-J. (But then Lardon is
always playing it very cool, right?) Up
2-0 and 13-11 in the 3rd, hes not only
blocking Lees loops, hes killing
them. Which prompts several people
to point out to me that presumably
Mike had a lot of practice against this type of spin game last summer while training in Japan.
Lardon is also holding his own in a Thats it! clenched-fist psych-out battle with
Leeat least until on past the midway point in the third game. But then D-J, who some said
was using weird Chinese rubber (or was it Phantom?) on one side, began playing much
better and came back to win in five.
Mike then went on to just edge out Greg Collins
deuce in the third in the Under 21s before losing to
Ricky Seemiller. Then dropped undistinguished
matchesin the As to Alan Nissen, and in the
Under 17s (when Mikes throw-up serve was
repeatedly called into question) to Jeff Steif.
However, he and Eric Boggan did win the Under 17
Doubles over Scott Boggan and Tim Seemiller. Eric
and Dave Dickson III took the Under 15 Doubles
from Williams/Claflin. Daves interest is waning
though. His dad later writes me, I encouraged him
to play in the PA Closed, where he would have been
seeded #1 in the Under 15s, but he said he wasnt
interested.
Eric Boggan (L) and Dave Dickson III
The Class events produced different winners:
Es: Jim Monopoli over Wayne Chabassol. Ds: Jim Releford over Shannon, -19, 21, 21, -21,
19, then over Don Feltenberger whod gone five with Brian Masters. Cs: Don Garlanger over
Jim McQueen, then Phil Panno, both in five. C Doubles: Gary Martin/Stan Wolf over Rod
Mount/Nguyen. Bs: Panno over Steve Lowry, 17 in the fifth, after Steve had gone five with
Mark Wampler.
Girls Under 17 went to Kasia Dawidowicz over Faan Yeen Liu. Girls Under 15 to
Kasia over Denise Horn. Womens A winner was Sheila ODougherty over Faan Yeen in the
semis, 21, -15, 19, 14, and over a feisty Donna Newell in the final, 16, 19, -17, -18, 17.
45

The Mens match between George Brathwaite and Scott Boggan suddenly turned
interesting when 15-year-old Scott, down 2-0 and 18-15 in the third, took to lobbing and won
it at 19. In the fourth Boggan continued his strategy of not hitting out to Brathwaite and,
using his soft-touch pips-out blocks to draw George in, forced him on into the fifth. But now
George decided it was time to be aggressive and, getting off to a good start, was never
threatened.
In the As, Scott did wellbeating
Dave Philip
(through the aid of an umpires questionable call)
Mark Wampler, then Paul Pashuku and Greg
Collins, before losing to the eventual winner Dave
Philip in a disappointing match where, with his
steady controlling backhand and a mixture of
forehand loops and picks, hed been up 20-18
match point.
Philip, who lost in four to Brathwaite in
the quarters of the Mens, defeated Peter
Stephens in four in the final of the As. Peter
found Davids forcing spin serves very
bothersome, complained that on these tables the
ball just hung there. But Daves persistence in
winning $200 this weekend can be traced not to
the fact that, as an accountant at this busy time of
year, hes literally been working day and night for
over a month now, and of course scarcely practicing t.t. at all, but to his recent decision that,
Masters degree and all, hes decided to quit his job. Its disgusting anyway, he said. All
these people cheating. I look at their books, at them, and I think, What do I need this for?
He intends to make a living out of table tennis (though that intention
may change?).
As a matter of fact, maybe David will open a club. Like Jim
Davey? Jim had good winsover Sakai in the Mens, and (before
losing to Stephens) He-ja Lee in the As. He also won the A Doubles
with Pashuku. (though Paul, sometimes missing a succession of shots,
looked as if he were wearily playing with that new pips-out aluminum
racket he and Davey had seen at a recent Sports Show in Chicago
the one that, compared to the ordinary racket, was twice as heavy). A
Doubles runner-ups were Sakai/Roberts.
Davey also had a good match in the As with Eric Boggan,
coming back from 20-17 match-point down in the second. This
Jim Davey
prompted Eric in frustration to break his second bat of the weekend,
then, unaware that he had still another back-up racket, he tried to hold
blade and handle together until it snapped completely apart and he had to default a hopelessly
lost game. However, having found his third usable racket, Eric proceeded to show why,
though still only 13, hes vying to be the #1 rated Junior in the country.
Granted, after Boggan had won the Under 13s (over Tim Seemiller) and 15s (over
Masters), Stern had stopped him from winning the 17s, it was in the Under 21s Eric had his
finest hour. First, he knocked off Roger Sverdlik, whod beaten him the week before in
46

Philadelphia. Only it was Eric, not Roger who made excuses for Rogers loss. Theyd played
in the morning. Roger wasnt awake yet, couldnt get his loop together, couldnt see because
of the shine on the floor to play defensewhich, I myself might add, may not have been the
best strategy anyway, given Erics newly developed ability to loop well.
Then, in one of the very best matches of the tournament, Eric upset U.S. Team
member Ricky Seemillerwho, after suffering that chastening defeat at the hands of Rutledge,
had gone right back to his job at the Control Desk.
Some control.
Some control Erics got out there at the table. Which as well see later in this volume
will be spectacularly more and more apparent.
Eight years ago this little Boggan had arrived quite independently at his own one-sideof-the-racket Seemiller-style grip. In recent years of course hes attended three of Danny and
Rickys training campsand his own game (with one side of his racket Sriver Killer anti-spin)
is virtually a mirror image of theirs. Therefore, against Eric as opposed to most of his
opponents, Rickys advantages are severely reduced. That is, (1) Eric, with his own
windshield-wiper style, is not driven back from the table in any countering situation with
Ricky, and (2) Erics anti-spin returns of Rickys serves often prevent him from following them
effectively.
Moreover, Eric pushes well, mixes up both sides of his racket deceptively well, cleverly
varying the spin, and can attack with an opening loop and a flat hit to either side. All this
explains in part why Ricky is down five match points before Boggan finally wins it, 30-28 in
the fifth. Aside from the steadying influence of his coach Mike Lardon, Eric is helped (and
this despite the fact that he has a temper) by his outstanding ability to stay focusedhe rarely
ever loses it and is usually very good in clutch situations.
In the $75 Youth final, Eric met another U.S. Team
member, Ray Guillen. As play was about to get underway on the
Championship Feature court, the spectators in the bleachers
all awaiting the Mens match, Eric was heard to say, This is
going to be embarrassing. But a little later, with games 1-1 and
Eric holding a commanding lead in the latter half of the third
game, Ray went shoe-string chasing a ball and then pulled up
short. It appeared hed injured his
ankle, reddened in a Mens match
earlier with Roberts. Robbie, by the
way, was as usual knocking USTTA
officials but praising the Seemiller
family not only for running an
excellent tournament but for
offering free hospitality and training
opportunities to Californian Guillen
and a number of other players.
Ray now made a little speech to
the crowd saying he thought it best
not to continue. He said his ankle
Eric Boggan, Under 21 Winner
hurt, and that if people thought he
Ray Guillen:
was faking and wanted to see it, why hed be happy to take off his
Hell drink to Eric.
47

shoes and socks for them. As for Eric, he was a true Champion, and he, Ray, couldnt have
beaten him anyway. Given the circumstances, maybe he was right, for Eric was securely
anchored at the table, blocking Rays loops well and moving to hit in point-winners of his own.
Some in the crowd were sympathetic. Why, on practically the eve of his departure for
the Worlds, should Ray risk a more serious injury and jeopardize his trip? Eric, however, was
not pleased by this turn of eventsand, though not visibly angered, walked off alone down the
length of the gym. Perhaps he was thinking of the prize money now not to be won in Mens
Doubles? For, as luck would have it, his doubles partner was Guillen. However, perhaps not
wanting to disappoint Eric and perhaps not unmindful of the possible $150 he might yet win,
Ray decided to persevere and play in both the Mixed (with Alice Sonne, whom hed partnered
at the Worlds) and the Mens Doubles, sore ankle or not.
As it turned out, he and Alice lost
a tough one in the semis of the Mixed
against D-J and He-ja. At 19-all in the
fifth, Ray, before serving, smiles at the
spectators and says, This is what youve
been waiting for! Whereupon he serves
and almost immediately takes the right allout loop killbut misses. Then, down
match point, he serves into the net! D-J
throws up his hands in victory, smiles and
says mockingly, This is what youve
been waiting for? Guillen turns to the
audience, holds his racket outstretched to
them, and calls out to Ricky to come take
his racket and throw it in the river.
In the Mens Doubles, though,
Ray and Eric beat D-J and Ali Oveissi
Green/Guillen in Mixed at 77 Worlds.
from 19-all in the fifthand in the final
Photo by Mal Anderson
they extended the Seemillers (who,
despite the late hour, refused to play a 2/3 game match) to 19 in the fourth.
Eric also did well in the Mens, losing just out of the money to a jauntily-capped Robert
Earle (2286) in five, after dropping the all-important first game at deuce. Fish Cake, as I heard
somebody call him, played on occasion like he had too little fish and too much cake in himhis
quick three-game match with D-J being a case in point. Brathwaite, too, was to find out, though he
at least took a semis game, there wasnt much he could do to challenge D-Js steady topspin.
Over on the other side of the Mens draw, in a quarters match against Roberts, the
unpredictable Guillen looks like hes having a good time. But back from the table, going after
a ball, he lunges into a pole and down he goes, crashing into the barriers. Staggering up, he
complains about his ankle, and, well, he really has taken a dive. But when Ray manages to get
up, Robbie can put as much Blink N-Clean contact lens solution in his eye as he wants (no, of
course he isnt wearing contacts), he still cant seem to see where the balls going.
Ray has this very fast loop, so fast that a chopper often cant do much with it, except
just get it backwhich then makes him a retriever instead of a chopper. At first Guillen is
afraid that Robbie will be able to float his shots back low enough so that Ray will only be able
to re-spin the ballbut hes pleasantly surprised to discover that Robbies returns are high
48

enough to flat hit. Ray finally is able to beat Robbie in fourbut before the match is over
everybody rushes off to see Franco Harris, the Pittsburgh Steeler fullback, hit a few practice
balls with Danny. Perhaps theyll be on TV? Perhaps the spectators will too? Ricky, the story
quickly went round, actually played him a game. Oh, said one wit. Who won?
Against Danny in the semis, Guillen averaged maybe 11 points a game.
And D-J ($300), howd he fare against Seemiller in the final? Well, he had only one
shotto win the second game. But at 17-all he missed an easy loop, and then, with the serve
going over to Danny, he could never right himself. He did, however, make one beautiful loosewristed, angled-off service return which Danny couldnt get to. Seemiller, grunting and
groaning, finished by fast-looping a crosscourt shot inand then threw up his hands, Yeah!
As for Womens Singles, Insook, in winning this
Eastern Championship, avenged her U.S. Closed loss in
Vegas to He-ja. How account for the turnaround? Well,
Insooks gone to pips on her forehand and in the past
couple of months has been playing better. Shes gotten
more confidence toowith recent tournament wins over
Tannehill and Guillen. Husband Shekhar is also helping
hes encouraging Insook to run 20 minutes every morning
in the Ohio State gym. For 15 minutes she runs, then stops;
then for five minutes she sprints, then stops, sprints, then
stops. Afterwards she goes off to her Art History class to
calm her mind with a Corot.
He-jas semis match with Alice Sonne is a crowdpleaser. With games tied at 1-1, and the third tied at deuce,
theres some concern that He-ja might be cupping the ball
on her serves. Regardless, Alice seems to lose
concentration again and she misses the same kind of high
Insook Bhushan:
ball shes failed to hit in during much of the match. She
Eastern Open Womens Winner
loses that game 22-20, and the fourth at 17. The only other
extended match in this event was back in the eighths when Donna Newell defeated Hodiah
Davidson , -19, 20, -21,18, 10.
In the final, runner-up He-ja
($100) surprisingly comes out
swinging, tries to hit through Insook
but cant. She goes to her husband
for advice and he sends her back out
to push and pick hit. But then
Insook successfully begins to hit
balls in, and 18-all is as close as Heja can get. She tires to pick a
forehand, tries to serve and
follow.Nothing works. After the
match she comes over to D-J whos
been taking notes in Korean on her
play. He counts her errors. She
looks at him, shrugs.
He-ja Lee listens to D-J, does she?
49

Readers Potpourri
Might as well get this one over with quick. Hank Widdick writes
the Topics Editor (July-Aug., 1977, 18):
I booed you at the Easterns in Pittsburgh after Bill Sharpe beat
you in the Seniors. Really, those chairs that you knocked down had
nothing to do with your losing 3-0. I keep score on many of the major
matches and do not always find your articles in Topics in agreement with
the way the points were developed. But I do cheer you for an interesting
paper that lets the TT fan have some idea of what is going on at the
major tournaments.
Hank Widdick
Hang in there, keep us informed, and, remember, at our age, the
exercise is more important than whether we won or lost. [Exercisethats what I got when I
knocked down the chairs.]
I, as Editor, point out that USTTA Recording Secretary and Rules Chairman Mal
Anderson correctly takes issue with the following statements Fuarnado Roberts (TTT, Mar.Apr., 1977, 4) says were agreed on by the Players Association (P.A.) and the USTTA:
Mal says its an ITTF rule that one cannot play in the Worlds for a country until
hes resided in that country for two years. He is not aware [as Robbie says] of any rule or
agreement that a player must possess an Alien green card for at least one year before hes
eligible to try out for a U.S. Team.
Mal is not aware [as Robbie says] that the fifth man on the U.S. Team was necessarily
to have been a Junior or that the Players Association was to have a definitive say in the
Selection Committees choice for that position.
Mal is not aware [as Robbie says] that the U.S. Captains were necessarily to be
chosen by the Teams themselves.
Mal is not aware [as Robbie says] that the E.C. agreed that the P.A. would necessarily
get 10% over and above the prize money offered at all big tournaments.
As we saw in Vol. VIII, Roberts has repeatedly been criticized for making statements
that are more wish-based than fact-based. Dick Evans (TTT, May-June,
1977, 8) adds his voice to those who feel the P.A. is not measuring up
to its initial hopes:

n
ts so
er rri
ob a
R H
do ord
na ff
ar Ru
Fu by
o
ot

Ph

Appropriately, at the first published notice of the

formation of the U.S.T.T. Players Assn. I remitted my
membership dues. Since then I have received one
mimeographed letter over the signature of the
Associations president. No membership card; no
newsletter; no notice of the intended [boycott and
picketing] action at the Philadelphia U.S. Open, or the
machinations before or after that unhappy event. Ironically, my
principal source of information about the Players Assn. has been
in the pages of the house organ of its rival organizationTABLE
50

TENNIS TOPICSwherein I continue to witness the barrage of acrimony against USTTA

officialdom.
A year after its inception I have seen too much poisonous diatribe and political
posturing by the unhappy few, and too little effective and responsible leadership.
Robbie writes in an adjacent column to Dicks that the P. A. now has 347 members,
that their first membership card, which a few people got, was incorrectly done. Hes sorry
for the delay, but as a result all those who joined before will receive a beautiful, unforgeable
card. All that is required is that at future tournaments you bring a photograph and fill out your
membership card. [Clear enough?] Robbie goes on to say we spent about $10,000 [sic] in
trying to get the Worlds here in 1979, but the USTTA officers didnt follow through. He says
we now have an excellent sponsor and have strong hopes [sic] of running an Open in
August. Members will soon receive in the mail [look for it, Dick] a Program for our sponsors
that were working on. Robbie wants to know why Caesars Palace still owes us $650 when
they had agreed to pay 10% above the prize money [sic]. Hes also critical of the playing
conditions at the Birmingham World Championships. In comparison, the annual C.N.E
(Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto) with six cows watching could stand up proud.
George Shone (TTT, May-June, 1977, 13) thinks the USTTA should have picked the
U.S. Teams to the Worlds according to ratings. That would have been an objective method
[though wouldnt players have had opportunities to manipulate those ratings?], hence better
than the subjective one used favoring those players under 22. George asks, So you want to
give the young experience. However, what assurance do you have that those young people
who make the Teams are going to continue to compete? Consider: some may have enforced
reasons for leaving (college, army, marriage, moving to another country); some, seeing at
the Worlds how relatively poor their technical skill is compared to that of really good players,
will decide to forget trying to compete at a high level; and some might be replaced when its
time for the next Worlds by newer, younger, and more talented players.
George concludes we have to carefully nurture our talented young, choose those who
are relatively stable psychologically. We dont want to risk young players being discouraged,
even traumatized by losses. Thus we cannot let them play very often and not in decisive
competition. We must rely on the old experienced players for these matches.
Tell that to the upcoming Boggan brothers.
Controversy surfaces in Topics article after Topics article. Lou Bochenski (May-June,
1977, 13) urges we make two apt Rule changes. First, do away with, as the huge majority of
players want to (and Michael Scott in fact does in his Seattle tournaments), the ridiculous
block rule. If the ball has obviously passed the table when it hits a players racket, why should
he lose the point? Second, with sheets of rubber having so many varied surfaces, require, when
the surfaces are different, different colors of rubber on the opposite sides of the paddle.
USTTA Rules Chair Mal Anderson points out that we have to live with the ITTF rules.
He urges Scott and everyone else to enforce the bat rules. [The ITTF will abolish the bat
rule, but not for many years.]
The ITTF rejected a two-color rule for different rubbers on the racket because its
impossible to define different rubber. Mal says Ogimura pointed out that a player could
take a sheet of Sriver or Mark V and treat the surface with solvents then bake it in an oven at
500 degrees for several hoursthe result would be deader than anti-spin rubber, but would be
identical in appearance to untreated rubber. The player would just say that side is older, and
51

Ron Shirleys Copyfast Business

nobody could prove this wasnt true. Better that all rackets have different colored rubber on
opposite sides. At the moment, though, the manufacturers cant make all their different types
of rubber in two colors. Perhaps by the 1979 ITTF meeting they will.
In a Feb. 14, 1977 letter to Rufford Harrison, USTTA Public Relations Chair Stan
Robens proposes an impetus that will bring table tennis into the national and international
limelight. He suggests the worlds largest money tournament in the sports historyan
Invitational tournament that seeks to include not just U.S. but foreign players. Where will the
money come from? Stan says from the approximately 200 USTTA clubs and from the
numerous manufacturers and distributors of foreign products whose equipment sales are in
the millions. So start by getting $100 from every club (thats a base of $20,000). Such a
52

move is necessary, for at the moment monied people dont see any future in table tennis. We
have to show them, initiate a successful start to prove that table tennis has the potential to be a
major sport in this country. Of course some E.C. members are less than enthusiastic to push
this project. They raise the same argument weve heard before: they dont think the average
club member would want to subsidize an Invitational for top players.
Table Tennis Rivalry
Billie Watkins had earlier sent out a petition to all USTTA clubs urging what Dick
Miles and Herb Vichnin had earlier asked the E.C. for, and had been rejected, an exclusive
contract to run a series of U.S. Opensin this case at the Oklahoma City Myriad, site of the
1974 U.S. Open, that presumably would be under the direction of Ron Shirley. Ron, with his
slate that belatedly included Jack Carr, was about to be elected to the E.C. He has a Copyfast
printing/copying business, and had just gotten out, with the help of his Table Tennis Club of
America and Yasaka, whose products he was distributing, his first (Jan.-Mar., 1977) quarterly
issue of Table Tennis, a slick-cover magazine of initially 24 pages (afterwards reduced to 16)
that hearkened back to the pre-tabloid USTTA magazine of the 1960s.
Heres an excerpt from a Letter to the Editor in Rons first issue (Name withheld by
request):
Clearly, the Table Tennis Club of America [which Id discussed some in Vol. VIII,
including its factual criticism of the USTTA in its Jan.-Mar. issue] is not intended to rival the
USTTA [sic]. However, since you aspire to a large membership [larger than that of the
USTTA], it is imperative that in the first issue of your magazine you define your relationship to
the USTTA, that you state your aims explicitly and cogently, and outline precisely how you
hope to achieve them. What services can you provide that are not available through the
USTTA? In what ways can you perform better than the USTTA, which isafter allthe
official US table tennis organization.
Your projected yearbook is a first-rate idea. I hope your publication will be a rich
source of table tennis information. [A 1979 Table Tennis Annual ($3.50 yearbook), dutifully
edited by Tom Wintrich, will eventually be published by the USATT, but will not have the
success hoped for because it wont be supported enough.]
To some, the (East Coast) Players Association had seemed a rival to the USTTA. Now
to some, the (Southwest) Table Tennis Club of America seemed a rival to the USTTA. Its
avowed aims (the required complement to the nameless letter above) was of course stated
editorially in that same first issue:
TABLE TENNIS magazine and TTCA are dedicated to helping the thousands of
interested players all over the nation solve the problems of organization and adequate facilities
that have plagued the sports growth for many, many years.
Our major emphasis will be to present instructional and informational material to help
you play better and enjoy the sport more. Well also be taking a look at what table tennis needs
in order to grow here as it already has in many other parts of the world. Tournament results
and features on leading players and their styles of play will appear regularly.
TABLE TENNIS magazine will definitely be bigger and better with every issue.
Maybeif all goes wellit will be a monthly before long, instead of a quarterly, as it is now.
53

[In short, hopefully, it will soon be better than the USTTAs Topics. Ron tries hardon Aug.
3, he writes Bob Abrams of Paddle World magazine if he can suggest how to get Table Tennis
on the newsstands, writes Bob Anderson of World Publications if hed be interested in
distributing Table Tennis and also Ogimuras upcoming book that TTCA has the exclusive
distributors rights to. But the Table Tennis issue announced on the cover as 4th Quarter,
1977 is really Vol. 1., No.3Rons having his troubles.]
[We] invite you to write us a letter. Tell us what you like and dont like about the
magazine. Your comments will determine the content of future issues, so let us know what you
think.
One such letter, sort of a model of that asked for, appeared in this first issue (Name
withheld by requestprompting Topics columnist Don Gunn to suspect that the unnamed
writer was on the Table Tennis staff, if not the editor himself). It reads:
Please do not publish a gossip column
or anything that might resemble one. I urge you
not to publish any ping pong poems. Inevitably,
these have little to do with table tennis and
nothing to do with poetry. No one with any
sensitivity enjoys them, and there is nothing one
can learn from them. Finally, please do not
accept the kind of unpalatable and often
downright incomprehensible prose that typically
mars each issue of other table tennis
publications. [Huh? How many are there?] Let
the writing in your magazine be clear, vigorous,
and to the point! [They ought to get Dick
Evans to write for themexcept, wouldnt you
know it, hed want to write poetry.]
Perhaps one gets the de-ja vu (see Vol.
VIII) tiny suggestion that Jack Carr has a
number of supporters out there who say, Lets
get rid of Boggan and Topics. Never mind that
when they come hot off the press and Tim brings
Dick Evans in his writers den.
an extra 200 to a tournament, theyre all
Photo courtesy of Casey Evans
grabbed up in 15 minuteseven those with my
poems honoring Max Marinko and Hans Alser.
Evans replies to Table Tennis, A fine first issue! Would like to see signed/by-lined articles, and
names of editorial staff. No more unsigned/Name withheld by request poison-pen letters
against Tim Boggan or anyone else.
Some are quite serious about a new slick-cover Topics. On March 21, Stan Robens
writes a letter to Shirley in which he appends some dummy pages detailing a possible new
format for the magazineprepared by Diamond Publishers out of Phoenix who publish the
Arizona Sports Digest. Would Shirleyhell give up on his quarterly Table Tennis after the
1978 issuesbe interested in becoming the Topics Editor? Or, more likely, would a friend of
54

Rons? Albuquerques Tom

Wintrich is about to make his move
to be the new Editor of Topics.)
Stan says, Follow this new Topics
format, based on a slightly
modified advertising rate schedule,
and the magazine can at least pay
for itself.
Meanwhile, one pro-Table
Tennis/anti-Topics reader writes a
letter to Topicswhich of course
Editor Boggan as requested answers. Both voices can again be heard here. Keep reading
maybe Timll keep his Editorship (thatll be good or bad?), even publish some more poems,
maybe be wont.

55

Chapter Four
1977: Mar./Apr.Tournaments.
Ron Vincent (TTT, May-June, 1977, 17) reports on the Oregon State Championship
Mens final, held Mar.12 at the Paddle Palace. Played between Ron Carver and Dean Doyle, it
was the most memorable and exciting Championship ever held in the state of Oregon. Thats
saying a lotfor I know, since Mayo Rae Rolfe shared her scrapbook clippings with me,
competitive play in Oregon stretched back into the early 1930s. Carver, crushing forehands
with his very short, devastatingly abrupt stroke, got off to a 2-0 lead. But since Ron needed a
longer finish for smashing lobs hard, Doyle backed up and gave Carver some meatballs,
then waited to counter backhands and forehands. Thus the match evolved into a study in
tactics, placements, and spin change-ups. Dancing Dean moved Ron from side to side, while
he himself moved in and out very well, not crowding too close to the table when need be, but
rather prancing lightly and moving to loop or hit forehands from his backhand side. Now
Dean was the aggressor and in the third and fourth games, he kept Ron perpetually off
balance and out of position.
So they went into the fifth, and what happened? The finish
provided all the epinephrine rushes any one human being could
tolerate in a six-minute span. Dean led 20-17 and everyone
figured the end was near for Ron. But, nope, not so near. Doyle
lost four points in a row, was down match point. But then Carver
couldnt win it, and Dean became the youngest Oregon State
Champ ever.
Though Vincent doesnt
mention it, Carver had been
pressed into the 5th in his
semis by Charlie McLarty
who continued playing so
well that he won the next
days Oregon Open over
Jay Crystal. Other Oregon
State Closed results: Open
Doubles: Doyle/Crystal
Dean Doyle
over Apichart Sears/ Vo
From Dec. 8, 1980 Pacific
Qui Han in purportedly
Northwest Open Program
four 23-21 games.
Charlie McLarty
Womens: Marie Mason over Kathleen Shank. As: Mike
From
Dec. 8, 1980 Pacific
Bochenski over Jon Birck. Bs: Joe Romanosky over Le
Northwest Open Program
Ai Ly, -22, 18, 18. B Doubles: Don Nash/Mike Oslund
over Romanowsky/Ly. Cs: Mike Szeto over Marie Mason, 19 in the 3rd. Ds: Szeto over
Darell Potter. Es: Jim Stidham over Shank. Fs: Shank over George LaDu. Gs: Joe Sorenson
over LaDu. Seniors: Bob Ho over Bill Mason. Juniors: Rick Livermore over Oslund.
Results of the Mar. 19-20 Sacramento-Davis Open: Open Singles: Manh Van Nguyen
over Henry Fung, -16, 23, 18, 18. Two good quarters matches: David Chan over Azmy
Ibrahim, 19 in the 5th, and Richard Terry over Tito LeFranc, 18 in the 5th. Womens: Tina
56

Smilkstein over Diana Brovonsky in 5. Seniors: Bob Partridge over Harry Nelson. Juniors:
Kenneth Lee over Erwin Hom, 23, 19, -12, -18, 20. As: Terry over Paul Wong, 11, -21, 7, 21, 15. Bs: Hom over Craig Ross. A/B Doubles: Wong/Wong over Ross/Dennis Lamenti. Cs:
Lee over George Lowi. Ds: Bill Poy over Lowi. C/D Doubles: Coffin/Don Utsumi over
Mansourian/Holabird, 28, -16, 24. Novice: Tim Aquino over Bill Wong. Novice Doubles:
Aquino/Leland Regier over Wong/Gayle Duplessis.
Jerry LaLande (TTT, May-June, 1977, 18) covers the Pacific Coast
Open, held Mar. 4-6 at El Camino College in Torrance, CA. In the Open
Championship, winner Dean Galardi had his toughest match in the eighths
when he had to go five to beat Mike Carr. Jerry says that Dean was busy
with pictures and press the week before, and on the day before this
tournament he played a double exhibition with Rob Lange. He was
therefore tired before his first match was called. However, if hes short on
energy, hes not on desire, and his reserve strength allowed him to make straight-game
advancesover Manh Van Nguyen (winner in 5 from Ron Von Schimmelman), over Dennis
Barish, and in the final over Paul Raphel. Referee Dieter Huber later said he should have
instituted disciplinary proceedings against Raphel for throwing his racket halfway across the
gym, but didnt because he was afraid Paul might be taken off the U.S. World Team. Open
Doubles Champs were Raphel/Al Everett over Galardi/Barish, 19 in the 4th. Semis: Raphel/
Everett over Mike Carr/Jeff Stewart in 5; Galardi/Barish over Howie Grossman/Jim Lane, 25,
10, -19, 17. AA Doubles: Carr/Stewart over Nguyen/Fung.
Its not
surprising of
course that
LaLande was
impressed with
Mrs. Angelita
Rosal Sistrunk
oh yes, shes
married now, her
husband Toms a
San Diego
firefighter. Jerry
thought all the
Rosals were nice
and cooperative.
Angie said shed
play her
Womens final
Tom and Angelita Rosal Sistrunk
against her sister
Monica on any table because it might not be too interesting compared to the semis and final
of the Open Singles. Yeah? Turns out Monicas ever-increasing skills stunned Angieso
much so that she lost the first two games to her. But then Angie rallied, only to see in the fifth
Monica again playing so well that the whole room was clapping at great points. Angie finally
eked out a 27-25 winner. Mixed Doubles went to Grossman/Heather Angelinetta over Mike
Bush/Pat Crowley Hodgins, 19 in the 4th, then over Stan Rosal/Sistrunk.
57

Other results: As: Stewart over Hom. Bs: Mike Baltaxe

over Don Ayres, -18, 29, 12, -14, 12. Cs: Leon Ruderman
over Kenneth Lee. Ds: Charles Chu over Julian Ong.
Jim
Lane
Consolation #1: Dieter Huber over Harold Kopper.
Consolation #2: Masaaki Tajima over Baltaxe. Womens U1750: Ann Van Roper over Jean Nelson. Hard Rubber:
Kopper over Bart Lawson. El Camino Closed: Djoni Salim
over Tran Vinh Phu. Esquires: Long Beach Club President
Dick Badger over Bob Green (from down 2-0 and 21-all in
the 3rd!). LaLande praises Dick for transporting the ten
tournament tables to and from the playing venue, and Bill
Smith for helping him and storing the trailer containing the
tables on his business property at no charge. Seniors: Dan
Banach over Grossman.
U-17: Lane over Tony Koyama. U-15: Lane over Hom.U-13: Ken Lee over Dan Wiig, 18 in
the 4th.
A Doubles: Kent Lofthouse/Wing-Shing Leung over Koyama/Keith Ogata, 19 in the
4th. B Doubles: Koyama/Ruben Guillen over Wilson/Don Chamberlain, 19 in the 3rd, then over
Baltaxe/Jim Boatman, -19, 18, 19, -22, 19. C Doubles: Lloyd/Roman Irinco over Georgette
Rideg/Ruben Guillen in 5. D Doubles: LaLande/Chamberlain over Ma/DiSanzo. Hard Rubber
Doubles: Kopper/Rich Livingston over LaLande/Rick Watkins, -15, 23, 19. El Camino
Doubles: Irv Boxer/Phu over Salim/Highbey. El Camino Colleges Boxer gets thanks from
Jerry cause he ran his head off checking and setting up the gym, food tables, chairs and
arranging for the tournament. Esquire Doubles: Wilson/Ed Kelemen over Monico Rosal/
Chamberlain. Senior Doubles: Shonie Aki/Harry Nelson over Sam Liang/Gene Wilson. U-17
Doubles: Lane/Hom (from down 2-0) over Fung/Dean Wong. U-15 Doubles: Lane/Jim
Etherton over Lee/Wong in 5.
LaLande, trying hard to put on a memorable West Coast
major to the best of his ability, had hoped for better lighting for his
tournament, but said he was able to accomplish what he did thanks
to his many helpersfellow Huntington Beach Club members; Rich
Livingston, who was not only of indispensable help in getting ads for
and laying out the Program, but was also responsible for running the
control desk; Richards wife, Shirley, and Jerrys wife, Shirley, whod
been in prison for 16 hours Saturday and 16 hours Sunday in a
10x20 room selling hot dogs and other items; Jerrys sister, Joan,
who helped by registering-in entries; and Jerrys son Craig who put
together the tournament trophies. Everyone in an extended family,
it seemed, was trying to keep Jerry, tournament director
extraordinaire, from having burnout.
Winners at Denvers Apr. 30 Front Range Closed:
Championship Singles (Double Elimination): Bob Leatherwood over
Dana Jeffries in 3rd Match. Championship Doubles (D.E.): Plybon/
Jerry LaLande
Archibong twice over Leatherwood/Jeffries. AAs (D.E.): Jeffries
twice over George Weissberg. As: William Walsh over B. Chinnici. A Doubles. Weissberg/P.
Polak over Chinnici/Chinnici. A Doubles Consolation.: M. Salazar/ B. Salazar over D.
58

Emmanuel/D. Lueder. Bs: B. Chinnici over Polak, deuce in the 3rd.

Cs: J Cracraft over M. Salazar. Ds: T. Brock over B. Salazar. Novice
Singles: D. Anderson over S. Potts. Novice Consolation: P. Stephens
over E. Filiaggi. Seniors (DE): Walsh over John Garnett in 3rd Match
(Garnett over Walt Gomes twice). Juniors: Keith Kalny over Brock.
Junior Consolation: Cracraft over B. Salazar.
Results of the
Southwest Open, held
Mar. 19-20 in Waco,
Texas: Championship
Singles: 1. Perry
Walt Gomes
Schwartzberg (over
Hanumanth Rao, deuce in the 5th). 2. Rao. 3. Joe
Cummings (over Gary Fagan, deuce in the 5th).
4. Fagan. Mens Doubles: Fagan/Bruce Smith
over Schwartzberg/Don Weems. Womens:
Nancy Hill over Liz Gresham. Womens
Doubles. Thompson/Marilyn Johnston over
Norma LeBlanc/Sue Sargent. Mixed Doubles:
Scott Ryan/Thompson over Dennis/Liz
Gresham. Mens As: Paul LeBlanc over Ryan.
Perry Schwartzberg, Southern Open Winner
Womens As: Anna Lyon over Michelle Haddix.
Photo by Barry Margolius
A Doubles: Ryan/Buddy Melamed over Mike
Roddy/David Harville Bs: D. Gresham over Harville. Cs: Jose Marin over Hill in 5. Ds:
Randy Womack over Gene Sargent.
Esquires: Richard Puls over Arthur
Buster Chase, def. Seniors: Melamed over
Puls. Senior Doubles: Melamed/R.C. Watkins
over Chase/J.C. Tenay. Under 17: Roddy over
Gary Melamed. Under 15: G. Melamed over Kirk
Golbach, 18 in the 5th (from down 2-0), after Kirk
had beaten Johnston, 23-21 in the 4th. Junior
Doubles: Schwartzberg/Salvador Ruiz over
Roddy/Melamed.whod escaped Goldbach/Joe
Ogilvie in 5.
Tom Walsh reports on the Mar. 26-27
Omaha Open, held at the huge Westroads
Shopping Center. Cash and merchandise prizes
totaled over $1,000, and while thousands of
Arthur Buster Chase:
spectators watchedtwo of the final events were
Thirty years into the future.
locally televised and radio stations aired many
Photo by Mal Anderson
interviews. Thanks for a successful tournament
go to LeRoy Petersen, Ethelanne Risch, Rodney Cowles, Bob Gellner, and Jerry and Rose
Gustafson.
The Championship Singles was won in 4 by Dave Philip ($200) over Charles Butler
($100) whod struggled by John Stillions, 24, -26, 14 in the quarters and Mark Kennedy, 18
59

in the 4th, in the round robin semis.

Third Place, in a crowd-pleasing
match, went to 15-year-old Todd
Petersen over Kennedy (from 2-0
down). Womens Singles: Takako
Trenholme over Sheila ODougherty.
Seniors: Tom Walsh over Don
Taylor.
As:
Todd
Petersen
over
Kennedy,
2-1, thus
establishing
himself
with his
double
win as the
Todd Petersen
best
Photo by Mal Anderson
player in
Nebraska? A Doubles: Philip/Butler over Petersen/Kennedy. Bs:
Floyd McCammon over Allen Levy-coached Roland Rittmaster, 17
in the 5th (after being down 2-0). B Doubles: Bob Gellner/Jerry
Gustafson over McCammon/Rittmaster. Novice: Randy Kiser over
Rex Harris. First Timers: Mike Holmes over Steve Watkins. Boys
Roland Rittmaster
U-17: Petersen over Stillions, 23-21 in the 3rd. Girls U-17: Diana
Myers over Jodi Stillions. Under 15: Petersen over Stillions, 2-1. Under 13: Stillions over
Peter Braun. U-11: Daylin Risch over Steve Kirby. Junior Doubles: Stillions/Petersen over
Braun/Braun.
Russell Trenholme tells us that Charlie Disney has decided not to hold any more
sanctioned tournaments. Actually, according to a Jan. 27, 1977 letter sent by USTTA Regional
Director Tom McEvoy to Disney Club manager Don Larson, unless Charlie pays sanction fees
he owes from four past tournaments he CANT run sanctioned tournaments. Public Relations
Chair Stan Robens is upset by an anti-USTTA article hes read in a Disney Center bulletin.
He hopes something can be done to bring about a reconciliation with Charlie because we
cant afford to lose the support of any state.
Meanwhile, local (St. Paul?) players have opened The Twin Cities Club and on Apr. 23
held their USTTA-sanctioned Minnesota Spring Closed at a five-table facility at the University
of Minnesota. With so few tables they decided to run one Nissen-style event consisting of five
round robins of five to six players each, with the top two finishers in each group proceeding to
a single elimination Championship event and the third and fourth finishers proceeding to a
Class A event.
Championship: John Soderberg ($30), after eking out a 19-in-the-third win over Sheila
ODougherty, beat Stu Sinykin ($15) whod exhausted himself with a 4-game semis win over
Pete Tellegen. Stu, Russell says, has an excellent close-to-the-table style with quick reflexes
60

capable of saving most net and edge balls, while Pete plays with an amazingly loose
looping, hitting style that somehow works. Well, usually. But it might not have been just that
first game that Tellegen was yelling at self; up 16-11 in the second, he lost a swing game at
deuce before falling in four. Class A: Kurt Fetchers powerful backhand did in junior Doug
Rikerta win that won him $10 as the player showing the greatest improvement.
Bob Beatty (TTT, May-June, 1977, 23) reports on the Detroit Clubs officers and the
Mar. 12 Detroit Open. His attention-getting opener: A fit description of what a fledgling
tournament director [thats Bob] feels like might be an acrophobic trapeze artist, pushed off
the platform and swinging from one deadline to another, hoping the bar (Neal Foxs USTTA
rating list) arrives in time. [Some obstructionist weather youve got over there in Buffalo,
Neal.]
What Bob, as newly elected President of the Club can count on, however, are his
helpers. Other officers are Stewart Ansteth, Vice-President; John Oberliesen, Treasurer; Dipti
Ghosh, Secretary; and re-elected George Payotelis, Vice-President. As Director of the Clubs
Junior Development Program, Lou Budi has exerted much effort directing school individual
and school team tournaments, urging athletic directors to organize an intramural league, and
soliciting sponsorship. Bill Reid and Danny Robbins provide considerable assistance in
attracting out-of-state players to tournaments.* And with Gary Calkins at the Drawsheets and
Barb Payotelis at the Control Desk our tournaments are run with a minimum of chaos.
Fortunately for overworked Bob the Club will be closed until October, so at the
moment his only duty is to send Results to Topics. Open: D-J Lee, who, along with Dave
Sakai, provided pre-tournament coaching, over Ray Guillen. Open Consolation: Adel Wasfy
over Ron Whitlock (Ron donated his winnings to Budis Junior Development Program). Open.
Doubles: 1st: Mike Baber/Jeff Smart. Handicap: Miro Tot over Bill Hornyak. Seniors: Chuck
Burns over Quinn. Under 17: Seemiller over Claflin in 5. Under 15: Kerry OBrien over Dave
Claflin. U-17/U-15 Consolation: Brad Clark over David Tsiang.
As: Randy Seemiller over Wasfy. A Consolation: Dale Thelan over Larry Wong. Bs:
Steve Caflin over Brock Huler. B Consolation: Joel Plotkin/ over Bill Nunnery. B Doubles:
Steve Veillette/Mike Veillette over Bob Quinn/B. Tunnel. Cs: Dan Hayes over Mark Hrivnak
who knocked out Mike Budi, 19 in the 5th. C Consolation: S. Veillette over Tot. Ds: Mark
Holowchak over Tot, 18 in the 5th. D Consolation: Terry Durance over Myron Mike
Edgerton. D Doubles: Nunnery/Tot over C. Dunscombe/A. Smith in 5. Es: Art Weir over
Keith Murray. E Consolation: Ian Mailing over Gary Boehmer.
Novice: John Wielhouwer over Mark Casey. Novice Consolation: Dipti Ghosh over D. Claflin.
Novice Doubles: W. Hoffman/A. Pruehs over F. McSpiritt/L. Budi. Beginners: Wielhouwer
over Glenn Black. Beginners Consolation: Ron Harp over Don Iacovoni
Grand Rapids Garfield Park Lodge was the site of the Mar. 26 Western Michigan
Open. Winners: Open: Michigan State Champ Mike Baber, though upset in the semis round
robin by Rick Vanderlind, nevertheless took the Openover runner-up Bob Hazekamp, 3rdPlace finisher Wayne Wasielewski, and Vanderlind. Open Doubles: Hazekamp/Vanderlind over
Peters and John Huizinga. Womens: Genevieve Hayes over Maureen Farmer. As: Ivan Vajda
over Tom McEvoy. Bs: Vajda over Huizinga. Cs: Mark Holowchak over Virgil Miller. C
Doubles: Bill Hornyak/Brewer over Vanderlind/Bill Portney. Ds: Dave Portney over Scott
Sommer. Novice: David Weinstein over David Honderd. Beginners: Terry Johnson over Bill
Reid. Handicap: Holowchak over D. Portney. Seniors: Ward Wood over Dan Hayes. Under
17: Huizinga over Downey.
61

Scott Leamon

Results of the Apr. 23 Kingsport Open:

Championship Singles: Homer Brown over Jim
Photo by Mal Anderson
McQueen who got by Augustine Choi in 5.
Championship Consolation: Roy Alter over Tom Cooper. Championship Doubles: Brown/
Larry Bartley over McQueen/Danny Hill. As: Jimmy Flynn over Jim Flannagan. Cs: Scott
Leamon over Steve Wigler in 5, then over Norman Gray whod advanced over Alton Wolfe,
deuce in the fourth. Ds: Jim Ervin over John W. Anderson in 5. Seniors: Bartley over John
Maley. Juniors: Choi over Leamon.
Winners in the Mar. 14-16 Atlanta Closed: Mens: Bill Farrar
over Defending Champ Chuck Michell in 5. Wendell Dillon says that
Bill has worked harder on his game than anyone else in Atlanta for
the past few years. He practices daily with a robot, and with live
opponents[against whom] he returns shots with the consistency of
a robot. Mens Consolation: Cyril Lederman over Don Holden.
Mens Doubles: Michell/Gene Stephens over Jim McLain/Thomas
Nunes. Seniors: Dillon over Lederman.
For the Apr. 2 Georgia Closed, Wendell Dillon and his
Atlanta associates sent a letter to the recreation department of each
of the 155 counties inviting junior participation. Junior entries were
limited to two per county per each event. Only three counties and
Greater Atlanta sent entriesthat meant 8 juniors in each of the
four round robin boys and four round robin girls events, and there
was also a junior doubles. Each round robin was divided into two
groups, and those who came out first in each group played an
umpired final. Large medals with neck ribbons were presented to
the winner and runner-up, and their pictures were taken.
Of course there were a number of other events as well. For
James McClain
the first time a Georgia Cup was offered to the winner of a threePhoto by Mal Anderson
Homer and Judy Brown

62

man Team Match. This was won by Atlanta (Chuck Michell, Bill Farrar,
and Thomas Nunes), 5-4, over Augusta (Pete May, Herb Beckham, and
Leighton Johnson). Wendell didnt like the Harvard 825 tables because
after theyd been used for just a couple of tournaments it was a major
effort to get them set up and taken down.
In the Mens, the final was a rematch of the Atlanta Closed, but this
time Michell beat Farrar in a spirited match. With games tied at 1-1, and
the third at 22-all, Chuck hit a forehand drive that missed the table by
about five feet but found Bills unsuspecting paddle. The volley rule gave
the point to Chuck, and he won the next point, and went on to take the
title. Earlier, George Cooper, before going down to Michell, upset Herb
Chuck Michell
Beckham, and Farrar took out May. Mens Doubles winners were Farrar/
Jim Flynn over Michell/Dillon in 5. Womens went to Carol Stephens over
Maureen McCain. Womens Doubles: Stephens/McCain over Tracy/Cathy Beckham. Mixed to
Michell/Stephens over Herb/Tracy Beckham.
Other results: As: Nunes over Flynn. Bs: Ken Mathews over Maury Levy in 5.
Seniors: Dillon over Gus Armes. Boys U-17: Cecil Brooks over Bobby Blissett. Girls U-17:
Felicia Jackson over Cathy Beckham, 16 in the 5th. Boys U-15: Tony Broom over Bobby Price.
Girls U-15: Jackson over Lisa Brightwell, deuce in the 3rd. Boys U-13: Johnny Melson over
Price. Girls U-13: C. Beckham over Laura Freeman. Boys U-11: Eli Copeland over Steve
DeFrancisco. Girls U-11:Adele Siegel over Misty Watkins. Junior Doubles: Brooks/Broom
over Price/Terry Harrison.
Monty Merchant, whod run a club in Mobile, Alabama,
then started one in Northern Virginia, has a new facility.
His (TTT, May-June, 1977, 25) Club-of-the-Month
Washington T.T. Center is in an indoor tennis club. It
offers good lighting, a high ceiling, space available for up
to 40 tables, a lounge area with color TV, a pro shop,
coffee-vending and sandwich machines, a shower and
locker room, sauna and whirlpool, an exercise room with
modern equipment, a classroom for teaching with video
tape, and a nursery. And still thats not enough to stop
some people from bitching or even leaving to try to play
elsewhere. Its just amazing, and also depressing, to
Monty that players will try to get off without paying,
even if the sum is less than a dollar. Monty calls these
players bums or free-loaders, and is trying to avoid
having them in his club. Organized play is on Mon., Wed.,
Fri., and Sat., but random time is available seven days a
week.
Monty Merchant
Dave Williams does the Topics write-up for Montys
Mar. 19-20 Metro Open at his McLean, VA Center. In the Open, Horace Roberts, despite Ali
Oveissis protestations (and wagers) to the contrary was no match for Merchant in the
final.Montys loop-drop-smash arsenal clearly out-gunned Horaces sometimes smiling,
sometimes grimacing defense. Oveissis own bid was quickly stopped by Raleighs Jim
McQueen, resplendent in his Carolina blue warm-ups.
63

In the one semis, Horace had an easy time with Larry McMillan who likes to counterdrive. Insurmountable problem for Larry was that Robbie has a phantom/anti defense and so
there was nothing to counter-drive. In the other semis, after winning the first game at deuce,
Merchant led #1 seed Dave Sakai two games to one, then played the most marvelous game of
the tournament.[Monty] began to chop Sakais angled drives and sweep in to bang away at
the pushed returns, so won the fourth and advanced to the final. Sakai didnt win the Doubles
either, but he had a compatible partner in Donna Newellthey were beaten by Gordon Greg/
Arem Avanessi. Womens went to Donna; runner-up was Jackie Heyman who played well to
down Kay Young.
Other results: As: Avanessi and his quick attack over Ron Hobsons classy strokes,
17 in the 4th. Bs: Hobson, slapping Reisman-like forehands, over Nate Sussmans antidefense, 19 in the 4th. Cs: Richard Shrout over Mark Davis, deuce in the 5th. Ds: Mike
Shapiro, playing with imagination and a not so controllable loop, over Joe Segal. Es: 15-yearold Dana Gvildys, showing a great backhand counter, over 9-year-old budding superstar
Sean ONeill. Novice: Tato Sugiharto over Jim Haentzschel, 19 in the 4th. Seniors: Roberts
over National Esquire Champ Jim Verta. Juniors: Brian Masters and his windshield-wiper
Seemiller/Boggan/Masters strokes won the 17s and 15s from Shapiro, and the 13s from
ONeill. Girls Under 17: Heyman over Gvildys. Junior Doubles: Masters/Shapiro over Larry
Hodges/ONeill.
Tony Bernstein reports on the Apr. 23-24 Pennsylvania State Closed at Emmaus that
under Tournament Director Fred Kistler surpassed all previous State Closed records.** Entry
fees averaged a mere $2.75 per class. Last year, cash prizes amounted to $160; this year $420!
1976 saw 115 players; this year there were 142. Pre-tourney publicity was excellent, and over
1,000 spectators streamed in and out of the venue each day. Last year $250 was spent on
trophies. This year the Emmaus Club provided handsome, personalized plaques costing over
$400. The plaques were beautiful walnut with gold trim (no plastic) and had the winners
picture, in color, inserted under
plexiglass.
A bulletin board at the
tournament provided a few laughs. On
it was a special Emmaus racket, the
Nerocherews bat (ala Bill Sharpe)
with a triple handle, and five inches
made up of layers of carpet, cardboard,
wool, paper, plastic, and even graham
crackers. There was an extended tenfoot long version of Sam Balamoun
returning a lob behind a curtain while
screaming I need more room! An arm
and a racket extended
out of not one but two large garbage
Youve heard of the Ash Can School of Poetry? This is
cans; the two bodies inside were, or
the Ash Can School of Garbage.
were meant to be (perhaps players took
Photo by Charles Hudak
turns shutting themselves inside?) the
two top garbage players of the state, Gary Martin and Stan Wolf. There was an example of
the usually volatile Timmy Seemiller breaking his racketthough when TV caught him
64

getting trounced in a match by Emmaus chopper Kistler, everyone

was amazed there was no broken bat at the finish! Stanley
Smolanowicz? He got on the board with an enormous knee brace.
A very entertaining early-round match in the Open Singles saw
Hamid Hayatghaib down Larry Goldfarb, deuce in the 3rd. But the big
surprise of the tournament was Taiwan import Dr. Jiing Wangs easy
win over Mike Bush. Mike and Ricky Seemiller had put on two
exhibitions earlier in the day for Hesss department store, and, not to
make excuses for Mike or take anything away from Jiing, Mike
probably played too many matches with his clipboard at Hesss.On
the way back from the exhibition, Mike was already totaling his
expected earnings for the weekend, and Im sure he wasnt taking
Dr. Jiing Wang
upcoming opponent Jiing seriously. Later Wang will leave Pottsville
and establish himself in California where everyone will take him seriously. Eventually hell be
the Executive Vice-President of the USATT.
Bernstein says the best spectator match of
the tournament was the quarters in which looper
Rick Seemiller defeated chopper Sam Balamoun,
14, -19, 13, -20, 16. The crowd loved Sam with
his racket scraping the floor, moving gracefully
side to side, front, back, into the bleachers, under
the table, constantly roaming, chopping, pushing
and echoing his famed No, No!...Need more
Joe Rokop
ROOM! Of course Ricky was a perfect
Photo by
complement, relentlessly hitting, looping,
Mal Anderson
dropping, constantly attacking, and finally
prevailing. In the other quarters, Hamid Hyatghaib
stopped the now Pittsburgh-based Charles Butler, 16
in the 5th. Joe Rokop -19, -19, 14, 16, 20 slipped by
Randy Seemiller whod knocked Sharpe out of
contention. And Wang, playing in his first sanctioned
tournament in the U.S., advanced over Joe Scheno, 18
in the 4th.
In the round robin semis, Ricky ($160) has
momentum enough to beat Joe, Jiing, and Hamid three
straightand so wins his fourth straight Pennsylvania
State Singles title. Joe just got by Hamid, 25-23 in the
5th, but lost to Jiing, who was beaten by Hamid. Since
all three finished 1-2 in matches, the tie-breaker
resulted in Hamid (5-7) coming second ($80), Wang
(4-7) third ($40), and Rokop (4-8) fourth ($20).
Fierce matches occurred in Open Doubles.as far
back as the eighths when the #1 seeds Bush/
Hayatghaib were down 20-16 quadruple match point
to Karl Szakacs/Scheno. But then Hamids serves
Ricky Seemiller, four straight
allowed them to rally for the 24-22 win. In the one
Pennsylvania State Championships
65

semis, Ricky/Randy
Seemiller advanced over
Balamoun/Bill Sharpe whod
survived Butler/Wolf. In the
other semis, Rokop/
Goldfarb eliminated Bush/
Hayatghaib, -11, 25, 24. A
big start-off swing in the
final: the Seemillers,
attacking, rallied from 20-14
down to take that game 2220and eventually win in
the 5th. In the Womens
Singles, Emmaus presented
an orchid corsage to every
entry. Maryam Hayatghaib,
Hamids wife, received for
Hamid and Maryam Hayatghaib
her 5-game win in the
Womens final a six-foot
plant and runner-up Anita Moralis a four-foot plant. Esquires went to Bob Fritch over Gene
Sorey. Seniors to Sharpe over the underrated Szakacs, deuce in the 5th.
Other results: As: Schenos lob defense was too much for Wang whod survived Bill
Walk 22-20 in the 5th. In semis matches, Scheno got the better of Kistler, and Wang was the
default winner over the hot-tempered Hungarian emigrant Karl Szakacs (pronounced ZahKahsh). I tell you, said Karl whod advanced by beating Hank (the Hammer) McCoullum in
three, I no play on that table between two doubles teams. 3rd Place: Szakacs, with his twosided anti, over Kistler. Bs: Unseeded John Richards over Doug Addington. A/B Doubles:
Wolf/Jeff Sabrowsky (from down 2-0) over Richards/Kistler. Wolf says that when he wins
something, singles or doubles, he doesnt want cash, he wants a quality trophy. Cs:
Newlywed Harry Hawk, playing with Tackiness, over Sabrowsky. Ds: Frank Roth over Tim
Kent. C/D Doubles: Scheno/Jack Bechtel over Dave Ferrey/Milika.
Novice: Bechtel over Tom Young. Handicap: Bechtel and his
garbage rubber over penholder Millet Wei, 51-49.
Under 22: Bush over Scheno, 17, -19, 22, 20. The two of
them have their picture taken with Army recruiter, Sgt. Bill Gordon,
who sponsored the 22s. Under 17: Randy Seemiller over Steve
Lowry, 18, -19, 19, 21. U-15: Lance Falce over Mike Walk in 5.
Third Place in the 17s/15s went to Richards over Tim Seemiller. U13: M. Walk over his brother Dan. U-11: D. Walk over Eric Smith.
Chuck Knowland, Promotion Director for the Genesee
Valley TTC, announced a rescheduling of the $800 Rochester Open.
The original Feb. 5-6 date had to be cancelled because of snow
storms, but if, as rescheduled, the tournament was held May 14-15
Topics received no results.
The SUNY Albany Open with its $200 in prize money was
held the same Apr. 16-17 weekend as the Ocean State Classic in
Lance Falce
66

Rhode Island with its $1200 in prize money, so Im sure

Albany Tournament Director Marc Landman would like
to ask Eastern Regional Director Walt Stephens how that
happened. In the Open, Mike Lardon and Jim Shoots put
on quite a finalwith Mike staying close to the table,
looping and killing when he could, and Shoots spinning
his heavy topspin from back of the table. Though Jim
lost the first two games, hed rallied into the 5th and was
amazing the crowd with his fantastic reach and looping
in winners from all over the place. But Lardon stayed
with himindeed, hissing and growling through
several points in which he had the ad and couldnt get
the clincher, he finally won it 24-22 and pocketed the
$50 check.
Other results: Open Doubles: Shoots/Lardon
Marc Landman
over David Berard/Saeed Bokharee. Womens: Sym
Photo by Eric Rosenthal
Yook over Karen Rugar. Mixed Doubles: Berard/Yook
over Jonathan Roth/Lorrie Euvino. As: Joe Tanzer over Berard. A Doubles: Gene Czyewski/
Berard over Hawk/Irvin Chen. Bs: Final: Bokharee over Sid Jacobs. Semis: Bokharee over
Brad Scribner in 5; Jacobs over Rick Cooper, deuce in the 5th. Cs: Harry Hawk over Richard
Shertza, 23-21 in the 5th. Ds: Harry Chavetz over Robert Bond. Es: Dave Lally over Shertza.
Novice: Dan Garcia over Aron Newfield. Seniors: Jacobs over Harry Chafetz. U-17: Lardon
over Brian McCreadie. U-15: Narendra Shankar over Mark Lyons.
Michael Emery canceled his Connecticut Closed because the Players Association
threatened to boycott his tournament, though I dont know why. Disciplinary Chair Mike
Scott, at the urging of Rufford Harrison, had queried USTTA Legal Advisor Forrest Barr as to
whether boycotters, incensed at the age discrimination invoked at the Dec., 1976 Team Trials,
could be disciplined. Barr said, Nonot unless a USTTA by-law clearly renders the conduct
in question subject to a particular penalty, and even then the availability certificate that a
player had signed would have had to adequately disclose to the prospective signatory the
consequence of the particular objectionable act.
Bob Glass reports (TTT, May-June, 1977, 27) on the Ocean
State Classic he and Chuck Helie ran in Providence on 18 generouslyspaced tables over four tennis courts. Thanks to Manny Moskowitz,
Umpire/Referee for volunteering his services throughout the
tournament; to Don Desmarais for his work behind the registration
desk; and to Leo Heiblinger for his stalwart effort behind the
control desk, especially for the two hours we were without a PA
system and he had to vocally announce matches unaided. At first he
sounded like Leo the Lion, but eventually he sounded like Leo the
Hoarse.
The tournament opened with a limited 12-entry Team event
(three round robin groups)a Loss Leader Bob called it in that
entries were free and there was $160 in prize money. 1st: Danny/
Ricky Seemiller (Charles Butler had a good win over Ricky, and was
the only one to take a game from Danny this tournament). 2nd: Mike
Manny Moskowitz
67

Bush/Hamid Hayatghaib. 3. Roger Sverdlik/Eric Boggan (both lost to Bush who just a few
days earlier had flown in from his sojourn in California). Errol Resek felt that he and Ali
Oveissi (winners over Lim Ming Chui/Rory Brassington, and Butler/Ralph Robinson.)
shouldnt have been in the Seemiller round robin groupthe weakest #10, #11, #12 teams
should have been placed there so as to let the others fight it out.
Rutledge Barryeverybody was talking
about his incredible touchcut a swath
through the Team event. He beat Bush,
Dave Sakai, Fuarnado Roberts, and Steve
Berger. Little did the locals know, said
Glass indirectly alluding to Rutledges look
of choirboy innocence, that this juvenile
could give them an hour-long dissertation
on why there are no 4-star restaurants in
Seekouk, Massachusetts while treating
them to dinner on their poker losses.
In the top half of the Open draw, there
werent any 5-game matches from the
eighths on. But early on, Rory
Rutledge Barry
Brassington, for once satisfied with the
playing conditions, succeeded in boring an
umpire, an expedite counter, a scorekeeper, and the crowd in his unexciting but close match
with Horace Roberts. Scott Boggan had a very sticky time getting by Frank Studley and his
Phantom rubber. Then against Brathwaite, whom he lost to in 4, it seemed that the young Secretin
lobbed even when he was in a position to take the offense. Although his game plan did not
accomplish much, the crowd enjoyed it, and Scott was a ham all the way. Robert Earle in his win
over Dave Shapiro impressed Bob with his counter-drives and overall quickness.
In the lower half, Barry prevailed in 5 over Chui who at times had looked atrocious
even while downing Hamid 3-zip. Resek eliminated last years runner-up, Roger Sverdlik
whos soon gonna be out of action with a finger problem. And Sparky James, in scoring a 4game upset over #4 seed Fuarnado Roberts, would
continually topspin-roll against Robbie who either missed
when he tried to hit one in or pushed too high and soft and so
set Sparky up for his loop kill.
Regarding quarters play: Glass, seeing Earle blocking and
chopping against Danny, thought he was probably the most
exciting player to watch in the country. Bush, displaying a
European-style offense in downing The Chief, looped from
either side several feet behind the table. Ricky, up 2-0, had to go
5 to finish off Resek. Squeegie (thats Rutledge) outsmarted
Sakai in 4 games. Both semis were quickly finished, thus setting
up a Seemiller-Seemiller final. And whats this? The younger
Seemillers up 13-4 in the 1st! But Ricky loses that game 24-22.
And after he drops the 2nd, 21-4, he isnt taking the 3rd.
Robert
Earle
Other winners: Open Doubles: Seemiller/Seemiller over
Earle/Peter Stephens Womens Singles: Carol Davidson over
68

her younger sister Hodiah who eliminated Shazzi

Felstein, 18 in the 3rd. Mixed Doubles: Earle/C.
Photo by Mal
Davidson over Stephens/H. Davidson. AAs:
Anderson
Rutledge, the winner, seemed to transfix the
crowd as he defeated Berger, Horace Roberts,
Butler, and in the final Hayatghaib. (whod beaten
him in the Teams). As: Eric Phillips over
Ralph Bockoven. Bs: Rick Ferri over Huang, 19
in the 5th. Cs: Marceno over Florio. Ds: Bob
Brickell over Ackerman. Es: Donna Newell over
Louise Nieves. Fs: Stamp over Cohen. Novice:
Stamp over Demers. Novice A: Ben Nisbet over
Badi. Novice B: Nisbet over Becker. Handicap:
Nisbet over Demers. Hardbat: Earle over Berger whod escaped Ed Raky, 19 in the 3rd.
Esquires: Irv Levine over Frank Dwelly, 19 in the 3rd. Seniors:
Horace Roberts over Dwelly. U-17: Charlie Hung over H. Davidson.
U-17A: Kurt Douty over Brad Faxon, 25-23 in the 5th. U-15: Hung
over Bockoven in 5. U-13: Douty over Kinnahan.
One sour note to an otherwise very successful tournament.
The A Doubles had to be canceled, 40 $2.50 entry fees returned,
because a vanload of seven Team-event players from six of the 12
teams arrived almost two hours late and caused a 90-minute time
lag. Bob wants to know how, when he and Chuck go out of their
way to show goodwill, can some players be so irresponsible and
Irv Levine
inconsiderate?
Ben Nisbet

SELECTED NOTES.
*Danny Robbins (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1977, 20), with the help of Jeff Smart and Paul
Potter, had announced plans to run a Detroit GAR Club Team tournament Apr. 9 in the GAR
Building on world-famous Butterfly tables. Theres been too many Closed tournaments in
the area, Danny said, and he wanted to recruit some quality out-of-state players to come to
such a tournament. Of course recruiting meant calling them, personally asking them to come,
finding them expense and prize money, and trying out from time to time some new
innovations, such as awarding a special $50 prize ($25 each) for the most exciting match of
the tournament. No such tournament was ever reported on in Topics, and perhaps, as Beatty
seems to suggest, Dannys efforts went into this Open.
**Eastern Regional Tournament Director Walt Stephens complains in a Mar. 8, 1977
letter to Clubs and Affiliates Chair Richard Feuerstein of problems with scheduling
Pennsylvania tournaments. He doesnt think Sam Steiner, President of the Pennsylvania TTA,
is doing a good jobthis after Steiners announced that club activity is presently at an alltime high in Pennsylvania with a total of 22 clubs active and affiliated. Stephens suggests that
either Steiner be replaced or the PTTA be dissolved. Feuerstein writes back (Mar. 20) that he
certainly doesnt want the PTTA to disband and hopes either others might prevail upon Steiner
to do better or find a suitable replacement. Feuerstein says hes depending on Dave Dickson to
serve as a liaison to get something started. Doesnt sound to me like either the Clubs and
Affiliate Chair or the Eastern Regional Director understands whats going on.
69

Chapter Five
1977: Tournaments (Apr./May).
Ron Vincent describes the May 14-15 Pacific Northwest
Open final played between Apichart Sears and Ron Carver (whod
earlier knocked out Jay Crystal and Dean Doyle, both in 5). Two
different styles the spectators are seeing: Rons up at the table,
bludgeoning the ball; Sears is middle-distance topspinning from
both wings. Sears seems unable to outright smash the ball as a
follow up to his own loop, consequently loop follows loop follows
loop. At least this happens when Sears doesnt lobwhich he
does often. After losing the 1st at 19, Carver hits out (crushes some
backhands), drops craftily, evens the match. But Sears is too
strong, whether he moves in closer to the table to loop at hip level
or spins from 15-20 feet back. Question for Carver: will he persist
in his new style gameless spin, more hit?
Ron Carver
From 1990 Pacific Rim
Open Program

Other results: Teams:

Sears/Joe Romanowsky
over Carver/Rick
Quang Bui
Remington. Open Doubles:
Photo by
Doyle/Bochenski over
Mal Anderson
Charlie McLarty/Bob Ho.
AAs: Ho over Keun
Chung. As: Quang Bui
over Mike Bochenski.
Modified A Doubles: Don Nash/Mike Oslund over Vincent/Elsie Spinning, deuce in the 3rd,
then over Doyle/Romanowsky, 19 in the 3rd. Bs: Art Schuff over Nash who eliminated
Spinning, 19 in the 3rd. B Doubles: Nash/Oslund over Spinning/Sovedak Pou. Cs: Simon Ho
over James Jenkins. Modified D Doubles: Romanowsky/David Fleming over Le Hoa Ly/Tim
Sayre. Es: Sayre over Pou. Fs: Pou over Fleming. Gs: Wally Chow over Gary Smith. U1200: Sayre over Floyd Campbell. Rating: Bruce Carlson over Ly. Hard Rubber: Jim Tisler
over Chung. Juniors: Oslund over Romanowsky
Winners at the Apr. 16-17 San Francisco Spring Open: Open Singles (DE): Manh Van
Nguyen twice over Steve Varela. Womens: Shawnee Manuta over Darlene Galliadi. As: Carl
Danner twice over Varela. (At Stanford, Carls taking such diverse courses this semester as
Political Thought: Machiavelli to Rousseau and Weight Training (Hes learning how to
gain weight, lose weight? Lift weights?) Bs: D. Wong twice over Tito LeFranc. Cs: Li twice
over Massoud Dehdashti. Ds: Yim Gee twice over Charles Sojot. (Yims twin daughters Lisa
and future Olympian Diana will go on to win many U.S. Championships between them.)
Seniors: Azmy Ibrahim twice over Harry Nelson. Womens Novice: Tina Smilkstein over
Tonna Chrisco. Juniors: Dean Wong over T. Nguyen.
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The May 14-15 Concord Spring Open, Bob

Partridge tells us (TTT, July-Aug., 1977, 20), had the
Bob
biggest turnout (122 participants) in Northern
Partridge
California since the 1971 Pacific Coast
Championships. Think there were any
disappointments? The facility was perfect, the weather
was ideal, and all classes were run on time without a
hitch thanks to a well-organized tournament committee
headed by Ron Afdel. Oh, oh, Hollywood Ray
Guillenhes quickly gonna be out of the Open
Singles? The crowd wouldnt like that. In the 2nd round
Rays down 2-0 to Paul Wong. But then he puts on a
classy demonstration of style change that turned things around for him.
Yet at tournaments end, Partridge wasnt happy. When the dust had cleared, all that
was left was an empty feeling and a depleted club treasury. Bad as all that, Bob? What
promised to be an interesting and exciting four-place round robin in Open Singles fell flat like a
layer cake that had been hit with a shovel. Goodness, what prompted such a simile? Guillen,
of course. Hed lost his racket and refused to play Dennis Barish with a strange one because a
loss would affect his rating points and possibly his position on the U.S. Team. Bummer for
him, for the audience. Still, it was only the one, final match that wasnt played. Barish ($200)
came first; Guillen ($125) second; Manh Van Nguyen ($90) third, and Henry Fung ($60)
fourth.
Other results: As: Carl Danner,
Carl Danner:
15, 20, 22, over Francisco Mesia
Adventurer
whod eliminated Mike Greene, 18
in the third. Carls been doing a lot
of bike ridingdown as far as the
Hearst Castle in San Simeon and up
the Santa Cruz mountains. The
beauty, grace, power, and struggle
of table tennis still exists for me, he
writes, but now Im discovering
other struggles, other power, grace,
and beauty I wasnt really sure
existed. The struggle of fighting the
wind and rain and sun and
mountains to get there, under your own powerthis is very real to me. Bs: Tito LeFranc
over Ruben Guillen. Cs: Ken Lee over Ray Wong. Ds: Paul Chang over Hon Hong Nguyen.
Es: Alan Goghlan over Kurt Jensen, 19 in the 3rd. Seniors: Shonie Aki, 17 in the 5th, over
Azmy Ibrahim. Juniors: Ruben Guillen over Erwin Hom.
Tom Wintrich (TTT, May-June, 1977, 19) calls our attention to Albuquerques Apr. 1617 Manzano Open. Its the nations first tournament, Tom says, to pay equal prize money
to men and womenmake that to Bob and Kasia Dawidowicz. Their sponsor, Mr. Steak,
will make much of this? Thanks go to Gene and Sue Sargent and Norma LeBlanc for a wellrun tournament. Very orderly, said Tomespecially when compared to the havoc that took
place in the restaurant serving our most raucous post-tournament beer and pizza party ever.
71

Tom says a new event was bornthe infamous napkin-toss singles that produced a
snowstorm of wadded paper missiles seeking out open beer mugs.
Manzano results (56 entries): Mens: Bob Dawidowicz ($75) over Dennis Gresham,
after Dennis had survived Paul Longmire. Open Doubles: Dawidowicz/Dawidowicz over W.
Treece/Longmire who advanced over Scott Ryan/James Rautis, 23-21 in the 5th. Womens (8
entries): Dawidowicz over Liz Gresham, Womens Doubles: Dawidowicz/Ingrid Yates over
Leblanc/Sargent. Mixed Doubles: Dawidowicz/Dawidowicz over Ryan/LeBlanc. As: D.
Gresham over Vince McMenamy and his 007 (after being down quintuplet match point 20-15
in the 3rd), then over Denniss longtime friend, Helmuth Vorherr. A Doubles: Mike Mui/Edgar
Stein over Longmire/Bill Roady. Bs: Final: Stein over Roady. Semis: Stein over Rautis, 19 in
the 3rd; Roady over Dave DeWald, 19 in the 3rd. Cs: Harold Kopper over Dana Jeffries. Ds:
Walsh over Owens. Consolation: Paul Williams over Lang Ho. Seniors: Dawidowicz ($30)
over Vorherr in 5. Youth: K. Dawidowicz over W. Johnson.
Joe Cummings, writing on the May 21-22 San Antonio Texas Open (TTT, July-Aug.,
1977, 22; 24) praises Clark Nicholl for promoting a turnout with exhibitions and cash prizes,
and gives credit for a smooth-running tournament to workers Gene and Sue Sargent, Jerre
Ryan, and Norma LeBlanc. Normas Husband, Paul, received the Louis Scharlack Memorial
Trophy (Louie had kept San Antonio table tennis alive, and was greatly respected and
admired throughout the state). Paul is well known as a teacher of the Game, and among his
pupils are Cindy Garza, Tommy Vaello, and Cummings himself.
Another San Antonian wholl be rememberedsoon in an obituary by J.C. Tenay
(TTT, Nov.-Dec., 1977, 11)is Gus Usher. President Nicholl will tell Guss shocked and
saddened fellow Club members that on Sept. 9th Gus was found in his auto with the motor
still running. Apparently hed not felt well and had pulled off the road. J.C. tells us that hed
first met Gus in 1965 at Monday night play in Louie Scharlacks home, and that later theyd
play hours and hours at the Fort Sam Houston venue.
He loved table tennis, played everyone who asked him
to play, and found great joy in his table tennis friends. He
shall be missed greatly.
Championship Singles saw U.S. Junior Champion
Perry Schwartzberg defeat mid-thirtyish Hanumanth Rao,
23-21 in the 4th. They played their usual matchthe
hard-hitting Schwartzberg against the tenacious chop
defense of Rao.Perry blasted balls that looked
impossible to hit and Hanumanth returned shots you
thought were by him. In the 4th, defensive-minded Rao
had the ad, and, as the players began pushing, he
gambled, tried to surprise Perry with a quick forehand.
But it missed, and Perry went on to win the next two
points and the match.
Other results: Championship Doubles: Russell
Finley/Bruce Smith over Rao/John Tomlinson. Womens
(DE): Marjory Willcox, 1947 U.S. Open quarterfinalist,
and a local Kelly employee since World War II, twice
over LeBlanc. Mixed Doubles: Cummings/Garza over
Vaello/LeBlanc, 18 in the 4th. Seniors: Jack Buddy
Hanumanth Rao
72

Melamed over J.C. Tenay. Senior

Doubles: Melamed/Karl Geis over
Tenay/Arthur Buster Chase. Juniors
(DE): Mike Roddy twice over C. Ngo.
Junior Doubles: Schwartzberg/Salvador
Ruiz over Roddy/Ngo.
As: Swaminathan (or is it
Sammanuth?) Bhaskar, who in
Championship Singles had played the
most exciting quarters match in losing
in 5 to Bruce Smith, this time won out in
5 over Russ Finley. A Doubles: James
Rautis/Ryan over LeBlanc/Mike Finnell.
Bs: Rautis over Don Wilson. B
Swaminathan Bhaskar
Doubles: Rautis/Drake over Boze/
Photo by Mal Anderson
LeBlanc, 18 in the 5th. Cs: Ed Sacks
over D. Whitwood. C Doubles: Gene Sargent/Norma LeBlanc over Stanley/Stanley. Ds: K.
Stalker over Chuck Stanley. Novice: Thack Do over N. Lew. Consolation: Paul Green over
Wilson.
Winners at the Apr. 30 Oklahoma Closed: Championship
Singles: Bruce Smith over Russ Finley. Womens: Kathy
Thompson over Marilyn Johnston. As: Mark Stoolz over Don
Wilson. A Doubles: Finley/Smith over Jim Short/Kirk Golbach.
Bs: Kelly Boyce over Cliff Smith. B Doubles: Jay Evans/
Crawford over Herman Owens/Johnny Cortez, 19 in the 3rd, then
over Gary Sanchez/Wilson. Cs: Golbach over Mark McDonald
whod eliminated Steve Hendrickson, -8, 20, 18. Novice: Lonnie
James over Marilyn Johnston, 23-21 in the 3rd. Consolation: Green
over Wilson. Seniors: Mort Finkelstein over LeRoy Land. U-17:
Jim Short over Golbach. U-13: Paul Taylor over Kyle Sanchez, 19
in the 3rd.
Results of the Great Plains Open, held Apr. 16-17 at St.
Charles, Missouri: Mens: 1. Jim Lazarus. 2. Houshang
Bozorgzadeh (beat Schnorf in 5). 3-4: Jim Schnorf. 3-4: Homer
Brown. Mens Doubles: Don Jones/Schnorf over Leonard
Dennis Crawford
McNeece/Wayne Wasielewski whod knocked out Brown/Joe
Photo
by Mal Anderson
Tobias, 19 in the 4th. Womens: 1. Millie Shahianin 1949 a
member of the winning U.S. Corbillon Cup Team; afterwards, winner of the English and U.S.
Opens. 2. Grace Ide. 3-4-5: Carol Mead. 3-4-5: Suzanne Kaehlert. 3-4-5: Janis Guetschow.
Janis, 12, a 7th grade student who trains and plays at the Junior club in St. Charles, beat
Claudia Brunsonis at the St. Louis Gateway Center Apr. 30 to win the Missouri State
Womens Championship. Mixed Doubles: McNeece/Ide over Heim/Debbie Bingaman,
advancer over Schnorf/Kaehlert, deuce in the 3rd.
As: 1. Tobias. 2. Schnorf. 3. Homer Brown. 4. Mark Kennedy (beat Tobias, -21, 21,
15). Womens As: 1. Jody Stillions. 2. Kaehlert. 3. Guetschow. 4. Laura Chin. A Doubles:
Tobias/Brown over Schnorf/Jones. Bs: Mike Menzer, 19 in the 4th, over Sam Shannon who
73

survived Steve Swindle, 24-22 in the 5th.

Cs: David Scott over Art Newell, 19 in
the 5th. Mens Consolation: McNeece over
Jones. Esquires: Shannon over Festus
Mead. Seniors: Shannon over Scott.
Boys U-17: John Stillions over Peter
Braun whod won from Swindle, 23-21 in
John Stillions
the 3rd. Girls U-17: Stillions over
Photo by Mal Anderson
Guetschow. Boys U-15: Stillions over
Peter Braun, 19 in the 5th. Girls U-15:
Bingaman over Guetschow. U-13:
Stillions over Peter Braun. U-17 Doubles:
Haynes/Downing over Danny Brokaw/
Swindle
Winners at the St. Charles Closed: 1.
Dennis Orne. 2. Tom Clendenin, 3.
Swindle. 4. Jim Wachter. Mens Doubles:
Tom/Chris Clendenin over Orne/Swindle,
th
deuce in the 4 . As: Jack Shipley over Ken Hargrove. Bs: George Brown over Michael
Rosner. Seniors: Tom Clendenin over Dick Feuerstein. U-17: Swindle over Brown. U-17A:
Charles Langland over Jim Kinealy. U-15: Brown over Danny Easley whom Guetschow
credits with giving her encouragement to win the Missouri State title. U-13: Brokaw over
Easley. Junior Doubles:
Brokaw/Swindle over Easley/
Jim Lazarus,
Brown.
Kalamazoo Open Winner
Results of the May 14
Kalamazoo Open: Open
Singles: Jim Lazarus over
Mike Baber whod won the
Apr Woodland Open. As: Ron
Ryel over Tom McEvoy (from
down 20-18 in the deciding
3rdthis after Tom in the
Open Singles had rallied to
beat Ron from 20-18 down in
the 5th). Bs: Gunter
Pawlowski over Larry Su.
Cs: Howard Lambert over
Bob Lichtenheld. C Doubles:
McEvoy/John Missad over
Butler/Butler. Ds: Brian Westphal over Lichtenheld. Es: Lee Bahlman over Scott Butler.
Novice: Dave Anderson over George Brewer. Beginners: Brewer over Guntars Grivens.
Seniors: Su over Bill Hess. U-17: Dave Fortney over Torsten Pawlowski. U-15: Bahlman
over Pawlowski. U-13: Butler over Brewer. Handicap: Brewer over T. Pawlowski.
D-J Lees Columbus Table Tennis Center hosted its third consecutive Nittaku Open
May 21-22 with trophies and $365 in prize money. Results: Open Singles: Lee over Insook
74

Bhushan in 4 (D-J lost the second game from 19-16 up).

Semifinalist Alan Nissen beat 19-year-old Bobby Powell in 5, after
Powell had upset He-ja Lee, 3-0He-ja couldnt handle Bobbys
sidespin serves. Open Doubles: Lee/Ali Oveissi over Greg Collins/
Mark Wampler. As: Se Kwan Oh, D-Js nephew, over John
Spencer in 5, then over Oveissi whod eliminated Wampler in 5. A
Doubles: Oveissi/Brown over Gavris/Monroe. Bs: Oh over Mike
Kenny, then over Powell, both in 5. B Doubles: Oh/Cordell over
Martin/Craig Bouwman, deuce in the 5th. Cs: Dick Ruppe over
Chris Williams in 5. Ds: Ruppe, 26-24 in the 5th, over D. Cordell
whod won out over Bouwman, -8, 22, -14, 22, 19. Unrated: Jeff
Miller over S. Schaefer, -18, 12, -10, 25, 19. Consolation: Ron
Schull over Rod Mount. Esquires: Sam Shannon over Bill
Hornyak. Seniors: Eugene Kunyo over
Shannon. Young Adult: Oh over Kenny. U17: Mike Budi over Bouwman in 5. U-15: K.
Bobby
Murray over J Binder. U-13: Binder over
Powell
Miller.
Duke Stogner reports (TTT, July-Aug., 1977, 26) on the 3rd annual
Arkansas Superstar event held in North Little Rock on Sat., Apr. 30th.
Play, MCd by a popular D-J, took place before a packed house in our
local Holiday Inn. Umpires were Jim Daniel, Allen Thomas, and Danny
Trawick. Each of the five contestantsPaul Hadfield, Jamey Hall, Nancy
Hill, Sammy Peters, and Dukehad reached these play-offs by winning
one of the tournaments during the season or placing second behind
someone whod already qualified.
Eugene Kunyo
Round robin results leading to the final showed undefeated Jamey Hall,
76 Arkansas Mens Closed winner, advancing in a -19, 19, 13 match over
Hill (wow, close shave, could a woman be the States Superstar Champ?). Also reaching the
final was undefeated Stogner, the Defending Champion whod eked out a 19-in-the-3rd win
over Peters, the #3 finisher; 4th was Hill; 5th Hadfield. The finalspectators thought this match
the best and most exciting of the tournamentwas won by Hall, -17, 19, 17, who finished
with a 4-point flourish. Along with the State title, Hall won a large handsome trophy plus an
expense-paid trip to the Hollywood U.S. Open.
Power Poon covers the $2,000
Louisiana Open played Apr. 23-24 at Baton
Rouge. A thank you to LSUs John Geiger
for the use of the University Gym, and
another to our Associations V-P Charles
Hoyt for directing all the moving
activities. Danny Seemiller ($500) was an easy winner in the
round robin semis of the Open. But 2nd place was up for grabs.
George The Chief Brathwaite lost two 21-19 games to Perry
Schwartzberg, but, after leading 10-2 in the 5th, had no trouble
winning. However, George did not beat defender Hanumanth Rao.
Drawing by Evelyn Zakarin
The fact that George is not a hard hitter made it easier for Rao to
75

return the ball with consistency. But, since George is equally steady, they must have played
for more than an hour. Finally Hanumanth won, 18 in the 5th. Now the final prize-money
placings depended on Schwartzbergs match with Rao. If Hanumanth won, hed of course be
2nd and Perry 4th; if Perry won 3-0 or 3-1 hed be 2nd and Rao 4th; if Perry won 3-2, theyd all
be tied in matches and games and would have to go to points, which would probably take a
computer to figure out. No math problemsPerry ($220) was able to hit through
Hanumanth in 4.
Other results: Open Doubles: Seemiller/Brathwaite ($200) over Schwartzberg/Don
Weems ($100). Womens: Nancy Hill ($150) over Leslie Harris ($50). Mixed Doubles:
Brathwaite/Sue Sargent over Clay Dunn/Harris. As: Mark Kennedy ($80) over David Harville
($60) whod -18, 20, 17 escaped Weems. A Doubles: Jose Marin/Weems over Harville/Kenny
Pitts. Bs: Paul Green ($50) over Marin ($30), 19 in the 4th. Cs: Mike Roddy over Poon (def.)
whod advanced over Hugh Baxley, deuce in the 3rd. Ds: Randy Womack over Ron Cunyus.
Consolation: Kennedy over Marin. U-17: Roddy over Harris. U-15: Rick Stanley over John
Stanley, 18 in the 5th. Seniors: Grady Gordon over Bill Plue who 24-22-in-the-3rd barely beat
Tom Baudry.
Gene Wilson tells us about (TTT, July-Aug., 1977, 22) Senior of
the Month, Dr. Grady Gordon. I dont know which is the more
impressivethat he beat me, 19 in the 5th, at last years Detroiter Yasaka
tournament (he claims its his best win) or that hes been the Waco, TX
Singles and Doubles Champion since 1961 when at 34, after postgraduate surgery, he began his private practice there. A Fellow of the
American College of Surgeons, hes listed in Whos Who in Texas in
recognition for being an Outstanding Citizen for 1973-74. He and his
wife Catherine have three sons and one daughter (all are students). A
pick-hit defensive player who uses a Mike Veillette Hock batpips
out on the forehand, Phantom 009 on the backhandGrady practices
two nights a week and helps administratively at the Waco YMCA T.T.
Club. Gene considers him a strong contender for the Esquire event at
either the U.S. Open or Closedand wants to see him battle with Dr.
Michael Scott.
Grady Gordon
For his $500 Apr. 16-17 two-man Atlanta Team Championships,
Director Wendell Dillon, whos just written a 55-page
Tournament Handbook, says, We placed 8 teams each
in Championship and Class A, and 4 teams each in Class
B and C. In Championship and Class A we split the field
and played two 4 team round robins. The group winners
then met for 1st and 2nd, and the runner-ups for 3rd and
4th. Preliminary play produced a three-way tie-breaker
between Orlando (Steve/Ron Rigo), North Carolina (Jim
McQueen/Fred King), and Blazing Paddles (Bill Farrar/
Jimmy Flynn). Flynn (rated 1647) pulled the upsets of
the tournament by beating both Rigos (Steve, 2004/Ron
1939) and Farrar completed the upset win for Blazing
Paddles by beating Ron. But when Orlando defeated
NC, and NC downed the Paddles, the needed tie-breaker
Ron and Steve Rigo
76

declared NC first and Orlando secondby a mere .1%which forced the burnt-out Paddles
into Class A.
Final results: Championship: 1. Orlando ($140). 2. Spin Limit ($80)Lance Rosemore
and John Quick (who had a perfect 12-0 record). 3.-4: NC. 3-4: Mutt & JeffRalph Kissel/
Don Gaither. Class A: 1. Evil Weeds ($60)Mark Gilliam/Bill Brown. 2. Blazing Paddles
($30). 3-4: Pittman ParkGeorge Cooper/Thomas Nunes/Larry Buell. 3-4: Nabgummi
Denis Fritchie/Allen Barth (reversing the result of a Saturday match). Class B: Doomsday
Stroking Machine ($40)Frank Racine/Randy Beardsley. Class C: Rock Slide ($30)Mark
Gibson/Mike Stowell.
Igor (Gary) Fraiman, who in March
emigrated from Russia, won the Baltimore
Open Singles event at their Closed
tournament. Recently, Gary, a former
sportsmaster, instructor, and coach, and
Mike Bush put on an exhibition for the
benefit of the Cystic Fibrosis charity.
Winners in Philadelphias May 7-8
William Penn Open: Open Singles: 1. Mike
Bush. 2. Richard Farrell. 3. George
Brathwaite. 4. Hamid Hayatghaib. As: Stan
Wolf over Fraiman, 19 in the 4th. Bs: Fred
Kistler over Enoch Green, 17 in the 3rd, then
Mike Bush and Gary Fraiman
over Hank
McCoullum.
Cs: Alex Sze over Ron Lilly. Ds: Phil Shaw over Sze. Es:
Guy Castronovo over Stuart Sinder, 25-23 in the 3rd, then
over Carl Willis, deuce in the 3rd. Fs: Chi Chung over Sinder.
Gs: S. Johnson over Tim Kent, 19 in the 3rd, then over
Seymour Shenkman. N Singles: Chir Trong Vu over Howie
Bush. X Singles: N. Surjani over Vu. Y Singles: M. Wei over
Vu. Handicap: Phil Shaw over Brian Eisner. Handicap U1850: D. Williams over Mark Kane. Handicap Doubles:
Eisner/Alan Feldman over Khurana/Mujica. Seniors: J. Hoff
over Shenkman. U-17: Eisner over Shaw, 19 in the 3rd. U-15:
Shaw over Brian Masters. U-13: Masters over Sean ONeill.
Results of the Apr. 24 N.J. Closed: Championship
Singles: 1. Mike Stern. 2. Scott McDowell. 3. Mike
Kuklakis. 4. Ken Silverstein. Open Doubles: Robert
Nochenson/Al Schwartz over Stern/L Schumann. Womens:
E. Nichie over Ai-Wen Wu. Mixed Doubles: Stern/Muriel
Stern over Jeff Steif/Nichie. As: Alex Sze over Jim Releford.
A Doubles: Kuklakis/Paul Rubas over John Sisti/Manny
Moskowitz. Bs: Sze over Eisner. Cs: Sinder over S.
Halpern. Ds: Feldman over Ron Herman. Es: Surjana over
Craig Sental. Esquires: Bill Cross over John Kilpatrick.
Muriel Stern
Seniors: Elmer Wengert over Nate Stokes. Senior Doubles:
Photo by Mal Anderson
77

Wengert/Kilpatrick over Cross/Moskowitz. Boys U-17: Stern

over Steif in 5. Girls U-17: Ai-wen Wu over Ai-ju Wu. U-15:
Eisner over David Kilpatrick. U-13: Jeff Pedicini over Richard
Spear. U-11: Ai-Ju Wu over R. Sumer, deuce in the 3rd, then over
Czochanski. U-17 Doubles: Stern/Nochenson over Eisner/Danny
Gastel.
At the Apr. 23-24 Hempstead, Long Island Closed it was
understood that the better players neednt enter (and George
Brathwaite, Roger Sverdlik, and Scott Boggan out on a March
of Dimes Walk-a-thon, were three who didnt), for, though entry
fees were rather high, there was no prize money. For some it was
a serious competitive weekend, but for many it was a yearly
social and exercise event, and perhaps Errol Reseks absence
Jeff Pedicini
from the small convivial party afterwards suggested that he
might not play in this tournament in the future. One regular
expressed surprise that I, Tim, so professional-minded, had
showed up (I who after a 10-year absence had revived my table
tennis career with the LITTA, had been its Secretary, and had
played in this tournament each year since 1965).
I
came
alright
and with my quite serious-minded
partners dominated the doubles
eventswas particularly pleased to
win the Senior Doubles with my good
friend Bob Lardon (the only time
wed ever played together). We beat
Mort Zakarin/Maurice Kendall,-16,
19, 18 in the semis, and Mitch
Silbert/Sid Jacobs, 18, -20, 21 in the
Long Island Senior Doubles Champions
Tim Boggan and Bob Lardon

final. For my four-event success in doubles I give

considerable credit to Tournament Director Chris
Schlotterhausen. He provided some class ambiance,
missing too long on the Island, by taking down the
practice tables and arranging finals matches on one or two
feature courts. This helped to produce concentrated
drama for me and a compact little audience of 60 or so
interested spectators.
By blitzing many-time Long Island Champ Errol
Resek, 13-year-old Eric Boggan became the youngest
winner of the Mens Singles in the history of this Closed.
78

Eric Boggan,
Long Island
Mens
Champion

In the Mar. 27, 1977 issue of the Long Island paper, Newsday (Leisure Sports), while
George Usher (Its in the schools where players have to develop) is interviewing leaders in
local Long Island ClubsFred Danner, Mort Zakarin, Danny GanzTom Maguire is
interviewing Eric and me. What Eric and I say show the table tennis future were thinking of.
[Eric] is often practicing at Marty Reismans Table Tennis Club in Manhattan. He
travels to the city because he cant find the competition he needs on Long Island. And the
competition he wants is the kind that will make him the best, or close to it.
Theres no way he can play out on the Island and get any better, Tim said. Theres
no point to it. Playing in the city takes us 2 and hours commuting time. Thats why when we
go there we want to stay awhile.
Eric goes to Reismans twice a week, arriving there about 5:30 p.m. Usually, Eric
said, on a good night, when a lot of good players are there, I play till 2 a.m. Or, if its a bad
night, I get home at 11.
I had a terrible year in 1975, Eric said. After that I decided to go to Danny
Seemillers camp [hes the current National Champ], and I improved 200 [rating points] in a
month.
When I get to be about 17, Ill be [rated] about 2350 at least [2300 and up is
absolutely great]. The best Ill be, I dont really know. Ill get to be 2400 or over. Maybe Ill
be better. But I want to be good. If I cant be good, why play? Why just hack around?
His father said, I think he could be, maybe, U.S. Champion. But even if he quit today,
you couldnt take anything away from him. If you had to grade him, youd have to give him an
A+.
The turning point in Erics final with Errol came at the end of the first game with Errol
on serve and leading 19-18. Twice in a row Eric caught Errol off guard by anti-spinning his
service return wide to Errols forehand, then forcing him to make neutral returns and so lose
control of the points, and, as it happened, the game and the match. Errol seemed even more
disinterested than usual in defending his Championshiphe was down 9-2 in the 4th in the
quarters against me (though recovered quickly enough), and was forced into deuce in the 4th
in the semis against Mike Lardon. Joe Andrews, who at 36 is young enough and with it
enough to have a 25-year-old girlfriend, upset Ali Oveissi, who looks even younger than Joe.
Ali unaccountably dropped commanding leads in both the 4th and 5th. Joe then stayed strong
through five games against John Locke to gain the semis.
Mary Davison, 57, again won the Womens Singles (she won her first in 1941) and also
the Womens and Mixed Doubleswhich suggests to all regulars that she and her husband
Frank will continue for at least another year as Long Islands foremost Table Tennis hosts at
their congenial, easy-going Friday-night Club. Mary, who on-court seemed both determined
and tireless, had been hard-pressed into the 5th by Freeports Susan McGhean who, in
advancing to the final, scored a good win over Evelyn Zakarin.
Other results: Mens Doubles: Tim/Eric Boggan over Resek/Oveissi, 17 in the 4th.
Womens Doubles: Davison/Terry Green over McGhean/Zakarin. Mixed Doubles: T. Boggan/
Davison over Oveissi/McGhean. As: Joe Andrews over Stu Kroll who advanced over Walter
Shur, 22, 24, -11, 17. A Doubles: T. Boggan/Larry Gold over M. Lardon/Jacobs. Bs: C
Watson over Kroll. B Doubles: Scott Preiss/Gold over Oveissi/Tony Gegelys, 24-22 in the 3rd.
Cs: Preiss over Stan Wishniowski. Ds: Neal Golub over Norman Holder. Novice: S Bose
79

over K Vandewater. Esquires: Jacobs over Wishniowski, 19 in the 3rd, then over Zakarin, 17 in
the 3rd. Boys U-17: Brad Lardon over Jim Shur. Girls U-17: M. Makowski over A Cox. Under
15: B. Lardon over Chuck Zakarin, 19 in the 5th (Chuck now prefers tennis?). U-13: M.
Lardon over Marko Popovich. Junior Doubles: Shur/Bob Rosenthal over B. Lardon/Zakarin,
19 in the 5th. Parent/Child Doubles: Bob/Brad Lardon over Mort/Chuck Zakarin.
On Sunday, May 29, the Vitalis-sponsored World Racquets
Championship was telecast by CBS Sports with Don Criqui and
Tony Trabert, the Captain of Americas Davis Cup Team, reporting
the action. The five invited participants, representatives of their
particular sport, were:
Bjorn Borg (tennis),
Sharif Khan (squash),
Danny Seemiller
(table tennis), Charles
Brumfield
(racketball), and
Fleming Delfs (badminton). All were billed as
World Championsthough, as chance would
have it, only Danny was, irritatingly, missing his
name and World Champion inscribed on the
playing uniforms issued the competitors.
Someone told me that Bristol-Myers had tried to get that other World Champion, Japans
Mitsuru Kohno (hed wanted $5,000 amateur money to come to Gusikoffs U.S. Open), but
that it hadnt worked out.
The unusual gimmick in this superstar show was that no champion could play his
own sport. Hence, for every one of the five contested sports there would be a semifinal
between the four eligible participants, then a final. Players would be assigned points5 for
winning a final, 3 for winning a semifinal, and 0 for losing. A total purse of $35,000 would be
split 5 ways$15,000 for 1st, $6,500 for 2nd, $5,000 for 3rd, $4,500 for 4th, and $4,000 for 5th.
Borg, who after all was lending his name to the telecast, was rumored to have received
$25,000 appearance moneythough the figure of $15,000 later seemed more accurate.
Tennis, squash, racketball, and badminton equipment was supplied by Bancroft and
table tennis equipment (sponge bats, balls, table, and barriers) by Harvard. Danny was given
two tennis rackets, two squash rackets, two racketball rackets (made for $4, one aficionado
said, sold for $40), and a badminton racket. Carrying all these he looked ready.
The show was taped the Monday before, May 23, at the spacious Homowack Lodge resort
in the Catskills (Spring Glen, N.Y.)and I, Tim, was invited up to supervise the table tennis part of
the program. Our hosts at Homowack were very generous in allowing Danny and me guestsfor
instance, Dannys coach, Fuarnado Roberts, was there, and I brought my whole family.
Actually, in addition to the five competitors, there must have been 85-100 people
there, most of them connected with taping the show or publicizing it, who were given free
hospitality. It was a class operation, and praise must go to Alan Baker and Joe Goldstein, the
Tournament and Public Relations Directors, for organizing so well what they hope will be an
annual competition
For the players in particular it was a long day. All the matches in one sport were played
to completion before another sport would start. First off was squash.
80

As everyone knows, the biggest name in that game is Khan. Now its 32-year-old
mustachioed Sharif Khan, a teaching pro in Toronto who has two brothers and a cousin who
are also world-class players. Sharif, however, has yet to overshadow the reputation of his
father, Hashim Khan. Hashim is approximately 61 (there were no birth records kept in that
part of Pakistan, near the Khyber Pass, where he was born). He is the squash pro at the
Denver Racquet Club and the author of the sports bible, a thin volume called Squash
RacquetsThe Khan Game.
Sharif started playing the sport when he was 8in the beginning mostly chased balls
hit by British officers at the Air Force base where his father worked as a pro. My father
would watch me and then give me encouragement and tips and stuff, said Sharif. His
teaching was never anything formal. He never stopped to show me the formal grip or how to
stand. Mostly I watched him and did what he did. My father is a great player and teacher, but I
think there must be something more to it than that. I think there must be something in the
Khan blood.
Although he left Pakistan at the age of 11 for England, Sharif credits his native land
with instilling in him a striving for excellence. When we were in Pakistan, he says, we had
to be hardy, had to be tough. It was a harsh life and one that taught you never to give up.
Sharif admits he is motivated by family pride. Playing, he says, has become a matter of
upholding the tradition set by my father. I enjoy squash, but it is also a great responsibility.
Since squash is very similar to racketball (balls must be served into the front wall and
rebounded into boxes or past lines). Charlie Brumfield, the bearded, bespectacled 28-year-old
attorney whos so proficient at racketball, looks to have a lock on the squash event, especially
since before the tournament started he stopped en route from his home in San Diego to take a
few last minute lessons in Denver (from Hashim? though Brumfield is his son Sharifs
competitor?).
Seemillers lamenting the fact that hes drawn Charliefor he believes he could have
beaten either Borg or Delfs, both of whom, like Danny, are complete novices at the sport. But
naturally the Tournament Committee wants to keep telecasting Borg as long as they can and
they hope he beats Delfs. Theyve also decided to play the matches on an enlarged, doubles
court, with a doubles balland this, everyone figures, should help Borg a little.
Borg had been practicing a bit here with Khan, and, according to the Rules that was
o.k., for participants could seek coaching from a non-playing champion, though that champion
was duty-bound, should he honor the request of one contestant, to honor them all. At first, the
practice didnt seem to have helped because against the handsome, wholesome-looking 61
Delfs, whod been flown in with a friend from his home in Denmark, Borg got off to a
horrendous 0-5 start. But then he steadied and began anticipating the ball much better, keeping
it in play. All my life, Borg told Racquet interviewer Richard Polsky, Ive hated to lose at
anything. When I was a kid I played darts with my father, and every time hed beat me I would
cry. Delfs, challenged, didnt seem to have much of a will to win, wilted. Final score: Borg
15, Delfs 9.
In the other semis as Seemiller feared, it was no match. Though Brumfield was
mercifully taking it easy on his serves, Danny often hit the ball too long. This was not
surprising, however, since the sympathetic Brumfields make-it-look-good directive to Danny
was to play the ball long for rallies. But the match was so uneven as to be ridiculous, for
Brumfield knew all the walled angles from a lifetime of playing and Seemiller did not.
Moreover, Danny was hampered because he has no conventional backhand and anything hit
81

into that corner he couldnt flip out. Best the two could do was get Danny one out of every
four points.
In the final, it was all Brumfield. Up 7-1, he looks wildly at Borg, screams half
seriously-half ironically, No mercy! Up 12-2 and losing a point he yells, Goddammit! Hit
the ball! Brumfield wins with a wink, 15-4.
Now, however, he must sit out and watch Khan take over his sport. And take over
Sharif does in his semis match with the hapless Delfs. The Dane is beaten 21-2! Which is not
the kind of score that makes for viewer interest.
To the uninitiated like me, there are some surprises in the rules of the game. Unlike in
squash, only the server can score. Unlike in badminton, if you miss the ball on the serve it
works against you, forces you to turn over the serve to your opponent. And then theres
something called the crotch serve. This sounds really wild, but it means that, if you
simultaneously hit the front wall and the floor, youve just served out, and now its your
opponents turn to ball away at you.
Racketball is a very new sport. The 1st International tournament was played in St.
Louis in 1969, and in 1973 the National Racketball Club was formed and a 16-city
professional tour inaugurated. First prize in big racketball (or squash) tournaments today
(1977) is about $2,000. Now, as more and more courts need to be built, rackets sell at the rate
of 75,000 a month.*
The outspoken, anything but modest Brumfield tells Seemiller he has no trouble
making $100,000 a year in endorsements. They dont need a 19-year-old kid representing
Canadian Club. They need me! The game is very physical, he says. When youre bumping
elbows out there, you cant be too staid. The sport is an off-shoot of handballand while
were trying to get away from some aspects of that, by upgrading the clothing, for example,
we want to keep in racketball the emotion involved in handball. Hence, that Goddammit!
said not to Borg but to the TV camera in his squash final?
Squash and tennis require style, says Charlie to Danny. Racketballs easy to learn. It
doesnt require precision stroking. Perhaps thats meant to encourage Seemiller as he goes
into the glass-enclosed court to play Borg a game to 21? For ten straight days Dannys been
practicing the sport, and now hes looking forward to this match because Borg doesnt know
what hes doing.
Whacking away awkwardly but still effectively with his two-handed backhand at what
is a lighter ball than the one hed used in the squash court, and grunting into every hard-as-hecan-hit-it forehand, Danny, moving well (Racketball helps your table tennis footwork, he
says), and playing with all his animal energy, overpowers Borg to take a 14-6 lead. Then the
Swede rallies to 14-10and Seemiller looks tired, is tired. But on he goes, still moving well,
putting everything he has into this match. And now, as Borg cant hold on, I hear a young
woman behind me say, If Borg hurt himself in there, wouldnt he feel like a fool? Final score:
Danny 21Borg 14. And this was a match for TV.
Against Khan in the finals, though, Danny, down 7-1, quickly sees again how hopeless
it is. You cant win a point against Sharif without a good serve, he says. Final score: Kahn
21Seemiller 6.
Said Brumfield, Give Kahn two months racketball practice and hed be right up there
with the pros. What Khan said, or might have said, of Brumfields squash, nobody cared to
recall. Anyway, the here and now of it for the $15,000 is that Sharif and Charlie are all tied up
with 8 points apiece.
82

We are now into afternoon and the TV people are taking a long time with their interviews.
Who do you like to win this competition?
I like Borg.
Why?
No answer.
Its hot and the crowd grows restless waiting. Some try to read bits of the Program.
In 1974, Major Walter Clapton Wingfield, a bearded British cavalry officer, patented it under
the name of Sphairistikea Greek term meaning Play Ball. Hed also been considering the
name Nantclwydfor it was at a Christmas party there in Wales in 1874 that he introduced
the game we call Tennis.
A few years ago in Paris Borgs match was canceled on account of inclement weather.
Which prompted the young tennis star to run through the citys parks for hours in the rain. I
go mad if I cant play tennis, he explained.
Finally, just as the crowd is about to go mad with waiting, the tennis play begins.
Surprise, Delfs beats Brumfieldand the
Dane, along with Seemiller and Borg, has 3
points. Unfortunately, Danny is once again
paired with Khanand Sharif is by far the
best tennis player. In fact, someone said he
was a pro. Dannys at a terrible
disadvantage, not only in this sport but in
the others too, for he has no overhead.
Down 5-0, complaining that his wrist keeps
breaking on his forehand, he does win a game
before losing the set 6-1. Khan then goes on
to destroy Delfs 6-0.
Borg is favored to win the table
tennis. My father, Rune, is quite a good table
tennis player, he says. When I was 10 he
won a tournament in which the first prize was
a tennis racquet. Thats how I got started, he
told Polsky. I took the racquet and began
hitting the ball against the garage door. Six
years later, after giving up a promising icehockey career, Borg was playing on Swedens
Davis Cup Team. And not long after that, he
became the youngest winner of the Mens
Singles at Wimbledon in nearly half a century.
Borg beats the chattering psych-out
artist Brumfield, 21-11. And Khan knocks
out Delfs in a pathetic 21-5 match. Delfs is
the only player whos used one of the
sponge bats. The others have found pick-up
hard rubber bats somewhere in Spring
Glen. Why? Because it allows them to
control the ball better.
Who says Danny hasnt an overhead?
83

World Racquets Champion Sharif Khan (L) on his way to losing the final of the table tennis event, 21-18,
to Wimbledon Champion Bjorn Borg. Umpire is Tim Boggan.

The final match between Khan and Borg was a good one. Sharifs game had been
helped by his practice in Toronto with his friend Derek Wall (who was later irritated that Khan
hadnt stuck with the sponge bat hed been practicing with). Derek, who keeps winning Senior
tournaments wherever he goes (would you believe the Scottish Open?) would have done
pretty well in this tournament himselflike 2nd?
Against Borg Khan got off to an awful start, was down 7-1but rallied to draw close
before finally hitting one off the table and groaning, That cost me the match. Both players
kept the ball in play, took turns chopping and carefully rolling the ball. And since, according to
my younger son Eric, they both played about 1800, the match would look good on TV. Bjorn
won 21-18.
The last sport was badminton. On a rainy English afternoon in 1870, the Eighth Duke
of Beaufort took out his shuttlecock and, with a battledore, knocked it clear across a large
room of his Gloucestershire summer palace. Thus was badminton born. A hundred years later,
for all the spectators the sport draws in England or the U.S., the players might just as well be
playing in a large drawing roomor so a U.S. badminton official in a moment of despair
declared. Fifteen thousand spectators in Malaysiabut here theyre lucky to get 100.
In Malmo, Sweden, at the World Badminton Championships, the 25-year-old Delfs (he
began playing the sport when he was 9 and now works as a sporting goods salesman) set an
unofficial record by demolishing more than 20 shuttlecocks with his vicious overhead. But
there was no such intensity about the matches here in Spring Glen. Seemiller drew Khan
againand got killed, 15-2. And Brumfield beat Borg, 15-3. The Swedes parents and fiance
watched only a requisite two minutes of the routso the TV people could get their rhetorical
shot of the high-seriousness of the close-knit Borg group at these important matches. In the
final, Khan smoothly stroked away the sometimes awkward, diving Brumfield, 15-8.
84

After all the hours of taping were over with (judicious editing would bring the show
down to 40 minutes), and all the awards were given out (Khan was an easy winner), the 85100 people friendly to the proceedings were invited to a private cocktail party and dinner.
Here, after several drinks, somebody revealed that Bristol-Myers cosmetics had been
interested in getting women superstars to playbut then they decided there werent enough
good-looking women in the requisite sports.
This did not sit well with my wife Sally. She wondered if such a criterion were used in
picking the men, and how many women, if any, were involved in such a policy-making
decision.**
SELECTED NOTES
*Dick Miles points out (TTT, Nov.-Dec., 1977, 8) that, according to a racketball
representative he met, there are now three racketball associationsthe American, the U.S.,
and the International. Also, each association has a magazine, and the total circulation of all
three isready?1,400,000! Dick still maintains that for the good of our Sport, table
tennis needs two
or three rival
associations.
**USTTA
Life Member
Peg Daly (TTT,
July-Aug., 1977,
18) quotes from
To Form a
More Perfect
Uniona
Peg Daly
report on the observance of International Womens
Year (IWY), released June, 1976:
As with most power structures, women are
largely underrepresented in the policy-making bodies
of sports organizations. Therefore the IWY Commission, on contacting national sportgoverning bodies, request that they:
1. Compile data on the frequency and levels of female leadership in their
organizations.
2. Develop affirmative action programs to bring women representatives into all levels
of their sports governance structures.
3. Send copies of the data and affirmative action programs to the IWY Secretariat.
Peg says 50 sports bodies have been targeted with requests to develop affirmative
action programs. Number 41 on the alphabetical listing was the United States Table Tennis
Association.

85

Chapter Six
1977: Quebecs Canadian Open. 1977: Jamaicas Benson & Hedges Love Bird
Invitational.
Three major Opens in successive weeks starring European and/or Asian players begin
with the May 27-29 Canadian Open, followed by the June 2-5 U.S. Open in Hollywood, CA
which Ill take up in Chapter Seven, and end with the June 8-11 tournament in Kingston,
Jamaica.
Canadian Open Womens Teams
Half the players on the Canadian National Team are from the
highly organized French-speaking (Separatist?) area in and around
Montreal, and their Quebec Federation definitely wants to do things
right. They put out a
skillfully-edited little
magazine called Le
Pongiste. Found the
marvelous Centre Claude
Robillard in Montreal for
their 1977 Canadian Open.
(Surbek said it was one of
the finest venues hed ever
played at, with every table in the center of a
barriered-off court). And under the Presidency of
Jean Duquette and the Technical Directorship of
Adham Sharara they showed a camaraderie between
their officials that made for a smooth-running
Alex Polisois (L) and Quebec Association
tournament and a relaxing
President Jean Duquette
social-evening aftermath.
This year Derek Wall arranged for Cor du Buy of the Netherlands
to supply Europa 72 tables (retail price $600). Cor paid half the export
cost for the tables, the Quebec Federation the other half. Never in Canada,
or perhaps in the U.S., have players been able to play on tables of such
quality. Moreover, 50 dozen Nittaku (Derek says NITT-a-coo) balls were
hand-made and individually selected (even to the weight of each) by
Nittakus #1 man on the road, Hiroshi (seen here in his 1954 playing
days).
The Womens Team matches were won by a bowing Korea I over a
bowing Korea II, 3-2, in an interminably long, offensive-defensive type
struggle. (For these Koreans, vacationing, sight-seeing certainly didnt seem to
be their #1 priority.) The cheers and groans of heretofore silent spectators
Nittakus
embarrassingly yet quite humorously reflected not their earlier indifferent
Hiroshi
interest in the outcome of these matcheswhere one unknown hair-cutely
beribboned player in blue looked like any three othersbut the hope that the right young woman
would win the game, the match, so that mercifully the tie could be ended.
86

Penholder winner Shin Kyung

Suk and shakehands opponent
Kim Kyung Ja, the eventual
Womens Singles finalists,
prevailed over their
countrywomen. In the semis,
Korea I was too much for Canada
I, and Korea II blitzed England
Canadian Champion Mariann
Domonkos, among others, was
objecting to the bird cries, the
squeaks of high-school enjoyment
the Korean womengirlswere
shrieking out after each point won
and before each ensuing serve.
Its not exactly illegal, shrugged
Canadian Open Womens Winner: South Koreas
Mariann. Theres nothing the
Shin Kyung Suk (R) and runner-up Kim Kyung Ja
officials can do. But the Koreans
Photo by Barry Margolius
are trying to psyche you out.
Against Korea II, Carole Knight, the English Champion, is bothered by all this cutesycute adolescent squealingshes not used to it. Carole finally goes over the edge to An Hae
Suk in an expedited 24-22 cliffhanger of a 3rd when her loops go off. Melody Ludi, England
#5, drops two close games to Kim Ae Kyung. At 19-all in the 1st, she hits out way wide, then
Kim finishes her off with a net-edge. When at the start of the 2nd game, Kim gets another edge,
a man in the gallery above waves a large Korean flag and gives guttural yells of approval. But
with the English woman up 18-10, allsmelodious. Until, unbelievably, Ludi loses 10 in a
row and then the game and the match. The doubles is a 6, 16 joke.
Mens Teams
The Mens Team final was won by Yugoslavia
(Dragutin Surbek, Milivoj Karakasevic, Zoran Zoki
Kosanovic) over Germany (Jochen Leiss, Peter Stellwag), 3-1.
Surbek, whod come 2nd to Orlowski via a three-way 8-2
tiebreaker with Secretin at the Feb. 25-27 European Top 12
tournament, beat both Stellwag and Leiss, deuce in the 3rd (in
semi-exhibition play?). Also, partnered by Kosanovic, now on
the Yugoslav Team in place of Miran Savnik whose career has
been ruined by an injured wrist, The Dragon won the
doubles two straight.
In the 1st game against Surbek, Stellwag was down 7- Milan Orlowski, 1977 European
Top Twelve Winner
1, but pulled out the game at 19. In the 2nd, the young German
Photo by Mal Anderson
Champion was down 17-1! In the 3rd, Stellwag was up 6-1,
and 19-16, but lost it at deuce. Question is, when Surbek goes to Germany this fall to make a
living at League play, can his team beat Stellwags team? In the 3rd game against Surbek, Leiss,
who earlier confessed that up until he was 21 he played only three times a week, was down
10-5, then up 18-10! Then lost at deuce.
87

In the one semis, the Yugoslavs downed the

young English Team of Desmond Douglas and Andy
Barden three-zipthe big surprise being Karakasevics
easy 9, 16 handling of Douglas. In our sport, says the
friendly, open Yugo penholder, if youre not at the top
youre nothing. So he doesnt think his son will play
table tennis. If hes lucky enough to have his fathers
energy, his son may play tennis instead. (Thirty years
later, the grown-up Aleksandar will be 3-time U.S. Open
Champ and among the top 50 t.t. players in the world.}
In the other semis, Germany beat Canada I, 3-0.
Leiss had no trouble with Canadian Champ Errol
Caetano. But Stellwag had to go three to beat Alex
Polisois. Had Alex been able to hold his 18-14 1st-game
lead, he might have won two straightbut an
inopportune racket point at 18-16 eventually cost him the
game. The doubles was a deuce-in-the-third heartbreaker
Milivoj Karakasevic-for the Canadians. Actually, time and again the
easy
win over Douglas
vacationing Germans just didnt seem to be too interested
in winning their doublesnot even in the Open
competition later where, back on defense at 20-19 in the 5th, they just got by the two
Seemillers, Ricky and Randy.
The best tie in the quarters was Canada Is 3-2 win over Korea I. Polisois won two
gutsy matchesone over the 18-year-old Phantom chopper Kim Chang Young (conqueror of
Caetano), the other over 18-year-old Choi Wan Kyu (who lost to Errol). Polisois was
complaining about the Koreans putting spin on their ball as they threw it up to serve. He told
the Montreal Sunday Express: There are a few rules you have to abide by when you serve,
and you cant spin the ball with your hands before the ball hits the bat. I had the feeling the
Korean fellow I was playing was spinning it, as well as using the speed of his hands to hide
that fact from myself and the umpire.* It worked a few times, as the umpire was not too strict.
I ended up winning the match though.
In another quarters match, England beat the U.S. 3-1. Douglas in straight games held
Mike Bush and Ricky Seemiller to 38 points total. But Ricky had a fine 23, 18 win over
Englands most consistent looper, Barden. When in the 1st round
England failed to shut out Sweden I, it was because Bardon lost
to a native-born Swede, Jorgen Gierloff, who played for Third
Division Norway at the Birmingham Worlds.
Events Other Than Womens/Mens Singles
Before I report on the Womens
and Mens Singles, Ill give you the results
of the other events: Womens Doubles:
Knight/Ludi over Kim K.J./An, 19 in the 4th,
then over Shin/Kim A.K. in 4. Mens
Doubles: Surbek/Karakasevic over Leiss/
Stellwag in 5. Caetano/Wall had an exciting

Germanys
Jochen Leiss (L)/
Peter Stellwag
88

5-game win over Douglas/Barden. Bush/Hamid Hayatghaib

lost to Kim C.Y./Kim Wan, 19 in the 4th. Mixed Doubles:
Choi W.K./An 25, 19, 19 over Kim C.Y./Kim K.J. whod
survived Shin/Lee Shim Ik in 5. Womens Over 40: Betty
Tweedy over Evelyn Zakarin. Mens Over 40: Wall over
Houshang Bozorgzadeh, Girls U-17: Shin over Kim Kyung
Ja. Girls U-15: Shin over Gloria Nesukaitis. Girls U-13:
Julia Johnson over Sylvie Leveille. Boys U-17: Kim Wan
over Lee Kwang Ik, 24-22 in the 4th, then over Kim Chang
Young. Boys U-15: Eric Boggan over Ian Kent. Boys U-

Canadas
Joe Ng

Canadian Open
Womens Singles Winner
Shin Kyung Suk
Photo by Mal Anderson

13: Boggan over Ed Suen whod

eliminated Joe Ng, 17, 22.
Womens Singles
The Womens Singles was won,
as expected, by Shin Kyung Suk over her compatriot Kim Kyung Ja. In the one semis, Kim
had to go 5 with Kim Ae Kyung. These two women were squealing so, the eight Korean
coaches and managers applauding so, during this and the other semis between Shin and
Carole Knight that Referee Ralph Spratt had to ask them to
restrain themselves a little. Knight put on a good show in
forcing the first two games to deuce. But in the 3rd, when
the young Korean moved in to take the attack, the English
woman fell back on the shot she ought to get rid ofa
much too weak lob.
In the quarters, though, Carole got revenge on An
Hae Sook whod beaten her deuce in the 3rd in the Teams.
This time it wasnt closeCaroles big loop finished the
Korean in straight games. In another quarters match,
Canadian officials Ralph Spratt (L)
Domonkos, whod gone with nine members of her Quebec
and Mike Skinner
Team on a 200-mile cyclothron to raise money for their
track suits, won a game from finalist Kim.
Birute Plucas, as if her mind or body were elsewhere, just managed to defeat the 15thrated Swedish Junior, Suzanne Carlsson, deuce in the 5th. Christine Forgo, #6 in Canada, after
being down 2-0, upset Englands Ludi, 19 in the 5th. And Kasia Dawidowicz, Christines
weekend house guest, gave a good account of herself against An, her 15-year-old counterpart.
Would that there were more international tournaments for Kasia to participate in, since it looks
for certain that, come 1979, shell be playing in Pyongyang.
89

Mens Singles
Zoran Zoki Kosanovic,
The Mens Singles final between the
1977 Canadian Open
Yugoslavs was won by Kosanovic over
Mens Singles Champion.
Photo by Barry Margolius
Surbek who, on returning to Europe, would
be conducting a training camp in Sweden
with Bengtsson and Johansson. Its an
absolutely horrible match in which Zokis
minimal effort to be fired up is little better
than the faint breath of The Dragon. Both
are often missing point-winning shots.
Uncharacteristically down 2-1 and 17-7 in
the 4th, Surbek, World #5, lobs back a ball,
watches it come down, catch the net,
wobble, then topple over. Everybody
laughs.
In his semis, the left-handed
Kosanovic, down 2-0, is almost knocked out by the Junior Champion here, Kim Wan, whom
Bush and Ricky Seemiller both beat in 3 back in the 1st round of the Teams. A matter of
catching on to the Koreans style, shrugs Yugo Coach Dule Osmanagic. Leiss, watching, is
not so complacent. He doesnt like Kim Wans habit of shouting out after every point,
particularly when his opponent makes a mistake. When in the 1st game Kosanovic, down 2322, serves off and the Korean lets out a howl, Leiss says, If hed have done that to me Id
have walked around the table and grabbed him by the neck. In the other semis, Surbek has
his usual North American win over Douglasonly this time the match isnt contested.
In the quarters, with the exception of the Surbek-Caetano rout, there are good
matches. Douglas barely manages to oust Stellwag, 19 in the 5th. But, strangely, I dont think
Peter warmed up for this early-morning match. Kim Wan downs Barden in 5. Kosanovic, able
in the long run to begin spinning before Leiss does, overcomes his nervousness and loops
away the German whom hed last played and beaten in the Hungarian Open two years ago.
Leiss doesnt seem to mind the loss much.
In the 8ths, Barden almost blows it against Bozorgzadeh. Houshang, down 20-15 in
st
the 1 to the verbally-colorful Englishman, wins it 23-21; then, down 20-17 in the 3rd, wins
that one too, 22-20. Whereupon Barden grabs the ball and smacks it out of the court. Then
picks up his play.
The biggest upset in the 8ths is Kim Wan over Karakasevic. Apparently Milivoj, who
recently defeated Surbek to win his fourth Yugoslav Closed, didnt take the young penholder
seriously enough and then when Kim started banging in backhands he was too far gone to
come back. For a moment, I wondered whether Karakasevic really cared enough about
winning. What he and all the Yugos wanted to do every minute they werent at the Centre
Claude Robillard was play Black Cat. In this case, the Cat was the Queen of Spades and the
card game was Heartswith the variant of the A-K-Q-J of Hearts counting 6-5-4-3 points
respectively and the Queen of Spades the customary 13 points. The object of the game was
NOT to take in those five cards that would count points against you.
In another 8ths match, Bush is down 2-1 but up 9-4 in the 4th, a lead that leads only to a 4game loss. I didnt choke, he said with a little Dont you understand? Dont you believe me?
smile. The guys a good player. Dave Shapiro, up 20-18 in the 5th against Swedens 17-year-old
90

Angby Club Junior, Peter Ljungqvist, served off, then twice found
himself ad down, but played on determinedly to a win. Guy
Germain fought off George Brathwaite, 19 in the 5th. Robert
Earle, the little looper par excellence, who back in 69 was the
Barbados Champion, surprised
Ricky Seemiller in 5. And 13-yearold Eric Boggan put up an
unexpected -20, -16, 10, -19 fight
in losing to but outscoring the
English #1 Douglas.
With such ideal playing
Angbys Peter Ljungqvist
conditions and so many good
matches, the only distant objection
to anything at all involved the Tournament Committees decision to
seat all, or almost all, the players not scheduled to play up in the
balcony much too far away from the action. True, some liked this
different perspective, but others,
particularly the Americans, did not wish to
be dispatched sothey saw no reason for
it. Actually, the Organizers were selling a
few $100 boxes out on the floor by the
barriered-off courtsso they couldnt very
well give free to the masses what others
were paying for. Still, I think Mike Bush
was the only real Bartleby. Like the figure
Eric Boggan
that haunted Herman Melville in that
marvelous short story, Bush perversely bothered the conscience of the
Canadians. Again and again they would ask him politely to go upstairs,
Mike Bush--our Bartleby
but each time he would only fold his arms and say, I prefer not to.

Benson & Hedges Love Bird Invitational

Since I didnt personally go to Kingston for the Love Bird this year, I got
indispensable help in writing up this tournaments Mens and Womens
Singles/Doubles from Tony Becca, Hubert Gray, Barry Hendricks, and
staff reporters from Jamaicas leading newspaper, The Gleaner. Also,
Jamaican TTA President Roy Hylton wrote me telling me that the
English and Yugoslav players came directly from Canada and so had
time to hold coaching clinics and give exhibitions at youth clubs and
schools, especially in the depressed areas of the city. Because of
Jamaicas balance of payments problems, the JTTA wasnt allowed to
import the usual trophies from overseas, so Roy was pleased and
Jamaican TTA President
proud of the innovative and artistic Jamaican-made wooden ones.
Roy Hylton
91

Mens Matches
Four continuous
minutes of tablethumping, handclapping, footstamping, earsplitting applause
was the accolade paid by 5,000
table tennis fans in the Kingston
National Arena to the 21-year-old
Desmond Douglas,
Jamaican-born Englishman
Jamaica
Love Bird
Desmond Douglas.
Mens Singles
The Midland Red-Bus
Champion
Company Sports and Recreational
Clerk had readied himself to begin
his Mens Singles final amidst a
chorus of cheers. Then he spent the
next 23 minutes demonstrating his
lightning reflexes in defeating his
world-class West German opponent, Jochen Leiss, a 27-year-old physical education major at
Cologne University.
Douglas took charge from the start, raced away to a 7-3 advantagewhich prompted
the crowd, already charmed by Dess swift, precise play, to begin hollering for Unders!
(under double figures, that is). When he reeled off a forearm passing shot to reach 14-10 and
repeated it next point to the opposite angle, the uproar was deafening. Then at game point,
when Douglas quickly finished off his opponent with another powerful forearm, the crowd
went wild.
Leiss went ahead in the 2nd game, drawing applause for his fine recovery shots, but
the Champion caught him at 11-all. Up 19-16, Douglas went on to take a two-game lead with
a cunning serve which the German netted. In the 3rd, Douglas smashed his way through a 9-1
onslaughtso that the match looked more like a first night elimination contest than a climactic
final. But the crowd loved its Black Flash. He was what they wanted. It was a systematic
destruction, as the shy, unsmiling Douglas brought his instincts to bear, blocking the best the
German had to offer, counter-hitting with accuracy and power, and angling off some
beautifully-placed forearm and backhand drives. Once Douglas completely confused Leiss
who, heading in the wrong direction, saw his error but could only catch the ball with his free
hand as the crowd roared.
In his semis, Leiss had little difficulty with Englands 18-year-old Andy Barden, the
1977 Commonwealth Games runner-up. Also, the Germans 4-game quarters match with
Canadian Open Champ Zoran Kosanovic proved easier than expected since the Yugoslav had
beaten him in Montreal two weeks earlier. Barden, meanwhile, had advanced over
Karakasevic. The young Englishman had won a big first game at deuce, lost the 2nd badly, then
in the deciding 3rd, leading 20-17, had faltered (Americans say choked), fell victim to the
Yugos serves and went match point down. Only to do a turnaround and come out the winner.
In the other semis, Douglas eliminated Surbek and received an appropriate reward.
For nearly five minutes the Arena audience went into ecstacy over Dess dazzling performance.
92

Trailing 16-9 in the 1st, he began nullifying

the Yugos dreaded forearm by keeping the
The Dragon
ball to his backhand and unleashing
unstoppable passing shots down the center
line and to both wings. Result: a 12-1 run
for the Flash! But then he got only 10 points
the 2nd game. Why such swings? In the 3rd,
Des is up 8-2then 13-12. But encouraged
by shouts of Settle! (Settle down? Settle
with him?), Douglas again prevented or
parried Surbeks loops, so that the Yugoslav
became erratic and lost that game at 17.
Now, Surbek, visibly leg-weary, requested a
protracted break before playing on.
However, there was no real respite for him.
Douglas immediately stormed in, won the opening sorties, sending one of the worlds best
scurrying to retrieve balls, and thereafter built an overwhelming lead.
Earlier, in the quarters, Des had lost the 1st game at 19 to German Champion Peter
Stellwag, and was behind 7-2 in the 2nd. But he rallied, and Stellwag, down 18-16, got itchy and
blasted successive shots off the table. From then on, Douglas had little trouble winning in 4.
However, Singles losers Leiss and Stellwag did win the Mens Doubles over Douglas and Barden.
In his quarters, Surbek had an easy 3-0 win over six-time U.S. Open Champion D-J
Lee. Up match point in the 1st, The Dragon, cornered, spurted flame. Hed been forced back
into a balloon defense and, after Lee had made a series of smashes, surprise, the Yugoslav
made a devastating forearm counter that landed perfectly, nearly decapitating the KoreanAmerican star. In his 8ths match, D-J seemed to have struggledwent two deuce games with
Jamaican Junior Champion, 14-year-old Colin McNeish.
David Marshalleck, another promising
youngster, was awarded a prize for the Most
Impressive Performance by a Jamaican. Good show
to have allowed him to play against tough
competition and to have publicly recognized his
performance. Its just one more instance that, thanks
to Jamaican TTA President Roy Hylton and his rightDavid Marshalleck
hand man Ken McLachlan, good things are
wins Most Impressive
happening in Jamaican table tennis. In addition to
Performance by a
firmly establishing this annual Benson & Hedges
Jamaican
Love Bird Invitational, the Jamaica Association has
started a bi-monthly tabloid, the Jamaica Table Tennis
News, sponsored by Mutual Life,
and imported a Peoples Republic of China coach.
Womens Matches
Insook Bhushan regained her Benson & Hedges Love Bird Singles
crown with a clear-cut 4-game victory over current English Champion
Carole Knight. Insook, who won this tournament in 75 and was the beaten
93

Insook Bhushan (L) defeats Englands #1 Carole Knight to win Love Bird Invitational.
Bhushan photo by Mark Ratner; Knight photo by Mal Anderson

finalist last year (she lost to the Japanese Champion Yukie Ohzeki in 5) disposed of her English
challenger, -19, 18, 17, 19. In doing so, she showed us the greatest display of chop returns
ever seen at the Kingston National Arena.
However, the English lass, celebrating her 20th birthday, was the darling of the two as
she was the aggressor throughout, repeatedly scoring with stinging forearm drives. Bhushan
impressed everyone with her retrieving, but it was Knight who got the plaudits of the crowd
for her daring, refreshing style. She took chances, carried the fight to the more experienced
Korean woman whose strategy was to force the English Champion to make errors, while she
herself ran the risk of being looped off the table.
The measure of Caroles performance was that
she received the biggest applause of the night after
losing to Insook, an old friend and another favorite of
the spectators. When Carole went out to receive her
runner-up trophy she was cheered all the way and back
to her seat.
I might also point out that defenders stole the
show at Sarajevo during the European Top 12
tournament. Hungarys Beatrix Kishazi (9-2) edged out
Englands Jill Hammsersley (8-3) for the title. Wonder if
they played expedite? Rufford Harrison, in the JulyAug. Topics, has an article on the strategy of Expedite
play where he emphasizes both for the hitter and the
defender PATIENCE.
Here in Kingston, Bhushan, surprisingly, did not
win the Mixed Doubles with Surbek (they lost early to
Caetano/Domonkos). But Insook did team successfully
with her arch U.S. rival He-ja Lee to capture the
Womens Doubles from Knight and Ludi,
Beatrix Kishazi,
Commonwealth Doubles Champ with Karen Witt. At
European Top Twelve Winner
94

D-J and He-ja...Love Birds

in Jamaica or anywhere.
Photo by Neal Fox

the end of the match, He-jas husband, D-J, whod been

standing by with notebook and pen in hand giving
advice throughout the hard-fought 5 games, bussed Heja with what some in the crowd took to be more than
the usual congratulatory kissand, needless to say in
this passionate country, the photographers were happy
to catch him at it.
The easy-going Lee, on vacation, seemed quite
exuberant by any pool or table side. When He-ja also
won the Mixed Doubles with Leiss, D-J, standing just
outside the surrounds, in another expression of joy,
sprang on Jochen, his Joola-sponsored friend, hugged
him, kissed himand was himself given a couple of
body-bending spins by Leiss, equally caught up in the
moment. No doubt the most observing photographers
snapped a number of these poses, but none of the
pictures of D-J as Kissing Champ appeared in the
Jamaican papers.

SELECTED NOTES.
*Richard Yule, Scottish Champion, writing in the
Associations Jan.-Feb., 1977 Bulletin (see TTT, Mar.Apr., 1977, 7) speaks of how in modern table tennis it
may be that 70% of all points are won within three
strokes of putting the ball in play. So of course if, as has
been said, Chinese stars win up to 40% of their points
from serve alone, he urges players to practice serving
tirelessly. Also to serve with a specific aim in mind
which is what these youthful Koreans doubtless are doing.
He notes Chinas Chang Shih-Lins and Japans Ichiro
Scotlands Richard Yule
Ogimuras advice: watch good players serving then find
your own adaptations and variant techniques. Yugoslav
Coach Dule Osmanagic thinks, as in chess, the player who takes the initiative first has the
greatest chance of winning. Both he and the late Swedish Coach Hans Alser agreed that the
Asian penholders have an advantage for their wrist is more free.

95

Chapter Seven
1977: Germanys Jochen Leiss and Insook Bhushen win U.S. Open.
Ill begin my write-up of Bobby Gusikoffs June 2-5 U.S. Open with the play, covering
in this order the Juniors, Womens, Mens.
Juniors
Scott Boggan, who credits Germanys Jochen
Leiss for improving his forehand, won the U.S. Open
(Under 17) Junior Championship a week before his
16th birthday by defeating his younger brother Eric in
a back-and-forth 5-game final that had their dare-nottake-sides parents at times almost unwilling to look.
Thirteen-year-old Eric came close to making
an unprecedented clean sweep of the Boys Singles
titles open to himwinning the Under 15s from
Rutledge Barry and the Under 13s from, respectively,
John Merkel, Junior Consolation runner-up to Lee
Lawson; Tony Gonzalez whod eliminated Brandon
Olson in 5; and John Stillions, all in straight games.
During both these finals, Eric was being filmed for
NBCs Junior Hall of Fame which will feature a number
of junior superstars, including 14-year-old Tracy Austin
1977 U.S. Open Junior Champion
Scott Boggan
of Wimbledon fame, in programs to be aired this fall.
Photo by Raul Rodriguez
Olson, whos been
playing competitively since
he was five, and who works out at least 5 days a week, won the
Under 11 Championship for the second straight year by defeating
Iowas
Scott
Butler in
a threezip final.
Olson
also
teamed
with
Stillions
to win
the U-13
Doubles,
U.S. Open Under 11
edging
Champ Brandon Olson out
John Stillions (L) and Brandon Olson (foreground) on their way
Photo by David R. Moore
to winning the U.S. Open Under 13 Doubles over
Boggan
Brad Lardon (L) and Eric Boggan
th
and Brad Lardon, deuce in the 5 .
Photo by David R. Moore
96

Dennis Barish (L) defeating Rutledge Barry

for the U.S. Open Under 15 Championship.
Photo by David R. Moore

In the final of the Under 21 or Youth event

which almost to a man our 77 U.S. Team
members were eligible for, ex-U.S. Open Under 15
Champion Dennis Barish got by ex-U.S. Closed U15 Champion Rutledge Barry. In his 4-game Mens
match with our six-time National Champion D-J
Lee, Barish had been too stationarybut against
Barry, who generally didnt force the point, the
stocky Californian was overpowering. Id heard it
said that Dennis had little depth perception, that he
relied more than others on the sound of the ball
hitting the table. But against Rutledges thicksponge pushes, Dennis had plenty of time to orient
himself and so could get his weight into his
smashes.
In his Under 21 semis, Barish, who had this
strange (and perhaps illegal?) habit of feinting a
serve, had trouble as far back as the eighths with
body-builder Craig Manoogian. Then he might
have lost his 4-game match with the ubiquitous
Eric Boggan, for he won the last two games at
deuce. Someone remarked that the minute Dennis
has to chase a ball, he can hardly walk, but twice
against Boggan at deuce he continually moved
quickly to seize and hold his forehand advantage

and so win the points he needed.

One knowledgeable observer thought that Eric would have done better not to use so
much anti against Barish, said he should have pushed deep to the forehand then followed with
a quick block into Denniss backhand where he had little ability to exchange. Perhaps, too, if
Eric had dropped the ball up close to Barishs forehand he could have kept the older boy from
controlling the point.
Eric, though, whos considered the best of the U.S. Juniors at disguising spin at the
table, had his moments. In the quarters, he took out U.S. Team member Dean Galardi in 4
just kept the ball on the table and watched as Deano spun and spun and missed and missed.
Barry was given a break in his Under 21 semis when Paul Raphel was defaulted. Paul
had just escaped Scott Boggan who with an effective throw-up serve and follow had played
his best match of the tournament. Scott hit the ball at Paul so hard and so much that at one
point he thought he saw Paul spit bloodor somethingout of his mouth and thought maybe
he was sick.
Perhaps the most interesting Under 21 quarters match was between Barry and Perry
Schwartzberg. Perry has a great backhand half-counter/half-block down the line, but Rutledge,
after being totally out of the first two games, slowed things down a bit, and started getting in
some spinny forehand loops .that turned the match around. But then, up 17-13 in the 5th, Berry
unexplainably reverted to the way hed played the first two games and Perry won 7 straight to
lead 20-17 match point. Only then, 1-2-3Perry missed three timesand it was deuce. After
which, though he had two ads when Rutledge failed to return serves, he still couldnt win.
97

In the 8ths, Barry had easily

defeated Dean Doyle whod beaten him in
the Mens. Dean has good spin serves, and
can roll and kill the ball well. He and his
enthusiastic partner Quang Bui won the
Junior Doubles upsetting the two favored
teams of Schwartzberg/Mike Lardon and
Barry/Scott Boggan.
One of the players surprisingly
missing from the semis of both the Under
21s and Under 17s was Mike Stern whos
recognized as having the best loop-kill of any
U.S. Junior. So what happened to him? Ill
tell you in a moment. But I want to note first
that after this tournament Mike will be
recovering from a broken jaw suffered in a
fight in which he put two of his three
assailants in the hospital and escaped the
other who was threatening him with a
switch-blade. Californias casual Henry Fung
(did he play even the Open in slacks and
U.S. Open Junior Doubles Winners Quang Bui and
street shoes?), whos got some very strong
(diving for the ball) Dean Doyle.
corner passing shots that either go in or
Photo by David R. Moore
dont,
that give him good wins and bad losses, defeated Stern in 5 in
the 16ths of the Under 21s. Mike also lost a 17, 21, -19, -19,
-11 match to Al Everett in the As.
In the Under 17s, it was Schwartzbergs turn to,
in a manner of speaking, beat up Stern, also in 5. Just as
Perry has got some sort of Yasaka sponsorship, so it
seems that Joola will now sponsor Mike and maybe some
other Juniors. Schwartzberg was knocked out of the
semis of the 17s by Eric Boggan whom hed beaten in
the As in 5. Unfortunately, Perry had broken his
irreplaceable bat before the match and understandably was
not in a good frame of mind. Perry also lost out in the
semis of the As to Scott Boggan who then dropped an 18
in the 4th final to Everett.
Earlier in the 17s, Scott was in trouble with
Mike Lardon who, the week before in Montreal, had lost a
deuce-in-the-3rd match to Jens Fellke, ranked #5 among
the Swedish Juniors. Scott, down 2-1 but up 18-12 in the
4th, was suddenly faced with a Lardon rally. Driven back
from the table, Scott lobbed up a nothing ball, and Mike
killed itoff. End of rally. In the 5th, Boggan got off to a
U.S. Open Class A Winner Al Everett two-point lead and held it for a (Yeah!) 21-18 win.
98

In his 17 semis, Scott unexpectedly

had little difficulty with Barry. He handled
Rutledges serves well, pushed short, and was
careful to get set for his hits. I dont think I
ever lost a point when Rutledge chopped, he
said. Leiss had given Scott a lesson, had
shown him that his forehand finish was
coming up in too much of a salute to past
authority. Leiss urged him to incorporate
more body twist, get more of his weight
pivoted into his shots, and hit the ball flatter.
Rutledge had gotten to his semis
with a come-from-behind win over Jimmy
Lanea boy, says Don Gunn, who has
Jimmy Lane
confidence without conceit, pride without
Photo by
arrogance. Jimmy, whose forte is his
Mal Anderson
consistency, doesnt hit the ball hard, so
Rutledge could take his time, chop or loop, or
even, as if he didnt care, snap a backhand in.
Also, when the Californians came en masse to
root for Lane they brought with them the principle of reverse psychologyin effect giving the
sometimes-I-dont-care Rutledge the added incentive he might have needed to win. Lane, however,
did team with Todd Petersen to take the 15 Doubles after being down 2-0 to Rutledge and Eric.
In the Under 17 final, it was the two Boggan brothers. Scott was sometimes bothered
by some of Erics serves, especially when Eric would hurriedly follow up with the same serve

Scott Boggan, 1977 U.S. Open Junior Champ (R), trying for a retrieve in the final against brother Eric.
Photo by David R. Moore

99

again, and Scott would be a little psyched out. My older boy narrowly won, perhaps because
of the all-around variation in his game. Sometimes it seemed that Eric was so happy to have
Scott and his blistered feet back from the table, floating a return, that he became too anxious,
rushed his shots like, as Scott said, a hitter swinging ahead of a breaking ball. But the match
couldnt have been much closer. Eric refused to break in the 4th and rallied to stay alive. But
then Scott, down 17-15 in the 5th, persevered to win the title and the $250 college scholarship
check from the Fred Danner-promoted National Junior Table Tennis Foundation.
Bowie Martin deserves thanks for making it possible for my boys to win these
prestigious Championships. He sponsored the Butterfly Team of the two Boggans,
Rutledge, and Mike Lardon to these Nationals. Without his $1500 support there was no
possibility my kids would have had this opportunity to show their developing abilities. We
need manufacturers, USTTA officials, tournament sponsors to give more than lip service to the
idea of creating a U.S. table tennis power.
I dont have the complete Team results the Butterfly boys played against the strong
young Korean Team (Topics and I dont have any of the Team results). But though they got
beat 3-0, it was not the waltz through that one observer claimed. Rutledge won a game, Eric
was up 9-4 in the 3rd before losing, and Mike and Scott dropped their opening doubles game at
deuceso against these older boys our players were able to at least make the tie a contest.
With effort and generosity, the U.S. in the near future could build up teams that would rival,
with the possible exception of China, the best in the world. Lets help one another do it. [Now,
32 years later, such a thought may seem nave to usbut it was an outgoing one and it did
produce continuing connections with the worlds best.]
Womens
Reinforcing her position as a world-class star, Insook Bhushan won the U.S. Open
Womens Singles with a real-life performance that dramatically had to outplay that of any
heroine who ever filmed in the very Hollywood studio where the Open was taking place.

Insook Bhushan (L) on her way to defeating Japans Chieko Ono,

deuce in the fifth, for the U.S. Open Championship.
Photo by David R. Moore

100

Current Japanese
Champion Chieko Ono
Photo by David R. Moore

After just getting by Japans pips-out penholder Kumiko Nagahora in 5 in the semis,
Bhushan, in a painful and completely exhausting deuce-in-the-5th final, barely outlasted Chieko
Ono, winner of the 1975 All-Japan Championship. Following their last point, Insook, given a
standing ovation, collapsed court-side suffering from dehydration and severe cramps in almost
every part of her body. So severe was Insooks suffering and yet so little understood by most
of those around herthe Desk, for example, was reluctant to default her in the Mixed
Doubles match scheduled to follow*that for 20 minutes it became increasingly doubtful that
a therapist working over her, hearing her near unconscious moans, and unable to induce her to take
any liquids (it made her nauseous, she gasped) would be able to revive her. Finally an ambulance
was called, and Insook, who should have been enjoying a great Champions triumph, was given
professional care and hurried to a hospital, where fortunately she soon began to recover.
Ono, who in 1975 was on the Japanese Team at the Calcutta Worlds, was able to give
Insook a very difficult time because of her loops and kills and beautiful drop shots. Indeed, had
Insook not shown herself to be one of the fastest women players in the world, she would not,
despite all her heart, have been able to persevere to victory.
Although Chieko won the 1st game by hitting out hard, her coach evidently thought it
safer strategy to try to tire Insook in the remaining games. So the experienced Japanese began
to loop and drop, began forcing Insook back, then bringing her in up closethe strategy
sometimes going for naught when the former Korean International rushed in to gracefully
pick-hit a backhand through.
Apparently the Japanese coach knew that his player wouldnt win many points outright
on her drop shot, but considering Insooks ability to mix the height of her returns and vary the
speed and spin on the ball, it was a well-calculated risk that, rather than have Ono try to hit in
winners, Insooks nervous energy would in time give out. Player/coach Masaaki Tajima,
watching this match, wrote in the East/West Chinese American Journal (reprinted in TTT,
July-Aug., 1977, 2) that in the fourth game, Ono was penalized twice on her service after a
preliminary warning. A young North Californian [Masaakis home area too], inexperienced in
umpiring International Matches, was nevertheless correct in his judgment.The serving hand must
be above and behind the table and be visible to the umpire at all times. When Ono was penalized her
serving hand went below the table for a split second before impact. Making a ruling against a
known international player, where a judgment rests on a split-second fault, is an unenviable task.
Tajima pointed out that the poise of
these two finalists reflects their training and
maturity. Most players would cry, rant, cuss,
and even throw their rackets in uncontrollable
frustration at a crucial point lost.But when
Ono, down 21-22 in the 5th, missed her last kill
shot, she showed no emotiona characteristic
she exhibited throughout the match. To her, it
was just another shot missed. [Well, maybe a
wee bit more than that?]
Also, Ono showed quite a bit of
stamina herselfthe more so because she
too had a hard time in the semis. Down 2-0
Japans future U.S. Open Champion,
in games to her strong-thighed teammate
Kayoko Kawahigashi
Kayoko Kawahigashi, conqueror of Jill
Photo by David R. Moore
101

Hammersley and Ann-Christin Hellman on her way to the quarters of the Birmingham
Worlds, Chieko rallied to win the match 3-2.
The last 16 women in the Openwith one exceptionwere either Japanese or
Korean. None of their matches in the eighths or the quarters were 5-game close. He-ja Lee,
our other U.S. Champion, lost a quite respectable 4-gamer to Kawahigashi. There was a
surprise in Womens Doubles: the Koreans (Lee Ki Won/Lee Eui Ja) beat the Japanese (Ono/
Nagahora).
Without the entry of the foreign teams, Masaaki said, the tournament would have been
a disaster. It was very obvious why at the last moment the Japanese decided to come to our
Open. They wanted the goodwill fun of playing this lesser Korean Team (not to be confused
with the #1 Korean National Team, with its world-class stars Chung Hyun Sook and Lee
Ailesa). Not only in the team matches but in the individual singles and doubles there was a
great deal of spirited rooting that often made it difficult for other players, especially on
adjacent tables to concentrate. But the partisans in the audience surely enjoyed themselves, as
did the visiting players competing in this unusual movie-studio venue. Their presence provided
added color and excitement to the tournament.
Native-born U.S. Team member Judy Bochenski
thrilled her supporters by winning the Mixed Doubles with
Leissthough it was somewhat of a pyrrhic victory, for, after
downing Galardi and Nagahori in the semis, they won their
final by default when Insook couldnt continue. Three-time
National Champion Patty Martinez was the only U.S. woman
to beat a Japanese, a win not expected perhaps. Although
Patty had been playing three times a week at her San Diego
Club, she had no recent tournament record and so was not put
on one of the two U.S. Teams. U.S. Team member Angie
Rosal Sistrunk didnt play Singles for obvious reasons. She
was wearing a blouse
that said Baby and
showed underneath
the lettering a big
arrow pointing
downward.
Judy Bochenski
In the 16ths, all
the Americans save
two got killed in straight games. Kasia Dawidowicz,
our brightest hope, got off to a gutsy 28, -19 start
before succumbing to Japans Matsuda. And Arkansas
Champion Nancy Hill almost hardbat-blocked to
death Koreas Yang Wol Sung. Other U.S. women
also did well. Mixed A Doubles was won by Dave
Sakai/Donna Newell over Leonard McNeece/Grace
Ide. Leonard won the Mens Consolation over Azmy
Ibrahim; and Grace won the Womens Consolation
over Cindy Cooper Feilen. Womens A Doubles went
to U.S. Team Captain Heather Angelinetta/ Monica
Blockings fun, says Nancy Hill.
102

U.S. Open Womens Class A Winner

Barbara Taschner

U.S. Open Class C Winner

Sheila ODougherty

Photo by Mal Anderson

Photo by Mal Anderson

Cathy Cooper
Photo by Mal Anderson

Rosal over Pat Crowley/Taschner. Womens A winner was Barb Taschner over Defending
Champ Takako Trenholme whod eliminated Angelinetta in 5. Womens Over 40 went to
Barbs mother, Dorothea, over Pat Crowley in a fierce -17, 19, 23, -18, 19 free-for-all. Sheila
ODougherty won the Class C over Dave Ferrey. Dawidowicz dominated play in the U-17 and
U-15 Girls eventsin both she downed Georgette Ridig with whom she won the U-17 Girls
Doubles over Debbie Payotelis and Cathy Cooper. The Girls U13 was canceledonly one entry. One entryin the U.S.
Open.
Mens
Jochen Leiss, whose Swaythling Cup record in
Birmingham against the worlds best players was an impressive
15-6, defeated U.S. Champion Danny Seemiller in 5 to win the
1977 U.S. Open Mens Singles Championship. The 27-year-old
German had a little too much ball controlparticularly an
excellent change of pace and an ability to acutely angle in both
backhands and forehandsfor an out of practice but still very
determined Danny.
Of course Seemiller was the U.S. Championand (see
photos) had a prize or two to prove it. His training for the
month prior to this Open consisted of giving a clinic in
Milwaukee and, after practicing with Fuarnado Roberts in
Pittsburgh, participating in the World Racquets Championship.
There, for defeating Bjorn Borg in racketball and losing the rest
of his four varied racket-sport matches, he won $4,250. It
was understood that Leiss was on vacation, so none of his out
of season results in Canada, the U.S., or Jamaica would count
Germanys 1977 U.S. Open
towards his world ranking. Had Danny seriously dedicated
Mens Singles Winner Jochen
himself to beating Leiss by skipping the Racquets show in
Leiss showing the forehand
order to come first in the U.S. Open, he would have won (not
finish hed urged Scott Boggan
counting endorsements, if there were any) $250and so
to adopt.
103

Danny and brother

Ricky admiring the
Champions rug.

After Pam Ramsey spent almost three months making this hand-made shag rug, she and Danny vacationed in Mexico.

sustained a $4,000 loss. Some would say theres something seriously wrong with the Sport, or
the Sport as practiced in the U.S., when winning presumably the countrys most titular prize,
the U.S. Open, is worth so little to a player, one living here or abroad, whose life centers on
table tennis.
Seemillers deceptive switch to anti-spin in the
middle of selected volleys at first
surprised Leiss who instinctively kept expecting
the ball to come deep. But both the Germans
wristy, broken-backhand-like flicks (so deplored
by his former coach Hans Alser), and his supercontrolled slow loops, too often got through
Danny because the American couldnt always tell
where they were going. Still, Danny, way down in
the 5th, gave it all he hadbut, as Tajima wrote,
Leisss no-spin backhand loop, short to
Seemillers anti-spin side, was extremely effective,
as Danny, reading the stroke but not the spin,
blocked into the net on four separate occasions..
After the match Leiss said he thought it
unprofessional of Seemiller to holler after hed
won big games, or, worse, big points. Of course,
said the understanding German, since there arent
Years later, Danny still feels the need
many spectators in America to participate, cheer
to psych himself up.
Danny on, the only thing he can do is try to psyche
himself up.
In Jochens semis, to judge from the 5-game scores, the new Joola-sponsored
Champion nearly met his match in Dal-Joon Lee, the sole official distributor of all Joola
products sold in this country. D-J has always been known and admired for his ability to mix
business with pleasure, both off court and on. This tournament was no exception, for, while
advancing to the semis, he worked tirelessly at his exhibition booth.
104

D-J Lee at the U.S.

Open, mixing business
with pleasure.

Indeed, it was not D-J who tired in his quarters match but his Columbus, Ohio
practice partner Alan Nissen. Alans come-from-behind victories in the 16ths and 8ths swept
him along to continuing table tennis life. Finally, after his exhausting -16, 19 start with D-J, he
was -8, -12 played out, washed uphis repeated cries of Help! having caught the attention
of more than one curious passer-by.
In the round of 32, Nissen had floundered, then held on to win against Swedens Alf
Knuttson who, down 21-20 in the 5th, served off. Believe it or not, this Alfie said he hadnt
played in five months. Hed been going to school in the U.S., had just wandered by to
suddenly notice the sign Table Tennis, and had learned there was of all things a U.S. Open
being played. On engagingly inquiring if at this late date he, who was reportedly among the
top 10 in Sweden, could enter, he was put in, and promptly looped out by U.S. Closed U-17
finalist Mike Lardon. Advancing to the round of 16, Nissen downed Oregons Huck Finn,
Dean Doyle, who had him 2-1 in games.
Prior to his 5-game match with D-J some
U.S. Open
spectators thought it might have been better
Senior Champion
for the spectator-players if Leiss had been
Bernie Bukiet
able to substitute an entertaining exhibition or
Photo by Mal Anderson
two for his tournament play. He 3-0 beat
Phoenixs Paul Groenig, winner of the Class
Bs over Erwin Hom and Todd Petersen, and
the B Doubles with Randy Nedrow over the
Bui brothers; he 3-0 beat Bernie Bukiet, the
Senior winner over Defending Champion
Houshang Bozorgzadeh and Bob
Dawidowicz, 40 Doubles Champ with Bill
Hodge; then he won his 8ths match by
default; then his quarters match 3-0 over
Galardi, after Deano, up 2-0 but down 15-10
in the 5th, just got by newly turned full-time professional Dave Philip.
Bukiet, though only a couple of years away from being eligible for the 60s, didnt play
in the 50s. That was won by Russ Thompson over Norm Schless whod escaped Dick Badger,
105

19 in the 5th. The 60s went to Gene Wilson, and, as one fellow put it,
his weird shrunken paddle over Bill Hornyak, and Gene also won
the Senior As from Jack Buddy Melamed. Wilsons Burbank
buddies, LA high school teacher Don Chamberlain and UCLA
graduate student Tibor Racz, took the C Doubles from Robert
Livingston/ Dieter Huber in 5 then from Bart Lawson/Kevin Quan.
Bart was runner-up in the U-1650s to Gary Elwell. Oliver Nicholas,
once thought, after smoking for 50 years, about to die from
emphysema (he started jogging and playing table tennis), successfully
defended his 70s title from arch-rival C.H. McCallister.
That default in the 8ths Id mentioned Leiss receivedwhat
happened? Nothing good. Jochen is scheduled to go against Paul
Raphel whod been hard-pressed to down Ron Von Schimmelman in
5. But on hearing that Northwest Regional Director Pat Collins is
U.S. Open Over 60s
and Senior A Winner
assigned to umpire his match, Paul begins yelling and pacing and
Gene Wilson.
gesticulating wildly. No way! he shouts. No way! Though Collins
said hed never officiated a Raphel match, Paul was apparently
apprehensive Pat would be faulting him on his serves.
The controversial Collins, who became a National Umpire at this very tournament, had
drawn several peoples ire back in Vegas at the Closed when in the final of the Mens Doubles
hed faulted D-J on a serve at match point. Peter Pradit, Lees partner, said afterwards that had
that happened in Peters native Thailand, Collins would have immediately needed a police
escort, for quite seriously someone would have killed him on the spot.
Leiss quickly agrees that the umpire is not the most important man on the courtsays,
yes, he could be replaced. Rufford Harrison, the Referee, does not like Pauls near hysterical
attitude, sees the abstract Rule of Authority threatened, and emotionally refuses on principle to
replace Collins. Pat, seeing himself for what he is, one of the half dozen or so most qualified
umpires in the country, likewise out of principle refuses to give ground, especially to this
player run amok. It would set a bad precedent, he thinks.

Raphel, trying to explain it all to Leiss.

Photo by David R. Moore
106

As the same positions are being repeated via the USTTA Handbook or Pauls winged
fingers, the restless spectators begin applaudingso that, because of such an impasse, the
principals deaf to one another, this no play is fast turning into a dumb show. For the
spectators, passive, patient reason is not enoughthey want to show their emotions. Finally
Tournament Director Gusikoff replaces Rufford Harrison with Referee Dieter Huberand
umpire Collins is replaced by umpire Haring who its hoped will blend into the background.
(Nope. Ive got that wrongsee accompanying note.)**
All now is in readiness for the final act of this drama. Into the scene drops the deus ex
machine in the person of Howie Grossman who, in repeatedly having to clean up the mens
restrooms as part of his Tournament Committee function, has already put up with enough
refuse. He comes on somewhat threateningly at Paul who, momentarily upstaged by the
rhetoric, acts as if on cue. He takes a couple of surprised steps backwards, hands fluttering,
and, without looking, wings his astonished racket maybe 80 feet backward into the adjacent
bleachers it knows not where. (Dick Evanss son-in-law, Bob Taylor, caught it, and, though
Dicks daughter Jan, unsympathetic to Paul, said, Keep it, Bob returned it.)
Whereupon Referee Huber reflexively defaults Raphel from the event. Paul doesnt
complain, just takes off his head band. (Though someone gives tennis star Borg $300,000 for
endorsing his head band who would endorse Pauls?) Thereafter Raphel is not publicly heard
from againnot even when later after losing in the Hard Rubber event, he is judged
unavailable and defaulted from the U-21s.
Leiss, meanwhile,
watching it all, smiles grimly
to his neighbor, says, Nice
tournament youve got here.
And then adds, It could only
happen in America.
On the other side of
the draw, Seemiller lost a
game in the quarters to Joong
Gil Park. Gil had been giving
lessons and practicing for two
months before the tournament
and was supposed to have
warmed up the Japanese
Joong Gil Park
Womens Team had the
Photo
by Mal Anderson
arrangements worked out
better. Park had little trouble
with U.S. Closed Junior Champion Perry Schwartzberg who in their third game had broken his
irreplaceable Japanese Powerdrive racketthe one hed earlier outlasted U.S. and Iranian
Team Captain Houshang Bozorgzadeh with, 19-in-the-5th.
In the semis, Seemiller proved too 4-game strong for Peter Stellwag, the 20-year-old
German Champ who Aug. 1st or so will have to give up table tennis and his dentistry studies to
enter the Army. For a blocker like Danny, a spinner like Peter is easier to play, at least after
youve won the 1st game at 19, than Jochen whose backhand kills come so unexpectedly and
peculiarly. Stellwag thought American football players had to run between the goal posts to score
their touchdowns, and he seemed to have misconceptions about some U.S. table tennis players too.
107

Craig Manoogian, who with fellow

Californian
Jimmy Lane won the A Doubles from
Photo by Mal Anderson
Ichiro Hashimoto/Nick Mintsiveris, deuce-inthe-5th winners over Al Everett/Tim Boggan, and
who in the U-17s knocked out former U.S.
Junior Champ Roger Sverdlik, was hampered by
a spike set into an injured finger of his playing
hand, and yet he managed an amazing 19-in-the4th match with Stellwag. Then Everett, all-out
attacking, put up perhaps even more inspired
resistance against Peter than Craig. Looping and
countering world-class backhands and forehands,
Al had Stellwag 20-19 in the 4th before the match
got away from him. In his quarters, however,
Peter had no difficulty with Ray Guillen. Perhaps
Ray had decided hed already shown enough
high seriousness in downing both Ali Oveissi,
deuce in the 4th, and enfant terrible Eric Boggan.
Ray did have some memorable moments, though, in the Hard Bat eventespecially
against the dapper, courageous Reisman who was lured out to California by an artful appeal to
his vanity. That this is a trait common not only to Marty but to those in his shadow can be
borne out by the following story Jack Howard likes to tell.
One day Jack went into a table tennis club looking for a game and was introduced to
this fellow who had the reputation of giving Reisman a 5-point spot. Jack was incredulous.
You give Reisman 5 points? he says. And when the guy says he does, Jack cant wait to get
him out to the table and try to beat him.
I dont want to play you, the Reisman-spotter says.
Howards of course disappointed. But you do give Reisman 5 points? he persists.
I do, says the guy.
Well, how often do you win? asks Jack.
Oh, says the guy, I never win. But I spot Reisman 5 points.
Think Martys not an icon? I personally assure you he is. This spring, arriving at
Gatwick Airport outside London en route to the Birmingham Worlds, several of us chanced to
meet an Englishman, a porter handling what surely after a while must seem the
indistinguishable, interchangeable bags of many a wide-eyed traveler. Surprisingly, he knew
something about table tennis. He could speak of Denis Neale and Desmond Douglasand
Englands dim hopes for a world champion. And then, as if it were only yesterday, and we
unmindful of our schedule, he began to speak of the best player he had ever seenan
American, 25-30 years ago, named Reisman. Did we know him by any chance? Ever see him
play?
Its as a legendary performer Reisman must be judged nownot, out of practice as
hes been for years, the world-class player that he was. (And why should he, in his 40s,
practice? Whats there to win that he already hasnt won?) Viewed so, Marty, dressed in longsleeved black turtle-neck and black slacks, his trademark beret giving him an insouciant air
(but could that outfit be comfortable, one observer wondered), was the star of the
tournament. Leiss and D-J Lee, playing their 5-game Mens semis match on a barriered-off
Craig Manoogian

108

feature court, complained of the distracting showmanship

going on next to them. But what they may have really
objected to was that the crowd was finding Marty and
Rays hard rubber match more real, more dramatic than
their own.
Jack Buddy Melamed wrote in Topics that for him the
graceful Reisman was not the loser.He won my
admiration and appreciation, said Buddy, for through all
his cockiness and immodesty he is truly a thrill to watcha
real champion. For me, too, Reisman remains magical,
richly deserving of the Award presented him after his match
with Guillen. Here, contributing to the aura that inevitably
surrounds Marty, is another Howard story.
One time Reisman, playing on a table in an unbarrieredoff tight line of tables, is in a match with Sam Hoffner, a
burly man who likes to hit the ball hard. During a rally Sam
has so angle-smashed down a badminton return from
Reisman that its gone flying off to Sams right not into the
table area adjacent but into the area of the second table
away. Hoffner, satisfied, puts down his racket and with his
forearm wipes the sweat from his face. When he looks up,
unbelievably the ball is still in play, and Sam has just time
to quick pick up his racket and drop-angle the ball to his
left.
Reisman of course had dashed through the sudden
juxtaposition of two more opponents and had somehow
scooped an arcing return back to the table in his own court.
Now, streaking back, but having no time to get around the
table to reach the drop shot, he goes UNDER itand again
back comes the ball, but this time with no opponent ready to
return it. Hoffner has thrown down his racket and screamed,
I quit! I can play against a man but not this spirit!
Its this kind of long-accumulated mythic pressure that
makes Marty and Rays match so interesting. Marty has to
try to live up to his romanticized image all his fans still
have of him, that he still heroically has of himself, and Ray
has to prove that he has the guts not to be intimidated by
Martys deceptively casual beret, his long-sleeved slick
black outfit, his psychological trick of occasionally hitting
an exhibition shot, his talking down to Ray, or pulling out
more money and throwing it with a crafty cavalier disdain
onto or under the table. (Several people have told me that
if you want to make the Sport big in this country youve
got to get enthusiasts to bet on table tennis as they do on
football, baseball, basketball. Could this really be true,
and did Martys open gambling make for more interest?)
109

Reismans Classic Hardbat

follow-through
against Guillen.
Photo by Fred Grobee

Ray, on beating Marty, must

have felt he could walk on water.
Umpires Jack Howard.
Photo by Fred Grobee

Anyway, Childe Guillen to the Dark Tower Came, came through admirably, amazing
the spectators with his sbility to switch from inverted sponge to hard rubber and back again.
Not only was he in the quarters of the Mens, but was trying to win the Mens Doubles with
Danny Seemiller as well.
Reisman, the Black Knight, showed his formidable strength not by losing the 1st game
but by winning the 2nd at deuce, and if hed won that 24-22 3rd gamebut back he came in the
4th, and on into the 5th where, down 13-17, back he came again to 17-18. But Ray could rise to
the occasion too. Just as he was not intimidated by the pressure situations he faced at the
Birmingham Worlds, so finally was he not intimidated by this aging 47-year-old man-god.
Ray knew what he was doing when he played steady defense and allowed Marty to roll
and drop him. He knew what to do when he came inhe had a perfect touch and never missed
a drop. Moreover, Marty really did not hit his famous cigarette-trick forehand hard enough to
worry Ray. But those who remember that Reisman forehand of old are not yet ready to say
that it cant be resurrectedwherever the underground of our Sport must eventually take him.
110

Meanwhile, sort of sneaking into the final of this 29-man Hard Rubber event was
Franz-Josef Huermann who back in 1973 in Detroit had beaten Dick Miles in the 16ths of the
Nationals. I for one hadnt heard of him sinceI assumed hed gone back to Germany. But
here he wasa welcome addition supporting this newly introduced Open event that would
bring back the good old days of hard rubber. However, though armed with an appropriate
Eberhard Scholer blade, he had some very modern German hard-pips rubber that his early
opponents, Raphel and Bozorgzadeh, couldnt handle.
Those who were privy to Huermann and his ability felt from the beginning he was a
lock to winso it was no surprise to them when he beat Guillen in the final, 3-0. Ray said that
he couldnt tell when the German was giving him chop or a nothing ball and so he continually
popped the ball up. Which proved devastating to himfor Franz has got a beautiful forehand
one-ball snap that he forever ricocheted off Ray.
The last remaining
event I want to cover, the
Mens Doubles, saw an
entirely different and
aggressive Guillen. In the
semis, against D-J Lee
and Ali Oveissi, hed
managed to regain his
sponge touch at the
expense of giving partner
Danny Seemiller a few
(Why-are-you-foolingaround-in-that-HardRubber-event?) irritating
25-23 1st-game moments.
But in the final, against the
not too serious-looking
Leiss and Stellwag, Ray is
falling all over the place,
making spectacular loops
and counter-loops.
Up 2-1 and 11-4
th
in the 4 , the Germans
appear easy winners. But
the Americans rally to go
on into the 5th. There
theyre down 10-7 at the
turn and 20-19 match
point. But here Danny
(and, boy, this doubles
final has taken a lot out of
him) chopped a ball back
The Germans, far court, after getting an edge ball at 20-all in the
from the barriers to keep
5th, go on to beat the Americans for the U.S. Open title.
his team alive. Only then,
Photos by David R. Moore
111

at 20-20, the Germans get an edge ball to go ad-up, and then Danny anti-spin-blocks his serve
return into the net.
Said Ray afterwards, commenting on Leisss ho-hum flicks, I want to play against a
man out there, an athlete like Surbeknot a wrist. Ill remember these matches as long as I
liveat least until I play Leiss and Stellwag again. But theyll already have forgotten them.
And wewhat will we remember?
I hope the fact that Bobby Gusikoff did as much as he could, and wanted to do more,
and that from the beginning he hoped his Open would be memorablehence, in place of cheap
plastic trophies, the unusual obelisk-pedestal ones, and the 36-page Program in which he tried
to honor the Sport by bringing back historic photos and stories from the past. Also, whatever
the faults of the venue, or the mistakes made by Bobbyand in the next chapter these will be
taken upI hope one remembers that from a point of view favoring spectator-player
interaction it was a crazy, wonderful Open. Who could deny the bleacher excitement of those
spectators right in close to what was happening? And what fantastic matches! The 5-game
finals of the Mens Singles, Womens Singles, Junior Singles, Mens Doubles, as well as the
Mens semis, Womens semis, Hard Rubber semis. What better action could the all too few
table tennis lovers attending want from their shadowy U.S. Open?
The play here had a New York Hardbat-era flavorwas a throwback to when
aficionados, the favored and the not so favored, craved to watch, be a part of, what was closeup happening. In a way the scene reminded me of another game where the object is to get to
21Blackjack. Ken Ustons The Big Player (like Dickenss Great Expectations) contains an
indictment against Respectabilityis, at least peripherally, about the non-corporate, less
deceptive Wholesome Underground. That phrase really strikes me. For is that what this
Open, my 7-year Topics, the continuing history of our Sport reflects? A part of me would like
to believe itbut no, nothing so pure as that.
SELECTED NOTES.
*Mal Anderson later wrote in Topics (Sept.-Oct., 1977, 32) that the Control Desk
didnt default Insook from the Mixed Doubles final because they didnt want 400 wellmeaning players to leave the stands and swarm around her, trying to help, so this default
wasnt announced until after she left. The Desk was one thought ahead of everyone else, not
behind.
**Mal makes a needed correction. He wrote in that same Topics article I noted in the
footnote above that Gusikoff didnt replace Referee Harrisonhe hadnt at such an important
tournament the authority to do that. Harrison, disgusted, resigned. [In a Jan. 11 letter to
Disciplinary Chair Mike Scott (copy to the Deutscher Tischtennis Bund), Rufford said he
finally resigned to help Gusikoff out, for in truth he wanted to default Leiss too because of a
subtle but deliberate body-bump the German had given him, and that wouldnt have been good
for Bobbys investment in the tournament and everyone wanting to see Leisss matches. Bund
President Jupp Schlaf writes back to Harrison that Leiss says he had no intention of bumping
you but apologizes anyway.]
Since the resigning Referee was appointed by the Rules Committee Chairman
[Anderson], it was necessary that the Chairman, or in this case the Committee Secretary
Erich Haring, appoint another Referee. Which he did. Dieter Huber became the Referee and
appointed himself as match umpire. [Then, when Dieter became the umpire, Haring took over
as Acting Referee and it was actually he who defaulted Raphel.]
112

Chapter Eight
1977: Aftermath Comments
on the U.S. Open. 1977: Raphel
Debacle. 1977: Gusikoffs
Problems. 1977: Summer E.C.
Meeting.
Poor Bobby. He had
dreamsand, as I said, he did the
best he could. But for some
Association members that,
understandably, wasnt nearly good
enough. Heres Dan Goodman (TTT,
July-Aug., 1977, 6-7), for whom, as
weve seen in the past, no U.S. Open
tournament has been run as well as
those hes been associated with.
After giving as much praise as he
couldsome exciting play; good
Control Desk crew; excellent timeBobby Gusikoff
scheduling for the most part (the
From the 1977 U.S. Open Program
few delays seemed tolerable); and a
bravo to Neal Fox for his scheduling and seedingshere was what was wrong with the
Gusikoff tournament (most of Dans points, well-taken, echo perennial complaints):
For a National event in this day and age, the general
playing conditions were far below standard. In fact they
stunk. As one spectator said, This may be o.k. for Columbia
Studios, but it surely makes a lousy place for a tournament
that is supposed to be the most prestigious event in table
tennis in the United States.
Relatively few spectators during the four-day event.
Perhaps it was just as well, as those laymen in attendance
were horrified with the conditions, seating, and lack of
knowledge as to Whats Happening. For an admission
charge of three dollars a day, I think they got ripped off. For
three bucks a day, give the people some aestheticsor
doesnt anybody understand aesthetics, organization,
Doesnt anybody understand
promotion, or logistics when it comes to running the
aesthetics, logistics, umpiring?
Nationals?...
Horrible spectator areas, horrible hard-bench seating.
Little if any publicity that was obvious.
Once again, players were charged umpire fees, yet numerous matches were played
without an umpire. The sponsors just pocketed all that excess. What a rip-off! The E.C. should
get on the ball in this regard and make the sponsors put umpire fees in escrow unless they have
113

a contract or agreement with paid umpires in advance to do all the officiating [as was done at
Dans 1969 Open in San Francisco]. I could care less about the money, but the sponsors still
owe me for umping three matches. There should be a specific designated area with a proper
sign where the umpire can immediately turn in his scorecard and receive his fee.
Lighting. Most of the tables were dimly lighted and even cast shadows.
No scoring boards or indications of the game, round, event, or name of players on each
court. I have been yapping about this for years, but I doubt it will ever become a reality except
in those tournaments I will run. Come on you people who run these so-called high-class
events, THINK, THINK, THINK. If a spectator walks into an arena at any given moment
when a match is in play, he should be able to know whats going on. [Its not that organizers
are unaware of whats needed; they just dont want to do the preparation, apparently dont
think, given the relatively few spectators, the extra work is worth the effortwhich, in a catch
22, certainly isnt conducive to bringing in, say by word of mouth, more spectators.]
It has been proven in one previous Nationals in San Francisco [that Dan ran] that you
do not have to use the mike all during the tourney for multifarious announcements. If your
matches are well-scheduled and everybody knows where they have to be, why use the
loudspeaker, which is very annoying to players and spectators alike. It should only be utilized
for opening ceremonies, calling the spectators attention on occasion to a particular match of
special interest, and for the awards. Also, a professional-like announcer should handle that
chore. Give the Nationals some class, fellas.
I could go on and on, but Id better quit while Im behind. I do hope, though, that the
E.C. members who were in attendance have the uncommon sense to comprehend all the
mistakes and make an effort thru a coordinator within the E.C. (if there is a talented one to
serve as a coordinator) to better all future events of this importance.
Have I been too harsh, too unreasonable, too unjustly critical? If you look back at this
recent Nationals and say, Where should we be after 47 years, then you should be able to
answer that question very easily.
Shalom.
Much of this criticism is
repeated by Masaaki Tajima in
his Topics article Id mentioned
in the last chapter: Past and
present organizers cant seem to
solve the problem of playing
conditions, umpiring,
confirmation of entrants,
disorder at the control desk
during match calls, poor quality
of the Program, and general
mismanagement of a
respectable U.S. Open. How
about the trophies, Masaaki
were they o.k.? Different, huh?
And, hey, I personally had some
good articles in that Program.
114

Tajima doesnt like it that the concession stand charged $1.50 for a sandwich consisting of
only bread and cold-cut, and $.50 for a can of soft drink, doesnt like it that loudspeakers
blared during important matches, and really doesnt like it that, although players were
charged umpire fees, many matches werent umpired. Hes waiting to see if the E.C. will
pressure the Open Tournament Director to refund theover $400 thats found a way into his
pockets through deceit.
That accusation of deceit so disturbed Gusikoff that he threatened suit unless I
printed a correction in Topicswhich I did. I said, Topics regrets printing, especially
without editorial comment or a reply from the offended party, linesunfair to Bobby
Gusikoff, the hard-working Director of the 77 U.S. Open. I said that I have always had the
highest respect for Mr. Gusikoffs integrity. And though I continue to encourage the
greatest amount of free speech possible in this magazine, I would like to publicly
apologize for the suggestionthat any money found a way into Mr. Gusikoffs pockets
through deceit. The suggestion that Bobby would deliberately try to take unfair
advantage of anyone is totally contrary to any experience I have ever had with him over
many, many years.
Bobbys defenseI ran out of moneywas scarcely a satisfactory excuse, but it was
a truthful one: There were certain bills and expenses that had to be paid during the Open to
insure its completion, he said, which was my main concern. Due to the fact that I accepted
the 77 Open with only five months advance notice I was unable to obtain any substantial
financial help from any sponsor. After using the last of my personal funds to continue running
the Open I finally ran out of money. He says, When I find myself financially able I will be
happy to donate the $400 to the USTTA Youth Development Fund.
Goodman is back to point out that this umpire rip-off has happened at the last
three Nationals, and says the E.C. has to do something about it, for sponsors are illegally
pocketing money from the practice. At their July 23-25 Summer Meeting, the E.C. will
pass a Standing Rule proposed by Mal Anderson: If umpires fees are collected for a
tournament, no part of these fees will be retained by the sponsor. Any fees not repaid to
umpires will be paid to the USTTA, and will be deposited in the International Team Fund,
Passed 7-1, Carr against.
Tom Wintrich (TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1977, 9) offered an immediate Simple Solution to
this umpire-refund problem:
The next time you return the match card to the control desk and receive an
apologetic smile instead of a U.S. greenback, just graciously smile back and calmly walk off
with the score card, clip board, pencil, and ball. Since we dedicated umpires are always
intimidated if we dont produce these items, it only seems fair that we should be able to
reciprocate the lack of concern. Please remember, though, that the control desk officials are
generally not responsible for the money but Ill bet they pass on the message to the proper
authorities. Undoubtedly, dollar bills will begin appearing like magic and the tournament host
will be forced to meet his commitments while the umpires will receive their just rewards.
Dont forget to smile.
Raphel Default
Regarding the Raphel default, Don Gunn and Buddy Melamed contributed opposing
views. Heres Gunn (TTT, July-Aug., 1977, 4):
115

[When Pauls racket went sailing,] that ended everything, and still not the slightest
explanation to the public [about this delay in the Raphel-Leiss match] from the otherwise
overworked public address system. The audiences reactions varied from Lynch Paul to
Lynch them all. We wanted to see a good match, not exercises in the arrogances of pride and
authority. If any one of three people had been manly enough to yield, the contretemps could
have been over in two minutes.
I have always had plenty of respect for Harrison, and Collins was impressive in Las
Vegas; could not one of them have gained additional stature by graciously yielding? Granted
that Pauls behavior was not exemplary, we all realize that he hasnt gotten himself together
yet, and that the iron boot is not a tool likely to help him any. I kept hoping that Leiss would
stand up like a man and say that, with all due respect to Collins, he and Raphel would play
under the watchful eye of some other umpire, or not at all. It isnt likely that both of them
would have been defaulted.
Watching Paul play is usually a pleasure, but some people get
more fun from nailing others to crosses. There were those in the
crowd who thought Paul should be banished from table tennis.
There are also those who think the world is flat. Cutting him off
from such a major portion of his life would be only slightly less
unkind than shooting him through the heart. We need only to
glance into the shadows at any major tournament to see the
remains of young players who went awry on their way to the
top. The young seem bent on destroying themselves. Why are we
so hell-bent on helping them to do so?
And heres Melamed (TTT, July-Aug., 1977, 4):
If Raphel did not want Pat Collins to referee the match then
he should have appealed to the Tournaments Chief Referee,
Rufford Harrison, PRIVATELY and CONFIDENTIALLY, and I am totally satisfied that Pat
Collins would have stepped down if requested to do so. [Perhaps, but thats hardly satisfying
to Paul if Rufford, as Paul thinks hes sure to do, denies his request. What alternative has the
excitable Paul in the face of Rational Authority but to be dramatic, squawk and hope someone
helps him? Rufford will later tell Disciplinary Chair Mike Scott in a June 11 letter that if Paul
had come to him with his request privately he would probably have removed Collinsbut to
have done so publicly would have looked like a severe criticism of Pats work. I personally
strongly doubt Harrison would have acquiesced to Paul, for he insisted that Pat upholds the
Laws of Table Tennisand that can never be a valid reason for removing an umpire.]
Raphels loud and open display of disapproval and his demands for Collins removal
were uncalled for. He went to the Chief Referee [did he do that? Harrison (who was
intimidating to Paul), came to him] and made his appeal and Rufford Harrison, after listening
to Raphels request, made his ruling. Unsatisfied with Harrisons ruling, Raphel appealed to
other players who, in turn, tried to intimidate the Chief Referee. This 45-minute dispute put
Pat Collins in a very untenable position. Collins could not now adhere to Raphels demand
without attaching disrespect to his position. [Now? Could he have earlier?] The fact that
Raphels opponent went along with the request does not change the issue. [Wouldnt it have
made a difference if Leiss hadnt gone along with the change?]
Paul Raphel

116

When the Chief Referee made his decision, that should have ended the problem. I feel
too many people became involved in the matter and that it was none of their business. [Why to
them did it seem their business?]
A player challenging an umpire can appeal to the Chief Referee. Should he also have
the right to endeavor to intimidate the Chief Referee to the point where hell resign so a new
Chief Referee can be appointed to render a decision to the players liking?
I feel that Pat Collins made a very prudent decision [can prudent be the right word?]
not to step down as umpire considering the position that Raphel had put him in. I also feel that
Rufford Harrison is due an apology for the way many players treated him. People did not have
to agree with his decision but he was the Chief Referee and it was his prerogative to make the
decision and that decision should have been respected.
It should be interesting to see what the proper authority does relative to Raphel
throwing his racket into the crowd.
At the July 23-25 E.C. Meeting, Jack Carr proposed and everyone on the E.C. agreed,
perhaps mindful also of Pauls unacceptable behavior in Birmingham, that Raphel be
suspended for one year and not be allowed to represent the USTTA in any international
matches or play for two years, as of August 1, 1977.
Gusikoffs Problems

Ed Ball

As wed seen in Vol.

VIII, Gusikoffs California Club,
into which hed sunk all his
remaining money, was not a
success. However, he tried,
sometimes successfully, to be
Site of Bobby Gusikoffs Hollywood Club
upbeat, lord of his domain, such
as it was. Ed Ball, who was a
houseman for Bobby, described him as coming into the Club, dressed in his signature Levis/
Izod combination, shirt tails of his neatly-pressed Izod out, his collar up, dark, lightly-tinted
plastic prescription-glasses on, saying, What a bunch. Can you believe these guys?
Soon it will be, Can you believe Bobby?
Ball was very faithful to Gusikoff (and would be years later in trying to raise money for
him after Bobbyd had the stroke thatd partially paralyzed him for the last nine years of his
life). Before the Open, Ed hosed down the club, as he did each week, and did some painting
(the entrance hallway, and the infamous backroom where the pot-smokers hung out). Vic
117

Landau had come in to help run the Open, as had Dick and Sue Evans who were handling
Registration. It was clear at the outset to a number of us that Bobby was, as usual, short.
Hed promised me $100 help if Sally and I came to his Open, and though I knew he was
hurtin, I had to ask him for it, and he immediately reached into his pocket and gave it to me. I
felt it might have been his last $100 bill.
Evans describes in a Jan., 1997 letter how Bobby kept running out to the Registration
Desk to get more money from Sue and me to avoid some creditor threatening to break his
thumbs. In a later e-mail to me, Dick said, Bobby treated Susan and me wonderfully, even
telling us to put aside enough moneyfor our running the Registration Desk for him, because
he knew he was going to literally run out of money before the tournament was over. We may
have been the only workers who got all their money. And as a bonus, said Dick, when I
asked about a pallet of ceramic tiles in a dark corner of the Studio building where the event
was held, Bobby said take them if you want. Some of those tiles ultimately ended up in our
mountain-top house in rural West Virginia.
On June 29th, Gusikoff wrote the following letter to Sol Schiff, a shorter version of
which appears in Topics (July-Aug., 1977, 6) in which he says, I appreciate the patience and
understanding of the winners in receiving their prize money quite late.:
Dear Sol:
Well everything went great at the Nationals until the last moment. The last day
someone ripped me off for $3,000 of the prize money. [Id heardI dont know if its true
that people running the concession stand, rightly fearing they might not get paid, took what
Bobby was counting on for prize money.] I did, however, make a careless mistake. [Writing
these lines?] Leaving my house on the last day of the Open, I hurriedly grabbed a checkbook
to pay some awards with, not knowing that that account had been closed for several months.
[That is, to try to save face, hes given out a number of bad checks, and now, while the
USTTA has made good on some of them, at least to the foreign players, he hopes to buy time
to pay off all that he owes.] I have paid another $1,000 prize money last week and will pay
more this week. It will all be paid off in the next two weeks. If anyone asks you what
happened, please explain that it was not my fault, for the last thing I want to do is have a bad
mark against my Open which I think went very well. If anyone still needs prize money please
ask them to write Bob Gusikoff, Box 5272 Santa Monica, CA 90405, and I will send it to
them. [Ive no doubt that Bobby would like to pay off his debts, but theres no way in the
foreseeable future that he can do thisat least not without help from an angel or two, and
theyre highly unlikely to wing his way.
I am making out a profit and loss statement which I will send out to all EC members. I
do not want anybody thinking that a profit was made on the Open. [I, Tim, have a copy of a
P&L statement, titled Budget, which shows a loss of $7,000.]
I am very sorry if I have caused any officials aggravation due to the delay of the prize
money, but it was beyond my control. [Much from the outset was beyond his controlbut
he wanted to run the tournament.]
Later, at the July 23-25 USTTA Executive Committee Meeting, USTTA Tournament
Chair Neal Fox was designated to write Gusikoff, detailing how much Gusikoff owes the
USTTA for prize money, sanction fee, membership fees, rating fees and hospitality [including
accommodations for E.C. members], and request payment of all these debts.
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Juxtaposed to an Obituary notice of Bobbys Club in Topics is an apropos article by

Francine L. DeFrance.(July-Aug., 1977, 6). She wonders one day as shes going into Bobbys
Hollywood Club why she plays table tennisits not called a basement sport for nothing
but she has no real answer except that she does. Her question is just a peg on which to hang
her Remembrances of Things Past:
I remember when my husband, Steve, and I first started to play the game three
years ago. We would play anywhere. Bars with dimly-lit overheads, tattered carpets,
three-foot arm-swing spaces (or else you bumped the wall). Toilet clubs like San
Francisco where if the arctic breezes didnt get to you inside, the Bowery-types would do
it to you or your car on the street. Weve played: outside with a 40-mile-per-hour windfactor under shedding trees in half-sun; in garages packed with storage on either side of
the table and a long driveway into the street in which to chase the ball. That was just the
beginning though.
We opened our own club in downtown Long Beach (maybe it was the record-breaking
failure of tt clubs with its 2 and 1/2month existence) and learned what it is to be disillusioned
with table tennis alright. We hand-cut old-fashioned vinyl tiles and glued them to the cement
floor, covered 25 windows, painted 3,000 square feet (including a fifteen-foot ceiling), made
wood barriers, and set up the club, and almost no one came. No one. Nick, the merchant
seaman, who was a lost soul and probably would have moved in if wed have let him, played
there, and we did manage to get two young players started but they were interested in their
own games, they wouldnt play with the occasional stranger who walked in. One night no one
was there but me when three pongers came by. I hadnt been playing 6 months and here I was,
the expert. Needless to say, there were hundreds of players south of L.A., from Long Beach
down the coast, but since our club didnt have its regular good players, none of the locals
wanted to come by.
Thats all passed now, but it was a lesson for us as to why this sport doesnt get
anywhere. Its the players who keep it in the basement.
Next to this article is the shorter Obituary: California Table Tennis Club Succumbs:
The California Table Tennis Club went dark a few minutes after the 77 Open ended.
This club, which many thought to be the finest in the country, was never really healthy. Even
though it was finally closed due to new landlords [or the fact that Bobby was broke?], the
death of this club was due in a sense to California indifference. There will, however, be severe
mourning by several players.
E.C. July 23-25 Minutes
Present for all or part of this E.C. Meeting were President Sol Schiff (SS); Executive
Vice-President Rufford Harrison (JRH); Recording Secretary Mal Anderson (MRA) who took
the Minutes; Corresponding Secretary Sue Sargent (SGT); Treasurer Jack Carr (JAC); Vice
President Bowie Martin (BGM); Vice President Ron Shirley (RVS); Vice President Fred
Danner (FGD); Vice President Dal-Joon Lee (DJL); Bard Brenner (early proxy for Jack Carr);
Membership Chair Marv Shaffer; National Tournament Director Neal Fox; Gus Kennedy; Bill
Hodge, and Ruth Hansen (who was asked to find out the cost of liability insurance for E.C.
members).
119

New Chair of the Exhibition Committee is Fred Tepper.

[Fred initially is all fired up over his appointment, has a long,
ambitiously detailed article (TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1977, 14) called
Impact! (Touring the Exhibition Trail) in which he inserts a
detailed application blank for consideration as a USTTA
sanctioned Exhibition athlete and sets down various
qualifications for certification levels. Admirably thorough all
this isbut if Fred had followed the broken trail of such a
USTTA committee through the decades, hed have realized that
its never led anyplace, just trails out, as it soon will for him.]

Fred Tepper,
USTTA Exhibition Chair

Other Chair
appointments: Intercollegiate
Chair: Ira Feldman.
International Chair/International
Team Squad Chair: Gus Kennedy, 37, an electrical engineer, who in his new International role
wants to do a regular column in Topics. Junior Development Chair: Lyle Thiem in place of
Danner. Library and Film: Stan Robens in place of Bill Hodge, but Stan will soon resign that
Chair. Planning: Shirley in place of Bard Brenner. Television: Robens in place of Gusikoff.
Women: Norma LeBlanc in place of Pat Crowley.
Shirley moved: the USTTA shall hire an Executive Director. An ad hoc committee of
two or three E.C. members shall be appointed to take applications and make a
recommendation to the E.C. after a through review of the applications. Application forms will
be printed in Topics and other available publications. Passed 9-0. Schiff appointed an ad hoc
committee of Shirley, Sargent, and Martin.
Anderson moved: the USTTA official ballots shall be printed as part of the election
issue of the National Publication, along with the candidates statements. Passed 9-0. Danner
moved: Student members will not have the right to vote. Passed by general consent.
Schiff appointed a special committee, consisting of Schiff, Martin, Shirley, and Lee to
formulate plans to induce the Manufacturers Association to commit more help and support to
the USTTA.
Danner, highlighting new USTTA developments (TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1977, 11; 14), writes
that, As a result of the Tax Revenue Reform Act of 1976, Section 1313, USTTA is directly eligible
for tax-exempt status as an amateur sports organization that fosters national & international
competition. Gus Kennedy, Chairman of the International Committee, has filed the necessary 1023
IRS forms to claim the exempt status. We are now able to operate the USTTA as a Section 501 ( c
) ( 3 ) type organization (donations received are deductible for the donors from income tax).
Fred reports that the ITTF and the IOC (International Olympic Committee) have
reached an understanding of what changes are needed to the ITTF Constitution & By-Laws to
make table tennis a recognized Olympic sport. Fred, as weve seen, has a passion for, a
vision of, table tennis as an amateur sport, as an Olympic sport. And, as hes a person who
120

doggedly follows through with great patience and perseverance, hes happy to announce that
our USOC (U.S. Olympic Committee) will be commissioned under a current House of
Representatives Revenue Bill (S-2036) as the new U.S. Central Sports Organization, whose
authority extends over all U.S. amateur sports bodies. A new definition of U.S. amateur
similar to the European amateur will allow a player to receive a limited amount of prize
money in Swiss francs, to coach for money, accept honorariums for public speeches, be
subsidized (on salary) by sporting goods manufacturers, receive broken time payments while
training for major competitions, and many other amateur benefits. [The movement is
obviously toward professionalismto the point where in a few years the word amateur, long
fraught with hypocrisy, wont be de rigueur to describe an Olympian.]
[The Nov.-Dec. Topics notes not an amateur-minded but a professionally-minded
tournament. Its not for table tennis, however: $142,000 in prize money, a record amount,
will be awarded in the Platform Tennis Playoffs that will be played in an eight-city tour
beginning in Chicago, Nov. 4-6. Top prize in the Championship final played in March will be
$50,000. Will such a tour ever be possible for table tennis?]
Sargent moved: The E.C. exercise its option to terminate the contract between the
USTTA and Tim Boggan regarding Boggan editing our National Publication. Passed 9-0.
Sounds bad for he whos exercised his option to edit the magazine for another three
years?...Nope.
Harrison moved: The E.C. appoint a committee of 3 to work out and discuss with
Boggan a suitable replacement contract, and report back to the next E.C. meeting.
Carr moved: Amend the above by adding The Committee will consist of Danner,
Martin, and Carr. Passed 8-1 (SGT). This amended motion passed 7-2 (SGT, JAC).
Proposed that the criteria for Topics, submitted by Shirley and Martin, be referred to
the above committee. Passed 9-0. These criteria were:
There shall be no profanity.
There shall be no poetry. [Sounds like Commandments, huh?]
Articles shall continue in sequence from page to page.
Articles should be properly edited. [What does that mean? The Editor should edit
properlybut someone not the Editor knows better than the Editor how to edit properly?]
There shall be no articles concerning rival associationsi.e., the Players Association.
[The E.C. feels the USTTPA name infringes on the USTTA name and wants it changed. But,
never mind, the Players Association is about to fade away, self-destruct.]
Schiff decided that the Topics Editor [any Editor?] would not be allowed to charge
telephone expenses to the USTTA. [Why would the Editor of a magazine need to use the
phone anyway?]
As usual, Boggan has had a problem with Treasurer Carr. Not once, since July, 1970
when I began my job as Editor, Tim says in a May 31 letter to the E.C., have I ever been
called on to send out invoices to our advertisers. So why now? Because Jack, who has long
taken on this job, decided privately some time ago not to send out invoices. So?...So Jacks
just telling us on May 11, almost two months after the ads have been in printId gotten the
Mar,-Apr. issue out before I left Mar. 20 for the Worldsthat hes not gonna do the ads
anymore. So?...So of course Im upset. The terms of my Topics contract award me each fiscal
year 85% of all ad money over a fixed base rateand if the 1976-77 USTTA ad money for the
year isnt received by Jack by June 1, it is not supposed to be awarded to me retroactively but
is to be considered as next fiscal years ad money. Since I am way over budget I need the
121

advertising money Im to get,

need it not for myself but to
responsibly offset the overbudget cost of the paper.
The E.C. notes: The
overdue amount owed for Topics
ads totals $1357.50. The E.C.
member responsible for the
Advertising Committee will
direct Boggan to send bills to the
people owing these monies.
Kennedy proposal: The
USTTA shall formalize its
advertising for bids and the time
frames involved for holding the
major tournaments, including
the U.S. Open, the U.S. Closed
and the USOTCs. There should
be a fixed place in Topics where
notices will be continually
posted from twelve to eighteen
months before the event, giving
the deadline. Passed by general
consent.
Carrs USTTA Budget
(June, 1977May 31, 1978)
appeared in Topics (Sept.-Oct.,
1977, 11). He expects to take in
$64,500; expects to pay out $64,
400or roughly break even.
Most of the Income will come
from: Membership ($30,000 less
$9,000 expenses: $21,000 total)
and National Tournaments
($8,000 less $1,500 expenses:
total: $6,500)). Most of the
Expense from: Executive
Director ($10,000); Topics
($13,000 less $7,000 Ad income:
$6,000 total) and Ratings
($9,500 less $6,500 rating fees:
$3,000 total). In the Sept.-Oct.
issue of Topics, we see his
USTTA Treasury Statement for
June 1, 1976-May 31, 1977,
which I reproduce here.
122

Carr Moved: We approve the Detroit

TTCs bid to host the 1977 U.S. Open Team
Championships.Passed 9-0.
Carr moved: We approve the 1977 U.S.
Closed being held at Las Vegas [Caesars
Palace] provided the playing conditions are
better than they were at the 1976 U.S. Closed.
Passed 7-1 (FGD)-1 (JRH). [What prevents
Danner and Harrison from voting For this
unique $12,500 tournament?]
Carr moved: That Oklahoma Citys bid
to host the 1978 U.S. Open be
approved.Passed 3-1 (JRH)-5 (SS, RVS,
BGM, SGT, DJLmore than half the E.C.
doesnt want to be accused of a conflict of
interest?).
The Myriad: Site of the 1978 Oklahoma U.S. Open.
Anderson moved: Numbers identifying
players at the U.S. Open and U.S. Closed should not be paper ones; cloth or plastic is
suggested.Passed by general consent.
The proposal to add an under 21 division in the U.S. Open and U.S. Closed was
tabled by general consent. [Why? Especially as Smart in his Coaching Report urges postJunior-age competition.]
Anderson moved: The USTTA Disciplinary Chairman shallimpose a three-month
suspension on anyone accepting funds for USTTA memberships or playing permits if they fail
to forward such funds to the USTTA Treasurer or other proper USTTA official within two
months after receiving such monies. Passed 6-1 (JAC).
The E.C. directs Clubs/Affiliate Chair Dick Feuerstein to include in his next flyer to all
affiliated clubs a notice stating that each club may get a free USTTA Handbook by sending
Membership Chair Marv Shaffer 50 cents for handling and postage. D-J Lee suggests that all
future editions of the USTTA Handbook should include paid ads from manufacturers, and this
Handbook be provided free to all clubs.
The E.C. wants Coaching Chair Jeff Smart to initiate training programs for T.T.
coaches, and develop jobs for them in clubs and schools. No easy task, but theres
considerable information in books and articles that could be made available for those
interested. Jeff, meanwhile, reports that at the Seemillers very successful Christmas Youth
Clinic in Pittsburgh it was necessary to help sponsor most of the juniorsnecessary and
worthwhile. Jeff thinks that the 5th player on the Mens team, the 4th player on the Womens
team to the Worlds, should automatically be the U.S. Junior Champion, the U.S. Junior Miss
Champion. Maybe, too, the U.S. Mens Champion, the U.S. Womens Champion should also
automatically be on our World team. Intercollegiate play needs to be promoted, says Jeffthe
USTTA should sponsor teams to the World University Championships. Smart also wants his
Coaching budget approved earlier so that he can get approval to hold a summer clinic. Right
now he requests $2,000 plus $175 for expenses to be allocated for 4 regional two-week clinics
to be held in the summer of 1978 for Junior and College-age players. Approve this now so he
and the participants can make all the arrangements needed.
Tajima, in his article critical of the U.S. Open, also says this:
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Very little positive comments can be made about the current state of the U.S. Team
program. It doesnt exist. Gathering individual performers and pitting them against countries
which have defined goals and a set class system, and calling them a team is a shame. Hopefully,
the newly elected USTTA officials, having nothing in common with past officialdom, can
change this chaos.
These July 23-25 Minutes say, Schiff [had] instructed Boggan to enter a young team
in the [{May 27-29] Canadian Open, at no cost to the USTTA. [Instructed? A (sic) team.
Instructions were: any juniors would do, so long as the Association didnt have to back
them?] The USTTA ended up paying for Mort Zakarins hotel room. [Question: Whats the
young team/Mort Zakarins hotel room connection? Answer: Boggans Junior Team,
arriving first, took the Mens Teams complimentary hotel room. Tim figured he was entitled to
it, laid claim to it; knew Zakarin would get another.] As the LITTA paid most of the team
expenses [paid as in paid for, or simply put up the money, expecting to be reimbursed?],
Boggan will repay this to the USTTA. This rendering of what happened shows the same
disinterest that, in a June 21st letter to the E.C., Boggan, as in a previous letter to Selection
Chair John Read, had objected to mightily, and Ill tell you why:
I repeat, despite John Reads silly protestations to the
contrary, that the Selection Committee, the USTTA itself, was not
prepared for the Canadian Open, did not take it seriously. My
argument is therefore clear: its not I who acted irresponsibly or
unethically in regard to the hospitality mix-up in Montreal, its the
indifferent Selection Committee, the indifferent USTTA itself.
Consider (and keep in mind all the preparations made for past
CNE Toronto tournaments):
The Entry Deadline for the Canadian Open was Apr. 29
and the Draw was to have been made on May 3.
On May 3, I called both John Read and Adham Sharara,
the Director of the Tournament. Here is what an objective
observer could have found out:
USTTA Selection Chair
That the U.S. had not officially entered a Mens Team,
John Read
Womens Team, or Junior Team in writing. (This point was again
brought out by Sharara at the Jury meeting on May 26, the day before the tournament was to
beginthat, technically, the U.S. had no team entered in the tournament.)
That the U.S. had not appointed a Team Captain and (who knew?) perhaps had no
intention of doing so.
That Read and his Selection Committee was not aware of Shararas comments
concerning hospitality for my (Boggans, not the USTTAs Junior Team). In his recent letter,
John asks, What led Tim to believe he would have any kind of hospitality? Answer
(contained in my last letter): the word of the Technical Director of the tournament [who
perhaps when he gave it to me didnt know if the U.S. was sending Mens and Womens
teams, but knew I was bringing a Junior team. As it turned out, the U.S. got only two
complimentary (Mens/Womens) hotel rooms.]
That Rufford Harrison had found out for Read the name of the entrants so that a
Mens Team could be picked from the players going there. (And if, analogously, this were
124

done with my Junior Team, of course, as everyone knows, my Junior TeamEric Boggan,
Rutledge Barry (absent, though, because he had to take exams), Scott Boggan, Mike Lardon,
and Randy Seemillerwould have been, without question, the U.S. Junior Team.
That Ricky Seemiller and Mike Bush were selected for the Mens Team, but so
indifferently that no alternate was selected in case one of these two players became sick or
injured.
That there was no thought of fielding a Womans Team, even though our best Junior
Miss, Kasia Dawidowicz, was entered.
That Read and his Committee did not know whether the Team members were required
to pay entry fees.
That Read, without making one phone call or writing one letter to Sharara,
assumedand hes got the (I might say obscene} nerve to talk about my assumptionsthat
three rooms were being given to the U.S. team entries.
Some credibility hes got.
On May 3, the date he was to make the Draw, Sharara did not know what was going
on with the U.S. Teamshad no adequate communication with Read or Kennedy or Harrison
or Schiff or anybody (with the possible exception of myself). He protectively entered a U.S.
Womens Team in the Draw.
I certainly was the USTTA liaison with Adhamand Read himself felt it was I who
knew most about the tournament and asked Mort to call me. If I wasnt the liaison, who was?
Not Read, since John admits, I had not corresponded or phoned Shararahad no
communication with the Director of the tournament until he made the one phone call on May
25, the day before the Jury Meeting, when he advised Sharara that
the Men players were Ricky Seemiller and Mike Bush, that Mort
Zakarin was the Captain. And that apparently was all he was
interested in saying to Sharara.
Fortunately, Sharara entered my Junior Team. Why? Because
I asked him to, and he was a reasonable, with-it administrator. The
Selection Committee, the USTTA, was unmistakably derelict in not
finding out that the Swedish and Korean teams entered in the
tournament consisted entirely of high school juniors. Or, worse, if
they did know that, they were disinterestedly ready to let the
opportunity pass by. Here was a perfect chance to put into practice
what Schiffs been saying he wanted (and endured flak for at the 76
World Team Tryouts)opportunities for our youth to get needed
competition. We could have pleaded with the Canadians (you can
bet their boys and girls played on Teams) to have round robin
matchesour juniors against the visiting Korean and Canadian
juniors. They could easily have done thishad the time and
facilityif some official request were made, or pressure, if
necessary, had been brought to bear.
My teamwith U.S. titleholderswas as much a U.S. team
as the Mens and Womens teams. The Womens Team. Do you
really think that Kasia, who stayed at Christine Forgos house, or
1977 Canadian Open
Millie Shahian, who at the last minute I got out of the stands to play
Technical Director
with her, are entitled to their hotel room, and my team not?
Adham Sharara
125

My team was treated by Sharara like any other bona fide team. It seems to me too that the
Selection Committee, the USTTA, is inconsistently complaining not about the meal tickets
given my team but just the hotel room, but you cannot so easily recognize our right to one
but not the other.
Tim should be commended for his foresight, involvement, and efforts, says John.
Terrific. Marvelous. If the USTTA believes that, then pay for my teams, the USOTCwinning Junior teams room. Be flexible because its the right thing to do. I wonder [as if I
didnt know] how often in the future Id have to push Association officials, contest with them
to be sensible, with regard to my sons. Here I paid.
Tamasu said that the USTTA had not
adequately prepared the 4 juniors [Barish,
Schwartzberg, Doyle, and Lardon] sent to the
last 3 summer training camps. Tamasu also
said those juniors had not cooperated with the
JTTA. [Perhaps. But recall Lardons
specifically detailed account in Vol. VIII of his
Japanese experience.].Schiff had Kennedy
respond that in future our boys would be
strictly in Tamasus/JTTA control, with USTTA
authorization to send them home if they didnt
cooperate. Maybe all our Juniors should just
stay home and study Mal Andersons Photo
Sequence and USTTA Coaching Chairman
Smarts Commentary (TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1977,
16) on World Champion Shigeo Itohs Power
Loop Drive?*
And speaking of discipline, Fox has
asked the Disciplinary Committee Chair, Dr.
Michael Scott, to check on former USTTA
President Disney, and he will, but itll be awhile
Rufford Harrison (L) and Hikosuke Tamasu
before the E.C. figures out what to do with
Photo by Mal Anderson
Charlie for not paying the USTTA what he
owes them and for running unsanctioned tournaments. Harrisons complaint against Dave
Sakai and Vic Landau was predicated on the fact that he was forced into being responsible for
the plane tickets that he and ITTF President, Wales-based Roy Evans, needed to get to
Hartford to check it out as a possible site for the 79 World Championships. Rufford put out
$361 for Evanss ticket and $70 for his own, but it took would-be World Championship
organizers Dave and Vic roughly three months to reimburse him, and this in full only after a
number of back-and-forth letters involving Disciplinary Chair Dr. Scott. Often players with the
most juice, those wanting to live a life of table tennis but cant afford to, take ambitious
chances, fail in practice but not in spirit.
Mort Zakarin writes to the E.C. that last year when the players struck at the
Philadelphia June 10-13, 1976 U.S. Open, he cancelled all plans for a professional circuit.
However (see Chapter 12 in Vol. VIII), that may well not have been the only reason he was
discouraged. After his one and only tournament in Nov., 1975, Mort was saying, My
126

experiences in the last six months tell me its gonna be a much harder pull than I thoughtand
that if Jules [Jules Rabin, his partner] and I can make this thing happen [their Pro Tour] it is
gonna be something of a miracle. His originally planned tournament for May, 1976 didnt
happen. But by late March, 1977, when Mort was in Birmingham for the Worlds, hed
worked out a deal to bring the Israeli Team for a Sept. 24-25 Challenge Match, presumably
somewhere on Long Island. He said hed play a U.S. Team composed of George Brathwaite as
Captain, and Danny and Rick Seemiller, Ray Guillen, and D-J Lee as players. The winning
team would get $2,500; the losing team $1,250. The Minutes say, Kennedy would ask the
Selection Committee Chairman to consider approval of Zakarins proposed team. Just
consider approval? Is there a catch? Must besomewherecause this Match didnt
happen either.
Harrison moved: All U.S. International Teams for 1978 will be picked by a Trials
system. Passed by general consent.
Harrison moved: that Kennedy make written recommendations on how to select our
1979 Worlds Team.Passed by general consent.
Anderson moved: that the Selection Chair explain in a letter to the top players how
many participation points will be needed to qualify [without exception] for the 1979 Worlds
team.Passed by general consent.
Heather Angelinettas offer to keep and maintain the U.S. Teams uniforms was
accepted. The USTTA made a couple of proposals to the ITTF regarding team composition
and team play at the 1979 Worlds (with Harrison, whod have to argue for them at
Pyongyang, dissenting). Kennedy was authorized to pursue the hiring of a professional fundraiser for the 1979 Worlds team. Passed by general consent.
Carr moved: We appoint Kennedy [1979 World] Team Manager, subject to review at
the 1978 summer meeting. Passed 6-0-1 (JRH).
Harrison moved: Any player or sponsor who purports to represent the United States
or the USTTA without permission of the USTTA shall be subject to disciplinary action. Passed
6-1 (SS).
Harrison moved: The entry of U.S. players in foreign tournaments for which USTTA
approval is required shall be done solely by the International Committee. Passed 6-0-2 (JAC,
RVS).
Harrison moved: No team will be identified as representing the United States or
USTTA unless it has been approved by the E.C. Passed 8-0.
Various restrictions on who can hold E.C. office were passed. Anderson moved: No
member of the Nominating Committee will be eligible to serve on the E.C. until at least one
year after he resigns from the Nominating Committee. Passed 6-2 (SS, JAC). An E.C.
limitation on slate candidates passed 7-1 (SS), but such limitation was undercut by the proviso
that other candidates can be added by the E.C. or by petition.
Carr moved: To serve as President or Executive Vice-President, a member must have
previously served as Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary or
Treasurer. Passed 7-1 (SS). The negative ramifications of this move will be explained clearly
by Nominating Chair Barry Margolius after the next E.C. election.
SELECTED NOTES.
*Stay home? I dont think so. But I must say I wasnt impressed by the young
Japanese players Mark Odoroff talked about in his Table Tennis in a Japanese High School
127

article (TTT, July-Aug., 1977, 15). Mark attends a Jesuit High School called the Hiroshima
Gakuin. The Junior/Senior High players range in age from 12 to 17 and dress in blue shirts
and baggy white pants. Odoroff gradually became the #1 Junior High player and is among the
three top Senior High players. The Seniors represent the Gakuin in high school competition
at the Hiroshima Prefectural Gymnasium several times a week. Mark says that most players
are penholders encouraged to attack, and, since they practice their forehand constantly, its no
wonder a number of them find the backhand stroke difficult.
These young do stretching and loosening up exercises, are pretty fit, and are serious
and enthusiastic about their play. They also have good coaching. Odoroff estimates their rating
ranges from about 900 to 1850. The second best Junior High player is about 1450. When
Mark says, The average High school player has the ability to beat a player 400 points above
him or lose to a player 400 points below him, you get the idea that Lardon was right when he
said they were wild attackers. This approach the coach encourages? Also, when Odoroff
says that the average junior player he sees in this environment is so much better than the
average U.S. junior [presumably playing as seriously, as competitively], I have to wonder if
thats true. I mean, in the May-June issue of Topics, I count 42 juniors (U-17) with a rating
over 1800; in the Sept.-Oct. issue, 40 Boys (U-15) over 1500.
Similarly, when Time writer Timothy Foote says, a weeks solid practice will make a
competent Ping Ponger out of almost anybody, you can bet Dr. Michael Scott doesnt merely
wonder if thats true, he makes it clear in a Sept. 12 letter to Time that their writer has put his
foot in his mouth. Rufford Harrison, meanwhile, chastises Tennis magazine for their absurd
Mar., 77 statement, No American has ever won a world Table Tennis title.

128

Chapter Nine
1977: Summer Tournaments
Dr. Michael Scott reports on the Washington State TTA/Athletic Companys Western
International, held July 30-31 at Seattle University. Play was on 20 tables and entrants from 14
states and Canada attended. Michael criticizes the USTTA for insisting that Novice players
pay a $2.00 USTTA permit and a $.50 rating fee. He says, We used to have well over 60
players in the Novice events prior to the new USTTA regulations. A good percentage of these
eventually joined the USTTA. So, says Scott, this policy is short-sighted. Perhaps. But Im
very skeptical that the USTTA has lost many prospective members this way. Michael also
doesnt like the USTTA ruling that all women participating in the Womens Singles be
USTTA members. The same question continues to arise: how try to professionalize the Sport,
make the Association worthy of being taken seriously?
The Open Singles was won by Quang Bui over
Canadas top Junior, Peter Joe, in straight games
though Quang had to rally from down 9-1 in the
second game. Coached by his father, Lam, and Nick
Mintsiveris, the 14-year-old Bui is a totally offensiveminded player. Both he and his older brother Khoa
possess the admirable character and personality of
their father, a former President of the South Vietnam
TTA. They are not only skilled but polite, fine,
outstanding young men. The biggest upset in the
Open occurred when the adroit bearded blocker,
Gerry Hamer of Canada, defeated Apichart Sears. In
other contested matches, it was Canadian Juggy
Padda over Ron Carver, 21, 20, 19; and Joe over Jay
Crystal, 13, 14, -21, 21, then Dean Doyle in an
unexplained 14, 5, 7 rout. Open Doubles went to Bui/
Doyle over Sears/Bochenski, 20, 19, then over Joe/
Quang Bui, Western International
Padda, 19 in the 5th.
Open Winner
Womens winner, as expected, was Judy
Bochenski over Sheila ODougherty. Scott said it was regrettable that such a formidable array
of female talentJudy, Sheila, Nancy Hill, and Leslie Harrisforced numerous Washington
women players to conjure up numerous excuses for not entering. Michael praises Sheila and
othersJoe Lee, Lee Olsen, Alan Michael, Jan Collins and her daughter, Roger Cook, Gene
Treneer, Harold Russell, Tyra Parkins, and Penny Leefor helping make the tournament a
success.
Other winners: Class I: Greg Eng over Nancy Hill. Class II: Jarry Vanecek over Leslie
Joe. Class II Doubles: Jim Tisler/Lou Bochenski over Pat Collins/Robert Andrews. Class III:
Andrews over David Chang, 26-24 in the 3rd, then over John Chew, 18 in the 5th. Seniors:
Scott over Hugh Ward. Under 17: Ian Kent over Rick Livermore.
Ron Vincent gives us the results of the 18-event Rose Festival Open, held June 11-12
at the Paddle Palace, but describes, with zest and considerable fluff, only one matchthe
Mens final, won by attacker Doyle over defender Charlie McLarty. Dean had little difficulty
129

advancing, but Charlie went five in his quarters against Jay Crystal, and deuce in the 4th in his
semis against Apichart Sears who back in his Minneapolis days had been called (though I
cant imagine why) Sis by Disneys Club manager Don Larson and others.
Dean has a brain, says Ron. Whereas many players seek to obliterate the average
Nittaku, Dean seeks to cat and mouse his opponent into submissionmore like Stellan
Bengtsson than Kjell Johansson. Using the smash, drop, loop, block, stop, lob, Dean eases
the monotony and maintains his interest in the point, game, and match. With Deans natural
non-chalantness, I, Tim, just casually ask Ron, What is this stop Dean uses? It differs from
a blockhow? (He catches the ball in his hand, stops play, and insists that the server reserve?) Never mindDean, little troubled, wins 17 in the 4th. U.S. Open Junior Doubles
Champs, Dean and Quang Bui, take the Open Doubles from Ron Carver/Vo Qui Han. The
Womens goes to Judy Bochenski over National Intercollegiate Champion Sheila ODougherty
whod had no problems with Arkansas Champ Nancy Hill. Sheila, Nancy, and Memphiss
Leslie Harris had come to Portland to sharpen their games and attend Paddle Palace picnics
though Sheila was also working at a rest home.
Other Results: Two Man Team: Quang and brother Khoa Bui over Sears/Hill. AAs:
Quang over Khoa Bui. As: James Huang over Khoa Bui. Modified A Doubles: Doyle and Joe
Romanowsky over Bui and Gary Elwell whod moved to Portland from Minneapolis. Bs: Don
Nash over Romanowsky, 19 in the 3rd, then over Simon Ho. B Doubles: Le Hoa Ly/ Elwell
over Romanowsky/Harris. Cs: David Chuang over Henry Chew. Ds: Eric Lugert over Harold
Fredrickson. Modified D Doubles: Ly/Palin over Chew/Robert Chin. Es: Warren Palin over
Glen OHarra. Fs: David Fleming over Mike Perry whod eliminated Bob Romanowsky, 2321 in the 3rd. Gs: Paul Barton over Ed Hughes. Rating: Final #1: Olu Fasheyide over Chew.
Final #2: Larry Ross over Perry. Hard Rubber: Rick Remington over Mark Walsh, deuce in the
3rd, then over
Art Schuff, 20,
21. Junior: Rick
Livermore over
Joe
Romanowsky.
Where
theres a Rose
Festival Open,
there ought to
be a parade,
yes? And there
was. On June
23rd, the
youngest State
Champion in
Oregons table
tennis history,
was honored
Dean Doyle and his chariot.
with a Dean
Doyle Day, highlighted by a parade through Deans neighborhood. Heres Lou Bochenski
(TTT, July-Aug., 1977, 19) to help shamelessly celebrate the occasion:
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Immersed in confetti and steamers, the parade was led by a three-man police
motorcycle escort. Also taking part were children from throughout the area. Decorated floats
were the order of the day, as well as a junior beauty pageant. As Grand Marshalls of the
parade, Mr. and Mrs. Doyle rode high in a black limo, wearing pullovers which read, My son
is a national champion. Dressed in Butterfly attire Dean followed in a more modest open
Volkswagen, smiling and waving to the crowd.
On display in the recreation area was a small sampling of Deans trophy collection. He
was presented with yet another trophy from park residents honoring him as their most famous
neighbor.Lavish pronouncements were heard by this reporter concerning Dean Doyles
future as one of the greatest developing talents on the U.S. table tennis scene. Inspired by
todays tribute there seems little doubt that Doyle will go the distance.
By the time of the Paddle Palaces July 23-24 Summer Open, Sears had recoveredin
the Open Singles he got by Crystal in 5, then went on to down Joe in the final. He also paired
with Judy Bochenski to reach two other finalslost the Two-Man Teams to Joe/Paddy, but
took the Open Doubles from Ho/McLarty. In Hard Rubber Singles, Crystal defeated 1970
U.S. Open U-17 runner-up Philip Cheng whod escaped Ed Ngai, deuce in the 3rd. Best in
Rating Singles: Harry Woo over Lee Baranyi.
Other results: AAs:
Cheng over Hill. As: Hill,
whose summer move to
practice in Portland was
paying off, over Vladimir Dub.
Modified A Doubles: Doyle/
Elwell over Jack and Charlie
McLarty, then over Woo/Kent.
Bs: Vanecek over Baranyi. B
Doubles: Elwell/Nash over
Terry Walker/Pat Collins. Cs:
Chan Poovaviranon over
James Jenkins whod
advanced over Lugert, 23-21
Jack McClarty
Charlie in a Cap (1958).
in the 3rd. Ds: Jeff Frahler
From Dec. 6-7, 1980 Pacific
Drawing by Jack McClarty
Northwest Program
over John Chew. D Doubles:
Le Hoa Ly/Benji Klevit over
Bill Popp/Frahler. Es: Arnold Perez over Peter Wong, deuce in the 3rd, then over Kathleen
Shank. Fs: Shank over Brian Chan. Gs: Daivid Autrey over Ken Yee. Juniors: Kent over
Livermore. Juniors U-1200: Chin over Wong. Juniors U-800: Autrey over Sonny Chew.
Ron Vincents back to write about another Paddle Palace Open finalplayed at the
Aug. 27-28 Pacific Northwest Closed. Though Ron Carver, with forehand at the ready, lost
the first game to Searss lobs, he was determined to continue attacking, feverishly and
relentlessly. As the match progressed, Ron was able to move Sears from side to side, and far
and near, using stop-drops and outright blast-shots at extreme angles. If Sears tried to
counter-attack, he usually had to reach for the ball and wasnt able to loop hard, so Ron kept
offensive control. Next time they meet, Vincents sure Sears will try to play more aggressively.
In the semis, Sears beat Quang Bui whod survived Charlie McLarty, 19 in the 5th, and Carver
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downed Doyle. In the Sept. issue of the Oregon Times, Vincent says, theres a photo of 16year-old Dean with a stocking mask and burglar tools. The caption: a disconnect
presumably meant to allude to Doyles current State titlewarns, This kid is going to rob
you blind.
Other Closed Results: Womens: no event (the Portland summer visitors have
apparently left). Open Doubles: Keun Chung/Bryan Wright over Carver/Elwell whod upset
Doyle/Bui, 19, 19. AAs: Livermore over Vanecek whod defeated Ed Ng, deuce in the 3rd. As:
Livermore over Bill Mason. Modified A Doubles: Livermore/Vanecek over McLarty/Bobby
Rinde, deuce in the 3rd. Bs: Pat Collins over Bill Preston whod outlasted Elwell, -17, 28, 6. B
Doubles: Andrews/Carlson over Nash/Collins, 19 in the 3rd. Cs: Jimmy Lovelace over Jenkins.
Ds: Fraher, 24-22 in the 3rd, over Tim Sayre whod defeated Poovaviranon, deuce in the 3rd.
Modified D Doubles: Phouc Hua/Mike Oslund over Elwell/Tom Modica. Es: Mike Day over
Modica. Fs: Jim Lanson over Mike Mattson. Rating: Le Hoa Ly over Lovelace. Junior
Singles: Oslund over Romanowsky. Juniors U-1300: Klevit over Danny Lanson. Juniors U800: Jim Lanson over Danny Lanson.
Winners at the Aug. 20-21 San Francisco
John Dragomanovich
Summer Open: Open Singles: J. Heckwolf over
th
Manh Van Nguyen, 18 in the 5 , then over Henry
Fung. Womens: Margit Weidmann over J.C.
Miller. Open Doubles: Fung/Paul Wong over
Heckwolf/Wolff. As: Wong over Richard Terry,
23-21 in the 3rd, then over Kam-C.-Li. Bs: Dean
Wong over Tran Ngoc Thuat. Cs: Massoud
Dehdashti over T. Nguyen, 19 in the 5th. Ds: J.
Dragomanovich over J. Bjornson, 17 in the 5th. CD Doubles: Dehdashti/Lowi over Nguyen/Nguyen.
Seniors: Azmy Ibrahim over Thuat. Juniors:
Wong over Erwin Hom.
Aug. 27-28 Santa Monica Open Results: Open Singles: Dean
Galardi over Jim Lane, 18 in the 5th. Open Doubles: Jeff Stewart/
Mike Carr over Ray Guillen/Russ Thompson. AAs: Howie
Grossman, deuce in the 5th, over Stewart whod slipped by Lane, 2321 in the 3rd. (Stewart, up 2-1, and at 21-all in the 4th, had almost
beaten Howie in the Open.) As: Mas Hashimoto over Greg Plakos.
Bs: Ruben Guillen over Tony Koyama. Cs: Oswald Chan over Lee
Lawson in 5. D Singles: David Rogers over Jerry LaLande. Es: Jim
Etherton over Hung Joe Lee. U-17s: Koyama over Chan. U-15s:
Georgette Rideg (attending that Training Camp in Oklahoma this
summer had to improve her game) over Chan. U-13s: Julian Ong
over Eric VonSchimmelman. Seniors: Russ Thompson over Frank
Mas Hashimoto
Suran whod advanced over Mike Blaustein, deuce in the 3rd.
Gene Wilson tells us that Russ, a real estate broker, really keeps up with the game
has used every racket-covering known to man, and practices five nights a week. Moreover,
not only is this current U.S. Esquire Champ physically fit, he has the best table tennis attire in
California.
AA Doubles: Stewart/Carr over Thompson/Nguyen. A Doubles: Hashimoto/Plakos
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over Thompson/
Nguyen. B Doubles:
Guillen/Koyama over
Huber/Huber. C
Doubles: Blaustein/Shin
over Richard Banagas/
Lawson, deuce in the
4th. D Doubles:
LaLande/Bobby Marcus
over Shin/Chon. E
Doubles: Lee/Chon
over LaLande/Han.
Stan Robens
(TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1977,
Above, Phoenix Suns Alvin Adams and Bobby Riggs defeated
24; 26) reports on the
ASU Coach Frank Kush and Stan Robens.
four-day table tennis
Photos from Tennis West
work Danny Seemiller
and Perry Schwartzberg
did in the Phoenix area
in a hot, hot Julyhow
they kept up an
unbelievable schedule of
exhibitions, clinics and
TV appearances.
Despite arriving in
Phoenix after a tenhour drive, tired and
hungry, they then put on
a three and a half hour
clinic, the first of two theyd do for President Forest Barrs local club, both being the best
their members ever had. On Day Two, they appeared on Channel 5s Morning Showgiving a
12-minute exhibition, with Stan as moderator, then treating Rita Davenport and her audience
to a mini-clinic. In the afternoon, at the large Metro Center Shopping Mall, Channel 10s
Cambrell Marshall interviewed Danny who played him a game (21-1) and afterwards put on an
exhibition with Perry. Stan said that over 700 spectators watched in amazement as they went
against each other as if the world title was at stake.
That evening they gave a half-time performance in the Phoenix Coliseum in front of over
6,000 spectators when the Phoenix Racquets and the Seaport Cascades of the World Team Tennis
league were playing a match. Much applause of course. Ron Shirley, of Table Tennis America,
arranged for each member of the Phoenix Racquets to receive a new paddle and case with their
names on each individual case. Following the exhibition, over 150 table tennis balls were hit into
the standsa promotion by Marstons Sporting Goods. More than $100 in gift certificates were
given away to spectators who caught a ball that had Marstons printed on it.
Stan was trying to get Marstonstheyre considered to be the largest sporting goods
dealer in Arizona with two stores in Phoenixand particularly their Vice-President Jack
Norris to upgrade their table tennis equipment. So on Day Three, Danny and Perry went to the
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Marstons West Phoenix store (later they would visit the Marstons in Scottsdale) and from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. gave exhibitions and clinics and answered questions about table tennis and
equipment. {Danny and brother Ricky were the more prepared to answer such questions since
theyve just started a mail order t.t. supply business.) Jack Norris announced in the newspaper that
he would give anyone $500 in cash if they could beat Danny in an eleven-point game. No one did.
Danny also presented trophies to the young winners of the local Parks and Recreation
Departments Table Tennis Tournament. It surely gave the kids a lift to be handed a trophy by
the U.S. Mens Champion, and Im sure they listened to Danny as he told them what it takes
to be a nationally-ranked player. Interested attendees were Phoenix Vice-Mayor and former
State of Arizona Womens Table Tennis Champion Joy Carter, and Mr. Rosendo Gutierrez, a
member of the City of Phoenix Council and presently a candidate for Mayor.
In closing, Stan speaks of his friendships with such sports figures as Reggie Jackson of
the N.Y. Yankees and Dick and Tom Van Arsdale, former pro basketball players with the
Phoenix Suns. He says, with deep sincerityand this is only part of his encomiumthat
never in my life have I met two young men who exemplify the highest degree of
sportsmanship, who represent a great sport such as table tennis with such dignity, and who are
true gentlemen in every sense. It was an extreme pleasure and privilege for me to host Danny
and Perry for four exciting days.
Actually, Stan hasnt closedhe has another article, Celebrities Play Table Tennis
(TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1977, 24) in which he writes of an exhibition, he, Frank Kush, head football
coach at Arizona State University and college footballs 1975 Coach of the Year, Alvin
Adams, a pro basketball player for the Phoenix Suns and 1975 NBA Rookie of the Year, and
Bobby Riggs put on at Hannys, one of Phoenixs largest department stores. In addition to
matches among the celebrities, the players took on challengers from the audience. When Stan
playfully accused his partner, Kush, of not moving fast enough, his reply was, Thats just
what I tell my players during the football season.
Riggs and Robens finished off the exhibition with a one-game match, and received a
tremendous ovation. Its difficult getting serious when you play against Bobby, said Stan.
Hes always talking when the game is in progressand on several occasions he stopped the
game to sign autographs.I was even asked to sign a few.
The Aug. 20-21 Albuquerque, New Mexico Open, smoothly directed by Liz Gresham,
produced the following winners: Championship Singles: Bob Dawidowicz over Dennis
Gresham. Best match: Les Enslin over Bob Leatherwood, 19, -18, 17, -19, 24. Championship
Doubles: Dawidowicz/Dawidowicz over Johnson/Christensen. Womens: Kasia Dawidowicz
over Liz Gresham. Womens Doubles: Dawidowicz/Ingrid Yates over
Gresham/HollyWard. Mixed Doubles: Dawidowicz/Dawidowicz over
Les
Enslin
Gresham/Gresham.
As: Bill Johnson over Enslin. A Doubles: Gresham/Gresham
over David DeWald/Gary Graham in 5. Bs: W. Livingston over Ed
Stein who beat Leatherwood 18 in the 3rd. B Doubles: Enslin/Enslin
over Masseth/Gresham. Cs: Jay Evans over P. Polak. Ds: Graham
over Kevin Erickson. Consolation: L. Ho over L. Tillman. Youth:
Johnson over Randy Nedrow. Under 17: Dawidowicz over Kyle
Drake. Seniors: Enslin over Bob Dawidowicz, 17, 10, 17! This was a
353-point upset. Tom Wintrich said Bob made the fatal mistake of
playing Lesters gameattempted to out-chop and out-push the
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cagey old fox. Not smart. Always calm, constantly mixing up his inverted and 009 returns,
Les simply out-finessed his agile opponent.
At the 102-entry Irving, TX Open, held July 23-24 under the direction of
Sportsmanship Trophy winner Mrs. Jerre Ryan, Joe Cummings (TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1977, 25)
tells us of unexpected happenings in the Open Singles. Hanumanth Rao, the #3 seed, was
unfortunately called to work at the last moment and was unable to attend. In the 8ths, #2 seed
Perry Schwartzberg (2240) went down in 5 to hard-chopping Larry Kesler (1913).
Then, in a quarters match, #1 seed Rutledge Barry (2277) fell to Cummings (2119).
After Barry lost the first game, the second was key. Down 14-7, Rutledge narrowed the gap to
19-16. Then, serving, he ran off four quick points on a combination of deceptive serves and
powerful forehands. But up 20-19 he whiffed his serve, and eventually lost that game too, 2422. However, he looked to be a winner after all, for he went on to take a 4-0 lead in the fifth.
But it wasnt lead enough. Steady blocking and strong hitting put Cummings ahead, 19-16. He
then closed with two high-toss serves, one of which Rutledge failed to return and the other
saw Joe follow with a hard forehand to win the match. Cummings praised Rutledge as
entertaining, as in fact mesmerizing with his charm and wit. He also showed his class, said
Joe, by not making any excuses for his loss, or complaining about it.
Two of the remaining quarters werent closeBruce Smith took out Kesler; Tommy
Vaello stopped Russ Finley. In the other, Gary Fagan might have lost 3-0 to the underrated
Swaminathan Bhaskarbut, though dropping games one and three, he eked out the second at
deuce, and afterwards totally dominated the match. In the semis, Cummings was an easy
winner over a gone-cold Vaello, and Fagan finished Smith in four. Who would win the final?
Gary was slightly higher-rated, but Joe had beaten him in their last two meetings this year.
There followed a surprise, actually two surprises. Gary won the first two games12, 11, no
contest. Then, though Joe led 18-12 in the third, he somehow failed to return all five of
Fagans serves and Gary ran off nine straight points!
Other Results: Mens Doubles: James Rautis/Scott Ryan, 19 in the 5th, over Cummings/
Vaello whod knocked out Schwartzberg/Ed Sachs in 5. Womens: Liz Gresham over Norma
LeBlanc, 19 in the 3rd. (Upset win: Marilyn Johnston over #3 seed Cindy Garza.) Womens
Doubles: Johnston/Karin Thompson over Gresham/LeBlanc. Mixed Doubles: Smith/LeBlanc
over Gresham/Gresham in 5. Semis: Smith/LeBlanc over Ryan/Thompson, 18 in the 5th;
Gresham/Gresham over Vaello/Garza, 16 in the 5th.
Mens Singles: Bhaskar over Smith. As: Benny Olofsson, a visiting Swede, over
Dennis Gresham in 5. A Doubles: Ernest Rapp/David Harville over Melamed/Melamed. Bs:
Mazaberi over Serna. B Doubles: Finley/Robert Compton over Serna/Orange. Cs: Paul Green
over Roland Schilhab. Novice: Anderson over Stanley. Consolation: Roddy over Gary Garner
in 5. Seniors: Grady Gordon over Jack Wise. Juniors: Olofsson over Rapp. Junior Doubles:
Olofsson/Drake over Melamed/Rapp.
No surprise that Bartlesville players dominated the Oklahoma State Junior Closed
Championships, held June 18 at the Bartlesville Boys Club. Under 17 Girls: 1. Karin
Thompson. 2. Kathy Thompson. Under 17: Kirk Golbach. 2. Joe Ogilvie. Under 17A: 1.
Lonnie James. 2. Kyle Sanchez. Under 17 Doubles: 1. Karin Thompson/Marilyn Johnston. 2.
Kathy Thompson/Steve Smith. Under 15: 1. Golbach. 2. Brett Newman. Under13. 1. Karin
Thompson. 2. Kathy Thompson. Under 11: 1. Karin Thompson (her 4th win). 2. Susan Holtz.
Winners at the Aug. 27-28 Bartlesville Green County Open: Championship Singles: 1.
Gary Fagan. 2. Bruce Smith. 3. Russ Finley. 4. Irl Copely (who advanced over Larry Kesler,
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25-23 in the 4th and 22-20 in the 5th). Womens: Marilyn Johnston over Karin Thompson (from
down 2-0). Womens Doubles: Thompson/Johnston over Barby Jones/Kathy Thompson. As:
Ray Bennett over Gary Graham. Bs: Don Wilson, 19 in the 5th, over Graham, then over
Roland Rittmaster, 19 in the 5th. Cs: A. Zimmer over K. Sanchez. Ds: Randy Kiser over M.
Hess. Consolation: A. Lee over Roger Lickey. Esquires: Cliff Smith over R. Crawford.
Seniors: Mort Finkelstein over Smith. U-17: Peter Braun over M. Newman who escaped Paul
Taylor 23-21. U-15: Bernie Braun over Peter Braun, deuce in the 4th. U-13: Bernie Braun over
Karin Thompson. U-11: R. Crawford over Steve Schaffer.
Results of the Aug. 13-14 Milwaukee Open: Open Singles: Wayne
Wasielewski over Running, deuce in the 3rd, then over Mike Menzer. (Best
quarters: Running over Ted Stomma, deuce in the 3rd.) As: Menzer over
Tom Breunig, then over Running. A Doubles: Wasielewski/Don Caswell
over Stomma/Joe Mayer. Bs: Gary Kerkow over Nguyen. Cs: Caswell
over Dan Wiig. Ds: Wiig over Tran, -23, 23, 9. Handicap: Wiig over
Menzer. Seniors: Stomma over Mayer. U-17: Cheryl Dadian, 20, 21 over
Wiig who downed Mitch Seidenfeld in 3. U-15: Nguyen over Caroline
Schweinert.
Winners at the
July 9-10 Columbus
Mitch Seidenfeld
Open: Open Singles:
giving
an exhibition.
1. Insook Bhushan.
Tom Breunig
Photo by Don Larson
2. Charles Butler
(whod advanced
over Spencer in 5). 3. John Spencer
(whod eliminated Bobby Powell in the
quarters in 5). 4. Jeff Williams. As: Se
Kwan Oh over Powell. Bs: Ron Schull
over Ruben Dreszler. Cs: Ron DeMent
over Dave Samiek. Ds: D. Mitchell
over E. Runyon whod downed D.
Klein, 19 in the 3rd. Unrated: B. Katz over M. Sullivan.
Esquires: 1. Festus Mead. 2. Bill Rapp. Seniors:
Eugene Kunyo over Mead, 19 in the 4th.
World and National Wheelchair Champion
Mike Dempsey was awarded membership in the
Gahanna, Ohio Lincoln High School Varsity L. He
received a sport jacket for his achievements in table
tennis and basketball. This is the first time that a
wheelchair athlete has ever been recognized at the
school. In addition, Mike was inducted as a member of
the National Honor Society for his scholarship,
character, leadership and service.
Alton Wolfe covers the 46-entry Tennessee
Closed, held June 25 at Kingsport. Championship
Singles went to Homer Brown who, after winning
World Wheelchair Champion Mike Dempsey
four consecutive Kentucky state titles, is now living in
Photo by Mal Anderson
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Knoxville. Runner-up was Larry Mills, one of the few players in the country to use an allwood racket in tournament competition. He upset #2 seed Larry Thoman. The Championship
Doubles was won by Brown/Larry Bartley over Edwards/Thoman whod been pressed into the
5th by Clay Dunn/Flowers, Jr. Other results: As: Allen Barth over Mitch Stephens, after
Mitchd had a tough time with Jim Flannagans Phantom defense. Bs: Flannagan over Scott
Leamon whod outlasted W. Reany, 19 in the 5th. Cs: Jay Ahmad over Orville Quisenberry.
Ds: Kermit Raxter over S. Wigler. Consolation: Barth over Wigler. Seniors: Bartley over
Quisenberry. U-17: Leamon over Wigler.
At the State Closed that wrapped up the Arkansas season, Jamey Hall successfully
defended his Mens Singles title by defeating Sammy Peters, a first-time finalist. Sammy
refused to falter back in the quarters, gutting out a 20, 20, 19 win against Andy Bloxom.
Third was Paul Hadfield, Fourth, Marty Simpson, the 73 Mens Champ and the 74 runnerup, whos back playing again. He knocked out Duke Stogner in 4 from down 1-0 and at deuce
in the 2nd. Mens Doubles winners were Hall/Stogner over Hadfield/Peters. Since Nancy Hill
was up at the Paddle Palace in Portland, the wide-open Womens went to Karla Hesser over
Gigi Peters. The Stogners won the Mixed from Hall/Hesser. As: Simpson over Hadfield whod
advanced with a 19-in-the-3rd win over M. McMahan. Bs: Trawick over McMahan. Cs: Jones
over Bjornberg, deuce in the 4th. C/D Doubles: Davis/McMahan over Bowen/Bowen. U-17:
Bloxom over Jones. U-15: Jones over Bowen.
The new Arkansas season opened with the
Barby
Razorback Open, played Aug. 6-7 at North Little Rock.
Jones
Results: Open Singles: 1. Rutledge Barry. 2. Joe Tobias.
3. Swaminathan Bhaskar. 4. Benji Olofsson. Womens:
Norma LeBlanc over Marilyn Johnston. As: Larry Kesler
over Olofsson. Semis: Kesler over Grady Gordon, 16 in
the 5th; Olofsson over Russ Finley, 19 in the 4th. Bs: H.
Kasten over Hugh Lax in 5, then over Clay Dunn. Cs:
M. Pritchard over R. Downey in 5 (from down 2-0),
then, -12, 22, 20, 21, over Roland Schilhab whod bested
Joe Ogilvie-13, 12, 24, 20. Ds: V. Boze over William
Hall. Handicapwinner: Barby Jones with a very
supportive crowd rooting for her. Seniors: Gordon over
Lax. U-17: Olofsson over Golbach whod gone 5 with
Paul Taylor. U-15 M. McDonald, 19 in the 4th, over
Kathy Thompson, after Kathy had outlasted Taylor in 5.
U-13: Karin Thompson over Marilyn Johnston, 19 in the
3rd.
Larry Buell (TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1977, 28) covers
two summer Atlanta tournaments. In the first of these, the July 23 Summer Open, plaudits
must go to Director Wendell Dillon and his untiringly loyal staff, including his supportive
wife, Micky. Larry praises the Championship event winner, Homer Brown, for his subtle
tactical maneuvering that led inexorably to devastating forehand smashes that were poetry in
motion. Homers initial vehement vocal self-inspiration was badly needed against Larry
Thoman in the quarters. On engaging in vigorous counter-driving, Larry, whod never
beaten Homer in tournament play, won the first two games at deuce, but couldnt close the
match, despite having what appeared to be a commanding lead midway through the 5th. In
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another good quarters match, Thomas Nunes, a

migratory star from Rhodesia whod made a
meteoric appearance with an 8ths win over Don
Gaither, came through with another over Jim
McQueen. Larry says that Nuness secret is that he
can retrieve practically any shot hit within twenty
feet of where hes standing. Against McQueen,
though, he almost fell into the trap of letting Jim play
his patented chiseling game. But with games tied at
1-1, Thomas mixed his defense with pick-loops and
counters to take the 3rd then staved off Jims three
Thomas Nunes, Georgia #1
ads in the fourth to win it, 26-24.
From 1979 Southern Open Program
In his semis, however, Nunes, tired,
couldnt get his backhand Sriver Killer chops near low enough to forestall Browns ferocious
kills. Homer again demonstrated his vocals intrepidly in the final against Frank Studley.
Frank, coming all the way from Boston, brought with him a classic defense with a totally
modern weapona hard-wood bat covered on both sides withPhantom 007 (no sponge).
After losing the first (That balls crazy!), Homer adapted: scored a comfortable four-game win.
Mens Doubles went to Gaither/Ralph Kissel over McQueen/Steve Hitchner (with the
match 1-1, the McQueen/Hitchner team won the next two games at deuce). As: Nunes over Kissel
whod escaped Steve Swindle in 5. Bs: Tim Austin over wheelchair player Mitch Stephens. Larry
says Mitchs wrist-snap counters and lightning reflexes are simply unerring! Cs: Ha Chi Dao of
Pensacola, FL over Steve Mills in 5, then over Jay Ahmad. Novice: Gene Wilson over Mako
Urayama. Seniors: Studley over Cyril Lederman. Juniors: Cecil Brooks over Ahmad.
The second Atlanta tournament is the Aug. 20 Round Robin.and here Larry Thoman
gets his revengefor the first time hes able to beat Homer Brown in 5 and win the
Championship Singles. Buell says, Larry played an intelligent counter/smash match,
continuously wresting the initiative from Brown. Thoman, however, dropped the final of the
As to Nunes. Bs winner was Greg Love over Wilson Bryan in 5. Cs went to Braun over Ken
Matthews. Ds to Mark Gibson over Mike Hasdell, 23-21 in the 5th.
One criticism: Some of the players here dropped out of their round robins
unannounced and left the site after losing their first match. This not only deprived the other
players in their round robin of a chance to play, but suggested that some players need
enlightenment when it comes to playing the gamea quitter at heart has lost from the start.
Results of the Aug. 13-14 Florida Open: Championship Singles: Greg Gingold
claimed his fourth consecutive Mens title over a hard-hitting Olga Soltesz in 5, then over
Richard McAfee who, though losing two deuce games, won in the fifth over Steve Rigo.
Down 2-1 in games, Richard took his French coachs advice and started using the patented
Joe Sokoloff high-rolling loop to the backhand. Soltesz beat Rigo for 3rd Place.
Championship Doubles winners were Gingold/McAfee over Steve and Ron Rigo whore
sponsored by T.G. Lee Foods and Pepsi Cola of Orlando on a yearly basis. Ladies Singles of
course went to Olga over S. Isaac.
Other Results: As: Russ Wyatt over Steve Federico. Bs: Wyatt over Wally Putnam. B
Doubles: Putnam/Conrad Fisher over Gerry Maglio/Tony Hauser, -21, 18, 20. Cs: John
Sholine over Ashok Nirody. U-1600 Singles: Fisher over Nirody. Seniors: Maglio over Jim
Leggett. Juniors: Rigo over Rodger Babcock.
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Conrad Fisher fills us in on the other Florida summer tournamentthe 2nd Annual
Pinellas County Closed, held Aug. 27-28 in the huge Clearwater Mall. Advance publicity was
very good, including TV and weekly reports in the Clearwater Sun. There was also a -page
spread on Bev and Pat Patterson in the St. Petersburg Times. On the two successive days
preceding the tournament, players gave exhibitions in the Mall which created much interest
and led many more people to sign up for the tournament. Also of great interest were the
venues unique surroundings:
Our five tables were divided around three sides of a glass elevator with a 30-foothigh bird cage built in front of it. In the cage were several bright-colored pheasants and, flying,
climbing, and squawking above them, two huge and noisy parrots! Each table had a different
colored felt-cloth barrierthis was to add variety to the view presented to spectators on the
floor-level and the second floor or balcony.
After wed gotten early-round matches out of the way on Saturday, we saw on Sunday
large crowds of shoppers-turning-spectators all day long. We ran feature matches on the
center table with scoreboard and umpire and with the players names prominently posted.
Though the Mall closed its stores at six, our final three matches drew 300 sitting or standing
spectators. The first of these was the A Singles, won in five see-saw games by Frank Racine
($50) over Clint Steffan. In the second feature match, the Championship Singles, Greg
Gingold ($100) defeated Pat Patterson ($50), also in five. The last match, Championship
Doubles, went to Gingold/Gerry Maglio ($50) over Pat and Bev ($25).
Spectators got to see the draws and the Clearwater Clubs many newspaper clippings on
two big bulletin boards. The birdcage towering beside the feature table was made of large mesh
screenthat couldnt keep balls from landing inside. As for the parrots, they seemed to shriek
during every critical play. John Sholine, the #1 seed in the As, complained that the birds
interrupted his concentration, so much so that for the first time in his life he asked for a let because
of bird interference. Anyway, the Mall management wanted us to come backand so did the
reluctant-to-leave spectators who still milled around, asking questions, begging autographs.
Other Results: Womens: Bev Patterson over Muriel Stern. Bs:
F. Bush over C Bolton whod advanced over Randy Knabel in 5. B
Doubles: P. Priston/Knabel over Wagner/Frank Bartalos. Seniors:
Maglio over Hauser. Juniors: R. DeBrot over John Fisher.
Steve Hitchner (TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1977, 28) sweats 24 players
through the Aug. 6-7 Open played in100+ degrees at that Raleigh,
N.C. gym. Steves the right guy to give us the write up and results
of this sparsely attended tournament cause he won the
Championship Singles. Hes also the right guy to give the
following advice in his Sept.-Oct., 1977 Novice column (17)
cause hes just switched to pips-out play:
Bev Patterson

If youve switched from inverted to pips-out sponge, there are

blocking/hitting advantages, but against a defensive player you cant now get the required topspin
loop that will force the choppers ball up to where you can sock it. Instead, you must hit consistent
topspin at varied angles and depths to provide an opening for a kill, and to do this well you need a
powerful forward striding of the body at impact. You also need to perfect a drop shot.
Remember, too, that when you do get a chance for a kill shot, hit it HARD!
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Case in point is Hitchners fatiguing quarters match with Sol Lewis. With his pips,
Steve couldnt spin hard enough to force Lewis into giving him a high ball to hit, so the
match turned into a war of attrition, with Hitchner moving [the older] Lewis in and out with
what must have been hundreds of loops and drops before finally winning the [four game]
match. Then, in an error-filled semis, Steve defeated Jim McQueen, deuce in the 4th. You just
stood there, said Jim after leading in that last game 20-18, and I fell over dead. Actually,
Jim had just managed to stay alive in his previous match after being down two games to Danny
Hill. Jim leaves next week for Germany and a three-week vacation.
Meanwhile, in the other semis, Thomas Nunes won a thrilling 19, 19, -14, 17 match
from Fred King. In the first two games, King led Nunes with a fusillade of loops and smashes,
only to ease up just at the end and see the chopper run out the games with loops of his own.
In the third, King pummeled Nunes with some really blistering angled kills and never allowed
the Rhodesian (now living in Atlanta) a chance to attack. But in the fourth, fatigue seemed to
slow King.
In the final, Hitchners strategy was to keep steadily looping to Nuness antipsin
backhand and only rarely drop shot, very short, to the Rhodesians potentially topspin-hopping
forehand. Down 20-17 in the 3rd after winning the first two games, Hitchner hit out the game
and match with low-percentage kills of chop that all went in.
Being a coach, Steve was interested to see that five of the 12 Championship players
had combination racket surfaces. There was antispin and Tackiness, antispin and Mark V,
Sriver and Sriver Killer, and Mark V and hard rubber. Steve asks, Do we expect the spectator
to distinguish between the (topspin) push of Phantom and the normal (chopped) push of
Sriver when even the players often cannot? Which raises the further question: Do Americans
really want to watch todays tournament table tennis? Certainly some young players no longer
want to play the game. One such youngster (rated over 1900 and climbing fast) recently
declared that he was giving up tournament table tennis. When asked why, his answer was brief:
Too much junk.
Other Raleigh Open Results: Teams: Championship Class: 1. McQueen/Hitchner. 2.
King/Danny Hill. 3. Nunes/George Cooper. 4. Mark Gilliam/Sol Lewis. 5. Bill Brown/Clyde
Vincent. 6. Tom Rice/Jim Wiggins. Class A: 1. Bill Collier/Roger Girton. 2. Tom and Jean
Poston. 3. Richard Hyslop/John McCorkle. 4. Oscar Galvis/Marius Vincent. 5. Kirby Gordon/
Rick Munday. 6. Torin Blount/James Brown. Class A Singles: Tom Poston over Girton.
Results of the July 30-31 Philadelphia Independence Open: Open Singles. Stan
Smolanowicz, 15 in the 5th, over Al Mitchell, then, 18 in the 5th, over George Brathwaite after
George had survived Mike Lardon in 5. As: Dave Sakai
over Peter Holder who, from 2-1 down, outlasted
Charles Butler. Bs: Fred
Kistler over Jerry
Fleischhacker. Cs? Ds:
Andy Diaz over Matt Dixon.
Es: Dixon over Trevor
Smith. Fs: S. Khurana over
Norman Holder. Ns: G.
Andy
Diaz
Crumby over A, Dasher. Xs:
Dasher over Dennis Yu. Ys:
Yu over Richard Spear, 19 in
Stan Smolanowicz
140

the 3rd, then over Bob Briber. Handicap: Phil Shaw over Khurana. Handicap Doubles: Bolmer/
Frank Roth over Weiner/Marceno. Seniors: Ed Bacon over Al Gill. Under 17: Khurana over
Shaw. U-15: Pam Simon over C. Cohen.
Winners at Reismans Aug. 27-28 Summer Open: Open Singles: Roger Sverdlik over
Mike Bush in 5, then over Eric Boggan whod zipped Mike Lardon after Mike had ousted
Scott Boggan in 5. As: Lardon, 18 in the 5th, over Steve Berger whod knocked out Alex
Shiroky, 17 in the 5th. Bs: John Locke over Bill Ma. Cs: Johnny Kwok over Bruce Abrams.
Ds: Locke over Julian Millan. Es: Millan over K. Sanjeen (from down 2-0). Fs: S. Bose over
L. Salemme.
The Second Annual Challenge Match between the Greater New York Table Tennis
League and the New Jersey Table Tennis Club was held at Westfieldsorry, we didnt know
about Reismans tourney that same Aug. 27 weekend. Results: Open: Jeff Steif (NJ) over
Doon Wong (NY). U-1900: Brian Eisner (NY) over Jim Releford (NJ). U-1750: Alan Feldman
(NJ) over B. Outlaw (NJ). U-1600: Craig Sental (NJ) over Harold Roberts (NJ). U-1600
Consolation: D. Basemore (NY) over Chranewycz (NJ). U-1450: H. Stiene (NY) over C.
Caines (NY). U-1450 Consolation: Aecides Cordero (NY) over B Jacolev (NJ). U-1300
(Double Elimination): Alan Steif (NJ) twice defeated Cordero (NY).
It was a pleasure to come to the classy, spacious and relaxing Washington Tennis
Center in McLean, VA for the June 18-19 Unlimited Open. No nonsense Tournament Director
Monty Merchant (a former Indian National Team member who some years ago toured with
Miles and Surbek) knows whats important to the player-spectators: barriered-off courts; good
lighting; showers; a TV lounge; sandwiches; beer, soft drinks, and coffee; and a balcony
vantage point with comfortable chairs to overlook the feature matches.
Before I get to the climactic Open Singles, Ill run you through some of the Results:
Open Doubles: Scott/Eric Boggan over Merchant/George Brathwaite. Womens: Donna
Newell over promising Junior Miss Jackie Heyman who, deuce in the 3rd, barely survived Sue
Shrout. Jairie Resek notes that Donnas sister, Barbara Kaminsky, is busy multiplying the
Kaminsky family. Little Natalie makes it three girls and one boy for Barbara and Bob. Mixed
Doubles: Dave Sakai/Newell over Scott Boggan/Virginia Backaitis.
Other Results: As: Aram
Avanessi over Stu Kroll who, though
losing the first two deuce games, rallied
George Heyman
to beat Ken Silverstein. Bs: Brian
Masters over Silverstein, 26-24 in the
3rd, then over Kroll. Cs: Alex Sze over
Robert Chalk, 19 in the 3rd. Ds: Mark
Davis over Larry Hodges. Es: Robert
Travers over Walter Wintermute. Fs:
Wintermute over Ray Glass. Xs:
George Heyman over Roy Barbara. Ys:
Charles Garrett over Jolovitz, deuce in
the 3rd, then over Arthur Schulman. Zs: G. Stephens over P. Frier. Hard Rubber: Tim Boggan
over Sakai. Seniors: Boggan over Jim Verta. Boys U-17: Masters over Shaw. Boys U-15/U13: Masters over ONeill. Junior Doubles: Masters/ONeill over Larry Hodges/Wintermute.
As you can see, young Masters was coming on fast, in no small part because his
parents were supporting him in his competitive play as best they could. Two weeks earlier, his
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dad, Dennis, had accompanied him to the Hollywood U.S. Open. However, father and son had
gone all the way out there from Maryland and back by bus! I was impressed, very impressed
this was a fatherly sacrifice I wouldnt have wanted to make. Nor was that all. It had also been
Denniss job not only to see that Brian played in the tournamentbut to be sure that, along
with my wife Sally, and our own 13-year-old son Eric, and perhaps another tagalong,
tempestuous young teenager or two, theyd all have a long, fun day at Disneyland. Which,
miraculously, they did. The kids, thanks to Dennis and his instinctive rapport with them and his
carefully laid plans, had all been like little angels. (Which was quite appropriate for them
reallysince Denniss family name, until he Anglicized it, was Mastrangelo (Master of
Angels).
In the quarters of the Open Singles, neither Eric Boggans win over Charles Butler,
nor Dave Sakais win over me was interesting. But in the 8ths, I played my Merrick, N.Y.
neighbor Stu Kroll, who for months now has been gambling he can improve his 1800-game by
calmly practicing in our low-ceiling basement with the often volatile Eric. And damned if this
downstairs panel-wrecking play almost did me in. At 18-all in the deciding 3rd, with my
grinning son Scott the only spectator, I served a twisting right-to-left serveoff. Followed
with a fast one down the line to my opponents forehandalso off. Then, down 20-18, I went
for my towel. I came back, caught Stu with a short serve. Then I winged another one fast
down the lineoff , no, it just ticked the edge! Still match-point down, I lugged myself to the
side to shovel back a ball that floated there neck-high. Stu, as if he were some mustachioed
extra in that long ago sworded Yul Brynner-Oveissi movie (more Brynner than Oveissi),
swung as if to decapitate, and sent the ball soaring wide off the table. After which, furiously
shaking his head in repeated self-disgust (You miss a shot like that, you dont deserve to
win), he severed the last of his chances.
In the quarters, Brathwaite, the #1 seed, certainly didnt get the benefit of the draw,
for he met Merchant. Though Monty wasnt in practice, he still played in spots quite
aggressively well, chopping and looping and snapping in an occasional wristy backhand to
make George sweat hard for his four-game win. Merchants friend Jairie Resek says that
Monty will be off to India in August. Hasnt been back to his native country since his arrival
in the States four years ago. Finally felt the pressure of all those long distance calls from the
family. Will be back in the fall.
The straight-game semisEric vs. Dave Sakai, George vs. Cornell University student
Alex Sze were uninteresting. How, though, did Class C player Sze
(granted he won that event) get to the Mens semis? Well, in the 1stround proper, he met the U.S. Junior Champion Scott Boggan who
was lying about, complaining like some debauched teen-angel that
his perverse Father had gotten him into this high humidity hell of a
tournament two hours too earlyand, no, he didnt want to
practice, he wanted to sleep. Consequently, when in a 2 out of 3game match, the underrated Sze played alertly and with a winning
spirit, and Boggan did not, Alex moved on to the quarters. There he
met Ali Oveissi who, after losing the first two games, came at Sze as
if he, Ali, were on one of those ferocious chargers he once rode at
the side of Brynner. Only ultimately Alex stood his ground, at the
end was not intimidated, and, in a surprise change of script, shot Ali
dead.
Ali Oveissi
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That brings us to the heated-up final. The match began as if 13-year-old Eric, with his
anti-spin blocks, his pick and counter-hitting would be able to handle Georges steady rolling
topspin quite easilyfirst game 21-14 for Boggan. But in the second, Eric got off to a bad
start, lost patience when he fell behind and his hits werent going in, and became irritated when
George slowed play, seemed to deliberate the more in between points. Thus The Chief won
the 2nd and 3rd games at 6 and 12! And the match looked to be all but over.
But as angry and discouraged as Eric occasionally gets, he is not usually one to give
up. As many an opponent has found out over his already seven-year tournament career, his
competitive spirit is not always mirrored by his still occasional bad boy court demeanor.
Eric takes a breakand gets a hold of himself and the match by changing his tactics,
waiting George out (as George himself has waited out many a one opposite him). He blocks,
pushes, angles long point after long point, stays steady with his experienced, persistent
opponentand is finally rewarded for his patienceprevails at deuce.
In the 5th, play is very
slow, with unusual waits between
points by each (since Eric, still
irritated, has taken to mimicking
Georges deliberateness). Eric at
the outset is behind, then
repeatedly catches up, falls back,
finally catches George at 19-all,
then for the first time goes ahead
20-19 match point. But he cant
quite win it then or later. He gets
two adsbut each time is unable
or unwilling to produce a serve
that will give him an immediate
George The Chief Brathwaite
advantage. Eventually he makes
Photo by Mal Anderson
errors that allow George to win
the match.
After his well-deserved victory, George sits down for a while, towels himself off, has a
drink, and relaxes to the enjoyable congratulations of his well-wishers. Eric vanishes alone into
the nightuntil hes out-walked whatever demons are calling all around for him and can
return, armed with the strength only self can really give to try to exorcise them.

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Chapter Ten
1977: U.S. Teams Win Medals in Maccabiah Games. 1977: Brathwaite Stars in
Caribbean Championships. 1977: Danny Seemiller/Insook Bhushan Champs at $3,500
Toronto CNE.
Roger Sverdlik
gives Topics readers
(Sept.-Oct., 1977, 45) first-hand coverage
of the Maccabiah
Games, held July 1220 at Tel Aviv, Israel. Roger, Mike Bush, and Greg Gingold, representing the U.S., began
Mens Team play by easily defeating Brazil, England, and Argentina. In the semis, it was #1
seed Israel vs. #2 seed France; and #3 seed USA vs. #4 seed Germany. Roger says, I know
the Americans got a big hand from the 60,000 spectators at the all-sports opening ceremonies,
but since when does #1 play #2 in the semis? Did the Israelis ask Fox to make the draw?
Though Finland dropped a tie to Canada, had Germany lost to them 5-1 (they were down 41), the Finns would have been our semis opponent, not the Germans.
We beat Germany 5-2both Greg and Roger lost to their #1, Michael Martin.
Michael plays in the first league (top 50 players) in Germany. While he lacked any really
powerful shots, he did have excellent technique. This included short serves, an enviable return
of service (was able to drop his return short or topspin it), and exceptionally good footwork
which allowed him to maintain a relatively soft but very effective loop attack. Bush beat him,
though, largely because of his own strong serves and serve returns, and also because,
opening up well on both forehand and backhand, he was the better aggressor.

In the other semis, Israel (actually the Israeli National Team) defeated France 5-2.
Both Dror Pollak, the 1975 U.S. Junior Champion whod been training in Sweden, and
Shlomo Mendelson, reportedly ranked 8th in Russia before moving to Israel, beat Rene Hatam,
ranked #3 in France and the 4th member of the French Team at the Birmingham Worlds. Pollak
won another close oneover Frank Winitsky, ranked #6 in France and coached by our own
Marty Prager. All three of these matches could have gone either way and surely had to be
influenced by the cheers of the partisan crowd. Had the Games been held in Paris, Roger
wrote, the 5-2 victory for Israel could have been a 5-2 victory for France.
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For the Saturday night final before about 400 enthusiastic spectators, the U.S. had
their own appreciative supportersabout 20 Americans, most of them wrestlers whom Bush,
perhaps by threatening to draw cartoons of them, had coerced into coming to root for us.
And, sure enough, they chanted so loudly for us (U-S-A!U-S-A!) that all the other
spectators, being Israeli, countered with their own chants. Since the stands became a little
raucous, the Tournament Chairman had to ask the excited crowd to please quiet down. This
was a table tennis match, he said, not rugby.
After all the necessary formalities, such as the exchanging of pins and banners, was
over, the tie got underway. Roger opened against Menachem Stein, some 20-30 pounds
slimmer than when he played in the Canadian and U.S. Opens in 75. Last spring (when hed
momentarily been suspended from the Israeli National Team), Stein had apparently not been
playing well, for hed lost to Tim Boggan in the semis of the Birmingham Worlds Press
Tournament. He and Roger were both tight to begin with, each missing easy shots
however, said Roger, I missed more. After dropping the first game, 21-13, Roger couldnt
hold a 15-11 lead in the second: Israel 1USA 0.
Against Pollak, Greg was incredibly hot the first game and won it 21-15. Every time
Pollak looped soft Greg killed it down the line. When in the second game, Greg jumped
ahead 7-3, Dror turned to his coach with a look of disbelief. Fight! were yelling to Greg.
Dont let up! Fight! Cmon, you can do it! But Pollak is a very good playerhe doesnt
discourage easily. He kept attacking, spinning on both sides, and suddenly he held a
comfortable lead, won that game and the third. Israel 2USA 0.
Next up: Bush against Mendelson. With games 1-1, it was clear Mike must spin
forcefully or else Mendelson will block-kill to the corners. Mikes serves were giving him
follow-up advantages and he was up 18-1219-16then 19-1719-18. Were Bush to lose
this match wed really be in a hole. He must win! Then Mike served and loopedin! Served
and loopedin! Followed with a smile, a handshake, and a wave to the wrestlers who,
affectionately embracing one another, got anything but a strangle-hold on their emotions.
Israel 2USA 1.
Now, said Roger, I faced Pollak. But though I started badly, was down 14-6, I rallied
to 14-all, but couldnt win the game. In the second, the Israeli, up 19-18, returned a ball that
hit the side of the table. But the umpire said, Edge! And though I disputed the call, Pollak
was awarded the point and went on to win the game and the match. Afterwards, he came over
to apologize, said he knew the ball hit the side, but that there was nothing he could do.
Whatever that meant. However, said Roger, I didnt lose because of that bad call. I should
have played more aggressively. My forehand exchange was very weakI should have spun
more. Israel 3USA 1.
Against Stein, Bush won the first 21-10was lookin good. But then by the third
game, Mike appeared now to be losing confidencehe was spinning much too softly. Stein,
meanwhile,kept blocking Bush out of position. Still, Mike was match-point up Then deuce.
And now the Israeli got three ads in a rowbut each time failed to return Bushs serve.
Finally, on his fourth consecutive ad, he got back Bushs serve and Mike hopped the return off
the table. Israel 4USA 1.
When Gregs heavy forehand spin proved ineffective, Mendelson won in straight
games: Israel 5USA 1.
Of course the U.S. players were very disappointed. We really felt we had a good
chance to beat Israel, said Roger. But I personally felt that we didnt play as well as we
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could have. Still, the Israelis were all about 2300 and played up to that standard. In fact,
they have other players equally as good. At this point was Mort Zakarin still planning to have
that Sept. U.S.-Israeli Match? Or did our Teams showing here, or something else, discourage
him?
In the Mens Singles, said Roger, Mike, Greg, and I all lost in the first round. Mike
got beat by an older Israeli player, Rosenbaum, in a match he never should have lost. True, he
did have a slightly pulled muscle, and this, plus a total lack of confidence that kept him from
playing aggressively, contributed to his loss. It also might have helped if someone had loaned
him some shorts.
Greg went down, 3-zip, to the chopperthe over-rated #2 seed, Israels Joshua.
I, too, was beaten in straight games (19, 19, 18)by the eventual winner, the Frenchman
Hatam. In the semis, he downed Josef Shifman, the 73 Singles winner, and in the final he
stopped Stein whod advanced with wins over fellow Israelis Josef Azulay and Pollak.
In Mens Doubles, Bush/Sverdlik edged by Austrias Rottenberg/Azulay, deuce in the
rd
3 , then fell to Mendelson/Rosenbaum. Gingold/Germanys Martin lost contested games to
Stein/Pollak, the eventual winners.
The
Womens
Teams were
played in two
round robins
one with
Germany
seeded #1; the
other with Israel seeded #2. Our
womenShazzi Felstein and
Louise Nievesopened against
Canadas Joyce Hecht
Israel and, despite losing the
doubles, beat them 3-2. Shazzi downed the Israeli #1 and both
Shazzi and Louise defeated the Israeli #2. I never had to play a
deciding match before, said Louise. I was really nervous, was
USAs Shazzi Felstein
Photo by Mal Anderson
actually shaking.
Then, however, they lost to CanadaShirley Gero and
Joyce Hecht3-0! After which the Canadians lost 3-0 to Israel! Thus Israel advanced to the
finalthough Louise didnt know how, and nobody would tell her or show her in a Rule Book
how the tie was broken. [Ill tell you how, Louise. In a three-way play-off, Israel was 5-3 in
matches won/lost; Canada, 3-3; and the U.S. 3-5.] Even Shazzi didnt seem interested, and
perhaps preoccupied with some backgammon problem had accidentally closed a car door on
her teammates finger (It didnt matter, said Louise. By then it didnt matter).
The heavily favored German Team was composed of Hanna Schlamma (or so my
fancy spells it) and a pair of identical twins who must have so confused me that I can only tell
you that their namesHanka and Blankasounded like something out of a grim sisters fairy
tale. Anyway, these Germans won the Teams3-1 over the doughty Israelis.
The Womens Singles and Doubles were but a variant rendering of the story above
Deutschland Uber Alles. The French #1, Weber, and her antispin defense was locked up like
some Wicked Witch of a Wood caught in her own trickery. Our Team? Well, Shazzi, whose leg
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was sometimes hurting from ankle to knee (circulatory trouble?) lost to Canadas Shirley Gero
who has a good push and an ability to place the ball well. Paired with Mike Bush in the
Mixed, Shazzi got to the semis before being beaten by one of the Canadian entries. What
mattered to Louise, aside perhaps from reaching the semis of the Womens Doubles with
Shazzi, were the Games themselves and the beautiful country club for war veterans in which
the matches took place.
Overall, said Roger, we ended up with a silver medal in the Mens Team and bronze
medals in Mens, Womens, and Mixed Doubles. So I guess you could say we made our little
contribution to the 300-odd medals won by the 350-member U.S. delegation. Of course, said
Roger, our Team must give thanks to the United States Committee Sports for Israel, and
Mike and me to the Bucks County Maccabiah Association and especially to its advisor Hal
Lefcourt who helped us raise the money to go to the Games. Without his personal assistance
and advice we would not have been able to take this wonderful trip.
Caribbean Championships
George
George Brathwaites friend
Brathwaite
Kanchan Gilfillian, writing in the Aug. 24
Guyana Chronicle (reprinted in TTT, Nov.Dec., 1977, 3), tells us how George, a
native Guyanian, had come to these
Caribbean Championships intending to
participate only in the Singles
Championships. But then, when he was
asked to join his fellow Guyanese in the
Team matches, being the unselfish
sportsman that he is, he applied himself
wholeheartedly to helping them.With
Brathwaites spirit and his superb play
leading them15 straight matches he
wonGuyana engineered an unexpected
win over Cuba. Indeed, it was this win
that kept Cuba from taking the
Championship. The victory went to
Jamaica, the strong in-depth team of
Orville Les Haslam, Cornel France, and
Roberto Byles that had beatennot the
undefeated Brathwaite, but 2nd Place
Guyana.
Now, without the normal rest day, the Singles events started, and because George,
though a former Caribbean Champion, hadnt played in these Championships for a number of
years, he wasnt among the top seeds (the draw having been made before George beat Haslam
in the Teams). That meant he had to play preliminary matches, and, though he won them
easily, the oppressive heat and those many Team matches were beginning to take their toil on
him. Still, he went on to beat the Santo Domingo Champion, a good spinner who moved
well both at and away from the table. That left only Haslam, the perennial Jamaican
Champion and formerly #6 in England, to stand in his way to the title.
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To an almost capacity-filled National Sports Hall, Brathwaite and Haslam played a

brilliant match. After Georges 22-20 2nd-game win, the match went the limitwith Haslam
getting a net ball at 19-17 in the 5th to help him take this coveted Championship. But George
had made the honourable sacrifice. He brought his country glory; he lifted them and gave
them a place among the elite. His name will be immortal in Caribbean table tennis.
CNE Team Ties
This years Sept. 1-4 Toronto $3,500 Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Open began
as usual with the various Team eventsall with different U.S. Team Captains.
Donna Newell, Womens
Team Captain, understandably
hadnt much to say, except that
her U.S. Teamwith Insook
Bhushan, and Juniors Kasia
Dawidowicz, and Faan Yeen
Liuwere easy winners.
Insook, as steady as ever,
looked as if she could give
Birute Plucas 10 points. Kasia,
however, was pressed by
Suzanna Kavallerou who could
loop and counter well. But up
1-0 and at 19-all in the 2nd, Kasia
L-R: 1977 CNE Womens U.S. Team Captain Donna Newell,
fearlessly played two very
and team members coy Kasia and Insook.
aggressive pointsscored with
a forehand drive and then with a beautifully-timed loop to win the game and match. In the
doubles, Insook and Faan Yeen started shakily against Birute and Christine Forgo, lost the
first at 11. But then Christine couldnt handle Insooks spin. In the 3rd, we had a 14-5 lead and
it was all over.
Commenting on the Mens matches, U.S. World Team Captain/Coach Houshang
Bozorgzadeh complained that not only do the same farmyard problems continue to exist, but
that the people running the tournament were not always so friendly. Moreover, our so-called
Mens Team was, for the most part, just a group of pick-up Eastern playerswho were
available to play. Come, come, Houshang, were the pick-ups really that bad? Ray Guillen,
Roger Sverdlik, Dave Philip? George Brathwaite who (along with other entrants, Robert
Earle, Fuarnado Roberts, and Horace Roberts) never showed, said later that hed never been
notified he was on the Mens Team. That excuse didnt cut it with Rufford Harrison. On Sept.
6 he wrote a letter to John Read saying that George had a history of unreliability and
questioned whether we want George Brathwaiteeveron our U.S. Team.
To lose to Errol Caetano, Alan Heap, and Peter Joe, a relatively weak Canadian team
(and from up 4-2!) was an embarrassment to Houshang. With the Hong Kong trip coming up,
it was a bad time to lose; weve suffered a serious drop in prestige, he said. Ah, but
Houshang, there were, as you point out, extenuating circumstances. Roger Sverdlik [whod
opened with a 16, 9 win over Joe] had a shoulder injury during his match with Errol Caetano
[the Canadian #1], and so could not give his best in his last important match with Alan Heap.
And Ray Guillen, without his teammates Danny and Ricky Seemiller, seemed to lose his
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confidence [but Ray didnt drop so much as a game to Heap or Joe]. True, Philip lost a
disastrous three, but Houshang doesnt mention that, and its soon apparent what really
provokes his rhetoric.
Turns out Danny and Ricky were quite right not to play. Nothing was providednot so
much as free entries or free hospitalityfor our very best professional players. Even amateurs get
expenses. Such rejection was naturally insulting to the Seemillers. Obviously no one is taking these
matches very seriously. Not the [now more amateur- minded?] USTTA or CTTA. In the absence of
our top-rated Men players, our top-rated Junior players should have been put on the Mens Team
[later in other events, Barry would beat Heap and Joe; Scott Boggan would split matches with Joe].
As it was, they got no experience whatsoever playing the very weak Canadian Juniors. I strongly
question whether the USTTA Selection Committee is doing a good job. [See my comments on the
U.S. Teams to the Canadian Open in Chapter Six.]
Rufford Harrison notes that his Junior Girls TeamDenise Horn, Georgette Rideg
(REE-deg), and Jackie Heymanthough losing 3-0, played well against more highly-ranked
Canadians, changed their games as advisedwere
excellent ambassadors for the United States. Rufford
says, I confidently look forward to two years hence when
one of themall three perhaps?will [in playing for our
Womens Team] defeat Canada.
Denise was out-hit, 18, 18, by Nimi Athwal who
with her honed game had the further advantage of being
coached by her father, the Canadian Team Captain.
Rufford felt that had she begun pushing more from the
Denise Horn
beginning, hit more selectively, she might have had a
Photo by
Mal Anderson
chance. Against Canadas #1 Junior Miss, Gloria
Nesukaitis, Georgette could never open powerfully
enough to stop Gloria from countering. Also, she wasnt
in the best frame of mind after losing to Debbie Payotelis
in an earlier event.
Debbie Payotelis
Debbie, Rufford says,
Photo by Stuart
should have been on
Ansteth
the Team (in the Junior
Miss event she beat
Canadas up-andcoming Colleen
Johnson, deuce in the
5th). In the Doubles,
Georgette paired with
Jackie, and by dint of
some good placements
they managed to win the second game. That was as close as we came to beating Canada, but it
doesnt worry me in the least when I see what a bright future we have with these girls. [It
doesnt worry me either, or, likely, the girls.]
As for our Junior MenRutledge Barry, Eric and Scott BogganCaptain Bill Sharpe
reports they completely dominated play against Canadas Dave Williams, Roger Woo, and Ian
Kent. Indeed, they had qualifications to be on the Mens Team. Bill was pleased his charges
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took their matches seriously, but, he pointed out, this would have been a perfect opportunity
to play a second echelon Team of Faan Hoan Liu, Steve Lowry, and, say, Brian Masters or
Steve Claflin. I think we would have won with that Team too. Clearly, all our good juniors
need more opportunities to play significant matches.
Womens Singles
Insook for the fourth timethat is, as many times as shes played in this tournament
won the Womens Singles. She also took the Womens Doubles (with Dawidowicz over
Plucas/Kavalliero), and the Mixed (with Danny Seemiller over Caetano/Plucas who had to go
5 to get by Englands Nicky Jarvis/Forgo. But she was a mite disturbed when, as she was
preparing for a match, she was told by an umpire who didnt know her from Eve that, if shed
appeared 30 seconds later, he would have defaulted her. This was not merely a gratuitous
remark, it was insultingand such an umpire should have been removed on the spot.
Of course there was nothing else to disturb Insook. Her late-round straight-game
conquests were Faan Yeen Liu (7, 11, 5), Canadas Gloria Hsu (9, 12, 9), and in the final Kasia
Dawidowicz (16, 5, 12).
Where was many-time Champ Violetta Nesukaitis? Married and retired. Where was exIndian International Rupa Banerjee? Devoting all her time and energy to having, or, anyway,
wanting to have, a baby. Where was Mariann Domonkos, the last Canadian to win the
Womens Singles? In Separtist Quebec.
Birute Plucas, whose once promising game
doesnt seem to improve (she was beaten in the final
of the Youth event by Faan Yeen), and Suzanna
Kavillerou, whose game does seem to improve, both
lost to Kasia who says shes been into cleaning houses
outside Denver for table tennis expense money. Forgo
on reaching the quarters was eliminated three straight
(the first two games at deuce) by Gloria Hsu. Glorias
been helping Tom Slater edit that classy, little-knownin-the-States OTTA magazine. The young Canadian
with the most promise, Gloria Nesukaitis, was beaten
in the final of the Womens As by Faan Yeen, and in
the final of the Junior Miss by Kasia. Some other
Canadians did o.k., though. Torontos Jeanette
Camacho, won the Womens Bsover Chicagos
Grace Ide. In the Senior Womens Singles, multi-time
Canadian Closed Champ Jennie Kapostins Marinko
defeated Betty Tweedy. And at the opposite side of
the age spectrum Becky McKnight won the Girls U13 from Ramona Raguckas.
Faan Yeen Liu, CNE Womens Youth
Faan Yeen, whos just entered the University of
and Womens A Winner
Illinois at Champagne; Kasia, whod love to have her
own private helicopter to fly father and daughter to varied weekend tournament competition
(All I got is a chopper at home); and Georgette, who, after practicing with Japanese great,
Fujii, in California, won the Girls U-15s here from Pam Simon, all went to a USTTA summer
coaching camp promoted by Sue Sargent. They stayed at Sues place and coordinated their
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expenses-paid visit with the arrival of Danny Seemiller, Perry Schwartzberg, and Rutledge
Barry who were on a little public relations tour of the Southwest. Clearly all three girls were
delighted with the personal attentionthe coachinggiven them.
All I ever get to practice at home against my father is loop and kill, said Kasia. So
suddenly it was fun to play against Rutledges block. Georgette said she was rethinking her
ABC drills and serves. And Faan Yeen said shed learned (was it from Gary Fagan?) to hit the
forehand more out in front of her and was pleased that her defensive game was much steadier
now. Faan Yeen has a blood-count problem. She needs more Vitamin E to make her blood
cells more mature, needs to take lots of those iron pillsbut, careful, not too many.
In speaking of her A final, she said that Nesukaitis had been so tentative shed found it
rather easy not only to mix her up with ever-changing spin but to move the young Canadian
around a lot and so was able to win two straight. Dawidowicz took both Junior Doubles open
to herthe Junior Miss with Rideg over Nesukaitis/Colleen Johnson; and the Junior Mixed
with Berry over Eric Boggan/Heyman. Kasia said of her Junior Miss final with Gloria that in
the first game shed come on too strong trying to kill ball after balland this despite the fact
that Gloria one way or another was getting many of her best shots back. In the second, she
suddenly found herself 18-12 downbut then pulled it out. After that, the match was hers. I
should have taken my time, chopped, chopped, and then looped, she said.
But who ever heard of young people wanting to take their time? Said a wistful Kasia at
tournaments end, Ive been away from home for a week now, but it seems just a few hours.
Mens Singles
Year after year, everybody
complains about this barnyard Exhibition
tournamentbut, come the end of
summer, everybody flocks to it. Why?
Because the Exhibitionthe Fairbrings
out every kid in town, including the kid
thats still vacationing in the adult.
Who turned up this year but former CNE
Open winner Ralph Pete Childs (who in
Ralph Pete Childs
Ralph Pete Childs (1964)
that 1964 final had beaten Bobby
(1977)
Gusikoff, 26-24 in the 5th). Hadnt played Photo by Mal Anderson
in 10 years, he said. He was getting heavy, over 200 pounds, and was
coming back into the game mostly for his health. Naturally, not having played for so long, he
didnt have a ratingso, what the hell, he entered the Open, Class A, B, C, D.
When, however, he began winning matches in the Bs (in the first round he won 24-22
in the deciding 3rd), some people started protesting to Tournament Referee Roy Powell.
Whereupon Pete was told he couldnt play in the Ds (which was coolno prize money in it
anyway). As for the Cs, well, he was starting to play a match in that when he was suddenly
called away to play another match or two in the Bsand when he came back to the C event,
sorry, but hed been played through, a winner had been advanced, and it was too late now to
do anything about it. Too bad, too, because Powell said that he personally agreed with the
compromise position that Pete could play in the Cs but not the Ds.
Leaving aside the question whether Childs could have beaten (and how badly) the
eventual $100 C winner, Philadelphia TTC Public Relations man Marv Plevinsky, it just didnt
151

seem right the way the Canadians handled this situation. As a matter of fact, Pete was so put
out that he asked for and received his entry fees back and quit the tournament right then and
there. Look, he said, I dont mind donating money to play in the Open, the Class A, but.
As it happens, I myself was absent from the game for 10 years and I know that it takes
time to regain your touchso I dont think it was a foregone conclusion that Childs (any more
than, say, Jack Wiener) was a total lock to win the Cs. Certainly, though, he should have been
told up front that objectively, subjectively, he was just considered too goodinstead of being
made to suffer the evasions of someone reluctant to make a decision.
I must say, however, that when the much-too-ready-to-default Control Desk and its
too often rote-trained umpires defaulted my 13-year-old son, Eric, one of the top seeds in the
Youth event, without so much as a single courtesy call over the mike, my protest was heard.
After all, I said, Eric was in the room ready to play and not out irresponsibly wandering about
the stalls or goofing off someplace, like on the rides. Also, I got an assist from Danny
Seemiller who pointed out the difficulties of adhering to a posted timetable for someone like
Eric who was in so many events, some of them overlapping. No matter how technically, rigidly
correct the default was, I argued, it was not necessary and, more, was not nice. On hearing me
out, Roy Powell did patiently inconvenience himself by carefully going round to all concerned
to find that it was indeed conscientiously possible to reinstate Eric.
In the Mens 16ths, the most interesting matches were: Scott Boggan over Peter Joe,
19 in the 4th; Caetano over Joe Rokop, 13, 20, 24; Lim Ming Chui over Dave Shapiro (from
down 1-0 and at deuce in the 2nd); and Derek Wall over Eric Boggan (with Eric winning only
the 3rd, 23-21).
When Wall first saw the seedings and placings, he in anger almost withdrew from the
tournament. Hed been forced to play in the preliminaries whereas the Canadian Team
members hed beaten this past year in the Canadian Closed were exempted from early play.
Why the Canadians persistently refuse to recognize that Derek is still a very good player surely
has little to do with his proven ability and very much to do with the fact that to many hes an
independent and abrasive 47. Derek, so it seems to me, offends because he violates certain peoples
mutually conforming world view that when one has reached
his forties, he ought not to be able, to be allowed, to spend
himself so vigorously. But Wall has his table tennis, his pearls
of great price, and in his pouch the balls for life.
Eric of course is just coming into his own. He
won the U-17s here by beating arch-rival Rutledge Barry
after Rutledge, with like the big-deal promise of more free
games had pin-balled his 8, 22 (almost a tilt), -12, -15, 14
way to victory over Erics brother, Scott. As Derek and
Eric walk out to the table, Derek says to the umpire and a
little group of interested spectators, The last time I
played this boy I beat him playing in a chair. To which
some wit replies, You want a chair now, Derek?
If this was a double-entendre meant glancingly to
reflect the fact that Derek has put on weight in the last
few years and might want to sit down before this match is
over, dont you believe hell be tired. While his very good
Canadas Derek Wall
friend Rose and I were having a drink or two in their
Photo by Mal Anderson
152

apartment and looking with an admiring wink to History over his old photos and press
clippings (Have another rum, Tim. Theres still another box from the 50s I dont believe
youve seen yet), Derek told me that during the summer hed been playing table tennis twice
a week and lots of golf and squash. Im fit, Tim, fit as Ive ever been, he kept saying.
And for sure he more than held his own with Eric who got off to a big lead in the first,
then lost it and the gameand though he kept his temper was obviously irritated. When Derek
chopped Erics loop with his backhand Feint side, sometimes it was loaded and sometimes it
wasntand Eric, playing him for the first time, was finding it difficult to read the spin and
slow to make the right adjustments. Also, when Derek chopped with his forehand sponge side,
Eric had a hard time understanding that the ball was often as loaded as it really was.
Still, after losing the first two games and being down 19-14 in the third, Boggan rallied
to stay in the match as Wall got a little careless. But then in the fourth Derek built up a big
leadand the match was soon over. Later, after his amazing match with Ricky Seemiller
(which Ill cover shortly), Derek was to say that Eric was harder for him to play than Ricky
because Eric is so good at constantly changing the spin.
Im going to pick up the most interesting matches in the Mens by commenting on each
quarter of the draw, but first I want to give you the results of other events. The As Ill hold
back for the moment.
Results: Mens Doubles: Seemiller/Seemiller over Nicky Jarvis/
Guy Germain. (Two good 5-game quarters matches: Jarvis/Germain
over Joe/Eddie Lo; and Bill Sharpe/Eric Boggan over Mike Lardon/
Mike Baber.) A Doubles: Sharpe/Scott Boggan over Russ Thompson/
Tim Boggan. Mens Bs: George Bonigut over Leonard McNeece, -19,
19, 21, then over Al Martz. Mens C Singles: Marv Plevinsky over
Zeppelin Law. Mens D Singles: Jack Wiener over Richard Chin.
Esquires: Russ Thompson over Harry Deschamps. Russ is now both
the Canadian and U.S. Over 50 titleholderand has the entourage to
match. He says hes going to lose another 25 pounds, and has set a
goal for himself of running 10 miles every other day. Senior Mens
Russ Thompson, U.S. Singles: Sharpe over Houshang Bozorgzadeh. Boys U-15: Eric Boggan
over Brian Masters. Boys U-13: Alan Steif over Chi Chong Wong.
and CNE Over 50
Champion
Scott Boggan won the $150 Asin the 8ths over Victor
Skujins (with whom he was 10-all in the deciding third; in the quarters
over Joe Rokop; in the semis over Paul Pashuku; and in the final over Jim Davey whod
advanced with a deuce-in-the-3rd win over Dave Sakai. Jim also looked to be in good shape
against Bogganup 1-0 and 8-4but unaccountably lost concentration and dropped 12
points in a row! Scotts ever-increasing strategy17-all in the 3rd18-1719-17 was to
pips-out block the ball very short to Jims backhand where he was progressively having a more
and more difficult time to loop it.
The only Canadian who made the quarters of the As was the 1974 A winner here,
Steve Feldstein, who played Sakai an interminably long 26-24-in-the-3rd match. This should
have been expedited but wasnt, presumably because neither Sakai nor Feldstein wanted it
timed, and because the thought never occurred to the umpire who wasnt programmed for it.
Maybe, though, this close loss was good for Feldstein because it gave him more time to study.
Every time he wasnt playing he had his head into Elements of Differential Equation,
particularly Non Homogenous Linear Equations.
153

Nor was Sakais deuce-in-the-3rd loss to Davey apparently so devastating, for he too
had his head in place, was deep into his own theory of probabilitythat Ricky Seemiller had
not been transformed into a good gin player. Echoed apparently by at least one discreetly
unobserved onlooker, Rickys father, Ray Seemiller. I hope Rickys not playing for money,
said Ray more to himself than anyone else who might be listening. Afraid it might affect his
sons game. No, silly. Not his gin gamehis table tennis.
Perhaps the best quarters match in the Mens was Ricky Seemiller vs. Derek Wall.
Derek had had a straight-game respite over Randy Seemiller, and Ricky, whod lost 2-0 in the
quarters of the Youth event to Eric Boggan, had likewise not been extended by Lim Ming
Chui (rated 2222).
Ming, as someone said, is finally getting to be a
Lim Ming Chui
realist. That is, though he thinks he might win this
and son
tournament, he no longer feels hes playing at the 2550-2600
Chi Ming
level. Ask him and hell tell you, Its closer to 2400. Plus he
has responsibilities, distractions. Now with six-year-old Chi
Ming in tow, and another son back home injured, hed have to
rethink, likely curtail, his tournament activitiesotherwise, he
says, My wife will kill me. So hes decided to start a local
club. Can you guess where?...His home. His pre-Ricky
opponent is Connecticut prep school Chemistry teacher Dave
Shapiro. Poor Dave. After playing the first two games very
well, he got Bunsen-burned. There are only four people I
dont want to play at this tournament, hed said. So who did he
get? One of the four. And the other three were?...Does it matter?
Against Wall in the quarters, Seemiller seems to have
the match well under controlespecially after Derek had
blown that 20-15 first game. I mean, its like at evenings end Rickys been dealt two spreads
at ginis up 2-0 in games. But with Wall ahead 19-16, were now in the third game, and the
hands not overno, not even when Ricky, taking advantage of the serve, runs four in a row
to go up 20-19 match point.At 22-21, Walls favor, the Canadian umpire calls the score
wrong. Puh-LEEZ! says Derek, and appeals to the audience. The umpire admits his mistake,
but Ricky, in eventually losing this game, doesnt seem to admit his.
When the balls up at your shoulder blades, you dont loop it! Danny yells, as if
trying to talk sense into his brothers ear.
As Ricky goes out for the fourth game, Danny cant help but begin an audible offcourt commentary. If you dont kill the ball when its high, the defenders margin of error is
much greater. If he doesnt have to worry about keeping the ball low he can feel like a wall. I
look at Danny and, recognizing the unconscious pun, he smiles like a teacher, and goes intently
on. Its important to keep the pressure on. If your opponent fears an oncoming shot, that fear
can win you as many points as the shot itself.
Ricky, meanwhile, is continuing one of his favorite tacticsgiving Derek some
unbelievably slow, spinny loops so as to set himself up for the kill. But again and again, when
he gets the opportunity, he still isnt hitting-in the high ball. He loses the fourth game at deuce
too. In the fifth, at 18-all, Wall takes a chancehits in a well-placed, not too hard forehand
and its the turning point. Ricky loses the next two points and the match.
Dont swear, Danny, says Ray.
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Englands
23-year-old Nicky
Jarvis, having
beaten at the
Calcutta Worlds
before his recent
back operation,
Norio Takashima,
the excellent
Japanese chopper,
was formerly
World #22.
Though Mike
Englands Nicky Jarvis
Dave Philip
Lardon was
Photo by Tom Slater
Photo by Barry Margolius
beaten by Nicky,
3-0, hes to be commendedfor with a minimum of glaring, hissing, and heavy breathing, he
twice got to 15-all . In the As, Mike leading Paul Pashuku 18-12 in the deciding 3rd, had let
the match slip away. But in the Mens he had good wins against Pittsburghs Larry Goldfarb and
especially Montreals Guy Germain. (Free Quebec, or not, Guy always comes to the CNE.)
Earlier, Jarvis had had trouble with NYCs Dave Philip. It had been so easy to start with
Nicky up 14-1 that first game. But then Dave had won the second. Still, Jarvis had no problem in
the third game, and was ahead 20-14 in the fourth. Only, remarkably, Philip, on getting the serve,
became for a few minutes a world-class player. Up would go the Chinese serve, and when Jarvis
chop-returned it, David would pound in a winning loop kill. He just
made fantastic shotsgot to deuce! Then when Philip lost the ad, he
grittily countered Nickys loop to tie it up. Finally, though, Dave had
to succumb, 24-22 in the fourth.
In all fairness, I must point out that Jarvis is not back to
playing his best. He cracked a vertebrate at the European
Championships in Prague in the spring of 76 and, after an abortive
consultation with a Swedish physiotherapist, came home and got a
doctor to take a bone out of his hip and literally screw the thing
into his spinal column. After wearing a cast for three months,
Nicky is only slowly getting into shape. Before his injury he was
running 30 miles [a week?] now he was running only 3. It will be
some time yet before he can build up his back muscles through
exercises so he can get the necessary body twist into his shots.
In another quarters match, Danny Seemiller took out
Rutledge Barry three straight. In the 2nd game, Danny was down
19-17 then killed in four in a row. Earlier thered been some
speculation that Danny, after his 20, 12, -21, 15 8ths match with
Dave Sakai, might not continue. A couple of weeks before, hed
hurt his ankle in a touch football game in Pittsburgh and had it all
bandaged up for a while. Now it was still bothering him.
Rutledge, however, was not complaining. Hed gotten
Rutledge Barry,
revenge
on
Eric Boggan by downing him in four in the final of the
CNE Under 21 Champion
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(Under 21) Youth event. For a moment, though, it seemed this match with Eric wasnt going
to come aboutand not only because Rutledge just got by Peter Joe in 5 in the semis. At
posted match time Rutledge was nowhere to be found. Eric, waiting, was warming up at the
assigned table with Barry Margolius. Are you Barry? this strange (because in no hurry)
umpire asked. To which Margolius replied, Yes, and continued practicing. After a short
while Rutledge returned from playing pin ball and to the umpires surprise identified himself
and the match got started. Later, there was talk of Rutledge Barry (2280) and Barry Margolius
(1707) forming what at first might seem an unlikely doubles team. Depending on whether you
used their first or last names, they could either be Rutledge/Barry or Barry/Margolius.
The last quarters match featured U.S. Team member
Ray Guillen, whod soon be amusing himself during the Mens
final by cutting cards with some Canadian juniors for $3 a turn,
vs. Canadian Closed Champ Errol Caetano whod managed at
some time or other to work in a round of golf with Jarvis and
Wall. Though in the Teams, Errol had beaten Ray handily, thats
not the way it was this time. In fact, had Ray won the key second
gamehe was up 19-17 before Caetano came through with some
gutsy run-out playhe might well have won the match.
In the fourth, Ray again had to face the window-light
that was glaring in at him over the left-handed Caetanos strokes
like a merciless accomplice. I started on the wrong end, Ray
said laterotherwise I would have immediately asked for
another table. Funny thing, though: in holding on from 20-16 up
to win at 19, Ray was able to take the fourth, as before hed taken
the second, playing on the wrong end. The fifth game, however,
he did not come close to winning. Still, for the most part, he
looked good. Maybe he didnt stay at the table enough, but he
served short, and, in looping the big ball in, trying to score as he
Ray Guillen, fond of amusing
did at the Worlds, he didnt play scared. Of course Guillen knows
himself off court and on.
that Caetano loops crosscourt 80-90% of the time, that hes really
Photo by Don Gunn
too erratic to consistently go down the line, but some of Errols
other shots the young Californian just couldnt
predict. Hes so sneaky, said Ray. Just when
you think youve got him, he comes up with
some of those long-armed weirdos.
After the match, Houshang goes over to
Caetano, congratulates him, pats him
affectionately on the cheek, and says, I can tell
you had a good rest this summer. You didnt
play much. You look so fresh. Whereupon
Errol looks at him blankly, says, The last three
weeks Ive played every day. [Pause.] But Im
sorry I played so much.
The Caetano-Seemiller semis is the
match of the tournament. So though Jarvis is a
new face in North America, few are watching
You look so fresh, says Houshang.
156

the picture-book, long-point, loop-and-defend pattern play he and Wall are systematically
carrying on for three games. (Why did they have to play both these semis at the same time?)
Before Dannys match with Errol, Captain Bozorgzadeh carefully administers an
application to Dannys ankle to make it hotter. Then he figure-8 tapes it to provide
maximum circulation and to prevent any weakening of the little veins. This will completely
immobilize the ankle, says Houshang
In the first game, Seemiller gets behind, then starts a mid-game rally that Caetano stops
with an edge. Errol goes on to win it, 21-17, on a net ball. In the second, Danny is up 19-14,
with Caetano strangely pushing back serves. But then Errol quickly draws to 20-19 downat
which point he misses a perfectly-placed, down-the-line backhand loop that would have been a
sure winner. Yeah! Danny yellsand is supported by what sounds like the rumbling voice of
the gods. But, no, its not thunder, just the hay trucks adjacent, and the men dismantling the
horse, goat, pig, lamb, gorilla, cow, bull, sheep, whatever, stallsheavy, clapping piece by
heavy, clapping piece.
In the third, Caetano gets off to a 7-1 leadthen, with Seemiller refusing to back away
from the table and scoring with (CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!) what everyone agrees is one of the
greatest one-ball loops in the Sport, Errol abruptly finds himself outscored 20-7. Someone
asks how Caetano can win, says, Hes got no servesSeemillers got serves. But up 18-17
and having the advantage of serve, Danny cant win the fourth. Down 19-18 he gets a net
and to the continued accompaniment of that background
of sharp sounds (celebratory rockets are going up? an air shows started?), Errol spins his
racket skyward, catches it coming down. Soon another rocket goes spiraling upthis time its
Danny racket, for Errols just won the game on a net.
Caetano may not be able to hear Seemillers anti side because of the zoo-men adjacent.
Once, he said, he was so startled by the noise that he missed the whole ball. But in the
deciding fifth, hes off to a 5-1 leadand then, surprise, hes down 19-9.
After this, the 3-game final is anticlimactic. Jarvis has a well-deserved reputation as a
Surbek-like worker, and ran all over the court. Sometimes hed make or almost make near
miraculous lobs and look not at all like a man who a short time ago had been in a cast for three
months. But Danny whod beaten Nicky in straight games in an English Invitational in the fall
of 75, felt he knew exactly how to play him. Further, when Jarvis pushes, said Danny, hes
like so afraid its unbelievable. He has to be an absolute lock to win.
But if Nickys touch was not good, his game not now in a world-class with Dannys, he
nevertheless had some helpful advice to impress us with. The only way for the U.S. to get a
really good six-man Team is to practice together all the time. Because of the geographical
problems in your countryits so huge, you knowTeam members have to find a way to base
themselves in one areaPittsburgh, New York, L.A., wherever. You just cant build a worldclass Team with isolated, scattered players no matter how great their individual potential. The
best must constantly play against the best, must continually make demands of eachand must
play abroad where the best competition is.
As our World Team membersDanny, Ricky, Ray, and Deancontinue to prepare for
the International Matches in Hong Kong, I think of our new nucleus of young players,
particularly our U.S. Junior Championsmy two sons and Rutledge Barryand how to get
them not to the Junior USOTCs in Detroit which will provide no challenge for them but,
before its too late, to tournaments abroad. If I dont get them there, I keep telling myself, who
in the world will?
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Chapter Eleven
1977: Sept.-Oct. Tournaments (Danny/Insook Win $2,700 Nissen Open).
No write-up on the Oct. 22-23 Ponchos Restaurant Open at the Paddle Palace, but
winners will get either a poncho or an Argentinian beefsteak? Results: Open Singles: Ron
Carver over Quang Bui whod eliminated Judy Bochenski, 19 in the 5th. Open Doubles: Bui/
Dean Doyle over Apichart Sears/Bochenski. AAs: Bochenski over Jerry Vanecek. As: Paul
Chang over Dave Davallou. Modified A Doubles: Don Nash/Khoa Bui over Mark Walsh/Bob
Ho. Semis: Nash/Bui over Tom McBroom/Vanecek, 18 in the 3rd; Walsh/Ho over Joe
Romanowsky/Rick Livermore, -19, 20, 19. Bs: Gary Elwell over Bill Preston. B Doubles:
Elwell/Nash over Gary Leaf/John Fredrickson. Cs: Fredrickson over Jeff Frahler. Ds: John
Kretchmer over Chan Poovaviranon, 19 in the 3rd. Modified D Doubles: Nash/Burdon over
Leaf/Fredrickson, 22, 21. Es: Dan Kemper over Grant Hoskins, then over Bennett Hillman,
19 in the 3rd. Fs: Mike Hanks over Kemper. Gs: Randall Craig over Bill Arata. Rating: Tim
Sayre over McBroom, 20, -21, 19. Juniors: Romanowsky over Livermore,-17, 19, 19.
Juniors U-1200: Hanks over Jen-Haun Huang. Juniors U-800: Bob Romanowsky over
Richard Hosack.
Winners of the Great Pumpkin Open, held Oct.
15 in Sacramento, will get GREAT pumpkins? Any
pumpkins? Results: Open Singles: Steve Varela over
Erwin Hom whod gotten by Mike Greene and Dean
Wong, both in 5. Womens: Asuncion Manuta over
Nora Ching. As: Hom over Wong in 5. Bs: Tito
LeFranc over Bob Glen in 5. Cs: George Lowi over
Joe Ching. Ds: Glen Davis over Jim Bjornsson. C-D
Doubles: Keel/Hutzel (this is Andy Hutzel wholl play
out of Alaska in the new millennium?) over Nguyen/
Nguyen. Novice: Ron Thomas over Fred Newberry.
Seniors: Shonie Aki over Harry Nelson. Juniors:
Hom over Trong Nguyen.
Richard Alden tells us of some surprises at San
Diegos Oct. 22-23 Alex Alvarado Memorial Open.
Erwin Hom
First, there was an unusual inconvenience at this
Photo by Mal Anderson
Balboa Park tournament. A Saturday banquet
mistakenly scheduled in our usual site forced the tournament committee and other helpers to
move the tables, barriers, and assorted equipment across a parking lot Friday night, dismantle
everything Saturday night, and move back again Sunday morning.
As far as the play went, two entries had outstanding successes. John Merkel, 13, from
Phoenix, collected 1-2-3-4-5 trophies. And Russ Thompson, who last month at the CNE said
he was going to start a 10-mile running regimen, played various events, as in a marathon,
culminating in quite an advance in Open Singles. After 18 games in four rounds, and aided by
Jerry Fleischhackers upset of top seed Dennis Barish, Russ made it to the finals [over Ron
VonSchimmelman and Fleischhacker] for the first time in twenty years! There, 15-year-old
Jim Lane, whod eliminated 3-time U.S. Open Champion Bernie Bukiet, beat Russthanks to
Youth and the advantage of 100 rating points.
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Other Results: Open Doubles: Ricky Guillen/Stan Rosal over Bukiet/Rob Lange in 5,
then over Paul Groenig/ Randy Nedrow, 18 in the 5th. Womens: 1. Angie Rosal Sistrunk. 2.
Monica Rosal. 3. Cindy Cooper Feilen. Mixed Doubles: Jim Blommer (Topics hasnt seen him
for10 years?)/Monica Rosal over Stan Rosal/Angie Sistrunk. Esquires: Russ Thompson
over Richard Badger whod eliminated Fred Borges. Seniors: Dan Banach over Bill Hodge,
then over Thompson. U-17: Mike Terrel over Merkel. U-15: Merkel over Dan Wiig. U-13:
Wiig over Julian Ong.
AAs: Jeff Stewart over Mas Hashimoto. As: Sept.-Oct.
Topics Junior of the Month Tony Koyama over Nedrow, 18 in
the 5th. Bs: Jim Lynum over Peter Dunn. Cs: Dunn over Leon
Ruderman in 5. Ds: Merkel over Roger Nakano (from down 2-0).
Es: Merkel over Wiig. Fs: Merkel over Tom Highley in 5. Upper
Consolation: Terrel over Dennis Foster. Lower Consolation: Bob
Homer, Sr. over Jerry LaLande.
Well not get any report on the Colorado Open, held Oct.
1-2 in Denver, but four weeks later Paul Cracroft will give us
coverage of the Colorado Closed in Boulder. First, the results of
the Denver tourney. Championship Singles: Bob Dawidowicz over
Dean Doyle (what brought him to Denver?). Check out three
contested quarters matches: Stan Wolf over Todd Petersen, 19,
18, -21, 21; Doyle over Bruce Smith (from down 2-0); and Brad
Tony Koyama,
Junior of the Month
Fountain over Dennis Gresham, deuce in the 5th. Championship
Doubles: Bob and Kasia Dawidowicz over Doyle/Petersen, 21, 21, 20, 20, then over Mark Kennedy/Smith whod also been extended by Fountain/Jerry
Plybon, 17 in the 5th. Womens: Kasia over Liz Gresham. Mixed Doubles: Dawidowicz/
Dawidowicz over Gresham/Gresham.
As: Smith over Petersen. A Doubles: Al Martz/Wolf over Dana Jeffries/Jones. Bs: M.
Cohen over Roger Kuseski who snuck by F.B. Lucas, 24-22 in the 3rd. Cs: Dave DeWald over
Taplin. Ds: Tony Brock over M. Tesler. Consolation: Martz over Bob Burke. Under 13: Peter
Braun over J. Grow. Under 17: Kasia over Keith Kalny. Jr. Consolation: Lloyd Tillman, Jr.
over E. Lively. Under 21: Petersen over Doyle. Seniors: Dawidowicz over DeWald.
Esquires: Ed Stein over Bill Walsh.
Walsh, we find out from his good friend John Dawson, is Topics Nov.-Dec., 1977
Senior of the Month. I guess because he likes reading and listening to music and watching
old movies on TV, he didnt start playing serious table tennis until he was in his mid-50s. But
since then in Colorado state tournaments hes won the Seniors event so many times even he
has lost count. Many other times he has won Class A or Class B Singlesand once he even came
second in Championship Singles. He plays with a light, three-ply Hock with Tackiness chop
rubber on both sidesa slow racket that suits his mostly defensive game. Not only is he a very
good pusher, but he can hit too, and he and his oldest son Tim make a good doubles pair. The best
part of Bills game is his deceptive service. His serves are often so spinny and powerful thathe
can usually get 3 or 4 points a game from the best players in the state just on his serves.
To control that Tackiness rubber, Bill knows he has to play at least two or three nights
a week. Trouble is, his local club is open only one night a week. So he and some of his friends
go to other towns to playlike on Monday nights to Fort Collins. One time we figured it up
that Bill drives about 300 miles a week for table tennis.
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At the Boulder Closed, Bill Kalny called the matches, and National Coach Marty
Prager, whos decided to teach full time in the Denver area, gave a clinic. The Dawidowiczes
of course won everything they were supposed toso not much drama there. They took the
Championship Doubles from Bob Leatherwood and Paul Cracroft whod attended a Seemiller
coaching clinic this summer. In the Under 21s, Kasia out-countered Cracraft; and in the Under
17s, she hit through Tony Brocks oh-so spectacular defense. Not only does Kasia use her
slow, spinny loop well, she also occasionally (and surprisingly) flat-hits a push to her forehand.
Further, her steady, controlling backhand is too good for virtually everyone in the state.
Other Results: As: Paul Cracrafts blocks prevailed over Paul Williamss fast loops.
Bs: penholder John Garnett over Lloyd Tillman, Jr. Garnett uses heavy sidespin serves and
wood, and specializes in keeping his opponents off balance, disrupting their timing. He
presently runs a club and also teaches youngsters. Tillman is a fine close-to-the-table
attacker who, since hes a drummer in a rock band, has quick hand speed. B Doubles:
Roger Kuseski/Terry Travis over Bill/Tim Walsh. Under 15: Jim Cracraft upset Keith Kalny.
Jim won with a great combination of blocking and countering, often forcing Keith to hit shots
while moving. Maybe Kalny made a mistake in switching to Darker rubber? According to
the ad, thats the rubber the top fifty players are switching to [top fifty where?]. During the
match, Keith could be heard saying, I just cant hit with this! Also, he wasnt happy that Jim
got five nets in that last game!
Winners at Houston, Sept. 10-11: Open
Singles: Gary Fagan over Perry Schwartzberg
in 5. Best quarters match: Bruce Smith over
Hanumanth Rao (from down 2-0 and 20-all in
the 3rd). Mens Singles: Smith over
Swaminathan Bhaskar in 5, then over Don
Weems. Mens Doubles: Smith/Fagan over
Schwartzberg/Weems. Womens: Norma
LeBlanc over Shirley Woo. Womens Doubles:
LeBlanc/Sue Sargent over Ramsey/Michele
Haddix. Mixed Doubles: Bhaskar/Woo over
Gary Fagan, Houston Open Champion
Fagan/Cindy Garza.
As: David Harville over Jose Marin in 5. A Doubles: Melamed/Melamed over Wood/
Paul Green. Bs: Wood over Rick Hopper, 19 in the 4th, then over Ernest Rapp. B Doubles:
Bhaskar/S. Sundaresan over Paul LeBlanc/Lianza. Cs: Sundaresan over F. Haase. Novice: L.
Lam over Jim Clark. Consolations: Randy Womack over Green. Seniors: Jack Buddy
Melamed over R. Tucker whod knocked out D.G. Van Vooren, 24, 20, -18, 16. Juniors:
Rapp over Gary Melamed whod struggled by Mark McDonald (from down 2-0). Junior
Doubles: Rapp/Melamed over Stanley/Stanley in 5.
$2,700 Nissen Open
George Nissen had to miss his annual namesake tournament, held Sept. 10-11 at Cedar
Rapids, Iowawent hopping over to Poland for the World Trampoline Championships. But
U.S. Team Captain Houshang Bozorgzadeh had things pretty well under control. After all, in
real life hes an Activity Specialist at one of the oldest mental health institutes in the country,
and as a Recreational Therapist he ought to bring some sanity into the often zany, rubbercarefully-put-on/not-so-carefully-ripped-off world of tournament table tennis.
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Of course some of the better players did think that Houshangs persistence in forcing
everyone, even Danny Seemillerespecially Danny Seemillerto play through three hours or
more of preliminary round robin matches in the Open was just insane. But listen to me, Houshang
was arguing, a guy comes all the way from Florida to play Danny Seemiller. To which Danny,
resigned, could only complain, But Houshang, everybody in my bracket is from Iowa.
Still, was this format really so bad for the top player? Couldnt he adapt? Ray Guillen,
intent on expending a minimum of time and energy on such nonsense, simply went out to his
groups assigned table and said, Alright, everybody, beginning right now Im gonna play each
of you in a row and then forget about all thisso lets get started. Whos first?
Out came the expected qualified players then into the draw proper without much ado.
True, Chicagos Mike Kenny complained about having to play seeded clubmate Jim Davey
so what did the obliging Tournament Committee do? Resolved the complaint as any of
Houshangs grinning inmates would have: they put Mike in against his other seeded clubmate,
Paul Pashuku, whom Mike thought he was also going to have to play in the 8ths of the As.
Oh well, Mike and everybody else had plenty of beer and pizza at the fun party
Houshang always arranges for usa Saturday night warm-up, you might say, for the more
serious play on Sunday. Shakeys even provided a kind of game roomfor the kids. And
though Brandon Olson, after his 5-game loss to Scott Butler here in a turnabout replay of his
Hollywood-won U.S. Under 11 Championship probably felt like shooting something or
somebody, it was mostly Eric Boggan who time and again was drawn to that Gun Fight
shoot-out game. Nobody could beat me, he said happily, innocently, as each dying
gunslinger opposite could only gasp the same Uhhh, you got me!
There was one tremendous upset
in the Open though on Saturday
when Jim Schnorf (who qualified
second in his round robin bracket
after a loss to Nebraskas scrappy
Todd Petersen) defeated Insook
Bhushan in the first round. Jim said
that when he was serving he gave
Insook fast
sidespin serves
to her
forehand, then
killed her
Jim Schnorf
return; and
that when Insook was chop-serving to him he topspinned his Mark V
side to her forehand a few times then switched to his Sriver Killer and
now if she popped the ball up he hit it through her. Schnorf, whos into
running and lifting heavy weights, covered the court with the kind of
agility and control he shows during the week in keeping the accounts of
that caterpillar tractor company he works for.
Naturally Insook did win the Womens Singlesover Barb
Taschner who defeated Takako Trenholme to come second. This year
Takako left Simiko and Geoffrey at home, and, not having to fix
Simiko Trenholme
anybody any breakfast, or maybe not even eating any herself, was out
Photo by Mal Anderson
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early, jumpsuit-jogging up and down the streets. In a continuing battle for forehand supremacy
Barb won the first game from Takako and, though down 20-15 in the second, got to deuce
before losing it to even the match. That rally stopped, she also dropped the third before finally
wresting the offense to take the last two games. Did working for a pharmaceutical company
help Barb rise to the occasion? Cmon, she said smiling, You asked me that last year. You know
I dont take that stuff. Sheila ODougherty, the other semifinalist, downed Barbara for 3rd Place.
Ill pick up the Open Singles in a moment, but first the Results of the other events: Mens
Doubles: Danny/Ricky Seemiller over Eric Boggan/Ray Guillen. Womens Doubles: Taschner/
ODougherty over Grace Ide/Cheryl Dadian. Mixed Doubles: Danny/Insook over Ray/Barbara.
As: Scott Boggan and Paul Pashuku split the prize money. In the semis, Paul beat Jim Lazarus (as
did Davey, 19 in the 5th, in the Open); Scott beat Todd Petersen. Bs: Leonard McNeece over Joe
Yoon, 18 in the 5th. Cs: Brian Westphal over Henry Mak, 16, 21, -26, 21. Ds: Nader Pakroo over
Dadian, 18 in the 4th. Mens Novice: Dan Wiig over Danny Brokow, deuce in the 4th.
Under 20s: Rick Seemiller and Eric Boggan split the prize money. Under 17s: Yoon over
Petersen. Seniors: Tim Boggan over Californian Bob Ashley. (McNeece was rightly quite put out
at not being seeded second in this $100 first-prize event; he should have been on Ashleys side of
the draw.) Bob had momentarily returned to tournament play for the first time in seven years, for as
readers of previous volumes know hed been all over the world giving exhibitions for the Harlem
Globetrotters, and was now about to go off with them again on a tour of the Far East.
From the four corners of the Open Singles draw came the four round robin
semifinalistsDanny Seemiller, Ray Guillen, Ricky Seemiller, and Eric Boggan.
Danny and Ray had moved into the round robin without incidentthough Ray did lose
a game to Scott Boggan who, coming from play the week before in Toronto, complained that
not only were the lights bothering him but that the air was different here, so much so that he
continually had to make unsatisfactory adjustments to his generally effective toss-up serve.
Ricky didnt have much trouble with Pashuku and his forehand in the quarters, but back in
the eighths he was jarred a little by the older Bogganthat is, me. I won the first at deuce (and
changed sides to hear Danny yell, A good player doesnt lose deuce games!). Then I lost
(comfortably some people might say) the next two games. Then I was match-point down, 20-12.
So? So on my serve and Rickys carelessness I quickly got to 20-15. After which I surprised not
only my opponent but myself by backhand and forehand hitting in four of Rickys dreaded spin
serves! So now I was match-point down, 20-19. At which point, Ricky, perhaps more embarrassed
than worried, really juiced up a sidespin chop serve that I, showing more sense than might be
expected of one in such a trance, pushed back
and played on until Ricky returned a high ball
that slanted down (like this: /)yep, an
irretrievable edge. Gosh, I said. Darn it, I
said.
Eric had a good quarters match with
Randy Seemiller who back in the qualifying
round had just gotten by Under 17 winner Joe
Yoon, deuce in the 3rd. Boggan, up a game but
down 20-17 in the second, rallied to win it.
Then, though Seemiller took the third, he got
off to a bad start in the fourth and couldnt
recover.
Randy Seemiller in action
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The first of the final round robin matches features Danny and Eric. Seemiller wins 3-0,
but is down in one game 9-4, down in another 17-13 before more or less overpowering his
105-pound opponent.
Next up are Ricky and Ray. In the first game, Ricky, 20-19 up, blocks back Rays allout loop for a start-off winner. As the players round the table, Houshang suddenly comes
running over and wants to make sure the players are using the official TSP tournament ball.
Turns out theyre not. Theyre using a Nittakujust like in last years round robin final. Ray
prefers the Nittaku that bounces out and forward and so is better for a spinner, whereas Ricky
with his antispin argues for the heavier TSP that dies at the table. But since Eric has wanted
the TSP in his matches (for the same reason as Ricky), and has played with it against Danny,
thats the ball that everyones going to use.
In the second game, Ray, down 17-13, ties it up at 17-all, falls behind again, 19-17,
then shows hes very much alive with a backhand lob counter, and almost runs out the game
has Ricky 20-19. Then deuce. And now Ricky serves and misses Rays return. Follows by
failing to loop a ball in. Games 1-1.
In the third, Rickys down 12-6, but has it all tied up at 13-all.then 19-all. Ricky
serves and Rays return is offonly the ball hits Rickys racket. Ridiculous rule. But up 20-19
Guillen cant take advantageand soon fickle lucks with Ricky; he wins on an edge.
Seemiller begins the fourth by serving off, and Ray, up 4-0, is soon noisy. Which prompts the
guy sitting next to me to say, Why, if the spectators are asked to be quiet, do the players get
to scream? But Ray quiets down as Ricky wins 12 of the next 14 points! These strange table
tennis bio-rhythmshow explain them, huh? Ray wins 15 of the next 19! In the fifth, from 7all, Ray rushes to 17-9 and coasts home.
Danny, or someone, ought to coach these players how not to give up such strings of
points. Actually, Dannys been teaching so much lately that he says he himself is thinking much
better at the table, is thinking all the time, and can really tell the difference. Thats why,
without much practice, he can still beat everyone three straight, including Ray and Ricky here.
In the other two matches, Boggan upsets Guillen in four, but loses to Ricky in straight
games. Against Eric, Ray, down 20-15 in the first, literally gives up the gamebackhand kills
Erics serve into the net. Down 20-12 match point in the fourth, he throws up his hands in a
shrug of a defense, says, Nobody forces the ball in L.A. Eric lost a key 21-19 first game to
Ricky who in the semis of the Under 20s had to go 5 to beat Erics brother Scott. Between
them, both Boggan boys, just turned 16 and 14, have averaged a 250-point rise in the ratings
in the last year. So it seems certain that if they continue to progress History and their father
will tell us more about them in days to come.
Results of the Oct. 15 Wisconsin Open in Milwaukee: Open Singles: Geoff Graham,
20, 19, -15, 18, over Wayne Wasielewski who survived two tough matchesfirst with Joe
Bujalski, 19 in the 5th, then with Norm Schless (after losing 24-22 and 26-24 games). As:
Bujalski over Mike Menzer. A Doubles: Wong/Gaiton over Wasielewski/Binder, 20, 19. Bs:
Tom Breunig over Jim Dalland. Cs: Brugger over R. Wong. Ds: J. Binder over M. Olsson,
23, -21, 21, then over R. Kolb, -7, 20, 19. C-D Consolation: Lageroos over Buehler.
Handicap: Dalland over Lageroos. Seniors: Bujalski over Ted Stomma, 18 in the 3rd. U-17:
Cheryl Dadian over Binder. U-15: Binder over Dalland.
Tom McEvoy tells us that at the Oct. Grand Rapids Open, played at the Garfield Park
Lodge, there wasnt a 2000 player in the field. Mike Baber, who d won last months Great
Lakes Open at the Lodge from Michigans #1 Junior, Steve Claflin, didnt enter. Results: Open
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Singles: Holowchak (rated 1763lowest ever to win a Grand Rapids Open Singles) over
McEvoy, 20, 18, 20, then over Mike Moriarty in 5. 3rd place: Hayes over McEvoy in 5. Open
Doubles: Moriarty/Doney over McEvoy/John Missad. As/Bs: Doney over Holowchak. Cs:
Brian Westphal over Dave Williams. C Doubles: McEvoy/Missad over Williams/Dan Oates
who had several stitches on the heavily bandaged middle finger of his playing hand (cut himself
with a butcher knife). Ds: Lee Bahlman over DeWeagener, 23-21 in the 3rd. Novice:
Leuchtner over Jim Rowe. Beginners: Terry Johnson over Carl McAloose, -20, 20, 20.
Handicap: Leuchtner over Scott Vanderlinde. Seniors: Hayes over Larry Ryel whod upset
Wood. U-17: Doney over Bill Reid.
Bob Beatty, self-criticizing the scheduling he was
responsible for that resulted in many defaults, reports on the
Oct. 15 Open held at the Detroit Club: Open Singles: Mike
Veillette over Chuck Burns whod eliminated Larry Wood, 19
in the 3rd. As: Claflin over Burns who won out over Jeff Smart,
but whose Phantom, he said, didnt get me a single point
against the Claflin kid. Bs: D. Thelan over Claflin. Cs: Bob
Quinn over S. Caplin. Ds: Genevieve Hayes over R. Cloutier.
Es: H. Pao over Terry Durance (a good sport who allowed the
final to be played a week and a half after the tournament).
Novice: B. Turnbull over Vanderlinde. Beginners: Black over
Ross Sanders. U-17: S. Claflin over Doney whod advanced
over Torsten Pawlowski, 19 in the 3rd. U-15: Claflin over
Pawlowski whod advanced over Doney, 19 in the 3rd.
Winners at the Sept.
10-11 Cleveland Open: Open
Singles: 1.Greg Collins (3-0).
Mike Veillette,
2. Se Kwan Oh, 2-1. 3.
Detroit Open Winner
Charles Butler, 1-2 (defeated
Spencer, 26-24 in the 3rd). 4.
John Spencer, 0-3. Oh beat Bob Powell in the quarters: -11,
18, 20, 19. As: Mike Joelson over Roy Dietz. Bs: Huebner
over Klein, 19 in the 5th, then over Dick Ruppe. Cs: Allen
over Ho who knocked out Lew Bragg in 5. Ds: Kerry
OBrien over Harrison, deuce in the 4th, then over Papp who
outlasted Lang, 18 in the 5th. Novice: Joe Passov over Paul
Rovnak. Esquires: Lou Radzeli over Walt Bubley. Seniors:
Radzeli over Richling. Under 17: OBrien over Passov.
Under 15: Steve Claflin over Pawlowski whod eliminated
Doney, 19 in the 3rd.
Greg Collins,
Power Poon reports that the Sept. 25 Baton Rouge
Cleveland
Open Winner
tournament marked the first time that the Louisiana Open
and Closed were held together. John Quick won the Closed
Championship for the third consecutive time and was awarded the Travelling Silver Cup.
Results: Open Singles: Quick over Dave Harville. Closed Singles: Quick over Ron Huff. Open
Doubles: Quick/Glenn Piper over Tom Baudry/Hoff. Womens: Carrie Joseph over Silvia Con.
Mixed Doubles: Alan Long/Joseph over Tom Baudry/ Melinda Varner. As: Hoff over Power
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Poon who escaped Piper, 19, 24, 17. A Doubles: David

Kagan/Leo Pacheco over Bill
Chung/M. Khatibi. Bs: Kagan
over Khatibi. Seniors: Poon
over David Dunn, 18 in the 5th.
U-17s: Malcolm Latour over
Ed Poon, -19, -11, 19, 22, 20.
Junior Consolation: Steve
Sebastlear over Patrick Hu.
Under 13s: Justin McDonald
over Ed Poon.
Larry Buell points out
John Quick receiving his third straight Louisiana Closed trophy
that the playing surface for this
from Power Poon
years $1,000 Atlanta Fall
Openthe cement floor of an old fairgrounds buildinghad lost all semblance of traction
due to the intrusion of a mold that had developed in the dank atmosphere of the building.
Naturally the entrants were dismayed at the prospect of playing as if they were forced to wear
roller skates. What could be done? Preceding the second days play, a crew of willing
volunteersscattered reams of kitty litter over the entire playing surface and then with
anxious anticipation swept it into awaiting trash bins. Ah, much better.
Results: Championship Singles: Chuchai Chan over Greg Gingold, 3-0though Greg,
fanatically determined,made an awesome display of retrievals and counters that got him to
deuce one game. In the one semis, Gingold defeated an ailing Monty Merchant. Combating
an impacted tooth as well as his opponents, Monty struggled to win two 5-game matches
first, over a vastly underrated Larry Thoman, then over Steve Rigo. In the other semis, Jim
McQueen, after well-deserved victories over Olga Soltesz and John Elliott, fell and strained a
leg muscle in the second game of his match with Chan and was forced to retire.
Meanwhile, John Elliott
John Elliott
had quite a story to tell:
Photo by Mal Anderson

The night after the

first day of play he had sampled
our Atlanta entertainment and
found it so enchanting he
managed to lose contact with
his host for the evening and
wound up hitching a ride at
two in the morning to a remote
gas station he guessed to be
somewhere near his hosts house. From then until I found out about his situation and picked
him up at six in the morning he tried phoning half the community of Marietta, Georgia to find his
contact. This after having stayed up throughout the previous night to drive here from Florida. As I
nursed him back to sanity after his ordeal he simply told me he hoped his host would show up with
his clothes and bat so he could play this morning. Well, his host did show up, and play John did
managing to upset Homer Brown in the eighths of the Championship Singles event.
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Other Results: Championship Doubles: Chan/Merchant

Bobby
over Thoman/George Cooper. Womens: Olga Soltesz over Bev
Marcus
Photo by
Patterson. As: Elliott over Mike Johnson in 5, then over Pete May,
Michael
th
19 in the 5 (from down 2-0). Bs: Ralph Kissel over Thomas
Wetzel
Nunes who, as if not burdened enough by the demands of school
and a job, came back from two games down to oust Johnson in
the semis. Thomass unusual style of play (dropping back deep
for chops then rushing fiercely to the table for put-away smashes)
is always exciting to behold. B Doubles: Thoman/Larry Bartley
over
Bev
Patterson/
Randy
Hess.
Cs:
Bobby
Marcus over Steve Federico, then
over Jim Flannagan. Ds: Paul
Kommel over Federico. Es: Sean
ONeill over Mark Gibson, 19 in the
3rd. Fs: Earl Huffman over Conrad
Fisher. Seniors: Herb Beckham over
Doyle Dye. Senior As: Huffman
over Gus Armes. Juniors: Walter
Wintermute over Cecil Brooks in 5.
Junior As: Sean ONeill over Jay
Ahmad.
Martin-Kilpatrick, the U.S.
Distributor since 1960 for the
Tokyo-based Tamasu Companys
Butterfly line of table tennis
equipment, opened a new complex in
Wilson, N.C. Oct. 20. It houses
executive offices, showrooms, and
shipping facilities servicing over
3,000 sporting goods retailers, and
table tennis clubs in the U.S., Central
America, and Puerto Rico. It also
offers a playing room for equipment
demonstrations, product research
and development, clinics, and
tournament play. Company
President Bowie Martin, former
U.S. Southeastern Champion, says
hell continue to sponsor U.S. World
and National Junior Teams.
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This new Butterfly Centerwith its excellent

lighting, fast Butterfly tables, and dark-paneled
wallsheld its first tournament, the North Carolina
Closed, on Oct. 22. Results: Championship Singles:
Fred King over Steve Hitchner in 5, then over KuoSan Chung. Two strongly contested quarters matches:
Jim McQueen over Paul Kommel, 18 in the 5th, and
Hitchner over Tom Poston, 19 in the 5th. Mens
Doubles: Chung/Quan Trinh Doan over McQueen/
Poston. As: Hitchner over Walter Wintermute. Bs:
Clyde Vincent over Wintermute whod advanced over
Bowie Martin, 18, 19. Cs: Poston over James
Wiggins, 18 in the 5th. Ds: William Collier over Oscar
Galavis. Consolation: Doan over Vincent. Boys U-17:
Wintermute over Marius Vincent. Boys U-15: Bowie
Martin, Jr. over Vincent. Girls U-15/U-13: Esperanza
Esperanza Vincent
Vincent over Pam Millinder. Junior Doubles:
Photo by Mal Anderson
Wintermute/Greg Cox over Martin, Jr./Whit Morgan.
Fella in a U.S. Penitentiary, 30 years old, who in 1973 had formed a table tennis club
called The Racketeers and had arranged matches against outside clubs in the Pennsylvania
area will be paroled Nov. 15, 1977, and will be staying at a halfway house in Baltimore. He
loves the Sport and tells Topics he expects to be available weekends for practice play or
tournaments. Wonder if hes still availablethough hes not rated in, say, the July-Aug., 2008
USA Table Tennis magazine.
As expected, Danny Seemiller beat Ricky Seemiller in the Championship Singles final
at Monty Merchants Oct. 8-9 Holiday Inn Classic at McLean, VA. But this so often played
mirror match was watched by so few people that it seemed nobody thought Ricky could win.
Of course the Yankees and the Royals were in the early innings of the 5th game of their pennant
play-off and nobody wanted to give up their beer-and-pretzels seat in front of Montys TV. But
why then werent there so many to watch Ricky just get by ex-Thai Champ Chuchai Chan in 5
in the semis? Because the football games were onwhat else? Monty, who works hard to put
on a good tournament, thinks it would be nice if players also watched TV from a room at the
sponsoring Holiday Inn.*
In the other semis, George (The Chief) Brathwaite capped a very good tournament
by putting up a tough fight against Danny. He won the first game, and, except for returning
serve, often played our U.S. Champion point for point even. In the quarters, George outlasted
Mike Bush who as far back as the first round had been complaining that any tournament
Seemiller played in ought to feature a semifinal round robinsince no one in Dannys half had
a chance for 2nd-Place prize money. Mike was so worried about Danny that maybe he didnt
concentrate enough on The Chief who just hung on to win, 19 in the 5th.
Against Danny in the quarters, Eric Boggan almost won the first gametwice had the
ad, but lost 24-22. Erics father was quite put out even before the matches began when he
discovered that Rating Chair Neal Fox had (inadvertently?) sent old ratings to Jim Mossberg
and his computerfor, instead of being seeded fifth, as he should have been, Eric was seeded
7th and thus programmed to play his $100 quarters match against #1 seed Danny. Scott
Boggan got by Rutledge Barry in 5 (Rutledge said he was sick of something or other), then
167

managed to take a game from the 2368rated Chan. Roger Sverdlik, before
losing to Ricky in the quarters, defeated
Errol Resek in 5. Not only is Errol back
playing again, but hes back with wife
Jairie. In the 16ths, Mike Stern, who
under Ali Oveissis patronage has been
playing much more than he used to,
came from 2-1 down to oust Charles
Butler (Charles plays in more
tournaments now than even Sakai?).
Other results: Mens Doubles:
Seemiller/Seemiller over Barry/Bush.
Womens: Donna Newell over Yvonne
Kronlage. It took all of Yvonnes
Charles Butler
persistence (No, Carl doesnt play any
Photo by Mal Anderson
more; no, Curt doesnt play any more;
but, yes, dammit, Im going to play!) to pull out a -14, 20, 11 win over Xuan Ferguson back
playing after a four-year absence. Good to have you back, Xuan. Mixed Doubles: D.
Seemiller/Jackie Heyman over R. Seemiller/Kronlage, deuce in the 3rd. Seniors: Bill Sharpe
over Tim Boggan. Hard Rubber: T.Boggan over Sharpe, then over Lim Ming Chui. Strange,
Sharpe used the same modified hard rubber racket throughout, but Tim had been using sponge
before switching.
As: Joe Rokop over Sam Balamoun, after Sam had outlasted Steve Lowry in 5. Bs:
Pete Schuld over Thurt Tran whod eliminated Larry McMillan, 18 in the 5th. Cs: Schuld over
Andy Dibdon, 19 in the 5th (from 2-0 down), then over Ray Chen. Ds: Mike Shapiro over
James Wiggins, deuce in the 4th, then over Ben Nisbet. Es: Jerry Leslie over Hung Tran in 5,
then over James Bloomquist. Fs: Bao Tran over Max McAllister, 24-22 in the 3rd, then over
Nisbet. Novice: Khanh Nguyen over Tran. Boys U-17: Lowry over Masters. Girls U-17:
Heyman over Ai-Wen Wu. Boys U-15: Shapiro over Masters. U-13: Sean ONeill over Wu.
Consolation: Brian Masters over Larry Hodges.
Hodges (TTT, Nov.-Dec., 1977, 4) looks ahead to the potential of Masters and
ONeillmakes a pitch for sponsorship for them. Masters, 13, is not only a good pusher/
blocker but has recently learned to flat hit very well, and is rapidly developing a loop. In a
hypothetical U.S. U-14 Division, he would be ranked second only to Eric Boggan. Sean,
just turned 10, is the #1-rated player in the U.S. U-11s. An extremely smart player despite
his age, with a Wuvanich-like forehand, hes had the advantage of having Chuchai Chan live at
his house. Realize that in 1979, Brian will still be playing in the U-15s, Sean in the U-11s.
That is, if they dont lose interestand we dont want that to happen, right? So heres your
opportunityGet on the ball, Manufacturers!
Results of the Oct. 15-16 Philadelphia Liberty Bell Open: Open Singles: Mike Bush
over Mike Stern. (Best late-round match: Parviz Mojaverian over Ali Oveissi, 23-21 in the 4th.)
As: Matt Dixon over Enoch Green in 5. Bs: Hank McCoullum over Marv Plevinsky. Cs:?
Ds: Paul Rubas over Kellog Kwok. Es: A. Dibdin over Guy Tommy: Castronovo. Fs:
Robert Travers over Tom Steen, deuce in the 3rd, then over Seymour Shenkman, 19 in the 3rd.
Ns: Steen over Dan Simon, after Dan had eliminated Erich Haring, deuce in the 3rd. Xs: D.
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Pontrelli over A. Moralis who knocked out Scott Harrison, deuce in the 3rd. Handicap Singles:
M. Bolmer over Tim Kent. Handicap Doubles: Andy Diaz/Fung over Dibdin/Plevinsky.
Seniors: Jim Releford over Shenkman. U-17: S. Khurana over Darryl Williams. U-15:
Pontrelli over Richard Spear.
Winners in the Sept. 10-11 Westfield Open: Open Singles: George Brathwaite over
Dave Sakai. (Best late-round matches: Sakai over Bill Sharpe, -18, 21, 20, 19; Sharpe over
Chui. 19 in the 4th; Roger Sverdlik over Mike Stern in 5.) Open Doubles: Brathwaite/Dave
Philip over Sverdlik/Mike Lardon. Womens: Dana Gvildys over Edith Nitchie. As: Al
Schwartz over Carl Danner, 18 in the 3rd, then over Charles Butler. A Doubles: Schwartz/Doon
Wong over Don Garlanger/Barry Robbins. Bs: Marcy Monasterial over Elmer Wengert. Cs:
Ron Luth over Ralph Bockoven, 24-22 in the 3rd, then over Alan Feldman,
18, 25. Jerry Golubow said that when Ron was attending that Baptist
College in Charleston, S.C. and first started playing at the local club, he
had five serves, and always used them in the same order, never varied
them. Could he still be doing that? Ds: Feldman over Ray Wu. Es:
Claude Jumet over Larry Hodges, deuce in the 3rd. Fs: Richard. Robbins
over Aecides Cordero. Esquires: Henry Deutsch over Monasterial.
Seniors: Doon Wong over Deutsch. U-17: Bockoven over Julian Millan
who rallied by Brian Eisner-17, 20, 19. U-13 (Double Elimination): Alan
Steif over Ai-Wen Wu (2-1).
At the Sept. 17-18 Highland Park Open in Brooklyn, Mike Bush won
the Open Singles from Eric Boggan whod eked out a 24-22-in-the-5th
semis over George Brathwaite. Other close matches: Bush over semifinalist
Doon Wong
Rutledge Barry, 18 in the 4th; Sverdlik over Tim Boggan, 18 in the 5th (from
2-0 down); Mike Lardon over Ali Oveissi, deuce in the 4th; Eric Boggan
over Dave Sakai, 18 in the 4th. Ladies went to Alice Green Sonne over Carol Davidson.
Other Results: Under 2150: Lardon over Tim Boggan. Under 2000: Alex Sze over Dan
Green. Under 1900: Sid Jacobs over Carol Davidson. Under 1800: Andy Diaz over Davidson,
25-23 in the 3rd, then over Brian Eisner, 19 in the 5th. Under 1700/U-1600: Kellog Kwok over
David Taylor. Under 1500: Henry Chan over Pam Simon. Seniors: Brathwaite over Bill
Sharpe. Boys U-17: Paul Gvildys over Jeff Pedicini. Boys U-15: Pedicini over DuttaChoudbury. Boys U-13: Alan Steif over Richard Spear. Girls U-17: Ai-Wen Wu over Simon.
Girls U-15: Simon over Ai-Wen Wu. Girls U-13: Ai-Wen Wu over Ai-Ju Wu.
At the Money Player Open, held Oct. 29-30 at Reismans Broadway Club, The Master
himself deigned to play in his tournament. Last time this happened, Marty elected to enter after
the matches had reached the quarters. This time, at the last minute, dressed in his customary
beret and casual street clothes, he decided to play in the Mens and had no qualms about
putting himself in against me. Naturally he lost the first gameand then (what else in the
Money Player Open?) promptly bet $150 and beat me 3-0. Or almost. Up 20-14 match point
in the fourth, he stops play, comes over to speak to me privately, then turns to those hes
betting with and says he wants to withdrawlosing the match but winning the money, O.K.?
Yeah, yeah, o.k., say all my erstwhile backersacknowledging not only that the bum has no
chance but that by now theyve lost all interest in the match. So Im still in the Mens, and, before I
continue with my chance to win it, Im going to give you the Results of the other events.
Womens Singles: Alice Green over Yip Kam Chun. 3rd-Place: Rebecca Munn. As
(Under 2150): Horace Roberts in 5 over Tim Boggan, then over Steve Berger. Bs (Under
169

2000): Bruce Abrams over Stu Kroll, 19 in the 5th. Cs (Under 1850):
Andy Dibdin over Steve Horowitz, then over Hans Wolter, 19 in the 4th.
Ds (Under 1750): Wolter over Howard Bush. Es (Under 1650):Aldo
Gardella over Maximo Vazquez, -18, 20, 19, then over H. Bush, 19 in
the 4th. Fs (Under 1500): Don Peters over S. Huang. Gs (Under
1350): Darryl Williams over Wilbert Guy, 19, -10, 21, then over John
Quinto, 24-22 in the 4th. Handicap: Williams over Roberts (with a 40point spot). Handicap Doubles: Tony Gegelys/Williams over Gardella/
Pete Schuld.
Coming back to the Mens, I wish it would help my confidence
to say that, after being humiliated by Reisman, I then went on to smash
Roger Sverdlik two straightyeah, in a-3-out-of-5 game match. Or
Dr. Steve Horowitz
that I got a big boost, after being 2-0 down in the final of the As, in a
From New York Magazine, two-hour, unexpedited match with Horace Roberts, that I came back to
May 11, 1998
lose in 5.
Nor was it a good day for my boys. On one side of the Mens
draw, Scott, after struggling with Romanian refugee Cornel Gavris, was convincingly beaten
by Sverdlik who in the semis would be too steady for Mike Stern, second-round victor over
my other son, Eric. After waiting 7 hours to play his first match, Eric lost the first two games
to pips-out Womens Champ Alice Green before finally winning in 5. Then, against Stern, he
again started much too slowly, but this time, though again fighting back (-9, -15, 17, -22), he
couldnt pull it out. Stern himself was almost out of it in the first round, but just managed to
get by a much improved Steve Berger, 18 in the 5th. Steve, under Dick Miless tutelage, has
taken to giving lessonsor at least to having some beautiful ads made up that will convince
everyone of that.
On the other side of the Mens draw, Dave Sakai, who about this time was starting his
second 24-hour day on the premises, was still wide awake enough to beat Errol Resek in 5.
Then, in his semis, after winning the first against Mike Bush, he lost a key third game at 19
that might have made him a winner instead of a four-game loser. David, now that hes finished
his Money, Credit, and Banking course, and can concentrate solely on Football, says that he
feels like a carefree college kid and that his game is much the better for it. Perhaps hell open a
full-time Table Tennis Center?
Bush, who on the advice ofhow hes risen in the worldhis agent, wants to write an
article for Topics under the pseudonym Name Withheld.
He started off the tournament by losing the first game to
Puerto Rican Champ Charlie Rodriguez. Then he went two
deuce games with Horace Roberts whos been encouraging
me in my recent jogging when everybody else says Im
going to have a heart attack.
Finally, then, it was time for Bush and Sverdlik
Howie Bush, that is, and Rogerto put aside their gin
game, so that Roger can get out there before a packed,
coming-in-off-the-street crowd and lose a -14, -20, 17. -21
thriller to Mike.
A table tennis/card player who had better credentials
Puerto Rican Champ
than Mike or Roger, New Yorker Eddie Pinner, died
Charlie Rodriguez
170

recently at age 53 after a long illness. He was the 1941 U.S. Open Mens Singles runner-up to
Pagliaro, and (with Cy Sussman) a three-time U.S. Open Doubles Champion. Later, he became
a bridge expert who taught at Manhattans Card School, and shortly before his death he and
his teammates won a record third victory in the prestigious Von Zedwitz double knockout
team championships.
Barry Margolius gives us the Results of the Fall New England Team Tournament held
at the Waltham Club. Helddid our Regional Tournament Director fall asleep at his
sanctioning desk?the same weekend as the Reisman tournament. As a result, Connecticut
teams were conspicuous by their absence. There were two round robin groups. In advancing
from Group A, Waltham #1 (Frank Dwelly, Benny Hull, and Surasak Koakataveechi) defeated
Boston (Rory Brassington, Harry Morris, Ralph Robinson, and Frank Studley). Key matches
were: Surasak over Brassington; and Dwelly over Robinson and Morris (revenge for his New
England Closed loss). In advancing from Group B, Providence (Rick Ferri, Sparky James,
and Ed and Haig Raky) defeatedindeed, blitzedWaltham #2 (Jim Apostolou, Bill Dean,
and Al Millett).
In the final, Providence
got off to a good start
though Ferri lost to Surasak,
James looped and lobbed his
way through Dwellyand
then Haig Raky defeated Ben
Hull. (Haig, after playing for
many years, has suddenly
become one of the most
rapidly improving players in
New England.) But then
Providence could do no more,
lost 5-2. Some of our juniors
scored upsets: Freedman over
Moy; Nisbet over Millet, and
Haig Raky
Newell over Dean and
Photo by Mike Rosedale
Apostolou. Also, Ralph
Bockoven went three with
Brassington and Dwelly. Its a
shame, though, that the
Juniors from Connecticut and Rhode Island didnt comethis is the kind of tournament that
fosters club camaraderie, and they should have been here.
SELECTED NOTES
*Jairie Resek will soon tell us that well be losing Monty Merchant completely to
tennis. The decision was hard to come by. Monty put a lot of money and time into the game
something like $10,000 in eight tournaments. Hes doing well otherwisehas invested in a
new car and townhouse and has definitely decided to stay in McLean. You could see this
cominghe just wasnt getting enough cooperation from the players to make a go of his
clubs.

171

Chapter Twelve
1977: U.S. Mens Team at Hong Kong Invitational, and at U.S.-Iran Matches in
Tehran. 1977: Harrison Meets Four-Time World Champion Kimiyo Matsuzaki in Japan (Talk
of Zhuang Zedong). 1977: Campeons of Yesteryear Play in Mexico City. 1977: Scandinavian
and French Open Results/Ek New Swedish Captain/Coach. 1977: Carl Danner on the
English Players and the Middlesex Open. 1977: Indian Players Association Leaders
Arrested, Force Abandonment of National Championships.
U.S. Team Captain/Coach Houshang Bozorgzadeh and Danny Seemiller (TTT, Nov.Dec., 1977, 1+) report on the Oct. Hong Kong Invitational. Their initial stop, said Houshang,
was at Tokyos Butterfly complex where the U.S. Teamthe Seemilleer brothers, Ray Guillen,
and Dean Galardiwere outfitted with complete uniforms, warm-up suits, bags, and
paddles.
Once in Hong Kong they found the hospitality excellentthe Miramar Hotel very
accommodating, the food fit for a gourmet. The tournamentwith teams from China, Japan,
Hong Kong, U.S.A., and Englandwas well publicized, well organized, and, according to
Houshang, well run from beginning to end, though as well see in a moment Danny will voice
some serious reservations about the draws. Also, Houshang admits that the MacPherson
Stadium wasnt air-conditioned. However, the opening ceremony was beautiful, and many top
Hong Kong government officials were on hand. All the matches were played on ONE table,
and with 24 umpires available, eight of them officiated each match! Who watched? About
2,500 enthusiastic, shouting fanaticsthere for every session, and many viewed the matches
from afar, since the tournament was on National TV every day. As Danny writing up the play
said, Everyone was quite impressed and grateful just to have been a part of it all.
The month before, China, whod sent a Team to this Hong Kong Invitational, had held
their National Championshipswith the following results: Womens: Huang Hsi-ping. 2. Yang
Ying. 3. Chang Te-ying. 4. Tien Ching. 5. Pu Ju-fen. Mens: 1. Kuo Yao-hua. 2. Liang Keliang. 3. Huang Tung-shen. 4. Teng Yi. 5. Huang Liang.
On the day of the opening ceremony only one tie was played: China vs. the U.S. First
up was Ricky vs. the current Chinese Champion Kuo Yao-hua (later two-time World
Champion Guo Yuehua). Kuo was absolutely marvelous in this match, said Dannyand
though Ricky lost 9 and 11, he really played pretty well, except he just could not return the
mans serves.
Houshang had an opportunity to interview the 22-year-old Kuo and this is what he
found out:
Hes been playing the game since he was 12, is now a physical education major at
the University of Fukien. His father is an elementary teacher in the community of Minhom,
also in Fukien province, in southeast China. Kuo has two brothers, one older, one younger.
Aside from table tennis, which he practices 3 to 4 hours a day, his favorite sports (they help to
condition him) are swimming and distance running (at various speeds).
In the second match of our tie with China, Danny, very nervous against Liao Fu-min,
was down 20-14 in the first game, but, with the crowd cheering my every point, I deuced it,
20-20! But then he lost it, 22-20. In the 2nd, Danny was in there at 15-all, only to falter.
172

Kuo Yao-huas high-toss serve

From Ron Shirleys Table Tennis, April-July, 1977

Against the magical chopper, Huang

Liang, Dean couldnt read the ball, and was
beaten 5 and 12.
Surprise! Danny led Kuo 12-5, 18-15 in
the 1st. But Kuo rallied: he got the serve at
18-17and high-up it went, and his score up
too21-18. Second game: 21-10I just
couldnt handle his high-toss serve. In fact, I
think its completely illegal. When Kuo
throws up the ball he spins it off his hand. Of
course he doesnt do this every time, and he
has great serves either waybut the Hong
Kong umpires refused to even consider my
request. And what did Kuo say about
Danny? His style is not that great, but
physically he is very strong and aggressive.
Any good player can have trouble with him
on their first meeting. Considering Danny is
World #35, thats damning with faint praise?
Last up was Rickyand against Liang it
was soon all over. Still, and this may be a little
hard for you to believe (for we did get beat 50) everyone was very much impressed by our
play. That night we went back to our hotel
and watched all the matches on TV. Hows
that for a change from the States!
Danny thought that Birmingham World
Champion Kohno was retired because, though
he was in Hong Kong watching, he didnt
play. But Houshang said he had a bad back,
and apparently this was true, for, later at the
Nov. 27 Japanese National Championships,
after which he did retire, he beat Maehara for
the title.
(Womens went
to first-time
winner Kumiko
Nagahara over

Fumiko Ono.)
Here in the opener of the U.S.-Japan tie, Maehara never
let Ray into the match.
Good thing Danny likes to play penholdersat least
some penholders. He downed Masanori Uchida two-zip. Japan
1U.S.A. 1.
Ricky, though, couldnt helpfell in straight games to
Takashimas solid defense.
173

Kumiko Nagahara, 1977

Japanese National Champion
From Feb. 1978 Table Tennis Report

Maehara was World #30, but he was also a penholderand Danny blanked him, said
he played, 13, 7, almost perfectly. Japan 2U.S.A. 2. We had a chance?
Against Takashima, Ray lost the first, but in the second was repeatedly looping the
ball by one of the worlds greatest defenders. Unfortunately Takashima held firm and Ray,
down 20-19, missed a high ball that ended the match.
Ricky vs. Uchida was key to
our hopes. The Americans serves
bothered everyone, even Huang
Liang, and when Uchhida missed
four in a row, Ricky up 1-0 and 18-15
was lookin good. But then it was 1817, and it was Rickys turn to miss
serveshe failed to return three in a
row and blew the game. I kicked the
barrier. Ray and Dean moaned. So
now it was 1-all. Houshang, who is
probably one of the most nervous
coaches ever, gave Ricky some good
Ricky has a few quirky serves of his own.
adviceand, surprise, Ricky was up
10-3 at the turn. And thenI cant
believe it!a moment later, 11 all. Finally, though, with Ricky up 20-17 I was sure he had
him. But, unbelievable, a heart-breaker, how unlucky: 22-20 Uchida. Japan 4U.S.A. 2.
Against Takashima in the 1st, I was leading the whole waybut such hard work. The
Double Happiness Chinese ball just does not spin like a Nittakuit floats. I was leading 1918, lost 21-19. Wasnt in the second game.
At least we beat Englands reserve teamI won 3, Ricky 1, and Ray 1 (pulled out a
tough match).
Japan of course won decisively against England. And though they didnt have much 52 trouble with Hong Kong, we did. After we beat them at the Worlds they were looking for
revenge. I beat Sheng Shien Chen, but got careless against a much improved Vong Iu
Vengshould have won two straight, but, leading 19-15 in the first, I let him slip away, then
lost 18 in the third. Hong Kong 5U.S.A. 1. Vong scored Hong Kongs point against China
when he beat Liao Fu-min It was strange, but the spectators were cheering for ChinaI
dont know why.
For the China-Japan final Ricky and I were ready with our newly bought camera and
we filmed every point of every match. China won, but it was a battle. Maehara got trounced
in both his matches.But Uchida absolutely pummeled Huang Liang, 21-14, 21-8!...Huang
played so badly it was ridiculous. You figure that one out.
The Norio Takashima-Liao Fu-min match was all tied up, 20-20 in the 3rd. Liao
looped and got a lucky edge. But then, match-point down, Takashima calmly smashed Liaos
next loop to deuce it. And now, with Ricky, Ray, Dean, and I the only ones cheering for Norio
in the whole stadium, he went on to win it, 23-21.
:
The best match, though, was Kuo vs. Takashimaa classic looper and defender
duel. At the Worlds, Kuo had beaten Takashima 8 and 7. But here, with the light ball, it was
often a different story. Kuo won 17 in the 3rd. Final tie score: not a tie, but China 5-Japan 2.
Now a free daywhich our Team knew how to spend:
174

Our off-day we spent touring the city and

buying gifts like crazy. Everything was so cheap in
Hong Kong it was almost worth the trip just to go
shopping. Between us, Ricky and I bought 10 pairs of
blue jeans, average cost $8 a pairthese same jeans
would have cost us at least $25 a pair in the States.
We also bought, in addition to the movie camera, two
stereos, cameras, shirts, andwell, everything.
Houshang bought an Olympus 2 camera for $300
this would easily have cost $700-$800 in the States.
Ray bought a deerskin jacket, a Seiko watch, a stereo,
and so on. Everyone stocked up. Hong Kong was like
a giant commercial for thousands of shops and stores.
In fact, dare I say it? Shopping was just as much fun
as playing. The Hong Kong Association gave us an
almost unlimited food allowance, plus $125 apiece
Ray bought a flamboyant boxing-ring robe? pocket money. They really did a fabulous job.
Perhaps as a needed follow-up to some of
his table tennis trash-talk back in the States?

Only now with the Singles event the hassles

finally started.I hate to say anything negative about
the tournament, but we really got screwed. Originally, the draw was quite good for our
players, but when Kohno didnt play, they changed the drawand sent our players into a
complete rage. I was ready to beat somebody up.
Ricky, Ray, and Dean were all drawn to play Chinese in the 1st round. How unfair.
Since there were only five Chinese in the draw, and Kuo and Huang had 1st-round byes, how
was it possible that all three Americans just happened to meet all three Chinese? This was
much too coincidental for me.
And the seedings were atrocious. Because Takashima was seeded #2, instead of
Huang as the latest World Rankings would certainly dictate, I, seeded #5, was drawn against
Huang in the quarters instead of Takashima as I should have been. But my protest was in
vain.
The Americans got zapped. Ricky lost to Wang Chia-lin; Ray to Hu Wei-hsin, and
Dean to Liao Fu-min. Indeed, the Chinese decided to kill them. Once, a Chinese leading an
American 15-2 began playing an exhibition point then suddenly smashed the ball to the
unexpected corner. Not nice.
If Danny wanted to get beat by Huang, he had to get by Uchida. Down 18-16 in the 1st,
he ran off five straight. But after losing the 2nd badly, he knew the 3rd was key. From 14-all,
with the crowd of 2,000 or so all rooting for me, I took seven straight. Then got off to a
horrible 0-6 start in the 4th. Uchida started handling my serves like nothing, and I was
repeatedly caught out of position. However, said Danny, in tough matches, when I know it
can go either way, I always force myself, even if Im up 2-1, into believing that the 4th game is
the 5th and there is no next one. So with lots of grit Danny tied it up at 10-10. Then, with
both players constantly scoring winners, Seemiller went ahead 16-15. And now Uchida
served off! Big break. But then Danny couldnt take advantagewas behind double matchpoint. So whatd he do? I looped in his serve, made it 20-19. Clenched my fistand it was
20-20. Then game point for Uchida. But I held strong through a long rally, deuced it. Finally
Photo by Pam Ramsey

175

Might as well be Huang Liangs

Danny won it on an ending
attacking chop.
serve and follow. Think
Cartoon by Budimir Vojinovic
Huang Liang watching was
affected? Hed lost to Uchida
in the Teams.
So, for the quarters,
it was the five Chinese,
Japans Takashima, Hong
Kongs Veng, and me. Elite
company, indeedI felt
honored. Danny lost 3-0 to
Huang. Liangs devastating
service is impossible to play
against.I could hardly get a
point when he was serving.
The two different sides of his
racket create a big problem.
For instance, if you can
believe this, he chops offensively! He chops the ball so hard that he actually puts you on the
defenseand then he quickly attacks your weak return. Kuo won the Singles of course, but
Liang (compare his 14, 8 loss to Uchida) dumped to [runner-up] Liao Fu-min so that he
wouldnt look invincible and so hurry the ITTF into changing its rubber color rule on different
surfaces. (Manufacturers say they have so many different rubbers they cant make all of them
in two colors. Will they be able to by 1979?)
Danny closes with thanks to the Hong Kong Association, and is off to Iran with
brother Ricky and Houshang who briefly covers the remainder of the trip for Topics.
The three arrived (Ray and Dean had returned to the U.S.) in Tehran on Sunday, Oct.
30 (their stay would be short, for in just a few days they had to be back to play in the Nov. 5-6
$4,000 Detroiter-Yasaka Invitational at Fort Worth). Houshang said they were met at the
airport by Iranian Table Tennis Federation officials and the countrys top players who
welcomed them with flowers. The Seemillers went to check out the Olympic Village, where
the Iranian Table Tennis Team has a training camp, then were taken to Houshangs sisters
home where theyd be staying.
On Sunday and Monday, Danny and Ricky took on players from various provinces
with an 8-0 result for Danny and a 6-2 one for Ricky. On Tuesday, in the U.S.Iran Match,
the brothers defeated the Iranian National Team, 5-0. Danny lost but one game, to
Mohammed Vahabzadeh, while Ricky also dropped a singleton, to Majid Ehteshamzadeh.
Houshang said, It was a worthwhile experience for the Iranian players to practice and play
matches with Danny and Ricky because the following week Iran hosted the Pahlavi Cup
Invitational Tournament.
Houshang offers appreciative thanks to those most responsible for his Teams extended
tripthe Hong Kong TTA and their Honorable Secretary Chow Chan Kau for paying the
traveling expenses that permitted us to participate in their Invitational and for their bountiful
hospitality; George Nissen, who paid our travel expenses from Hong Kong to Tehran; the Iran
TTF for their hospitality and remuneration; and the USTTA, especially Sol Schiff and Gus
Kennedy for making all the arrangements for this tour.
176

Harrison Meets Matsuzaki

During a recent trip to Japan, our
USTTA Executive Vice-President,
Rufford Harrison, had a leisurely dinner
with Kimiyo Matsuzaki, 1959 and 1963
World Singles Champion, 1961 Mixed
Doubles Champion (with Ichiro
Ogimura), and 1963 Womens Doubles
Champion (with Masako Seki). U.S.
players had last read about her and seen
her photo in the Sept.-Oct, 1970 issue of
Topics. A letter from Michigans Sue
Hildebrandt to Butterflys Hikosuke
Tamasu had brought Kimiyo on her first
Japans former World title-holder Kimiyo Matsuzaki
visit to the U.S., to be a house guest of
the Hildebrandts and to coach juniors in
Michigan for two weeks. She also took the opportunity to visit Canada and, though retired, to
play in the Toronto CNE where she quite easily beat Canadian Champ Violetta Nesukaitis for
the Womens title.
So whats she doing now? Matsuzaki-san, says Rufford, has a small, one-room shop
on the third floor in a typical Tokyo street of small shops. What does she sell? Every
conceivable itemand some inconceivable to the U.S. playerof table tennis equipment from
a variety of Japanese manufacturers. The lead rackets that the Chinese reportedly used to
strengthen wrists and arms werent there. But Kimiyo had heavy- weighted, beautifully
polished wooden rackets, both penhold and shakehandto strengthen the arms.
Rufford also noted action shots of the proprietor, and drawings of Chinese children
playing table tennis, and snapshots of Kimiyo with these same children. So howd she come to
be with these youngsters in China? Shes not one to take vacations from her six-day-a-week,
noon to 8:00 p.m. regimen, but in this case there was good reason to leave her shop. Long
ago shed been befriended by a Chinese government official, was sort of an adopted
daughter to him, and when he died this year Matsuzaki-san and her husband, Kurimoto-san,
were invited to China for two weeks under the terms of his will. No surprise that their visit
was a very pleasant one, and that they were well looked afterfor that government official
whod befriended Kimiyo was Choi En-lai.*
Rufford says that while in China, Matzuzaki-san got a new slant on an old rumor
that Chuang Tse-tung had been shot, drowned escaping to Taiwan, etc. But a recent issue of
Shukan Bunshun, a top Japanese weekly, had Zhuang attempting suicidehe hanged himself
with his belt, but was discovered in time to recover.
Matzuzaki, however, says that Chuang did indeed sympathize with Maos wife Chiang
Ching, and did suffer a rather drastic demotion. She was told that
Chuang was now voluntarily attending periodic self-criticism sessions.**
Mexico City Senior Tournament
According to U.S. expatriate Richard Seid (TTT, Jan.-Feb, 1978, 8),
Sports in Mexico is youth-oriented to an extreme. Soccer leagues start at
the six-year-old level.In the wake of Ping-Pong Diplomacy, the national
177

Richard Seid

table tennis team (all players were under 20) received considerable support from the leftist-leaning
administration of President Luis Echeverria. In 1971, they hired a world-class Japanese player,
Nobuyuki Kamata, as a full-time Coach; were able to partially support 30 teenage players serious
enough to practice four hours a day; and in succeeding years sponsored two exhibition tours of the
Chinese team here and one trip of Mexican players to China.
So of course those 70s-trained and dedicated players are far better than any players
from an older generation who did not grow up with a loop. Thus the gap between todays
National Champion and the Champion of only six years ago is enormous.
Obviously, thought Seid (age 40) and his friend Tom Smith (51), also a U.S. expatriate,
what was needed was a new kind of tournament, one for those players Over 30, the
Campeones of Yesteryear. Get em out from their garages and patios for some mellow
camaraderie, that was the ideaand it worked.
But running this Nov. 11-13 tournament wasnt easy. In the first place, you had to find the
players. Then, though its possible to buy good t.t. equipment from several sporting goods stores,
after youve bought a Butterfly racket and a box of Nittaku balls, where can you play? A private
house has had a regular Thursday night game for 30 years. (Is that by invitation only? Or do you
sneak over there anonymously as if for underground poker play?) If youre lucky making
inquiries, you might find the one school gym where you can play one evening a week. Seid says,
There no public or private table tennis clubs and only now is a league being formed which hopes to
have 8 teams of 6 players each. Theyll play where the National Team plays? Where IS such an
accommodating venue? And where was this Over 30 tournament, won by Emilio Chan, played?
European Tournaments
Results of the Scandinavian Open (Borlange, Sweden, Nov. 24-27): Mens: Final: Lu
Chi-wei over Lu Yuan-sheng. Semis: Lu Chi-wei over Patrick Birocheau; Lu Yuan Sheng over
Milan Orlowski. Womens Final: Yang Ying over Tsao Yen-hua. Semis: Yang Ying over Tong
Ling; Tsao Yen-hua over Yang Yen-chun. Mens Doubles: Jacques Secretin/Birocheau over
Wilfied Lieck/Peter Stellwag. Semis: Secretin/Birocheau over Josef Dvoracek/Jindrich
Pansky; Lieck/Stellwag over Orlowski/Jaroslav Kunz. Womens Doubles: Tsao Yen-hua/Tong
Ling over Yang Yen-chun/Yang Ying. Semis: Tsao/Tong over Dana Dubinova/Blanka
Silhanova; Yang/Yang over Jill Hammersley/Linda Howard. Mixed Doubles: Secretin/Bergeret
over Lu Chi-wei/Tsao Yen-hua. Semis: Secretin/Bergeret over Surbek/Branka Batinic; Lu/
Tsao over Orlowski/Dubinova. (Note: In Mens Singles, D-J Lee lost his second matchto
Juhasz of Yugoslavia, and He-ja lost her second match to Bergeret of France. Had we each
had just one other player, said D-J, we could have played in the round robin Team events.
Tommy Andersson (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1978, 11) profiles Thomas Ek, 27, the new
Swedish Captain/Coach, says he was inspired, as Stellan Bengtsson was, by (the now retired)
Kjell Johanssons victory in the 1964 European Championships at Malmo, Sweden. Thomas
was going to be a teacher of mathematics and physics, but never got a degree. Instead, he
became Team Captain for two years in a row for the Swedish National Mens Junior Team at
the European Youth Championships and then Captain for the Swedish Womens Team at
Birmingham. Tommy sees him as tactical, theoretical, and energetic.
Results of the French Open (Rennes, Dec. 2-4): Mens: Lu Chiwei over Tibor Klampar. Semis: Lu over Tibor Kreisz; Klampar
over Surbek. Womens Singles: Yang Ying over Tong Ling. Semis:
Yang over Ri Song Suk; Tong over Silhanova. Mens Doubles:
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Secretin/Birocheau over Lars Franklin/Ulf Thorsell. Semis: Secretin/Birocheau over Damir

Jurcic/Surbek; Franklin/Thorsell over Lieck/Ralf Wosik. Womens Doubles: Yang Yen-chun/
Yang Ying over Kim Soon Ok/Lee Soon Joo. Semis: Yang/Yang over Judit Magos/Gabriella
Szabo; Kim/Lee over Eva Ferenczi/Zsuzsa Olah. Mixed Doubles: Wen Ching-sheng/Tsao Yenhua over Lu Chi-wei/Yang Ying. Semis: Wen/Tsao over Lu Yuan-sheng/ Tong Ling; Lu/Yang
over Huang Tong-shen/Yang Yen-chun. (Note: D-J lost to Birocheau of France, and He-ja lost
again to Bergeret. D-J says, In our qualifying mixed doubles round we got defaulted, even
though we were there. The matches were called in Frenchnobody ever cared to speak
Englishand then after we were defaulted a French player came over and in English told us
that wed been defaulted. [Nice, huh?]
Middlesex Open
Topics Assistant Editor, Carl Danner, whos now going to school in England (Its
quite a foreign country), will attend the Middlesex Open, but first hell give us some thoughts
on the English table tennis scene, comparing it with our own U.S. play (TTT, Nov.-Dec., 1977,
8; 11). To begin with, Englands best players (Douglas, Neale, Day) are better than ours.
Danny Seemiller just might, on a very good day, take three, but could just as easily lose them
all. Below our U.S. #1 we have no one who has demonstrated that he can really play at that
level.The real strength of the English is their depththough only 20 players are
ranked.There are dozens and dozens of 2300-2400-level players (county standard).The
idea of going 400 miles for competition (as I really would have to from San Francisco) is
incomprehensible to an Englishman. Of course there are no ratings, and Carl says everyones
struck by the novelty (What? Rankings for 5,000 people?). But ratings have advantages.
English rankings are done by committee, are always out of date and inaccurate and make
nobody happy.
How do the English juniors compare with our own? In England the top four boys are
three left-handed looping attackers [#2 Beadsley; #3 Sandley; #4 Jackson], and the present
#1, Dave Barr, who chops and flips his paddle.A U.S.A vs. England Junior Boys Match
would be very interesting, and I wouldnt place any bets on the outcome. But our top Junior
Girls would put those in the U.S. to shame. I would guess that a top 20 U.S. vs. England
Match could possibly wind up with the U.S. being shut out [Not a chance, Carlwed play
Kasia Dawidowicz #20].Most English Girls events have as many or more entries as the
U.S. Boys.
Carl says, I sound quite the Anglophile. But its undeniably true that playing table
tennis in England is far better than playing in the States. Clubs in England have good
conditions and are cheap ($.50-$1.00 maximum an hour for a very good table). Reismans
transported to London would fold in a week or two [Think so? Itd be talked aboutwould
be a bigger novelty than the ratings!]
England has the advantage over us in that, one, theres a broad base of players,
including youngsters who see table tennis as a sport. The second advantage is that table
tennis is recognized by the system as significant. Sports centers include table tennis rooms;
schools have teams and leagues. The sports establishment in England thinks of table tennis
when it makes plans and spends money. Similar authorities in the states laugh at the idea of
wasting facilities on ping-pong.
Thirty years later, how much has changed?...What kind of sport, what kind of world, is
this that I write so voluminously about?
179

Carl takes time out just before finals (no last-minute cramming for him) to cover the
Middlesex Open (TTT, Jan.-Feb., 1978, 7). Next to the English Open and Closed, this, he says,
is the most prestigious tournament of their season, and also the one that Danny Seemiller won
two years ago (which still impresses many). Carl describes Lower Edmonton, the industrial
town where the Open is being played, as combining the sights of Dickens with the smells of
New Jersey. But in this awful place, in an all-purpose sports center building, theres a
wooden floor, barriered-off courts, and solid, piano-legged tables (no U.S. rollaways to
hopelessly try to make level).
Womens Play
The most interesting quarters of the Womens, says Carl, has Angela Mitchell (who
draws a crowd better than any player Ive seen in some time) playing European Champ Jill
Hammersley. Down 1-0, Angela now begins playing very well, slow looping and really
swatting the ball when it comes up. She gets to 19-17 up, then slaps off a three-foot high
ballbut still wins at deuce. After getting some advice from brother Mike, she comes back
and loses the deciding game, 21-4.
Hammersley continues on, going through the motions to win her semis. The other
semis, howeverbetween Carole Knight and Linda Howardis crowd-worthy. Knight has
an altogether impressive big loopand with it shes the only woman in England who can beat
Jill. Howards game consists of backhand pimpled hitting combined with a good forehand flat
hit that though it never seems quite the right stroke, nevertheless has taken her through many a
fine opponent. After Carole wins the 1st game easily, they both agree the ball is awful, and,
on spinning some new ones for a couple of minutes, they get on with the match. Carole is
now spinning, now hitting, running after balls all over, while Linda is quite firmly at the table
trying to control things with her backhand and smack anything in she can. At deuce, Carole
serves and loops in a point, after which Linda serves and nets Caroles loop return.
Later, in the cafeteria, Carl finds it humorous to see two officials searching through
box after box of balls looking for several quasiround ones for the final. Diogenes would have
had a better chance.
Carole and Jill of course are vying to be
#1 in England. In the final, Carole starts off
hot, and its apparent that Jill must mix it up
or get wasted. Carole, exerting constant
pressure and looping incredibly, is
overwhelmingits no contest in the 1st.
When Carole is confident, she loops like (you
may not believe this) Mike Sternonly better.
In the 2nd, Jills down 14-7, then makes a gutsy
move. She wins a long point with several
long-range returns and a run-in pick, follows
that with three beautiful forehand winners, and
draws to 14-11. But no further rally for her is
possible. Carole has beaten and beaten badly,
Mike Stern. Carole loops better than this?
one of the worlds premier players. I sincerely
Of course, Mike looks like hes been in
believe that no woman in the world could have
another fight.
chopped and beaten her in that match.
Photo by Raul Rodriguez
180

Mens Play
As for the Mens draw, when Denis Neale (whos played badly lately) and Robert
Wiley (England #20) drop out, three unseeded players, Canadas #1, the visiting Errol
Caetano, the Welsh #1, Alan Griffiths, and Nicky Jarvis, runner-up to Seemiller at the recent
CNE, have to be relocated. How best do that? Put all three of them in the same eighths
section. Since the matches are best 2 out of 3, is there any chance for anyone to practice?
Nopeall 12 tables are in use. Hence the inevitable Darwinian struggle to get knockedup.Pairs looking for practice crowd around the barriers as they sense the end of a match,
then rush madly to the table as the loudspeaker blares No cross-knocking on table 2.
Best early-round matches are in the eighths.
Caetano sloppily loops away Mark Mitchell (England #18),
winning the 1st at 19, then running out the 2nd from 18-15
down. Griffiths, too, is careless in beating John Kitchener,
2-0up 20-19 in the 1st he serves off; starts the second
game the same way. Against Jarvis, Griffiths is running all
over the place, looping and punching pimpled-rubber
backhands in. He again wins two straight, the 2nd at
deuce. Then, still without losing a game, he eliminates
Caetano.
Along the way there were a couple of upsets.
Trevor Campbell knocked out Andy Barden, 2-0 (I didnt
know Trevor could play, just thought he was a nice guy,
said Carl). And someone named Palmer (New Zealand #3)
beat Martin Shuttle (England #17), then became canon
fodder for Douglas.
Wales #1 Alan Griffiths
In the first of
Englands John Hilton
Photo by A.M. Ross
the quarters
Photo by Mal Anderson
matches, its
Paul Day vs. Douggie Johnson. Douggies a little
fellow, a chopper whowhen he does hit in
against Day he wins points.But to put it bluntly,
Day, looping and dropping, is just too world-class
good. Griffiths is stopped by John Hilton, a
singularly difficult person to play. John has
some sort of strange super anti-spin on his
backhand (rumored to be cleverly illegal) and a
spinny something on his forehand. He sends back
unbelievably odd, weirdly gyrating balls with his
backhand and bashes in anything loose (including
slow loops) with his forehand. Douglas in his
quarters match beats John Dabin, another English
chopper who can smack in a too high ball. But Des, casually slapping ball after ball off,
has to rally from 19-16 down in the 1st, after which he wins easily.
The remaining quarters is the most contested. Max Crimminss best shot is a fast
forehand loop he can pick up very quickly, while Dave Tan, a penholder, has a consistent
loop and hit attack and a surprisingly good backhand. Max, who for L.A. music fans is a
181

dead ringer for the lead singer of the Tubes, runs, spins, and throws himself into his kills. He wins
the 1st at 18. In the 2nd, though, hes 9-1 down. Pulls to 14-15, then a net ball goes against him.
Being a very emotional, very intense player (something like our own Dean Galardi), this disturbs
him He sets Dave up for two easy loops, misses a serve, and finally, in frustration, bashes one of
penholder Tans wood returns off somewhere into the crowd. But from 14-all in the 3rd, Max
breaks through with two big loops and an edge for 17-14 and Dave can never catch him.
In the one semis, Crimmins is up 14-9 and hitting very powerful loops through
Douglas who, blocking and missing, isnt sure of himself. But then, placidly serving and
looping, Des quickly catches Maxand wins it at 19. In the 2nd, Douglas is down 6-3, up 126has a 9-point run that leaves no doubt whos gonna be in the final. In the other semis,
Hilton is the sort of player you do not want to playhe has a weird, really weird backhand
chop and block, and a forehand that puts most peoples to shameDay quickly takes control,
though. Paul plays the entire match perfectly, looping and dropping patiently, then eventually
bashing the ball. Days kills do not come back.
In the final between Englands two world-class players, Day starts off well, changing
his game slightly to get in an early power shot. Usually he is a
little more patient, but he cannot afford to be with Douglas.
This is apparent when, though up 9-4, and 14-12 after
smacking big loops and kills past Des, Pauls lead, dwindles,
doesnt last. Why? Because Douglas forces Day to take the
big shot so as to avoid long points which Des, with his
incredible touch and reflexes, usually wins. Still, Paul, with
two tremendous shots, goes up 18-15. Then its 18-all.
Whereupon Day wins a controlled point and hits in an
incredible cross-court high fast loop which Douglas cant
reach. But then, amazing, Paul tries and misses a mad kill
attempt off Dess loop, loses the next point too. Finally,
Douglas wins the game with, first, a great counter-looping
point where he quick-kills a forehand down the line (Im still
not sure how he did it), and, second, with a textbook serve,
loop, and kill sequence.
The second gameagain featuring power vs.
controlis just as tight as the first, but with Douglas looping
somewhat more. Again Des ralliesthis time from 17-13
down. Paul up 18-17, just misses two shots and is then
victimized by a brilliant return of serve which he doesnt even
touch. Des thus rallies, 21-19, for the game and the match.
Regarding their separate futures, Des has been
commuting to Germany to play for a club against good
European competition. Paul started at Cambridge this year
Englands Paul Day
and quickly discovered that it heavily conflicted with his table
From Birminghams Evening Mail
tennis. So I dont know if hell stay or not.
Indian Players Association Force Nationals to be Abandoned
Max DSouza, writing in the Dec. 29 Bombay Times (reprinted in TTT, Mar.-Apr.,
1978, 10) tells us that, since scratches provided openings, the players attending the Dec., 1977
182

39th Indian
National
Championships at
Vallabh
Vidyanagar felt
that Santosh
Kaushik should
be put into the
draw. But the
Photo of Sudhir Phadke by Elbert Jones
Table Tennis
Federation of
India President T.D. Ranga Ramanujan wouldnt enter him. This precipitated a stalemate
between the hosts of the tournament and five representatives of the Indian Table Tennis
Players Associationnamely, Pankaj Butalia (Secretary), Suhas Kulkarni and B. Saikumar
(Joint Secretaries), and Sudhir Phadke and Kabad Jayant (Executive Committee members).
Ramanujans compromise suggestion that Kaushik could play but hed resign the Presidency
was not acceptable to the TTFI executive. The organizing officials were not happytheyd
put in a lot of work, had ticket holders to satisfy. They complained to the police in hopes they
could force the players to agree to play.
So what did the police do? An Emergency-style knock-without-benefit-of-warrant at
dawn rudely shattered the sleep of the five players and they were hauled off to the local lockup under preventative custody. Ramanujan offered to stand bail for them if they agreed that
Kaushik could not play. The players not only spurned the offer but are adamant that they will
not seek bail and there were plenty of offers. They will remain in custody.The majority of
the men players plan to stay in Vallabh Vidyanagar until the case is heard. Collegians from the
adjoining hostels have agreed to provide accommodations for the duration.
There was little prospect of play commencing as long as the five players were in
custody. The other idle players either followed their leaders from the police station to the court
or clustered in groups talking. One bizarre rumor going the rounds: the players had been
picked up as they were planning to hurl or were hurling bombs at the playing arena!
Meanwhile, team managers and players were requested to be at that arena at 2:00 p.m. At the
appointed hour, the venue was bare. Thus, the boycott by the players over the non-inclusion
of Santosh Kaushik, and the detention of the players left the TTFI no alternative but to take
the unprecedented step of abandoning the National Championship around 2:30 p.m.
Wow! What if last year in Philadelphia theyd have taken Players Association President
Fuarnado Roberts and his friends off to jail?
SELECTED NOTES
*Only now in writing this do I understand why 30 years later I shouldnt have been so
surprised to see Japans Matsuzaki attending a 2008 China-U.S. Ping-Pong Diplomacy
seminar that former USTTA President Sheri Pittman, Judy Bochenski Hoarfrost, and I were
also present at. This seminar was held in Huaian, China, the well-known site of Choi En-lais
Birthplace and Museum, which of course we visited.
** When Carl Danner, based in England, heard Matsuzakis story about Chuangs
[Zhuangs] attempt to commit suicide, he wrote a Nov. 25, 1977 letter to the Chinese
Ambassador in London expressing his extreme distress at the news. Whether he received a
183

Commemorative statue of Chou En-lai at Huaian, China; and celebratory Ping-Pong Diplomacy leaflet

reply after hed expressed his concern in the name of many Americans for Chuangs safety and
welfare, I dont know. According to a Feb. 17, 2007 Times OnLine article, after Maos death
in 1976 Chuang fell from his position as Sports Minister/
important Central Committeeman and was imprisoned,
severely confined for four years. Hed become involved
with the Gang of Foura fanatical group led by Maos
third wifeand in the name of the Cultural Revolution did,
as he said, many dreadful things. Because of his harsh
incarceration and interrogation, he was driven to the point
of suicide (like some of his contemporaries), but (unlike
some of them) survived, was exiled to Siberia. Finally,
however, he was admitted back to Beijing where, with the
encouragement of his Japanese wife, Atsuko, hed establish
himself as a well-known and successful table tennis coach.

Zhuang Zedong and his wife Atsuko

184

Chapter Thirteen
1977: Nov.-Dec. Tournaments up
to the Dec. 16-18 U.S. Closed
(Wuvanich returns, beats the Seemiller
brothers at the $4.000 Detroiter-Yasaka
Invitational). 1977: At the USOTCs,
Seemillers, down 4-2, edge Butterfly
Juniors to win the Mens.
In reporting on the Nov. 19-20
Benihana Open at the Paddle Palace,
Ron Vincent is again so caught up in the
Open Singles final that its as if there
werent any other players at the
tournament. Again picture-perfect
looper Apichart Sears and Ron Carver
Apichart Sears, Benihana Open Champion
with his ever-precise forehand kill shot
Photo by Mal Anderson
go at it, abetted here by Vincents
exuberant delight in turning a phrase. First game goes to Ron for countering Searss loops. In
the second, Sears is moving like Nina the Ballerina in a really pretty [almost too, too pretty?]
show of footwork and execution of strokes. One of these strokes is a suddenly-found
backhand counter, which Ron is dumbfounded by. Game apiece.
As time is bound to make us seethats Vincent quoting a Bonnie Raitt song in his
August Paddle Palace write-upits as hard for Ron to keep himself out of a match as it is for
me. Meine Ruh ist hin, mein Herz ist schwer, ich finde sie nimmer, und nimmermehrthats
Goethe. And thats Ron with the guttural accent, not me. At this juncture, he says [having
served up some tricky, German sidespin, he follows with a kill], both players are set to
unleash all of the Faustian powers within their souls. Wow! You get it? Theyre gonna battle
it out to the finish.
Knowing that Ron is going to be out of position after retrieving sharply-angled
forehands, Sears zings in some real haymakers to Rons backhand-sideleaving Rons
contorted backhand returns virtually useless against such spin. After some pretty heavy-duty
lobbing, Sears counters far from the table and wins the third game (not going away) at 18.
In the 4th game, Ron, never an over-powering looper spin-wise, is content to serve
and crack the ball. Sears, on the other hand, will high-Thai the serve and follow with a
horrendous flurry of ungodly spinny loops, which Ron frequently blocks off the end. Want to
hear about one point in particular?... Down 18-14, Sears is back on a lob-defense with Carver
trying to dismember the ball, separate Nitt from aku, when all of a sudden-like, Sears scrapes
the ball from the floor with approximately the same force that Kermit Washington used in
flooring Rudy Tomjanovich of Houston, and all Ron can do is observe a tiny white speck zing
past him Sears is flat on the ground, saying to himself, If you get that back, you deserve to
win the point. Ron didnt. But he did win the game.
Describing the fifth game, Vincent says Searss high-toss serve took its toll.Rons
weak returns enabled Sears to use his most valued stroke, the loop, to its utmost.Sears
would take the initiative, Ron would block and hit, and Sears would back off and continue
185

the attack. Even Rons interspersed drop shots were ineffective, as Sears would move in and
put the point away. Sounds like a rout, huh? Final score: game and match to Sears, 23-21.
Results: Open Doubles: Dean Doyle/Quang Bui over Jay Crystal/Khoa Bui. AAs:
Khoa Bui over Mike Bochenski. As: Rick Livermore over Brian Bircher. Modified A Doubles:
Livermore/Joe Romanowsky over Vincent/Ed Ng, 22, -21, 19. Bs: Earl Adams over Don
Nash. B Doubles: John Fredrickson/Gary Leaf over Nash/Chan Poovaviranon, 19 in the 3rd.
Cs: James Jenkins over John Kretchmer. Ds: Kretchmer over Keith Fiene. Modified D
Doubles: Bircher/Chris Owsley over Leaf/Fredrickson. Rating: Bircher over Jeff Frahler. Hard
Rubber: Carl Cole (whod beaten Doyle in 5 in the Singles) over Crystal.
Winners at the Nov. 12-13 San Francisco Fall Open:
Mens: Ray Guillen over Sears, 22, 21, 20. Open Doubles:
Doyle/Quang Bui over Bukiet/Jim Lane whod outlasted
Mike Carr/Jeff Stewart (from down 2-0 and deuce in the
4th). Womens: Asuncion Manuta over Tina Smilkstein.
Mixed Doubles: Mohammed Aghili/S. Tze over
Broomfield/ Manuta whod eliminated Ken Lee/Shew, 2321 in the 3rd. Seniors: Russ Thompson over Bukiet in 5. U17s: Dean Wong over Lee. Semis: Wong over Lane; Lee
over Erwin Hom. U-15s: Lee over Wong, 15, -19, 21, 17.
I might interject here before I continue that Don Gunn tells
us that a dress code his been enforced at this tournament.
No player will be allowed to play in street clothes, cutoffs, or long pants. However, though, say, Reismans
several-hundred-dollars coordinated ensemble would be
Dean Wong
banned (he of course always wears long pants), he could
Photo by Don Gunn
play in cheap warm-up suit pants (but not the cheap warmup suit jacket.) How about the beret?
AAs: V. Phat over Steve Varella. As: Ruben Guillen in 5 over Mike Greene who
survived T.Y. Khaw, 20, 23. Bs: Lee over Mike Holabird. A-B Doubles: LeRoy Kondo/
Andrew Kohler over Phat/Greene. Cs: Enrico Li over Massoud Dehdashti. Ds: Charles Sojot
over R. Livingston. C-D Doubles: Li/
Holabird over Dieter Huber/Livingston.
Es: S. Tze over B Yang in 5. E Doubles:
Salcida/Salcida over Lui/Ho, 23-21 in the
5th.
At the Dec. 3 Hollywood Open,
Bukiet, nearing 60, took the AAs from
Russ Thompson, only a few years younger,
then from Lane. Russ, however, beat
Bernie in the Seniors. Other Results: As:
Mike Carr over Tito LeFranc, 19 in the 4th.
Bs: LeFranc over Jim Lynum. Cs: Henry
Swain over Amin Jaffer. Ds: Tom Highley
over David Rogers. Es: Highley over
Calvin Fong. Hard Rubber: Ray Guillen
over Harold Kopper.
Mike Carr
186

Gene Wilson, in a
Senior of the Month article
(TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1978, 22),
gives us some background on
Kopper:
Harold Kopper
was born in Yonkers, N.Y. on
May 21, 1939 and lived there
until he was six when his
family moved to Tucson, AZ.
He graduated from Tucson
High School in 1957 and
attended the University of
Arizona where he received a
Bachelor of Arts degree in
History, and later a Masters
degree in Education (with a
major in History). Afterwards he continued taking courses at several universities.
Since 1963, Harold has been teaching at Norte Vista High School in Riverside, CA.
He teaches United States Government, Sociology, and Freshman English. Hes also in charge
of the school year book. As if that werent enough of a load, he teaches Sociology at
Riverside City College one night each week and has been doing this for the last 11 years.
Harold began playing table tennis at 14, and has been successful as a penholder playing
with hard rubber. Among his roughly 125 trophies are those for winning the 1977 Pacific
Coast Hardbat Singles and (with Rich Livingston) Hardbat Doubles Championships.
Harold, who when he was younger played many sports, was formerly Vice President
of the CA TTA, and has held many other positions in the administrative end of table tennis. In
addition to being a qualified USTTA umpire much in demand, he is most effective as a
tournament chairman where his planning, organizational ability, temperament, and willingness to do
a lot of work is put to good use. [Harold will be active for years to come, and may often be seen at
California tournaments selling the latest
table tennis equipment..]
George Brathwaite commends
Sue and Gene Sargent for the fine job
they did in running the $4,000
Detroiter-Yasaka Invitational at Fort
Worth. They made sure feature play
was provided for the spectators, many
of whom were students of the game
or at least students there on the Texas
Christian University campus where this
fun tournament was held.
Charlie Wuvanich, on returning
to the U.S. after his 1976 shoulder

Charlie Wuvanich, Detroiter-Yasaka Invitational Winner

187

injury had threatened to end his career, made a sensational comebackhe defeated the
Seemiller brothers to win the Open Singles and reestablish his claim to challenge Danny as the
#1 U.S. player. After his shoulder operation, and a period of convalescence, Wuvanich had
gone to Japan for an extensive training period. George says that, although Charlie appeared
as quick as ever, he didnt seem to be killing the ball as much as usual. He was spinning more,
and his exchanging backhandwas extremely forceful and effective.
In the semis of the Open,
Ray Guillen could not contest with
Danny, nor could Ricky with Charlie.
In the final, Seemiller was up 2-1 and
20-18, then, after Charlie deuced it,
Danny had two more ads, but
couldnt close. This game broke
Seemiller, and at the 21-11 end
tears of frustration were in Dannys
eyes as he knocked away well, not
all the barriers that remained.
Brathwaite saw Charlies throw-up,
change-of-spin serves as being one of
two deciding factors that allowed
him to win the match. George thinks
both Danny and Ricky would do
well to vary their tendency to chop
Dannys too strong for Ray.
or push return these serves with their
From
Shirleys
Table Tennis, 4th Quarter, 77
anti side, for Wuvanich was always
able to get in the first spin and so be
on his way to winning the point. The second deciding factor was Charlies great return of
both Danny and Rickys serves. Ricky, particularly, deprived of his usual service advantage
often found himself uncomfortably unable to produce the required defense.
As for quarters play, George said he himself had trouble handling Rickys serves.
Having thought about it, he says, It occurs to me that Ive been letting the ball drop too low.
The only contested quarters match saw Hanumanth Rao extending Wuvanich to 19 in the
fourth. Rao is primarily a defender who uses Phantom on one side and pips on the otherand
switches his racket sides with great skill. He also has a fine pick from forehand and backhand.
Surprisingly in this (-15, -14, 16, -19) match it was not Wuvanich who got used to Rao, it was
Rao who got used to Wuvanich.
There were two exciting matches in the eighths: Perry Schwartzberg over chopper
Larry Kesler in 5; and Joe Cummings over John Soderberg whod been training with Wuvanich
in Japan, 25-23 in the 5th. Joe has an unusual style. He uses a Seemiller-type gripand one
side of his racket is (1.5?) pimpled sponge and the other side is regular hard bat rubber.
Strangely, he almost invariably uses this hard rubber only to return serveso that during a
rally hes always coming at you with that pips-out sponge.
Other Results: Mens Doubles: Swaminathan Bhaskar/Bruce Smith over John
Tomlinson/Rao whod eliminated Denis Gresham/Kesler, 24, -18, 18, 19. Womens Singles:
Mariann Domonkos over Leslie Harris, then over blocker-extraordinaire Nancy Hill. Womens
Doubles: Harris/Hill over Norma LeBlanc/Sue Sargent who just got by Marilyn Johnston/
188

Karin Thompson, 19 in the 3rd. Mixed

Doubles: Dennis/Liz Gresham over
Brathwaite/Sargent whod advanced over
Roger Persaud/Hill.
Tom Wintrich, writing in Ron Shirleys
Table Tennis magazine (4th Quarter, 1977, 6),
said that Quebecs Mariann Domonkos, the
Canadian #1, had been given a government
grant of $550 to attend two tournaments
outside Canadaand that this was one of
them. Mariann, now 19, left her native
Hungary 12 years ago when her parents
sought political asylum. The family went to
England but wasnt allowed to stay there and
so came to Canada in 1970. Summer training
Canadas #1 Mariann Domonkos
camps, under the directorship of Adham
Photo by Mal Anderson
Sharara, steadily improved Marianns
playuntil now, in addition to her technical skills, she shows poise, self-confidence, and the
unassuming mannerisms of a determined competitor.
Brathwaite, the Mens winner, was tested in three matches. In the quarters, he had
difficulty with Bhaskar. This Swami fellow, said George, doesnt look like much of a player,
more like a mendicant priestlong baggy pants, holes in his shoesbut against me he sure
played pips out of this world.He slows down the spin, hits off the loop. And this guys rating
is only 2036? In the semis, George had to go five games with the very steady Rao. And in
the final he was pressed in a four-gamer with Cummings. George says, Joe tricks you into
spinning a lot of balls into the net, so youd better use a very forceful upward stroke on your
backhand exchange. This was something Schwartzberg did not do and consequently lost his
quarters match to Joe. George suggests that against Cummings, you serve short to his
forehand and then, when he pushes with his hard rubber, you spin deep to his forehand.
As: Domonkos over Bruce Smith (from down 2-1 and at deuce
Don Weems
th
in the 4 ). Bruce has a good variety of serves and follow-ups and can
spin consistentlyso it took all of Marianns spin, hit, and drop
international experience to win. Semis: Domonkos over Larry Kesler in
5; Smith over Don Weems who, losing in 4, came close to having a 2-0
lead. A Doubles: D. Gresham/Dave DeWald over Bo Lianza/Cummings
in 5, then over Gary Garner/J. Wise. Bs: Irl Copley over DeWald, -28,
22, 20, then over Roland Schilhab. B Doubles: Chuang Tao Ngo/Caesar
Serna over Price/Smith who prevailed over Vernon Boze/Puls, 19 in the
5th. Cs: Tom Wintrich over Bob Johnson in 5, after Johnson had taken
out Ted Price, 22-20 in the 3rd. C Doubles: Boze/Robert Estell over F.
Aliloo/Scott Pritchard. Novice: Bob Russell over D. Williams.
Consolation: Aliloo over Scott Ryan. Seniors: Grady Gordon over Bob Green. Senior
Doubles: R. C. Watkins/Gordon over Wise/Haase in 5. U-17s: Keith Kalny over Kirk
Golbach. U-15: Kalny over Russell who squeaked by Mark McDonald, 19 in the 3rd. U-13s:
K. Thompson over M. Johnston . Junior Doubles:Golbach/McDonald over Kalny/Lloyd
Tillman, -14, -18, 15, 21, 22.
189

Results
of the Nov. 19
Skublicki-Hall
Memorial Open
at Wisner, Nebraska: Singles
Championship: Todd Petersen over
Mark Kennedy. Nebraska Closed:
Todd for the 3rd straight yearover Mark. As: Peter Braun
over Bernie Braun. Class B: Arlen Zimmer over Dick Butler.
Class C: Dave Boiser over Walt Gomes. Class D: Rex Harris
over Guy Freudenburg. Hard Bat (a very successful event):
Kennedy over Tom Walsh who LeRoy Petersen says has
overcome some of his back trouble and is playing like he did
four or five years ago. Seniors: Walsh over Lionel Harris.
U-21: Petersen over John Stillions. Boys U-17: Bernie Braun
Bernie and Peter Braun
over Scott Butler. U-17 Girls: Jody Stillions over Denise
Heerman. Under 13: Bernie Braun over Scott Butler. U-11: Butler over Daylin Risch.
Tom Walsh tells us that after finding a new home in Omahas
Pipal Park Community Center, the Omaha TTA held its Dec. 10
Omaha Open. Championship Singles: In the absence of Todd Petersen,
Mark Kennedys final
opponent was Garald
Evans. Garald hasnt
played much in some time,
but he did well in beating
Roland Rittmaster, -21, 18,
16, 19 in the semis, and in
forcing Kennedy into a 2624 first game in the final.
Tom Walsh
Mark, wholl soon be
touring with longtime Exhibition star Bob Ashley,
is very strong, a specialist in hard spins and
cannonball killsindeed, down 20-18 in that first
game to the rather quick-moving Evans, Mark
rallied with two one-ball kills off the serve.
Other winners: Womens: Ethelann Risch
(Daylins mother) over Judy Libowski. As: Rittmaster
Mark Kennedy attacking
over the aging but eager Walsh (with help from a
timely net in the end-game 3rd). A Doubles: Kennedy/
Chastain over LeRoy Petersen/Don Ehrismann, then over Walsh/Jerry Malec whod defeated Ken
Bull/Evans, 20, 19. (Malec hadnt played in a tournament for many years.) Bs: Bull (by being
patient and pick-hitting) over Rod Cowles in 5. Rod is known as Omahas occult player because
he plays such an unusual defensesometimes as far back as 25 feet.Sometimes, too, hell loopkill from far back. B Doubles: Kennedy/Daylin Risch over Walsh/Malec, -21, 26, 24. Novice:
Risch over Terry Brown, 19, 21. Seniors Malec over Walsh. U-17s: the 11-year-old Risch over
John Matuza. Also, be forewarned. Steve Flansberg (The Fox) has begun to play again.
190

Results of the Wisconsin Winter Open,

Geoff Graham
played Dec. 3 in Milwaukee: Open Singles:
Photo by Mal
Final: ? Semis: Geoff Graham over Wayne
Anderson
th
Wasielewski, 18 in the 5 ; Roy Hyden, after
beating Mike Kenny in 5, over Joe Yoon. As:
Kenny over Tom Breunig, 19 in the 3rd, then
over Ted Stomma, -21, 24, 13. A Doubles:
Wasielewski/Kim over Graham/Hoffland. Bs:
Ahmed over Pakroo. Cs: Ahmed over Tran.
Ds: Ahmed over Stein. Consolation: Buehler
over Bill Lageroos. Handicap: P. Stomma over
Jim Dalland 51-49, then over P. Poulos.
Seniors: Stomma over Norm Schless. U-17s:
S Stein over R. Kernike.
Ralph Ubry, covering the Nov. 19-20
Slippery Rock, PA Open, seems to take delight in assuring us that the officials guarantee of
an early Sunday finish to the tournament was far from correctfor play continued past the
midnight hour, nearly breaking the old record. Results: Open Teams: Jim Dixon/Jim Shoots
over Charles Butler/Larry Goldfarb. A Teams: Butler/Steve Tucker over Sam Steiner/Hank
McCoullum. B Teams: Tucker/Dan Rzewnicki over Steiner/Pat Hernan. C Teams: 1. Art
Rupp/Bob Stevens. 2. Bob Johnson/Ralph Ubry. 3. Al Dalberto/Barney Reed who a quarter of
a century later will be on the USATT E.C.
Open Singles: Butler over Shoots. Dixon-Goldfarb split 3rd-Place money. Womens:
Ione Wenrich over Joanne Jamison. As: Alex Sze over Joe Tanzer. Bs: Steiner over
Rzewnicki. Cs: Rzewnicki over Max McAllister. Ds: Dave Demay over R. Fernandez. Es:
John Brody over Don Piper. Novice: Joe Ramirez over John Ramirez. Money Handicap: 1.
Bob Johnson. 2. Tom Pratt. 3. Gary Martin.
Bard Brenner (TTT, May-June, 1978, 20) waxes enthusiastic over the $1,000 Miami
Beach Openthe first tournament run in Miami in six years. Bard says everyone has been into
tennis. His girlfriend Brandis a tennis pro, and he himself since the early 70s has run six
tennis tournaments but nary a table tennis one. Top players like Joe Sokoloff, Richard McAfee,
and Marv Leff have switched rackets. Steve Federico owns a tennis shop, Bill Irwin works at
public courts, Greg Gingold strings rackets, and Harry McFarland oversees three parks with
tennis courts.
But despite a local failure, the tried and true t.t. players were back for this Dec. 10-11
Open. Mike Dann quit his job and took a shot at a commercial club, the South Florida Table
Tennis Club in North Miami Beach. Thought it would work. A table tennis club in the
Skylake Mall shopping centergood location, amusement games, exhibitions, leagues, novice
tournaments, junior programs, everything you need except money. With a little better backing
and just a little more luck, he would have made it. Thanks for trying, Mike.
Those who helped bring this tournament about in the new $3,000,000 Miami Beach
Youth Center were the regular Miami stalwarts: Fred Fuhrman (who does more for table
tennis in Miami and gets less credit than anybody I know), Harry McFarland (whose chesskeen mind helped the last Southern Regional World Team Tryouts run so smoothly), and of
course Joe Newgarden and Robert Walker to donate tables from Newgys and First Federal.
Plus a helpful newcomerSugar Eisenmon, Director of the Miami Beach Youth Center.
191

Sugar, lets make a deal, says Bard. Well run

a kids tournament for the city on Friday and donate the
awards if youll let us have the place free for our
sanctioned events on Saturday and Sunday. Done. So,
says Brad, weve got a well-lit, air-conditioned gym,
lockers, showers, food on the premises, and if you get
bored waiting for your next match theres a bowling
alley, pool, skating rink, and tennis courts on the roof.
Olga Soltesz spent more time on the lanes than she did
on the tables.
With the help of Brandi Wisner, Joe Newgarden,
and Bob Gordon, we got good publicity for this Open
the Miami News, Miami Herald, and the Miami Beach
Sun all gave us some coverage. And why shouldnt they?
Joe Newgarden
Fifty kids and eighty adults showed.
Results: Championship Singles: Jerry Thrasher ($150) over Steve Rigo ($25), 18 in the
th
4 , then, in 5, in a wild, free-swinging final, over Wayne Daunt ($75) whod withstood Joe
Sokoloff s ($25) counters, 24-22 in the 4th. Championship Doubles: Thrasher/Alan Averill
($50) over Steve and Ron Rigo, 19 in the 5th, then over Sokoloff/Brenner ($25). Womens:
Soltesz ($50) over Newgarden ($25). Mixed Doubles: Thrasher/Newgarden ($30) over Steve
Rigo/Soltesz. As: Federico ($50) over Soltesz ($25) in 5. Bs: Federico ($50) over Richard
Fleisher ($25), from down 2-1 and at deuce in the 4th. B Doubles: Final (?): Federico/George
Bluhm over Randy Hess/Joe Newgarden. Cs: Carlos Zeller ($25) over Cameron Phipps. Play
With Anything Event (checkerboards, clipboards, blackboards): father Steve Rigo over son
Ron Rigo (Steve gets the TV with the video games, but does it matter?).
Esquires: Robert Walker over Sam Hoffner. Seniors:
Jill Verona
Hess over Hoffner. Junior Singles: Joe Hayek over Cesar
Vega whod eliminated David Miller, 19, -19, 19. Boys U17: Hayek over Jeff Barnett. Boys U-15: Vega over
Earnest Ojea. Boys U-12: Emilio
Buitrago over Frank Rodriguez.
Boys U-9: Kasey Kaye over Mike
Arana. Girls U-15: Jill Verona
over Susan Harkness. Girls U-12:
Racquel Berman over Chrissy
Becker.
Bowie Martins new Butterfly
Center in Wilson, N.C. held its
second tournament, the Dec. 3
Winter Open, and Greg Cox was
pleased to note that 73 players from six states entered, including an
exceptionally large turnout of juniors. Results: Championship
Singles: Fred King over Pete May in 5, then over Brian Masters.
Mens Doubles: Masters/Sean ONeill over May/Jim McQueen, 25, Fred King and
18, 18, then over Hou-min Chang/Bowie Martin, Sr. Womens: Jean
Bonnie Johnson
Poston over Melba Martin.
Photo by Mal Anderson
192

As: Sol Lewis over Jim Flanagan whod eliminated Chang, 19 in the 3rd. Bs: Paul
Kommel over Roger Girton, after Roger had ousted Tony Khan. Cs: Mickey Greer over Erle
Davis. Ds: Jack Staylor over Bowie Martin, Jr. Consolation: Flanagan over Lawrence
Gardner. Seniors: 1. Lewis. 2. Greer. 3. Davis. 4. Ulpiano Santo whod be playing
competitively another 30 years, into his mid-90s. U-17 Boys: Bowie, Jr. over Cox. U-15
Boys: Bowie, Jr. over Todd Williams. Girls U-15: Esperanza Vincent over Pam Milllinder. U13 Singles: Marius Vincent over Gary Currie. Junior Doubles: Walter Wintermute/Anderson
over Martin/Morgan.
Dennis Pedicini tells us that, at Westfield, local Club players produced winners in
seven of the fourteen singles events, and runner-ups in five. Moreover, this Dec. Open was
not just a big in-house successColin Mallows, working his magic at the Control Desk, had
to handle the largest field of entries weve ever had, and, thanks to pre-tournament publicity,
we drew the largest spectator crowd to date.
In the Open event (15 players rated 2200 or morebut Wuvanich withdrawing
because of illness), the best match prior to the final was Eric Boggans -11, -9, 18, 22, 17
comeback against Dave Sakai. This quarters match literally had the crowd hanging from the
ceiling to watch. Emotion ran high, as each tried to out-shout the otherErics FIGHTFIGHT! just outlasting Sakais YES-YES! Eric then lost badly to Danny Seemiller, 14, 13, 7,
while in the other semi Mike Bush destroyed Ricky Seemiller. Bush was at his best here. His
forehand and backhand loops were near errorless throughout. However, in the final, Danny
rarely missed a shot, as he blocked, angled, hit and looped with precision. Though Mikes
high-toss serves set up great openings, he lost the big first game 24-22, got 21-6 thumped
badly in the second, and again just fell 21-19 short in the third. Dennis thanked Mel Eisner,
Bob Barns, Dan Dickel, Ron Herman, Harry Stern, and Manny Moscowitz for helping to
make his Tournament Director debut a pleasurable one.
Other Results: Womens: Edie Nitchie over Dana Gvildys. Open Doubles: Danny/Rick
Seemiller over Sakai/Bill Sharpe. As: Ali Oveissi over Steve Lowry, after Steve had stopped
Tim Boggan in the semis,-21, 20, 14. A Doubles: Al
Schwartz/Doon Wong over Oveissi/Cornel Gavris, 21,
-13, 20. Bs: Ralph Bockoven over Andy Dibdin. Cs:
Brian Eisner over Don Feltenberger whod eliminated
George Holz, -10, 19, 19. Ds: John Markson over
Bruce Hvasta. Es: Matt Stamp over Dana Gvildys.
Gs: Ai-Wen Wu over Poon, -18, 19, 19. Esquires:
Marcy Monasterial over John Kilpatrick. Seniors:
Kilpatrick over Monasterial, then over Sid Jacobs, 19,
20. U-17s: Bockoven over Brian Masters, 23-21 in
the 3rd. U-15s: Julian Millan over Jeff Pedicini. U13s: Alan Steif over David Branch. Nine-year-old
Bobbac Oveissi, Alis son, was congratulated for
showing amazing poise and sportsmanship.
Winners at Reismans Nov. 19-20 Joe Green
Open: Open Singles: 1. Mike Bush over Eric Boggan
in 5. Other matches of note: Rutledge Barry over
Horace Roberts from down 2-0 and at 21-all in the 3rd;
John Kilpatrick
Scott Boggan over Dave Sakai, 19 in the 5th. U-2150: From Newark, NJ Sunday News, March 24, 1957
193

Horace Roberts and Tim Boggan split the prize money. Best match: Boggan over Benfield
Munroe from two games down. U-2000: Pete Schuld over Bruce Abrams. Cs: Jim Beckford
over J. Monopoli. Ds: A. Gardella over Z. Gode who advanced over Tony Gegelys, 19 in the
3rd. Es: Maximo Vasquez over P. Fuller. Fs/Gs: D. Peters over Fuller. Novice: C.
Cunningham over D. Hoyt. Handicap: Roberts over Friendlich, 52-50, then over Brian
Pollack. Handicap Doubles: Cunningham/Julian over Pollack/Pollack. Seniors: Sylvester
Scott over Al Ayer. Juniors: Monopoli over D. Williams.
Peter Johnson covers his Franklin County Clubs Nov. 5-6 Pioneer Valley Open in
Greenfield, MA for us. In the Open final, Mike Bush was up 2-0 against Dave Sakai, but
Daves good blocks and Mikes reckless shots forced Mike to go 5 to win it. Bush had fourgame wins over Roger Sverdlik [hed beaten Surasak from down 2-0] and Lim Ming Chui
[hed beaten Scott Boggan from down 2-0 and 25-all in the 4th]. But Sakai had to go five to
defeat Mike Stern before dispensing with Charles Butler in a straight-game but demanding
match.
Stern once again beat Eric Boggan [in 5], and Butler was playing with a borrowed
paddle, having left his back home in Pittsburgh. Staying remarkably calm, he made an
unknown number of calls and finally got a friend to wrap his Power Drive and put it on the
Greyhound Express so that it might arrive in Greenfield early Sunday afternoon. It never did.
Charlie seemed to have borrowed the right paddle though, because he defeated Errol Resek
and Ali Oveissi in five-game matches.
One discouraging fact to report, says Peter. Due to the extracurricular activities of a
minority of the players [whatd they do?], we may not be allowed to use this girls school gym
for tournaments. There are very few locations in Franklin County that qualify as tournament
sites. The best of these may now be off-limits. Ah, another case of the players being their own
worst enemies.
Other results: Open Doubles: Sverdlik/E. Boggan over Resek/Dave Philip. Womens:
Denise Cohen over Laurie Euvino. Mixed Doubles: Sakai/Karen Rugar over Resek/Euvino.
Under 2200: Rory Brassington over Parviz Mojaverian, 19 in the 5th, then over Sakai, def.
Under 2100: Harry Morris over Charles Butler, 23-21 in the 3rd, then over Ali Oveissi in 5. U2000: Alex Tse over Haig Raky. U-1900: Stu Kroll over Dan McNeil, 19 in the 5th. U-1800:
Harry Hawk over Kurt Douty. U-1700: Douty over Matt Stamp (from down 2-0). U-3400
Doubles: Chui/Ethan Heijn over Clevenson/Newall. U-1600: Douty over Bob Glass. U-1500:
Ben Nisbet over Aaron Pierce whod downed Dennis Walker, 19 in the 3rd. U-1400: Steve
Thompson over David Mlavasky in 5. U-1300: Heijn over Mickey Theroux. U-1200:
Thompson over Euvino. Esquires: Frank Dwelly over Irv Levine. Seniors: Tim Boggan over
Dwelly, deuce in the 3rd. U-17: Douty over Ralph Bockoven. U-15: Douty (his fifth final) over
Brad Lardon. U-13: Joe Polselli (a 300-point upset) over Lardon.
Bob Glass offers us another refreshingly-personalized write-up (TTT, Jan.-Feb, 1978,
21)this time the New England Championships, held Dec. 2-4 at the Providence Club. Bob
and his partner Chuck Helie deemed their tournament a successit drew 95 entries, though
no thanks to the Western Massachusetts players, not one of whom came to these
Championships. In giving out $600 in prize money, Bob says, I see no reason why more
tournaments cant give out more prize money when the events are held in clubs like ours with
little overhead. Both the players and promoters made out fine.
The most exciting round robin match among the four semifinalists in the Championship
Singles was Dave Sakai vs. Rory Brassington. Rory had never lost to Dave in tournament
194

play. However, the two

of them have constantly
been working out with
each other in Waterbury
so each had a very good
idea of the others
weaknesses. And also
strengthsfurthered
perhaps by their
respective food and drink
intakes. Dave likes to
train on spaghetti or
pizza, while Rory prefers
a liquid diet.
Sakai, whos
Dave Sakai
Rory Brassington
always
had trouble with
Photo by Michael Wetzel
Photo by Mal Anderson
defensive players due to
his reactive style of play, has been taking the initiative more often of late by looping more and
hitting harder. Brassington, meanwhile, has developed a loop. Why? Because in Lobberland
hes often found himself restrained by bookends imposed by the dimensions of the playing
area. In his match with Dave, his loop won him more points than his vaunted defense. At
19-all in the 1st, Sakai blocked a ball that literally died in the net. Umpire Helie, however,
disallowed the wet ball protest and Rory went on to win the game. Nothing eventful
followeduntil the 5th game. There Dave, down 10-5 at the turn, rallied to win it 21-19his
loop became very steady and Rory seemed to have some mental lapses.
Though Glass says Chui literally
destroyed Brassingtonbanged in
everything in sight, often violating the
Laws of Aerodynamics, the results I
have show Ming over Rory 9, 11, -21,
20. Perhaps Bob saw only the first two
games? Brassington apparently didnt
play Surasak who lost in four to both
Chui and Sakai (Bob says Dave won
the 4th at deuce, the results say he won
it at 15). In the 1st game of the final,
Lim Ming Chui
Lim cut, chinked, swathed,
herplunked, phumphed, and just oldfashioned banged his way to a 21-19 victory. But winning that one game was the best he could
do. Thus Sakai won the New England Mens Singles Championship for the 5th consecutive
time, proving once again that he seems to have Chuis number.
Other Results: Championship Doubles: Chui/Charlie Hung over Frank Studley/Ralph
Robinson. Hung, whos been playing only part-time as latethe 13-year-olds been
concentrating on Latin, Greek, and Hockeyis the youngest player ever to take this
Doubles Championship. Womens: Denise Cohen (later to marry Dave Shapiro) over V. Lo.
Pro Singles-A (U-2150): Rhode Island State Champion Sparky James (in the Championship
195

Singles hed gone deuce in the 4th with Surasak)

over Ralph Bockoven, 23-21 in the 4th. Pro
Pete Schuld
Singles-B: Pete Schuld over Harry Morris. Pro
Singles-C: Florio over Monopoli, -17, 22, 19, then
over Newell, also 19 in the 3rd.
Intermediate-A: Hamamjian, 18 in the 3rd,
over 16-year-old Matt Stamp (rated 1667) whod
escaped Ben Nisbet, 19 in the 3rd. (Robinson, on
falling victim to Stamp in some event or other,
said, I used to like it so much better when it was
just me, Dwelly, Hull, and Dean. Now its so hard
to just win a match. Intermediate-B: Cipriano
over Gardella. Intermediate-C: Ethan Heijn over
Desmarais, 18 in the 3rd, then over Joe Polselli, Jr.
Novice: Bedard over Heijn. Handicap: Heijn over Gardella whod edged David Mlavsky, 5149. Esquires: 10-time New England Champ Frank Dwelly over Benny Hull. Seniors: Dwelly
over Irv Levine whod advanced over Ed Raky.
Youth Teams: Rhode Island over Lincoln, 5-2:
Stamp (RI) d. Bockoven, Nisbet, and Kurt Douty
(L); Rick Ferri, University of Rhode Island student
(RI), d. Bockoven, Douty (L); and Douty, Bockoven
(L) defeated Hamhamjian (RI). Youth Singles: Ferri
over Douty whod downed Stamp, 22, -19, 18.
According to the Control Desks Leo Heiblinger, who
speaks with authority, Douty, now a six-foot 13-yearold, will stop growing soon. Why? Because his feet
are proportionally smalland foot growth precedes
bodily growth by two years. Youth Doubles: Douty/
Mlavsky over Salemme/Monopoli, 19 in the 3rd, then
over Stamp/Hamhamjian in 5. Youth U-1750: Newell
over Nisbet in 5. Semis: Newell over Hamhamjian,
16, -19, 19; Nisbet over Gardella, 19, 21. U-17:
Hung over Bockoven, 18 in the 5th. Junior Doubles:
Kurt Douty
Douty/Bockoven over Stamp/Brad Faxon, 19 in the
Photo by Mal Anderson
3rd, then over Newell/Mlavosky. U-15: Hung over
Nisbet, , 19, -19, 21, then over Monopoli, 16 in the 5th. U-13: Polselli over Kinnahan.
USOTC Matches
Regarding the
Detroiter Team
Championships, played at
Detroits Cobo Hall over
Thanksgiving weekend,
Im about to cover the
Mens Group A ties and particularly the climactic tie. But first Im going to give you the
winners and runner-ups in the other Divisions. Women ($1,000 1st prize): 1. Paddle Palace
196

(Insook Bhushan, Judy Bochenski,

and Kasia Dawidowicz). This result
was a foregone conclusionbut
Judys winnings still werent enough
to pay her weekend expenses from
Portland, OR.. 2. Montreal (Mariann
Domonkos, Christine Forgo, and
Sonia Duwell). Juniors: 1.
Pennsylvania (Steve Lowry, John
Richards, Lance Falce, and Tim
Seemiller). 2. Quebec (Stephane
Charbonneau, Rene Lewandowski,
and Marc LaLonde).
Mens Group B: 1. Ontario 1
(Derek Wall, Cameron Scott, Alan
Winning Paddle Palace Team of Judy, Insook, and Kasia
Heap, and Zeppelin Law). Errol
Caetano was off playing in the Middlesex Open, and, much to Walls disgust, Alan Heap and
Frank Watson, his #2 and #3 men, werent there Friday morning, and as a result the team
didnt make the A Group. 2. Butterfly West (Dean Doyle, Quang Bui, and Todd Petersen).
Mens Group C: 1. Deep South (Jim McQueen, Larry Thoman, Ralph Kissel, and Sol Lewis).
2. Grand Rapids (Tom McEvoy, Rick Vanderlind, Bob Hazekamp, Gary Peters, and Mike
Moriarty). Group D: Penn State (Hank McCoullum, Sam Steiner, and Steve Tucker). 2. LIKA
(Leong Dong, Glen Dong, Man-Ling Shum, and Andy Diaz). Group E: Lansing (Larry Wood,
Ward Wood, Larry Ryel, and Brian Turnbull). 2. Southern Indiana (Kris Pangburn, Ruben
Dreszer, Jack Pangburn, and Charlie Buckley). GROUP F: 1. Minnesota (Steve Steblay, Don
Larson, Gary Kerkow, Gus Kennedy, and Rich Sinykin). 2. G.A.R. (Paul Potter, Bill Rapp,
Sam Chatterji, Bill Reid, and Steve Walquist).
Mens Group A Ties
As the Group A ties progressed, it of course
Mike Bush
became clear sooner or later who would NOT win. The
Montreal team (Guy Germain, Alex Polisois, Pierre
Normandin, and Rod Young) just had no one playing well
enough to be anything more than a spoiler.
The resurrected Michigan team (Dell Sweeris,
Danny Robbins, Mike Veillette, Bill Lesner, and Jeff
Smart), nicely outfitted by Harvard, wasnt strong enough
eitherthough Sweeris especially, at times, played very
well considering hes more than semi-retired and out of
tournament practice. Dell was continuing to keep up with
the current sports scene though, chuckling over busted
basketball star Marvin Barness comment, Sometimes
its discouraging to go to jail.
The Pennsylvania II team (Mike Bush, Sam Balamoun, Bill Sharpe, and Richard
Farrell) couldnt always get it together, much to Captains Sharpes occasional annoyance.
Mike Bush is rapidly moving toward a coveted place on the U.S. Team (Has the USTTA ever
197

sent me anywhere? he asks. No, he answers. So before the North Korean Worlds, theyll
probably send me to North Vietnam on tour.) Mike needed more help than he got. His team
lost a squeaker when Sakai downed Balamoun in the 9th match in expedite. That win allowed
the struggling Thai team (Charlie Wuvanich, Chuchai Chan, David Sakai, John and Jerry
Soderberg) to place 3rd.
The Easterners (Robert Earle, Peter Pradit, Dave Philip, Mike Stern, and Ali Oveissi)
dropped New York (Errol Resek, Roger Sverdlik, George Brathwaite, Mike Lardon, and Alex
Shiroky) out of contention for first when George and Roger werent at their best and needed
to besince it may be Captain Oveissi was promising Philip an Iranian race horse and the
others I dont know what for a 1st-Place finish. Unfortunately for their chances of prevailing in
this tournament, Ali (and who can blame him?) did not always want to be a non-playing
Captain. So their all-in-the-same-boat team-morale split asunder midst the roaring waves of
the non-contending Chicago Net & Paddle team (Jim Lazarus, Joe Yoon, and Dave Shapiro).
The New Yorkers were knocked out of contention for 2nd when they lost to the Thai
team. Chan, down 1-0 and at deuce in the second with Brathwaite, slipped away a winner.
Then, down 15-12 in the third against Sverdlik, Chuchai went on to win via his high-spin
serves (raising the question, Does he or doesnt he, as the ball drops, look at it at point of
contact?). Resek, though, down 1-0 and 20-14 in the second, pulled out an incredible match
against an apparently still arm-ailing Wuvanich.
That win was wasted. If only
Errol Resek
Errol, up 20-19 in the third against Ricky
in the New York-Seemiller tie, could have
found just one of those Wuvanich points,
the tie score would have been 3-3 instead
of 4-2 and it might have made all the
difference. Jeez, said Errol, who knew
what serve to give him? I had him 20-19. I
dream about such things sometimes. At
that stage I should have had some kind of
serve in mind to give him.
As it was, the New Yorkers, in losing 5-3,
could finish no better than 4th.
This brings us to the Butterfly
Juniors. President Bob Beatty and the
other officers of the Detroit Club pleased everyone by trying hard to run a frictionless,
conscientiously-staged tournament. They especially pleased me by granting my appeal,
strongly supported by Detroits influential Graham Steenhoven, that they waive the rule that
juniors could play only in the ($200 1st Prize) Junior Team event, and so allowed our highestrated juniors, currently among the top 10 players in the country, to compete for the $1,500 1st
Prize in the Mens event.
How reasonable a request this was can be seen when the Butterfly boys (Scott and Eric
Boggan and Rutledge Barry) stopped the Thai team. Before one of the largest crowds at the
tournament, Rutledge, in the opening match of the tie, staved off a {Whoosh) Wuvanich worldclass rally and scored an initial win. After which the Boggan brothers helped finish the job.
Even before the players went out for their climactic fight for the Championship, it was
thought by those in the know that the tie would be in doubt. Danny would win three, yesbut
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Randy, rated 2094, would lose three. So that meant Ricky would have to win two of three
formidable matchesagainst Eric and Rutledge, each of whom had beaten him more than
once, and against Scott who, two months before in Cedar Rapids had gone three games with
him. Therefore it was a very big win for the Butterfly Juniors when Eric quickly knocked off
Ricky. Now, immediately, it was an even match-up.
Gradually the Arena began filling up. Randy of course lost to Rutledge, and Scott of
course lost to Danny. But then Rutledge and his thick-spun serves could not get Ricky
clogged-up enough to chokeand the New Yorkers were once again the 9th-match underdogs.
Only
whats this?Eric,
whod been
complaining how
his return of serve
wasnt so effective
with the new antispin hed put on for
this tournament
(but he was always
playing with new
rubber), was doing
the unexpected.
Hed suddenly
come back into his
match with Danny
and was now
battling with him in
the third.
Incrediblefrom
Randy Seemiller--big win over Eric
Eric Boggan--big win over Danny
13-5 down hed
rallied.
Unbelievable the shots Danny, recognizing the ever-mounting danger, was missing.
Unbelievable the shots Eric, wiry, unrelenting, bent in over the table, was hitting in.
Unbelievable the result: Eric over Danny.
Pandemonium! I remember doing a high hurdle into the court. Then Eric, surrounded
by well-wishers, was escorted off, someones funny little hat placed on his head like a crown,
and there he sat, his position as MVP secure (with a 29-2 record), to watch Scott, playing
perfectly, decisively, down Randy. Score: Butterfly Juniors 4Seemillers 2.
Danny came back of course from the Cobo Hall depths of wherever hed goneand
finished off Rutledge. Now, however, all Eric had to do was beat Randy and it was all over.
First game: 21-12 for Eric. Yes, it was all overyou could read it in the Seemiller faces.
But then, strange how it happens, in the second game Eric got off to a bad start
(perhaps unconsciously hed already begun to relax, or perhaps he was just starting to come
down from his high after beating Danny and Ricky). Randy, given hope and strongly
encouraged now by his parents and brothers, suddenly reversed himself, became a frontrunner, and began to play like a 2250 player. When he won this game, everyone recognized the
change in momentum and knew Eric was in trouble.
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Actually, in the past year Eric had had his problems with Randy, whose one-side-ofthe-racket-style is similar to his ownbut twice in tournaments Eric had persevered from 2017 down to win key games.
In the third, Eric again got off to a bad startand was soon half a dozen points behind.
Suddenly a lady photographer from the Free Press, innocent as to Erics even normal
antipathy for people snapping shots at him while hes playing, and seemingly innocent as to the
significance of the professional play going on before herthis single game was worth $750
decided to take pictures up close to the table from the sidelines. Eric, angry at her, and at
himself, stopped play, looked her straight in the eye, and in a clear, ringing voice, said,
Youve some [obscene] nerve! Were playing an important match here! No doubt this
scandalized a good many spectatorsand though his outrage appealed to me, I myself after
the match went over and apologized to the woman. She was very, very nice and
understandingas opposed to her partner who didnt get it (Hes just a boy and its only a
game.). Former U.S. Open Mens finalist Chuck Burns got it. Though he thought Scott the
most exciting player since Reisman, he was so delighted by little-professional Erics outburst
that he now began to take a fatherly interest in him too.
It was too late though for Eric to get his
adrenalin going in the herculean way he had against
Danny, and Randy, reversing the on-court
pandemonium of an hour earlier, was the deserving
hero. And now it was Erics turn to sit head down,
hatless, a towel like a shroud draped over his hiddenfrom-everyones face.
Joyce Walker-Tyson would write in next days
Free Press, A handful of spectatorsreacted to every
play with the zeal of the staunchest U-M fan at a
Michigan-Ohio State football game. So she learned
something about how we play and who watches us,
huh?
Eric vanquished-- Hes just a boy,
As many in the crowd were leaving, mistakenly
and its only a game.
thinking the tie was over, Scott, who earlier had been
preparing himself just in case was ready to play. More than ready, as it happened, for again
there was something of an unexpected reversal and Scott was up 16-13.
But then Ricky, as if remembering how well hed played in that all-decisive match
against Italy in the Worlds (no, he just couldnt let his brothers down now), proceeded to play
magnificently. He took over the serve at 14-16 and played four superbly controlled points
until Scott, desperate, rising to the occasion, gambled with a
topspin return of serve that kept him 17-18 in the match.
But even with the serve at the end, Scott, though he took
his shots, couldnt quite do itand the Seemillers had
rallied to win 5-4.
You know, said a delirious Danny to a delirious
Ricky, maybe we ought to give Randy a little larger share
of the prize money than wed planned on.
Danny, exultant.
From Nov. 28, 1977 Detroit Free Press

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Chapter Fourteen
1977: Insook Bhushan/Danny Seemiller Win $12,500 Caesars Palace Closed.
This year, through the good offices of table tennis buff Neil Smyth, Caesars Palace
Vice-President, and Sol Schiff, USTTA President, the 2nd Annual U.S. Closed was held, Dec.
16-18 in Las Vegas, in the beautiful Caesars Sports Pavilion. Unfortunately, however,
Tournament Director Paul Therrio, his Assistant, Dick Evans, and the Control Desk crew of
Sue and Gene Sargent, Paul and Norma LeBlanc, and their helpful California Staff workers
were forced to give us less than ideal playing conditions. (With tables lined up, unbarriered,
one bullying individual drew Dr. Michael Scotts ire by unmercifully berating two junior
players for permitting their ball to invade the sanctity of his own tables territory and causing a
let ball.) But despite the unexpectedly large, number of entries causing court constrictions,
everyone involved in running the tournament couldnt have been more cooperativean
admirable response given the enormous number of matches that had to be played. Neal Fox,
too, must be congratulated for his innovative time-scheduled computer readouts. Hed also be
damned for not being able, in the month that he had over the Christmas holidays, to get either the
U.S. Closed results or a Rating update to Topics Editor Boggan in time for the Jan.-Feb. issue.
Womens/Girls Play
In the Womens final, worldranked U.S. Open winner Insook Bhushan
was just too strong for Defending
Champion He-Ja Lee. After losing the 2nd,
23-21, to go 2-0 down, He-ja had one
more chance to contestat 19-all in the
3rd. Then, pushpushpushpick:
Insook flicked in a backhandafterwards
went on to win that game too, 23-21. That
made it a perfect tournament for herin
addition to the Womens Singles, she took
the Womens Doubles with Kasia
Dawidowicz over Lee/Judy Bochenski,
and the Mixed with Danny Seemiller over
He-ja and D-J.
He-ja, however, did not look too
disappointed. Perhaps she felt shed
done about as well as she could. Shed
hurried over here from Europe just for
this tournament, and was now
immediately going back again.
In Germany, He-ja played for the
youngest and prettiest Womens team in
the League, and from the very
beginning she (and D-J) had been very
well received in Kiel and elsewhere.

Insook Bhushan (above) defeats He-ja Lee to win the

1977 U.S. Closed Womens Singles.
201

He-ja was in fact a table tennis

Tom, Angelita, and Sico
TV star. The Germans had never
Photo by Pam Ramsey
had Orientals, and a penholder
one at that. And He-ja has played
wellhasnt lost a League match
since October. At the moment she
might well be considered among
the top 5 women players in
Germany.
Angelita Rosal Sistrunk,
considering that shed just had a
baby, played with considerable
competitive zest in losing to
longtime fellow teammate
Bochenski. Judys hoping to
return to Stanford this summer to complete her requirements for graduation, then go to
Thailand and on to Senshu University in Japan for training.
Alice Green and Kasia Dawidowicz, now a U.S. citizen and the U.S. Girls U-17
Champion here (over Debbie Payotelis, her winning Girls U-17 Doubles partner), played a
dynamite 19-in-the-5th match. Sixteen-year-old Kasia, whos been rejecting free tennis lessons
from a good coach (too much difference in her tennis and table tennis strokes), was up 16-11
in the 5thbut then, serving off at 16-13, she suddenly went cold and Alice, playing decisively,
ran the score to 17-all, then, under Expedite, to 20-17 hersand, with father Hal sitting offcourt at her back, there to be seen if need be, just hung on to win.

Party time for Tyra and

Steve Isaacson

U.S. Girls Under 15 Champion

Cheryl Dadian

U.S. Girls Under 13 Champion

Hanna Butler
Photo by Mal Anderson

Alices New York friend Shazzi Felstein arrived with her playing arm in a castyet
managed mysteriously to win the As by downing in 5 fellow Easterner Donna Newell whod
survived Team Captain Heather Angelinetta, 23-21 in the 5th. Womens Consolation was won
by Sue Ehrlich over Tyra Parkins. Senior Womens winner was not Tybie Sommer (who was
out there on the table tennis court giving me tennis lessons) but Angelinetta over Pat Hodgins.
Girls U-15 went to Cheryl Dadian over Hanna Butler who won the Girls U-13 from Tracy
Beckham.
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Mens/Boys Play
Theres nothing much to say about Seemillers
serve-and-loop-kill matches. He came to Vegas with
the seriousness of a hit man or a pit bossobserved
his professional working hours, took home his pay.
Against D-J in the finals Danny was just
overpowering. Even if Lee got a chance to open the
point by spinning, Seemiller would move to his
forehand and counter-spin. Once D-J was forced to
temporize with his backhand, he was doneDanny
just didnt miss any loops.
Actually, Lee, very hard-pressed, did well to
get to the finals. Hed committed himself and He-ja to
a season of League play in Germany. We want to
learn German, D-J says to me, but its hard. The
Germans are very nice to us, but they keep speaking in
English. Everybody we meet wants to come to
America.
U.S. National Champion Danny Seemiller
It turns out that there are 700,000 registered
players in Germany. At $.50 a player a week, said D-J, Neal Fox would be a millionairethe
richest guy in all of Germany. As you may have guessed, Lee gets a very good salary, plus his
living expenses, plus the use of a car. The first time he pulled his little Audi 60 into a gas
station for oil, the shockest thing I ever experienced happened to him1 liter was $4. It was
also a shock to D-J to realize that Germany had no speed limits on its Autobahn. Guys were
zipping by him doing a cool 135 mph an hour. Finally, after a month of this, Lee himself had
worked up to going 100 mph without even thinking about it.
Back in the eighths against Roger Sverdlik, D-J almost had a fatal accident. He lost
the 1st, and was down 19-16 in the 2nd before gaining control to win at deuce. In the 3rd, Lee
was behind something like 13-6 (at which point, Roger said later, he was thinking negatively,
how he should have beaten D-J three straight), only to miraculously spin his way out of
trouble and take a 2-1 lead. In the fourth, Lee was still having trouble with Rogers backside
pips. Backhand up! Backhand up! he kept telling himself. Roger, triple-match-point down,
deuced it, helped at 20-19 by umpire Mal Anderson who, in a delayed call, properly ruled that
D-J, in hitting in what otherwise would have been the match-winning point, moved the table.
But again Roger lost the close one.
Poor Sverdlik. Was all this not more frustrating than Perry
Schwartzbergs loss earlier to Rogerand to Rogers brother Alan (1965) in
the As? Maybe notespecially if you add the one $100 blackjack hand Mike
Bush played for Perry who couldnt bear to look. Mike, in his skeleton-head
Grateful Dead t-shirt, stayed on 20, looked at the dealers 6, at his turnedover 8, then watched as he hit a 7.
D-Js unexpected opponent in the quarters was Californian Craig
Manoogian. Hed knocked off Sakai, then Charles Butler (after Charles had
risen from the grave against Bozorgzadehyep, twas true: Houshang had been 2-0 and
20-14 up, and had lost). Manoogian then turned his attention to Eric Boggan, who had a real
shot to get to the finals here, and beat him deuce in the 5th. Craig used smart tactics against
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Eric. Knowing he couldnt come out spinning into Boggans anti-spin block, Manoogian,
moving well after recently losing 40 pounds or so from his still very muscular frame, steadily
pushed, picked, and looped for points while generally taking advantage of his long-limbed
reach to keep Eric from moving him around or otherwise subtly destroying the rhythm of his
game.
After losing, as he said, the big one, Eric immediately retired to his room, would not
come out for dinner or go to his favorite pinball haunt. He said it was too embarrassing to see
anyoneand promptly fell asleep for 11 hours.
The next day Eric went
out and won all the Junior events
he was eligible for, the doubles as
well as the singles In the U-17s,
he beat, first, a listless Rutledge
Barry, then a perhaps too
desperately aggressive Jim Lane
in a final that was marked by a
running exchange with Referee
Pat Collins at the Control Desk.
The issue was whether, twirling
his special two-sided racket, Eric
should be allowed in the worldclass manner of the Chinese to
deceptively stamp his foot. (The
U.S. Closed Under 17 Runner-up Jimmy Lane
object being: No,-I-wont-letPhoto by David R. Moore
you-hear-which-sides-the-anti.)
Eric also teamed with brother Scott to take the U-17 Doubles from Quang Bui/Doyle; teamed
with Brian Masters to win the U-15 Doubles from Steve Claflin/John Stillions.
In the 15s, Eric beat a much-improved Quang
Bui who earlier had upset Scott in 5 in the 17s.
Quang used to run around and all-out loop
everything with his forehand; now hes steadied his
strong attack with very fast angled-off backhands
and looks, along with U-13 winner Brandon Olson
and U-11 winner Sean ONeill, to be one of our very
best prospects. Sean also won the U-13 Doubles with
Dan Wiig over brothers Khai and future superstar
Khoa Nguyen.
Topics Columnist Don Gunn, though
complaining about the Sports Illustrated
photographers camera flashes, did point out that the
Under 11 Winner Sean ONeill
magazine had a two-page article on the tournament,
Photo by Mal Anderson
with a picture each of Dan Seemiller and Sean
ONeill. The article stated that the ONeills spend about ten thousand a year on Seans table
tennis, then ad-libbed,. If your kid couldnt hit the floor by dropping his bat, be grateful.
Mindful of an upcoming E.C. directive to the Topics Editorno poetryIm including
another of Gunns contributions here.
204

Back now to Manoogian whos reached the quarters against D-J. This turned out to
be a much closer match than practically anyone, even Craig himself, had thought. Manoogian,
some knew, had practiced only 4 or 5 times in the last month, had been (almost carelessly)
playing his earlier-round opponents with the sponge on his racket half offso how the hell
was he doing so well? Because he was steady on both wings? Had a super-good chop serve?
And nowbecause Lee was nervous?
D-J cant play anymore, someone was saying. It was 10-5 Manoogianthe changing
point midway in the 5th game. Then Craig got a forehand in, missed a high one that should
have been a winneronly now the score was 12-all. D-J had suddenly found the strength hed
always had in the past, was not making a single erroruntil abruptly, almost as comic relief,
he literally served over Manoogians head into the barrier. What the
But Jawohl!Lee got the next point. And Jawohl! And Jawohl! D-J now led 17-15.
Whats with the Jawohl? said an onlooker. What do you expect? said another. Hes working
for Joola, playing in Germany. What do you think hes going to say? Well, said the first guy, if
he says one more Jawohl! hell never be eligible for another U.S. Closed.
Up 18-17, D-J fearlessly served and followed. The ball ticked the net, went init was
the shot that won him the 21-19 match.
Craig wasnt ready to play Lee, said a friend of his after the match. He had to
believe he could beat D-J. If hed have believed, he would have won the match three straight.
As if to prove his success in the Mens was no fluke, Manoogian also reached the finals
of Class A (another solid 2250 performance) before losing to Franz-Josef Huermann. Results
of other mostly Class/Age events: U-1950: Tito LeFranc over Don Ayers in 5. U-1750: John
Merkel over Rich Livingston whod eliminated Tony Martin, 18 in the 3rd. Dr. Scott describes
how Rich was mentally exhausted after working two full shifts at the tournament desk. In a
brief moment of relaxation, he sat down and put a 3 stubby pencil in his mouth under the
erroneous assumption it was a cigarette and repeatedly attempted to light it. I then volunteered
to relieve Rich for a few moments so he could recuperate and enjoy a regular cigarette.
Under 1600: Scott Butler over Cheryl Dadian. Under 1450: William Yang over Pat Fromme.
Mens
Consolation: Paul
LeBlanc over Bart
Chinnici. Rating
Consolation: Mas
Hashimoto over
Jim Lynum, 19 in
the 3rd. Junior
Consolation:
Russell Pike over
Ramsay Masso, 19
in the 3rd.
Senior
Scott Butler,
Esquires:
Chuck
Under 1600
Burns over Gene
Winner
Wilson, 19 in the
Senior Esquire and Esquire
rd
3 , then over Bill Hornyak. Esquires: Burns over Russ
(Wrestling?) Champ Chuck Burns
Thompson, -19, 20, 18, then over Harry Deschamps.
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Seniors: George Brathwaite over Bernie Bukiet. (Best match: Boggan and his leonine roars
over Bozorgzadeh, deuce in the 3rd.) Senior As: Ayers over Ted Stomma, then Les Enslin.
Senior Doubles: Bill Sharpe/Boggan over Bukiet/Thompson, 10, -21, 19, then over
Brathwaite/Bozorgzadeh.
D-Js opponent in the Mens semis was wunderkind Rutledge Barry. From the time he
just got by Jay Crystal (after being 2-0 down) and threw his racket in disgust against the
nearest draped wall, on through the quarters, he was fired up. In the eighths he met
Wuvanich. Charlie was preparing for his matches here by practicing with good players, playing
only 6-point games (alternating the serves), with the winner staying on the table. So if Charlie
wanted to play a lot, hed have to concentrate right from the beginning. Rutledge had beaten
Wuvanich at the USOTCs, and was even more in command against him now than he had been
in Detroit. He could even serve long to him. Which prompted one experienced observer to
say, When Charlie was good, nobody, but nobody, could serve long to him. Yeah, said
another, Wuvanichs arm is gone now. Hes more of a 2300 player than a world-class player.
This death knell for a man whos already beaten Danny this season and who with his partner
Chan in the Doubles downed Guillen/Eric Boggan, 25-23 in the 4th, then battled the Seemillers
into the 5th in the final, sounds more than a little premature to me.
In the quarters, Rutledges opponent wasnt Ricky Seemiller but Dean Galardi whod
knocked out his Birmingham Worlds teammate in straight games. Im gonna throw this
racket, Ricky warned as the end drew near. Truth was, he just looked bad, was badhad
been down 2-1 and 13-6 to Bohdan Dawidowicz earlier, and was lucky to win. Only when it was
almost too late did he discover that if he couldnt get through Bohdan with his regular loop hed
better loop with his anti. Against Galardi, Rutledge, who was later to lose his Caesars Palace $500
prize-money check, was more careful than carelesshad 4-5 points a game to spare.
Meanwhile, over on the older Seemillers side of the Draw, in the eighths, Danny beat
Apichart Sears who in the round before had eliminated U.S. Open U-21 Champ Dennis Barish.
Dennis, his entry somehow overlooked by Fox, was last-minute put in against, of all people,
this very tricky-serving Thai who a week earlier, in preparation for this tournament, hed
traveled hundreds of miles up the Pacific Coast to Oregon to practice with.
In the quarters, Danny downed Chuchai
Chan (Chan can do everything, said one
interested spectatorchop, loop, flat hit). In the
round before, Chuchai had beaten Scott Boggan,
after Scott had scored a $200 sixteenths win over
John Soderberg. Boggan, dragging his right foot
on his full forehand follow-through, had cut
gaping slices in his sneaker. Hed also cut all his
classes the week before the tournament and had
gone down to the Virginia/D.C. area to practice
withwould you believe it?Chan and
Soderberg. Here in Vegas he was lucky in his first
underage sneaky approach to the slots. On his first
$.25 try, he jerked up 3 barsfurtively stuffed into
every available pocket the $26.50 in change that
kept coming slowly, noisily out.
John Soderberg (L) and Scott Boggan--theyve
In the semis, Danny was too much for
had some beers?
206

Mike Bush who as far back as the eighths was down 2-1 and down in the 4th to Franz-Josef
Huermann. Franz had come here from Germany and in the 74 U.S. Open had eliminated Dick
Miles. He then disappeared, only to surface at the recent Hollywood U.S. Open. Hes
therefore an anonymous figure to most table tennis players round the country. His racket has a
German blade and the appropriately autonomically-named (as if it knows not what it does)
Mr. X rubber.
How explain Franzs absurd 2067 rating? Perhaps Foxs computer heard his story of
how on moving to Phoenix hed inadvertently left his racket in or on the van or truck that had
moved him. And so untilsurprisehe one day got it back in the mail, he was for two months
without any comparable racket at all. I mean, he couldnt just go into his local sporting goods
store and ask for Mr. X, please.
Bush himself said that he played very well against Huermann, kept loop-killing
though usually the ball kept coming back. Franz has the best footwork of any player in the
states, said one of his southwest friends. Anyway, good thing Mike won this early $200
match, else he couldnt have had his training steaks.
Also in an earlier round, Ray Guillen had a constantly interrupted outburst of a match
with Senior Champion George The Chief Brathwaite whod earlier been extended by Randy
Seemiller. The Ray-George conflict repeatedly carried to the Control Desk, centered around
who was talking when he shouldnt be, who was trying consciously or unconsciously to
distract the other. Eventually George lost the match and, though hes well known for
preserving the amenities, did not shake hands with Ray. He said later, were he not there at
Caesars in the role of professional athlete, he would have exercised not an iron restraint but a
forearm in what doubtless would have been a very disruptive punch. Good thing they werent
at Reismans, eh?
Against Guillen in the quarters, Bush, who often delights his audience with a grand
gesture (Youve got to use your imagination, he says), has Ray constantly talking to himself
or his audienceif in his mind theres any difference. I heard his loop was better than mine,
says Ray, as losing a point he walks over to pick himself up or the ball.Fault! says the
umpire to Bushwhich draws the response from Ray, I would have won the point anyway.
As Rays mild form of trash-talk continues, Bush, up 2-1, loops, loops, counter-loops, and
from 8-3 down in the 4th perseveres to go 20-17 triple-match-point up. But now Ray makes a
beautiful smother-block for a point and tenaciously plays on to deuce it up. Then he goes to
retrieve a ball, looks at Danny, feigns a lunge at him, and says, Dont worry, Im just a little
hyper tense. Deucing the end-game for the third time, Ray yells, Win it! But Mike gets in a
good serve and follow, and in a moment Guillen, along with Huermann, will be the freer to
concentrate on the $250 1st prize Hard Rubber event.
Naturally the two matches in the Hard Rubber event everyone most wants to see are
the semis between Reisman and Guillen, a replay of their recent U.S. Open match (which
Guillen had won), and then the winner vs. the Hollywood U.S. Open Hard Rubber Champion
Franz Huermann whod been 5-game challenged in his semis by Houshang Bozorgzadeh.
The Tournament Committee made a mistake, though, in trying to play Reisman and
Guillen next to two serious doubles finals, one of which involved my boys against Quang Bui/
Dean Doyle. As Marty and Ray continued their bantering with the crowd, I shouted out Id
like it stopped.
Guillen of course is used to controversy. It may be distracting to his opponent or to
neighboring players, but he thrives on it. Early in his match with Ray, Marty, on serve, threw
207

the ball up with his left hand, then, instead of striking it, playfully caught it with his right,
racket hand. (Which to me seemed more a distraction than a joke.) Ray claimed and was
awarded the point. That set the tone for what seemed to me a petty, bickering match
With games 1-1, a problem arises. Guillen has injured his playing hand and apparently cant
straighten out his fingers. As hes about to serve, it looks like a bomb might have gone off in
his cramped hand. Reisman, whos still steamed from being taken so seriously before, begins,
as someone says, to play Catch 22 with the Rules. He insists that Ray serve legally, palm
flat, fingers outstretched. You took a point away from me before, Marty says, Whats good
for you is good for me. Guillen stops play. Looks as if abject mortification has set in. Apologetic,
he appeals to the Tournament Committee not to be too harsh with him. Hell serve as best he can. A
doctor is brought inor rather a security guard familiar with first aid. If the finger were broken,
he says, then itd be swollen. Anyway, its only one that hurts. Play continues.
Marty, up 14-6, now feels the irresistible urge to show off. Ray is not cooperative. In a
turnabout, as if firmly gripping his racket in a
vise, he clubs his way to a 20-19 lead. Then
Hes such a showoff--he almost
blew the ball out of the picture.
fails to return serve. Now, since theyve spent
so much time talking instead of playing, the
Expedite Rule is brought in, and Marty,
playing several good clutch points, eventually
wins the game. After that its easy. Down 2012 in the 4th, Guillen concedes by trying to hit
a behind-the-back shot inas if its all been a
what-does-it-really-matter exhibition.
Which leads to Martys moment of truth.
Huermann arrives ready to shake hands with Reisman and wish him
well. It is of course the first time theyve ever played one another. The
German then proceeds, to most everyones embarrassment, to open
up a merciless 10-1 lead. Franz not only has a very sticky, change-ofspin defense that Marty in the beginning cant read, but a devastating
short swat of a forehand, unexpected, awkward-looking even,
reminiscent of that used so effectively by the great German defender
of a decade ago, Eberhard Schoeler.
How did Huermann get such a stroke, keep it perfected? Why,
by playing badminton of coursemore badminton than table
tennis. He finds it strengthens his table tennis wrist-play to snap at
one birdie after another.
Gradually, though, Reisman, maintaining his composure and in
so doing winning the admiration of all, slowly begins to assert
some of that marvelous control from the pastturns the match
from being a one-sided debacle into some real semblance of a
competitive fight. In fact, in fiction, for a moment when he rallies
to take the 3rd, it looks as ifhey, reallyhe could win. At the
very least, out there on tiptoe, sword-slim, slightly bent,
burnishedbalanced like a dueling master of oldhes something
suddenly much more solid, human, than, however lustrous, the
personification of a lightweight foil.
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Chapter Fifteen
1977: Gusikoffs Incendiary Match
Point Column. 1977: E.C. Minutes and
Related Subjects (Manufacturers Provide
Funds To Hire Bill Haid as USTTA
Executive Director and Establish USTTA
Headquarters in St. Louis).
THE NEW E.C. IS TOTALLY IRRESPONSIBLE AND DANGEROUSLY
NEGLIGENT AT THEIR FIRST MEETING. This bold headline (referring to the July 2325 E.C. Meeting) that appeared in Bobby Gusikoffs Match Point column (TTT, Sept.-Oct.,
1977, 12) will elicit a fiery response from E.C. membersthe more so because ex-Tournament
Director Gusikoff is already justifiably under attack for monies he owes from his U.S. Open,
though just how much that total is will not be publicly known until the Dec. E.C. Meeting.
Bobby, who himself is thought devious and unethical by E.C. members (certainly hes
totally irresponsible in money matters; they have little or no priority with him), accuses Martin,
Shirley, and Danner of not being honorableof deliberately suppressing and hiding from the
USTTA members the finest promotional offer American table tennis has ever had. This
proposal, addressed to Gusikoff with a request to present it to the E.C., is from Bob Kain,
representing the International Management Group (IMG) or, more specifically, the racquet
sports arm of IMG, its International Merchandising Corporation (IMC). There wasnt much
time before the July 23-25 E.C. Meeting, so Bobby sent this proposal quickly to all E.C.
members for consideration.
Founder/President/Chairman of the Board/
CEO Mark McCormacks IMG is a sports
management firm that grossed $30,000,000 last year.
It represents many professional sports figures, such as
Bjorn Borg and Arnold Palmer, and many well-known
sports extravaganzas, such as Wimbledon and the
World Series of Golf.* Appended next to Bobbys
Match Point column was Kains long letter, cluing
the reader in on the workings and successes of the
Management firm, and what they could do for us:
IMC would like to assist the USTTA in the
development, organization, administration, and
negotiation of income producing opportunities
available to the Association.
IMGs Mark McCormack
Specifically theyd undertake (as they do, for
example, for the United States Racquetball Association) exclusive representation of the
Association with regard to: the sale and other use of Film and Television rights with respect
to USTTA eventsthe sale, license or other disposition of merchandising rights with respect
to the USTTAs Name and Designationsthe obtaining of commercial sponsors[and] the
sale, license, or other disposition of merchandising rights with respect to the Associations
events. IMC would also help conceptualize and devise programs and promotions to
increase publicity and exposure for the Sport.
209

In return, IMC would want a 25% commission on all merchandising income coming
into the USTTA while they were its merchandising arm, and they would want an annual
retainer of approximately $25,000 a year.
Bobby says this proposal so threatens the E.C.s precious control over table tennis
that it was purposely left off the agenda at the last [July] meeting. THIS ACTION IS THE
MOST FLAGRANT BREACH OF TRUST I HAVE EVER SEEN. Bobby is so genuinely
outraged that he seems oblivious to his own U.S. Open breach of trust (primarily of course
because of his Can-I-help-it-if-I-didnt-have-enough-money? attitude).
He says, I spoke with Sue Sargent to make sure this proposal would be put on the
agenda.Sue told me the proposal was on the agenda and that she was looking forward to
going over it with Ron Shirley on the plane ride to the Meeting.
He says, I called several EC members after the meeting to ask what the reaction was
and these were some of the answers:
Mal AndersonWhat proposal? I dont remember it. We must have overlooked it.
Sue SargentToo busy with other things and never got around to it.
Bowie MartinI think it was tabled for another meeting. [Theres no mention of the
IMC proposal in the Minutes published in Topics.]
Ron ShirleyDont remember it. We were too busy with other business.
Bobbys opinion is that its absurd to think that a new USTTA Executive Director could
possibly come close to doing the job for Table Tennis that IMG could do with their expertise,
sponsor connections, and general experience. Where will the money for IMG come from? Im sure
that the $25,000 fee mentioned by IMG could be reduced with discussion. The rest of the money is there
in this years budget: $10,000 E.D.s salary; $2,500 Public Relations (outrageous expenditure); $1,000
Fund raising; $1,000 Library and Film (for what?); $600 Womens (Womens What?).
These monies and others should be spent where they will do some positive good.
The E.C.s handling of this entire affair should be greatly disturbing to all USTTA
members.We now have an E.C. which is obviously the most self-oriented we have ever
had. Bobby then segues into the new and severely restrictive USTTA Election law that
limits the number of candidates for the office of USTTA President or Executive Vice-President
and so tends to perpetuate those already in office. He also vigorously protests another new
restrictive law that forbids any articles in Topics about rival associationsthough the writers
expressing their views are USTTA members. This verifies the fact that Butterfly and Yasaka
were greatly displeased with the players strike at the 76 U.S. Open. Bobby thinks this E.C.
is a disgrace, and urges USTTA members to protest these officers dangerous and
dishonest ways. Protect the players and members rights, he says.
Of course the question immediately arises, Should I have printed Gusikoffs column? I
addressed this question in my own accompanying article. There I said Id asked Bob Lardon,
Treasurer of the National Junior Table Tennis Foundation, to call Mr. Kain to verify that what
Bobby said was true regarding their meeting. Yes, said Lardon, Gusikoff had indicated to
Mr. Kain that he, Gusikoff, was not on the USTTA Executive Committee but that he would
see to it that the E.C. received the proposal. I also asked, though admittedly on short notice
(since I had to get out the magazine), for E.C. members to respond to Gusikoffs views, and
that I would be sure to include their responses in juxtaposition to Bobbys article.
I said, Readers will have to decide for themselves whether, in the best interests of
table tennis, Mr. Gusikoff has acted responsibly, whether each and every member of the E.C.
has, and whether I, as Editor of the paper, have.
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Jack Buddy Melameds article was the only non-E.C.

members response printed in Topics (Nov.-Dec., 1977, 6):
Bob Gusikoff acted irresponsibly in making his rude
remarks and Boggan was irresponsible for wasting two pages of
Topics just to create an unnecessary controversy.
Based on the amount of time they had to evaluate the IMG
proposal, the members of the Executive Committee made a prudent
judgment of the matter and their decisions were in keeping with their
responsibilities.
Gusikoff also wrote a letter stating, I am sorry that part of the
umpires fees were not paidbut I ran out of money. I presume this
is also the reason Gusikoff has not paid the USTTA the balance of the
sanction fees, and has yet to pay all of the prize money from the 77
Open. What were the words Gusikoff used to try and discredit the EC
membersIRRESPONSIBLE, DANGEROUSLY NEGLIGENT and
FLAGRANT BREACH OF TRUST. Unbelievable!
It is obvious that the E.C. does not choose to negotiate with the
IMG people at this time. The members of the Executive Committee were
elected to represent us. We cannot expect 100% of the players to agree
A feisty, youthful Jack
with their every decision. [And when the players dont, can they publicly
Buddy Melamed
voice their opinion, and must they do it politely?] It is my opinion that
Tim Boggan overstepped his position in allowing Mr. Gusikoffs frenzied
and outlandish accusations to occupy so much space in our Topics.
Perhaps the USTTA should accept the IMG offer and if we made the more than
necessary money we could pay them the $25,000 and keep the profit.Otherwise, well tell
them, Were sorry, but we ran out of money.
Buddy does alright with his free speech, huh? No minced or wasted words there.
Ah, well. Need I defend myself? Privately I could take as my guide, lines, say, from
Ronald Steels book on journalist Walter Lippman:
The great healing effect of publicity is that by revealing mens motives it civilizes
them. If people have to declare publicly what they want and why they want it, they cannot be
altogether ruthless. It takes more courage than most men have to be openly selfish and
regardless of the judgments of their fellows. A special interest openly avowed is no terror to
democracy. It is neutralized by publicity.
The great virtue of democracyin fact its supreme virtueis that it supplies a method
of dragging the realities into light, of summoning our rulers to declare themselves and submit
to judgment.
That said, here are the responses of those who wanted to respond to Gusikoff and to
my decision to let him have his sayAnderson, Carr, Harrison, Martin, and Shirley (President
Schiff didnt respond, but at some later date he did speak to IMCs Kain, which drew praise
from Gusikoff). Youll see that these E.C. members differ in their responses and in doing so
offer us glimpses of their personalities.
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Anderson: Dear Tim, If Mr. Gusikoffs foolish article does get published there should
be an answer to it. Here is mine:
Bob asks, Why was this offer (the IMG proposal) never put on the agenda? It was.
Item 29 of the summer meeting agenda. Why was it never even discussed by the E.C.?
Because wed all read it in advance, and all of us observed the $25,000 hook it contained.
The USTTA would have been obligated to pay IMG this amount even if they werent able to
raise one cent for us. Wed already passed the budget for the season, so all of us knew that this
much money wasnt thereit would bankrupt the USTTA if we had to pay it. Thus, when we
reached this agenda item, no one would make a motion to consider the proposalwe all knew
it was impossible to consider at this time.
As Recording Secretary, I only minute those items that are at least moved by an E.C.
member. Anything not even moved is left out. Thus, this proposal was not mentioned in the
minutes. [Shouldnt it have been? Wouldnt the membership be interested to know that such an
important sports conglomerate as IMG was interested in the USTTA? And wouldnt at least
mentioning the proposal be a required courtesy to Bob and to IMG.s Kain who went to the
trouble of writing a long letter requesting the proposal be brought to the Boards attention?]
Mr. Gusikoffs so-called quotes are ridiculous. There is no way I would have said,
What proposal? I dont remember it. I knew this proposal, had read it in detail, and
remembered it clearly. Especially the hook.
Since you started discussing irresponsibility and negligence, Bob, why didnt you
mention the sanction fees and prize money for the 1977 U.S. Open that you still havent paid?
Why dont you even answer Jack Carrs letters to you on this subject? D-J Lee paid the
German teams hotel bill so they could check outyou couldnt be located at the time. Have
you ever repaid D-J?
The present E.C. is the least self-oriented Ive ever seen. The summer meeting was the
best everno one yelled, no one tried to gain any advantage or money for himself or friends
of his. Ive been attending E.C. meetings for the last ten years, and Ive never seen this before!
Several of the new members are in the Table Tennis businessthey are very successful at it, so
they dont make any attempt to gain money or advantages for themselves, unlike some former
E.C. members who were defeated in the last election. In fact, when the vote for awarding the
1978 U.S. Open came up, all 5 members with business connections abstained.
The new members main campaign promise was they would hire an executive director,
and they are keeping it. If there is a way to vastly improve our sport and image, I think this
group of businessmen will find it.
Carr (who wasnt at the meeting): New Editor Needed Now Bids are sought for a
NEW TOPICS EDITOR.
One of the many reasons the Executive Committee voted 9-0 to cancel Tim Boggans
contract is his continued publication of articles contrary to the best interests of table tennis.
[Cancel my contract? Or give me a new and, as Fred Danner said, a better one?]
There can be little credence in an article by someone who after four months still owes
money to USTTA members and who violated his agreement made in Las Vegas with the
Executive Committee and published in Topics.
Since Boggans contract expires after the January-February issue and disciplinary
action is pending against Bobby Gusikoff for failure to pay money owed to the USTTA,
perhaps this is their way of getting even with the Executive Committee.
212

Undoubtedly other E.C. members like myself did not receive the Gusikoff-IMG
proposal until several days after the meeting if they received it at all. Since the flat fee IMG
cost is more than the entire USTTA bank account, serious considerable deliberation and
negotiations are needed before the assigned committee can make definite proposals.
Despite the criticism by Gusikoff and Boggan, I have confidence in Ron Shirley, Bowie
Martin and Fred Danner. I ask you, our fellow members, to bear with them for two years
instead of jumping to improper conclusions when all the facts are not known.
The Executive Committee can use and needs the services of another outstanding
manthe intelligent, energetic, ambitious Gus Kennedy.
Boggans publication of half-truths, false accusations and character assassinations is
irresponsible and childish, and hurts the public relations and promotion of the sport we love.
[After reading Rufford Harrisons objections to this article, Jack didnt want it published, but it
took him too long to get his half-hearted decision to withdraw it to me and I went to press
with it in the magazine.]
Harrison [who wasnt at the meeting]: Dear Tim,[We] discussed Gusikoffs
proposal, even though it was received much too late for inclusion on the agenda.Admittedly
it was discussed only briefly. The gist was that, since we had just allocated funds for the rather
forward step of hiring an Executive Director, we certainly could not remotely consider
anything that needed an outlay approaching half of our annual budget, as Gusikoffs proposal
did.
I might add that there was another thought in my mind as I spoke [sic] against that
proposal. I remembered that Gusikoff had agreed to have established a joint bank account with
the USTTA for U.S. Open income, so that our fees would be paid upfront, He did not do
this. To date I believe he has paid some $2,000 of the sanction fee, which is probably less than
half of what he should pay, none of the International Team Fund fee; none of the rating fees;
only part of the prize money; and only part of the umpiring fees. Furthermore, he did not pay
the hotel bills for some of the foreign participants, who also did not receive their prize
money[After two letters from Ogimura, the USTTA out of their General Funds paid the
JTTA $1,056, paid the Korean Development Bank Teams Executive Director the $100 prize
money due, but probably did not send him the winners certificates or trophies that were to be
awarded; paid the $818.09 prize money and hotel bill for the Germans.].
[I must say, the responses of Anderson, Carr, and Harrison are different enough to give
readers pause for thought.]
Martin: Dear Tim, I received the [IGM] proposal on July 22, 1977, which was the day I
left for the Executive Committee meeting in Washington, D.C.; I barely had time to look over the
contents prior to the meeting: as you know there were 77 items on the agenda to be considered.
I felt my first responsibility as a newly elected vice president was to make my major
campaign promise good, the promise to hire an Executive Director to run the USTTA. The
election results clearly revealed that this action was strongly supported by the membership.
The hiring of an Executive Director was proposal No. 16 on the agenda. This item was taken
up and passed. Naturally this item of employing an Executive Director establishing a central
USTTA office, and related expenses constitute a large expenditure for the USTTA.[Bowie
says the IMG proposal was No. 29 on the agenda. He scanned it over, understood the
213

proposal, and concluded there was no guarantee to the USTTA of any income from this
arrangement.] As there was obviously no money in the USTTA budget for this [IMG proposal]
(the hiring of an Executive Director had already passed), no action was taken.
One of the major problems the association has always had is lack of direction,
continuity, and lack of planning for the short and long term. An Executive Director can help
solve these problems. The USTTA cannot afford an Executive Director and the IMG proposal
at this time. A good Executive Director could make it possible for us to have both; acquiring
such a person will be a giant step in the right direction. [Gusikoff later praises this response as
being honest and truthful.]
CRITERIA FOR TOPICS: During the period I considered running for vice president I
spoke with many USTTA members about their feelings on a variety of subjects; one of the
subjects most often brought up was the contents of Topics. The general feeling I received was
that Topics should be the Official Publication of the USTTA, and should not serve as the
publication of other associations or groups, not as long as the USTTA was paying the bill out
of USTTA membership dues. I will be responsive to the feelings of the majority of the USTTA
players, and not to the feelings of a small group in the membership. [Why not be responsive to
both the majority and the minority?]
ELIGIBILITY FOR CANDIDATES FOR USTTA OFFICE: I would ask each
interested person to read over the eligibility requirements for USTTA Office. Do you feel that
they are overly restrictive or do you feel that a candidate should be as qualified and
experienced as possible? [I think Barry Margoliuss Nominating Committee Report, Who
Won? Who Cares? (May-June, 1978, 13), which Ill come to later, goes a long way toward
answering Bowies question. The highly stringent requirements for one to run for the two
highest E.C. positions induces in the membership not interest but apathy.]
Shirley: Dear Tim, I personally dont feel like you should print articles from persons
who have a history of writing bad checks, who owe the USTTA large sums of money, who are
under investigation by the USTTA Disciplinary Committee, and who have written less than the
truth in other articles they have submitted to you. To print such things and to spend your time
and magazine space responding to senseless tirades is not in the best interests of the USTTA or
the sport as a whole.
Since you did request a reply, though, I will gladly do so after Mr. Gusikoff has taken
care of all his financial obligations and has been cleared of the numerous charges against him
which the USTTA Disciplinary Committee is now considering.
On a more pleasant note, I am pleased to report to you that good progress is being
made in an organized, business-like manner to hire an Executive Director, to establish a
permanent office, and to develop plans and goals for the USTTA. All of these items will be
acted upon at the next meeting of the Executive Committee in December.
E.C. Minutes/Other Matters
Present for all or part of the time at the Dec. 19, 1977 E.C. Meeting at Caesars Palace
were: E.C. Officers: President Sol Schiff (SS), Recording Secretary Mal Anderson who took
the Minutes (MRA)), Corresponding Secretary Sue Sergeant (SGT), Vice President Bowie
Martin (BGM), Vice-President Dal-Joon Lee (DJL), and Vice-President Fred Danner (FGD);
also, Proxies: John Read (JCR) for Executive Vice-President Rufford Harrison; Gus Kennedy
(GK) for Treasurer Jack Carr; and Gene Sargent (GS) for Vice-President Ron Shirley.
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Guests attending at one point or another were: USTTA Publicity Director Stan Robens,
Tom Wintrich, Midwest Regional Director Tom McEvoy, Wally Gundlach, Barry Margolius,
Heather Angelinetta (there to try to clear up a misunderstanding (over U.S. Team uniforms?) that
occurred at the 1977 U.S. Open, involving her, Bob Gusikoff, D-J Lee, and the USTTA ($400 is
due her?), Duke Stogner (there to put in a bid to hold the 1978 USOTCs in Little Rock, Arkansas;
the E.C. reaction was favorablebut theyll award the tournament to Detroit).
Regarding the reactivation of the International Team
Squad, Kennedy reported he has written a form letter and
sent it to 25 top players. To date, only 4 of them have replied,
so it appears the ITS wont be reactivated. Gus calls our
attention to the ITTFs history volume just out, The First
Fifty Years, available through him for $2.25. Also, as our
International Chair, hes recently exchanged letters with North
Korean officials regarding the Apr. 25-May 6, 1979
Pyongyang Worldsmutual concerns focus on embassies,
passports, visas, participatory and travel arrangements. (Since
its illegal in the U.S. to import North Korean stamps, Gus is
scrambling round in Scotts Stamp Catalog to see if the stamp
hes got might be either valuable or dangerous to him.)
Richard Streeton, writing in the Oct. 25, 1977 London
Times (reprinted in TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1978, 10), stresses how
the last Worlds in Birmingham proved a financial disaster for
North Korean stamp
the English TTAthey could face a loss of about $60,000.
More than 1,000 competitors and officials had to be provided for. In some way, this ultraprestigious tournament has to be cut down to size, for only the Asian countries seem able to
finance it (China will have it in 81, Japan in 83). As the ITTF now has 125 membercountries, it clearly is not ideal for one continent regularly to stage the tournament. Streeton
says the ETTAs financial loss comes at a bad time because, although the Worlds gave table
tennis a big boost in England, the Association has no funds to capitalize on this sudden
interest. However, one way to try to preserve some impetus is through a dispersion of the
Birmingham World Championship films, available for sale (275 pounds each) or rent (10
pounds per week or part of a week).
Mal Anderson, USTTA Photography Chair, has a series of sequence photos in Topics
Shigeo Itohs Power Loop Drive (Sept.-Oct., 1977); Sam Hammonds Backhand Loop (Jan.-Feb.,
1978); and Kjell Johanssons Flat Forehand and Kill (Mar.-Apr., 1978), all analyzed frame by
frameItoh by USTTA Coaching Chair Jeff Smart; Hammond and Johansson by USTTA Coach
Chris Francis. Also, Mal as USTTA Rules Chair, tells us that the ITTF has two new rules regarding
rackets. One defines Sandwich rubber as a layer of circular rubber (what we call sponge)
surfaced with a layer of pimpled rubber, the total thickness of the pimpled rubber being not more
than 2 millimetres. The other requires that a player, before using a racket for the first time in a
match, shall, if so requested, show both sides of the blade to his opponent. What one might find
theretoo-long pips, too-thick pips, whatevermay not be legal after Jan. 1, 1978. Then, if your
opponent wants to take a look at your racket, youre caught, right?
The U.S. player Bruce Abrams (TTT, Jan.-Feb., 1977, 10) calls our attention to a
fantastic new rubbercalled Slime. Yes, thats rightSlime, which is 10 times as effective
as Feint, Phantom, Sriver Killer. Bruce explains:
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The smooth-faced
Slime contains a very thin 4
circular water storage
compartment hidden inside the
layer of sponge. The rubber
surface on one side (and one side
only) contains microfine pores
that on firm contact with a
moving object release a fine
moisture-film.
Thus you can cause a
wet ball as often as you choose.
The pores have been spaced and
measured to cause the wet spot to
last a maximum of 10 seconds.
Since it takes about 2-3 seconds
for your opponent to realize
something is wrong, and since it
Dave Sakai pointing out to potential Slime buyer where the
requires an average of 3-4
wet spot can no longer be seen.
seconds to find the wet spot
(Slime produces the smallest possible spot), and at least 5-6 seconds for even a fast opponent
to run to the umpire and point out to him the exact [offending] spot, guess what the umpire
sees? Thats right. Nothing! The spot has already evaporated! You are in no danger of losing
your ill-gotten point.
Moreover, after a few points like this, your opponent will stop calling Wet ball! for
fear of being labeled a cry baby.There is only one very slight drawbackThe water supply
lasts approximately 3 full games. Therefore the sponge might have to be refilled. But an
injection needle comes with each sheet.
Hey, yeah, a little shaky, but with Chinas Huang Liang on serve you need an equalizer.
USTTA Committee changes: Alex Sze replaced Ira Feldman as
Caron Intercollegiate Chair; Jim McQueen replaced Caron Leff as
Leff
Southern Regional Tournament Director; Bill Hornyak replaced
Tom McEvoy as Midwest Regional Tournament Director; and
McEvoy became the National Tournament Director, replacing Neall
Fox who resigned. Though Neal had been praised just this month by
Westfield Director Dennis Pedicini (Neal Fox is a gem. He doesnt
just do your draws, he really cares about your tournament), hes
also been repeatedly criticized (Clubs and Affiliates Chair Dick
Feuerstein said Neal, as National Tournament Director, should have been replaced long
ago).
Fox had held two big jobsTournament Chair and Rating Chairand the control he
wanted and the conscientiousness that characterized his considerable efforts made him subject
to delays in getting out draws or up-to-date ratings. Also, he sometimes issued blunt
pronouncements which may have caused Tournament Directors to criticize him in return. For
example: These tournaments [which he designatesReisman being one of the offenders] are
so late that they will not be processed unless the sponsor is willing to pay the extra cost of late
216

processing.Mike Scott, Warren Rasmussen and Dave Sakai may not hold any more
tournaments. All three names are being submitted to the Disciplinary Committee [chaired by
Mike Scott] for possible action because of chronic problems with their tournament. (Some
confusion with Scott and Fox, I think, that got straightened out; Fox, perhaps, was too quick
to speak.)
Neal was to have contacted the Dunlop
Company about continuing the Barna Award theyd
previously given annually to a person in the U.S.
whod done the most for the Sport. But he didnt
follow up (write a short letter?) because, he said,
of the pressure of other work. Clearly, the
Tournament work or the criticism was something he
didnt need. It turns out that Dunlop has
Neal Fox
discontinued the Barna Award.
Stan Robens resigned as Chair of the Film and
Library Committee, which Bill Hodge,
understandably, despite his initial eagerness,
couldnt do much with either. However, Stan has a
vision. He intends to start up a USTTA
Development Fund. His intention is to raise
$20,000$40,000$60.000 to print and send out
promotional materials that will then bring in large
contributions to the Association from wealthy
donors. Stans aim is to raise $1,000,000. To get this project goingconvince an audience
that Table Tennis is a popular and exciting sporthe looks to form a USTTA 100 Club
whose individual members or clubs will each contribute $200 toward this goal. Then he hopes
to get an additional $10 or more from each Association member. Thus the half-page
announcement (TTT, Mar.-Apt., 1978, 7) that boldly asserts, A Sleeping Giant is
Awakening!
In your Rip Van Winkle dreams, Stanthough, since you also said every little bit
helps, you will get some nominal donations.
At least Robens is to be
commended for an idea, one that
promises a dozen benefits this money
could bring uscoaching clinics, a
National League, our players
competing abroad, increased
membership, and much more. His
plaintive question (Wont you please
join us in promoting Table Tennis? I
appeal to your love of this great
sport.) draws, in effect, the
brutally direct answer No. So its
Stan and his supporters wholl
Our Public Relations man, Stan Robens, doing a song and
eventually wake from this fairy tale.
dance act with Tony Orlando. Stan, called impromptu up onto
Meanwhile, Robens is in Vegas, doin a Vegas stage, wowed Tony and his fans for almost half an hour.
217

a dream actis up there on stage with Tony Orlando.

Maybe theyll do a rendition of Fred Grobees catchy
new song (I hope Ive made it clear to very Jack
Photo by
Neal Fox
and Jill: Top table tennis is a game of super skill).
Tom Wintrich has a dream too. He wants to be the
Editor of Topics. He tells the E,C. that hes confident
he could make it a first class paper and meet the $2,200
budget. Perhaps his dream will one day become a
reality? But not now. After a half hours discussion,
the contract negotiated with Boggan by Martin,
Danner, and Carr was passed 6-3 with Anderson and
Wintrichs friends, the Sargents (Gene casting his proxy
vote for Ron Shirley), dissenting. Tom had written me
much earlier (Sept. 10) that it appears my desire for a
higher salary thwarted my chances. [Of course Tim was
exercising his option according to his contract to
continue on as Editor.] The local joke if I had won the position was that I could have given front
page coverage to our small-time tournaments.At this particular time I am very involved with
organizing a major money tournament [what that is, he doesnt say] and I dont know if I will
remain a serious contender for the job. Regardless of my decision, I know you are a tough
competitor and wont be frightened off by a newcomer to the sport with grandiose plans. Oh yes,
Tom continues to be a contender; and, no, Im not frightened, nor will I ever be.**
There are ten applicants for the position of USTTA Executive Director. Bill Haid, in
the later 1940s the Editor of Topics (see Vol. II, 217-18; 258-59 for my highly critical
comments about him as he was then) will take office Jan. 24, 1978. Heres his background
(TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1978, 1):
Tom
Wintrich

Prior to coming with the USTTA he was with Associated Lithographers as Associate
Publisher and Advertising Director of Tennis West, and prior to that was Vice-President of
Blackwell Printing Co. in St. Louis, MO. Other experience was with Maritz, Inc. as production
manager of the largest creative sales-incentive company in the world, and with American
Investment Company involved in their national marketing program.
Mr. Haid is a U.S.T.A. Sectional
Chair Umpire, an official for AAU Track and
Field events, and a Golden Gloves official.
He has put 10 years of his life into PTA
work, 12 years in the Boy Scouts of America,
and 3 years as a part-time YMCA Recreation
and Athletic Instructor. In addition to playing
table tennis he has been a fast-pitch softball
pitcher for 42 years, and plays tennis and
golf. He thus brings experience from many
sports to his new job.
Bill and his wife, Sarah, had been
living in Tempe, Arizona, but now have
moved to St. Louis.
Bill and Sarah Haid
218

Bowie Martin was the E.C. member in charge of studying the E.D. applicants
resumes. But he had to have consulted with Shirley and Sue Sargent, his other Committee
members who were allied with Wintrich and it would seem Robens. Haid, living like Robens in
Arizona, was employed by Tennis West, the publication that (see Chapter IX) featured an
article highlighting Robenss associations with Phoenix-area sports personalities. Earlier,
Robens, encouraging Shirley/Sergeant/Wintrichs aspirations (see Chapter III), had solicited
Diamond Publishers out of Phoenix to make up a new Topics format that could be substituted
for the old should Wintrich or someone else replace Boggan as Editor. The Haid-Wintrich
connection will continue through Bills tenure until finally both will be based at the USOC
Headquarters in Colorado Springs.
Butterflys Bowie Martin also took the lead in serving as E.C. liaison regarding
Boggans contract, and I recall him being very cooperative and fair with me. So, though
Shirley, like Miles, very much wanted to do a succession of U.S. Opens beginning with his
upcoming 1978 one, the E.C. resisted his Southwestern power grab. The 1979 U.S. Open will
be awarded to Long Islands Table Tennis Enterprises, Inc. wholl have Benihana as a sponsor.
Of course I cant be too critical of these moves by Shirley since, as weve seen over the years,
Ive been pretty intent on grabbing power myself.
Ironically, while this maneuvering has been going on, the E.C. has decided to appoint a
Morals and Ethics Committee. Three unbiased people [sic] will make sure that no member of
the E.C., including the President, and no committee chairman, uses his USTTA office and/or
influence to promote his own business or to seek financial rewards for himself.This
committee [with disciplinary powers] can be dissolved only by a 2/3 majority vote of the E.C.
Members of this committee [members as yet nameless, as yet uncalled to action, who perhaps
never will be called] cannot be members of the E.C. or any other USTTA committee.Passed
7-1 (JCR expressing Harrisons vote).
Following Bill Haids appointment,
thanks to the groundwork laid by Sol Schiff
and Bowie Martin with the manufacturers
attending the Jan. 24-29 National Sporting
Goods Show in Houston, and a final Jan. 28th
19-point presentation by Haid, the desired goal
was reached (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1978, 4). The
manufacturers and importers of table tennis
equipment joined together in a commitment to
the USTTA to donate approximately $30,000
for 1978 and the same for 1979 towards the
employment of an Executive Director and the
establishment of a USTTA Headquarters. This
Headquarters will be located in the Bridgeton
Square Building in St. Louis, near the airport.
The modern officesare carpeted and draped.
Available in the office complex are a
USTTA Headquarters in St. Louis.
receptionist, meeting rooms, free coffee
Photo by R. Hoskoetter
service, telephone answering service, copy
machine, notary service, and free parking A storage room and room for expansion exists.
Hopes run high that the USTTA is moving in the right direction.
219

Moving in the wrong direction was ex-U.S. Open Tournament Director Bobby
Gusikoff whod gotten himself into one big mess:
The 1977 U.S. Open was discussed at length. The sponsor owes about $9,000 to the
USTTA and membership [Fred Danner later estimates the debt to be about $10,200], did not
live up to various agreements with the E.C., etc. A report had been received from the
Disciplinary Committee that recommended the sponsor be suspended.
SGT/ That Bob Gusikoff be suspended until he pays the monies he owes to the
USTTA and the USTTA membership in full. Passed 8-0.
BGM/ The E.C. member in charge of the National Publication will inform the editor
that no articles by Gusikoff will be allowed in Topics until after he has been reinstated. Passed
by general consent.
Gusikoff objects. Hed sent to the E.C. a Profit & Loss Statement showing a loss of
$7,000 on his U.S. Open. In an accompanying Nov. 3 letter he blames Neal Fox for not earlier
supporting his U.S. Open bid and instead arguing at the Dec., 1976 E.C. meeting in Vegas that
Herb Vichnin should be awarded the tournament. This delay, Bobby says, severely hampered
his attempts to raise sponsorship. Bobby argues that USTTA Tournament Chair Foxs
favoritism amounts to collusion. He says, As Neal Fox was acting on behalf of the USTTA I
feel that the USTTA should accept partial responsibility for the loss. I therefore suggest that
the USTTA waive all fees due them from the 77 Open and use the $2,000 sent in already to
pay the expenses of the Japanese and German teams. I see no reason why the USTTA should
stand to make a profit on the Open when it was primarily the USTTAs fault for the loss.
Well, if Bobby can talk himself into believing this, the E.C. cant.
Gusikoff also argues that he assumed things were o.k. after he sent this letter, which
also included a plea for understanding that he was broke. So he was surprised to hear of his
suspension. He says in a Jan. 31, 1978 letter to the E.C. that There may have been
misjudgments but there were no improprieties whatsoever in the entire handling of the
tournament. Why wasnt he invited to the E.C. meeting so the Board could hear his side of
the story? Was that fair? Some E.C. members, however, believed that while Bobby was in
Vegas for the Closed he was either invited to the E.C. meeting or at least knew that his case
was going to be discussed there.
Danner, in a Mar. 18, 1978 letter to Disciplinary Chair Dr. Michael Scott, says the E.C.
had no choice but to suspend Gusikoff. He sums up the charges:
In Freds opinion, Bobby showed intent to defraud the USTTA and the players. First,
in violation of his agreement with the USTTA, he changed the name for U.S. Open checks
made payable from the 1978 U.S. Open. These funds were to be deposited in a special
account from which withdrawals required not only Gusikoffs signature but that of a USTTA
official. But U.S. Open checks went to a C.T.T.C. (California Table Tennis Club) account
which Bob alone controlled.
Then he issued several checks which bounced because of insufficient funds in a
closed account. This, Fred says, is inexcusable and 2-3 months later at least some of those
getting bad checks havent been paid. When Gusikoff was asked whether he filed a police
report for Grand Larceny against someone whom he said ripped me off for three thousand
dollars he said he couldnt do that because the guy who stole the money was a friend of his.
220

We chose not to proceed with legal action against Gusikoff since he would not have
sufficient assets to make it worthwhile, and since there was still some hope he would honor his
debts.
Later, a strange turnaround: it would seem the USTTA paid a debt to Bobby. In 1984,
he would be inducted into the USTTA Hall of Fame, and in 1999, partially paralyzed, would
receive the Associations Mark Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award.
Next up for the Disciplinary Committee: former USTTA President Charlie Disney and
his Club Manager Don Larson. In a Dec. 30, 1977 letter to Disciplinary Chair Dr. Scott, newly
appointed Tournament Chair Tom McEvoy, following up on Neal Foxs complaint, gives his
asked-for opinion that both Disney and Larson should be suspended until such time that they
honor past obligations. They failed to pay the sanction fees as well as other USTTA fees at
the last 4 tournaments they heldRating fees and USTTA memberships and player permits
were also sold and this money was never turned in either. The amount owed is $154.50.
In his Jan, 4, 1978 return letter to Tom, Dr, Scott says hes quite reluctant to
recommend suspension of a prior USTTA President. When Scott seeks E.C. advice, Schiff
tells him, Dont let the fact that Disneys an ex-USTTA President prejudice youhe should
live up to his obligations.
Harrison tells him, I think your reluctance to go after a former president is excellent. I
think also that the complaints about him are justified.As far as I know, Disneys TT clubs are
his only businessand I imagine [are] reasonably profitable. But, adds Rufford, part of his
income comes from charging people fees and not submitting them to the USTTA. He pushes
for his local club, not the USTTA.
What would he do if suspended? Rufford asks.
Continue to run unsanctioned tournaments as hes doing now.
To do Charlie justice, he felt that the USTTA screwed him
somewhat when he ran that USOTCs back in 1974. He
advertised a certain schedule of prize money, and when the
players asked for more, he got no support. You perhaps
should take that into consideration. On the other hand, that
sort of thing doesnt exonerate him. Harrison favors taking
action of some sort, but doesnt know what.
Carr replies: Disney never paid any fees for the
USOTCs he ran, so add this to the report. Schiff feels there was
some deal with Boggan on that. [If so, why wouldnt Charlie
acknowledge itsay, Look, I had a dealget himself off the
Former USTTA President
hook?] Disney never replies to letters and hes almost impossible
Charlie Disney
to get by phone. Disney was one of our worst presidentsGus
Photo courtesy of Don Larson
and Jean Kennedy did 99 and 44/100% of the work.
Jack says he understands [from whom?] a bigger problem exists in that Disney is
claiming that these tournaments he runs are sanctioned, which is not true. [Jack knows that
for a fact?] McEvoy can waive the fees of these tournaments, but only the E.C. can waive the
USOTC fees (which it has refused to do) or exonerate Disney for falsely using the USTTA
name (if indeed hes done that).
On Jan. 9th, Schiff responds, If he doesnt pay, we must stop approving his
tournaments. Its as simple as that.
221

Also on the 9th, Bowie Martin responds:

It is my personal feeling that Charlie Disney has over the past years put in a great deal
of work and effort on behalf of the USTTA. I also feel that we need to keep the hard workers
in the USTTA, and I feel the association would be much better for his continued participation.
I believe it would be a great gesture on behalf of the USTTA to forgive him this debt.
Charlie has no doubt had some financial problems (which he may be too proud to admit) and I
understand that the second club of his has had to be closed down [Bowie says elsewhere that
the Hopkins, MN club closed Dec. 17, and Don Larson says that he and Charlie lost over
$40,000 on that venture].
We need more clubs like Charlies, and we need more dedicated teachers and
promoters. Its a shame that we are at odds with him, even if he is at fault; lets try to get him
back into the USTTA swing [Danner agrees with Martin].
On Jan. 22nd, Gus Kennedy, responding to McEvoys request that he contact Charlie,
said he did. Charlie is presently in a very down state concerning the USTTA. He is trying to
stay solvent. He had to close one club and still owes $1,400/month on it for several more
months. With expenses like this and with Don leaving [its hard for him].
Tom, Charlie has put thousands of dollars into the USTTA, as well as a lot of volunteer
time to make the game grow. He also put the spark for the executive director position into
several peoples minds. I strongly suggest your drop the issue since nothing is to be gained and
so much could be lost.
Carr is sympathetic to Disney, but says he doesnt have all the factsshows Rufford
14 questions he wants answers to. In reply to each, Rufford generally tells him to Ask Gus
or Ask Neal. Most important question: Has Disney merely been running unsanctioned
tournaments? Or has he been running unsanctioned tournaments and advertising them as
sanctioned? Carr says he himself runs a number of unsanctioned tournaments a year (in which
the caliber of play is generally poor). So maybe, he says, action ought to be taken against him.
On Jan. 31, McEvoy writes, I no longer intend to pursue the matter. So the balls in the
E.C. court. Disciplinary Chair Scott suggests the E.C. adopt the following position: Any player
who participates in any unsanctioned tournament sponsored by Mr. Charles Disney, or Disneys
Club, will not be permitted to play in any USTTA-approved tournament for a nine-month period
starting after the date of the unsanctioned tournament. (Harrison wants to know how you could
police that? How would you know who plays in an unsanctioned tournament?)
On Mar. 4, Carr sends a postcard to Dr. Scott saying: After reviewing the evidence, I
agree that Don Larson and Charlie Disney should be subject to disciplinary action. I still feel
we need Gus Kennedys evaluation. [But Gus has already given that, right?] I feel that
disciplinary action should be taken against Sue Sargent for failure to reply to correspondence
(Harrison, Robens, you & me) as she signed a statement to do so, [and for] conflict of interest,
failure to meet membership E.C. requirements, and improper actions at an E.C. meeting. [Is
one supposed to ask Jack 14 questions on what specifically hes talking about?].
Anyway, theres closure with Disney.
In a Sept. 10, 1977 letter Id urged the powers-that-be to consider my son Scott for
the U.S. Mens Team to the Hong Kong Invitational. Harrison wrote me back saying he was
222

impressed with both my boys rapid improvement, felt that maybe both would be on the U.S.
Team to the Pyongyang Worlds, but that the selection of 4th-man Galardi was probably a fait
accompli. On Sept. 14, U.S. Team Capt. Houshang Bozorgzadeh wrote to the E.C. that hed
found out that the Mens Team to Hong Kong would be Danny and Ricky Seemiller, Ray
Guillen, and Dean Galardi. Houshang said he didnt feel Dean gave 100% at Birmingham.
Specifically, he criticized him for the following reasons:
Didnt work diligently on his
weaknesses and to correct his manner and
attitude; lacked heart
Didnt want to play against Hong
Kongthey were too strong, it wasnt
worthwhile for him to try against them;
showed anxiety
He defaulted from the
Consolationsdidnt want to play
anymore
Wasnt in top physical condition;
pretended to be sick or tired so as not to
play in a match or practice
With a 1-4 record he gave only 2030% of his ability
U.S. Team Captain
U.S. Team Member
Houshang Bozorgzadeh
Dean Galardi
Since returning from the Worlds he
hasnt participated in tournaments as have
the younger players
He would like Dean replaced with one of these four players: in this order: Eric
Boggan, Perry Schwartzberg, Scott Boggan, Rutledge Barry.
When Houshang returned from Hong Kong, he was again very critical of Galardi for
the same reasons as beforewith this added comment: He managed to avoid the team most
of the time, preferring to remain in the hotel room. During the China vs. Japan final, he didnt
show, said he was tired. Public Relations have a place on these trips, too; the opportunities for
being a good ambassador do exist.
Our players could be tested as ambassadors if, as Topics reader H.G. Farrell urges, the
USTTA could get television to put on a series of round robin matches (like the tennis matches)
between top U.S. Table Tennis players. Better yet, why not start a Pro Tour? Richard Kelly, Jr.
(TTT, Jan.-Feb. 1978, 11) would like to see 3 short tours, like an Eastern, Midwestern, and
Western, probably of 6 to 8 weeks duration.Table tennis clubs in each state [in their region]
would bid for a site on the tour by promising the biggest prize money tournament. Each tournament
would be held on succeeding weeks so if the tour was going to go to 7 states the tour would be 7
weeks. Kelly goes into details about players committing themselves, and getting established sign-up
and prize money, as well as free accommodations, in return for which the players would put on
exhibitions and clinics as they moved from club to club. [Leagues and tours existing locally on a
minimum scale have been at least moderately successful. But to do them regionally and for an
uninterrupted time takes more than a paper-plan or a mere guiding hand. Such a Tour would need
not only willing, available players but a full-time person, knowledgeable, dedicated, and paid
properly, to make it work. Which is why such a Tour wont happen.]
223

Larry Hodges, noting the new strength of our U.S. Teams, adult and junior, has
ambitious hopes for us (TTT, Jan.-Feb., 1978, 13). If a U.S. player made the finals of the
Worlds, and the USTTA successfully publicizes that fact, we would have a table tennis fever
in this country. We should create a Mens, Womens, and Junior team and send them around
the world. Would cost money, yes? So, he says, Id like to make a serious suggestion.
Everybody knows about the $.50 rating fee we pay at tournaments. Why not have a U.S.
Team fee of, say, $1.00 per person? If the E.C. doesnt at least consider this, they will have
been grossly negligent in their duties. Also, to raise money, have the USTTA finance
exhibition teams, such as the Seemillers, the Boggans, or Chan and Wuvanich. By charging
admission fees, they could pay back the USTTA afterwards, and still make a profit.
On Sept.
23, 1977, my
Swedish friend
Nisse Sandberg,
Founder/
President of the
Angby Club that
for years has
enjoyed the
patronage of
Jordans King
Hussein, sent a
tournament
invitation
(including an
entry blank) to
our exInternational
Nisse Sandberg (L) at Bosman Palace, 1963, with King Hussein of Jordan.
Chair Rufford
Nisse also in insert.
Harrison
inviting a U.S. Team of the Boggan brothers, Rutledge Barry, and me as Captain, along with
another boy to be determined, to the Swedish Junior Open in Stockholm in the spring of 78.
On Nov. 3rd, I wrote the following letter to the E.C.:
Since I have not heard one single voluntary word from anyone on the International
Committee, the Selection Committee, or the E.C. on this Swedish Junior Open matter, I
assume something so simple as ignorance or indifference prevails, and though this fact is
depressing to me it is also I suppose understandableafter all, we are not in the habit of
sending our juniors, especially such outstanding juniors as we now have, to play in
tournaments abroad.
At any event, I mean to make the most of this opportunity (my boys deserve whatever
protection or guidance I can give them in the table tennis or any other world) and naturally I
hope all of you will support me in my effort to raise money for our trip.
Im going to begin by assuming that I can use the International Junior Team moneyI
mean, whats it there for if not a big tournament like this? But of course I will still need a good
deal more money for our two-week stay. Im sure, though, if I start now and work hard
224

enough, I can raise itthe more so because everybody will agree that our National Champions
have a very, very good chance of winning the tournament.
In the meantime, Id appreciate not silence, total silence, but at least some moral
support, especially from Sol and the E.C., in, say, the form of a short note of encouragement.
Really, all things considered, dont you think we deserve at least that?
On Nov. 8, John Read writes me that Rufford Harrison wants John to send out
availability forms and go through the normal selection process (including selecting a Captain).
Of course, the Swedish Invitation was specific, and who would want to complicate it, since
Eric, Rutledge, and Scott are 1-2-3 in the Junior ratings. Rufford tells Read (but not me) that
on principle we cant have a Swedish Club dictating to us who, for an International event, our
Junior Team is going to be. Read says hed like to help, but doesnt know how (my Captaincy,
he thinks, might be in question, but not the playersnot unless new players emerge, which is
unrealistic. After wise heads prevail, those originally invited, along with Jimmy Lane, will
indeed attend the May 5-7, 1978 tournament. Ratings at this time for the four top U.S. Juniors
are: Eric 2384; Scott 2307; Rutledge 2269; Jim Lane 2238; 1st Alternate: Mike Stern 2199.
Others perhaps under consideration: Dean Doyle 2127; Todd Petersen 2090; Quang Bui
2084.***
Also on Nov. 8, Sue and Gene Sargent of Table Tennis Oklahoma (TTO) immediately
send an apology for being unaware of the invitation and a donation for our trip. Eventually,
among the great many I contacted, 165 will make donations totaling over $3,500.
At this Dec. 19 E.C. meeting, the obvious selection was passed 7-0-1 (with Bowie
Martin, whod sponsored the Butterfly Boys to Vegas, abstaining).
Just as were wanting to send players to Scandinavia, so are three Finnish players
wanting to come to the U.S.though for a more extended time. Theyd be willing to pay all
expenses (journey, accommodations) themselves. But they all need summer jobs to be able
to pay their expenses. Theyre elite-class players from the same Finland Club, and though
theyre willing to work at almost any job, theyve got to be able to practice table tennis once
or twice a week, particularly since one of them is the #1-ranked Finnish player. Take them in,
and in return a trip to Finland could possibly be arranged for some American players. Gus
Kennedy as our International Chair would also get requests for help from Swedish
International Roger Lagerfeldt and Englands Paul Fennon, both of whom want to come to the
U.S. to coach.
There were a number of proposed By-laws which Ill take up when I discuss the next
E.C. Meeting. Meanwhile, Ill close this chapter with the remaining main item of interest
who the E.C. will allow to run for E.C. office (candidates can purchase non-profit mailing
permits only; no company mailing may be included with these mailings).
Each candidate for office nominated by the Nominating Committee needs three E.C.
votes to be placed on the ballot.
President:
SchiffApproved 7-0-2 (SS, DJL). The E.C. notes that Schiff is opposed to running
unopposed. [So why pass a law that severely restricts opposition?] And since Sol votes not to
approve anyone, including himself, hes obviously opposed even to participating in this
nomination process.
Executive Vice-President:
BochenskiApproved 7-1 (SS)-1 (GK for Carr)
225

HarrisonApproved 7-1 (SS)-1 (JCR for Harrison)

Vice-President:
KennedyApproved 7-1 (SS)-1 (GK for Carr)
RobensApproved 6-3 (SS, SGT, GS for Shirley) [What happened here? Werent
Shirley and the Sergeants friendly with Robens?]
Recording Secretary:
AndersonApproved 5-3 (SS, DJL, JCR for Harrison)
Sergeant, SueApproved 7-1 (SS)-1 (SGT)
Additional candidates (The E.C. can add candidates to office by a majority vote)
GK: Add Lyle Theim to the ballot as a candidate for Vice-President. Passed 8-1 (DJL)
SGT: Add D-J Lee to the ballot as a candidate for Vice-President. Passed 6-2 (SS. GK
for Carr)-1 (DJL)
JCR (for Harrison): Add Dan Robbins to the ballot as a candidate for Recording
Secretary. Passed8-0-1 (SGT)
MRA: Moved that the nominations be closed. Passed 9-0.
SELECTED NOTES
*John Newcombe (N.Y. Post, Dec. 7, 1977) writes that, because of the International
Olympic Committee ban, China looks for another way to be competitive and influential in the
world of sports. IMG has held talks with Chu Tse of the All-China Sports Federation with
the aim of bringing Chinese sports teams to all parts of the world. At the moment China is
very interested in sending tennis, basketball, badminton, and table tennis teams to Australia,
and basketball and track and field teams to America.
**In retaining me as Topics Editor, the E.C. negotiated a number of restrictions I was
asked to observe, some of which Ive already mentioned. Among them was this one:
Derogatory statements shall have the written approval of the Executive Committee. [How
derogatory is derogatory?] Ill show how this proviso affected, or infected, me in a
moment. But, first, lets hear from Stan Wolf (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1978, 17) whom I let speak
without consulting the E.C.
Topicswhat a publication. I left Caesars in December and received Topics this
month [Mar.]. Is Topics to cover a two-month period or not? And what about poetryit still
appears in Topics. [Who could resist being playful? Heres Wolfs Topics submissionPeter
WolfsOde To A Table Tennis Ball, the Shakesperian-structured (ababcdcdefefgg-rimed)
sonnet I juxtaposed next to Stans article and risk reproducing here.]
Ode To A Table Tennis Ball
By Peter Wolf
Your skin is as white as newly fallen snow,
Hollow and light, and graceful, swift and small,
The fast red Sriver rubber makes you go
Not cat-gut, like the heavy tennis ball.
If only you remembered and could speak
226

Of rallies fierce and smashing kill shots wild,

When your swift image was a singeing streak,
Which animals made out of players mild:
A driving loop like grasshopper alive;
Not high but smashed, a super kicking lob;
A kill to end; a block; a counter-drive
It touched the edgeI lose, you lucky slob!
Only the light and subtle ping-pong ball
Could pierce the armor of the Chinese Wall.
Of course, I also responded to Stan in an Editors Note: Has Stan forgotten that he
read I went to press Jan. 19th? Ordinarily he would have received the Jan-Feb. issue in Feb. at
exactly the time he would expect to receive it. But has he forgotten that Long Island was
snowed in? Maybe he should have written the Post Office, the Weather Bureau, a publication
that he likes to write letters to even more than he does this one? And whats he got against
pros and poetry? [He also makes Ha! Ha! fun of that fellow who says, Lets Have a Pro
Tour.] Cmon, Stan, you gotta be kiddingdont cry Wolf at Topics.
This
E.C.s noderogatorystatements
proviso forced me
not only to have a
costly,
unprecedented
two different runoffs of the Jan.Feb., 1977
Topics, but to
have to ask the
E.C. for a favor.
Heres the
explanatory letter
I wrote to Board
members:
Rushed as I
Caesars Sports Pavilion, site of the 77 U.S. Closed.
was, as I always
am, to meet my
Topics deadline, I wrote my story on the 1977 Vegas Closed as I would normally write it, as
truthfully as I could, reflecting particularly the point of view of the player who wants the U.S.
Championship to be a prestigious event. I wrote this article in part instinctively,
unconsciouslyconsciously aware that at times I was being critical, but not, I thought,
unfairly so. It seemed to me, as always, that it was my responsibility to let the reader know
227

what I conscientiously thought of the tournamentafter all, had not many a reader over the
years come up to me and said he appreciated me telling it like it was.
Then the snowstorm cameand as I looked out each day from my window while the
snow stopped everything and the 6,000 copies stayed at the printers, I began to see the Vegas
article in a different way. It suddenly seemed to me that, though I had absolutely no intention
of doing so, I had violated our understanding. And I didnt want to do thatbecause, since
youd been very fair with me, I wanted to be very fair with you.
True, I had at the last minute, looked for my Censor. But because of the weather Fred
Danner couldnt come to proof the issue, and I said, o.k., there was nothing controversial in
it. Which I then saw was just not true. For when I asked myself if Caesars Palace would like
the write-up I had to admit they wouldnt. That it would not be compatible with the image
they wanted. And would not in fact be compatible with the image the new E.C. wanted. I
then also remembered Sols words to me that he didnt want me to sign the contract and then
go ahead, just like before, and do whatever you want to do.
Also, Id been talking to an unhappy Bill Hodge and I believed the things he told me
about Caesarsthat, while they had a commitment to run the tournament, they would not
have run it in the Sports Pavilion were it not for the fact that theyd decided to dismantle their
permanent bleachers. I was afraid that perhaps thered be continuing trouble getting the Sports
Pavilionand the possibility of another Vegas hotel sponsoring the tournament. So I didnt
want Caesars to have an out that my official write-up was anything but appreciative.
At any event when the snowstorm cleared I had to make a decision. Although I wanted
to be truthful with our readers, particularly the good players who all thought the tournament
quite lacking, I didnt want to betray you, didnt want to violate the agreement we had.
So, rightly or wrongly, I modified the write-up, sort of sinned by omission, as they say,
made a private compromise with myself$393 worthand I felt better by having my printer
rerun the issue.
Your understanding I hope I have. The favor I want is this: for the USTTA to issue
Tobay Printers a check for $393and for the next 5 issues of my contract take out, say, $400
at $80 an issue from my salary. I admit I have to pay for my mistake, but Id like you to help
me because, despite my lifelong desire for the individual truth of self-expression, I am trying to
prove to you that Im willing to uphold our agreement.
[Bowie Martin, who took over from Danner as the liaison E.C. official with Topics,
pronounced this issue GREAT. He offers business-like suggestions to me regarding Topics
and working with Jack Carr, and diplomatically praises us both. Tims letters and comments
have more depth and understanding than I can ever remember and are more rational and not
just emotional. Jacks comments are certainly being presented in a positive manner. [Heyyy,
dont go away, Bowie. I dont like those Topics restrictions, and Im not sure I always want to
be so scrupulousso docile.]
***I received the following Jan. 5, 1978 letter from Quang Buis father, Lam, former
President of the Table Tennis Federation of South Vietnam, and as a high-up Army official
Chief of the Enemy Deception Section, Special Operation Groupthe author of five political
and military books:
First of all, I would like to extend to you and your wife and your family my
congratulation about your outstanding sons on table tennis field. I am very sorry I could not
come to Las Vegas to meet you and some American friends. I always pray your sons and my
228

sons become outstanding players in the world, because you

and I, we are the same in the past and may be the same of the
education system toward the children. I admire you very much
I have been practicing for my sons as of they were 9 and
11. Quang is 14 years old now. He has been practicing since he
was 9. I do hope he will share a good result with your sons in
the near future.
I received your bulletin #1 from Dr. Scott yesterday
night, so I would send to you my letter this morning. I would
ask you let Mr. John Read [USTTA Selection Chair] that he
would send directly any information to my son the following
address [Quangs address follows].
As you know [see Vol. VIII, p. 277], we are refugees,
we escaped from Vietnam and took along only the spirit of
freedom. We left everything behind us in South VN. We
present here with our deepest thanks and appreciation for the
Quang Bui
Americans helpincluding you and your family. We will never
forget those who have help my family.
On this occation, I would suggest you sending me frequently those information related
to the Swedish Open Junior Championships and I hope you keep your mind to help my son,
Quang Bui with your best effort then he is able to go to Sweden with your son.
Once again, thank you very much your help.
Sincerely yours,
Lam Ngoc Bui
[With such a father in his corner, itll be no surprise to readers that Quang will indeed
accomplish much in the world of table tennis.]

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Chapter Sixteen
1977-78: Post-Caesars Through Feb. Tournaments.
The Paddle Palace held four tournaments after the Caesars Closedtwo during the
Dec. holidays, one in Jan., and the most important one in Feb.the Oregon Closed. Lou
Bochenski tells us (TTT, Mar,-Apr., 1978, 20) that at this Closedit dates back 39 years to
1939Ron Carver regained his Championship Singles after losses to Bryan Wright in 1976
and Dean Doyle in 1977. Carver had split with Sears at their last two meetings, but in the
Thais absence at this tournament Ron advanced to the final with ease, downing in straight
games both Wright in the quarters and 71 and 72 State Champion Judy Bochenski in the
semis. Runner-up Dean Doyle struggled successively with Rick Livermore, Mike Bochenski,
and Jay Crystal whod beaten him in the Dec. 24th Holiday Open, then lost to Carver, 3-1,
winning a deuce game but otherwise getting
11, 7, 8 squashed. In Open Doubles, Doyle
was without his usual winning partner
Quang Bui, so had to win with someone
else, namely Crystalover Carver/Keun
Chung. Dean and Jay also won the Alternate
Ball Doubles (which differs how from the
Open Doubles?) over Mike and Judy
Bochenski.
Other Results: AAs: Cheung had won
this event at the Jan. 21-22 Winter Open
over Rick Livermore; now he won it again
over Joe Romanowsky whod lost AA finals
to Ed Ng in both the Dec. tournaments. As:
Bobby Rinde over Jim Scott. (Bobby had
also won the As in Jan. over Ron Vincent.)
Jay Crystal
Modified A Doubles: Doyle/Tom Modica
Photo by Mal Anderson
over Don Nash/Vo Qui Han. Bs: Alan
Kirkland over Nash. Cs: Jen Hsun Huang over Tim Sayre. (At the Dec.-ending tournament,
Jeff Frahler had won both the Bs and Cs.) Ds: Dan Kemper over John Jennings whod
advanced over Grant Hoskins, 26-24 in the 3rd. Back in that last Dec. tournament, getting a
start on celebrating New Years Eve, Jennings had won the Ds, Es, and Fs (the Ds and Fs
over Mark Burdon; the Es over Warren Palin). Es: Leon Ransom over Jennings. Fs: Brad
Darlow over Clay Miller. Gs: J.P. Lanson (gee, another previous winner) over Kareem
Hawash, deuce in the 3rd. Hard Rubber: Carl Cole over Crystal. Juniors: Rinde over Doyle,
25-23 in the 3rd, then over Romanowsky. Junior U-1200: Jennings over Miller who outlasted
Burdon, 24-22 in the 3rd.
Other winners along the four-tournament way I havent mentioned: As: Gerry Hamer over
Bob Ho. Bs: Dan Riley over Tore Fredrickson. Cs: Lee Olsen; also Chan Poovaviranon over
Esfrandria Sangsari. Ds: Keith Fiebe over Harold Fredrickson. Fs: Sue Wakefield over Richard
Hosack. Rating: Young Jo Kim. Hard Rubber: Bruce Carlson. Juniors U-1200: Benji Klevit.
The Open Singles /Class A winner at the Feb. 11-12 San Francisco Winter Open was
Topics Mar.-Apr., 1978 Junior of the Month Erwin Hom, both times over Masaaki Tajima.
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No hard feelings, though, for Masaaki has nothing but good things to say about 16-year-old
Erwin, currently the 7th-ranked Junior in the country. He holds exhibitions, coaching clinics,
and promotes table tennis at high schools. He deserves recognition not only for his success in
table tennis, but for his honest and helpful character which is rare in todays youth. Best lateround Open match: Mike Greene over Ken Lee (from down 2-1 and 21-all in the 4th).
Other winners: Womens: Anuncion Manuta over Tina Smilkstein. Bs: Shun Chan over
Tim McCann in 5. A/B Doubles: Hom/David Lee over Tajima/LeRoy Kondo, 19 in the 3rd.
Cs: Kevin Broomfield over Mohammad Aghili whod squeaked by Lee, deuce in the 3rd. Ds:
Charles Sojot over William Yang, 19 in the 3rd, then over Bill Poy, 16 in the 5th. C/D Doubles:
Self/Aghili over Bob Eckert/Harry Nelson. Es: David Nordahl over Smilkstein in 5. Novice:
Brian Swartz over Leonard Kaiser. Seniors: Azmy Ibrahim over Bob Glenn. U-17: Hom over
Broomfield (from down 2-0).
At Ray Guillens Jan. 28-29 New Years Open, Ray Guillen easily defeated straight A
student and standout baseball player Jim Lane whod rallied from 2-0 down to oust Bernie
Bukiet. Open Doubles: Guillen/Tito LeFranc over Bukiet/Lane. AAs: Jeff Stewart over Ricky
Guillen. As: Ruben Guillen over Tony Koyama. Bs: Amin Jaffer over Jim Lynum. Cs: Romeo
Irinco over Arnold Lloyd. B/C Doubles: M. Chao/Y.C. Lee over Irinco/Lloyd. Ds: Rich
Livingston and his nothing-ball serves over Jim Etherton. D Doubles: Livingston/Wiig over
Steve Krell/Randy Mullins. Es: Krell over Gary Kerr. Fs: S.K. Pheng over Julian Ong.
Novice: Dale Francis over Aziz Ali. Seniors: Bukiet over Dan Banach. Juniors: Oswald Chan
over Dan Wiig.
Tony Martin (TTT, May-June,
1978, 15) covers the Arizona Open (102
entries), held Feb. 18-19 at Arizona State
University in Tempe. U.S. Hard Rubber
Champion Franz Josef Huermann, now a
Phoenix resident, took the Open Singles,
winning three successive late-round, 4game matches. In the quarters The
Fronz beat the energetic Ricky Guillen,
last years runner-up, whose powerful
loop attack allowed him to take the first
game. But then Franz, with his Austrianmade racket consisting of slow wood and
fast rubber, became gradually more
aggressive. Ricky drove him back 20 feet
with a series of all-out loop drives, then
dropped what appeared to be an
unreachable shot to the backhand
unreachable except by Franz. Moving
Franz-Josef Huermann
fluidly, he covered the 20 feet in time to
Photo by Bill Lagerroos
flick a winning backhand in. It seemed a
turning point. Ricky looked exhausted and went down in the final three games, 14, 11, 16.
Against 15-year-old Jimmy Lane in the semis, Franz was not chopping so much. He
was attacking off Lanes serve and often unexpectedly flicking in his forehand. That flick is not
an overpowering shot, but it is deceptive. At the last possible moment he catches his
231

opponents off balance by flicking his forehand into the corners or middle. Lane appeared
surprised. Neither attacking nor slowing down the game seemed to help him. He did win the
3rd game at 19, but lost the 4th at 4.
Franzs last opponent was Al Everett, at 2249 the highest-ranked player ever from
Arizona. Al had advanced to the final with a 4-game win over 21-year-old Mark DaVee who
kept getting better as the tournament progressed. After a two-year retirementhed been a
highly-ranked JuniorMark came back to win the Arizona Closed title in 1976 and 77. But in
the last year he hadnt been playing much. Still, by Sunday he was hitting and looping in his
low-driving angled shots from both sides, and had reached Everett with a 19, -19, 16, 21 win
over Paul Groenig.
As the final was ready to get underway, one fellow commented, Al will just be too
tough for Franz. Hell stay on the attack, hitting and looping from both sides. Franz plays
defensewhat can he do to win points against Al? Since returning to Phoenix (though even
when hed been living in California hed come back long enough to win the Open Singles here
the last two years), Everett had been giving lessons but playing little competitively.
However, he seemed up for this match. And, sure enough, as predicted, Al right away took
control. He did not back up, stayed at the table, hitting and looping. Franz was on the
defense. As usual he was mixing up his returns by changing the amount of wrist action and
follow-thru from shot to shot. There were the typical heavy, low-bouncing, deep-driving chops
to contend with, as well as the nothing balls. Al was not to be deniedhe won the 1st at 16.
Everett was too good? But now Huermanns timing and footwork rose a level. A
small crowd, fascinated by the movement of a defensive specialist, saw Franz win three
straight games for the title. Arent hitters supposed to beat choppers/ someone asked. Not on
this day. In addition to being skillful and graceful, Franz is a class person. He always has
himself under control and is friendly off and on the table. This modest, soft-spoken player from
Germany willingly practices with the weakest player or gives pointers to stronger players.
Other Results: Open Doubles: Lane and Dennis Gresham with his devastating
backhand loop over DaVee and Seemiller-style player Randy Nedrow, 19 in the 5th. Womens:
Pat Hodgins in a 23-21-in-the-5th thriller over Liz Gresham. Mixed Doubles: Lane/Hodgins
over Huermann/Tybie Sommer. As: DaVee over John
Harrington, 19 in the 5th. Bs: Keith Chan over Dieter
Huber in 5. A-B Doubles: Harrington/Bill Guerin over
DaVee/John Merkel. Cs: George Majors over Peter
Kwang. Ds: Liz Gresham over Bernie Mandel. C-D
Doubles: Chuck Davis/Burke over Baker/Baker.
Esquires: Richard Badger over Sy Kenig, deuce in the
4th. Badgers penholder style and tricky wood return
was too much for Arizonas human backboard.
Seniors: Winner: Don Higgins or Dieter Huber in 5? U17: Lane over Kenigs pupil Merkel. U-15: Merkel over
Bobby Ryberg in 5. U-13: Toni Gresham, barely 10year-old blonde charmer, over Dan Dang.
Presents for Bohdan and Kasia, winners at the
Denver Christmas Open: Championship Singles:
Bohdan Dawidowicz over Kasia Dawidowicz.
Toni Gresham
Championship Doubles: Double dose of Dawidowicz
Photo by Mal Anderson
232

over Dana Jeffries/Jones. AAs: Al Martz over Bob Leatherwood. As: George Weissberg over
John Dawson. A/B Doubles: Smith/Burke over Norm Silver/Jones. Seniors: Dawidowicz over
T. Smith. U-17: Kasia over Keith Kalny.
Results of the Feb. 4-5 Albuquerque Round Robin: Championship Singles: 1-2:
Swaminathan Bhaskar over Dean Galardi. 3-4: Kasia over Bohdan Dawidowicz.
Championship Doubles: Dennis Gresham/Johnson over Burke/Williams. As: Mac Horn over
L. Ho. A Doubles: Tom Wintrich/Les Enslin over Dave DeWald/Dennis Gresham. Bs: Wintrich
over Bill Roady. B Doubles: Robert Compton/Mac Horn over Terry Ziegler/Roland Schilhab. Cs:
H. Chan over Vic Smith. C Doubles: Roady/Ho over Chan/Smith. Ds: John Dawson over Tom
Robinson. D Doubles: Sargent/Pat Fromme over Robinson/Wilheling. Es: Dave Alvarez over J.
McCanna. E Doubles: John Corcoran/Bruce Crozier over Warren/Alvarez.
Results of the Irving Round Robin:
Championship (A) Singles: 1-2: Swaminathan
Bhaskar over Bruce Smith. 3-4: Perry
Schwartzberg over Larry Kesler. Championship
Doubles: Bhaskar/Smith over Rich Doza/Eric
Seiler. Bs: 1-2: Andy Bloxom over Doug
Schewe. 3-4: Hugh Lax over Roger Persaud. B
Doubles: Lax/Dennis Fritchie over Steve Arnold/
Irl Copley. Cs: 1-2: Cliff Smith over Fritchie. 3-4:
Joe Ogilvie over Larry Bartley. C Doubles:
Bloxom/Duke Stogner over Smith/Kirk Golbach.
Ds: 1-2: Paul Hadfield over Gerry Harris. 3-4:
Billy Joe Varner over Vernon Boze. D Doubles:
Pritchard/Varner over Sargent/Fromme. Es: 1-2:
Kathy Thompson over Bill Russell. 3-4: Marilyn
Johnston over Karin Thompson. E Doubles:
Ogilvie/Barbara Johnston over Schroeder/Light.
Wisconsin Closed Winners:
Barbara Johnston
Photo by Mal Anderson
Championship Singles: 1. Ted Stomma, 2-1 (5-2).
2. Geoff Graham, 2-1 (5-3). 3. Roy Hyden, 2-1
(4-3). 4. Tom Breunig, 0-3. Breunig lost all three, 0-2. Stomma lost to Graham, 1-2, but beat
Hyden 2-0. Hyden had to go 3 in defeating Graham. Championship Doubles: Hyden/Breunig
over Tony Poulos/Jack Carlson. Womens: Cheryl Dadian over Sue Chen. Mixed Doubles:
Hyden/Dadian over Mayer/Mayer. As: Terry Lonergan in 5 over Mike Hoffland whod
contributed photos of European stars to Tim Boggans Winning Table Tennis. A Doubles:
Stomma/Schlicht over Pakroo/Poulos. Bs: Craig Madsen over Carlson. B Doubles: Dadian/
Madsen over Pakroo/Lusk whod eliminated Buehler/Jim Running, -20, 20, 20. Cs: Lonergan
(years later, Terrys son, Sean, will be a member of the U.S. World Team) over Gary
Schweinert. Ds: Ed Kraemer over David Medley. Novice: John Lowe over Don David.
Seniors: Stomma over Breunig. Parent: Buzz Johnson over Paul Dadian. Parent-Child
Doubles: Ted/Peter Stomma over Dadian/Dadian. Boys U-17: Gary Schweinert over Reiner
Kerntka, 20, 20. Girls U-17: Dadian over Carolyn Schweinert. U-17 Doubles: Prudhom/David
over Kinder/Schopp. Boys U-15: Marino Marcich over Ted Peterson. Girls U-15: Schweinert
over Gwen Paulis. Boys U-13: Peter Schweinert over Dave Dalland. Girls U-13: Kathleen
Hitz over Ingrid Schweinert, deuce in the 3rd.
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Winners at Chicagos Jan. 21 Great Lakes Open: Mens: Paul Pashuku over Joe Yoon
whod stopped Jim Schnorf (from down 2-0), deuce in the 5th, then Jim Davey (from down 2-1
and at 20-all in the 4th). As: Yoon over Mike Kenny. Bs: Sufi Joe Ahmad over Bernie
Braun. Cs: Peter Braun over S. Henderson. Ds: Chip Peterson over Bruce McGee.
Handicap: Davey over Kenny. Handicap Doubles: Peterson/McGee over Neil Ackerman/B.
Irvin. Seniors: Irvin over McGee.
Tom McEvoy (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1978,
24) calls the Jan. 14 Michigan Open the best
Grand Rapids tournament weve had in a long
time. Tom says an article appeared in the
local paper about our tournament, which very
seldom happens, and that prompted an ABC
TV crew to come down, film some of the
action, and interview Tournament Chair John
Missad. Sixty-six players entered, including
some locals drawn in by the newspaper article
Scott Butler
Photo by
and some out-of-towners like Toledos Brooke
Mal Anderson
and Stu Kaplan and the Helmuth brothers from
Nappannee, Indiana. Dick Butler and his two
sons, Scott and Jim, along with Howard
Lambert, drove all the way from Iowa City,
Iowa for this tournament, and Dick and son
Scott were featured on the 6:00 and 11:00
p.m. sportcasts. A close-up of Dicks shirt was shown on the program with the following
inscription on the back, Scott Butlers Dadwhich was good for some laughs. With the
volume of entries and 12 different events, the final match didnt get over until 1:30 a.m.
(four hours later than normal). But there were very few complaints.
In the round robin semis of the Open Singles, Michigan Junior Champ Steve Claflin
lost 3-0 to Dell Sweeris and Larry Wood, but beat Mike Baber, -22, 10, 16, 18. Mike kept his
fighting spirit, though, and against Sweeris, he made some incredible shots, countering slams
with Dell, and at deuce in the 5th blocking back one of Dells kill shots to win the point and
then the match. That brought undefeated Wood up against Sweeris. To emerge as Champion
Larry had to beat Dell or at least win two games from him. But this he couldnt dohe lost in
four. With the result that Dell came 1st, Larry 2nd, and Mike 3rd, out of the money for the first
time in several years.
Other Results: Open Doubles: Sweeris/John Huizinga over Baber/Gunther Pawlowski.
As: Mike Budi over Jim Doney. Bs: Torsten Pawlowski over his dad Gunther, -21, 21, 21.
Cs: Scott Butler over John Farmer, 20, 19. C Doubles: Bill Hornyak/Bruce McGee over Tom
McEvoy/Lee Bahlman. Ds: McGee over Chip Peterson, -19, 19, 19. Novice: Milton Johns
over George Brewer. Beginners: Bill Carter over John Eckhardt. Handicap: T. Pawlowski
over Wood. Seniors: Hornyak over Ward Wood. U-17: Budi over Claflin, 19 in the 3rd.
Winners at the Feb. 11 Winter Wonderland Open in Grand Rapids: Open: Sweeris over
Larry Wood, 18, 20, 21. Defending State Champion Mike Baber not only lost a straight-game
match to Sweeris, but was again upset (20, -16, -18, -20) by Wood. Open Doubles: Mike
Moriarty/Mark Holowchak over Wood/Torsten Pawlowski. As: Jim Downey over McEvoy.
Bs: Downey over Larry Su. Cs: Larry Ryel over Missad. C Doubles: Stewart Ansteth/
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Holowchak over Max Salisbury/Billy Reid. Ds: C.J. Williams over

Ned Leuchtner. Tom McEvoy said that C.J. told him he was going
to mount his trophy on the hood of his car and toot his horn all the
way back to Frostburg, MD. Chuckles are in order, cause he just
might do it. Novice: John Helmuth over Rob Stewart. Handicap:
Dave Dalland over Salisbury. Seniors: Ward Wood over Salisbury.
U-17: Downey over Pawlowski. McEvoy tells us that Bill Hornyak,
who won last months Seniors here, couldnt make this tournament
because hes had heart surgery. Had to have a valve repaired to
prevent a possible heart attack at some future time. But hes doing
very well and is back home now recuperating.
This years Michigan State Champions were decided in Detroit,
Feb. 18-19. The titleholders: Mens Open: Mike Baber over Jim
C.J. Williams
Doney, 17 in the 5th, then over Mike Veillette who, Bob Beatty tells
Photo by John Oros
us, had beaten Baber the day before in the Regional Intercollegiates
in Cincinnati. Biggest surprise in the Open, in the tournament really, was Jim (The Phantom
Strikes Again) Tarkowskis upset of Dell Sweeris. Perhaps Veillette, feeling he had to play
cautiously, carefully against Tarkowkis Phantom, got by him, 17, 18, -24, 19 in the semis, but
then couldnt revert to playing his normal game against Baber. Open Doubles: Baber/Veillette
over Bill Lesner/Jeff Smart, 19 in the 4th. Womens: Genevieve Hayes over Debbie Payotelis.
Mixed Doubles: Danny Robbins/M. Dong over Veillette/Michele McKinstry.
As: Chuck Burns over Steve Claflin, 19 in the 5th. (Three weeks earlier, in the blizzardstruck Detroit Open, Claflin had been the Open Singles winner over Robbins, then Burns, 19 in the
4th.) A Doubles: Claflin/Aaron Smith over Mike Moriarty/Mike Budi. Bs: Mark Holowchak over
Jim Doney in 5, then over Smith. Twenty years later, Mark will be coaching power lifters at the
University of Pittsburgh and co-authoring Winning Table Tennis with Dan Seemiller. B Doubles:
Bob Quinn/B. Tunnell over Smith/Stewart Ansteth. Cs: Ed Jerome over Torsten Pawlowski whod
squeaked by Chuck Glinz in 5. C Doubles: B. Nunnery/Glinz over Ansteth/Mark Hrivnak. Ds:
Hayes over Bob Cloutier who escaped Payotelis, 19, 22, 20. D Doubles: Ansteth/Cloutier over D.
Finn/G. Naugle, 18 in the 5th. Es: Carl Bedford over John Salmon, then over Lou Budi, both in 5. E
Doubles: Arnold Anderson/R. Glanda over
Ross Sanders/C. Wibbelman. Novice: Kai
Fai Lum over Bob Coleman. Beginners:
John Parmann over Bob Hamet.
Beginners Doubles: Lum/B. Bartes over
J. Gorno/K. Budi. Esquires: Burns over
Laurie Ault. Seniors: Tom Waters over
Pete Kelly, then over Ed Brennan, both in
5. Senior Doubles: Quinn/Burns over Bill
Rapp/ Kelly, 19 in the 3rd. U-17: Steve
Claflin over Torsten Pawlowski whod
advanced over Mike Budi, deuce in the 5th.
Lou Budi
Tom Waters
Junior Doubles: Claflin/Budi over
Payotelis/K. Budi. U-15: Claflin over Doney.
Dave Strang is proud to announce (TTT, May-June, 1978, 18) that, with the help of
three major Akron newspapers, including columns, feature stories and even cartoons, our first
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major tournament, the Rubber City Open, drew over 150 contestants. This is by far the
biggest Ohio tourney in recent years. Special thanks go to Jake Wademan of The World of
Sports for his help in providing awards in the Junior and Senior events. Thanks also to Mike
Stascak of Chapel Hill Mall for his assistance in setting up exhibitions there the week before
the tournament, and to the many staff people at the Akron Beacon Journal for their excellent
tournament coverage.
Results: Open Singles (25 entries; AVERAGE rating: 1927!): 1. Rick Seemiller, 3-0, 2.
Randy Seemiller, 2-1. 3. Mark Wampler, 1-2 (with a 5-game quarters win over Bobby Powell
and then a semis win over Butler from down 1-0 and at deuce in the 2nd). 4. Charles Butler, 03. Womens: Kimmer Shimko over Marilyn Pitts. Open Doubles: Seemillers over Wampler/
Greg Collins. As: Don Story over Sam Steiner, 23-21 in the 4th. A Doubles: Nick Minsiveris/
Tom Shirley over Gary Martin/Stu Caplin. Bs: Joe Trausch over Van Hien Nguyen. Cs: Mike
Walk over Mark Allen. Ds: Tran Ngo over Eddie Runyon in 5. Novice: Larry Knicely over
Tom Burik. Consolation: Al Shears over John Temple, 19, -19, 19. Hard Rubber: Art
Holloway over Story, deuce in the 5th. Esquires: Vern Weingart over Shirley in 5. Seniors:
John Spencer over Ngoc Thuat Tran. Young Adults: Collins over Jeff Williams, 19 in the 5th,
then over Powell in 5.
U-17: Williams over Joe
Passov U-15: Williams
over Walk. U-13: Dan
Walk over Shimko. Girls
U-13: Tran. 2. Holly
Ferstman.
Winners at the
Feb. 25 Central Indiana
Closed: Mens: Dick
Hicks over Jim Yates in
5, then over Harry
Deschamps. Mens
Doubles: Hicks/Hicks
Ngoc Thuat Tran
over Yates/Yates, 19 in
the 4th. Womens: Cindy Marcum over Peggy Scheiman. Mixed Doubles: Hicks/Hicks over
Yates/Yates. As: John Allen over Jerry Glass. Bs: Dwight Mitrchell over Don Roberts. Cs:
Allen over Mitchell in 5. Consolations: Steve Betts over Chip Peterson. 0Seniors:
Deschamps over Jack Pangburn. U-17: Ricky Hicks over Allen, -18, 20, 20, 13. U-15: Jeff
Pangburn over Jeff Button.
Nancy Hill (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1978, 25) covered the $300 Arkansas Round Robin
Tournament played Feb. 25-26 at The Burns Park Tennis Center in North Little Rock. The 72player format with initially six groups of 12 is modeled after one that had been explained
earlier in an Irving, TX write-up. Following initial seeded play, the 12 1st-Place finishers form
two A groups of six (A-1, A-2), followed by B-1, B-2 through F-1, F-2. Coming out of this
round robin of two groups are the two top players in each to form a final round robin of four
(with carryovers if applicable).
The tournament is popular, especially with less than top-rated players, for several
reasons. It is easily run and kept on schedule without noisy loudspeaker interruptions, default
difficulties, and the need to constantly move from table to table to play. It gives lower-rated
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players the opportunity to play a lot of matches, to compete both against better players in the
initial round and players on their own level in the second round. Nancy was encouraged by
the fact that, though this was an open tournament, 20% of the 72 entries were women.
Sammanuth (or Swaminathan) Bhaskar, though he was upset in a second-round match two
straight by Missouri penholder Eric Seiler, went on to win the $100 Championship R.R. over
an ailing Bruce Smith, Perry Schwartzberg, and Larry Thoman. Oddly, Bhaskar got
confused about the date of the tournament, and so came from Houston a week early, and
before going back had to pay $30 to get his car towed out of an icy ditch.
Upset winners: As: Rich Doza
in straight games over Schwartzberg
and Thoman. Bs: #6 seed Leslie
Harris over #1 seed Sammy Peters.
Cs: Joe Ogilvie over Dennis Fritchie
Barby Jones
to finish 3rd. Ds: 992-rated Dee Pollan
Photo by Mal Anderson
over 1437-rated William Prince. Es:
923-rated Barby Jones over 1504rated Larry Lyon. The May-June issue
of Topics gave these Event winners:
As: 1. Bhaskar. 2. Smith. 3.
Schwartzberg. 4. Kesler. (What
happened to Doza? Bad losses kept
him out of the last four?) Bs: 1.
Bloxom. 2. Schewe. 3. Lax. 4.
Persaud. (Harris didnt advance to the
last four either.) Cs: 1. C. Smith. 2.
Fritchie. 3. Ogilvie. 4. Bartley. (Ogilvie beat Fritchie but finished behind him.) Ds: 1. Hadfield.
2. Harris. 3. M. Varner. 4. Vernon Boze. Es: Kathy Thompson. 2. Russell. Fs: Hess. 2. Light.
The Sportsmanship Award went to 18-year-old Leslie Harris from
Memphis. Leslie has given a lot of time and emotional and physical
energy to the sport of table tennis. She has one of the best looking
playing styles of any woman in the country, making her a very exciting
player to watch. Also, her refreshing personality makes her an
enjoyable person to be around. Hopefully she will continue to delight
players and spectators at tournaments for years to come.
Winners in the Jan. 21 Atlanta Winter Open: Championship Singles:
Ron Rigo over Larry Thoman in 5, then over Jim McQueen. Womens:
Melba Martin over Tracy Beckham. Championship Doubles: Thoman/
George Cooper over John Elliott/Pete May, -20, 19, -19, 14, 21. As:
Bobby Marcus over Jimmy Flynn, 16 in the 5th. Bs: Mark Gibson over
Jim Wiggins. Cs: Buddy Hutson over Keith Armes. Novice: Randy
Kendle over Greg Kendle. Seniors: Cyril Lederman over Ed Bacon. ULeslie Harris
17: Walter Wintermute over Bowie Martin, Jr.
Results of the Feb. 21-23 Atlanta Closed: Mens: George Cooper over
Thomas Nunes, deuce in the 5th, then over Bill Farrar in 5. Mens Doubles: Cooper/Nunes
over Larry Buell/Ron Jones, 19 in the 4th. Semis: Cooper/Nunes over Carl Golden/James
Altenbach, 19, 15, 27; Buell/Jones over Wendell Dillon/Farrar, 28-26 in the 5th. Womens:
237

Sarah Hillsman over Felicia Jackson. Mixed Doubles: Golden/Hillsman over Nunes/Connie
Gibbs. Consolation: Don Holden over Gus Armes. Seniors: Lederman over Dillon. U-21:
Jones over Kendle. U-17 Boys: Cecil Brooks over Jason Wardley. U-17 Doubles: Price/Clay
over Reddy/Reddy, 24-22 in the 4th. U-17 Girls: Jackson over Deborah Smith. U-15 Boys:
Prabaher Reddy over Phan Bach. U-13 Boys: Lamar Tanner over Derrick Searey. U-13 Girls:
Nettie Anthony over Sharon Dwight. U-11 Boys: Andra Bentley over Jerry Brook.
Steve Carlson covers the Florida Closed, held Feb. 2526 in Orlando. For the third straight year Defending Champion
Greg Gingold and 76 Champion Jerry Thrasher met for the
State Championship. As Steve put it, the contest would be
between the quickness of Gingold and his happy feet vs. the
spin arsenal of Thrasher. As it turned out, Jerrys awesome
backhand loop, widely acclaimed to be the best in the country,
was just erratic enough to allow Greg to win their first two
games at deuce. The remaining two games were also (both 2119) close. Some last-chance spectacular shots saved the third
game for Jerry, but in the fourth Thrashers late rally fell just
short.
Thrasher wasnt tested in the semifinal round robin by
Ron Rigo or Wayne Daunt, but Gingold had 18-in-the-4th
trouble with brash young Ronnie, A winner over Randy Hess.
Indeed, Gingold got 21-8 killed the first game when Rigo
played superbly, exchanging backhands with precision and
killing forehands like a wild man. In the second game, Greg
was still tight. Ronnie got an edge ball and yelled his approval. Greg Gingold wins third straight
But as the ball was technically still in play he was called for
Florida Closed
making a loud and sudden noise and lost the point, his cool,
and the game. [If Greg had no chance to get the ball, I would have lost my cool too, for the
noise would have had no effect on the play.] So that was the break Greg needed, right?
Wrong. Rigo rallied to go 2-1 upand then up double match point in the 4th. At which point
Ronnie failed to return serve. Whereupon Greg served and followed with the biggest loop of
the match to deuce itand then win the game. The fifth was a counter-driving, counterpsyche game that Greg won at 18.
Other Results: Ladies Singles: Olga Soltesz over Nancy Newgarden. Championship
Doubles: Steve and Ron Rigo over Scott Preiss/Larry Gold. Bs: Alan Averill over N. Cole. B
Doubles: Preiss/Gold over Cole/Lenny Chew. Cs: Clinton Steffan over Chew, 25-23 in the 3rd, then
over Hess, -22, 24, 20, 20. Ds: Ashok Nirody over Ed Bacon, 24-22 in the 3rd,
then over Buddy Hutson. Es: Luis Arrondo over
S. Beauregard. Seniors: Marv Leff over Gerard
Maglio. Juniors: R. Rigo over Beauregard.
Jairie Resek says she and Errol (theyre back
together again? just needed to get away for a
while?) went to the Dominican Republic for a
couple of weeks in Feb. Much improvement in
the play therethanks primarily to Hanns
Hieronimus, editor and publisher of U.L.T.Ma
Hanns Hieronimus
238

very informative magazine from the

Union Latinoamericana de Tenis de
Mesa. Jairie lauds Hanns as a player,
sponsor, officer in the Dominican
Association, and number one fan. Errol
wasnt permitted to play in their
Nationals last year, but this year they
allowed him to play in a winter
tournament, and he was beaten decisively
by Juan Vila, while the Santo Domingo
players boycotted play because Errol,
who didnt live in their country, was
entered. Later, at the very time wed be
having our Oklahoma City U.S. Open,
the Dominicans were having a
Raymond Firman
tournament of their own. Again they
Photo by Lee Global Enterprises
allowed Errol to play, and he finished 3rd.
Jairie says Raymond Fermin succeeded Vila as the 1978 Dominican National Champion. I
think by this time Fuarnado Roberts is also out of the countryhell be in Peru for a few
years.
Greg Cox tells that the first Wilson Open, played Feb. 25-26 at the Butterfly Center
drew 107 entries, and that because of a power failure in that area of the city play was delayed,
forcing the last of the matches to go on into Monday morning. Results: Open Singles: Fred
King over Danny Hill in 5, then over Frank Studley, 24-22 in the 4th. Womens: Jean Poston
over Linda Sauls. Mens Doubles: Studley/Sol Lewis over Hill/Jim McQueen. As: George
Cooper over Pat ONeill. Bs: Cooper over Wilson Bryan. Cs: James Gatling over Bowie
Martin, Jr. Ds: Johnny McCorkle over Martin, Jr. Seniors: Studley over Lewis. U-17 Boys:
Walter Wintermute over Sean ONeill. U-15 Boys: ONeill over Martin. U-13 Boys: ONeill
over Marius Vincent. U-17 Girls: Esperanza Vincent over Linda Sauls, 19, 21. Girls U-15:
Vincent over Pam Millinder. U-13 Girls: Vincent over Tina Leslie. U-11: ONeill over E.
Vincent.
Steve Sampson in commenting on the Ben Franklin Open, held Jan. 7-8 at the
Philadelphia TT Club, says almost 100 spectators a day watched the 125 entrants compete for
$450 in prize money. But, he says, its awfully difficult to write about a tournamentits not
the same thing as being there. You miss the atmosphere. For instance, Ron Luth sssllowly
bending down to pick up a ball; or the rain drops falling through the ceiling; or the
glorious cuisine (hot dogs with Philly mustard). Well, anyway, we do have the Results: Open
Singles: Mike Bush over Eric Boggan who had to go 5 to beat both Stan Smolanowicz and
Errol Resek, mainstay of the Jules Apatini-led Hungarian Team in the Greater N.Y. T.T.
League. Steve writes that Mike Bushs spectacular play and professional appearance and
conduct very much impressed the many off-the-street spectators. (Off the street? Hes not
kidding, is he? Isnt the Club four floors up?) An early fun match for those watching was
Smolanowiczs Slam Bam 8ths match against defender Sam Balamoun.
As: Jeff Steif over Ralph Bockoven. Bs: Luth over Sampson who got by Marv
Plevinsky in 5. Cs? Ds: Herb Vichnin over Ray Wu. Es: Larry Hodges over Bruce Hvasta.
Fs: M. Davis over V. McCoy. Ns: Barney Reed over Jeff Pedicini. (Thats Barney, pere;
239

Todd Ingram

Barney, fils, will one day play internationally for the U.S.) Xs: J.
Vittori over Richard Spear. Ys: T. Hsu over M. Ness. Handicap:
Alex Mlavsky over Todd Ingram. Handicap Doubles: Harry Hawk/
Mellinger over M. Schnorr/Caravella. Seniors: Wu over Al Gill. U17: J. Markson over Phil Shaw. U-15: Dave Mlavsky over brother
Alex.
George
Brathwaites
friend Kanchan
Gilfillian in
reporting on the
Feb. 11-12
Westfield Open
devotes the first
half of her

article to praising George:

Pound for Pound, George (The
Chief) Brathwaite is, without a doubt, the
best Table Tennis player in the United
States today and most certainly someone to
whom our young players can look up to
and respectthe more so because of his
Sean and The Chief
sportsmanship and knowledge of the game.
He may be regarded as a phenomenon, having successfully participated in several sports
throughout his career [cricket, soccer, track and field].
Because of his athletic ability, application, dedication, and an exceptionally strong
pair of legs [he] improved so rapidly that within a relatively short time was selected to
represent the U.S. at the [1971 Worlds].
Gilfillian points out a number of Georges impressive victories, and notes that George
has just won the U.S. Senior Championship (he also won in 76), and yet no significant
mention of it was made in Topics. Instead there were a number of photographs of people who
did not achieve this stature and did absolutely nothing in Las Vegas other than participate. [Of
the 17 U.S. Closed-related photos published in Topics immediately after the tournament, the
Editor, if asked, would say all 17 were relevant.] Pictures of players and others should not be
published in Topics simply because they are at the disposal of the Editor or because someone
sends them in.
We learn from Kanchan that The Chief played marvelously and superbly to win this
tournament, beating in the final Mike Bush, U.S. #3, who within the past year has become a
much improved and mature player. After falling behind 17-10 in the first, The Chief, who is a
very good analyst of ones game, decided to prepare himself for the other games by changing
his strategy. Kanchan, apparently having interviewed George, or he her, details Georges various
game adjustments throughout the 5-game match. Point after point these two gladiators of the
green table rallied back and forth, spin against spin, until the severe pounding took its toil and Mike
became weaker and weaker with his returns. From 19-all, George wins 19 in the 5th.
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Other Results: Womens: Dana Gvildys over Gloria Amoury. Open Doubles: Bush/
Rutledge Barry over Eric Boggan/Roger Sverdlik (Roger defeated Eric in 5 in the Open). As:
Steve Berger over Benfield Munroe. A Doubles: Ali Oveissi/Munroe over Al Schwartz/Doon
Wong, 19, -19, 19. Bs: Stu Kroll over Alex Sze. Cs: Julian Millan over Mike Kuklakis. Ds:
Ray Wu over John Sisti. D Doubles: Millan/Tony Gegelys over C. Claude Jumet/T Smith. Es:
Manny Moskowitz over Mark Kane. Fs: T. Chung over G. Forde. Gs: S. Huang over Barney
Reed. Novice: Chung over Vescosi. Esquires: Marcy Monasterial over John Kilpatrick.
Seniors: Elmer Wengert over Mort Zakarin, U-17: J. Markson over Millan. U-15: Millan over
Jeff Pedicini. U-13: Richard Spear over David Branch.
Howard Blum, in his Ping-Pong
Concert article (N.Y. Times, Dec. 30,
1977; reprinted in TTT, Jan.-Feb., 1978,
21) says, Table Tennis is a game of
sounds. Yes, of course, you might say
that, everyone knows that, none better
than the hard rubber player. But then Blum
goes on to fill us in on what we dont
know:
Between the fortissimo
cacophony of sharp pings and dull pongs,
there are elements, believes a composer,
George Costinesco, of something grander
and more euphonious. Of music.
And, in celebration of these hidden
symphonies, Mr. Costinesco has taken the
sport out of the basement and into the
concert hall, sort of.
On Saturday, Dec. 31, at noon,
Marty Reisman, novice
perhaps the first piece of music ever
musician, keeping the
commissioned by New York City will be
ball in play
performed at Reismans Table Tennis
Center, 262 West 96th St.George
Costinescos The Tournament Overture for Flute, Cello, Synthesizer, and Two Ping-Pong
Players. Admissions free.
The Citys Department of Parks and Recreation along with the White Rock Soda
Company, which is currently sponsoring a table tennis tournament for younger and older boys
and girls at Reismans, decided to give the athletic competition a touch of New York
grandeur and Upper West Side pretensionan original piece of music.
So the sponsors sought out Mr. Costinesco, a 43-year-old Rumanian composer who
has had two previous original compositions performed at Lincoln Center, and who has been
pinging and ponging since his youth.
Matthew Paris, a recreation director with the Parks Department, a novelist and also
one of the two table tennis performers in Mr. Costinescos composition, has discovered that a
visionary range of sounds can be produced in the spirited struggle to pound a tiny plastic
sphere with a paddle.
241

I actually heard a major third as I squashed the ball down, Mr. Paris said in a
telephone interview.
Art, though, is not created without certain sacrifices. The professional ping-pong
player and novice musician Marty Reisman complained: Rehearsing for this music is spoiling
my game. The composers asking me to keep the ball in playnot win!
Readers of these History volumes will certainly remember Max
Marinko as a winner. This great Yugoslav world-class player of the 1930s
and 40s, on immigrating to Canada, became their 8-time National
Champion (1955-1963). He died of stomach cancer in 1975. This First
Annual Memorial Tournament to him, held Jan. 8 in Toronto, with about 125
entries, was successfully organized by George Jovanov. George, President of
the Ontario Central Region Association, is a man of considerable energy and
deep feeling. He did everything possible, even putting out a special little
Program, to make this day a warmly commemorative one.
Naturally, Jenny Marinko, Maxs widow, who in the last year has
suffered the loss of her mother, then sold her house and moved alone into a
strange little apartment, was the guest of honor. She displayed some of Maxs
international trophies and medals, and his famous oversized racket, and
played in the tournament.
George Jovanov,
Those now retired who, along with Jenny and Max, played hundreds giving as it were,
another trophy
of matches in Canadian tournaments over the years were back on hand to
to Max
play in his memory. Jovanov must have personally called 50 people who,
being out of practice, would otherwise not have played, particularly on such a snowy
afternoon and evening. Among them were Modris Zulps and Laimon Eichwald (both of whom
still keep fit by playing volleyball and a weekly match or two in a local table tennis league);
Algis Saunoris, former 6-time Russian Champion whos been in Toronto for a number of years;
Peter Gonda, a member of the Canadian Team to the 1975 Calcutta Worlds; and perennial
Canadian Womens Singles Champion Violetta Nesukaitis now married and no longer playing
competitively
Violetta, looking decidedly heavier and
happier, smiling and shaking her head at an
occasional horrendous shot, seemed to be really
enjoying herself in an unpracticed way. In the
absence of Canadian Team members Mariann
Domonkos, Birute Plucas, and Christine Forgo
(all of whom were at the English Open), she won
still another tournament by defeating 16-year-old
Colleen Johnson who nonetheless showed fine
form in the final. Violetta also won both the
Womens Doubles, with sister Flora who was her
usual serious-looking, seemingly disinterested
self, and the Mixed Doubles, with Errol Caetano
who was, well, flippant.
Colleen Johnson
Caetano, of course, won the Mens, and
Photo by Mal Anderson
the Mens Doubles with Derek Walltheyve not
lost a match in Canada all season. But there were several upsetsthe more understandable
242

perhaps because, given the unusually large turnout, all matches, even the Mens, were cut to 2
out of 3.
Twenty-year-old Cameron Scott beat #2 seed Bill Cheng to get to the final. And well
deserved his win was too, for Camerons a real student. Oh sure, he attends a university, but
more importantly he plays table tennis 7 days a week, and in the last month or so, since
returning from the USOTCs, has shown dramatic improvement. Doubtless this is due not just
to playing with his friend Mike Jovanov (#3 in Toronto even when in the 6th gradein chess),
but to practicing regularly with Caetano and Wall.
Derek, who in his 30-year career has played in maybe 90 countries, was making a point
to me apropos of Cameron over the weekenda weekend I dont mind telling you I spent as
Derek and Roses house guest. (Had a great time, too, except when suddenly alone
experiencing my first sauna, I thought: Derek couldnt accidentally have locked the door,
could he?) Wall was emphasizing how important it was for Cameron or any aspiring young
player nowadays to be where the action iswhere the new technological changes in rubber are
evident, where new initial and responsive play is constantly being encouraged. So many people
still dont realize that todays young player, if he is to be any good at all, must develop in this
ambience. In the old days of the hard rubber bat this wasnt so. ThenNew York, Tokyo,
Budapest, Stockholm, Peking, Saskatoonracket-surface differences werent so great. But
today its necessary for Cameron and others to practice against Walls black Feint (just as it
was necessary for Wall to earlier have abandoned anti-spin if he wanted, regardless of age, to
continually improve his now quite modern game). Indeed, few active players in the world have
made the necessary successful transitions to sponge that Wall, once a strong hard bat player,
has over the years.
Another upset was registered by Bill Cheng who has the reputation of often being too
nervous to play well in tournaments, but who many times is
tremendous in practice, especially a few years ago when he was
Walls warm-up partner. Bill, hitting in one backhand after another,
beat me, then swept through Alan Heap of the Canadian National
Team. Week after week, Alan more or less has intense not to say
tragic moments teaching, as he says, the language of Racine
Frenchto mini-teens in suburban Scarborough.
Upset, too, was Pierre Normandin who recently almost won
the Quebec Championship. Winner Guy Germain was given an allexpenses-paid trip to the English Open. Maybe hell play doubles
there with D-J Lee who I heard was also entered. Pierre lost to Serge
Provencher, one of the 10 or 12 young players Adham Sharara
brought from Montreal whose way was paid by their Provincial
Government. Serge in turn lost to Steve Feldman. Steve, on being
questioned by some well-meaning fellow as to why his head was
always in a book, seemed, as a math/physics major, to be put even
more on the defensive than in his losing semis match with Caetano.
The most interesting match to mecertainly the longest
was the expedited deuce-in-the-3rd one I lost (after rallying from 146, 20-18 down) to Algis Saunoris in the Seniors. The only other
Pierre Normandin
time Id played him (in the early 70s at the CNE) I also lost to him
From Quebecs Le Pongiste,
in expedite. But then he was playing better, for a decade earlier he
March, 1977 cover
243

and his partner had been European

Doubles finalists. Since his play in the
Max Marinko
CNE hed broken a leg in an accident
and on recovering had been content to
play local league matches only. Still
effective were his shrewd, sticky little
pushes and quick pick-hits. After
finishing with me, he went on to beat
Fuarnado Roberts, also in expedite.
Lured here for this memorial
to Max, Algie almost walked out
before playing me and never did stay
to play his $50 Seniors final with Wall
because play was taking so
unexpectedly long. (I myself played
only one match during the first 6
hours of the tournament.)
I wish I could have some
meritorious excuse for losingbut the
only thing I can think of is how
unusually bloated I was from the huge
10-course Ukranian Christmas dinner
Id had the night before at the
Jovanovs and the booze I kept
washing down that special fermented cabbage with. Finally, I thought myself sated. But then I
was plied to eat, drink, and talk some more because Georges son Mike kept sneaking down to
us these old 1930s, 40s, 50s scrapbooks former Canadian star Joan Jessop had compiled.
These of course held my interest, for along with pages and pages of the great champion
Marinko, there occasionally I was, my name once or twice in headlines, and once or twice
even my clean-cut photonow totally unrecognizable by all.
Which made me thinkwas it that way, just a little, toward the end with cancerravaged Max? Could one in some way mistake him for another? Was such a transformation
possible? Well I remember this image I have of Max three months before he died. After almost
50 years of play, amazing, he was winning still another (U.S. Esquire) Openand this time
with 2/3 of his stomach gone.
No, I decidedunlike so many others who over the years have given themselves to
our long-suffering but enduring little sportMax will be forever recognizable.

244

Chapter Seventeen
1978: English Open/ Europe Top 12/ Welsh Open/ Rumanian Open/ Chinese
Nationals. 1978: European Championships.
From Canada were off to Great Britain where well shortly hear from Topics Assistant
Editor Carl Danner, followed by D-J and He-ja Lee wholl give us a report on the European
Championships.
Dual coverage of the Norwich Union English Open, played
among 13 countries at Brighton, Jan. 12-14, is
provided (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1978, 12) by Richard
Streeton (Team play) and David Hunn
(Individual play)accounts I as Topics Editor
probably received from London-based Danner,
and in the case of Streeton, but generally not the youthful-sounding
Hunn, have mostly in my own voice summarized here.
In the second round of the Mens Teams, China II
zipped the Czechs with Milan Orlowski going down in straight
games to Chen Hsin-hua. China II, before losing the final to
China I, then knocked out England I in the semis. However, as
might be hoped in the home venue, the English, rallying, could
not have made it closer before finally succumbing. After
Englands Des Douglas and Nicky Jarvis were beaten in the
opening singles, they paired to take the doubles, and then
Douglas won a 19-in-the-3rd thriller from Teng Yi, the 15-yearold Chinese Junior Champion. That left Jarvis to test Chen
Nicky having been chosen ahead of Paul Day, the England #2,
because it was felt his stronger loop spin would trouble the
Chinese more.
And trouble Chen it would seem he did. Though down 102 in the deciding third, Jarvis stubbornly fought his way back to
15-15. The closing points were desperate affairs but the end came
after 20-20 when Jarvis first over-hit his forehand, then netted a
return. Though Nicky couldnt quite save the day, his strong play
once again confirmed the remarkable comeback hes made after
Teng Yi
From World Table Tennis, March, 1988 prolonged surgery to his back last year.
In Womens Team play, China II blanked China I. As for the
English in their semis tie against China I, only Carole Knight could make a good showingshe
defeated Wei Li-chieh, 18, 7. Knights aggressive loop topspin gained her the initiative after a
hard-fought first game as the Chinese player faded and could not deal with her opponents splendid
counter-attacking.
In the fast-paced Mens final [much exhibition play I gather] between the winner Li
Chen-shih and Teng Yi, Hunn tells us that the sympathies of the crowd were clearly with the
incredible youngster[whose] agility alone was enough to disturb Li. Once, Teng cleaned
missed a ball that sat up invitingly for his smash, and recovered quickly enough to get it at the
second attemptshaming the umpire who had already begun to call the score against him. But
245

Li is uncannily difficult to beat, combining as he does smashes of paralyzing ferocity, teasing

services from a steepling ball (though once he hit it under the table), and the ability to go on
retrieving until his opponents arms drop off.
After such splendor, the womens final was unavoidably anti-climactic [the Mens
final preceded the Womens?]. That ultimate in inscrutable ladies, fifth-ranked world player
Chu Hsiang-yun, chopped away relentlessly at the ceaseless, untidy topspin of Erzebet
Palatinus and allowed the Yugoslav to destroy herself rapidly.
Self-destruction did not enter the Mens Doubles. A positive Chinese holocaust [sic]
broughtLi Chen-shih and Wang Huei-yuan to the final, and they might have been playing
with flame-throwers, not table tennis balls. The runner-up Czech pair, Orlowski and Ovcarik,
were consumed in three games, in the last of which they did not win a point until the 13th.
Though Englands Defending European Champion Jill Hammersley lost a 19-in-the-5th
killer to Japans Towako Takahashi, the English #1 mens star, Douglas, reached the semis.
But better yet, much better, he paired with Linda Howard to win the Mixed Doubles from
Chen Hsin-hua and Womens Champ Chu Hsiang-yun. Des and Linda were fortunate, to put
it mildly, that Chen was some way below his best form. One could not resist thoughts that
Peking diplomacy was smiling on the hosts, but the British pair played beautifully to take the
match [18, -18, 13, 12].
Europe Top 12
Results of the Jan. 27-29 European Top 12 tournament at Prague: Men: 1. Gergely. 2.
Orlowski. 3. Bengtsson. 4. Lieck. 5. Jonyer. 6. Secretin. 7. Surbek. 8. Martin. 9. Strokatov. 10.
Kunz. (Thorsell withdrew because of illness) Women: 1. Hammersley. 2. Vriesekoop. 3. Popova. 4.
Uhlikova. 5. Kishazi. 6. Szabo. 7. Hirschmuller. 8. Magos. 9. Bergeret. 10. Silhanova. (Hellman
withdrew because of illness.) One male player, one female player didnt show?)
Welsh Open
Carl Danner, in his excellent write-up of the Welsh Open, played Feb. 3-5 at Cardiff,
speaks of Chinese dominance, but immediately highlights the surprising win of Hans Gootzen,
the Dutch #5, over Chinas Liang Ke-liang, World #1 in the World Rankings printed in the
Nov.-Dec., 1977 Topics. This was obviously no dump [sic], says Carland proceeds to
prove it [but not to me] by saying that Gootzen was down triple match point, then twice
incredibly countered all-out kills by Liang so well that Liang didnt even touch them. Played
too safe, Liang through an interpreter told Carl [too safe after his all-out kills had been killed,
but not before?]. Then, says Liang, got caught at deuce.
[Doing what?] Afterwards, Gootzen was rendered silly in
the quarters by Yang Chuang-ning, reaching 10 only one
game.
Scotlands #2 John McNee beat Max Crimmins,
Englands newly-ranked #3, and reached the semis of the
Mens Doubles with Scotlands #1 Richard Yule, who
himself beat Crimmins and Bob Potton (another English
international who would have played D-J Lee in the 1st
round had D-J showed). Yule also had an exciting 5-game
win over Wu Chin-hsin, another marvelous Chinese player
no one had ever seen before.
Bob Potton
246

In the Mixed, Carl was partnered by Canadas #1, Mariann Domonkos (whos
spending 6 weeks here with Birute Plucas, playing in a tournament a week). They drew Wang
Chien-chiang (who beat Danny Seemiller in Birmingham) and Li Ming. We were wasted the
first two games, said Carl, and then had the temerity to take a lead in the 3rd. This was a bad
idea, for it only provoked Li Ming into using her high-toss serves. Exit us.
Pak Yung Sun, the North Korean World Womens Champion, entered, but didnt play,
just sat and watched. Someone said she had Chinese Fludidnt want to lose to Chang Li or
any of the other Chinese. Carl said hed heard from a friend whod confirmed through an
interpreter that a Chinese player had acknowledged [what everyone already knew] that Chang
Li had dumped the Birmingham World Championship to Pak. Here in the Teams, Chang was
beaten by another North Korean, Pak Tong Ok (some were calling her not Ok but Ox
because she was big and strong).
Just as in the English Open, the four Mens semifinalists were three Chinese and Des
Douglas. In the first semis, two shakehands righties met, and, though Ku Cheng-chiang
monster-looped everything from both sides while staring sullenly at his opponent Yang
Chuang-ning, it was the designated Yang who won their exhibition.
The second semis was between Douglas and
Wang Cheng-chiang. Desd had trouble with a
Dutch chopper in an early round, but cruised
through Richard Yule in the quarters. Wang was 2017 down to Paul Day in the 1st, won thatthen
whomped him.
This semis, said Carl, is no exhibition [but not a
dump either?]. Wang is determined, and Douglas,
bothered by the Chinese serves and not quite at
ease, plays a bad 1st game. Wang, however, is one
of those rare players who can get through Douglas,
and his serves and short game are very good. But
not good enough apparently. With the match now 11, Des is up 10-2 in the 3rd because hes been able to
get the ball in first, counter much better than Wang
and can put the occasional loop past him. Being so
far down, the Chinese player loses concentration,
serves off twice, and of course is never in the
Wang Cheng-chiang
game.
From Chinas Sports, 1979, No. 1
The drama continues. At the 2-1 break,
Wang receives a good talking to from his stern-faced coach. You can see the Chinese want this
one. Wang starts the fourth servingand high-toss wildly sends the first one off. Douglas
replies by missing two easy serves and a block off the edge of his racket. Then Des 21-12
runs away with the game. As expected, the crowds abuzz.
Now the Womens final. Oh bloody hell, another exhibition. Its a battle, or at least a
match, between two leftiesthe quick Li Ming vs. Chang Li who Carl says is easily the best
woman player Ive ever seenI saw her go 5 minutes without missing a shot or making a
tactical error in a crucial doubles match.
Li Ming knows the script, but, as Chang is playing badly, Li has to lose the first two
games by literally jabbing ridiculously easy shots off. But then she must embarrassingly win the
247

3rd when she carelessly [sic] gets to 19-14 up. When

Chang comes through in fine exhibition style and
walks off a well-applauded winner, Carl says, What
does the crowd know anyway? What can they tell?
Chang Li, never allowed to win the Worlds,
deserves this titlethe more so because the Chinese
say this will be her last season. [Not quite
apparently other Chinese feel she deserves a world
title of some kind; so well see her in Pyongyang.]
She is a youthful, good-looking, and spirited 28,
and is soon to be Li Chen-shihs bride. Her
retirement will be a loss to a lot of peoplefor she
is one of the few Chinese players to have a real fan
Chinas two-time World Runner-up Chang Li club.
The Mens final between Douglas and Yang (a
fair-haired-type lad as opposed to the vanquished, villainous Ku) features Yangs attack vs.
Douglass unmatchable quickness and touch. In the 1st at 19-all, Des serves short, pokes the
return off, and then loses the game on a big loop by Yang. In the 2nd, Douglas takes control
by countering sharply, getting his topspin in firstand is up 15-1019-16. But then Yang
gets 3 big points on two service winners and a 3rd-ball kill, and again its 19-all. Then 20-all.
Now, though, Des serves and loops in, and Yang misses an easy forehand.
In the 3rd, with Douglas quick looping and angling off backhands no mortal can
reach, Yang is quickly 10-3 out of it.Des has a very fast, newly developed backhand loop
right off the bounce which hes devastatingly snapping cross-court to right-hander Yangs deep
forehand, so that once away from the table Yang (even if he can get to the ball) is in serious
trouble. Des loops him from side to side then finishes the point with a placement kill or a high,
spinny cross-court forehand loop that breaks away from Yangs hoped-for contact point.
The Chinese is intensely counseled at the 2-1 breakwith Liang Ke-liang joining his
coach to make one formidable brain trust. Or maybe not so formidablefor Yang is down 179 and cant recover. Then one final loop at 20-16, accompanied by a great leap from Des, and
a chorus from the delirious crowd, and Douglas has the title.
China, however, will win the Mens Doubles from Douglas and Jarvis. Liang is the
differencehes all over the place, serving, looping, now chopping the ball in half, now
floating it, always hitting the correct shot. It isnt the racket eitherLiang could beat worldclass players with sandpaper. Carl says he had a look at Liangs paddle (the Chinese are very
good about thatall you need do is politely ask) and found soft long pimples over some sort
of black sponge on one side and very spinny inverted on the other. He likes a big handle (when
asked, he showed his big hand) and a racket that weighs about 6 ounces. Liang usually plays
inverted on the forehand, but (as a generation of frustrated internationals can tell you) is
capable of switching at any time. His serves (very simple motions really) are deadly, as he
switches the racket underneath the table and then brings upwho knows what?
The Mixed Doubles is seen as a remarkable triumph for Englandin the final,
Douglas/Linda Howard, former European Junior Mixed Champs, defeat Liang/Chang Li. from
19-all in the 5th. Liang serves, Des rolls, and they play a long countering point, with Lindas
flat backhand finally forcing a Chinese error. Des then dramatically kills in Liangs 20-19 serve
for the title. How many players could ever conceive of trying that?
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Rumanian Open
Immediately after the Welsh Open, the Chinese went to Bucharest to play in the Feb.
10-12 Rumanian Open. Results: Mens Team: China I over West Germany. Womens Team:
China I over China II. Mens Singles: Final: Liang Ke-liang over Wang Chien-chiang. Semis:
Liang over Jochen Leiss; Wang over Jacques Secretin. Womens Singles: Pak Yong Ok over
Chang Li. Mens Doubles: Liang/Wang over Anton Stipancic/Damir Jurcic. Womens Doubles:
Yeng Kuai-li/Li Ming over Chang Li/Li Shu-ying. Mixed Doubles: Liang/Li Ming over
Secretin/Bergeret.
Chinese Nationals
As a result of the 1978 Chinese National Championships, held in April in Foochow,
Fukien Province, the Champions are: Mens Singles: Shih Chih-hao, a 19-year-old
shakehander, over Defending Champ Guo Yue-hua early in the competition, then over Lu Jaohua in the final. Womens Singles: Shanghais 16-year-old penholder Huang Hsi-ping who
successfully defended her title over Pekings Yen Kue-li. Mens Doubles: Teng Yi/Lu Jao-hua

Chinas 1978 Mens

Singles Champion
Shih Chih-hao

Chinas 1978 Womens

Singles Champion
Huang Hsi-ping

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over Huang Tung-sheng/Wei Ching-sheng. Womens Doubles: Huang Hsi-ping/Li Ming over
Tsao Yen-hua/Yu Chin-chia (Tsao, however, won the deciding 5th match to allow Shanghai to
take the Womens Team title). Mixed Doubles: Li Chen-shih/Chang Te-ying over Cheng Chihyi/Shen Chien-ping.
European Championships
D-J and He-ja Lee are of course playing in the German Leagues and so
found it convenient and useful, for they took films and notes, to attend the
European Championships held in Duisberg, Germany Mar. 10-19. D-J
writes that though thirty-one flags flew in time to the music, the
dancers, it was just one team that totally dominated. Hungary would
win the Mens and Womens Team Championships, the Mens and
Womens Singles, would share the Mens Doubles crown, and would be
finalists in the Womens and Mixed Doubles.
D-J (whos getting some help from He-ja, I presume with regard to the Womens play,
and plenty of editing help from me) begins with the Mens Teams and specifically the
Hungary-Yugoslav tie in Group A of the two round robins. Tibor Klampar opens against the
young, new Yugoslav Zoran Kalinic, a Chinese-style penholder who for a time puts up some
stiff -19, 11, -10 resistance. Kalinic is playing tie after tie in place of Anton Tova Stipancic,
World runner-up in 75 who cant wait to get out of the army, lose some of the weight hes put
on, and begin serious training and playing again.
Next up: European Top 12 winner Gabor Gergely against Dragutin Surbek whos
committed from 1977-79 to playing in a German League (for, as one report has it, 50,000
marks a season).Blocking Surbeks loops first to his backhand then to his forehand, Gergely
wins the 1st rather easily. Down 19-16 in the 2nd, Surbek winds up only to hit the ball on the
edge of his racket, and is match-point down. But hes not lost yetDown 20-19, he pushes
to the Hungarians backhandwhere Gergely, waiting, steps in and backhands in a super-fast
loop to win the game and the match. Tie 2-0, Hungary.
Now another Hungarian win when 1975 World Champ Istvan Jonyer beats soon-to-be
Canadian Champ Zoran Zoki Kosanovic, 2-1. The 4th match is Klampar vs. Surbek.
Klampar often makes easy points by pushing short, forcing Surbek to come to the table, and
then smashing in to score. The Yugoslav just cant flip the ball as well as his opponent, and
since he isnt returning the ball with any
power, Klampar repeatedly seems to be
in control. Only thing is: the Hungarian
loses the 1st, 21-19. In the 2nd game,
Klampar starts badly and retreats into
one of his I dont care moods. Tie 3-1.
Yugoslavias Zoran
Kalinic practices a lot with
Zoki Kalinic
spinners and so controls the ball well
against loopers like Jonyer. He often stopblocks the ball amid exchanges, then fast
loops to Jonyers forehand for the point.
However, after losing the 1st, hes down 2017 match point. But then the Yugoslav
serves and follows with a devastating
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forehand loop, serves another that Jonyer cant return, and scores with another forehand loop.
Retaliating, Jonyer serves and takes an all-out forehand sidespin super swing that hurtles the ball in,
after which Kalinic misses with a counterand the match is over. Hungary 4-Yugoslavia 1.
Kosanovic, looping beautifully from both sides, keeps Yugoslavia alive by building
up a 14-5 lead in the 3rd against Gergely. With Hungary up 4-2, will Jonyer end it? His loops,
especially off his backhand, are better than Surbeks, so, after taking the 1st game at 19, he
might be surprised to find himself down 13-11 in the 3rd. Now, though, following his serve, he
beautifully sidespin blocks Surbeks forehand loop return, which Surbek, stretching, high-lobs
back, whereupon, unable to power-smash it, Jonyer gets in a good strong topspin that drives
Surbek to the barrier. From there he lofts a high, high hopping return that just misses. Its the
turning point in the match. Surbek just stands there for a moment shaking his headas if he
knows something we dontthat hes going to lose. And, sure enough, Jonyer takes 9 of the
next 12 points to win the match and the tie for Hungary.
Turns out Yugoslavia, the Defending Champion, doesnt finish 2nd to Hungary, for they
lose to France.
In the B Group, D-J covers the exciting England vs. West Germany tie. Jochen
Leiss, the 77 U.S. Open winner, is up against Paul Day, Englands #2. Both are leftiesand
since Leiss always plays well against left-handers he wins quite easilywhich may send firstyear university student Day back to thoughts of his Cambridge books.
That brings up Douglas and his opponent, Germanys surprising new National
Champion Engelbert Huging. Helped by his combination Feint and Tackiness racket,
Engelbert is up 20-14 in the 3rd. D-J says, Huging runs faster than any other player in
Germany, and as this match goes on seems
stronger and stronger. He scores by
deceptively flipping his racket as he chops
and Douglas often cant read his spin.
Huging wants to finish spectacularly, so he
quickly takes a smack at two balls and
misses with both. A wee bit careless.
Douglas perseveres, deuces it up. At 21-all,
Huging serves another of his specials
bends his knees down and hides the racket
under the table so Douglas cant see which
side hes serving with. But Des returns the
ball low. Then, after one temporizing push,
the Black Flash (as hes called in
Jamaica, the country of his birth) fasttopspins into the Germans middle and wins
the point. Douglas serves a long fast
topspin to Hugings forehand, follows with
three more fast topspins, then drops to the
forehand. Huging dashes in, picksand
misses. The Germans of course are
disappointed. But Douglas is ecstatic.
Hes on his way to the best tournament of
his life.
1978 German National Champion Engelbert Huging
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In the next match, Wilfried Lieck, one of the worlds best blockers (he lost 19 in the
5th to former World Champion Stellan Bengtsson at the last Worlds), is too good for Jarvis.
But then Douglas, though lefthanded, is too steady for Leiss, so that ties up the tie.
Lieck returns, is too much for Dayday or night. Huging likes Jarviss slow topspinit
gives him plenty of time to cleverly flip his oh so confusing racketand poor Nicky cannot tell
one ball from another: he hits off or puts the ball into the net. Germany 4England 2.
Now its Lieck vs. Douglas and theyre into the 3rd. Most points are started with
pushes, then Douglas backhand flips one and a counter game is started. Douglas eventually
wins it, 21-19.
Leiss figures to beat Jarvis. In the 1st, the Germans 1.5 mm. Super Turbo on the
backhand is dead, dead, dead, and so every time Jarvis tries to exchange, the ball goes into the
net. In the 2nd, however, Jarvis is up 20-16. Leiss serves short to the backhand and Nicky flips
it off. Follows by losing one on the exchange, 20-18. Leiss serves a high toss-up serve and
flat-loops in the return. Then Jarvis misses a push. Deuce. The Englishman serves, fast-loops a
3rd-ball attackwhich Leiss unexpectedly backhand flips back to Jarviss far forehand beyond
his reach. Now its Leisss ad and his turn to serve. He backhand sidespins one and Jarvis
pushes into Leisss forehanda mistake, of course, for SMASH! Leiss sends it cross-court in,
and wins his sixth straight point, the game, the match, and the tie for Germany.
England, despite losing this tie, didnt lose another and so won their B Group.
Germany, despite their win over England, didnt advance to the criss-cross semisthey
couldnt get by Sweden or Russia. Swedenwith Kjell Johansson trying to help as best he
could, not as a player but as a coach, lost not only to England but to Russia, so Russia with
just the one loss advanced.
In the one cross-over semis, Hungary had an easy 5-1 win over Russia whose Sarkis
Sarkojan barely beat Jonyer 22-20 in the 3rd. In the other semis, the tie between England and
France was very closethough it figured France would get off to the 2-0 lead it did when Patrick
Birocheau beat John Hilton, and Jacques Secretin stopped Jarvis. The French then went on to split
the next two matches: Douglas Black-Flashed by Christian Martin, the recent Hungarian Open
winner; and Secretin came through against Hilton, a new and often very effective team player
who cleverly mixes up his chops and hits and who, by taking 2 matches from both the Russians and
the Swedes, had been of invaluable assistance in getting England this far.
Down 3-1, England ralliesDouglas downs Birocheau; and Jarvis wins a big one from
Martin. Tie tied. Usually Douglas doesnt play well against Secretin, but this tournament hes
red hothasnt lost a single match. And he doesnt lose this one either. Englands only one
match away from the final. Can Jarvis beat Birocheau? He certainly gains confidence by
winning the 1st, 21-19. Now Birocheau is even more nervous than he was before. D-J says,
Eight times, I counted, he hit the ball on the edge of his racket. Jarvis doesnt have to do
anythinghe just pushes and Birocheau misses. Incredible. So almost miraculously it seems,
England has reached the final against Hungary.
No, the English cant beat the Hungarians. But Douglas continues his sensational
playbeats Jonyer, beats Gergely, beats Klampar. None of them could take the offense from
Desthey said because the ball was too light. Everybody agreed, though, that the
undefeated Douglas was the best player in this Team play. D-J expects him to be ranked #2 in
Europe for 1978. After Gergely beats Jarvis in 3 to win the tie for Hungary, he jumps, hands
held high, then runs to his teammates and Coach Zoltan Berczik and all share congratulatory
kisses. Boy, were they happy!
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In the Womens Team Championship, the A Group winner is Rumania, thanks to the
fine play of the dour-looking, seemingly ageless, two-time World Womens Doubles Champion
Maria Alexandru. Defending Champion Russia with pretty, young Valentina Popova, a hitter
and strong counter attacker, came second, largely because Popova proved much too weak
against the mix-em-up chopper Alexandru. The B Group winner is Hungary, even though
they lost to Sweden. The Czechs finished second.
In the one criss-cross semis, its Hungary over Russia, 3-1; and, in the other,
Czechoslovakia over Rumania, 5-3. The final went to Hungary, as expected (though their
Team hadnt won since 1966). They blanked the Czechshelped by the very strong
penholder play of Judit Magos.
Results of the 8ths matches in the Mens Singles: Secretin (seeded #1) lost to Douglas,
3-1didnt even 21-7 try toward the end of the last game. The Czech Dvoracek beat Leiss,
then lost to Klampar. Jonyer, keeping control throughout, downed Kunz, 3-1.
Czechoslovakias Orlowski blitzed Frances Martin. A relatively new Hungarian chopper,
Tibor Kreisz, who has long pips (Grass) on one side of his racket and 1.0 mm. Sriver on the
other, upset Surbek, 3-2, when the Yugoslav had lots and lots of trouble with the long pips.
Lieck did in Birocheau, 3-1. Gergely (seeded #2) drew Janos Takacs, his BVSC clubmate, so
naturally this lesser-light wasnt upset-minded and didnt try very hard.
In the one remaining 8ths, the Bengtsson-Sarkhojan
Stellan
match, the Swede is down 2-1 in games and 19-18 down in
Bengtsson
the 4th when he makes a point and suddenly stops the match
and begins talking to Coach Johansson. Nobody knows
whats happening, least of all Sarkhojan. [Today, as I write,
Bengtsson would have been carded? Penalized? Hed have
called Time?] Then Stellan walks to the scoreboard and
changes the score from 19-19 to 20-18, Sarkhojans favor.
The last point was the Russians, he saysthe ball hit the edge
of the table. Whereupon the audience claps for Bengtssons
sportsmanship.Spurred on by his own action and the
audiences reaction to it, he deuces it up. But then cant win
itloses the next two points, and is out of the tournament.
Now the quarters: Douglas and Klampar are 1-1 but the Hungarians up 18-12 in the
rd
3 and trying to quickly finish off the points. But every time they fast-exchange, Douglas
wins the point. Wins so many, in fact, that the final score is 21-19 for the Englishman.
Klampar, shaken, goes back, talks to his coach [not Berczik but former World Champion
Ferenc Sido; Klampar and Berczik have problems?], disagrees with him. He comes back out to
the table and loses the 4th, 21-11.
Jonyer, piling up points with his strong forehand loop, leads Sarkhojan 2-0but he looks
tired and begins waiting for the Russian to lose heart and make mistakes. When Sarkhojan doesnt,
the match is all tied up. But now Jonyer fights back hard and scores the win.
Orlowski is very good against loopers and counter-attack players, but the Hungarian
chopper Kreisz and his long pips take their toll. In the 1st, Orlowski leads 20-17, but Kreisz
digs in, and pick-hits the Czechs drop shotand wins it, 23-21. That finishes Orlowski.
Gergely is on his toes against the crafty blocker Lieckwins 3-0.
In the one semis, Jonyer slowly begins to get his timing just right and repeatedly
scores with fast loops to Douglass middle. Des is tired and it shows. Whereas in the Team
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event Douglas would counter hard back to Jonyers forehand, now

he just hasnt the strength to be aggressive, and loses in 4. In the
other semis, the Hungarian Kreisz goes down to the Hungarian
Gergely, 3-zip. D-J says, I dont think they played very hard.
Jonyer had beaten Gergely in the final of the Hungarian
Closed. Would he do the same here? In their 1st game, neither
player seems to want to extend himself. Finally, at 16-all or so,
Gergely gets in a 5-point spurt to win. In the 2nd, both players still
look bad. Again, at 17-all, Gergely pulls off a last-minute 4-point
ssurge. At this point, the spectators begin to Boo! Boo! They want
to see a better final. But theyre not going to. In the 3rd, Jonyer
still doesnt try hardis down 19-6. Yes, its a really bad final. Sido,
Jonyers Spartacus Club Coach, has bowed his head. Terrible!
Terrible! Gergely raises his arms in victoryits his first European
Singles title. Some thought him fortunate to have drawn 3
Hungarians in his late-round matches.
In the Womens, Defending Champion Jill Hammersley had Hungarys Gabor Gergely,
1978 European Mens
no problem reaching the final. But the #2 seed, Bettine Vriesekoop
Singles Champion
of the Netherlands, and the #3 seed, Valentina Popova of the Soviet
Union, are both upset by choppers. That left two Hungarians to see whod join Hammersley in
the final. Penholder Judit
Magos had come all the way
from a Qualifying Round to
meet Gabriella Szabo, who,
after they split the first two
games, has her teammate 20-10
down in the 3rd. And now what
do you think happens? Magos,
with considerable help from
Szabo, wins 12 in a row to take
the game, and then the next
game, and the match. Szabo may
want to prove shes the better
player, but its thought her coach
Hungarys Gabriella Szabo badly stumbles and takes a fall to
Hungarys European Champion Judit Magos
believes that Magos can beat
Hammersley, but Szabo cant.
And he has a point, because Jills a defensive specialist and Magos has beaten 1-2-3
choppers on her way to this final. D-J says that, since Judit has a very strong forehand loop,
he and He-ja feel sure shell win. After Hammersley loses the 1st, she changes her game a
bitbegins mixing her chops more and hitting more. Still, shes down 18-16 when she gets
luckya net and then an edge that help her tie up the match. However, in the 3rd, Magos,
looping and dropping to both corners, controls the game. Moreover, the Hungarian is looping
harder now so Jill cant hit as much. Magos finishes her, 21-18, 21-13.
So Magos, who won the event in 1974, is again the Champion. She kisses, she hugs,
she kisses Szabo and then both start to cry and then the coach cries too. Sounds a bit silly here
maybe, says D-J, but at the time I was touched too.
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Chapter Eighteen
1978: $1,200 Lehigh Open. $2,500 Pacific Coast Open. $4,000 Eastern Open.
As if one were to watch a new star in the heavens, this first annual sanctioned $1,200
Lehigh Valley Open, played Feb. 18-19 at the Northampton County Area Community College
in Bethlehem, PA, drew an astonishing 328 entries, 107 of whom were playing in their first
sanctioned event.
Two years ago there was no Lehigh Valley Openit had to be canceled because of
lack of interest. But this year, thanks mainly to the persistence of overall coordinator Professor
Dan Simon and his hard-working advance men, Dave Ferrey and Mike Mulicka, Jr., a staff of
nearly 20 Community College table tennis members were lined up to help Dan, Dave, and
Mike solicit then handle the tournaments welcome but unexpectedly large number of entries.
There were so many things to do
in preparation for a tournament of this
magnitude. Dave and Mike worked
hours just to paper the gym windows to
try to prevent glare on the tables.
Assistant Tournament Director Donna
Fitting must have strained her eyes for
days sewing all those fish-net barriers
before repeatedly persevering over the
weekend as a strong anchorwoman at
the Control Desk even unto the wee
hours of the morning. And Dans wife
Patti had to make sure there was plenty
of beer and snacks for after-hour
Dan, Patti, and Pam Simon
players who wanted to sit around at the
Simon house (I myself was fortunate to
be a house-guest there) and talk about all the matches that had been played or, better still,
were yet to be played.
Where did all these entries come from? Well, Bethlehem seems to be a magic place
centrally located for N.Y., N.J., and PA players. And the entry fees were quite modest. Also,
Scott Boggan had recently given a successful coaching clinic (with maybe 40-50 participants)
that, according to the sponsors, had helped spur interest in the Valley. Then when some of the
best Eastern players decided to come, so did the Seemiller brothersDanny, particularly,
feeling he should support the Simons for their great turnout. And of course there was prize
money to be won.
What had Danny been doing recently in between winning tournaments? Well, he and
Ricky had been going round to the colleges, working a coaching clinic or exhibition by day
and a basketball game by night. Once, he said, hamming it up hed banked in beautifully (right
over the net and down) a high lob way off the top of the scoreboard that went in Globetrotterlike and made the crowd go crazy-wild. Half-times so perfect for table tennis, said
Seemiller, players ought to be doing it all over the country.
Except that barnstorming round the East and Mid-West this particular winter was
occasionally hazardous. Coming home from a clinic in Chicago in late January, the Seemiller
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brothers got caught in a snowstorm, got stuck on a bridge, and, scared, had to dig their way
outwith big trucks suddenly bearing down on them out of the white mists. Soon the
snowstorm became a terrible blizzard and the Seemillers, by now having lost all zest for their
customary fraternal sport, found themselves driving blind, unable to see even the hood of their
own car in front of them. But miraculously they made the necessary two miles to a turnpike
restaurant. Look, said Danny, we cant go on; weve got to wait till this blows overand
82 hours later (washed our hair in the john, slept on the floor without any blankets), they
finally found the visibility theyd been hoping for. What you live through, said Danny, you
cant believe sometimes.
As for Dannys victory in the Mens
in straight-game matches, what is there to
say? Other than, with his ultra-destructive
one-ball loop kill and all-around relentlessly
aggressive play, hes just so obviously a
level higher than the next best players. But
of course he works at it. As he told the
Bethlehem Globe-Times reporter Jake
Curtis who did a big story on him, he plays
about 30 tournaments a year, practices
between two and four hours a daylifts
weights extensively (curls to build the
wrists and other lifting for the legs), and
runs about two and a half miles a day five
times a week to build endurance.
Danny Seemiller
Photo by Mal Anderson

The
most interesting match on Dannys side of the draw
saw an always out-of-practice Mike Stern just get by
former U.S. Junior Champion Roger Sverdlik, 19 in
the 5th. Motorcycle Mikes big loop and effective
backhand block proved just a little stronger than
Rogers customary steadiness, especially as it was
often difficult not only for Roger but for anyone else
playing defense against the background conditions
here to see the ball well. When Stern lost a 19-14 lead
in the 3rd to go 2-1 down, it looked good for Sverdlik.
Looked even better for him when he went 16-11 up in
Mike Stern
the 4th. But then Mike played a super point, counterPhoto by Mal Anderson
killed one in from the barriersand suddenly Roger
was stopped and couldnt regain his momentum.
On the other side of the draw, ex-Russian National Igor Gary Fraiman of Baltimore
(rated a ridiculous 2016) has a very good soft game, with a strong backhand chop and a
counter-looping forehand. He sputniked away Randy Seemiller, 20, 16, then spaced out
Rutledge Barry in 4, before losing in the quarters to Mike Bush.
In the eighths, 16-year-old Scott Boggan, whos now the hottest player in the East (3
tournaments, 3 finals) came back from being 2-1 down to knock out Dave Philip. Then, since
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Ricky Seemiller was admittedly drawn into the half opposite Danny (what an advantage to be
Dannys brother), Scott met him in the quarters. The first three games couldnt have been
closer, but Scott (-19, 20, 20) capitalizing on the fact that Ricky was using too much anti,
took his shots when they were there to take, especially at games end, and then, aggressively
top-spinning Rickys serves, kept the control he needed to win 16 in the 4th.
In the semis, Scott played another close match, downing his sometime practice partner
Mike Bush in 5. When Mike got too far back with some temporizing topspin, Scott
deceptively swatted or quick-angled the ball for winners to either side. In the final, though, like
his brother Eric before him, he could offer little resistance to Dannys overpowering game.
The Mens Under 21swhich was like another Open Singles eventsaw Mike
Lardon, whos been milking his night-shift job for all its worth to get enough money to train
in Sweden this spring, upset Ricky Seemiller, whose rating is precipitously going down, down,
downthis despite the fact that he swears hes been practicing more than ever. In the
companion quarters, Bush beat Sverdlik in a match that, as the hour grew late and the
spectators were fast disappearing, the two looked like they didnt want to play. In the semis,
Mike struggled against Mikeuntil Bush finally downed Lardon in decisive deuce games.
On the other side of the draw, Eric Boggan barely managed to repel Randy Seemillers
rally, deuce in the 4th (Why does he always play better against me than anyone else? Boggan
complained). Then Eric triumphed 20, 17 over brother Scott. Bush had been beating Eric, and
up 20-17 triple match point in the 2nd it looked like he would beat him again. But Eric, at the
river Styx, realized he wasnt dead yetthat there were new records he could buy with that
prize moneyand so, turning up the volume of his game, psyched himself into staying alive. In
the 3rd, Bush, for some reason still not going all out with his backhand loop, found himself
down double match point. But then he deuced itonly to eventually lose and for a moment
stand out there on court like a man lost in a snowstorm. Trudging off, as if he knew not where,
he moaned out something about losing to everybody.
The Womens was won by 13-year-old Pam Simon over, first, New Jersey Champ Edie
Nitchie in straight games, then in the final over Evelyn Zakarin who back in the quarters had
downed Anita Moralis, then #2 seed Dana (pronounced Donna) Gvildys. Thanks to some
timely coaching by her father, Pam played a smart final against Evelyn whod been getting
some pretty good advice herself from husband Mort. With games 1-1, Evelyn, having a
problem with Pams backhand Feint, again began pushing effectively to her opponents
forehand. But Pam was ready for hershe ran around her forehand defensively, thus turning
her ineffective forehand push-return into an
effective backhand push-return. And now,
when Evelyn popped the ball up, Pam got the
forehand opening to score a winner.
The winner of the Womens Under 21s
was 14-year-old Ai-wen Wu over Dana Gvildys.
Ai-wen, like her sister Ai-ju, really loves the sport
and practices every chance she gets. In fact, just
before arriving at the tournament, she was in such
a hurry to get there to practice that she persuaded
her father Ray to drive a little faster, and then just
a little faster, please, untilyou guessed itit
cost him a speeding ticket.
Ai-wen Wu, Womens Under 21 Winner
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But the cost, even the unexpected cost, in this game, as Im sure Ray knows, has got
to be worth it in the long run, especially when you have two kids who, weekend after
weekend, year after year, in their dedication and enthusiasm help to make life fun.
Other Results: Open Doubles: Dan/Rick Seemiller over Bush/Eric Boggan. As: 17year-old John Richards over the highly underrated (1766) 13-year-old Julian Millan in 5.
Julian, whos heavy for a table tennis player but who has smooth, natural strokes, didnt even
play in the Juniors, just concentrated on the money events. A Doubles: Jeff Sabrowsky/Mark
Schnorr over Gene Wonderlin/Tempos. Bs: Mike Walk over Mort Zakarin, 27-25 in the 3rd. B
Doubles: Dave Caravella/Schnorr over Tony Khan/Mesko. Cs: Mike Walk over Caravella. C
Doubles: Marakovits/Greg Crowley over Davis/Davis. Ds: Barney Reed over Paul Fuller. Es:
Marty Ness over Al Fischel. Novice: Fischel over Crowley. Seniors: Tim Boggan over Ray Wu.
Under 17: Richards over Marco Popovich. Under 15/Under 13: Mike Walk over Brad Lardon.
$2,500 Pacific Coast Open
Don Gunn tells us (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1978, cover +) that floods and landslides were
blocking roads so that many familiar faces were absent from the $2,500 Pacific Coast Open,
held Mar. 3-5 at San Diego. At the tournament site itself, the roof occasionally leaked onto
table seven, and PSA did land a plane every five minutes during the flight pattern directly
overhead. But everybody got a t-shirt with his/her name printed on the back, and from a still
sizable entry there were some fine matches.
Results: Open Singles: Dan Seemiller ($500) over Ray Guillen ($300). Semis: Seemiller
over Jim Lane; Guillen over Bush. 3rd Place: Lane ($200) over Bush, 17 in the 4th. Craig
Manoogian had a good 5-gamer over Dean Doyle, and Lane, two days shy of his 16th birthday, after
beating Brathwaite, downed Gil Park, 18 in the 4th. Before losing to Bush in 4, Franz-Josef
Huermann cut down Dean Galardi, 3-zip. Open Doubles: Seemiller/Guillen over Bush/Brathwaite.
Womens: Insook Bhushan over Kasia Dawidowicz whod eliminated Angelita Rosal Sistrunk.
Besides an impenetrable defense, Insook shows that she can put away a loose ball on either side
with almost a disdainful flick of the wrist. These hits appear soft, but are just enough out of reach to
be as deadly as a knife in the heart. Womens Doubles: Insook/Kasia over Sistrunk/Monica Rosal.
Mixed Doubles: Danny/Insook over Ray/Kasia, 22-20 in the 4th.
Mens AAs: Huermann over
Cindy Cooper Feilen
Bill Ukapatayasakul. Mens As:
Dean Wong over Mike Carr.
Womens As: Kathy Chin over
Cindy Cooper Feilen. Class A
Doubles: Wong/Erwin Hom over
Paul Groenig/Mark Adelman, 21,
21, -19, 13. Bs: Greg Plakos over
Jim Lynum. B Doubles: Bill Guerin/
John Harrington over Dieter/ Karl
Huber, 16 in the 5th. Cs: Dennis
Jewell over Steve DeFrance, 19 in
the 3rd, then over Steve Ma in 5. C
Doubles: Dieter Huber/Dan Wiig
over Rich Livingston/Don Chamberlain. Ds: Andy Hutzel over Jose Garcia, Jr. who escaped
William Yang, 23-21 in the 3rd. D Doubles: Garcia/David Nordahl over Randy Mullins/Scott
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Williamson, 19 in the 3rd, then over Greg Rosal/Tom Sistrunk. Es: Mike Davis over Dennis
Shapiro. Upper Consolation: Slobodan Nilolich over Frank Suran, 19 in the 5th. Lower
Consolation: Chamberlain over Livingston.
Hard Rubber: Huermann over Bush. This was an ideal pairing, said Gunn. Mike
leaping and swooping, steam hissing from every pore, and phlegmatic Franz wearing a mask
beneath a mask. In Las Vegas, when asked what hed do if Reisman started clowning around
in their match, Franz replied, I would be even more stoical than usual. In the semis, Bush
met Guillen, and after losing the 1st game at 11, Ray apparently made a game-winning point in
the 2nd. But Bush protested that the ball was cracked, making the rally a let. Here, then, is
what Gunn thinks happened after that. Ray picked up the ball and [thinking it was cracked?]
crushed it before handing it to Richard Alden,* who then could not determine whether the ball
had previously been cracked, and, if so, at what point in the play.
Tournament Referee Art McCartney is called for. Art may seem as formal as a kings
butler, but he is a certified USTTA umpire who knows his stuff and rules without fear or favor.
His ruling that the rally was a let was unacceptable to Guillen [why?] who defaulted. He and
Bush shook hands [or maybe they didnt]and after more palaver Ray indicated a desire to
continue play. So Art had to use another ukase: namely, that defaults are not revocable after
the game-ending formalities have been completed.
Other Results: Under 21: Wong over Lane, def. Under 17: Lane over an underrated
(2084) Quang Bui, 10, 17, -21, -11, 19, then over Hom, after Erwin had defeated Dean Doyle
in 4. Under 17 Doubles: Bui/Doyle over Hom/Wong whod survived Lane/Tony Koyama.
Under 15: Wong over Julian Ong. Under 13: Wiig over Ong. Seniors: Bernie Bukiet over
Russ Thompson, def. Senior Doubles: Chamberlain/Livingston over Gene Wilson/Dieter
Huber whod advanced over Bill Cooper/Carmen Ricevuto. Esquires: Thompson over Fred
Borges. Esquire Doubles winners: Wilson and Ricevuto who apparently has found some relief
from his tennis elbow.
Wilson (TTT, May-June, 1977, 18) wrote a Senior of
the Month article honoring San Diego Club member Ricevuto,
especially for the four gold medals he won at the 1975 Senior
Olympics in Los Angeles. (His firsts were in Senior Mens
Singles, where he defeated Julius Paal, and in Senior Mens
Doubles, Over 35 Doubles, and Over 50 Doubles.) Carmen is
described as a conventional player, a good sport, but an
uncommonly fierce competitor who plays with a special rubber
imported from Japan. In real life hes a shipping/receiving
dispatcher, and last year celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary
with his wife Ilona. Gene says Ilona doesnt attend many
tournaments but is most tolerant with Carmen as to the time and
money he spends on table tennis. Just the kind of wife an
aficionado needs, eh?
Carmen Ricevuto,
Senior of the Month

$4,000 Eastern Open

Lets begin coverage of Marylands $4,000 Eastern Open (TTT, May-June, 1978,
cover; 3) with co-Directors Dennis Masters and Yvonne Kronlages expression of Thanks to
their tournament sponsors and helpers. Nittaku gets the first accolade for the $2,500 part of
the prize money they put up, and Bowie Martin gets more than a nod for convincing Nittaku
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to be such a major part of the tournament. Now a cluster of those who made contributions:
Fred Danners National Junior Table Tennis Foundation was helpful in letting us use their
bulk mailing rate; AMF/Head donated warm-up suits to the Under 17 Boy/Girl Champions;
the Columbia Mall McDonalds provided the Junior winners and runner-ups with free
breakfast, french-fry coupons, and money to pay for half the cost of the Junior trophies; and
the City of Columbia contributed to advertising and publicity for the tournament.
Dennis and Yvonne particularly commend Jim Verta who did
a fantastic job on the deskand did it for three whole days since
several scheduled workers had emergencies arise at the last minute
and were not able to work. But Lou Budi and Mei Mei Ma gave the
desk workers a hand when it was needed most. Regarding the
banquet, we apologizewe were just as disappointed as everyone
else and have made our feelings known to the hotel.
Some said we must have made a great deal of money on
this tournament. Little did they know. After paying the normal
expenses of printing and mailing, the rest of the prize money,
trophies, rent on the facility (which is a good one), janitorial
services, salaries of the school workers who had to be present, and
many other expenses, we didnt have much left. Dont forget:
Jim Verta,
desk impresario
the USTTA gets 10% of the entry fees for sanctioning the
tournament, and also gets $.35 per player per event for the
International Team Fund (taken out before the sanction fee is calculated). For this the USTTA
gives us nothing except the right to run the tournament. We gave Neal Fox $100 to do the
draws and paid his expenses, including a hotel room, to come to the tournamentwe think
hes definitely worth the money, but we also think the USTTA ought to absorb this cost out of
the sanction fee. Several of the checks given us bounced, and we had one stop payment. We
did come out a little ahead, but that money went to pay for part of the cost of the tables we
purchased for the tournament. Some of these tables well use for future tournaments and for
our Howard County Club, and some we may still have to sell to meet all our expenses.
Coverage of this Easterns continues with Shazzi Felstein on the Womens events. Insook
Bhushan is not a lock at this Open. Why not? Because Romanias Maria Alexandru, a winner of
three World Womens Doubles titles (all with different partners), and a World Womens Singles and
Mixed Doubles finalist, is playing here. Shazzi, whod first seen Alexandru play at the 1968
Europeans, describes the many-time Romanian Champion as a classic defensive player with a
good backhand pick and great concentration and determination at the table. Heres more of what
Shazzi, making her debut as a Topics Interviewer, can tell us about our famous visitor:
Maria was sponsored to the U.S. by the wheelchair organization called The Rolling
Romanians, the driving force of which is Stef Florescu, a World Wheelchair Champion almost a
quarter-century ago. His wife Caroline has been serving as Alexandrus traveling companion and
interpreter (though Maria, quite relaxed at this interview, speaks some English too). This is her
first time in the U.S., and, since shes going home soon, shed have liked to have seen more of it.
But, she tells Shazzi, my sponsors keep saying their primary interest is to show Alexandru to
your country, not your country to Alexandru. Anyway, she hopes this visit is not her last.
She likes it that our tournaments have so many different classes and
events.Everyone, regardless of age or sex or ability can competethats good. However,
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she thinks these events could be time-scheduled much better so that the players dont have to
sit around so long waiting for their matches.
It seems ironic that Maria, whos shown quite a temper in her long career, is put off by
what she calls the bad behavior of some of our Juniorscursing, making faces, carrying
on. They shouldnt do that. In offering more advice concerning our talented young players,
she says: Youve got to give them a lot more training than theyre getting. Especially physical
conditioning. You should try hard to send them to places like Sweden and Japan so they can
reach a higher level of play.
Maria says of her chief competitor here,
Insook Bhushan, that she has a particularly
strong defense and is capable of a surprise attack.
Also, as you know, she is very steady. In fact, I
expect our match today to be expedite. Certainly
I would like it to be.
Well, to see if Maria gets her wish, I move
now to Shazzis write-up of the Womens play,
and will let her start with the expected final:
[It] quickly went to expedite (little
more than midway through the first game).
Insook, up 17-14, looked to have the
advantagebut Alexandrus backhand attack
proved superior to Insooks forehand attack.
Down 20-19, Insook served, then rolled and
Maria Alexandru and Insook Bhushan
rolled, waiting for an opportunity to get the
point-winning shot in. But the right opportunity
never came and after Akexandru returned the ball 13 times she was awarded the point and the
game.
The 2nd, too, was close. Bhushan was rolling more and hitting now from both sides,
though still favoring her forehand. Alexandru was picking with her backhand, then following
with a forehand kill when possible. From 17-all Insook missed two big forehands and Maria
socked one in. Down 20-18 Bhushan got in a good
forehand but Alexandru got it back and Insook
Genevieve Hayes
Photo by
pushed a drop into the net.
Mal Anderson
rd
In the 3 , Bhushan tried to hit in more
forehands, but unfortunately for her too many of
them went off.
So Alexandru won this their third encounter
in the month that shes been visiting here to take a 21 edge over Insook. After the final, Maria presented
USTTA President Sol Schiff with a banner from the
Romanian Table Tennis Federation and collected her
$200 prize money.
Other Womens Singles matches worth
noting: Hodiah Davidson, who learned her table
tennis in Guyana, upset 8th-seed Genevieve Hayes.
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Louise Nieves, U.S. Team member to the 77 Maccabiah

Games, surprised 6th-seed Barbara Kaminsky. Shazzi said
that Barbara, whose family had just moved to a new
home, had been busy with other things and had been out of
practice, so you can bet Louise took advantage of that.
After theyd split close games, Barbara built up a 15-5
lead in the 3rd then unexpectedly failed to win it when
Louise proved quite determined. After which, Barbara
lost, if not some heart, the match-deciding 4th. Debbie
Payotelis, one of our best Juniors whos a good exchanger,
Barbara Kaminsky
dropped a close 20, 19, 14 match to former U.S. Team
member Olga Soltesz. Olga then fell in the semis to
Alexandru. As for Kasia Dawidowicz, she was pressed to deuce in the 4th by Takako
Trenholme. Then in her semis she couldnt contest any more than Olga, for she looped off, hit
off, and Insook picked through her.
In the 24-entry U-1800 Womens As, Hayes was again upsetthis time in straight
games by penholder Cathy Howe. Genvieve offered no excuses for her loss, just said goodhumoredly that her rating had been too high. In the semis, Carol Davidson (playing with
Phantom?) defeated Nieves, and Donna Newell downed Nancy Newgarden.
In the final, Donna, with a nice-looking all-around game, was pushing well, hitting off
the push, and exchanging, blocking, or hitting Carols loop. Carol was looping, hitting,
pushing, and going back and lobbing or chopping Donnas hit. After dropping the 1st, but then
going up 2-1 rather easily, Carols offense had suddenly begun to look really strong, and
Donna had hit a lot of forehands off. In the 4th, though, Donna was leadinguntil the endgame when she said later that she blew it.
Womens Doubles went to Bhushan/Dawidowicz over Alexandru/Yvonne Kronlage;
Mixed Doubles to Dan Seemiller/Bhushan over Mike Bush/Alexandru. Womens Senior
winner was Kronlage over Gladys Blaner whod advanced to the final over Gloria Amoury,
deuce in the 3rd. Gloria, normally very calm, was quite ruffled after her match. Apparently,
having your opponent tell you, as you go out to the table to play, that she hasnt picked up a
racket in 12 years and then have her beat you deuce in the 3d is pretty depressing.
Womens Consolation: Dana Gvildys over Ai-Wen Wu, 17, 20. Girls U-17:
Dawidowicz over Payotelis. Girls U-17 Doubles: Dawidowicz/Payotelis over Gvildys/Ai-Wen
Wu. Junior Mixed Doubles: Rutledge Barry/Dawidowicz over Scott Boggan/Jackie Heyman.
Girls U-15: Ai-Wen Wu over Pam Simon, Girls U-13: Ai-ju Wu over Esperanza Vincent.
What exactly Danny Seemiller did to his opponents in the Mens I leave to your and
their imagination. Enough to say, perhaps, that he over-powered long-time Canadian rival
Errol Caetano in the final, 12, 6, 5. (Oh, well, Jairie Resek, for one, expects theres
consolation waiting for Errol with #1 fan Diane whom hell marry Aug. 26.) Dannys strength
off serve was never more apparent than in this tournament. Clearly to try to push-return
Seemillers serves is to invite his devastating one-ball loop kill.
Nobody has any technique, says Danny, sounding more and more like Miles.
Nobodyjust me and D-J and Wuvanich. In this game if you get the offense you win. But
how many players dont even try to attack.
In the semis, Seemiller played Eric Bogganand this marked the 4th straight time in
an Eastern tournament that Danny and Eric were drawn to play in the semis. The Rutgers
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New Jersey Open following this Easterns would make the 5th straight time. In other words,
from October through Mayvirtually almost the whole tournament season in the EastEric
has been in Dannys half of the draw. Now I dont know what Erics sponsor thinks of this, but
I know what I thinkthat its unfair. Part of the problem lies in the fact that Dannys
consistently better than the other players, and part of the problem lies in the often unstated
policy of automatically separating Danny and brother Ricky in the draw. For 9 straight
tournaments up to and including this Easternsin all the tournaments that Danny and Ricky
have played in this seasonthey have never been on the same side of the draw. I dont think
this is fair to the players or the players sponsorsfor two reasons. First, Rickys favored
position automatically forces another top player into Dannys half. And, second, Danny is thus
protected from playing his brother, that opponent who knows his game best and who
perhaps has the best chance of beating him.
Actually, Neal Fox, who often makes the draws, is aware of the problem. He says (and
Danny agrees with him) that it can be resolved if theres a semifinal round robinas in the
Nissan or Louisiana Open. But not all tournament promoters want the semifinal round robin
format (which sometimes doesnt give the sense of a final) and they most certainly do want the
Seemiller brothers, particularly Danny, to come to their tournaments. Indeed, they count on
the prize money for both Danny and Ricky in singles and doubles as an enticement to get them
there. So naturally it may not be to their promoters advantage to have Danny and Ricky meet
in the quarters or semis of a tournament, for if apprised of such a draw, or even the
possibility of it, they might not come.
Anyway, I raise the question here who is responsible for Eric playing Danny in the
semis 5 straight times, and, worse, given the lack of acceptance of responsibility on the
USTTAs (Tournament Committee?) part, is he apt next season to play Danny in 5 more semis
in a row while brother Ricky, who for months now has been below Eric in the ratings,
continues to be separated from Danny?
Against Danny, Eric got off to a 13-9 lead in the 1st, then dropped a flurry of points to
lose the opener, and afterwards seemed not to try. Erics not so good at generating an
offense, says Danny. Hes not dropping his legs and getting under the ball enough. And if
you give him a very fast serve to forehand or backhand,
he returns the ball with the anti and its often too high, a
lollipop. Eric himself keeps talking about how he needs to
loop off his opponents serve.
In the other semis, Caetano downed Ricky in 4 in
a great crowd-pleaser that finally saw Errols extended
flashes of long-limbed natural touch prevail over Rickys
slightly more skip-rope predictable play.
On this side of the draws quarters matches, Rory
Brassington who says he cant get the ball to spin unless
he does chin-ups, went out to spin against Dannyand
did as well as, say, Jeff Steif. As for Eric, he had some
trouble with Mojaverians perverse Parvisian spin, but,
finding these slow tables to his liking, and moving well to
hit forehands in, he went on to defeat George Brathwaite
in 4. Earlier, The Chief, who was to play marvelously
well among almost the same field in getting to the final at
Parviz Mojaverian
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Rutgers, had his usual workout with Randy Seemiller. Randy just hasnt learned enough
technique yet, said Danny. He still doesnt understand, for instance, a very simple, basic
thingthat if George serves short, he has to keep his return short.
On the other side of the draws quarters, Scott Boggan almost sent Caetano into the
th
5 when, game-point up in the 4th, he had Errol angled off back at the barriers only to see
surpriseErrol come up with one of those long-armed, close-to-the-floor reaches of his, and,
scarcely bending his knees, spin one back that seemed to sidespin bounce right through a
startled Scott and his upright protesting racket.
In the companion quarters, Ricky beat Mike Bush in 4, and that or something
prompted Mike to announce that he wasnt going to touch a racket for at least a monthwas
just going to train at getting himself more physically fit. How to get better by not playingthe
only thing that tops that is Derek Walls comment to Bush. Mike, says Derek naively,
without innocence, why dont you ask your Association to give you enough money to go to
Hungary to train?
Charles Butler (whod just gotten by Rutgers A winner Benfield Munroe in 5) almost
finished off Bush in the 8ths. Maybe Mike was getting a little fat? Wasnt getting to the ball?
The biggest upset of the tournament, though, was registered by Ali Oveissi who played
extremely well in hitting through Derek Wall two straight. Maybe Bobbac? Doris? Ali himself
in between shots put his new super Fellini camera to directorial use? Nothing like having a
home movie to learn from. Alis son Bobbac, I might add, won the Under 9s from Jaime
Dixon.
In fact, let me jump in here with some other event winners, young and old: Boys U-11:
Sean ONeill over Doug Kilpatrick. Boys U-13: ONeill over Brad Lardon. Boys U-15: Eric
Boggan over Brian Masters. U-15 Doubles: Eric/Brad Lardon over Masters/Curt Kronlage.U17: Eric over Mike Budi. Junior Consolation: Kilpatrick over Ai-wen Wu. Boys U-17
Doubles: Eric/Masters over Budi/Lowry.
Esquires: Dick Stakes over Don Marston.
Mens Consolation: D. Lee over ONeill. U1650 Singles: Lou Salemme over Brad
Lardon, 17 in the 5th. U-1850: Mike Walk
over Bob Brickell.
Bill Sharpe may have recently retired
from the Philadelphia police force, but at this
tournament (Think Phantom!...Think
Phantom!) he was anything but retiring. On
the contrary, he retired othersbeat both
Wall and Brathwaite in very close matches to
win the $100 1st Prize. Bills Phantom on his
backhand and, more importantly, how he uses
it, shows his chess players background. In
fact, somebody said his ball moves like a
knight. Not only is he pick-hitting that
backhand hard, but when George pushed
Bills Phantom back, up the ball would pop
Bill Sharpe, Seniors Winner over
and Bill, anticipating well, would be on top of
Wall and Brathwaite
it to smack in his forehand.
Photo by Neal Fox
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Bill also won the As. (Won one match too many? My new 2257 rating wont keep me
out of the As in the Nationals, will it?) In the final, Bill beat Jim Dixon who thought it was
time to retire toono, wait, he changed his mind,
Why shouldnt I play? I enjoy it. Against Brassington Jim came back from being 2-0 down
to win 19 in the 5th. Rory, who earlier in the Mens had knocked out Sharpe, said he just had
no killer-instinct against Jim.
Sharpe says he only trains hard for the big ones. That means 100 sit-ups, roll over,
50 push-ups, roll overuntil he does 500 or 1,000 or more of each. No, he didnt win the
Youth event. Because of course they wouldnt let him do his Olympian hop, step, and jump
into that entry. Ricky Seemiller, who said he was not taking his racket back flat, trying to loop
like Danny (did he want to, or not?), beat the whole Butterfly Boys Team. Rutledge lost a
key opening game at 19; Eric, who earlier had been 10-4 down in the 3rd to Larry Goldfarb,
won the 1st from Ricky but lost the 2nd at deuce and the 3rd that followed; and Scott with
games 1-1 couldnt hold a 16-14 lead in the 3rd. Ricky was down-the-line looping very well
and following his serve so beautifully that he just kept putting more and more pressure on all
his opponents.
Another Pittsburgh youth, Steve Lowry, who won this years USOTC MVP Junior
Award, also had a very good showing. Besides winning the Under 2050 event from Jeff Steif,
19 in the 5th, he gave Roger Sverdlik a 15, -23, -19 scare.**And why did Steve do so well?
Because hed been playing 3 times a week with the Seemillers. And, hey, wouldnt that help
you to be a winner too?
SELECTED NOTES
*A month after this Pacific Coast Open,
Richard wrote me about a six-week summer
vacation trip he, two of his sons, and Sally
Levens were planning. On flying into N.Y.s
Kennedy Airport, they would assemble their
bikes and, as it would then be about 6 p.m.,
they wanted to know if I knew a place where
they might pitch their tents for the night before
cycling on out Long Island and catching a ferry
to Connecticut. I said, Sure, pitch your tents in
our back yard.
Plans were made and early confirmed,
Richard Alden and Sally Levens
too early because Id forgotten they were
coming. When they arrived, Sally and I werent home and Id neglected to tell Eric, whod
received them, who they were and that they were anticipated. He was NOT cordial on seeing
these strangers and told them to get off our property. Naturally they explained and it was o.k.
When I returned home and saw them, and Eric told me what had happened I was embarrassed.
Of course I asked them into our home. A drink? Something to eat? But they declined, though
nicely. That made me feel more awkward and embarrassed. Early next morning, before Id
awakened, theyd left.
**Jairie Resek points out in her May-June Topics column that Roger not only has this
new super-looking beard, but has made it to the big time in exhibitionsyep, to the mecca
of most sports, MADISON SQUARE GARDEN.
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Roger Sverdlik (L) and Dave Philip in a Table Tennis Enterprises (TTE) exhibition at Madison Square
Gardens Felt Forum. Tim Boggans the umpire.

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Chapter Nineteen
1978: March/April Tournaments.
Dennis Barish didnt defend his 77 Mens
Championship at the Apr. 8-9 $500 Concord Spring Open,
but Ray Hollywood was there again and this time Guillen
didnt lose his racket and so didnt default his Mens final.
Bill Ukapatayasakul (aka Bill U) was runner-up to Ray. Had
the Womens Singles been best 2 of 3, Sharon Luke would
have beaten Tina Smilkstein, 24-22 in the 3rd. But it was
best 3 of 5, and Sharon, losing the last two games at 8, had
nothing more to give. As: Tony Koyama over Masaaki
Tajima in 5. A Doubles: Ken Lee/Al Martz (all the way from
Salt Lake City) over Koyama/Mike Greene, 19 in the 5th.
Bs: Lee, deuce in the 4th, over Percy Pang [name for a
teenage heartthrob?] Cs: Bill Poy over Jim Bjoensson. Ds:
Mark Chan over Ron Tam. C/D Doubles: Bobby Keel and
Andy Hutzel (Mather AFB) over Nick Louie and Tam. E
Singles: Tam, -18, 18, 20, 18, over Allen McDermott who a
Tina Smilkstein
quarter-century later enjoyed playing with a hard bat (does
Photo by Mal Anderson
he in 78 too?). E Doubles: Bob Homer, Jr./Tam over Brian
Swartz/Troy McCallum. Seniors: Azmy Ibrahim over Bernie Bukiet. U-17s: Lee over
Koyama, 19 in the 5th.
No April Foolsjoke to say that Franf-Josef
Huermann dominated play at the Apr. 1 Arizona Closed in
Phoenix. Open Singles: Huermann over Paul Groenig, -21,
13, 20, 17, then over 3-time Arizona Closed Champ Mark
DaVee whod downed Bill Guerin in 5. Maricopa County
Singles: Huermann over Groenig. Open Doubles:
Huermann/Groenig in 5 over doubles specialists Bill
Guerin and John Harrington who a week earlier in the
Miami Closedthats Miami, AZcame runner-up in
Championship Singles to Randy Nedrow. Womens: Tybie
Sommer over Thomasina (Tommie) Burke. Mixed
Doubles: Huermann/Sommer over Nedrow/Jean
Barrington. As: John Merkel, 14, over Tony Martin. Bs:
Don McDonald over Peter Kwong. B Doubles: Baker/
Arizona Closed Womens
Champion
Tybie Sommer
Kwong over Groenig/McDonald. Cs: Wendell Newton
over Burke. Esquires: John Porter over Carl Weinberger.
Seniors: Bernhard Schiele over Weinberger. U-17: Merkel over Chav Pham, 24-22 in the 4th.
U-15. Merkel over Bobby Ryberg.
Tom Wintrich reports on the $12,500 Manzano Open (88 entries), held Apr. 21-23 in
Albuquerque, under the direction of Gene and Sue Sargent and Norma LeBlanc.
Championship Singles: Franz Huermann ($250) over Ray Guillen, 21, 22, 19, whod advanced
in 5 over Todd Petersen. (John Dawson scored a big upset over Quang Bui when Quang kept
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trying to loop off Johns Phantom as if it were inverted rubber.) Open Doubles: Huermann/
Bohdan Dawidowicz over Bill U/Al Martz. (Dennis Gresham/Wintrich upset the #2 seeds
Guillen/Tony Koyama.) Womens: Liz Gresham over LeBlanc, 25-23 in the 4th. Mixed
Doubles: Gresham/Gresham over Dawidowicz/Burke.
As (64 entries): John Merkel, 21, -22, 10, 20 over Tony Martin whod made a
remarkable comeback against Kasia Dawidowicz after being down 2-0 and 20-15 in the 3rd!
Tom doesnt tell us, but it appears Kasia didnt play in the Womens or the Mixed, so after that
debacle of a loss in the As she reserved all her energy for juke-box dancing at the posttournament beer and pizza party? A Doubles: Martz/Davis over Scott Ryan/Drake. U-1800s:
Martin over Paul Cracraft, deuce in the 3rd, then over Keith Kalny. U-1600s:Dawson over
Robert Compton. U-1400s: Baker over Nemitz, 18 in the 5th. Consolation Singles: Cracraft
over Ruben Guillen in 5. Hard Rubber: Huermann over Dennis Gresham. Seniors: Paul
Longmire over Mac Horn. Youth: Petersen over Koyama, deuce in the 4th (the organizers had
loaned the would-be #1 seed Dean Galardi $40 to make the trip but he didnt show).
Joe Cummings covers the Apr. 8-9 Southwest Open, held in Waco, TX under the
Directorship of Dr. Grady Gordon, a first class gentlemenThe fine reputation of this
tournament is due largely to him. The Mens Singles final between Gary Fagan and Bruce
Smith turned out to be an away-from-the-table forehand to forehand spinning match, won by
Gary in 5. Though Swaminathan Bhaskar downed Cummings in 5 for 3rd place, he almost
didnt make it to the round robin semis. Houstons Jack Buddy Melamed, after upsetting
Larry Kesler in the 8ths, forced Bhaskar into the 5th. Buddys well-placed blocks and pickhitting were taking their toll, but at the end Buddys forehand hit, which had been
spectacular, finally let him down. He missed four big forehands in a row that eventually
allowed Bhaskar to take the match.

Buddys Scrapbook, L-R: son Gary earlier with D-J Lee; son Larry, Southwest Open Under 17 Winner;
and Buddy earlier with Dick Miles.

Other Results: Mens Doubles: Smith/Fagan over Bhaskar/Kesler. Womens: Marilyn

Johnston over Cindy Garza. Womens Doubles: Johnston/Jane Allison over LeBlanc/Sargent in
5. Mixed Doubles: Smith/LeBlanc over Cummings/Garza, 18 in the 5th. As: David Babcock
over Kesler whod escaped Scott Ryan, 19 in the 5th. A Doubles: Steve Arnold/Kenny Pitts
over Irl Copley/Ryan, after Irl and Scott had advanced over Melamed/Melamed in 5. Bs: Alan
Puls over Pitts in 5, then over Terry Ziegler. Cs: Gary Garner over Rodriguez. Ds: Chuong
Tao Ngo over J.C. Tenay, 17 in the 5th. Consolations: C. Serna over Dave McMillen.
Esquires: Gordon over Rich Puls. Seniors: Gordon over Melamed whod eliminated Puls, 24268

22 in the 4th. Senior Doubles: Gordon/Puls over Melamed/David Harville, deuce in the 4th. U17s: Gary Melamed over Ngo. U-15s: Melamed over Russell. Junior Doubles: Melamed/
Rapp over Fromme/Ngo.
1978 marks the 7th anniversary of the Halex/Sportcraft/Stiga-sponsored ACU-I
Intercollegiate Championships, held this year at the University of Houston, Apr, 16-19. Play
took place under the aegis of ACU-I Recreation Committeeman Richard Gage and the
direction of Raul Rebillard/Daisy Miller with a Public Relations assist from New Yorks Tony
Furman. Pan Ramsey, doing the write-up for Topics (May-June, 1978, 10), says, Four
beautiful STIGA EXPERT tables were used on a rather slippery wooden floor. The lighting
was exceptionally good, and a participants lounge was provided with TV, coffee and punch.
As usual, there were 15 men and 15 women players representing regions round the country,
plus 16th additions as a perk to the host university.

National Intercollegiate Mixed Doubles Finalists, L-R: Niloufer Neena Patel, winner with Jeff Graham, over Michelle McKinstry and Mike Veillette.
Photos by Mal Anderson

First event was the Mixed Doubles, which Pam (was she at this
tournament?) wrongly reported as being won by Mike Veillette
and Michelle McKinstry. But, never mind, in the next Topics
Niloufer Patel, whod paired with Geoff Graham for the win over
Mike and Michelle, straightened that out.
Womens Singles (like the Mens) saw the 16 players divided as
usual into two Groups. In the A Group, Jean Varker finished 1st,
but 2nd-Place finisher McKinstry, with a win over Muriel Stern,
also advanced to the cross-over semis. In the B Group, Pace
University penholder Catherine Howe upset Defending Champion
Sheila ODougherty. In the deciding 3rd game, although Howe
was up 19-16, Sheila, spinning, rallied to tie it up. But then at
deuce she blew an all-important kill shot, hit it into the net, and
Catherine took the ad and eventually the match. As Catherine
Sheila ODougherty, National
walked away from the table she said she was satisfied with her
Intercollegiate Champion
win and was ready to go home. And maybe she did just that, for
Photo by Mal Anderson
269

we hear nary a word more about her. We know only that the winner in
Group B was Sheila. In the final, Varker, down 2-0, was up 19-16 in the
3rd. But Sheila, as she did in the first two games, played an
overpowering final five points and took the game, the match, and again
the title.
In the Mens Singles A Group round-robin, Larry Goldfarb
and Ray Guillen, each holding a 6-0 record, met to determine 1st and
2nd. Unfortunately, said Pam, Larry had lost a contact lens on our
plane flight from Pittsburgh to Houston [yep, San Diegos Pam was
there in Houston alrighthad been in Pittsburgh visiting Danny
Seemiller?]. So Larry had to wear his glasses during play.
Nevertheless, playing aggressively, Goldfarb had Guillen down 6-1 in
the first gamebut, though Rays mobility was limited because of the
slippery floor, he rallied to deuce, only to lose the game by serving into
the net. The next game, however, was all Rays.
Larry Goldfarb
In the 3rd, Larry was up 5-3 when Ray suddenly called out
DURING the point that Goldfarb had moved the table. Larry was distracted by Rays outburst
and missed his shot. A controversy resulted and play was stopped.Umpire Geoff Graham
finally called the point a let, and play resumed. Though up 18-17, Larry seemed to tire, lost
that game and the match, and so Ray and Larry finished 1-2 respectively in the Group.
Group B saw undefeated Swaminathan Bhaskar await the outcome of a match between
semi-retired players Veillette and Bruce Plotnick, each with a 4-1 record Veillette had lost a
crucial match to Bhaskar, and Bruce the same to Joe Tanzer. Bruce lost to Mike, 16, and 19, so,
though he went on to beat Bhaskar, it didnt change anythingSwami finished 1st, Mike 2nd.
In the one cross-over semis, Ray overpowered Mike to
win in 4. The other semis, however, was very intense,
especially when Goldfarb took the 4th at deuce to force Bhaskar
into the 5th. But then the Swami owned the match. Though not
the final, for he fell to Guillen in straight games. As for Larry,
he still had two finals to go...important battles to win, back
home at school. Ray commented that Larry had done a great
job between studying and playing in this competition.
The Mens final was broadcast on Live at Five
(Channel 13 News), along with a short demonstration of
Guillen lobbing to Bhaskar. After the awards banquet, plaques
were awarded to the winners, runner-ups, and their schools.
Both the spring Oklahoma tournamentsthe Mar. 1819 Wildcat Open at Cashion, and the Apr. 29 (State?) Closed at
Oklahoma Cityhad many of the same event winners. In the
Open Singles, Bruce Smith won over Bhaskar at Cashion, and
when Bhaskar didnt play at the Closed, Smith won over Russ
Finley. Larry Kesler finished 3rd in both, losing 16 in the 5th to
Finley. Ever-improving Marilyn Johnston has graduated from
winning the U-17 Girls over Karin Thompson to taking the
Womens from her, while partnering her for wins in Womens
Ray Guillen, National
Doubles.
Intercollegiate Champion
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In Mens Doubles, it was Smith/Bhaskar and Smith again with Gary Fagan. The U-17
Boys was dominated by Kirk Golbach who at the Closed proved he was also good enough to
win the As over Senior Champ Cliff Smith. Best in U-15s was either Bobby Russell or Kyle
Sanchez, Closed B winner over Novice Champ Reza Mirotsuhdeh. In Mens Singles, Irl
Copley won at Cashion over Jose Marin; Parvis Hadjialiloo at Oklahoma City over Mark
McDonald. At Cashion James Rautis took the As from Doug Copley without much of a tussle,
but Davoo Thorsen was like a wildcat in clawing the Bs from Bassett, deuce in the 3rd, then
from Price in 3 after taking the 1st 22-20.
Results of the Mar. 31-Apr. 1-2 $600 Wisner Open: Championship Singles: Bob
Dawidowicz over John Stillions who defeated Houshang Bozorgzadeh. Womens: Sheila
ODougherty over Ethelanne Risch. Open Doubles: Todd Petersen/John Soderberg over
Bozorgzadeh/Stillions. As: Gary Kerkow in 5 over Scott Butler who escaped Roland
Rittmaster, deuce in the 3rd. Bs: Roy Allen over Ken Bull, 18 in the 5th. Cs: Tom Walsh over
F. Ward. Ds: M. Zdan over D. Martin. Boys U-17: Petersen over Stillions. Girls U-17: Debbie
Johnson over Denise Heerman. U-17 Doubles: Petersen/Stillions over Peter/Bernie Braun. U13/U-11: Butler over Daylin Risch.
Winners at the Iowa Open in Sloan, Mar. 17-18: Mens: Bozorgzadeh over Petersen.
(Houshang gets around so much that Harvards tapped himthe t.t. company, not the
universityto join their Advisory Board.) As: Stillions over Shojiro Nakamura. A Doubles:
Bozorgzadeh/Stillions over Petersen/Butler. Womens: Risch over Rosanne Santos. Mixed
Doubles: Don Ehrisman/Risch over Petersen/Irene Engelmann. Bs: Lionel Harris over Rod
Cowles who just squeaked by Ehrisman, 22, -22, 19. B Doubles: Dyer/Nickel vs. Petersen/
ONeal (and the winner was?). Cs: Bobby Banjo over Jim Orr. Seniors: Walsh over Harris.
Senior Novice: Daylin over Kermit Risch. U-17: Guy Freudenberg over Kevin Bailey. U-15:
Bobby Eckhart over Doyle Risch. U-13/U-11: Butler over Daylin Risch. U-9: Jeff Bride over
Eckhart. U-17 Doubles: Petersen/Stillions over Butler/D. Risch.
U.S. Team Captain/Coach Bozorgzadeh is obviously trying to encourage young
Stillions to be good, for hes driven him over to Milwaukee to play in the Apr. 22 Badger State
Openand heres gratitude for you: Johnny beats Houshang in 5 to win the Open Singles.
Other Results: As: Brandon Olson (whod rallied from down 2-0 and at deuce in the 4th to
beat Ted Stomma in the Open) over Norm Schless. A Doubles: Joe Mayer/Stomma over
Wayne Wasielewski/Ron Lusk. Bs: Cheryl Dadian over Terry Lonergan. Cs: David Medley
over Myron Mike Edgerton. Ds: Art Carey over Bert Bultje. Fs: Frank Slama over Brian
Kinder. Handicap: Stillions over Pete Stomma. Consolations: Walter Drobka over Brian
Kinder. Seniors: Bozorgzadeh over Stomma, 19, -20, 5. U-17s: Stillions over Olson, -20, 19,
12. U-15s: Marino Marcich over Pete Stomma.
Winners at the Mar. 18th Western Michigan Open in Grand Rapids: Open Singles:
Mike Moriarty over Jim Doney. Open Doubles: Doney/John Huizinga over Stewart Ansteth/
Mark Holowchak. (Mark, a USTTA Associate Coach, will now handle all requests the USTTA
receives for coaching literature). As: Doney over Tom McEvoy. Bs: Holowchak over Gunter
Pawlowski. Cs: Dave Fortney over Larry Ryel. C Doubles: Lee Bahlman/Peters over Doney/
Bill Carter. Ds: Bill Fortney over Carter. Novice: Butch Vandervliet over Andy Phillips.
Beginners: John Eckhardt over William Milner. Handicap: Eckhardt over Richard Glands, 5250. Seniors: Ward Wood over Dandy Dan Hayes. U-17s: Doney over Torsten Pawlowski.
Bob Beatty tells us that the Mar. 25th Detroit Spring Open got to take advantage of
the arrival in the U.S. of several-time World Doubles Champion Maria Alexandru. After
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winning the European Womens Doubles Championship with Liana Mikut in Germany, shed
had a one-day stopover in her home town of Bucharest, then came to Michigan as the guest of
Stef and Caroline Florescu. Maria played for real in the tournament and left the Cobo Hall
exhibition play to Bob Ashley and Mark Kennedy who were in town with the Harlem
Globetrotters.
Results: Open: 1. Insook Bhushan 2-1 (over Alexandru, -13, -15, 19, 19, 16; over
Ricky Seemiller, 18, 12, 22). 2. Mike Bush, 2-1 (over Insooks Feint, and Marias Toni Hold,
both in 4). 3. Alexandru, 1-2 (over Ricky Seemiller). 4. Ricky Seemiller, 1-2 (over Bush).
Seniors: Chuck Burns over Ashley. U-17: Mike Budi over Jim Doney, U-15: Doney over
Torsten Pawlowski.
As: Se Kwan Oh over Steve Claflin whod eliminated Ali Oveissi, 19 in the 5th. Bs:
Bruce Abrams over Budi, 19 in the 5th, then over Kennedy whod advanced by Dave Strang, 20, 8, 22, 12. B Doubles: Budi/Mark Delmar over Ashley/Kennedy, 15, 15, -20, -19, 19. Cs:
Stu Caplin over Shekhar Bhushan whod stopped T. Pawlowski, -21, 19, -18, 21, 10. Ds:
Terry Durance, 29-27 in the 5th, over Bob Cloutier, after Bob had eliminated Darryl Ozias from
down 2-0), 19 in the 5th. D Doubles: Stewart Ansteth./Coutier over Bob and Greg Quinn. Es:
Mark Casey over Charles Dunscombe in 5, then over Stan Talifero. Novice: Richard Glands
over Casey. Novice Doubles: Paul Gazo/John Malisz over G. Quinn/Casey. Beginners: Johnny
Diehr over John Bayer.
At the Apr. 15 Woodland Open, the Grand Rapids Club played host to Alexandru who
the week before had won the Eastern Open. Tom McEvoy said, Maria impressed everyone
with her courteous behavior and excellent play. Connie and Dell Sweeris didnt enter the
tournament, but obliged late afternoon players and spectators with exhibition matches against
Maria. Bill Hornyak who didnt enter either, came up to help out with the tournament and is
looking better than ever after his heart operation.
Results: Alexandru over Jim Lazarus, -18, -16, 16, 9, 12. (Would that we had an
analysis of that turnaround.) Open Doubles: Doney/McEvoy over Bruce McGee/Edgerton.
As: Doney over McEvoy. Bs: Max Salisbury over
Holowchak. Cs: Fred Lubben over Dave Fortney. C
Doubles: Doney/Carter over Holowchak/Ansteth, 20, 21.
Ds: Bob Beatty over Ralph Shamberg. Novice:
Mohamed Ben-Zahra over Bill Carter. Beginners: Joe
Hollemans over Phil Preston. Handicap: Lubben over
John Missad, 51-49. Seniors: Lubben over Salisbury. U17: Doney over Bahlman.
On the Mar. 11-12 weekend in Dayton, Insook
Bhushan won the Open in 5 over Rick Seemiller. 3rd-Place
went to Randy Seemiller over Bob Powell. Open
Doubles: Ricky/Randy Seemiller over Se Kwan Oh/Alan
Nissen. Mixed Doubles: John Spencer/Bhushan over
Randy Eller/Denise Horn. As: Tim OGrosky over
Spencer. Tim, whos been absent from tournament play
for a while, back in 1970 was the #2 U.S. Junior and a
member of the Ohio Team (Tims mentor D-J Lee, John
Tannehill, and John Spencer) that won the USOTCs. A
Tim OGrosky
Doubles: Powell/Spencer over Greg Collins/Randy Eller.
Photo by Cam Clark
272

Bs: Bill Walk over Holowchak. B Doubles: Fred Halbig/Lloyd Walty over Andy Gad/Max
Salisbury. Cs: Gad over Halbig, 19 in the 3rd. Ds: Halbig over Walk. Esquires: Salisbury over
Voldis Daskevics. Seniors: Spencer over Bill Walk. Young Adults: Powell over Jeff Williams
in 5. U-17s: Williams over Mike Walk. U-15s: Williams over Kerry OBrien who advanced
over Mike Walk, 19 in the 3rd. U-13s: Jeff Miller over Dan Walk.
Two Indiana Closed tournaments, the
Southern Indiana in Mar., the State
Championship in Apr., both played at the New
Albany Club, produced predictable winners.
Mar. Results: Mens: Richard Hicks over son
Ricky. Open Doubles: Jeff/Kris Pangburn over
John Allen/Charlie Buckley. Womens: Cindy
Marcum over Norma Hicks. Mixed Doubles:
Hicks/Hicks over Jerry/Cindy Marcum. As:
Allen over Sam Shannon in 5. Bs: Allen over
Jerry Marcum, 19 in the 4th. B Doubles:
Robinson/Boyle over Mielke/Don Roberts. Cs:
Greg Waldbieser over Gordon Abbott. Novice:
Les Childs over Mark Buehler, 19 in the 4th.
Ricky Hicks
Consolations: Mike Boyle over Jeff Pangborn.
Photo by Mal Anderson
Esquires: Jack Pangborn over Shannon, 19 in
the 5th. Seniors: Jack Pangburn over Don Welden, def. U-21s/U-17s: Ricky Hicks over
Allen. U-15s: David Kiely over Aaron Friedman. U-13s: Jeff over Tim Kruer.
Indiana State Champions for 1978 were: Mens Richard Hicks over Harry Deschamps.
Best match: Hicks, Jr. over Jim Yates in 5. Open Doubles: Hicks/Hicks over Yates/Yates.
Womens: Marcum over Connie Warren whod eliminated Carol Mead in 5. Mixed Doubles:
Hicks/Hicks over Marcum/Marcum. As: Dave Russell over Salisbury. Bs: Waldbieser over
Kiely, 19 in the 5th. B Doubles: Waldbieser/Russell over Allen/Buckley. Cs: Bob Yates over
Waldbieser, 17 in the 5th. Unrated: Butch Neeld over Russell. Consolations: Allen over Al
Grambo. Esquires: Salisbury over Festus Mead, Seniors: Deschamps over Mead. U-21
thriller: Allen over Jim Yates, -15, -8, 23, 23, 18. U-17s: Tim Yates over Hicks (from down 20 and at deuce in the 3rd).
Winners at the Apr. 8-9 Great Plains Open in St. Charles, MO: Mens: Jim Schnorf
over John Stillions who was forced into the 5th by both John Messerly and Leonard McNeece.
Mens Doubles: Schnorf/McNeece over Stillions/Scott Butler. Womens: Grace Ide over Jean
Varker. Mixed Doubles: Stillions/Varker over McNeece/Ide. Mens As: Stillions over Eric
Seiler. Womens As: Barbara Donahue over Linda Ludwigsen. A Doubles: Shannon/Clendenin
over McNeece/Ide, 23-21 in the 3rd. Bs: Butler over Fred Halbig. Cs: John Allen over Steve
Downing. Ds: Ray Griffin over Ricky Jones. Consolations: Seiler over Roland Rittmaster.
Hard Rubber: Kris Pangburn over Schnorf.
Esquires: Sam Shannon over H.J. Hofacker. Seniors: Tom Clendenin (St. Charles
Closed Senior and Hard Bat winner, and Mens runner-up to Steve Swindle) over Scott
Grafton. Boys U-17: Downing over John Allen. (Did St. Charless best Junior, George Brown,
participate?) U-17 Doubles: Stillions/Butler over Danny Brokaw/Danny Easley. Boys U-15:
Butler over St. Charles Closed U-15 (Brokaw) and U-13 (Easley) Champions. Girls U-15:
Kelly Hitt over Riyo Yoshikawa (runner-up in the Closed 15s to Kim Gutherz).
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Results of the Mar. 25th

Kingsport Spring Open: Open
Singles: Wing Man Tam over Steve
Hitchner. Open Doubles: Hitchner/
Jim McQueen over Wolfe/Mills who
prevailed over Tam/Wilson Bryan,
deuce in the 3rd. As: Bryan, 23, 18,
19, over Tam who went 5 with
Wayne Bailey. Bs: Bailey over Oren
Yates. Cs: Bailey over Doug
Richards. Ds: Jean Poston over
Norman Compton. Consolations:
Jim (Doctor Feint) Flannagan over
Bailey. Juniors: Scott Leamon over
David Agnez.
Larry Thoman, your time will come in Louisiana; let
Power Poon, writing on his
Scott Leamon (L) keep his Kingsport trophy.
Apr. 22-23 $2,000 Louisiana Open
(TTT, May-June, 1978, 18), thanks the 107 players who set a record in attendance, his
suburban Baker Municipal Auditorium liaison, and Allen Barth and John Quick who did most
of the umpiring. Hes proud of the tournament coverage he got from Rick West of the Baton
Rouge Morning Advocate. More than half a page about Saturday activities, then another halfpage about Sundays, including interviews with Danny Seemiller and Charles Butler, whom
West called Americas top black player (but of course he hadnt interviewed The Chief
yetand never will?). Power said these were the most explicit and informative articles
concerning table tennis that I have ever read in any newspaper.
Rick was certainly informative regarding Butler who two years ago moved to
Pittsburgh to hone his game with the Seemillers. During this time Charles also got table tennis
performer-experience doing half-time shows with the Harlem Globetrotters. No way, he says,
can he get a contract from a major manufacturer unless hes in the Top Five in the country.
Right now, says Rick, Charles works the graveyard shift, 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily at an
electronics manufacturing plant to stay in Pittsburgh and train. He arises after noon each day,
does some five miles of roadwork, lots of isometrics, and plays table tennis into the night.
Butler came to Baton Rouge knowing he couldnt make expenses, but he wanted the
tournament competition, especially against Seemiller. Because hed experienced what he called
a concentration collapse during competition he was happy to see former junior-high teacher
Alan Long whod taught him the Game during their years in Texas, and then, after Charles had
gotten pretty good, had played doubles with him in Southwest tournaments. Butler had Long,
who now lives in New Orleans, hypnotize him with hopes of better performances to come.
But, though Charles is greatly determined, it was for the moment pretty much the same old,
same old.
Results: Open Singles: 1. Danny Seemiller, 3-0. 2. Rick Seemiller, 2-1. 3. Charles
Butler, 1-2. 4. Jerry Thrasher, 0-3. Seemiller, to no ones surprise, didnt lose a game in this
semifinal round robin. His win was worth $500, but he also did o.k. hawking his t. t. wares.
Rick said, A slow-buying public turned into a crowd around Seemillers array of merchandise
immediately after he disposed of his first opponent in a matter of minutes at center court.
Admirers couldnt wait to relieve him of racquets, tennis shoes, and tote bags, most with
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oriental markings. He also sells an old American standby, the T-shirt, with the message
extolling table tennis as The Other Indoor Sport.
Tournament Director Poon, in calling our attention to a quarters match, makes much
of Glenn Piper (rated 1720) and his specialty, the Loop and Kill. Why? Because he took a
21-19 game from Danny Seemiller! Piper was so happy, he raised both his hands in victory to
a standing ovation from the audience. Power is impressed with Seemillers reaction: he did
not kick the table, did not crush the ball, did not shout to anyonebut kept his cool. Well,
Power, Dannys an excitable player, but did you really expect him to be passionate about the
loss of this game? This player he beat 8, 10, and 14.
Other Results: Open Doubles: Seemiller/Seemiller ($200) over Butler/Thrasher.
Womens: Nancy Hill ($100) and her excellent block game using the Seemiller grip over Olga
Soltesz. Mixed Doubles: Thrasher/Newgarden over Clay Dunn/Leslie Harris. Mens Singles:
Swami Bhaskar ($100) over Quick who was 23, -17, 19 pressed by Larry Thoman. Bhaskar,
the #1 seed, wasnt there when the event started and for the 10 late minutes before he arrived
Poon thought about defaulting him and redoing the draw, but (as the Houston-based Swami
had assured Power he was coming) he didnt want to do that.
As: Larry Thoman, 16 in the 5th, over Soltesz whod eliminated Harville, 19 in the 3rd.
A Doubles: David Harville/Power Poon over Thoman/Dunn. Bs: Dunn over Al Barth, 19 in
the 3rd, then over Al Weaver. Cs: David Kagan over Buddy Hutson in 5. Ds: Leonardo
Pacheco over Kritakara, 19 in the 4th. Novice: Ed Poon over Rich Humphrey. Consolations:
Pacheco over Keith Friley. Seniors: Harville over Power Poon. U-17s: Rick Stanley over
Justin McDonald, 17 in the 5th. U-15s: Stanley over McDonald whod eliminated Ed Poon, 19
in the 3rd. U-13s: Ed Poon over John Stanley.
Winners at the Suncoast Open, held Mar. 18-19 in Largo, FL:
Championship Singles: Greg Gingold over Jerry Thrasher. Womens: Olga
Soltesz over Nancy Newgarden. Championship Doubles: Thrasher/Alan
Averill over Marv Leff/Wayne Daunt, 18 in the 5th. As: Ron Rigo over
Conrad Fisher. Bs: Steve Federico over Larry Gold. B Doubles: Gerry
Maglio/Anton Hauser over Averill/Lenny Chew, 25-23 in the 4th. Cs:
Wally Putnam over Hauser, 19 in the 4th. Ds: Ashock Nirody over Frank
Bush. Novice: Pat Winebarger over Phil Lorenz, 17 in the 5th.
Consolations: Ed Baker over Eric Bon. Seniors: Leff over Hauser who,
down 2-0, survived Maglio. Juniors: Roger DeBrot over Kitt Jeerapaet.
Larry Buell (TTT, May-June, 1978, 20) reports on the Apr. 1-2
Georgia Closed. In the 3-man, 5-team Georgia Cup competition, Thomas
Nunes and George Cooper must at first have thought their third, James
Olga Soltesz
McLain, was playing an April Fools joke on them. But when it became
clear he wasnt going to show, they no longer became the favorites and
dropped out of contention. 1. Augusta (Pete May, Herb Beckham, Leighton Johnson). 2.
Atlanta TTC (Cyril Lederman, Wendell Dillon, James Altenback, Bill Farrar).
Mens Singles: Nunes over Beckham, then over May, both in 5. Buell says of the
Georgia State Champion: For a man on his strict playing regimen (no practice, little exercise,
lots of smiling) its no wonder he gives his opponents such troublethey never see him until
tournament time! His secret weapon (though hes been winning so consistently at tournaments
that I dont know how much longer he can keep it under wraps) is simply to get the ball back
on the table. No matter what style the opposition adopts against him, Thomas merely
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overwhelms them with consistency. Mens Doubles: Nunes/Cooper over Dillon/Lederman, 19

in the 4th, then over Beckham/May. Womens: Tracy Beckham over Sarah Hillsman. Mixed
Doubles: May/Cathy Beckham over Herb/Tracy Beckham in 5. As: Steve Mills over Johnson.
Seniors: Beckham over Dillon, then over Lederman, both in 5. U-17 winner: Cecil Brooks. U15 winner: Bobby Price. U-17 Doubles: Brooks/Tony Broom over Price/Terry Harrison. Jim
McQueen points out that theres an Augusta Boys Club contingent that his friend Pete The
Night Hunter May chauffeurs over the countryside by the dozen in his new sexy van. (Uh,
sexy?...No, Ill not go there.)
Dominating the Apr. 15-16 Atlanta Teams was Orlandos Steve and Ron Rigo father/
son duo. Defensive-minded Steve (Drive all night and chop all day) lost only one match, but
it was Ron, undefeated, who drew Larry Buells undiluted praise. He maintained a temperate
attitude and an uncanny composure during his pressure matches that rivaled his whiplash loop
and shining counters. Results: Championship Division: Final: T.G. Lee Foods (Steve/Ron
Rigo) over Pittman Park (Thomas Nunes, George Cooper, Cecil Brooks), 3-1. Pittman Park
had defeated the strong Triangle pair of Fred King and Jim McQueen. Class A: USC (William
Bryan, Wing Man Tam) over Phred (Ross Brown, Clint Steffan.), 3-1. Class B: Ball Busters
(Don Holden, Keith and Gus Armes) over Kendle Twins (Greg and Randy Kendle), 3-0.
Winners at Philadelphias Apr. 1-2 Quaker City Open: Open Singles: Mike Bush over
George Brathwaite, after Georghe had -16, -20, 21, 18, 14 tenaciously knocked out Roger
Sverdlik. As: Hank McCoullum over Mike Lardon, 19 in the 4th. Bs: Don Feltenberger over
Howie Bush, 18 in the 5th. Ds: William Huang over Feltenberger, 19 in the 3rd. Es: H. Bush
over Sean ONeill, -20, 20, 11. Fs: H. Bush over Mark Schnorr. N Singles: Jeff Ellis over Bob
Ertel. X Singles: Don Piper over Joe Tarantino. Y Singles: Todd Ingram over Gary Moors.
Handicap: H. Bush over Schnorr. Handicap Doubles: Ellis/Jeff Sabrowsky over Moors/
Campbell. Seniors: Jay Friedlin over Seymour Shenkman. U-17s: ONeill over Schnorr. U15s: ONeill over Jeff Pedicini.
The 1978 New Jersey State Closed, held Apr. 22-23 at Westfield, produced the
following State Champions: Championship Singles: Mike Stern over Paul Rubas.
Championship Doubles: Don Garlanger/Gene Wonderlin over Elmer Wengert/Ray Wu.
Women: Edie Nitchie over Ai-wen Wu. Mixed Doubles: Stern/Ai-ju Wu over Jeff Steif/Nitchie.
As: Rubas over I. Ishikawa, 19 in the 4th. Bs: John Sisti over Neil Ackerman. B Doubles:
Sisti/R. Wu over Jerry Boyle/Wonderlin. Cs: Wonderlin over Peter Yutco. Ds: Bob Barns
over Dan Seres. Es: George Nahass over Jeff Pedicini. Fs: William Ford over Ai-wen Wu.
Novice: J. Wang over John Aiyegbo.
Esquires: Ed Gutman over John Kilpatrick. Seniors: Weingart over Wu. Senior
Doubles: Jim Releford/Wu over Wengert/Kilpatrick, 20, 19. Boys U-17s: Stern over Pedicini,
18, 19, 20. Girls U-17: A-J Wu in a great rally over A-W Wu, -6, 19, 26. U-17 Doubles: Stern/
Pedicini over Brian Eisner/Dave Kilpatrick. U-15s: Pedicini, 18 in the 3rd, over G. DuttaChoudhury who advanced over A-W Wu, 19 in the 3rd. U-13s: Richard Spear over David
Branch.
A Mar. 2nd Release from Fred Danner, along with a Bulletin (Vol. 2, No. 1) from the
National Junior T.T. Foundation tells us the Suffolk County, Long Island High School
Championships were held at the Shoreham-Wading River High under the direction of Kevin
Mann. Play among the 168 participants from 35 different schools took place on 25 tables, and
produced the following winners: High School Boys: Eric Baurle (John Glenn) over Cliff
Carroll (East Islip), 16, 15, 8. High School Girls: Chris Gilman (Shoreham-Wading River)
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over Arlene Riley (Centereach), 25, -17, -16, 22, 12. 3rd Place: Judy Klinge (Shoreham). Open
Doubles: Jim Pope (Shoreham-Wading River)-Gilman over James Cheng/Ben Ham (Stony
Brook), 16, 15, 17.
Junior High Boys: Marco Popovich (Commack) over current Long Island Junior
Champion Brad Lardon (Elwood), 11, 18, -14, -20, 19. 3rd Place: Austin Jacobson (West
Hollow). Junior High Girls: Lorraine Moss (Center Moriches) over Danita Pachomski
(Brentwood North), 18, -17, 18. 3rd Place: Elizabeth McMillan (Old Field). Junior High
Doubles: Lardon/Popovich over Steve Blank/George Margolin (Finley)
The Release (written by Danner?) says, The tournament was the first Suffolk table
tennis school event to receive official sanction from the Section XI Council since back in the
1940s. Teachers from 15 schools helped to promote and run the tournament.The National
Jr. T.T. Foundation, the Finley T.T. Club, and the LITTA supported this activity by providing
some of the tables, barriers, awards, and technical assistance for the control desk and the TV
production. Network Productions produced a two-hour program of the matches, and it was
shown Mar. 4 on Suffolk Cablevision, Channel 6. Video tapes are available for viewing at the
Huntington Public Library.
Winners at the Mar. 11-12 Interboro Open in Brooklyn: Open Singles: Scott Boggan in
5 over George Brathwaite whod eliminated Ali Oveissi, 19 in the 4th. (Bill Sharpe defeated
Eric Boggan, 20, 18, 19.) Jairie Resek has praise for both Scott and George. Scott, she says, is
the most exciting U.S. player today. And ageless George, even when he loses, looks good.
As Satchel Paige once said, If you didnt know how old you were, how old would you be?
Womens: Carol Davidson over her sister Hodiah, def.
Under 2150: Mike Lardon over Sharpe. U2000: Stu Kroll over Julian Millan. U-1900: Sid Jacobs
over Phil Shaw. Under 1800: Hodiah Davidson over
Carol Davidson, in (see the Womens event) a
balancing default. Under 1700: Alex Nakhimovsky
over Jeff Pedicini. U-1600: Brad Lardon over Gabriel
Ford. U-1500: Anthony Leung over John Griffin, def.
Sid Jacobs
U-1400: Griffin over Yip Kam Chim. U-1300:
Photo by
Francisco Hall over Mike Egner whod eliminated
Mal
Anderson
Peter Wolf, 15, -19, 19. Under 1200: Hall over Teddy
Sileo. U-1100: Bob Siegel over Jim Brenner whod
eliminated Rama Gvildys, 19 in the 3rd. U-1000: Siegel
over Egner.
Larry Hodges, in reporting on the $750 Capital Open, played Mar. 4-5 in Largo, MD,
says, The New Carrollton Club donated most of the profits from this tournament to the
National Junior Team fund. Since this intake was made possible by the workers working for
free, lets give them all, if not a trophy, a nod of appreciation here. Jim Mossberg, acting as
director, referee, and all-around everything man, with help from John Rohrer, Ron and Mercy
Snyder, Donna Newell, Ron Harding, Jim Verta, Elaine Hodges, Carol Shapiro, Bob
Chaimson, Tom Golab, John Hewes, and Walt Naleszkiewicz, ran a smooth and on-time
tournament.
Larry focuses his article on the Open Singles, but before we take up those matches I
want to give you the Results of the other events: Womens: Donna Newell over Daphne Gray,
20, -11, 19. Mens As: Joe Rokop and Bill Sharpe didnt play the final, split the prize money.
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Womens As: Gray over Virginia Backaitis. Bs: Igor Fraiman over Aram Avanessi, -21, 13,
11, -21, 20, then over Benfield Munroe. Cs: Ken Silverstein over Hodges. Ds: Bruce Hvasta
over Lester Moskowitz, then over Mike Shapiro. Es: Mort Greenberg over Shapiro. Fs:
Dave Mlavsky over Golab, 19, -20, 18. Gs: Eddie Gray over Aaron Pallas. Hs: D. Gray over
E. Gray. Novice: John Ohman over Ken Mitchell. Hard Rubber: Pat ONeill over Charles
Butler, 23-21 in the 3rd, then over Roger Sverdlik. Open Consolation: Jim McQueen over
Clyde Vincent. Handicap: Todd Blaeuer over Bobby Brown. Seniors: Herb Horton over
Yaroslav Bob Kaminsky. Boys U-17: Sean ONeill over Phil Shaw. Girls U-17: Virginia
Backaitis, 19 in the 3rd, over Esperanza Vincent who advanced over Andrea Backaitis, 19 in
the 3rd. Junior Consolation: Paul Jolovitz over Jerry Leslie, 18 in the 4th.
The Open quarters matches saw Roger Sverdlik, down 2-1, win in 5 from Dave Sakai;
Scott Boggan (whod had to go 19 in the 5th with underrated Igor Gary Fraiman in the 8ths
in what many said was the most exciting match of the tournament) downed Charles Butler
three straight; Joe Rokop, after barely beating Larry Hodges, 19 in the 5th, came back from a
2-0 deficit to upset 2nd-seed Ricky Seemiller; and Eric Boggan got revenge for his loss at the
USOTCs, downing Randy Seemiller in 4. In the one semis, Roger, playing extremely well,
3-0 psyched out Eric. In the other semis, Scott, who was having trouble with his hitting,
with his loopingwith everythingstill managed to down Rokop in 5. At the moment,
Sverdliks on a highhes the leading player in a promotion called Table Tennis Enterprises,
Ltd. that also features Dave Philip and the Boggan brothers. In the final here, Sverdlik, still
super-hot, defeated Scott three straight. Larry says, If Roger could play like this
consistently, I think he would be on the U.S. World Team.

Table Tennis Enterprises team of (L-R) Scott Boggan, Dave Philip,

and Roger Sverdlik play an exhibition with Broadway star Eartha Kitt.

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Chapter Twenty
1978: D-J Lee Looks to His and He-Jas Past and Future Experience in the German
Leagues. 1978: U.S. Junior Team Plays in Swedish Junior Open.
We learn from D-J (TTT, Nov.-Dec., 1978, 8; 16) that after the 77 Worlds, he and
He-ja went to Hungary, where, helped by Tibor Hammori, a former world-class player and
now a member of the sports pressthey were able to practice with Klampar, Gergely, and
Magos. We trained 4-6 hours a day against super top-spinners, and I got a good tip for a
backhand loop.Coach Ferenc Sido (1953 World Champion) also made the playersmen
and womenplay soccer to strengthen the legs.
After practicing at Sidos Spartacus Club and also the B.V.S.C Club, D-J and He-ja
left Budapest by train for Germany. He-ja, having a Korean passport, needed a visa to get
through Austria before we reached Germanythough strangely she didnt need a visa to get
into Germany. They got into a red-tape argument with officials on the train, but while they
were still trying to look things up in their Rulebook wed reached the German border. So then
it was all O.K.!
The Lees were supposed to have been met at Frankfurt, but there were four train
stations in the city and it hadnt been established at which one theyd come into, so an
American soldier directed them to a hotel and thats where ($50 for the night) they stayed.
Next day, they took another train rideto Landauto visit the Joola Company.
Originally the company was called Joo-something, then it was decided to combine Joo
with the first two letters from Landauhence Joola. D-J says, Their factory here can make
200 tables a day.
Could Joola make any training arrangements for us here in Germany? D-J asked. And
could we meet with Christer Johansson (Kjells brother who, since 1975, had been hired at a
good salary as the German National Coach)? The reply was Yes and Yes. Christer was
very helpful in answering D-Js many questions. After their 3-hour session, D-J said, I respect
him. I think hes the best coach in Europe.
Off, then, they went to Dusseldorf, whose Bundesliga Team (Jochen Leiss; Ebby
Scholer, World runner-up to Itoh in 1969; Hanno Deutz; Ralf Wosik; and Hajo Nolten) was
the best in Germany. When He-ja first went to practice with Leiss (the 77 U.S. Open
Champion), he asked her, How many points does D-J give you? She said, Five. So thats
what he started her with. After all that practice against the Hungarian loop, she was blocking
and smashing Leisss loops and Leiss was saying, Good!...Good! until, as his teammates
continued to laugh, she beat him.
When Joola heard Leisss recommendation, Shes good enough to play in the First
Division, they asked them both to play in the German League. The offer
was attractive, said D-J. Three times a week Id be training 12-14-yearolds, and repeatedly He-ja and I could train with the German Team. I
knew that D-J Lees mail order business and D-J Lees Table Tennis
Center would be badly hurt.But I knew that later my [European]
experience would help me to teach American players better. So they
decided to come to Germany for the 77-78 season.
Joola got He-ja on a Kiel Team with one other non-German,
Karen Senior from Ireland. The players were young13, 14, 14, 21
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He-jas league team. Irelands Karen Senior is in the middle; He-jas second from right.

compared to He-jas 25. But the Team soon rose from the Second Division League to the
First. As for D-J, he had a problem in that there were no 1st Division League teams for men
near He-jas team. Luckily, however, he was able to sign with Selk, a scrappy 2nd Division
Team that had been trying to advance for two years.Only later, after Id signed, did I find
out that one of the teams opposing us, Berlin, was paying three of its players a total of
$75,000 to play for them. (One of these players was Bernt Jansen whom Jack Howard had
beaten in a Geza Gazdag Vanderbilt Invitational in N.Y. in the 1960s.)
D-J now gives Topics readers much info about table tennis in Germany and the league
play there. At over 5,000 clubs they have 700,000 players who play regularly and of these
700,000 at least 5,000 would be rated over 2,000 in our ratings.But only Leiss, Stellwag,
Huging, Lieck, and Scholer command good moneysay, $27,000-$47,000 a year. (An
outsider, like the Yugoslav Surbek, one of the worlds great players, agreed, so someone said,
to a club signing for $66,000 for two years. Englands Douglas also signed, though perhaps
for something appreciably less.) Germanys National players are sports-students who can
study when they want to and who have no job other than playing table tennis.
Heres the way the Leagues work:
At present there are 10 Teams in the 1st Division or BundesligaThe 1st round of
the season is roughly from Sept. 1 to Dec. 1. The 2nd from Jan. 1 to Apr. 1. The two Teams
that finish last go down to the 2nd Division League called the Oberliga, and two Teams from
there, via a play-off, come up to the 1st Division League. In the 2nd Division, the winners of
each of the four sections of the countryNorth, South, West, and Southeastplay off and
then the top two Teams advance to the Bundesliga.
D-J says there are also seven different Lower Division Leagues. Players prefer
playing in Leagues to tournaments. The German Association is very well organized, and very
richwhich no doubt accounts for the importance, the success of the Leagues. Each official
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of each League match wears an official suit. The court conditions are always exemplary. If a
player doesnt wear his club clothing or doesnt wear his number on his back indicating what
number on the Team he is, he gets an initial fine of $16.
The composition of a Team and the format of a League match is as follows:
The Mens League has 6 players to a Team. In any tie, the object is to win 9 matches.
First the Teams play two doubles matches (the #1 A Team plays the opponents #2 B Team,
and the opponents #1 B Team plays the #2 A Team), then a succession of Singles matches
follow: #5A plays #6B, 6A-5B, 1A-2B, 2A-1B, 3A-4B, 4A-3B, 1A-1B, 2A-2B, 3A-3B, 4A4B, 5A-5B, 6A-6B. If, after two doubles matches and 12 singles matches, no Team has made
9 points, they play two more doubles matches (the symmetrical 15th and 16th match): 1A-1B,
2A-2B. The tie of course could result in an 8-8 tie. Since all players play only two singles
matches, the 5th and 6th players on a Team are almost as important as the 1st and 2nd players.
Women dont draw the audience that men do. Also, their format is differentthe four
players on each Team play a round robin system. Whoever wins 9 points is the winner, but
again there could be an 8-8 tie.
Each club has sponsors for tables, nets, balls, and uniforms. Sometimes sponsorship
is in the form of cash. Transactions are often in cash heretheres a 1,000- Deutschmark
(over $500) bill and a 500-Deutschmark (over $250) bill. Things are expensive herea rain
coat, for example, goes for $200-$300.
In the fall-winter of 77-78, D-J and He-ja lived in a summer house about 15 miles
outside of Kiel. This presented problems for them:
Since at first we had only an electric heater, we soon had to burn coal. It was my first
time burning coal and sometimes we were really cold. We also had a car for a while but it was
too expensive to repair so we had to give it up. We decided then to buy a bus pass for $40 per
month. It had been 13 years since Id ridden a bus in the cold of winter and Id forgotten what
it was like. Every time we were cold waiting for the bus we thought about our warm house in
Columbus. He-ja didnt like being out in the cold, so she kept reminding me not to come back
here to Germany anymore.
D-J also speaks of language difficulties, lack of goods or products from other countries
(little or no fast food services), too expensive items, and the trepidation one first feels as a
passenger when, since there no speed limits in Germany, your driver is racing down the road at
135 miles an hour. D-J says, Once I asked a driver why he liked to drive so fast and he said,
Well, I like to drive fast when Im sleepybecause then I know I wont go to sleep.
When He-ja first started to play for her club, she was nervous and lost
7 matches in the first 4 weeks. But from then on, starting in Oct., 77,
she had a 38-match winning streak, and finished 4th in the final League
standings.
D-J was even more successful:
In 77 I was the Selk Teams #1 player. And we were undefeated until
we played against Berlin in Berlin. In the fall part of the season I lost to
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Jansen and our Team

lost the tie 9
matches to 6. But
we didnt give up
and the second time
around we beat the
Berlin Team 9-5. So
we won the North
section of the
Oberliga and went
to play off against
the winners of the
D-Js league team. D-Js
South, West, and
second from right.
Southeast. We made
it by 1 point to the 1st Division League, the Bundesliga. This was great because if I wanted to
come back for the 78-79 session, I could now play against world-class stars. At the Koln
tournament I had a very good 3-2 win over Lieck. But then I lost to Lammers who in a
European tournament a couple of years before had beaten Danny Seemiller.
And would He-ja and D-J come back to Germany for the 78-79 season?
Well, says D-J, I still want to play with good playersI mean, table tennis has
always been my life, and I cant do without it. Then, too, He-ja could join the North Harrislee
club in the north of Germany, next to Denmark. And now we could have an apartment with
heat and a car that didnt constantly need repairs. Also we wanted to play well in Las Vegas
and be on the U.S. Team that would go into North Korea, and what better competition could
we get than that here in the Leagues. So we decided to stay in Germany another season. How
the two did there this fall well be sure to pick up later.
Swedish Junior Open
Why are you here?
It was my younger son Eric talkingI can still hear himand he was telling me, in his
typically honest,
very nasty-at-themoment way, that
he couldnt see the
point of me being
there in Sweden
with him and the
rest of the Team.
Certainly I know
nothing about the
game, was not
helpful, was merely
embarrassing to
him with my
scruffy, bearded
appearance, my
Aerial view of Old Stockholm
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occasional public outbursts of anger at him, my occasional irritation at Rutledge, and my

bumbling, slow-to-adapt mistakes (once I saw to my horror Id filled out the A-B team
positions wrong; another time Id pushed a button to start a shower and then, almost out the
door, was ready to go for help because I couldnt shut the damn thing off whena big relief to
meit shut itself off).
Why was I here?
It wasnt hard for me to see, was it? I wanted the best for my sons, wanted to help
them if I could, wanted to share in their glory as I always have, wanted again to be proud of
them, wanted them and Rutledge and Jimmy to have an emotionally memorable time.
Why am I here?
It was my 14-year-old Eric talking again. He was very tired after the long flight over
has always been a person who does not bear discomfort patiently. Now he was talking to
himself after Nisse Sandberg, the indefatigable Director of the tournament (helped more than a
little by Tommy Andersson, just out of the hospital) had met us at the airport and dropped us
all off at our appointed houses.
We would learn much more about the country and the people in it, I thought, if we could
stay in private homes, and, besides, I wasnt sure yet how successful my fund-raising campaign
would be and Sweden we knew was very expensive. So Id long ago asked my friend Nisse to
make the arrangements if he possibly could and he hadthough not to all our liking.
Scott was pleased to stay with Jens Fellke, Swedens #6 Junior,
who also hadsurpriseMike Lardon as a 3-month house guest.
Naturally Rutledge wanted to be with them and not alone at some far
away strangers house, so, yes, that was o.k. Jimmy and Eric, I hoped,
would stay at somebodys home together, but after Jimmy was dropped
off, that left Eric and me to share a placewhich I knew was not good,
and not at all what I had in mind in bringing him to Sweden.
So of course I was there,
as I still will be for a while, to
help him get away from me.
Angbys
Jens Fellke
Quickly it was all managed. For
the duration of our stay in Stockholm,
Rutledge, taking the initiative, could
live in the Fellke apartment, Eric and
Jimmy could stay together at the
Larssons (provided they played long
points on the basement table with the
Magna Mater of the household), and I
would stay with the Gierloffs.
I mention these families by name
Angbys Nisse Sandberg and
Angbys
because
for the rest of our forgetful
Nanna Larsson
Jorgen Gierloff
lives I want the record to showas if
I were again writing my thank yous and expressions of love in Mama Larssons guest book
that we mean to, that we will, remember their understanding and kindness in treating the U.S.
boys as they would their own table tennis-playing sons.
Blessed then with the best of transient surroundings to come back to and in Nisse
Sandberg an organizer (hustler, fixer) par excellence, whom I was more and more feeling the
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warmest cigar-glow camaraderie for, we rented a car and (except for stalling through
Stockholm while I relearned how to jerk a stick shift this way and that) wasted no time in
driving off to Hallstahammar a couple of hours away. There we would play the first of our
U.S.-Swedish challenge matches, as well as the warm-up weekend tournament preceding the
Swedish Junior Open. This action in Hallstahammar, I kept telling myself, could only be good
for us.
Why, after all, was I here? And Eric, Scott, Jimmy and Rutledge? The question ought
to be even easier to answer now. To take the little journey. WinLoseMake mistakes. Feel
somethingand its arch-enemy nothing. To get angry enough to try to be reasonable. Care
about peoplelove them if you could. And of course to learn more about table tennislearn
through table tennisour strength in the world.
But in our first challenge match we were beaten 8-2.
Scott, who couldnt find the table with his flat hit, lost an opening match to Swedens
#3 junior, 14-year-old Erik Lindhthe frail-looking wunderkind whos being touted as the
new mini-Bengtsson. Said one proud Swede, Hes the best 14-year-old in Europemaybe
in the world.
Eric then lost a tough one to Fellke in 3, after blowing a 14-7 lead in the 1st game.
Jimmy
lost to
Swedens #7
junior, Jonas
Berner
whom he
later beat in
the
tournament
over the
weekend.
Barry,
down 19-16
in the 3rd,
closed with 5
in a row to
Jimmy Lane
Jonas Berner
just get by
Niklas Persson, the eventual U-14 winner in the upcoming Swedish Junior Open. Then lost to
Lindh, 19, 20.
Eric beat Berner, 14, 14. Lane lost to Fellke, 16, 11. And in the last of the singles
matches, Scott was beaten by Persson, 8, 23, who handled his slow loop well.
Eric and Rutledge then dropped their doubles to Persson/Lindhas they were to lose
to them in the tournament over the weekend in a 19-in-the-3rd match they should have won.
And Scott and Jimmy could not come close to beating Fellke/Berner.
The doubles play of our two teams was never very goodand not always taken
seriously enough by Eric and Rutledge. I think now that Scott and Eric, if for a while one or
both of them could completely forget their temperamental differences, would make the best
aggressive team. Both had containing table games, and point-winning strength in Scotts flat
forehand control and Erics angled-off backhands.
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L-R: Eric, Rutledge, Scott

Rutledge photo by Mal Anderson

As for the singles, well, if Eric had won the 1st game from Fellke, or if Scott had won
the 2nd against Persson, or if Rutledge had won either of his games against Lindh, the whole tie
might have been dramatically different, and our table tennis course in Sweden changed.
Eric, particularly, I felt, was still tired, still worried about the two weeks of school he
was missing (would he fail?). He was also put out by the disorientation involved in first-day
moving into Stockholm, in third-day moving out, and now somewhat upset at the prospect of
all 5 of us staying at different homes in Hallstahammar. He shared his 14-year-old discontent in
his own inimitable way with his Captain and his older teammates who did not want to take on
his burden too.* Jimmy, for instance, had preoccupations of his ownwhen, he wanted to
know, was he going to get a good piece of, like, Kansas City meat? Tonight he would have to
eat at McDonalds.
Fortunately, thanks to Nisses good friend Stig Eklof, a former
Swedish National, we were all again put into the hands of very special
sensitive and intelligent people, all of whom had table tennis-playing
children of their own.
Throughout the 3-day tournament at Hallstahammar, Stig, who
was often behind the Control Desk, and Nisse, who was rooting for a
number of his own Angby Club juniors, some of whom hes looked
after since they were 8-9 years old, continued to show the greatest
patience and kindness. Here, by the way,
Stig Eklof
is a photo of a youth Swedish coaches are
especially looking afteryep, thats the future two-time World
and Olympic Champion Jan-Ove Waldner.
None of the boys had anything to write home about in
their Open and Mens Singles matches (no, they didnt play
against any of the best players in Swedenbut neither did they
play like any of the best players in America). However, there
were other matches yet to come. Only now Eric was being Eric
at his most perverse. He had such a bad back, he said, he would
have to default, couldnt get up from the booth in the
Swedens Jan-Ove Waldner
refreshment area where he was lying to play another match. But
after an hour or so of this, just as I was seriously suggesting a
doctor and an ambulance, Nisse became psychiatrist, chiropractor, and wizard, and
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scientifically, magically, got Eric out to the table again. And, lo and behold, he eventually won
the Cadets and joined Rutledge in reaching the unplayed final of a 170 entry (160 of them, it
seemed, juniors) Class A event that offered money and merchandise prizes.
Of course we were impressed by the great number of juniors just in this section of
Sweden who could play at a 2100-2200 level. Almost all the players, though, played the same.
Had good technique, but played the samelooped and counter-looped. There were no
choppersand few, if any, material players.
On our return to Stockholm we played two more warm-up challenge matches against
local club teams, and tied them both. We also did a little sightseeing in the old, historic part of
the city. I particularly liked the famous 15th-century wood carving of St. George and the
Dragon in the Great Church, and Carl Milles equally famous sculpture of a gigantic, brooding
Strindberg (the Swedish dramatist remembered for his The Father and other well-known
plays) which late one dark night Nisse took me out to see.
At the Jury Meeting the night before the Team event was to
begin, the U.S. got a break. Russia, seeded #2 behind South Korea,
at the last minute wired they couldnt comepleaded illnessand
so our #1 team of Eric and Rutledge took their place in the draw
and were given such weak teams to play against as to practically
constitute a bye to the semis.
Our unseeded #2 team of Scott and Jimmy, however, would
have to win two preliminary matches just to get to the quarters
(and the #1 seeded Korean team). The first of these pre-lims they
won, 3-1. But against Stockholm (Mikael Appelgren, the eventual
U-17 Singles winner, and Mikael Johansson) they lost out on a great opportunity. Jimmy
opened the Corbillon Cup play (2 singles, 1 doubles, 2 more singles if necessary) by downing
the favored Appelgren, 2-0a great win. The Apple, it seemed, got just thatat least he
couldnt get any attack startedand Jimmy (who in earlier warm-up matches had sometimes
been too soft and had had some difficulty handling serves) was fearlessly aggressive.
When, in the 2nd match, Scott had Johansson down 17-8 in the 3rd, it looked very good
for the U.S. But then, unaccountably (Scott says he cant remember being careless on a single
point) he blew this big lead and finally lost the match at deuce.
Although this naturally took quite a bit of heart out of him, he and Jimmy managed to
win the first game of their doubles at 19, but lost the next two badly. After which, against
Appelgren, a lefty, who like the late Hans Alser plays back from the table, Scott was never in
the match. The Swedish boy, changing the spin beautifully, has an all-around defense/offense.
How natural is The Apple, someone said. Unbelievable talent. Terrific control. No
surprise to many hell grow up to be one of the worlds best players.
The loss to Johansson was a bad one for Scott because, instead of getting to play in the
round robin quarters (out of which would come the four semifinalists), instead of getting to
play a half-dozen more team matches, which, like any hitter so dependent on touch and timing,
he greatly needed to play to bring his game into shape, he was through. Of course Im
supposing that had the U.S. taken a 2-0 lead, Jimmy would have beaten Johansson. This of
course was by no means certain, but Im sure that the U.S. boys in their disappointment felt it
more than likely.**
In the semis, Eric and Rutledge were up against the by now familiar Angby faces of
Fellke and Peter Ljungqvist. This Club team had earlier delighted Nisse, whos something of a
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maverick, by coming from 2-0 down to knock off the official Sweden team. He was
delighted the more with his boys win because, though the Swedish Association wasnt being
obstructionist, they werent supporting the tournament either.
Eric had been complaining daily about the thickness of his anti-spinno, he didnt
want 2.mm or 3.mm, he wanted (what nobody had, what nobody made?) 1.5.mm. He opened
against Ljungqvist (with 100-200 Swedish crowns bet on the match by those interested in
doing so), and in the 1st he killed Peter, then hung on to win the 2nd at 19.
But Rutledge whod broken 123? rackets in Sweden and who had sent me into
something of a paniched had to hurry to a sport shop just before the match to get still
another racket to play withcouldnt down Fellke. Jens was very motivatedhed been
trying hard to make the last remaining spot on the Swedish Junior Team that would soon be
playing in the European Youth Championships at Barcelona.
With the tie 1-1, the doubles became even more important. This time (as opposed to
unnamed others) Rutledge and Eric were very serious in their play, but they couldnt quite rise
to the occasionperhaps because they hadnt prepared enough for it? At 5-all in the 3rd, I
yelled some encouragementand, next thing I knew, Eric and Rutledge were down 10-5 and
Eric, making the turn, was angrily yelling, Thanks a lot, Pop. (Pop?hed never called me
that in his life, was even now ironically referring to my white-haired appearance.) Back they
fought, though, to tie it up at 18-allwhile I shut up. But my silence wasnt any better than
my speechany more than, before, my speech had been better than my silence.
So the pressure now was on Rutledgeand his new racket. He wins the 1st at 15.
Loses the 2nd at 19. And more and more now, in the 3rd, looking at his racket and talking to
himself with every missed shot, he just cant, no matter how hard he tries, pull out the game.
As the last ball slides off his racket we have let slip away our chance to beat Korea in the final
and win the Championship we have come for.
Korea, as it turns out, is the 3-2 winner over Angbybut Fellke has beaten the #2
Singles seed, Kim Wan, and his partner Yoo Si Hoong. So Jens with this fine showing has won
his trip to Barcelona? No, he has not. For the Swedish Association has picked Berner (an
eventual semifinalist in the Singles here) even before he plays the Koreans. So its not only the
Americans who are disappointed.
Perhaps we can recover in the U-17s?
But Rutledge cant. Hes sick this morning, and has withdrawnperhaps, if he can, to
finish off the Ken Kesey novel hes been reading, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest.
Jimmy cant. He tries as hard as ever, talks to himself, but he loses badly in the 1st
round to one of those myriad 2200 players.
Scott cant. He wins the 1st, loses the 2nd at deuce, but perseveres to take the 3rda
good result, 1st round or not. But in the 2nd round he meets the #1 Austrian junior, Harald
Koller, seeded #6, whos had the benefit of some demanding competitive play, particularly
against the English players in the quarters of the Teams. Hes also had international
experience in European tournaments because hes been put on the Austrians Mens Team
(though more as an observer ready to learn than as a seasoned player).
Koller is solid as a tree trunk and a big looper from both sides. In the 1st, Scott
contains him well with his backhand block, has ball after ball to hit but cant get swing-point
after swing-point to land on the table. In the 2nd, he leads 19-17 but the Austrian has the serve
and runs out the match. Again Scott is very disappointed. He feels he just never got going the
whole trip.
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So that leaves our most temperamental player, Eric. On he goes

through Austria, Sweden, and Finland players until he comes to Niklas
Persson, the #2 14-year-old in Sweden. Eric has given his Captain orders
that he does not want me to watch the match. And as its played in a side
room where I cant watch without being conspicuous I agree to
observehis wishes. I wait anxiously outside for a report.Hes lost the
1st. Scott goes in to offer come coaching advice.Soon its 1-1.Then,
yes, the first friendly face I see is smiling. Eric has rallied to win, has
moved into the quarters. Perhaps I was right not to watch him. I know
only that I am not the kind of father, the kind of Captain, that most
Forbidden to watch. people think of when they think of fathers and Captains.
And in the easier U-14s Eric, the #1 seed, is going strong there too
has moved without incident into the quarters. Here again he meets Persson who must rank
just behind Erik Lindh. And this mini-Bengtsson, Lindh, whats happened to him?
Unbelievable. Hes lost in the 1st roundto some unknown 14-year-old! Which shows you
what I mean about depth. Someone says, These foolish officials talking to him about money,
about contracts, telling him he has a good chance to win both the Juniors and Cadets here
theyve turned the boys head. Someone else says, You can bet that when he goes to the
European Youth Championships theyll only let him play in one eventhave him concentrate
just on that. Here he loses a junior match, is affected consciously and unconsciously, is
disappointed and angry, and now he goes right out and loses his big Cadet match.***
So, o.k. with the #2 seed gone, if Eric can get by Persson again, he should be the
Champion. But this time the always earnest-looking, no-nonsense Swede, his backhand ready
to Frisbee away any loose ball, beats Eric 14 and 11! And goes on, without dropping a game,
to win the tournament.
Now, coming off that loss (Dont talk to me! Just stay away from me!), Eric goes
back out to face Appelgren,
immediately gets way behind,
gives up, is beaten the 1st game
21-2! Then, fighting hard, but
being much too impatient, he
loses the 2nd at 19.
Eric is Eric. He has some
issues, as they say. He didnt win
here, but being mercurial on and
off the table, might he win
elsewhere? What does, or will,
this Swedish experience mean to
him?****
Appelgren, repeatedly
dusting off the table with his
hand after missing a shot (the
better of course to concentrate),
goes on to beat, first, Kenneth
Jackson of England (who, down
Angbys Mikael Appelgren, Under 17 winner over South Koreas
1-0 and at deuce in the 2nd, just
Kim Wan. Eric, 2nd from right, was quarterfinalist.
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escaped losing to Koller), and then Kim Wan in the final two straight.
So not Eric but Appelgren is the Champion. A couple of years ago, when Appelgren
was 14, he was, I heard, a totally undisciplined player. To look at him now you wouldnt
believe it. But he had, as someone said, very bad mannersthat is, he would kick the table,
blame the umpire for a shot hed missed, spit at his opponents coach, whatever. No, the
Association never took disciplinary action against him. He eventually cured himself. Went to
play at a club with some very high-strung playerseven top players, like Thorsell, for
instance. Bad as Appelgren was, they were worse. They set an example for him.
SELECTED NOTES.
*The following undated Letter to the Editor sent to me for publication in Topics was
written by the Boggans family friend Mike Lardon. Why it didnt get published I dont know,
but it doesnt seem to me I would have held it back for any reason. Jack Carr, for one, had
suggested that Danny Seemiller, Insook Bhushan, Eric Boggan, and Kasia Dawidowicz
automatically be put on the U.S. Team to the 79 Pyongyang Worlds. Perhaps after that
suggestion did not find favor with the E.C., and/or after Mike read my Report on the
tournament, he decided, especially since he had ambivalent feelings about Eric and about his
own thoughts of making the Team, not to publish the letter. Anyway, here it is:
I write this letter with no thought of diminishing the ones efforts and
accomplishments I speak of; but I honestly feel the situation I talk about has much importance
and should be brought into the open.
There has been much talk about Eric Boggan of Long Island being automatically
placed on the next U.S. Team to the Worlds because of his undeniable exceptional play.
Everyone should understand that my relationship with Eric and his family is one of great
closeness, but still I must speak honestly if I think a wrong is being done. I feel Eric deserves a
chance to try out for the Team just as everyone else does who is in contention, but I will list
the following reasons why I think to just place Eric on the Team would be unfair and a grave
mistake.
(1) First of all and maybe most importantly, Eric had an extremely anti-Team (almost
hostile) attitude during the Swedish Junior Championships. His attitude was felt by
the entire Team to have a great negative effect on their spirit and morale. His
behavior was atrocious and offensive to the Swedes and embarrassing to the U.S.
But I dont think Eric should be condemned for his behavior. He was very
uncomfortable being in a foreign country, and with age his maturity will increase
and he will understand what is proper and what is not.
(2) Secondly, in the last World Tryouts, the U.S. was pushing to have some youths/
juniors on the Team, for we hadnt had many. But now there has been a
tremendous influx of good young players, so I dont think it would be fair to secure
a position for Eric [#1-rated junior, 2396] while there are still so many other young
players who might make the TeamScott Boggan [#2-rated, 2311] and Rutledge
Barry [#3-rated, 2217], for example.
(3) The 3rd reason is that Eric is only 14 and will be on more than his share of U.S.
teams if he continues along his present rate of improvement.
So lets be fair and give Eric the same chance as everyone else. Who knows, he might
make the next Team anyway.
289

P.S. I must honestly say that my feelings

about the situation would remain the same no
matter what my position is in table tennis
[Mikes underrated at 2103]. But I must
admit my position [as one in contention to
make the Team] gives me the motivation and
courage to have this letter printed.
**In a May 15 letter to Millie Shahian,
Leah Miss Ping Neuberger says, The U.S.
Juniors came in 4th in Sweden after Sweden,
South Korea, and Austria. [The U.S. came
fourth alright, but in the final, South Korea
beat Angby (whod earlier downed the
official Sweden team).] Miss Ping cites
Scott Boggans line, Were just as good as
they are (they meaning the players he saw
there). Her comment on that is, I think he
believes his fathers write-ups.
***Two months later, in the European
Youth Championships in Barcelona, Erik
Lindh took the Cadet Boys Singles title, and
with Niklas Persson the Cadet Teams. In
Sweden, Rutledge, as weve seen, had beaten
Persson and lost to Lindh, 19 and 20, and
Eric had split with Persson whod lose 24-22 in the 3rd in the semis of the European Cadets, and so
just missed having the chance to beat Lindh in the final. Considering, too, that Jimmy Lane beat
Appelgren, we just might be (given the disorientation we had and the Swedes didnt) almost as
good as they are. And, later, at the 12-country 1981 Scandinavian Junior Open.
****Speaking of what the Swedish experience might do for one, I was very surprised to
receive a penciled note from a youth Id never seen before. I opened it to read:
Good Morning, Tim!
Its the crazy Canadian Brian Zembik! Im sorry I could not get up
to Stockholm to see you guys play! Ive been in Sweden for 10 months
training in Falkenberg with Stellan Bengtsson and 2 other top players! But
its been horrible training really, cas Stellans been sick all year, or something
else came up, so I couldnt train! Ive been making money by doing magic
here. But anyhow if I get up to the States can I get together with another
top player and train for a month or less? All day trainingany month is
good enough for me! If you got any ideas give your address to the boy
wholl give this to you and hell give it back to me! I need the training. Im
playing shit now. But take it easy, eh! And say Hi to Rutledge and Eric.
P.S. Last year I came to Europe cas I was suspended in Canada!!
Bye now.
Brian Zembik
290

Brian Kid Zembik

From CTTA News,
Nov. 1974

Chapter Twenty-One
1978: May-June Tournaments Preceding the U.S. Open.
Well, the title of the tournament, Pacific Northwest Open, and
the number of events offered, 21, sounds expansive enough, but,
truth is, the May 13-14 weekend showed only in-club Paddle
Palace Results. Still, the Championship Singles had some very tense
matches. Apichart Sears struggled in succession over Judy
Bochenski (she had him down 2-1), over Jay Crystal, -19, 13, 19,
25, and over Ron Carver in the final, 24, 14, -20, 18. Carver, too,
was hard-pressedhe defeated Bryan Wright in the quarters after
being behind 2-1, then stopped Quang Bui, 17 in the 5th in the
semis. Carver would go on to win the June 10-11 Rose Festival
Open over Wright and Crystal.
Bryan Wright
A ditto Northwest event, the Master Singles, went to Sears
over Carver (whod been -16, 21, 18, 25, bloodied by Keun Chung),
then over Crystal, after Jay had prevailed in 4 (from 1-1 and deuce in the 3rd) over Charlie
McLarty. Think Sears with his back-to-back wins is pretty good, do you? How about his 16year-old sister, Jogkhaw Taveepranichpan, 3-time Thai Junior Girls Champion? Might see her
coming over to the States, along with Chuchai Chan whod gone back to Thailand and got
himself married. Sears, too, is planning his return, accompanied by sightseers to Bangkok and
environs, Gary Elwell, Sheila ODougherty, and Judy Bochenski who, if she can work it in this
summer, will graduate from Stanford. Carvers up for traveling too, at least locally, so long as
he has his Stiga robot with him. While raising salmon for the Fish Commission, hes lived in
such Oregon cities as Oakridge, Lowell, Dexter, and now Sandy [these are cities?].
Open Doubles went to Crystal/Chung when Dean Doyle/Bui went into a 19, -14, -9
meltdown. In a Strive for Perfection article (TTT, Sept,-Oct., 16), Crystal, wholl soon be
going to Pittsburgh to learn a few things from the Seemillers, says players care too much about
winning and (gulp) losing than they do about trying to make the correct shot, the perfect shot.
Players try to be tricky, use funny rubber, develop unorthodox styles [sic: or strokes?].
Lower-level players need stroke training; high-level players need footwork training. Doyle,
who lost to Bui in the Championship Singles and McLarty in the Masters, would later
produce some dashing Doyleamania in coming from two games down to both McLarty and
Carver to win the Lu Yen Summer Open
Other Northwest Results: AAs: Al Martz over Paul Chang. As: Martz, 19, -15, 20,
over Jim Scott whos credited with naming Bochenskis Club The Paddle Palace. Modified A
Doubles: Rick Livermore/Jen-Hsun Huang over Gary Elwell/Wright. (At the Rose Festival
Open Livermore would upset 2nd-seed Bui in the Championship event and would win the AAs
without dropping a game.) Bs: Huang over Greg Castleman. B Doubles: Gary Leaf/John
Fredrickson over Bob Homer, Sr. and Jr., 23-21 in the 3rd. Cs: John Kretchmer over Chan
Poovaviranon, deuce in the 3rd, after Chan had taken out John Fredrickson, -17, 21, 16. Ds:
Bob Homer, Jr. over Leaf. Modified D Doubles: Homers win it over Tom Modica/Kalb. Es:
Bob Homer, Jr. over Bob Larson. F Singles: Larson over Rick Hosack whod advanced over
Leon Ransom, 20, -20, 20. Gs: Chi Leung over Tom Sayre, -23, 20, 11. Hard Rubber: Wright
over Jim Tisler. Rating: Chan over Modica. Seniors: Harold Fredrickson over Homer, Sr.
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Juniors: Huang over John Jennings.

Juniors U-1200: Jennings over
Homer, Jr. Juniors U-800: Leung
over Tim Fraser.
Oh, ohDon Gunn says
that, after more than a quartercentury existence, his Berkeley, CA
Club has ceased to operate. Nope,
no good table tennis news for Don
and friends with Proposition 13, a measure placed on
the ballot by voter initiative, and passed
overwhelmingly. By placing a low ceiling on property
tax rates, it cut off most of the revenue used to run the
states schools. So of course the government had to
look elsewhere for sources of revenue. What used to
be free, or obtainable at a nominal cost, now costs
plenty. The Center which we used for so long now
costs more per hour than we can pay, and since the
problem is statewide we cannot simply move.
This summer Los Angeles hosted the 22nd
National Wheelchair Games. Results: Men: 1A: 1. Skip
Wilkins (VA). 2. Fred McBee (FL). 3. Rod Vlieger
Perennial National Wheelchair
(MN). 1B: 1. Bart McNichol (NY). 2. Stef Florescu
Champion Mike Dempsey
(MI). 3. Doug Validejuli (FL). 1C: 1.
Photo by Don Gunn
Ken Brooks (NJ). 2. John Chambers
(CA). 3. John Ebert (FL). II: 1. Ty Kaus.
2. John Gray (OH). 3. John Beaufait (FL).
III: 1. Parviz Parhami. 2. James Stephen
(FL). 3. Mark Nelson (CA). IV-V: 1.
Perennial Champion Mike Dempsey (CA).
2. Mitch Stephens (TN). 3. Tom Parke
(PA). Women: 1A: 1. Janice Elix (CO). 2.
Debbie Russell (CA). 3. Jeanette Leedle
(WI). 1B: 1. Evelyn Moore (IL). 2.
Barbara Baum (PA). 3. Ethel Bedford
(FL). IC: 1. Sharon Scheppke (CA). II. 1.
Diana Richardson. 2. Roberta Wailes
(NY). 3. Kathleen Spang (OH). III: 1.
Ruth Rosenbaum (NY). 2. Pamela
Chamberlain (FL). 3. Susan Owen (WI).
IV-V: 1. Susan Sygall (CA). 2. Jackie
DiLorenzo (NY). 3. Terese Terranova
(FL).
Ah, that last name, Terese
Terranova, so familiar to many newWorld and Olympic Champion Terese Terranova,
millennium
readers. These National
with Coach Marty Prager
292

Wheelchair Games are being held in 1978. In 1985,

when Coach Marty Prager met Terese, who years earlier
had been injured in a bad car accident, he said she didnt
know how to hold the paddle, yet she showed great
promise. Within two years, she was World Champion,
then, in 88, Olympic Champion. Afterwards, she began
a 20-year career with Marty, both becoming well-known
as coaches of young champions.
In Las Vegas, in early May, Danny Seemiller was
again playing in the World Racquets Championship, held
this year at the luxurious Atlas Health Club in San
Diego. The sponsor, Bristol-Myers, who was putting up
$40,000 in prize money and promoting a CBS TV
showing of the tournament, had tried unsuccessfully up
until the last minute to get Japans World Champion
Danny likes his sponsors
Mitsuru Kohno to participate instead of Seemiller. So
sweatsuit...and the two-year $9000
total prize money.
Danny had only five days of preparationbut, as he said
(TTT, May-June, 1978, 24), So what if I didnt win. So
what if I even came last. There was a $4,000 guarantee and all expenses paid.
This year, same as last, the assembled championsGuillermo Vilas (Tennis),
Defending Champion Sharif Khan (Squash), Rudy Hartono (Badminton), Hilary Hilton, the
only woman competitor (Platform Tennis), Marty Hogan (Racquetball), and Danny Seemiller
(Table Tennis)could not compete in their own sport. Since this year only four sports were in
playRacquetball, Badminton, Tennis, and Table TennisSquash Champ Khan would sit out
Racquetball (too close to Squash), and pretty Platform Tennis Champ Hilton would sit out
Tennis (because shed won titles in that sport too). There were no seedings in any of the
events, all had blind draws.
After Friday was given over to practice and the necessary media interviews, the first
matches were played Saturday morningat 7:30! The sport was racquetball, Dannys best
chance to win an event. This year the woman was not given a handicap, so Vilas pummeled
Hilton, 21-2. Danny, not to be outdone, lost the first point to Hartono, then blitzed him 21
straight.
Id won 3 points for getting to the final, Danny said, and if I could beat Vilas Id get
5 more and take an early lead in the tournament. But after 10 minutes of play, Seemiller knew
this final was going to take a long timethey were only 8 points in, and Danny was down 62then 13-8. Vilas was better than I thought hed be and very fast on his feet. But Danny
got hotran 9 in a row to go up 17-13. Only then
We had been playing for 40 minutes already and I was tired. Suddenly Vilas got a
couple of lucky shots and tied it at 18-all. Then 3 points later, hed come out the winner. I
couldnt have tried any harderI gave it my all. Up 17-13and lose. It was my only chance
to do well in this competition and I blew it.
At Badminton, Seemiller had to play a qualifying quarters match, as it were, against
Vilas, and, as they were both novices, Danny lucked out 15-13. Then he got 15-2 killed by
Hogan. It was Khan, however, who won this event easily.
After a lunch break, Hogan beat Seemiller in Tennis, 6-3. Marty wasnt any goodI
was just lousy, said Danny. Khan walloped Hartono 6-0, and then, after choking away the
293

first game against Hogan, finished him off 6-1. With one eventTable Tennisto go, the
standings for the $15,000 1st Prize were: 1. Khan (16). 2. Vilas (8). 3. Hogan (6). 4. Seemiller
(3). 5-6. Hartono and Hilton (0).
The draw gave Vilas a chance. Who did he meet in the semis but the other best table
tennis player, Khan. If Sharif lost to Vilas, he could not get the 3 points for reaching the final,
and so would be stuck at 16 points. Whereas if Vilas could get the 3 points for the semis and
then 5 for winning, hed have 16 too, and since this was the only event theyd played against
each other, the tie would be broken via this head-to head result, making Vilas the Champion.
Though Hogan, having to play a qualifying match, would just squeak by Hartono and Hilton
(keeping them scoreless was worth $250 to Danny), he would have no chance against Vilas.
Thus $9,000 was riding on this one semis game.
Guillermo played with a 2 mm. Cobra, but Sharif played with a hard rubber bat.
Quickly Vilas built up a 7-310-515-8 lead. It looked very bad for Khan. But then Sharif
made a remarkable comebackwon 6 straight to pull to 15-14. Only, with Guillermo up 1614 and serving, Sharif missed 3 serves in a row and couldnt recover.
So Danny picked up $5000 for coming 4th, thanked the Bristol-Myers sponsor, and
expressed the hope that hed be back next year.

Teacher and pupil--D-J Lee instructing Barby Jones.

Oklahoma State Junior Champion Kirk Golbach

Photo by Carl Anderson

The Oklahoma Junior Closed, played June 10 at the Bartlesville Boys Club, drew an
encouraging 43 entries. Results: Under 17s: Kirk Golbach. U-17 Doubles: Golbach/Kenny
Holmes. Under 15s: Mark McDonald. U-13s: Karin Thompson. U-13 Doubles: Karin
Thompson/Marilyn Johnston. Under 11As: Jimmy Manning. Marilyn Johnston of Bartlesville,
the #1-ranked U-13 girl in the U.S., was upset not once but twice: Karin Thompson beat her
in the final of the U-13s, and Barby Jones stopped her in the U-15s. When D-J gives a clinic
in Bartlesville, Barby, continuing to get more experience, is one of those players he most
enjoys making a point to.
In covering the summer Westroads Open in Omaha, Tom Walsh tells us (TTT, JulyAug., 1978) that most of the players enjoyed playing in the central mall of the eighth largest
shopping center in the world. However, Houshang Bozorgzadeh, attending an Omaha
294

tournament for the first time, was one who protested the playing conditions. Walsh said the
tournament was quite well organized, but that the organizers were not provided with good
lighting for two of the tables, and that play was on a hard, tiled surface.
In fact, Houshang said he and John Stillions intended to go back home. (Though the
tournaments Championship Singles was scheduled for two days, Houshang had planned to
stay only for one.) Then Todd Petersen told Walsh that he couldnt stay for two days and
would have to default out. The threatened loss of the three top seeds understandably upset
Tom so much that, despite 4th-seed Mark Kennedys plea to him not to be intimidated, he
agreed to run the premier event on just the one day, Saturday. Why? For the sake of the
thousands of mall spectators already watching and for my own peace of mind, he said.
The four seeds played a semifinal round robin for the Championship. And fortunately
there was a real final, for the outcome of the last match would decide whether Bozorgzadeh,
whod lost in 5 to Kennedy (Mark and Todd both finished with 1-2 records), or Stillions, as
yet undefeated, would take the title. If Houshang beat John, theyd both be 2-1, but Houshang
would win via the head-to-head tie-breaker.
None of the first four games were close. At times
Stillions would keep the offense, often scoring with kill shots
to Houshangs forehand; other times Bozorgzadeh would
retain control with his up-to-the-table chop-blocks and
occasional hits. In the 5th game, it appeared that Houshang
would avenge his loss to John back at the early-April
Windsor tournament. Tom said, Houshang played as well as
I have ever seen him, to lead 19-14, blocking, pick-hitting,
choppingall the things he does so originally well. But now
Stillions stubbornly held strong. He began to hit more to the
forehand, to loop harder, to jump high into the air as he
looped to feed more spin and pace into each shot.
After John had crept to 19-18 there occurred the best
point of the match, of the tournament. John looped five hard
shots to Houshangs forehand; then he
killed to the forehand; Houshang
returned all shots, the last a bit short,
and John dropped one very short over
Johnny Stillions
the net. Houshang left his feet in a
Photo by Mal Anderson
dive over the table in an effort to
return itbut missed. The two points that followed were more of the
sameJohn looping four to five, then killing for winners Tom said
this was one of the gutsiest, most thrilling matches it has ever been my
pleasure to watch in over 20 years of running tournaments.
Other Results: Womens: Ethelanne Risch over Judy Libowski. As:
Arlen Zimmer over David Barnes (from down 2-1 and at deuce in the 4th).
A Doubles: Scott Grafton/Barnes over Petersen/Don Ehrismann. Bs:
Zimmer over Grafton, 19, -19, 19. B Doubles: Pat Chastain/Daylin Risch
over Petersen and Walt Gomes whod come all the way over from
Wyoming to play. Novice: Jim Orr over Gary Zdan, 19, -21, 19. Seniors:
Daylin Risch,
Grafton over Lee Kudirka. U-17s: Daylin Risch over Mark Zdan. U-15s:
four-event winner
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Daylin Risch over Doyle Risch. U-13s:

Daylin Risch over Dale Floyd. U-11s:
Daylin Risch over Dustin Risch. (I cant
recall any other instance at a
tournament where all four junior
eventsthe U-17s, U-15s, U-13s, U11swere won by the same person.)
Winners at Milwaukees June
24 Dairyland Open (prizes were
quarts of milk?): Open Singles:
Houshang Bozorgzadeh over Tom
Running. Best late-round matches:
Running over Ted Stomma, 19 in the
Grace Ide, Milwaukee A winner
5th; Chuck Pelky over Grace Ide, 14, Photo by Mal Anderson
14, -15, 19, 22. As: Ide over Terry
Lonergan, 13, -20, 22, then over Tom Breunig. A Doubles: Joe Mayer/Stomma over Charles
Peterson/Bill Hornyak Bs: Cheryl Dadian over Lonergan. Cs: Tom Drucker over John
Christoffer whod advanced over Larry Tung, -18, 19, 18. Es: Mat Lee over Tom Lawson, 18
in the 3rd. Handicap: Dave Dalland over Richard Fiedler. Consolation: Don Caswell over
Dalland. Seniors: Bozorgzadeh over Breunig. U-17s: Dadian over Fred Wachtmeister.
The May 13-14 $915 Kingsport Open with its 101 entries was the largest tournament
ever held in Tennessee. Results: Open Singles: Danny Seemiller ($200) over super-looper Jerry
Thrasher after Jerry had upset Ricky Seemiller, 17 in the 5th. Open Doubles: Seemillers over
Thrasher/Charles Butler. Women: Melba Martin over Esperanza Vincent. As: Fred King over
Homer Brown whod eliminated Pete May, 17, 19, -18, 21. A Doubles: May/Brian Kruger
over Larry Thoman/Steve Stangline. Bs: Jim McQueen over Jim Flannagan in 5. Cs: John
Allen over Stan Wallen, def.. Ds: Oren Yates over Orval Quisenberry, def. Semis: Yates over
Dwight Mitchell in 5; Quisenberry over Bill Coleman, 19 in the 5th. Es: Billy Collier over
Paul Ng, 18, 7, -21, -20, 19, then over Tom Cooper. Seniors: Larry Bartley over Bowie
Martin. Juniors: Allen over Scott Leamon.
Nancy Hill (TTT, May-June, 1978, 16) reports on the Fourth Annual Arkansas
Superstar Tournament, held May 5-6 in the McCain Mall Shopping Center in North Little
Rock. Thanks to organizer Duke Stogner and the generosity of local sponsors, this is the
seasons climactic event. It brings together the winners of the four Closed tournaments in
Arkansas each year (or a runner-up if the winner is already eligible). For the fortunate
participants its a big dealthe winner gets an all-expense paid trip to the U.S. Open. Nancy
says, Besides creating the opportunity for local players to receive recognition and to win a
trip, the tournament generates a lot of public interest in table tennis.
This years winner was 19-year-old Andy Bloxom, the most improved player in the
state. Of course hes worked at it. Hes raised his rating over 300 points in less than a year
by concentrating on his defensive game, and by showing particular improvement in the areas of
service return, consistency, and deception. Results: 1. Bloxom, 2-1 (defeated Stogner and
Hall). 2. Duke Stogner, 2-1 (defeated Hall, and also Persaud by default, but lost the head-tohead tie-breaker with Bloxom). 3. William Hall, 1-2 (defeated Persaud, -14, 18, 20). 4. Roger
Persaud (defeated Bloxom, but lost that deuce-in-the-3rd killer to Hallthough why default to
Stogner, for if he beats him he goes to Oklahoma City).
296

Stogner starts the new season off right by winning the

June 3 Arkansas Closed, and so is already in the Final Fourrunning for that free trip to the 79 U.S. Openwhich will be on
Long Island (with of course a chance to visit New York City).
Results: Open Singles: Stogner over Hall. Open Doubles: Hill/
Brian McClesky over Stogner/Hall. Womens: Sarah McGauhey
over Grider. Mixed Doubles: Hill/Paul Hadfield over Peters/
Peters. As: Hall over Hadfield. Bs: Hall over Danny Trawick.
Novice: Phil Hardin over Presley. Boys U-17: Gary Jones over
Bruton. Girls U-17: McGauhey over Angie Morehead. U-17
Doubles: Jones/B. Breeding over Joey Gaiser/Bruton. Boys U15: Gaiser over Ken Bruton, -15, 21, 21, then over Tas
Lehoczky. Boys U-13: Bruton over Danny Boroughs, 24-22 in
Player/promoter Duke Stogner
the 5th. Girls U-13: Morehead over Gaiser. Girls U-11: Pam
Bruton over M. Stegner.
Speaking of Ping-Pong as a way to travel, an AP article out of Miami, FL (TTT, JulyAug., 1978, 21) reported that Ramon Estevez Cordova, a 27-year-old handyman, pulled from
the sea about five miles off the coast of Key Largo, said hed used Ping-Pong paddles as oars
and fought off sharks and dodged Cuban navy patrols during a harrowing seven-day journey to
freedom floating on inner tubes. He was hoping to find his sister who he thought lived in
New York (hed soon be reunited with her). When on arrival he saw an American flag he wept.
Cordovas first words to his rescuers were, in Spanish, Is this New York? Soon, maybe
hed be asking, Is there a Ping-Pong Club nearby?
Winners at the June 18 City Beautiful Open (thats Orlando):
Championship Singles: Ron Rigo over Steve Rigo whod been pressured by
John Elliott, 19, -6, 20, 18. Ladies Singles: Nancy Newgarden over Olga
Soltesz. Championship Doubles: Elliott/Phil Gibbs over H. C. Dao/Randy
Hess, 25-23 in the 4th. As: Buddy Hutson over Dao, 27-25 in the 4th (or 5th?).
Bs: Steve Federico over Clinton Steffan. B Doubles: M. Lunsford/Steffan
over George Bluhm/Federico. Cs: Dao in a thriller over Bluhm, -19, 18, -19,
22, 19. Ds: Bluhm over Fred Wessel, 19 in the 4th. Seniors: Marv Leff over
Jim Leggett. Juniors: Scott Beauregard over V. Q. Tran.
Results of the May 6 Wilson, N.C. Open: Open Singles: Fred King,
17 in the 5th, over Homer Brown who -15, -19, 18, 20, 15 turned back Jim
McQueens
challenge.
Womens: Jean
Poston over Mei
Mei Ma. As:
City Beautiful
Denny Stanley
Seniors Winner
over Bowie
Marv Leff
Martin. Bs:
Clyde Vincent over Scott Leamon. Cs:
Bowie Martin, Jr. over Bowie Martin
(Melba stayed home for that one?).
Bowie Martin Jr.
Ds: Whit Morgan over Roger Baldner.
Photo by Mal Anderson
297

Seniors: Martin over Erle Davis. U-17 Boys: Call me Ismail over
Leamon. Boys U-15: Bowie Martin, Jr. over Morgan U-17/U-15
Girls winner: Esperanza Vincent. U-13: Todd Blaeuer over Marius
Vincent, 18, -19, 20. U-11 winner: David Agner.
It was hot, hot, hot at the Wilson Butterfly Club for the
June 3 Hardees Team Tournament. Tom Poston, who runs the
Club three days a week plus tournaments, says, Eight teams
in the Championship bracket and seven teams in the Class A
division played themselves into near exhaustion. Fred King led
the panting pack with a 10-0 record, and right behind him were
Durhams Denny Stanley (9-1) and Raleighs Steve Hitchner (92). Singles stars for the day in Division A play were Craig
Strickland (7-0), Jim Wiggins (7-1), and Jean Poston (9-2).
Of course the emphasis was on Team not Individual play.
But King did alright there too. In a three-way playoff, he and Jim
McQueen (with a 20-5 record) beat out the runner-up team of
Tom Poston
Denny Stanley/Bill Brown (20-7) and 3rd Place finisher James
Gatlin/Sol Lewis (18-10) who, just too tired to continue, defaulted to the winning King/
McQueen duo. Class A went to Craig Strickland/Jim Wiggins over Johnny McCorkle/Billy
Collier. Poston says the real hero of the day, though, was Wilsons Dick Barnes who, as one
of the owners of the local Hardees restaurant, supported the tournament not only as a player
but also as the sponsor.
Results of the New Jersey Open played at Rutgers University, May 20-21: Danny
Seemiller over George Brathwaite whod 18, 21, 20 clamped shut Mike Bushs chances. Best
late-round match: Eric Boggan over Rick Seemiller (in quarters play, both being on Dannys
side of the draw), -20, 13, -19, 22, 7. Open Doubles: Seemillers over E. Boggan/Dave Philip, 19, 19, 18, then over Bush/Randy Seemiller. Womens: Hodiah Davidson with a fierce rally
over her sister Carol, -17, -12, 20, 19, 19. Mixed Doubles: H. Davidson/Robert Earle over
Benfield Munroe/Dana Gvildys.
Esquires: Marcy Monasterial over Bob Brickell.
Seniors: Brathwaite over Tim Boggan. Senior
Doubles: Bill Sharpe/Boggan over Brathwaite/Sid
Jacobs. I dont see Rufford Harrison playing in the
Seniors here at Rutgers (maybe hes overseas
again?), but Jairie Resek tells us that Ruffords
daughter McRae has completed part of a Rutgers
University program in France. Now, after a sojourn
visiting a grandmother in England, where Rufford
grew up and got his Ph.D., shell continue her
studies in Germany. She gets around, huh? Like
father, like daughter. U-13s: J. Poiselli over Ai-Ju
Wu, U-15: Mike Shapiro over Alex Mlavsky. Junior
Doubles: Ben Nisbet/Shapiro over Jeff Pedicini/
Mike Stern, 19 in the 4th. U-17As: Maximo
Vasquez vs. Ben Nisbet (no result). U-17s: Brian
Masters over Brian Eisner, -13, 13, 22, -17, 17.
Marcy Monasterial
298

When Yvonne Kronlage started

teaching table tennis at a local Parks and
Recreation Department, she had Brian
Masters as one of her first pupils (this,
before or after he won the U-9 event at the
MD/ DC/ VA Closed). Now, at 14, hes
Topics (Sept.-Oct.) Junior of the Month.
Yvonne says Brians good at all sports. In
soccer, he played on the Prince Georges
County Championship Team. In tennis,
he won the Southern Maryland Open 12
and under, also the Montgomery County
Open 12 and under. Understandably he
had an offer to take up tennis seriously,
but who could doubt he made the right
choice in determinedly continuing to
improve his table tennis game? Weve
already seen a number of his successesat
13, at the 77 Vegas Nationals, he and Eric
Boggan took the U-15 Doublesand well
see a lot more of his wins in the future.

Brian Masters
Photo by Neal Fox

Other Rutgers Results: As: Munroe over

Monasterial. A Doubles: Al Schwartz/Doon Wong
over Bruce Hvasta/Meredith Elston. Bs: Monasterial
over Ralph Bockoven. Cs: Hvasta over Shapiro, 22,
19, then over Jim Releford. C Doubles: Lee
Schumann/John Sisti over Shapiro/Ron Snyder. Ds:
George Cameron over Nisbet. Es: P. Giangarra over
Carlos Monroy, 24-22 in the 3rd, then over Barry Dattel,
future Westfield, NJ Club President and 30-year event
Barry Dattel
winner at major tournaments. Fs: B. OReilly over Don
Piper. Wheelchair: Tyler Kaus, challenged by runner-up
S. Rosenblum and Al Nirenstein.
An anonymous article (by A Spectator in TTT,
May-June, 1978, 21) proclaimed this Rutgers tournament The Finest Ever in New Jersey. The
writer lauds the playing conditions at the Rutgers Athletic Center, particularly the lights (radiating
from so very high up) shining so beatifically on each square foot of the courts. Such a place for a
tournament6,000 seating capacity (would that we could fill those seats) and 26 tables in a
configuration allowing separate access to each one (plus 6 more tables in a nearby wing for
practice). Control Desk control, tooeach participant had his personal time-schedule for his
matches. And those matches pleasingly extended in the 8ths of the Championship Singles to best 3
out of 5. The calm was so unusual. Who had complaints? Who could argue?
Its so beautiful! Its so professional! Best playing conditions! No delays in that
schedule. I feel like playing here! If only we could have all our events under these conditions!
Lets get the Easternsor the Nationalshere!
Maybe thatll happen.
299

U.S. Open Tournament Director Ron Shirley looks towards

center court, as do Colorman Jack Howard (L) and TV
Anchorman John Brooks. Insert: Interviewer John Schneider.
Howard/Brooks photo by Don Gunn

Chapter Twenty-Two

The 1978 U.S. Open was played on 84 tables at

Oklahoma Citys Myriad Exhibition Hall June 29-July 2 under
1978: U.S. Open
the direction of Ron Shirley. I want to say right off that the
four-hour TV coverage of the 625+-entry* tournament was
the best Ive ever seen. It went out, via the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority, to 270
Public Broadcasting System (PBS) stations in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands,
and Pago-Pago. Telecast anchorman John Brooks, Jack Howard and John Schneider were
clearly far superior in their enthusiasm, their clarity of delivery, and their understanding of the
Sport to any of the top-rated professionals from the major networks who have handled the
coverage before. What was particularly appealing to me was the absolute naturalness and
enjoyment shown by these three commentators, and the lack of phoniness that in the past
weve all despaired of. Jairie Resek, watching the show in New York on
cable TVs Channel 13 and 21, saw the Seemiller interview and said Danny
was Class Unbounded. I also thought the U.S. Open Program was well
done, and, as copies were available from Headquarters after the tournament
for $.75, Id say, if you want a souvenir, even a
collectors item, buy one.
Ill begin my coverage with the Boys/Girls
matches, follow with the Womens, and the Results of
the Class/Age divisions, after which Roger Sverdlik
will comment on the Mens matches. Later, well see
some reactions to the tournament by others.

Eric Boggan, Under 17, Under 15 winner

Photo by Neal Fox

Boys Matches
Fourteen-year-old Eric Boggans record since he
began playing in a Mens event two weeks after
turning 7 (ridiculouswhat was his father thinking
300

of?) has been unparalleled in Junior play in the last 25 years of U.S. table tennis. Here he won
both the U-17 and U-15 Singles, and also paired with Sverdlik to win the U-21 Doubles, and
with his brother Scott to win the U-17 Doubles. Which means that Eric, who also holds the
U.S. Closed U-17 and U-15 Singles and Doubles Championships, has already been a winner
of, or runner-up for, 24 National titles, and (are you documenting this, Miss Ping?) still has
three more years of eligibility as a Junior. Yeah, o.k., Im responsible for the superlatives, but
hes earned them.
In the semis of the U-17s, Eric beat Jim
Jens Fellke
Photo by
Lane in 4 (while Don Gunn playing in another
Mal Anderson
event** could be seen wearing a shirt that had
written on its back, quirkily, if not weirdly, D.M.
Gunn. I would rather be Jim Lane). In the finals,
Eric gained sweet revenge over the 17-year-old
Swedish star Jens Fellke whod twice beaten him in
U.S.A.-Sweden matches this spring at
Hallstahammar and Stockholm.
Jens great success in the Team matches in
the Swedish Junior Open (in the finals he beat both
South Koreans) was the result of many years of hard
work. From the time he was 9 his father took him
out of local competition and three times a week they
drove the many miles necessary so that Jens could
get the much needed, tougher play at Nisse Sandbergs Angby Club.
Here at the Myriad, Fellke, one of a contingent of 11 from Sweden, again played well
in the Teams, beating 1977 U.S. Open Champ Jochen Leiss of West Germany.
Moreover, in the U-17 final against Boggan, he came within match point of prevailing.
After Eric had won the 2nd game at 19 to tie the match at 1-1, it appeared as though he would
turn things his way, helped by his own momentum and Mike Bushs coaching or at least
encouraging words (Eric listens. Hes really very modest. He has a good head on his
shoulders). Indeed, up 20-16 in the 3rd, Boggan looked secure. But then unexpectedly Fellke,
seeming to take on some of his close-by mentor Nisses inner strength, rallied to deuce it up
then won 23-21 to take a 2-1 lead.
At which point, Mike begins waving and yelling to Eric to come off court and take the
5-minute break. But Eric, planting himself at the table, yells back, Its all right. I know what
Im doing. I can win.
Yeah?
Down match point, 20-19, it doesnt look good for him. But angling himself over the
table, he side-to-side force-blocks Jenss only-one-more-ball-has-to-go-in topspins and, staying
strong, runs out the game.
Yeah.
Smiling, he looks to a smiling Bush. Two games each
Early in the 5th, though, Eric fails to return three of Jenss serves, gets screamed at by
me, roars his (Let me alone!) answer back, and then plays lion-like to take the game and the
$250 National Junior Table Tennis Foundation Scholarship Award.
The U-17 A Singles was won by Quebecs Stephanne Charbonneau over Portlands Joe
Romanowsky; the U-17 A Doubles by Michigans Jim Doney/Torsten Pawlowski over
301

Oklahomas Kirk Golbach/Ken Holmes.

Jens and his partner Lars Stener were
unlucky in the U-17 Doubles final against
Eric and his arch-rival (aka brother) Scott.
The Swedes were up 20-14 in the 5th when
Erics competitive instincts suddenly
awakened and it became
15161718. But thenstop!
Erics faced with a decision. He and Scott
are having a 10-second conference. Nooo,
I thought, dont lose the momentum.
Scott, whos played the whole match with
undeviating high seriousness, is pleading
with Eric to serve short, not long. So what
does Eric do? Serves short. The brothers
win 23-21. Of course its doubly satisfying
Lars Stener
to me, the father, to see such
Photo by Mal Anderson
(unexpected?) cooperation between my
sons, two completely different individuals with contrasting styles of play and contrasting
personalities.
Eric also won the U-15s by defeating U.S. Team Captain/Coach Houshang
Bozorgzadehs protg John Stillions in straight games. Since John has been going to more
and more Midwest tournaments his rating has soared into the area of his frisbee-winning
expertise. Particularly to the mark is his flashing cross-court forehand winner. In the semis,
John had a big 2-0 win against an always all-out, always dangerous Quang Bui who, following
this Open, went to Japan for three months training (USTTA agreed to pay one half of the
most economical round trip air fare). Latest report has it that everyones as pleased with
Quangs deportment as his play. (That had not been the case with other U.S. Juniors sent
there, and Tamasu had asked Bowie Martin
to be more involved in the selection process.)
U-15 Doubles went to Canadians Joe Ng and
Rene Lewandowsky over Stener/Niclas
Torsell.
Torsell, the latest of Nisse Sandbergs
Swedish wunderkinds, won the U-13s in
straight games over both Scott Butler and
our U-13 Closed Champ Brandon Olson.
Earlier, Brandon, whos got to have stronger
than Minneapolis competition, had his 17-inthe-5th hands full with both Bernie Braun and
Brad Larson, roughly 150 and 250 points
behind him in the ratings. But because
Brandons been a Champ he again played like
one when he had to. Olson, paired with Dan
Wiig, also took the U-13 Doubles over Butler
Angbys Niclas Torsell, Under 13 winner
and Sean ONeill.
Photo by Don Gunn
302

Scott Butler (L) wins the Under 11 Final over Sean ONeill.
Scotts photo by Mal Anderson; Seans photo by Neal Fox

In the U-11 final, Butler and ONeill battled it out before a large and appreciative
audience (who, as one fellow said, wanted to see them both win)with Butler blocking well
and hitting in that quick, point-winning forehand to win the match in 4 (after Sean, down 2019 in the 3rd, had served off!). Scott, whos been coached beautifully by his dad, Dick, has been
invited to Sweden for four tournaments in October. Hell be looked after at the Angby Club by
Nisse, and will stay at the Torsell home.

U.S. Under 13 Champion

Marilyn Johnston

U.S. Under 15 Champion

Cheryl Dadian

U.S. Under 17 Champion

Kasia Dawidowicz

Photo by Mal Anderson

Photo by Barry Margolius

Girls Matches
U-17s: Kasia Dawidowicz over Gloria Nesukaitis. U-17 Doubles: Dawidowicz/Debbie
Payotelis over Cheryl Dadian/Jackie Heyman in 5. U-15s: Dadian over Karin Thompson. U15 Doubles: Barby Jones/Kathy Thompson over Marilyn Johnston/Karin Thompson. U-13s:
M. Johnston over Barby Jones. U-13 Doubles: M. Johnston/Karin Thompson over Jones/
Barbara Johnston. According to her coach, Jim Taylor, ninth-grader-to-be Marilyn is an honor
303

student, so, since she works hard at her studies, its only natural shed work hard to be good at
table tennis. Marilyn told Bartlesville American reporter Don Peterson that To keep winning,
I think about what Im going to do in a tournament the night before, stay up an hour or so
planning my strategy.
Womens Matches
When the
#1 seed, West
Germanys Ursula
Hirschmuller,
didnt show, Hong
Ja Park of South
Korea defeated
teammate Seong
Heul Kim, -15, 22,
Womens Singles Winner Hong Ja Park Womens Singles Runner-up Seong Heul Kim 20, -14, 16, to win
Photo by Barry Margolius
Photo by Neal Fox
the 48th U.S. Open
Womens Singles
title. Defending Champion Insook Bhushan was beaten in straight games in the semis by runner-up
Kim. The two Singles finalists won the Womens Doubles over Canadas Mariann Domonkos/
Birute Plucas. Note, though, that our U.S. women werent completely locked out of the Trophy
Room: Yvonne Kronlage won the Senior Womens over Pat Hodgins, and
also the Womens A Doubles with Donna Newell over Shazzi Felstein/Louise
Nieves. The Mixed A Doubles went to
Nancy Newgarden (and Jerry Thrasher)
over Liz (and Dennis) Gresham in 5.
Park and Kim also won the Womens
Team Championship by defeating two
of their Korean countrywomen in the
final, and the U.S. Team of Insook and
He-ja Lee in the semis.
All of the visiting Korean women play
for the Seoul Trust bank teamwhich
means that they are as serious, as
Senior Womens
professional, as any woman hoping to
Winner
win a spot on her countrys team to the
Yvonne Kronlage
Photo by Mal Anderson Worlds. Women players get more
attention than men by Korean banks
interested in advertising because in the long run its cheaper to
sponsor women. Men must be paid a salary and given some
long-term job security, whereas women will marry and retire
Mixed A Doubles Winners Jerry
from the Sport and find security with their husbands.
Thrasher/Nancy Newgarden
Photo by Mal Anderson
Lee Ailesa, mainstay of the South Korean 1973
World Champion Womens Team, accompanied Ms. Park
and her teammates to Oklahoma Citynot any longer as a player but as a trainer; and Chung
Hyun Sook, winner of the 1976 U.S. Open, is now likewise retired.
304

Park, South Koreas #3, who is also said to be ready to marry and retire, could easily
have lost to Ms. Kim, South Koreas #7, in the final. Up 1-0 and 20-19 in the 2nd, Kim quickly
made an error, then, down 23-22, despite playing the best point of the match, could not
recover. Nor could she find a way to prevail at deuce in the pivotal 3rd game.
On the one side of the 38-entry Womens draw, Park won her semis by default over
He Kyung Kim, and in the quarters she beat another Korean, Sin Ja Lee, in 4. Kim, in her
quarters, defeated He-ja who, before coming to the U.S. as D-Js wife, also played for this
very same Seoul Trust Team. This past season of course He-ja had been in West Germany
coaching and playing League matches, and so had not been practicing in the same 5-hours-aday serious-minded way that her friendly opponent had.
It would have been more fun for these
Olga Soltesz
Koreans if theyd have had some challenging
Photo by Brian
matches outside their little family circle.
Miezejewski
However, Ms. Kim did have one surprising,
unlooked for match in the 8ths against veteran
U.S. Team member Olga Soltesz. Indeed, Kim
was very -19, 20, -13, 20, 23 fortunate to win
and anyone watching that match would surely
agree that Olga was at her aggressive best and
far better than her present 1926 rating would
suggest. Great match, Olga!

On the other side of the draw, there was

a very good 8ths match between Canadian
Champ Domonkos, the Mixed Doubles
winner with Errol Caetano in 5 over Leiss/
He-ja Lee, and Seung Heui Kim whod
advanced by Cheryl Dadian, the Womens
Class A winner over Shazzi Felstein.*** The
progressive Quebec Association has been
helpful in sponsoring Mariann to tournaments
in the States and abroad, and her increasing
match play toughness almost (-19, 20, -19, 14,
Mariann Domonkos, Mixed Doubles winner
-13) allowed her to defeat this eventual finalist.
with Errol Caetano
In her quarters match, Ms Kim played
still another Ms. KimHyun Oak Kim. On winning that, 3-0, she met Insook, straight-game
winner over Swedens Marita Neidert who later in New York didnt have a winning
combination at our Belmont Racetrack either. Some felt that the lefthanded Seong Heui Kim,
the audiences favorite, was the best player in the tournament. But since Insook had beaten her
in the Teams, she naturally felt she could beat her in the Singles too.
But, strangely, Insook, despite a becoming new haircut, wasnt psyched up for this
match, was not at all intense as she was in last years U.S. Open in Hollywood against the
305

Japanese. Husband Shekar thought perhaps it had something to do with her running off to
Jamaica the week before (where she lost in the final of the Womens Singles to Claude
Bergeret, the current World Mixed Doubles Champion whom shed beaten last year at the
Birmingham Worlds). Perhaps itd been better if shed stayed home and just rested.
Since the family-oriented Koreans count the Team matches as being more important
than the Singles, their players sometimes tighten up in the Teams and are relaxed in the
Singles. Anyway, in this semis our Defending Champion was never in the matchKim
surprised and confused Insook by reading her chops well and smashing in winners.
Actually, Insooks defense didnt seem to
be as strong or as steady as it was in their first match,
and Kim, confident, didnt choose to roll and drop,
roll and drop, as before, but carefully, carefully waited
for the high-enough ball and then smacked it, and if
that came back smacked it again. Perhaps following
this match Insooks worldly experience told her that
she has to hit more. Perhaps it also told her that
without anyone really very good to practice with, she
has to have more than a game desire to keep up her
world-class level.
Class/Age Matches
Before Roger Sverdlik brings us the
Mens Singles matches, I want to note the Class and
Age event winners. As: 25-year-old N.Y. State
Champion Dave Philip over Charles Butler, 20, -11,
20, 18. (Best quarters: Gary Fagan over Jeff Stewart,
19 in the 5th.) A Doubles: Final: Swami Bhaskar/Joe
Cummings over Mike Carr/Stewart. Semis: Bhaskar/
Insook Bhushan
Cummings over Finlands Jouko Manni/Harry Serlo,
and Carr/Stewart over Larry Goldfarb/Joe Rokop,
both in 5. Bs: Mark Kennedy over Ralph Bockoven. B Doubles: Mark Davee/Randy Nedrow
over Swedens Olle Rondin/Torsell. Cs:
Roger Persaud over Don McDonald
whod eliminated Rich Puls, -8, -22, 18,
12, 19. Ds: Meredith Elston over Mike
Kraut in 5, then over Tom Wintrich, 19 in
the 4th. Unrated: Angel Cruz over Johnny
Owen.
Veterans: C. H. McCallister over
Oliver Nichols. Senior Esquires: John
White over Marshall Gordon. Esquires:
Norm Schless, #7 seed, over Buddy
Melamed, 20, -8, -20, 19, 19, then over
Festus Mead. Seniors: Jack Howard in
succession over Houshang Bozorgzadeh
in 5, over Bohdan Dawidowicz in 5, and
over runner-up Bill Sharpe in 4. Sharpe
Roger Persaud, Class C winner
306

came out swinging, thought he had to try to hit through Howard

because of Jacks power loops, but actually Jack felt he had a
much better chance playing defense against Bill. So Jack quickly
saw a chance to fake Bill out. At his first opportunity, he looped
one hard as he could and prayed
that itd go in. It didand
thereafter Jack never looped
another ball, didnt want to,
didnt have
to cause Bill
kept
swinging
until hed
Senior Champ Jack Howard
lost. Senior
Photo courtesy of Don Larson
Mort Finkelstein
Doubles:
From Shirleys Table Tennis, 4th Quarter, 77
Bozorgzadeh/Derek Wall over George
Brathwaite/Dawidowicz. Senior As: Mac Horn over Harry Kasten, 23-21 in the 5th. Senior A
Doubles: Vern Eisenhour and Mort Finkelstein (who a quarter-century ago had won his first
Oklahoma State Championship at age 19) over Grady Gordon/George Batson.
Mens Matches
Roger Sverdlik reminds us that when Japans
Norio Takashima defeated our Danny Seemiller, 19
in the 4th, to capture the Mens Singles title, it
marked the second year in a row Danny lost in the
finals to a top world-ranked player in a match that,
yes, he could have won.
In their opening game, as in the semis of
the Teams where Seemiller, though in the match,
had lost to Takashima two straight, Danny
started strong, looping the first two in for
winners. But his small lead soon inverted itself,
and he was down 7-5. Here they played the best
point of the match, with Tak lobbing to win the
Mens Singles
point. Danny leapt high to kill the lob and it came
Champion
Norio Takashima
across great on TV. Only then he lost a streak of
Photo by Neal Fox
points and was down 15-8. Problem was, If Tak
brings back the first loop, Danny should either kill it or push it, no reason to loop again, for
once Tak is back from the table he returns everything. Danny was looping the high balls too
much. He made a brief comeback to 15-11, but with the help of another one of the many bad
bounces on the too often warped tables, he lost the first at 13.
In the 2nd game, Seemiller was down 3-0, but got the adrenalin flowing and won 7
straight points. Danny caught the experienced Japanese varying his play, up at the table trying
to block the loop, and by often going to Taks forehand he increased his lead to 12-5. When
Takashima drew close to 15-13, Danny, in another spurt, ran out the game. One each. But in
the 3rd, Danny, behind 12-5, gave up, and lost the game at 8.
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In the first three games, Roger said, Dannys strategy had been correctpush, push,
push, and go for the winning loop. However, he just didnt execute this strategy with enough
consistency. In U.S. tournaments, when Danny gets his bullet loop in, it doesnt come back. But
here Takashima is bringing it back a high percentage of the time. However, Danny is also getting
the feel of Taks loop, and, unlike his play in the Teams where he blocked many into the net or off
the end, he now was returning every one, very effectively neutralizing Taks attack.
Sloppy mistakes in the 4th put Danny down 7-1, but he recovered and cut Taks lead to
9-8. Then they played the longest point of the match and when Danny looped and killed to
win it, his clenched fist went high! Ah, the rewards of patience! 9-9.
Up 13-10, Seemiller was lookin good. But now Tak had a surprise up his sleeveless
arm. He produceda push, not just an ordinary push, but a most sticky sidespin push.He
hooked it from his backhand into Dannys middle backhandand Danny proceeded to push
one off the side and one into the net: 13-12. Then at 14-12, Danny looped the sidespin push
off the net and missed the next to tie it at 14-all.
Up 19-18, Danny again knocked the sidespin push into the net, and picked a bad ball
to loop to go down match point. Roger says he knew there was no way Danny would push
now because Tak would surely pick-hit and probably score the winner. So of course Danny
served and looped. Tak, however, returned the loop, and the next one as well. When Danny
missed yet another kill, Tak became the new U.S. Champion.
After the match, Roger asked Danny, Does your arm hurt? Did it affect your play
during the match? Danny agreed. Yes, he said, it does hurt a little. Maybe more than hed
realized while being focused on the play.
Sverdlik felt that Takashimas technique was superb. His push is always heavy, and always
just in the right place. His chop is also heavy, but he mixes the spin well, invariably when you least
expect it. As he proved against Danny, he is able to adjust to any style. His return of serve is
excellent, as he alternately topped or pushed Dannys serves, virtually eliminating Dannys usually
dominant 3rd-ball attack. Most impressive to Roger was Takashimas footwork. Tak doesnt
move, he glides. While most defenders are vulnerable in the middle, its rare to see Tak caught
there. Its equally rare to see him caught on a drop shot.
Roger cant seem to compliment Takashima enough, thereby making Seemillers 19-inth
the-4 effort more praiseworthy.
He likes Taks attack, since at any
time he is capable of opening up
with a loop, forehand or
backhandand is a threat to put
away a forehand or backhand when
you least expect it.Besides being
a great competitor, he is a
gentlemen and a true professional.
Partnered with Masami Oshima,
Tak also won the Mens Doubles
20, 18, -15, 13 in the semis over
the Seemillers, and 21, -19, 22, 14
in the final over Seiji Ono/Sigeru
Fukue whod eliminated Leiss/D-J
Japans Masami Oshima
Lee in 5 in the semis.
Photo by Neal Fox
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On the top half of the Singles draw,

Germanys Peter Stellwag
Photo by Mal Anderson
Takashima reached the finals by defeating 1977
(and 1979-81) German National Champion Peter
Stellwag in the semis, after being down 2-0. This
exciting, protracted struggle lasted an hour and 20
minutes, though how much TV time it was given I
dont know. In the quarters, Tak defeated Junior
Champion Eric Boggan who doesnt play well
against chop. In his eighths, Eric met D-J Lee.
Theres a common feeling among the players,
says Roger, that D-J is over-rated at 2470, but
since he only plays one or two tournaments a
year, hell stay number two for a long time. The
feeling of many, though, is that he cannot beat, or
certainly cannot consistently beat, other number
two contenders such as Mike Bush, Ricky
Seemiller, Ray Guillen, or Eric Boggan. Uh,
Roger, how about now that hes playing week
after week in the German League?
Against D-J, Eric started out strong, was
neutralizing D-Js attack, and when Eric attacked he
was sure to win the point. Up 2-0 and ahead in the
3rd, he looked like a straight-game winner. So what
happened? D-J came back to win that 3rd game.
Which sent self-critical Eric into a funk.
He came off the table with his standard negativethinking routine. I cant win. I cant win. Hes
too good. But Eric, Roger said, youre up 2-1. It doesnt matter, I cant win. But Eric,
you had him 20-18 that game. It doesnt matter. Hes too good. He psyches me out. I cant
win. And when Eric went out and lost the fourth, it looked like maybe he was right, maybe he
couldnt win.
But then in the 5th, when D-J unaccountably served off at 16-18 and Eric pulled ahead
to 20-16 he looked like a winner. So what happened? Play continued20171819then D-J missed an easy shot and it was all over. Despite losing, D-J deserves
a lot of credit for his mental tenacity and strong psyche. Winning or losing, D-J plays every
point as if everything rested on it. Eric, who could learn a lot from D-Js mental attitude, in the
end was almost overcome by it. Almost.
Stellwag got to the semis by beating Sigeru Fukue of the Japanese B Team who,
according to the official Results printed in Topics, beat Sverdlik, 17 in the 4th. In his write-up,
Roger says Fukues 3rd-ball attack was a little better than his, so, though Roger had him 2-1
and 11-9 in the 5th, he couldnt prevail. (I wonder who transcribed these scores, and if there
were more mistakes in the Results.) Fukue then went on to beat Errol Caetano in the 8ths.
With games 1-1 and the score in the 3rd 6-6, Errol said Fukue got five unreturnable net balls.
In the bottom half of the draw, Ricky Seemiller scored the upset of the tournament. In the
th
8 s, he knocked out World #18 Leiss, 3-0which had to have been his best win ever. Ricky had
felt that his slow loop was a good opening shot but that he needed a point-winning loop like
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Dannys, and so had been working hard to get it. Also,

at the suggestion of a friend hed started jumping rope.
Like Danny, Leiss was left-handed, and after practicing
against Dannys loop, it was easy for Ricky to block
Leisss slow loop down the forehand, and then the next
one hard down the backhand. Rickys spinny loop and
sidespin chop serve were really skidding on these tables
and it appeared Leiss never did get comfortable against
them. Also, Ricky was lucky at an opportune time. Up
1-0 and 18-16 in the 2nd, he mis-hit a ball on the edge of
his racket that went in for a winner, and that helped him
take the 2nd game and gave him confidence to win the 3rd.
In the quarters, Ricky met Mike Bush to see
who would have the honor of losing to Danny in the
semis. With games
tied at one each,
Mike blew a 19-17
lead in the third and
then lost the fourth
at deuce. Bush did
Ricky Seemiller,
Under
21 winner
have some
th
solacein the 8 s,
hed beaten the Japanese chopper Oshima, 3-zip. The
Japanese players double-sided Feint couldnt stop Mikes
all-out loop and kill style of playing chop. Mike had wanted
to play exalted defender Takashima in the Teams, had
anticipated the two of them would be first offbut Mike
drew Seiji Ono and got loop-killed.
This was some encouraging tourney for Ricky. In
the U-21 semis, he came from two games down to knock
out Roger, then went on to down Bush in the final, 19 in the
4th, after Mike had eliminated Scott Boggan in 5.
Both Ricky and Danny were interviewed by Bob
Hurt
of
the
Daily Oklahoman. Hurt, after being rendered
Mike Bush, Under 21 runner-up
Photo by Neal Fox
thoroughly helpless in a 21-1 friendly match with Danny, was
interested to know whether Danny and Ricky were doing any
table tennis hustling at the moment. Of course Danny, who in the U.S. Open Program was
described modestly as the most famous name in sports today in the United States, had offers
(Look, play this guy a $1,000 a gameyou can give him 18). But Danny wasnt interested.
Difficult for him to be anonymous, and, besides, as the U.S. Champion it wouldnt befit his stature.
The younger Seemiller, however, once got involved in a hustle. Heres what happened:
Ricky was brought in to silence this high-roller, who tried to intimidate the 15-yearold youngster by flashing a roll of a dozen $100 bills. This rich guy thought he could play table
tennis. But I beat him so easily that the one who was backing me gave back the $700 we had
won, said Ricky. [Oh, if only Reisman had taken this youngster under his wing.]
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Ricky has recently been approached for another such mission. A fellow wants to close
the rather large mouth of a big wheeler-dealer in Las Vegas. Seems that this fellow wants to
play table tennis for $200 a game every time his golf game is rained out. My friend wants to
fly me out there and let me caddy for him for a couple of days, said Ricky. Then when this
guy wants to play table tennis my friend will say hell just let his caddy play for him. [And if
the suns out day after day?] The match wont come off, though. Ricky doesnt want that kind
of dough. He was so scared in the other hustle that he took his dad along.
O.K., back to Danny
Japans Seiji Ono
and his very real quarters
match with 20-year-old
Hideo Goto of the Japanese
B Team. A or B team,
all Japanese players
represented the Kinki
University Team thats been
the All-Japan Mens Team
Champion the last three
years. Goto, who played
with Feint on one side and
Tackiness on the other, had
extended Danny to 16 in the
3rd in the Team matches. Here he lost 3-0 to Seemiller, but all three games were very close. In
fact, in chopping back Dannys loops so consistently, and in making him work so hard, he may
well have been the cause of Dannys arm trouble that had forced him to default the Mixed
with Insook. To advance to his brother in the semis (Danny would go on to beat Ricky 3-1),
and then to Takashima, Seemiller had first to take down Ono, who in the Team final had
beaten both Leiss and Stellwag and had been a key factor in Japans doubles victory. Behind
17-13 in the 1st, Danny won it at 19, took the 2nd at 11, but then, despite three match points in
the 3rd, he couldnt put Ono away until the 4th when from 15-13 up he ran out the match.
Roger was as impressed as I was with the PBS TV coverage of the tournament. In
concluding his article, he said, I was thinking about the reaction of the estimated 200,000
New York viewers to Dannys match with Takashima. And I wondered, Would these
newcomers to table tennis, after seeing perhaps only a couple of points of that world-class
match, change the channel to, say, Sports Spectacular or Wide World of Sports? Somehow
I doubted it.
Criticisms of the Tournament
There wasnt much response in Topics to the tournamentbut those dissatisfied all
complained about the same things. Heres Californias Jeff Stewart in a U.S. Open Very
Disappointing Letter to the Editor:
My doubles partner and I were under the misconception that a small portion of the
$5,000 prize money would be for A Doubles. In fact, after Mike Carr and I had fought our
way to the finals (every match we won was an upset except for the very first) we were told
that there was a chance [sic] for money for first only in A Doubles (this info came straight
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from the control desk). But then, about 10 minutes before we were to play (after all of our
psyching up), we got the news that there was no money. I dont think we really recovered
from this; but then, to add injury to insult, we were shown what our runner-up plaques looked
like. I dont think there was hardly anybody there who worked harder than we did to get
where we had gotten. We beat Pashuku and Davey who almost fell asleep and beat us 21-9 the
first game and couldnt believe wed made it to the third round. We beat Goldfarb and Rokop
who had just finished taking apart the number one seeds Lane and Bukiet.
Even with this disappointment put aside, I thought this tournament did a great injustice
to the players who came. I spent over $300 to go to a tournament that they call the U.S. Open
and I saw none of the top ten European players. [Earlier, Shirley had hyped this Open in
Topics as the Best Ever and said he expected teams from Hungary, Yugoslavia, France, and
possibly China, which would include numerous World and European Champions. Then, though
none of these countries sent players, Ron said in the Program that the international field has
to be considered the finest ever at a U.S. Open.] I saw none of the money prizes exchange
hands (which for me is part of the thrill of being there), and I saw no movie of the Worlds that
was supposed to be shown at the banquet.
Do you think I am going to again spend over $300 to go to a dead town to play my
heart out for a plaque that isnt even worth that portion of my entry fee devoted to that
particular event?...It is very fortunate that Caesars Palace exists, for without it I am afraid that
many people would have quit already.
Well, Jeff, I dont know if you can take heart from the announcement that next years
U.S. Open will be played on Long Islandthats an expensive plane trip for you. But at least
you can spend time in New York City, and thats not a dead town. Table Tennis Enterprises has
already given exhibitions hyping the June tournament, which will be run by Tony Elmore and
his wife Nan, Roger Sverdliks sister.
More than two months elapsed after Cheryl Dadian had won the Womens As at the
Myriad, and yet she still hadnt received her $75 prize money. This finally prompted a Sept.
12th letter to Ron Shirley from her father, Paul, in which, after of course asking, in effect,
Wed like the $75, he added, I would like to congratulate you on a generally well-run
tournament. However, I felt that the trophies, the way in which they were presented, and the
long delay in receiving the money awards has detracted greatly from the overall tournament.
Little more than two weeks later, Paul wrote to Disciplinary Chair Dr. Michael Scott
(presumably hed complained to Scott about Cheryl not getting her prize money). Yes, he
acknowledged, after hed written to Shirley shed quickly received the $75. However, he
explained how Ron (or someone) had irritated him by printing at the bottom of his returned
letter of the 12th, Cash prizes were paid at the party. Cheryl apparently was the only one who
didnt pick hers up.
Heres what Paul said in regard to Cheryls not picking up her award:
My daughter and I had gone to the Party, being one of the first ones there, and stayed
until approximately 10:45 P.M. We saw nothing of prize money awards being presented or
distributed. The only awards presentation that we had seen were those [plaque awards] made
by Mr. Haid, and we saw them thru. Mr. Shirley was nowhere to be found, other than when
we first got there.
Tim Boggan was another who had to initiate a letter in order to receive his prize
312

money awards [his sons awards]. Ms. Shazzi Felstein [another prize money winner] told me
that she had hunted Mr. Shirley down that evening and almost made a nuisance of herself.
So, this bit about Cheryl being the only one not to receive her awards that evening
implies negligence on our part, which I didnt appreciate.
One of the most important elements in motivating young people who have worked
hard and dedicated themselves to the sport is recognition. If our own organization (USTTA)
does not do this, no one else will.
The only other Letter to the Editor, entitled Mostly a Fan, was Hank Widdicks.
Heres what he had to say:
The [1978] U.S. Open is the finest tournament Ive been to. The people scheduling +
controlling the matches did an excellent job. The level of play was fantastic. I am unable
adequately to express myself on the tournaments good points [too bad, because surely thats
what Shirley wants to hear], but clearly I was pleased.
I think it important now, though, that I pick my words carefully in the rest of this
Letter. In a sport whose athletes receive almost no public recognition, the awards presentation
was unforgivable. Peer recognition must be the minimum level of acceptability. It was not
given nor was any real attempt made to give it. Ten-year-old Sean ONeill would have done
better. Said Sean, Just call the events and have the winners come upthey know who they
are. The dinner was non-existenta $6.00 rip-off. The plaques, where presented, were an
insult to the fine players who won them. I publicly protest these happenings and request that
steps be taken by the E.C. to avoid a recurrence of them.
To the fine players whose wins at this tournament go unrecognized I dont know why you
are willing to work this hard without even a round of applause, but please keep doing it.
SELECTED NOTES
*On getting his U.S. Open entry blank, North Carolinas Stanley Peele wasted no time
in complaining in a Letter to the Editor how dismayed he was at the price charged for entry
fees. In fact, more to the point, it looks like highway robbery.If this keeps up it will
discourage those very [tournament playing] persons the USTTA should want to keep
interested. Never have I received an entry blank so oriented toward monetary profit. Entry
Fee, Tickets for Watching, Party Ticketsit leaves a bad taste in the mouth. To top it off, the
entry blank is wrapped in a price list of the local table tennis company! This makes it appear
that the USTTA has sold itself to the local table tennis company. I would very much like to go
to the tournament but will not. [Of course at least 625 people felt differently.]
**Don Gunn, in his July-Aug. Enjoyable Nationals article, asks what would you do if
your opponent (1) did not know that he should not talk while the ball was in play, and considered it
a silly rule? (2) was insulted when I suggested that he should not serve by his fingertips? (3) became
completely distraught upon learning that we would change ends when one of us got to ten points in
the final game? He said, It will be a miracle if I win, with all these crazy rules.
I managed to avoid the miracle, and told him, with the charm that has made me
famous, that a person entering a tournament should know the rules of the game he is playing.
***In his July-Aug. Gunn Shots column, Gunn tells us that in the June issue of The
Scrabble Players Newspaper, Shazzi is pictured receiving a trophy for placing ninth in a field of
sixty-four invited experts. (Ninth-Place gets a trophy? Maybe all 64 who were invited got one?)
313

Chapter Twenty-Three
1978: E.C. Minutes and Related Matters.
The annual Summer Meeting of the USTTA Executive
Committee was held, July 3-5 immediately following the U.S.
Open, at the Skirvin Plaza Hotel in Oklahoma City. Following
the spring election, the only newcomer to this E.C. was Danny
Robbins whose Campaign Statement stressed the need,
through more TV exposure and tailored League play, to bring
the basement player into the Association. He also suggested an
innovative way to try to interest those ever resistant to joining
the USTTAhave a second magazine. Tim does a marvelous
job editing Topics, providing us with articles, results, and
Danny Robbins
information that serves to keep our small t.t. community
(about 5,000) together, but the magazine is too esoteric to be used for promotion. Danny goes
on to describe an annual membership-promotional magazine with quality color-covers,
supported by manufacturers, that could be sold on newsstands and distributed by sporting
goods stores.*
Robbins, a former court reporter for the Michigan and Federal Court systems, won the
post of Recording Secretary (and the job of presenting these Minutes) over Mal Anderson and
Sue Sargent, two incumbents, along with D-J Lee, whom President Schiff, running unopposed,
had urged members not to support. Mal, in arguing that voters ought to vote for him for
Recording Secretary rather than Sue, said that Sue has trouble handling the pressure of E.C.
Meetings. She has repeatedly walked out of meetings when a motion she backed was defeated.
If re-elected, says Mal, Ill always stay for the entire meeting, representing your interests, as
I always have, no matter what my personal feelings are.**
Nominating Chair Barry Margolius had warned, in effect, that this election would go
down as the most ridiculous, the most apathetic, in our table tennis history. To explain why
this happened I begin with Barrys pre-election article By-law Unworkable (TTT, Mar.-Apr.,
1978, cover; 28), and afterwards will reproduce his Report showing the Election results. Barry
deemed Unworkable Jack Carrs Motion passed at last years E.C. Summer Meetingthat
To serve as President or Executive Vice-President [two offices involved in this years
election], a member must have previously served as Vice-President, Recording Secretary,
Corresponding Secretary or Treasurer. Heres why, Barry said, such a provision isnt
workable:
It simply does not encourage enough good men [or women] to try to win elected
office.
In my brief and definitely not exhaustive research, Ive discovered that in the last dozen
or so years, since the election for the 1965-66 officers, there have been 34 different E.C.
members, many of whom have served only one term. Of these 34, who might be expected to
run for the office of Executive Vice-President or President in the present election? Consider
the following facts:
1 is dead
2 are no longer even USTTA members
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12 are USTTA members (7 of

them Life members)but they are
now wholly or relatively inactive in
the Association even as players
4 are USTTA members who are
active players or committeemen
but who in recent years have
shown no active interest at all in
running for office
4 remain in office as a VicePresident, Secretary, or Treasurer
for another year
4 are presently running for office
other than Executive VicePresident or President
4, though theyve recently run,
are not running for office this
electionand new restrictive E.C.
legislation pending is bent on
making it impossible for 2 of these
4 to run and keep their USTTA
Committee chairs.
So, according to the new rules,
that leaves only 3 possible legal
candidates for the 2 most important
USTTA offices, that of Executive
Vice-President and President.
To me, nurtured on democratic
competition and the fight for ideas
(and ideals) the fact that only one
person can be found to run for
President is disgraceful. (Let me
emphasize that this is no reflection
on Sol. I just think that no
contest is not the right way to
win.) [Schiff, who will hold onto
the Presidency for eight straight
years and then will come back for
another two, says that hes the
only one running for this
unenviable position of USTTA
President, possibly because others
may realize the pressures that one
receives from this time-consuming
and often thankless job.] As for
the Executive Vice-President
315

election, the situation is almost as badwe have only two legal candidates. [Incumbent
Harrison, supported by Schiff, is running against Bochenski, whom Rufford says has done
nothing nationallythough I would think quite a few members would agree with Lou that
his comprehensive table tennis understanding, gained by a lifetime of local work, so dovetails
into whatevers going on nationally that its a poor argument to use against him.]
This anemic turnout, then, is why I think this by-law should be removedso that the
USTTA may use all of its resources as effectively as possible.
I am hoping that this article will spur those members who are timid about political
activity to get involved (if only to express their interest to their elected officers concerning the
rules these officers are making that so affect the elections). After all, an effective USTTA must
be based on an interested membership and their active involvement.
Barrys follow-up Report on the Elections appeared in the next Topics (May-June,
1978, 13) and I reproduce it here to show its absurd uniqueness.
Those attending this three-day E.C. Meeting, in whole or in part, were: E.C. members
Sol Schiff (SS), Rufford Harrison (JRH), Jack Carr (JAC), Danny Robbins (DR), Gus
Kennedy (GK), Fred Danner (FGD), Bowie Martin (BGM), and Ron Shirley (RVS). (Ron was
absent for much of the Meeting because he still had U.S. Open Director duties to attend to,
but Gene Sargent, former proxy for Ron, was ubiquitously present and presumably would
keep him informed as to what was happening). Quickly joining the other E.C. members was
the newly appointed Corresponding Secretary Barry Margolius (BFM), confirmed with only
Carr opposed. Perhaps Jack was just in an ornery mood, for when Schiff appointed him
Parliamentarian he refused to accept and so Sol went on to Harrison.
Carr, however, when Margolius resigned as Nominating Chair, did agree to replace
him. Jack would continue as Treasurer, complete his term, but the July-Aug. issue of Topics
was already advertising that a Treasury candidate was wanted. As usual, Carr had
conscientiously presented his June 1, 1977-May 31, 1978 USTTA Treasury Statement and
June 1, 1978-May 31, 1979 Approved Budget (estimated deficit, even presuming the $10,500
Annual breaks even, $2,500).
Others present besides Sargent for much of, or just a little of, the extended Meeting
were Don Gunn, Paul Erickson, Lou Bochenski, Pat Hodgins, Duke Stogner, Executive
Director Bill Haid, Rating Committee Chair Neal Fox, and Selection Committee Chair John
Read.
What Gunn, Erickson, and Bochenski were there for, I dont know. Just curious, I
guess. Gunn later wrote in one of his columns:
I set out to ingratiate myself with the Executive
Committee by listening attentively to their open meeting. I
must have done a bang-up job, as the first words addressed
to me were, When are you leaving?
Every member of the USTTA should attend at least one
such meeting. At the start it is an eye-opener, though ones
eyes tend to close after a certain amount of squabbling over Roberts Rules of Order. The
members of the Committee have difficult jobs and, all jesting aside, I believe that on the whole
they do their work well and conscientiously.If you insist on some criticism, it must be said
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that some members of the EC seldom miss an opportunity to put down certain other members;
and some of them seem unable to view players as people with feelings and problems which are
often at odds with the rules, and even with reason. Yet it may well be better if the EC is not
readily swayed by mundane considerations of emotion or personality.
Oh, it just occurred to me why Gunn might have thought he was being given the bums
rush. He probably had his camera very prominently with him. Hadnt he complained in his
post-U.S. Open column that an increasing number of players claim to be disturbed by being
photographed in action? And werent those in that E.C. room players in the largest sense of
the word? Hed said, I dont want to offend anyone by my pictures, so you will only have to
wave me away once [When are you leaving?]. But that casual gesture will be irrevocable, for
you will become a non-person in my book and will never appear in my viewfinder again. Take
that, E.C.
Pat Hodgins requested that a Southern California player [alas,
here nameless] be barred from membership for life. She was directed to
have the District Affiliate report to the Disciplinary Committee on the
matter. Pat also recommended that U.S. Team members be informed
of their specific duties in writing. Gus Kennedy who, in campaigning
for V-P office against D-J Lee and Lyle Thiem, had stressed not only his
interest in Clubs, Tournaments, and Juniors, but also, since he was our
International Chair and U.S. Team Manager, his interest in our Top
Players, so of course he quickly agreed to convey that information.
Gus, I might add, would get 8-0 approval (Shirley abstaining) to
reactivate the International Team Squad. At the moment, though, he
had more than enough to do, one of his preoccupations being the fundraising drive he was spearheading for our World Team estimated to
need $40,000 for the Pyongyang trip. Gus would try hard to find
Pat Hodgins
positions for those who wanted to accompany the Team. Estimated
cost for the trip: $1,600.
Perhaps Duke Stogners presence almost got his Little Rock, Arkansas Clubs bid to
run the 1979 USOTCs accepted. Carrs motion was defeated 3-3. For: JAC, BGM, JRH.
Against: SS, DR, GK. Abstaining: FGD, BFM. Absent: Ron Shirley.
Although the E.C. had abolished the Ranking
Committee, they unanimously wanted an ad hoc Committee
to produce rankings and explanations of those rankings
twice during the present season [thats 1978-79?]. A
Committee? Who else could produce and explain the
Rankings but Neal Fox? But was this a practical thing to do
with all the emphasis now on the Ratings? Did Neal agree to
do this work without pay?
Its Foxs Rating System that Kanchan Gilfillian (and I
presume her close friend George The Chief Brathwaite)
criticized. Its not uncommon, she says, to hear players
wonder aloud at the points that they had or had not acquired
since their last tournament. How is it possible, she wants to
Neal Fox--has a headache?
know, that instead of picking up their full points after
Photo by Mal Anderson
317

defeating a player, they end up with a few points less than that? Or, on the other hand, on
checking the ratings for the player they defeated, how is it that he has more points than, in
reality, he should have?...In a rage perhaps, they call up the one man who has all the answers,
Mr. Neal Fox. Unfortunately, Mr. Foxs answers only serve to further confuse and mystify the
querying player. He refers to a players good and bad daysif hes having a good day with
repeated wins, he doesnt get as many points as he might have otherwise; if hes having a bad
day with repeated losses, he doesnt lose as many points as he might have otherwise.
Indeed, the variations go on. A player with a low rating might suddenly have several
good wins and for some unknown reason gets maybe double the points he should have. Or
perhaps a players victory over a top-rated player was judged by Fox to be because he has a
good style against that top players game. Kanchan doesnt like this rule by Divine Right.
She doesnt want these deviations as a result of personal prejudices; she wants a won/lost
point-table rigidly held to. Can you imagine what would ensue if some unknown professional
Lawn Tennis player were to beat Jimmy Connors in a tournament, only to be told that Connors
was playing below his standard on that particular day? So that he (the winner) would receive
only $80,000 instead of the full $120,000, and Connors would get the second prize money as
well as the $40,000 from the first-place winner? Ridiculous, isnt it? But a very good parallel
[sic] to what Mr. Fox does.
Kanchan says that Ratings are too important to players trying to get seedings to help
them advance in tournaments, to perhaps even decide if theyll play for their country, or
whether theyll get sponsors. There has to be a clear-cut system (one system) based on results
and not probabilitythe winner getting his due and the loser paying the price. The job of the
Rating Chairman should be to keep the records straight. He has no right to speculate in his
calculations. [Of course Fox doesnt think hes speculating. Hes convinced his analysis of
variables produces a more accurate rating result.]
Though in the next chapter Fox is going to receive another body blow, the E.C.
believes he knows what hes doing, and authorized $500 to himthis for sending rating info
to clubsand also $200 to him for making the U.S. Open draws. They also accepted Neals
cost for services hell offer at the 1978 U.S. Closed at Caesars Palace. Cost is $750. His
services are: match-cards, draws, and time-scheduling (including master time schedule and
individual time schedule). Further, the USTTA and Fox have worked out a rating fee change
effective Sept. 1, 1978. Heres what Fox gets and whats expected of him in return:
[No charge for unrated events.] Each tournament entry is charged the following:
$.25 per single elimination event
$.50 per double elimination or round robin event
$1.00 per team event/or tournament/or special round robin event [that averages more
than 6 matches a player]
$5.00 per team for the National Team Championships
Also, the E.C. must continue its appropriation of $3,000 a year ($500 every other
month) to supplement the cost of the rating system
Fox will provide:
Ratings:
A. Lists for tournament directors for seeding [Tournament Director has to
notify Fox 3 weeks before he needs such a list].
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B. Lists for Topics.

Rankings: Continuously updated so they are always ready at end of year for approval
of the E.C. and immediate publication.
Printouts: Sent to all tournament sponsors after processing of tournaments. Includes a
summary of rating changes and printout of each players rated matches.
Membership Check: Provides a continued membership check on participants.
Membership expiration date is on list supplied to sponsors. All illegal players are tagged during
processing and stored with such information as amount due, type of fee not paid. This
information can be supplied to the membership chairman and regional directors for action.
Storage of Records: Full records of all players stored. Use of this information is now
available, but cost of retrieving this info is expensive. Naturally, if it is not used there is no cost
to the USTTA or player.
Rates are guaranteed for 5 years with a limit of 10 to 15% increase in cost provided
the need for increases are documented. Passed 6-2 (FGD, RVS).
Robbins emphasized that it is absolutely mandatory that the Selection Committee be
furnished individual players records to make a proper analysis for selection. Therefore, the
Selection Committee urges the E.C. to instruct the Rating Chairman to do whatever is
necessary to provide the top 20 men, 15 women, 10 junior men and 10 junior misss
tournament records at the following times: (1) 40 days before the U.S. Open; (2) 30 days after
the U.S. Open; (3) 15 days after the U.S. Open Team Championships or 30 days before the
World Championship Team Tryouts; (4) One other time as requested by the Selection
Chairman. (Flexibility is necessary in case of invitations from other associations.) Passed by
general consent.)
Margolius moved that a charge of up to $10 for the first occurrence and up to $25 for
additional occurrences may be assessed tournament sponsors who fail to submit complete
tournament reports on time. The amount shall be determined by the rating chairman and the
regional tournament director based on the severity and cost to correct the problems caused.
The decision on the amount may be appealed to by the USTTA Tournament Committee
Chairman. Failure to pay such assessments shall be grounds for denying future sanction
requests. Passed 9-0.
Executive action by Schiff: Persons who owe for Topics ads will not be allowed to try
out for the U.S. Team. Also, starting Sept. 1, 1978, Topics advertising rates shall be
increased by 10%. Kennedy moved to approve a new ad rate structure as presented in the
rate card produced
by Bill Haid.
Passed 8-0. Haid,
wanting the
Association to
shape up, made a
graphic change in
the cover of
Topics. Also, in
addition to his
Strict Dress
Code push, he
intended to bring
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the Starting and Operating a Club Manual up to date. He was particularly interested in
seeing that clubs do their physical best to clean-up, paint-up, scrub-down, and fix-up all areas
pertaining to the outside and inside of the premises. Bring some pride, some dignity, some
class to table tennis, he urged.
Noting this, Im struck by two other nicetiesboth in articles appearing in Topics. The
one reprinted from the Apr. 24 issue of Newsweek speaks of how Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter
have redecorated their Billiard Room. The traditional green covering on the billiard table has
been replaced with camel-colored felt to go with the new blue-plaid carpet. But the billiard
table is usually covered with a piece of blue plywood that serves as a Ping Pong table.
(Rosalynn played team Ping Pong in college.)
The other article, by Joan Kron of the N.Y. Times (reprinted in TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1978,
12), illustrates what First Class Ping-Pong tables are like. First, theres what must be the
most glamorous table extant. The designers wife, whod always played the game, wanted a
table for their second-floor sun porch, and she sure got one. Instead of green, the table is
white low-glare plastic laminate inlaid with natural wood strips where white lines are usually
painted. The top is built in two pieces. Each piece rests on a boldly scaled hollow-cube
pedestal which could be used for storage. When the $900 table isnt being used for matches it
can be used as a large dining table or separated into two almost square ones. The wife says
the different-colored balls used are very frisky. A flip-top t.t. dining table from Sweden sells
for $582 (the underside for playing is in maroon with white lines. A woodless outdoor table
put out by a firm called Gnip Gnop is being billed as the Mercedes of Ping Pong tables. Its
aluminum core is supposed to make it resistant to even the most extreme weather
conditions. Abercrombie & Fitch will sell it for $399. Topics sure is the place to go if you
want to buy a good table.
A ballot for the 1978 E.C. Election was included in the Mar.-Apr. Topics. But Haid
agreed that for the next Election he would have the ballots printed separately from Topics,
use the Junior Foundation special mailing privilege, and mail the Campaign Statements and
ballots. Harrison made the motion that members of a Nominating Committee involving
themselves in an election (say, in searching out candidates they think would be good to hold
office) may later, when theyre not involved, be appointed to the Executive Committee. This
passed with only Carr dissenting. Harrison moved that the E.C. may add further names to the
slate of candidates, but there shall be no more than 3 names for each office. Petition candidates
are excluded from this limit. Passed 6-3 (DR, SS, BFM).
Danner moved that E.C. members or their proxies may not use privileged information
discussed at the E.C. meeting for personal profit until after public announcement of the
information has been made. Passed: 6-1 (JAC)-1 (JRH). Danner moved that E.C. members
will not be eligible for finders fees or money paid to the USTTA if this payment resulted from
the normal course of USTTA business. Passed 7-0-1 (DR).
Kennedy moved that an E.C. member may not be an employee of the USTTA
receiving a salary or fees for services in excess of $1,000 per year. Passed: 8-0.
Haid recommended that the Committee Chairman in charge of Topics have editorial
authority over the content of Topics. Carr suggested that Womens results be put in a more
conspicuous place. Carr is to work out these details with Boggan. {Boggan continued to
keep the Womens results from any tournament with the other results from that tournament.]
Carr suggested international news be limited to 1 page per issue except where U.S. players
are included in those results. Carr recommended that if necessary the appropriate funds be
320

provided to Boggan to
suit an increased
number of pages.
Shirley suggested that
the Executive Director
control the number of
pages used for each
issue. Harrison moved
that an editor of the
national publication
may not be elected to
the E.C. until 6 months
after he has terminated
his services.
Martin, the
Committee Chair in
charge of Topics, moved
to renew USTTA
contract with Tim
Boggan for a period
through Dec. 31st, 1979.
Subject to proper
modifications approved
by the E.C. Passed: 80. [Tim may chafe under
these circumstances, but
sooner or late it gives
him another chance to
get a poem into Topics. (New contract states: no poetry unrelated to table tennis.)]
Regarding the planned Annual publication (see the Note at the end of this chapter),
any profit would be split 50-50 between the USTTA and Editor Tom Wintrich. Harrison
moved to appropriate $1,500 seed money for Wintrich to produce a T.T. annual publication.
Payment is to be made at the rate of $300 a month commencing Aug. 1 for a period of 5
months. These funds are to be repaid from the proceeds. Passed 7-0-1 (BFM).
Carr moved to add an Under 21 division to the U.S. Open and U.S. Closed. Passed
8-0. Executive action by Schiff: For attending the 1977 E.C. Meeting held in conjunction with
the Vegas U.S. Closed, D-J Lee and Sue Sargent are to get 1/4th of their travel expense. Also,
for attending the Oklahoma City U.S. Open John Read is to get of his round-trip airfare.
Schiff approved $500 to the South Korean Womens Team (paid for from international
budget)after all, for the upcoming Goodwill Games in Seoul, the Koreans were paying for
everything. But Sol would not pay for any expenses (foreign or domestic) for the U.S. Open
or allow any deduction from the sanction fee. [No surprise then, Jeff Stewart, you didnt see
any Top Europeans you thought were coming to the U.S. Open.] However, Schiff did approve
that $250 each be given to Danny Seemiller and Insook Bhushan as a special award for their
many outstanding performances in competition. Also, each U.S. Open Team member received
$25. This, too, is the amount U.S. Team members to the Sept. Toronto CNE will receive.
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The E.C. recommended that tournaments rebate entry fees to top-ranked players who
enter early enough to allow promotion of their participation. Their entry fees should be sent
with the entry as a bond for their participation and returned after they have played. It is
recommended that of the nationally ranked players the top 5 men, top 4 women, top 2
returning junior men, and top 2 returning junior women be extended this opportunity by all
tournament sponsors. It is recommended that tournaments within each state extend this
opportunity to the top 2 men, women, and top returning juniors in the state. (Based on either
official state rankings, or, in their absence, on position in national rankings.)
Shirley recommended that standards be established for the bidding and conduct of the
U.S. Open. A sub-committee consisting of Danner, Martin, Schiff and Haid agreed to
consider bids for the 1979 U.S. Open (all bids to close Aug. 1st) and recommend a sponsor.
Passed by general consent. Robbins proposed a committee to gather the facts necessary to
determine the feasibility of the USTTA sponsoring future U.S. Opens. This committee would
report to Shirley. Gene Sargent was named Chair; the other members would be Fox and
Robbins (who in 1982 would direct a U.S. Open in Detroit).
Kennedy is looking into the inclusion of the 1979 U.S. Open in the International
Grand Prix Circuit. Carr suggested that U.S. tables be ITTF-approved so that they may be
used in the Grand Prix Circuit.
Danner moved that all funds collected for umpires fees at the U.S. Open, U.S. Open
Team, and U.S. Closed Tournaments shall be deposited with the Referee prior to the start of
the tournament. These funds shall be paid by the Referee or his designated representative to
the umpire of each match upon satisfactory completion of each match, as evidenced by the
return of the correctly completed match card and the ball. Funds not expended shall be
submitted to the USTTA Treasurer to further the national umpires program. Funds deposited
with the Referee shall be in small denominations suitable for distribution during the
tournament. A safe or suitable locked storage area shall be available at the tournament site to
secure unused umpire fees. Passed 9-0.
Kennedy moved that women will be allowed to play in the Mens Singles and/or Open
Singles event in any Closed No Star, Open One Star or Open Two Star Tournament. Passed
5-2 (JAC, BFM)-1 (DR). The E.C. recommends that tournaments of One Star or No Star
offer a substantial entry fee discount (25-50%) to those players who join the USTTA for the
first time. Manufacturers are anticipating donating barriers to USTTA for rental to
tournament sponsors, the proceeds from said rental to be divided equally among the
manufacturers after deducting 20% of the proceeds for USTTA, subject to USTTA
maintaining barriers.
Danner moved that the E.C. will select the Team Captains, Manager and coaches for
the Olympic games. The President, Executive Vice-President, and International Committee
Chairman will select all other officials for the World Championships and Olympic Games [still
10 years off for table tennis]. Passed 7-0-1 (DR).
Carr suggested that the Selection Committee propose a list of prospective Captains
for U.S. Teams. Robbins moved that the E.C. appoint an International Team Officials subcommitteethe members to be the President, Executive Vice-President, and Team Manager
to select Team officials. Passed 6-0-2 (JRH, GK). Kennedy moved that Schiffs suggestion
that past Captains Angelinetta and Bozorgzadeh be added to this committee was passed 7-1
(BGM)-1 (SS). Executive action by Schiff: since Bozorgzadeh wasnt available to Captain the
U.S. Womens Teams trip to the Goodwill Games in South Korea in Sept., Read would take
322

his place. [Actually John would go as Team

Manager and Leah Miss Ping Neuberger
as Captain of the Team.]
Selection Committee
recommended that Georgette Rideg be
notified by letter to explain the reason for
her being excluded from the Junior
Womens Team. What Jr. Womens Team?
Ive no record of such a team playing at the
78 U.S. Open. Rideg was listed as a
competitor in the Open Program, was
seeded #2 in Girls U-15, but apparently she
didnt show. The Program had a photo of
Debbie Payotelis, said to be ranked #3 in
U.S. Junior Miss ratings. In the Mar.-Apr.
Topics before the Open, Payotelis had a
rating of 1523 (not in the top 6). Rideg was Miss Ping leading the U.S. Team at the Goodwill Games.
#3 at 1704 behind Kasia Dawidowiz and
Cheryl Dadian. I dont know what happened, but that no-show entry was apparently Georgettes
lastI cant find any trace of her thereafter. I guess the explanation wasnt satisfying.
Kennedy moved that a mens team captain and a womens team captain shall be
appointed at each summer meeting to serve for a minimum of one year or until the next
summer meeting. Three assistant mens captains and three assistant womens captains shall be
appointed at each summer meeting. The above assistant captains will captain various
international teams during the year [when appropriate: for example, for a junior team, or
second or third teams at a major tournament]. Passed 7-1 (JAC)-1 (DR).
Continuing to look ahead, Selection Chair John Read (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1978, 4), then
Rating Chair Neal Fox (TTT, July-Aug., 1978, 8), will leave no doubt in anyones mind just
how the 1979 World Team Tryouts held immediately after the Dec.Closed at Caesars Palace
will be conducted. Heres John:
All players must have 15 participation points during the 7/1/77 to 6/30/78 season
OR 15 points after 7/1/78. Since the U.S. Open ran from 6/29/78 through 7/2/78 the 5 points
awarded there may be used for either season. Additionally, the 4 points for the 1978 U.S.
Closed may be used toward the needed 15 points after 7/1/78. [Major tournaments offer the
most pointsthe CNE and USOTCs each count 3 points.] Those eligible to play in the
Tryouts:
The last 16 men and women at the 1978 U.S. Closed.
The top 16 rated men and women from the rating list used to make the U.S.
Closed draws. [Warning: some of those 16 may be hard to predict, especially if Fox
can get out the USOTC matches in time to make that list.]
The 1978 U.S. Closed Boy and Girl Singles Champions from the U-17 and U15 divisions.
The top 4 rated Boys and Girls in the U-17 division from the rating list used to
make the 1978 U.S. Closed draws. NOTE that if a player qualifies under a, b, c, or d,
the next player will not automatically move up and become eligible.
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The Selection Committee members present may add up to 3 men and 3 women
to the Tryouts, providing the player has the necessary participation points.
The top 3 men and top 3 women as a result of round robin play will be on the
1979 World Team, subject to Executive Committee approval. The other 2 men and 1
woman will be chosen by the Selection Committee, with the Tryout results weighing
heavily in the consideration.
The method of the Tryouts will be as follows:
There will be preliminary groups of round robins from which 12 men and 9
women will qualify for a final round robin. No player will play the same player twice.
Fox points out that the USTTA is urging players to try to qualify via Regional Trials
(though these qualifiers may have to play in a preliminary at Vegas). The idea is that this
competition will promote inter-club, inter-state, inter-area, inter-region, and international
matches. Manufacturers, local organizers and top players are urged to support these matches
that have potential to promote the game. The USTTA is guaranteeing rooms at the
National Tryouts (for three days) for the top half of the qualifiers from the Regions. Thats an
incentive to play locally alright, but whether the idea will catch on, and especially whether it
will serve as a fund-raiser, remains to be seen. Gus Kennedy, who shares Team Tryout
Committee responsibilities with Read and Fox, has his doubts.
Fox explains the composition of the re-activated U.S. Team Squad. The top 8 men and 6
women in the Tryouts will qualify. The Team squad of 12 men and 10 women will be rounded out
with the top 3 ranked men and women and top-ranked juniors that have not already qualified. So
who will this Squad play? Any international competition the USTTA can arrange. As for the
funding, well, that hopefully will be forthcoming. A realistic goal [sic] is $60,000 per year for
international play by the Team Squad. It will probably take two to three years to achieve this.
The Minutes record more Executive action by Schiff: that $350 of Harrisons
expenses to Japan for an ITTF Meeting would be reimbursed by the USTTA. Harrisons
completion of his 4-year term as ITTF Vice-President was approved. Harrison moved
approval of Canadas choice for the ITTF North American representative. Passed 6-1
(JAC)-1 (BFM).
Harrison informed the E.C. that the ITTF would approve only 3 committeemen from
each country and that the U.S. now had 4. Nevertheless, the E.C. agreed to propose the
following: HarrisonEquipment; ReadClassification; KennedyPress & Publicity; and
AndersonStanding Orders [one would be rejected].
Carr reported on the U.S. Central Sports Organization. Discussed proposed bylaw
change [pending Congressional bill] that would make the USTTA a member of the U.S.
Central Sports Organization. Thats the USOC, which has authority over all U.S. amateur
sports bodies. The USTTA was approved as a Group C member by the USOC on Apr. 14,
1978. A USTTA Olympic connection was formed of Representative Schiff, President Haid,
and Delegate Danner. Passed by general consent.
Margolius urged that a committee be formed to define amateur-professional status. Agreed
to by general consent. Danner, Kennedy, and Harrison were appointed to this committee.
It was agreed by general consent that Kennedy will administer prize money if it is
over the limit set by ITTF. [What does that mean?]
Haid proposed a T.T. Hall of Fame. This was met by a favorable reactionit was
tabled.***
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SELECTED NOTES
*Robbins suggestion of an annual promotional publication had already been planned
for 1979 and in fact will appear in time for the Dec., 1978 U.S. Closed. Its 64 pages will be
edited by Mr. Tom Wintrich, Public Relations Chairman, talented writer, experienced
journalist, and contributing editor for Racquet World. [This magazine wants t.t. articles and
especially good photos, for which theyll pay.] Tom will work with Executive Director Bill
Haid to produce hi-lights of the past year [1978], profiles of top players, lists of current
ratings and rankings, state and national champions, top action photos, 1979 national and
international tournament schedules, a list of all affiliated clubs, special articles and many other
subjects. The Annual will contain one color to four color advertisements and a beautiful cover
design. The USTTA members will be proud of this book.
Budgeted to break even at a cost of $10,000 (actually $10,500 for 10,000 copies),
each copy will sell for $3.50. History doesnt hesitate to ask, but doesnt get an answer, How
many of these will actually be sold? And to whom? Six months after its off the press, the
USTTA (TTT, May-June, 1979, 20) will put out an ad saying: The 1979 Annual is now
available to all members. We especially urge all affiliate clubs to order bulk quantities which
can be resold to individual members at a profit. In addition every USTTA club should purchase
at least 10 Annuals that should be given away free to local newspapers and television stations
as a courtesy to the news media.
Grab this Annual while you can (surely a collectors item)there wont be another.
(Im reminded of those thousands and thousands of promotional 1971 China Topics
distributed meaninglessly or left to molder here and therelike in my garage.)
**Mal didnt win the position of Recording Secretary in this Election, but as Rules
Committee Chair he contributed an important Umpires Corner article (TTT, July-Aug.,
1978, 24) that, answering a question from a member, clarified for me and Im sure a great
many otherseven umpires whom our Executive Director wants to stiffen qualifications for
what we were unsure about regarding the Expedite Rule:
Question: When should the timekeeper start and stop his watch while timing a match
for the Expedite Rule?
Answer: The watch should be started for each game when the first servers free hand
is about to throw the ball up for the first serve of that game. The watch is stopped only if the
game is interrupted. Common reasons for stopping the watch are: 1. If the ball goes out of the
playing area, stop timing and resume when the server is about to serve. 2. If another ball
comes into the playing area, causing a let to be called, stop timing and resume when the server
is about to serve. 3. If either player stops play to towel off, drink, tie his shoe, etc., resume
timing when the server is about to serve. If any game lasts for 15 minutes, call TIME the
instant the 15 minutes have elapsed. Reset the watch at the start of each successive game.
Please note that you do not stop the watch for the normal pause between pointsonly for the
longer than normal points.
***A short article in the Annual will say (what the July Minutes didnt), At the 1978
EC meeting in Oklahoma City, a hall of fame committee was established consisting of Bill
Haid, Leah Neuberger, and John Reed [sic]. The proposed goal is to announce the first
inductees by 1981. Three years ought to be enough time to decide who should enter, huh? So, no
hurry, and no mention that the Hall of Fame was Steve Isaacsons 1966 idea and that he put
forward the five charter inducteesAarons, McClure, Miles, Neuberger, Schiff (who would indeed
be honored at the First Annual Hall of Fame Banquet, not in 1981 but in Dec., 1979).
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Chapter Twenty-Four
1978: July-Aug. Tournaments. 1978: Perennial Winners Seemiller/Bhushan Score
Again at CNE.
Tyra Parkins (TTT, July-Aug., 1978, 17-18) praised Jackson Tse, President of EST
International Sports (supplier of Shanghai Double Happiness balls), for sponsoring the July
29-30 Western International at Seattle, and Dr. Michael Scott for directing it. She also
expressed her thanks to the following peopleI presume most or all of whom are members of
the Washington TTCfor making the 100-plus entry, 23-table tournament held in Seattle
Universitys modern athletic pavilion a success. Joe Lee and Harold Russell for the seedings;
Gene Treneer for obtaining TV coverage; Roger Cook for the loudspeaker system; Mrs. Pat
Collins and her daughter and Lee Olsen for their control desk workLee, said Tyra, toiled
at the tournament desk from 9 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. with only two bananas and one sweet roll
for sustenance. This was a remarkable performance comparable to any of the trophy winners.
She did not, however, have any praise for Neal Fox:
As is customary for six of the nine years we have run this tournament our $50.00 fee
to the U.S.T.T.A. for sanctioning went for naught. It is supposed to entitle us to Mr. Foxs
infamous national ratings but, as usual, and perhaps fortunately, they did not arrive.
Last year we did receive them one day prior to the tournament date and long after the
draw was made. Fox didnt even send us the ratings results of
last years tournament until eight months after the tournament
was held despite receiving our rating fees and draw sheet
results. It was only due to the efforts of Mr. Richard Feuerstein
and Mr. Jack Carr that we got Fox to admit he received the
tournament results and fees. Of course Fox didnt put a
retraction in Topics to the accusation that he had made in Topics
about no fees or results being sent out to him after our
tournament. Quite frankly Fox can keep his rating results as far
as our Seattle group is concerned. It is only unfortunate and
unfair that we are required to send Fox the required rating fee
when all of us prefer to use the far more accurate and
Neal Fox
Photo by Mal Anderson
unprejudiced ratings of Lou Bochenski. Bochenski, not Fox,
should be receiving this rating fee.
Having got that out, Tyra will talk a bit about the Open Singles final between Ron
Carver and Dean Doyle, then give us the event results. Though accustomed to each others
serves (Dean uses inverted on both sides, Ron pips on his backhand), at 17-all in the 5th, Doyle
gave the preliminary motions of a topspin serve but at the last fraction of a second forced his
racket into a down stroke just at the ball-impact and Carver returned the serve into the net.
Down 18-17, Ron served short side/topspin and pulverized Deans return18-all. Carver
next gave the same serve motion, from left to right across his abdomen, but this time it was a
nothing balland again Carver killed in Deans weak return. Down 19-18, Dean got an
edgewhich caused Ron to glance upward to the high ceiling of the gym with his palms
supinated. Doyle returned Rons next serve into the netmatch point for Carver. But now,
even as Ron served, Doyles arm was in motion and he blasted the ball through for a winner.
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Then, with two quick points, Dean delivered, won the Championshipthus
perpetuating the surprising fact that for nine years now the Open Singles has
never had a repeat Champion.
Results: Womens final: Parkins modestly refrained from commenting
on what had to be an exhilarating crowd-pleaserif, as she says, there were
200 spectators for the finals they all sure had to be focused on Tyras -18, 22,
-18, 20, 21 win over Tina Smilkstein. Open Doubles: Doyle/Khoa Bui over
Manh Nguyen/Vo Qui Han (who in the Open had an unusual 3, -22, 20 win
over Charlie McLarty). AAs: Alan Bajkov over Greg Eng. Class I: Jun Hsun
Huang over Pat Collins in 5. Class I Doubles: Dave Talcott/ Badger over
Nguyen/Nguyen, -14, -20, 20, 18, 15. Class II: Len Lukey Ott over Robert
Chin. II Doubles: Chiang/Chin over Nguyen/Nguyen. III: Harold Fredrickson
over Cook. Novice: Jim Givens over Wayne Lim. Novice Doubles: Wong/Lim
Charlie
over Chin/Chin. Seniors: Harry Woo over Tore Fredrickson. Juniors: Doyle
McLarty
over Huang.
Don Gunn and Mike Schmidt (TTT, Sept.-Oct.,
1978, 22) report on the California State
Championships held, as Gunn, who wasnt there,
says, in secret sessions at Santa Monica, Aug. 1920. Don says that the northern part of the state
wasnt invited, but a few managed to get wind of the
event and slip past the heavily patrolled Techachapis
into Southern California. He then indirectly
suggests that one of these players that slipped by the
authorities, Erwin Hom, is too old to play in the
Juniors, but does, and beats that player Gunn has a
strange fixation on, Jimmy Lane. Don then in his
Nov.-Dec. column has to apologize because Hom is
not over age for the Juniors.
Perhaps Gunn wants to write up, even very briefly,
this tournament from heresay because he wants to
connect with (be protective of?) Lane. Anyway, he
writes, Joong Gil Park injured his foot, and had to
default, which caused Paul Raphel to default. I only tell
it, I dont explain it. He doesnt begin to tell it
This photo of Jimmy Lane is by Don Gunn, correctly eitherthough I presume he did get the part
right about Lane winningbeating Galardi and
but sometimes Don makes errors, doesnt
see things clearly.
Guillen (from 18-20 in the fifth). Whether, as he says,
this same weekend saw a big annual table tennis bash
in Redondo Beach, also not publicized north of the smog curtain, I dont know. But he warns
verifiably of the return of Flinger Raphel to competition. Dig your helmet out of the closet.
Schmidt, who doesnt even play table tennis, was in the Santa Monica audience (howd
he come to be there?), and cant help but express his displeasure at the unprofessional and
even underhanded way in which the tournament was run by Ray Guillen. Mike said that Ray
at the very last minute changed the Men Singles from a single elimination event into a semifinal
round robinthis purportedly by a vote of the top players.
327

In the first round of the semis, Joong Gil Park rather easily beat Ray. Then he was
asked to play again after only a two-minute break. His opponent was Raphel, and with the
match tied at one game apiece, Schmidt says Paul ran over to the fountain for some water
and when he came back Park conceded the match saying he was too tired and was beginning
to get cramps.
Ray then announced over the loudspeaker that all matches played with Park would be
voided. There were only two such matchesRays loss, Pauls win. Big swing, huh? Many in
the audience didnt like that move; Raphel, upset, wanted to see a rulebook. Ray didnt have
one, and insisted that Paul declare publicly whether he was going to continue to play (from
scratch), or not. A friend of Raphels then screamed over to Paul, Tell him youll play if they
dont award the prize money until tomorrow after they check the rulebook. Ray told the
friend to leave or he would call the police. Raphel refused to continue, then changed his mind
before Ray and Jimmy Lane were to play for the $200 First Prize/$100 Second Prize (Paul had
beaten Jimmy earlier in the $40 AA final). But Ray wouldnt let him play. Jimmy went on to
beat Ray in 5 and become this years California State Champion. Put it in the record books.
Results of the July 29-30 Irving
Summer Open: Open Singles: Bruce Smith, 16
in the 5th, over Joe Cummings, and, 23-21 in
the 5th, over runner-up Swaminathan Bhaskar
who (from down 2-0) had survived Duc
Truong. Mens: Dave Babcock over Larry
Puls. Mens Doubles: Bhaskar/Smith over
Cummings/Tommy Vaello. Womens: Marilyn
Johnston over Karin Thompson whod
eliminated Liz Gresham, 24, 22, -18, 21.
Karin Thompson
Womens Doubles: Johnston/Thompson over
Photo
by Mal Anderson
Sue Sargent/Norma LeBlanc, 19 in the 5th
(from down 2-0). Mixed Doubles: Cummings/
Johnston over Smith/LeBlanc. Seniors: Jack
Buddy Melamed over Larry Kesler. Semis: Melamed over Cliff Smith, 11, -15, -21, 22, 13;
Kesler over Jack Wise, 18 in the 5th. Senior Doubles: Kesler/Smith over J.C. Tenay/Melamed, 21, -21, 15, 18, 26.
As: Puls over James Rautis whod eliminated Johnny Kwok in 5. A Doubles: Bob
Russell/Truong over Steve Arnold/Kenny Pitts (from down 2-1 and at deuce in the 4th). Bs:
Arnold over Tenay. B Doubles: Arnold/LeBlanc over Joe Ogilvie/Johnston. Cs: Wise over
Gary Melamed. Ds: Pat Fromme over Fred Haase. Novice: S. Pritchard. Consolation: Randy
Womack over G. Melamed in 5. Hard Rubber: Ali Akbari over Dennis Gresham in 5. U-17s:
Kirk Golbach over G. Melamed. Semis: Golbach over Russell, 14, 13, -20, -24, 15; Melamed
over Kenny Holmes, 23-21 in the 5th. U-17 As: Holmes over Johnston. U-17 Doubles:
Golbach/Holmes over Johnston/Thompson, deuce in the 3rd. U-15s: Johnston over Karin
Thompson. U-13s: Richie Crawford over Fred Niggemeyer. U-11s: Toni Gresham over Reed
Kyker.
The Annual Green County Open, played at Bartlesville, OK Aug. 26-27, drew over
100 entries. Results: Championship Singles: Bruce Smith over Bobby Russell. Championship
Doubles: Russell/Duc Truong over Dave Babcock/Bruce Smith. Womens: Marilyn Johnston
over Norma LeBlanc. Womens Doubles: Johnston/Anita Holtz over LeBlanc/Sue Sargent.
328

Mixed Doubles: Steve Arnold/Sargent over Smith/LeBlanc. Esquires: Cliff Smith over Lou
Coates. Seniors: Mort Finkelstein over Larry Kesler. Senior Doubles: Finkelsetein/Kesler over
Loy Lockwood/Percy Harvey.
As: David Barnes over Peter Braun. A Doubles: Kenny Holmes/Babcock over Peter/
Bernie Braun. Bs: Arnold over Mark McDonald. B Doubles: Jonathan Weinglas/Daylin Risch
over Holmes/McDonald. Cs: Johnston over Pat Fromme. Ds: Tony Chan over Richie
Crawford. Consolation: Ray Bennett over Arlen Zimmer. U-17s: Bernie Braun over Roland
Rittmaster. U-17 Doubles: Braun brothers over Kirk Golbach/Holmes. U-15s: Bernie Braun
over Rittmaster. U-13s: Risch over Trent LeForce. U-11s: Mark Schaffer over Reed Ryker.
At the Aug. 5 Milwaukee Summer Open, a
Faan Hoan Liu
player suddenly appears who for decades to come
Photo by Neal Fox
will be an important figure in U.S. table tennisthe
Hungarian immigrant Attila Malek, winner of the
Open Singles here over runner-up John Soderberg,
John Stillions (whod downed Geoff Graham deuce
in the fifth), and Faan Hoan Liu. Attila, we find out,
began playing table tennis in Budapest at the end of
1968, at the late age of 15. At first I didnt think I
could be a good player, he says. But because he
had a paper job, he could play 6-8 hours a day,
and after five or six years I started to get better.I
became one of the five-player members of the wellknown Ganzmavag Club Team, and we were third
best in the 12-team League. Best was the team with Jonyer and Klampar, and second best was
the team with Gergely, Takacs, and Berczik, the Hungarian National Team Coach.
In 1975 Attila had to begin serving his required stint in the Army, but he says, I wasnt
really a soldierI was able to go to tournaments in Germany, Austria, North Korea.
However, after hed won an important 9th match for his soldier team, another player, not as
good as Attila, was sent to a big tournament in his place and that soured him on the
Association. Budapest has so many t.t. clubs that you can practice to your hearts content, or
until your mind is numbed by the sameness, but only the favored best are free to get out of
the countryto see more, learn more, and so try to become a more knowledgeable person and
a better table tennis player.
Attila didnt think hed be one of the favored few. So when he got out of the Army,
though he could have continued playing with his Ganzmavag Club and likely have gone on to
make a decent, perhaps even a good living as a coach, for thats a respected job in Hungary, he
decided to try something else. Having married in 1976, he and his wife Sylvia let it be known
theyd really like to take a trip to Italy. And they didescaped tiresome Budapest. And once in
Italy, of course, the opportunity would present itself to go on to the United Statesto
Chicago where Attilas wifes father lived.
But it wasnt easy. They got stuck in Italy for seven months waiting for the U.S.
Immigration Service to give us permission to enter the country. Attila didnt play table tennis
during this time, and when he finally got to Chicago he was afraid he couldnt play there
either, would have to work. But, he says, my father-in-law knew how much the sport meant
to me and knew the difficulties Id have adjusting. So he was very nice and said hed sponsor
me for a year. But practicing in Chicago was difficult, especially as Attila was used to
329

practicingtoo often players werent available, and

too often they werent steady enough to help him
get his game in shape. Still, he was serious about
playing, and began going to tournaments when he
couldlike this nearby Milwaukee one.
Other Summer Open Results: As: Brandon
Olson over Chuck Turchick. Bs: Takako Trenholme
over Dan Wiig whod gotten by Bill Hornyak, 19 in
the 3rd. Cs: Bill Francis over Richard Butler. Ds:
Francis over Robert Kruger. Es: J. Prudhom over
John Kristoffer, -20, 19, 21. Seniors: Tom Breunig
over Hornyak. U-17s: Olson over Wiig. U-15s:
Cheryl Dadian over Wiig, 24-22 in the 3rd.

Attila Malek

Winners at the Arkansas Razorback

Open, held Aug. 12-13 in North Little
Rock: Open Singles: Swaminathan
Bhaskar over Bruce Smith whod
eliminated J. Manni in 5.
Womens: Marilyn Johnston over Sue
Sargent in 5. As: Steve Kraly over Nancy
Kathy Thompson
Hill. Bs: Scott Leamon over Steve
Photo by Mal Anderson
Arnold, 19 in the 3rd, then over Denis
Fritchie. Cs: Ken Bull over Pat Fromme?
Ds: Mickey Huff over Bob Southern.
Consolation: Jose Marin over Mike Pritchard. Seniors: Larry Bartley over Hugh Lax. U-17s:
Kirk Golbach over Bobby Russell in 5. U-15s: Johnston over Kathy Thompson. U-13s: Karin
Thompson over Richie Crawford. U-11s: Reed Kyker over Pam Bruton.
Larry Buell (TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1978, 23) reports on the Championship Singles played in
the July 22 Atlanta Summer Open R.R. On one side of the draw, a fiercely determined Larry
Thoman, last years winner, with an almost wild exuberance fought off Homer Brown and his
fluid fast-kill forehands to triumph after a tense -15, 21, 18 struggle. However, Brown still
managed to get to the final. For two reasons. (1) Because Pete May and his Phantom, mixed
properly in a block/chop/drive fashion, allowed him to 15, -17, 19 give looper Larry in turn a
nasty loss. And (2) because Homer, using his topspin wisely (i.e., sparingly), drew that
inevitable rising dead ball out of Petes unwilling but helpless hands. Yep, Pete lost to him
two straight, allowing Homer with his 3-2 tie-breaker score to advance.
On the other side of the draw, after adjusting to the tempo of Thomas Nuness low
backhand anti-chops, Brian Masters cleverly brought him in close with deceptive drop shots,
then forced him deep with powerful drives to force him out of position for Brians either-way
330

crosscourt kills. In advancing to

the final, Masters also beat Wing
Man Tamthrough frequent
change of pace shots and by
spinning numerous loops into
Tams body, thus not allowing him
to adopt his favorite extended-arm
loop/smash attack.
In the final, after Masters
pulled out the first game, 25-23,
Brown seemed to lose that inner
spirit of self-confidence which
carries him through so many close
matches. Brian, meanwhile,
exuded the calm and self-mastery
Brian Masters
requisite for a champion. A
Photo by Mal Anderson
dazzling series of crosscourt
counters, delicate drop shots, and
swirling serves gave him closing 21-12, 21-13 wins that proved eloquent testimony to his
mature sense of initiative and strategy. Heyyy, big win for savvy Brian
Results of the Caribbean Championships held July 25-Aug. 3 in
Trinidad-Tobago: Mens Teams: Cuba over Dominican Republic, 5-2.
Womens Teams: Cuba over Trinidad-Tobago, 3-0. Mens Singles:
Mansingh Amarsingh (Trinidad) over George Brathwaite (Guyana), 9, 7,
22. Semis: Amarsingh over Errol Resek (Dom. Rep.), 19, 21, -16, 22;
Brathwaite over Robert Earle (Barbados), -14, 16, 19, 22. Womens
Singles: Marta Baez (Cuba) over Raquel Ortiz (Cuba), 9, 10. Mens
Doubles: Earle/Sealy over Amarsingh/Lionel Darceuil, 12, 17. Womens
Doubles: Baez/Ortiz over Carol Davidson/Smith (Guyana), 19, -18, 17.
Mixed Doubles: Nelson Navarro/Yolanda Velazquez (Cuba) over Omar
Lamorena/Baez., 17, 17.
Winners at the Pinellas County Closed, held Aug. 12-13 at Largo, FL: Championship
Singles: Greg Gingold over Clint Steffan, 9, 15, -19, 21, then over Conrad Fisher whod
survived both Scott Baker, 21, -12, 17, -19, 18, and Gerry Maglio, 15, -21, -22, 14, 22.
Womens: Kathy Vlahakis over Malai Jeerapaet. Championship Doubles: Gingold/Maglio over
Lundsford/Steffan, advancers over Baker/Anton Hauser, in 5. As: Baker over Clayton
Seawright. A Doubles: Jeerapaet/Seawright over Ray Look/Weyrauch. Bs: Seawright over
Look, -21, 10, 20, -20, 19, then over Craig Lathrop. Cs: Seawright over Jeerapaet. Seniors:
Maglio over Hauser. U-17s: Jeerapaet over Steve Krzesicki in 5.
At the Columbia, MD $787 Eastern Team Championships (how arrive at that precise
prize money?), the Butterfly Boys (Scott Boggan, Eric Boggan, and Rutledge Barry) who,
after leading 4-2, lost the U.S. Open Team Championship last November to the Seemiller
brothers, themselves did a turnabout, and, down 4-2 in the final, rallied to defeat a strong
Columbus team (Insook Bhushan, Mike Bush, and Roger Sverdlik).
In the 7th match against Mike Bush, Scott was down 1-0 and 7-3. WHAT DO YOU
DO WHEN YOU CANT PLAY? he yelled out in disgust. But thenas Ernest Hemingway
331

in a pocket used to think (the words of another man carried deep in his wallet)Dabord il
faut durer (Above all, hang in there). And the plea, the prayer, if such it was, brought forth
an answer. Mike got a little careless, gave Scott the chance he took to get control of his
containing table game and point-winning flat hit, and when it was over and Scott had won in 3,
went off talking to himself.
Whereupon Eric, with only one loss in two days of play, prevailed over Roger, who
was not at his best this tournament.
Rutledge then got his clever head together and found a way to play the as yet
undefeated Insook. He slow-looped high, high, very high, and when Insook didnt hit this ball
he was, as everybody could very early see, a winner. Patience, patience, he had to be saying
to himself, then, when the return came high to his liking (and Careful, careful, read the spin
correctly), he reared not so frailly back and followed through.
Other Division I top finishers: 3. Chicago (Jim Lazarus, Jerry Thrasher, Charles
Butler). 4. New York (Errol Resek, Bill Sharpe, Dave Sakai). 5. Long Island (Rory
Brassington, Tim Boggan, Dave Shapiro)). 6. Columbia (Ali Oveissi, Brian Masters, Jeff
Smart). Division II: 1. Lindsay Cadillac (Arum Avanessi, Monty Merchant, Pat and Sean
ONeill). 2. Triangle TTC (Fred King, Pete May, Jim McQueen). 3. Boston: Ralph
Bockhoven, Hank McCoullum, Alex Sze). Division III: New Carrollton (Jerry Goldman, Phil
Horvitz, John Rohrer).
Bill Pennington in the July 31st Advocate (reprinted TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1978, 25) tells us
that Dave Sakais International House of Pong in New Haven sponsored two Connecticut
youths who succeeded in setting a new Guinness World record for continuous table tennis
play. Question: How long did Stamfords Rob Siegel, 16, and Greenwichs Don Peters, 17,
keep at it? Answer: Eight hours and 33 minutes, smashing the old mark of five hours and two
minutes.
Unlike many other Guinness records, this continuous play does not include five
minute rests each hour. So of course at the finish the players were very tired and hungry, but
thankful that the ball hadnt cracked. The hardest part, said Robert, wasnt not missing, it
was just that after five hours your wrists and arms hurt so much it was hard to hold the
paddle. There were times, they said, when they almost put the ball into the net or almost hit
it too long. Also, they admitted, there was an urge to smash the ball across the table for a
winner. Anyway, said Siegel, Im just glad we broke the record, and by so much. No one
is going to break this record for a while.
CNE U.S. vs. Canada Team Matches
Ill begin coverage of the Sept. 1-4 Toronto CNE with each Team Captains report
(TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1978, 2)Junior Womens (Donna Newell); Womens (Yvonne Kronlage);
Junior Mens (Bill Sharpe), and Mens (Roger Sverdlik).
The U.S. Junior Women (Cheryl Dadian, Dana Gvildys, and Marilyn Johnston) lost a
3-2 tie to their Canadian counterparts (Colleen Johnson, Gloria Nesukaitis, and Becky
McKnight). In the opening match, Dadian, U.S. U-15 Girls Champion (rated 1749), defeated
Johnson (1696), 18, -19, 14. Cheryls good serves and more aggressive play made the
difference. The U.S. then took a 2-0 lead when Gvildys, a 300-point underdog, -17, 17, 19
outlasted Nesukaitis, rated #5 among Canadian women. Dana, down 8-3 in the 3rd, but
thereafter employing good strategy, patience, and a cool head, recovered, then went on to
win from 19-all.
332

Becky McKnight
Photo by Mal Anderson

The doubles, though, we lost. Dadian/Johnston went

down, 9 in the 3rd, to Nesukaitis and 13-year-old McKnight.
More trouble for the U.S. in the 4th match between the top
players on each team. Gloria beat Cheryl, 14, 19. Tie tied. In
the 5th match, the heavily favored Colleen was just too good
for Dana. However, says Donna, I was pleased with the
conduct and performance of each team member, and I thank
them for their cooperation and enthusiasm.
Like fixtured CNE official
Marge Walden, recently one of
three finalists for Air Canadas
Amateur Executive of the Year
Award, U.S. Womens Team
Captain Kronlage likes it that the
International Matches are given
ritualized attention. She begins,
After the march-in of the two
countries behind their National
Marge Walden
Flag, a very proud moment for
Photo by Mal Anderson
me, we exchanged pins with our
opposing team members. We
then proceeded to our table which we found to be very badly
lighted. Running under the lights was a pipe that cast a dark
shadow over the table. Lets hope that worse is not to

come, huh?
First up in Canadian Captain Suzanna Kavallierous order was Birute Plucas who 21-8,
21-15 had no chance against Insook Bhushanthis conclusion dramatically confirmed when
Insook ran out the last 6 points of the match.
Next up: Mariann Domonkos vs. Kasia Dawidowicz. After talking with Mens Captain
Houshang Bozorgzadeh about how Kasia should play Mariann, Yvonne said, I told her to
serve fast and long to Marianns backhand and then follow with a fast forehand smash. I also
told her at all times to keep her coolfor I had noticed in past matches that when she gets
behind she could get very upset. Dont worry about the point youve lost, just think about the
next point youre going to win, I told her. This advice proved so successful that Kasia won
the 1st 21-17. In the 2nd, however, Mariann was able to loop and Kasia couldnt contest. In the
3rd, Kasia was down 19-17, but when she saw us motioning to her to calm down, she took the
last four points for a great 19 in the 3rd win. We were all so proud of her. She listened well
and tried to do everything that I suggested.
Now the doubles. Had Kasia lost and been upset, Yvonne said she would most
certainly have partnered Insook with Nancy Hill. But since Nancy is a blocker and Insook a
chopper, I was afraid it would have been a very weak team. So I decided to play Kasia and
Insook. They took the first game from Domonkos/Gloria Hsu, 21-18. Then lost the second,
21-14. In the third, Kasias hitting and Insooks chopping were very effective. Only the
Canadians were just as effective with Marianns looping and Glorias hitting. Down double
match-point, we rose to the occasionfinished, as Kasia did earlier, with four straight points
to take the game, the match, and the tie.
333

Junior Mens Captain/Coach Sharpe started Johnny

Stillions against Canadas David Williams, and Johnny did twozip just finepushed Williamss serve back, then, when David
looped, he blocked and countered with well-controlled loops of
his own.
In the second match, our Todd Petersen was troubled by
a blister hed recently gotten not, as youd expect from this
high-school scholarship-winner, on a cross-country run, but by
marching around in his high school band. But he stopped Joe
Ng, the #1 seed in the As here. Down 20-18 in the 1st, Todd
started pushing into lefthander Ngs extreme backhand, then
forced the young Canadian to return a weak backhand or go to
his extreme right to forehand loop, which, if he didnt score,
made him vulnerable to a well-placed block return. What
worked in one game worked in another. Todd won 23-21, 21-17.
San Franciscos Dean Wong, who came to this country
two years ago from Burma (where at 14 he was the Under 16
Champion) has a formidable repertoire of serves and used them
Dean Wong
perfectly to force Canadian Junior Champ Rene Lewandowski to
outright miss them or make many a weak return. Only a lapse of concentration in the 22-20
second game forced Dean to go 3 to win. U.S. 3Canada 1.
But it wasnt going to be a whitewash. Ng outlasted Stillions in 3.
And perhaps that gave Canadas Williams some momentum. But after he takes the first
from Wong, Dean started moving with more speed and won the next two handily.
Petersen then scored the clincher against Lewandowski. After falling far behind in the
first, Todd rallied with some good counter-hitting to win it 23-21, then managed what he
needed, a split in the next two games, to give the U.S. the 5-1 tie.
Captain Sverdlik tells us right off that the youthful USA team (Eric Boggan, Mike
Bush, and Ricky Seemiller) defeated the not quite so youthful Canadian team (Errol Caetano,
Derek Wall, and Guy Germain), 5-1.
First up, Bush vs. Germain. For most of the way, Guy controlled the tempo well, kept
Mike off balance; but towards the end of the third, Mike won a couple of points playing
defense, and with the help of some good high-toss serves and follow-ups, pulled it out, 2118.
Next, Eric and Errol. Perhaps Eric started to feel the pressure of being a 2400 player,
of being expected to beat or to at least play close with Errol. At any event, he played much
too soft, used too much anti, as Errol swatted away winner after winner in his usual effortless
manner.
Now Ricky against Derek. Roger said, If only I could yell to Ricky from behind the
table, No spin!Heavy spin! With games tied at one apiece, Ricky agreed that he must
read the spin better, pick his shots accordinglyand he did, winning comfortably, 21-13.
In the Bush-Caetano match, Errol just did not look sharp, couldnt get a consistent
attack going against Mikes effective spin game.
Germains deceptive tactics usually give Ricky a lot of trouble, but here Ricky blew
him away in the first, and, using some clever tactics of his owni.e., short spin serves to
Guys forehandhe won the second at 19. U.S. 4-Canada 1.
334

Erol Caetano admiring the Bulova

watch hed won previously.
Photo by Tom Slater

Will Eric vs. Derek end it? At last years CNE,

said Roger, Id tried to coach Eric against Derek in the
singles, but to no avail.But what a difference a year
makes.Eric rolled, looped, hit, and, most importantly,
read Dereks ever-varying spins to record an easy win.
Although the tie made for some interesting matches,
the general feeling among the professional players
involved was, Why are we playing? What kind of prize
are we playing for? Of course the Bulova watches that
the winning team members (including the Captain!)
received every year were appreciated, but they certainly
werent much of an enticement to world-ranked Danny
Seemiller who, for the second year in a row, declined to
play. So, as I say, here in Toronto, at the CNE, on a hot
summer night in the East End of the Sheep and Swine
Building, while thousands passed by outside not knowing or
caring that there was anything more than subdued animals
inside, how much, really, could the best players care?

Womens Singles
Insook Bhushan, the Womens Singles winner at this annual Labor Day tournament,
didnt have to labor muchshe again dominated a field that offered her no real competition,
and so not much satisfaction. Runner-up in their 3-1 final was Quebecs Mariann Domonkos.
In general, the Womens play was disappointing, and since there wasnt a single 5-game match
from the 8ths on, not very exciting.
Not even lean and hungry Kasia Dawidowiczs play (up until her fine win over Mariann
in the Teams) was as promising as many thought it would be. In winning the 17s she was
down in all three games to Cheryl Dadian. And she put up
little resistance against Domonkos in the Womens semis.
Actually, she had to fight hard to (20, 19, -21, 13) get by
1830-rated Gloria Hsu in the quarters. As for Gloria, she
might have been beaten in 5 by Faan Yeen Liu (had she lost
that 19 first game).
Faan Yeens play was at least encouraging. Shes taken
time out from college to try to make the U.S. Team, would
soon be going to New York to get some coaching from Alex
Tam, and here more than usual seemed out for blood. Her
iron-tough (-12, 24, 18) Under 21 win over Birute Plucas, the
Canadian #2, was a case in point.
Liu, then, fresh and determined, came to play. But
Domonkos, out of her teens nowhow does she feel about
her future in the sport? Id read someplace that she said she
might quit soonand though perhaps she really wasnt being
serious, she must have felt she ought to have done better than
(19, -20) struggle against Gloria Nesukaitis in those second
Faan Yeen Liu
and third games in her 3-1 quarters win.
Photo by Houshang Bozorgzadeh
335

Canadas Gloria Nesukaitis

Ai-ju Wu

Canadas Christine Forgo

Photo by Mal Anderson

Photo by Tom Slater

Gloria (rated 1760), who lost in 5 in the U-17s to hard-hitting Dadian (rated 1764)
and to Dana Gvildys (rated 1555) in the Teams, seems to be as sincerely carefree as I
remember her father John being sincerely serious. Yet she still has promise. U-17 Girls
Doubles winners were Dawidowicz/Dadian over Julia Johnson/Nesukaitis who struggled by
the Wu sisters in 5. In the U-21s, Gloria played another very close (20, 18) match with
Canadas #1 Domonkos, whos rated 300 points above her. Cheryl also won the U-15s from
Canadas Julia Johnson, Colleens sister. Girls U-13 went to Ai-ju Wu over Daiva Koperski.
Perhaps the most interesting singles match, blocking out anothers hopes, was U.S.
Team member Nancy Hills 19 in the 4th win over Christine Forgojust as by far the most
interesting Womens Doubles match saw Bhushan/Dawidowicz in the final barely getting
by a determined Forgo/Domonkos team, 19 in the 5th. Christines excellent play here
almost enabled the Canadians to prevail. And though I thought Kasia (whos of course
played so many times with her dad) was used to playing with a defender, I didnt think she
and Insook made a particularly good team. Insook paired with Danny Seemiller to win the
Mixed from Caetano/Domonkosthough after Insook and Danny lost the first, if theyd
have lost the second from 21-all, the outcome might well have been different. Earlier,
Errol and Mariann, winning the pivotal 3rd, 22-20, had advanced in 5 over Bush/
Dawidowicz.
The Womens As was won by U.S.
Intercollegiate Mixed Doubles Champ Niloufer
(Neena) Patel, supposedly a 1400 player, 19
in the 3rd over Grace Ide, then 21-15 and (ohhh)
29- 27 over the favorite, Shazzi Felstein. It was
hard to say whether Shazzi was more irritated
at having her push picked off, or seeing her
longtime friend Louise Nieves less interested
and supportive in this final than Scrabble-star
Shazzi thought was LIEDYRNF and HIRTG.
Womens Bs went to Adel Karim over
Genevieve Hayes. Yvonne Kronlage won the
Senior Womens from Montreals Betty
Adel Karim
Tweedy.
Photo by Mal Anderson
336

Mens/Juniors Age/Class Events

Before I go on to the Mens Singles, I want to give you the results of whatever Age/
Class events I dont mention elsewhere: Esquires: former Russian National Algis Saunoris
over Harry Deschamps. Seniors: Bill Sharpe ($100) over George Brathwaite, 21, -17, -22,
23, 18. Someone said, The Chief was too often checking his stroke, wasnt following through
with his shots as he usually does. Boys U-17: Eric Boggan over Dean Wong whod
advanced by Brian Masters. Boys U-17 Doubles: Boggan/Ralph Bockoven over Joe Ng/
David Williams, 19 in the 5th. Boys U-15: Boggan over John Stillions. Boys U-13: Sean
ONeill over Mike Carlson. Boys U-11: ONeill over Vaibhav Kamble.
Mens As: Zeppelin Law over Tim Boggan, 19, 20, then over Dean Wong, 18 in the
th
5 . A Doubles: Boggan/Brian Masters over Ng/Williams. Mens Bs: Ed Suen over Ross
Sutherland. Mens Cs: Normand Gauthier over Sam Steiner, -18, 21, 18. Mens Ds: Torsten
Pawlowski over Dennis Vigeant.
Mens Singles
Danny Seemiller, to no ones surprise, won the CNEs Mens Singles by defeating both
the Boggan brothers15-year-old Eric in the semis in straight games, and 17-year-old Scott
in 4 in the finals. Counting his wins in the Mens Doubles with brother Ricky, and the Mixed
with Insook, Danny ran his weekend earnings to $625. One reason why Seemiller has been
such a great champion for the past half dozen years is that hes always courageously accepted
a challenge. Also over the years hes always been ready to technically and psychologically help
a number of younger players, some of whose games hes had the foresight to see will one day
grow to contest his own.
Because of Dannys class qualitiesindeed, because of the whole Seemiller familys
goodwillboth my sons, who are now fast becoming his preeminent challengers, have not
only been welcomed for years at his summer training camps, where Erics game in particular
has more fully developed, but have been put up as guests in his own home. Moreover, my boys
have been encouraged to practice with Danny, and have often been privy to the intimate
camaraderie that flows, floats, wafts in and out of his friends tournament hotel rooms.
Recently, after practicing with Seemiller in Pittsburgh, Scott drove up with him to this Toronto
tournament where, as if guilt by association (neither wanted to wear one of those stupid,
player-demeaning numbers on his back), they were destined to meet in the final.
With this closeness, then (Seemiller said he wanted to trade clogs with Scott but not
forehand loops), no wonder that my sons respect for Danny (and the other young Eastern 20ish circuit players) have helped them at 15 and 17, to become more professional, more mature,
and not only more independent, but, forgive me, youth, for saying itperhaps even a little
more respectable.
Scott had never been in such an international final before. He was ready,
thoughhad been psyching himself up before the match, shoes off, jumping with an
imaginary rope. Danny had no trouble the first two gamesBoggans timing was off, and
there was at least one knowledgeable observer who felt that it was just silly and
inexperienced on Scotts part to try to be so aggressive against Seemiller. But in the 3rd
game, Scott, continuing to take what he felt were well-calculated chances, scored again
and again with his fast, flat forehand and earned a 21-13 winthereby prompting another
longtime observer to say, Its the mark of a coming great player that hes willing to take
chances. Great? Great relative to?
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Danny confided later, after hed convincingly won the 4th game and the match, Im
really pleased that Scott didnt do badly against me. His decent showing out there in his first
big final should give him confidence, really help his game.
Against Eric in the semis it was easierthough two of the games were 21-18. Eric
seemed to have mapped out a strategy for himself that had focused on everybody but Danny
that match he seemed willing to lose provided he won all the rest. And win them all he did,
annihilating all his opponents three straightincluding Ricky Seemiller in the final of the $100
Youth (Under 21) event.
Only once was Eric in troublein the 2 out of 3 quarters of the Youths against his
last years USOTC nemesis Randy Seemiller. Boggan lost the 1st game at 19, then was 16-all
in the 3rd before stamping out three ferocious change-of-spin servesall of which Seemiller
failed to return. In the 16ths of the Mens, Randy lost another tough one (13, -19, -19, -18) to
a steady Roger Sverdlik.
Eric then stopped both his Table Tennis Enterprises associates, Sverdlik (in an 8ths
match that drew an interested crowd), and David Philip (in a quarters match that,
disappointingly, drew nobody at allperhaps because Scott and Ricky were playing an
interesting match elsewhere?). Philip, however, did register a good win over Bill Sharpe after
being down match point four times.
In the quarters, Danny breezed by Lim Ming
Chuithough Ming was wielding his special, only-tobe-used-against-Danny Curl racket. This is the kind
Oshima [the 78 U.S. Open Mens Doubles winner with
Takashima] uses, says Mingits trickier than
Phantom. Ming hasnt been practicing with his new
racket muchis jogging 1-3 miles every day
(sometimes with 4-year-old Chi Sun on his back) but
isnt playing much. It seems Mings a Project Leader
for the PAS group (Pilot Advisory System) that helps
planes save fuel, so hes kept busy. Ming, you might
say, had his own Project Leader with him this
Lim Ming Chui
tournamentwife Marie who, bless her, kept track of
Kung-fu-minded Chi Sun and the other little ones.
In the 16ths, playing with his Double Happiness
racket (With this blade, the ball leaves the bat fast and
the speeds useful), Chui had a deuce-in-the-4th scare with Quebecs Pierre Normandin. I
played too cautiously, said Ming, which was a mistake against a player of this caliber.
[Meaning: Pierres good, or not so good?] Up 15-14 in the 4th, Id played 6 stupid points in a
row. So I say to myself, Man, what am I doing here? Then I killed in 6 balls in a row to win
the match.
In the 8ths, Chui eliminated George Brathwaite in a terrific deuce-in the-5th match
this after The Chief had played an unexpedited,. marathon four games with the alwaysdifficult-to-do-away-with Rory Brassington. Last season in the Rutgers tournament, Ming lost
to Georgesaid hed dropped two deuce games because hed blocked too much. This time,
he said, hed stood well away from the table and, having given up his longtime use of the
wooden side of his racket, tried to move George around and effectively mixed his blocking and
hitting.
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Chui says George is very apprehensive about his, Mings, serves at deuce, as perhaps
he should be (Chui in this match not only won the 5th but the 3rd at deuce), for Ming says at
that point he uses only good, as yet unused serves.
An official decision on Danny and Erics side of the draw that generated the most
spectator interest occurred unexpectedly when Roy Powell and his Tournament Committee
(who I think on the whole are becoming more flexible, more reasonable, and, despite those
few frowning, dreadfully officious umpires, moredare I say it?friendly) rightly allowed 25year-old Attila Malek, newly arrived from Hungary, to take newly departed (perhaps from the
Game forever) Rutledge Barrys place in the draw.
Last year, Attila (properly pronounced Ah-TEA-uh, though almost everyone calls him
Ah-TILL-uh) was ranked somewhere between 16 and 36 in Hungary depending on who you talk
to. He and his now pregnant wife Sylvia spent months in a refugee camp in Italy impatiently waiting
for their opportunity to be part of the small quota of immigrants from Communist countries the
U.S. government periodically allows into the States. (You cant deny asylum to a person from a
Communist country if he/she is not a Communist or not in trouble with the law?)
Malek, who plays out of Chicago where his wifes relatives are living, has a Scourge of
God forehand loop and a flat flick-out backhand that no-nonsense cracks in. After having 4game trouble with retired banker Dave Sakai (who now represents the Commodities House of
Pong in New Haven, CT), Attila moved on to Danny. And while he didnt win, his aggressive
play, and particularly his European-developed serves (in their last game, for instance, Seemiller
missed 5 of them whereas Malek missed only 2 of Dannys) gave the audience some much
needed excitement.
On the other side of the draw, Mike Bush had gotten to the semis with a surprisingly
easy 3-game quarters win over Canadas #1, Errol Caetanonow, after a five-year reign, the
ex-Canadian National Champion, replaced (temporarily) by Alex Polisois. Errol had practiced
like twice all summer and had been preparing for this tournament either by snapping his wrists
out on the golf course or by relaxing after work at home with wife Diane and stretching out
his playing arm from time to time to quickly grab young son Adam away from whatever
temptation might be befalling him.
Earlier Bush had gone 4 games with U.S. Team Captain Houshang Bozorgzadeh, and
thensurprisehad to go 5 with suddenly unretired former U.S. World Team member Dell
Sweeris. Indeed, were it not for Mikes Chinese throw-up serves, which Dell could not get the
hang of, Sweeris might have won the match.
Dell was spared playing high-rated Robert Earle when Robert for some reason was
elsewhere in the playing hall and got defaulted (he expected his name to be called out over the
loudspeaker, didnt realize he was supposed to report to his playing table?). Youre sure you
want to default him? Sweeris said to the umpire. And thereafter Dells position was, It was
out of my hands.
Some time later Robert asked me to intercede for him, but I felt Id gotten involved in
enough draw changes and controversies with the Canadians over the yearsindeed, had
already been in a couple of them this weekendso I didnt take up his cause.
But, really, when anybody drives all the way from New York to Toronto to play in a
tournament, you would think he deserves at least one call over the loudspeaker. I also think
that Dell himself might have tried to find him. (When David Philip called to say he was sorry
but hed be late flying in from N.Y., the Tournament Committee obligingly held his match, and
his opponent Bill Sharpe was only too willing to accommodate him.
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Two of the most exciting 5-game matches of the

tournament were the ones Scott Boggan played against Mike
Bush in the semis and Ricky Seemiller in the quarters.
Against Scott, all-out looper Mike handicapped himself,
some said, by playing as much as 4 feet back from the table
when, in deference to Boggans pips-out blocking ability, he
should have been in closer. Mike got two bad breaks in the 5th
game though. One when at 5-all I, too excited, inadvertently
yelled out and an equally intense friend of mine applauded for
Scott when we both thought hed won the pointonly to see
Mike near miraculously bring back the ball from under the
table. Distracting this must have been to both playersbut
Mike, who went on to lose the point, was particularly upset.
Timmy, he said, not during the point! You dont yell
Mike Bush
during the point! And, Im unhappy to say, this seemed to
Photo by Mal Anderson
cause a break in his concentration, for he lost 3 or 4 points in
quick succession. The other bad break was a paddle point against him when he was down 1611.
Mike also voiced his concern over an opponent whom he never conclusively seems to
beat and who always seems to be facing himBoredom. Over and over again, he says, I
play the same players, watch the same players play the same matches. Next thing you know,
Mike, who not long ago turned 21, in an attempt to bring variety into his world, will be
changing racketsmaybe go to sandpaper or hard rubber, or, like a smiling Scott Boggan,
make the point that hes soon going to win Highest Lob of the Tournament.

Scott Boggan
Photo by Mal Anderson

Ricky Seemiller
Photo by Neal Fox

Ricky advanced to Scott in the quarters by just outlasting 48-year-old Derek Wall in a
tense 11, -14, 19, 21 near repeat of their last years matchexcept this time Ricky won.
Finally the Canadians had judged Derek, who last year was in the semis of the Mens, good
enough for their Team in the U.S.-Canada International tiethen sentenced him to 10
morning, afternoon and evening matches just prior to it. Later, though, an official pardoned
340

himhis schedule was modifiedand he withdrew from the Seniors. Still later, he and
Caetano were runner-ups to the Seemillers in Mens Doubles.
In their earlier Youth match, Scott, whod been down 2-1 in games, had Ricky 8-3 in
the 5ththen lost 8 in a row, and eventually the match. This time Scott was again down 2-1
and down 10-5, 14-11 in the 4th. At which point after a running side-to-side exchange Ricky
tried to bullet-loop in a bad ball, then, instead of serving chop or sidespin, served out to Scott
and tried to counter with him. It was a bad mistake, Ricky said later. You cant counter
more than two balls against Scotts pipsespecially not here because on these tables the ball
doesnt come out, just sort of slides backwards off your racket.
On into the 5th they go, Ricky complaining to himself that Scott with his nothing-ball
serves doesnt let you open the pointthen, if hes hitting well, theres nothing you can do.
Up 17-13 in the 5th, Boggan, sensing victory, is getting more fist-up excited. Ricky serves
and Scott smashes it in. At 19-15 theres a marvelous side-to-side rally, the best of the match,
which Scott, in back court, his back half-turned to the table, finally wins on a passing
crosscourt counter. Victory! No, not yet. Ricky battles back20-18 Then Scott catches him
on a serve. He surprised megave me a straight nothing ball, said Ricky, and I missed it
off the table.
So, with hard-won wins over Ricky and Mike, 17-year-old Scott, who last season
played in 102 matches in which his rating changedfar more than any other top-rated player
in the countrywas in his first international final. While the no longer 19 but now 24-yearold Danny had won his 6th straight CNE Championship.

Danny Seemiller (R), by defeating Scott Boggan, wins his sixth straight CNE Mens Championship.
Photo by Mal Anderson

341

Chapter Twenty-Five
1978: September Tournaments. 1978: Danny Seemiller/Connie Sweeris Take 4th
Annual Nissen Open.
When you read Jay Crystals exuberant account
(TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1978, 21-22) of the Pepsi Cola Open, held
Sept. 15-16 at the Paddle Palace, you want to applaud his
play, his enthusiasm, his aspirations. But before he gets to
the exciting Open Singles, he wants to fill us in on the other
events.
John Chang, our hottest U-11 player, entered 10 events. In the
Juniors he was beaten in the semis by Benji Klevit, the winner over John
Jennings, 22, -16, 16. But he made the finals of Class E where he lost to
Koorash Taleghani, 19 in the 3rd; and did even better in the Fs, winning the
final from Dave George. Cs went to Klevit over Anh Phan, 24, -14, 18,
then over Jennings whod defeated Simon Ng, 19, -20, 16. The Bs was
Simon
won by Bob Andrews over Rich Remington. Andrews also took the Rating
Ng
event from Klevit. In the As, Bill Preston had an easy time with Mark
Walsh, but in the semis he had to go 3 with Leslie Harris whod upset the
#1 seed, Bill Mason. With Judy Bochenski in Asia, or is it India, Leslie is the only woman
playing at the club, aside from Charlotte Breit, our reigning Over 60 Champion who reached
the final of the Gs before losing to Tim Fraser. Modified A Doubles winners were Charlie
McLarty/Frahler over Don Nash/Ng.
Best in AAs: James Huang over Eddie Ng, 19 in the 5th, then over Jeff Kurtz whod
eliminated Joe Romanowsky, 18 in the 5th. Jeff, #13 in the Northwest, was down 2-1 to Joe,
but kept bringing the ball back. Hes mainly defense now, uses Tackiness and Feint, and,
though he doesnt practice much, managed to eke out the 5-game win. The Huang-Ng 5gamer was an all-out pushing match that lastedwell, you know how long a 19-in-the-5th
pushing match lasts. Though Dean Doyle opted not to play Open Singles or Doubles, he did
pair with Crystal to win the Two-Man Teams from Khoa Bui and his younger brother Quang,
just returned from a 5-week stay in Japan.
In the Open Doubles, Crystal renewed his partnership with Eddie Ngtheyd won the
Oregon State Doubles Championship in 76. In the semis, they squeaked by Bryan Wright/
Rick Livermore, 19 in the 3rd, then met the Bui brothers. When Eddie gets tight, said Jay,
he tends to push everything, which is not a good basic strategy against either of these teams.
In the final, he pushed the whole time until we were ahead 20-13 match point in the 3rd, then
made an incredible penhold backhand kill off a loaded push. Whatever feels right, I guess.
On one side of the Open Singles draw, both Crystal and Quang Bui easily advanced
Jay over Livermore, and Quang over McLarty. But on the other side of the draw there were
two close quarters matches. Ron Carver was down 2-1 to Romanowsky before pulling it out,
and Wright came back from being 2-0 and 14-8 in the 5th down to Khoa Bui before winning at
deuce.
Jay says that Wright, State Champion in 76, has some of the most incredible,
powerful shots anywhere.But his biggest problem is a fiery temper which leads to
inconsistency. In his semis against Carver, he kept his temper in checkand came back
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from being down 2-1 and 19-16 in the 5th to win. Hes
been practicing every day with Dean Doyle, Keun Chungs
been coaching him, and hes looking more awesome every
time he plays.
Think these matches were close? Jay said, I still
get shaky thinking about my semis match with Bui.
Crystal had been hanging out this summer with the
Seemillers, so, though he hadnt been playing impressively
on his return, his game surely had to have improved. But
before his upcoming semis he had to resist being
intimidated by Quang whod gotten back from his training
at Senshu University and was dropping names like Itoh
and Hasegawa. The night before this Pepsi tournament,
Jay had turned on his TV to watch the much-hyped boxing
match, had seen Ali win, and, as he said, it helped me get
psyched. Heres his account of his final matches with Quang and Bryan:
Quang Bui

I won the first at 14 against Bui, but, man, that kid was moving good, loop-killing my
serves, killing the pushes. He took the 2nd at 23-21 after I was up 20-18, took the 3rd, 26-24. I
was beginning to get tight and perturbedhe kept blasting the ball by me, what to do?
This was a big money matchthe winner got at least $20 and was a solid favorite to
win the $60 first-place prize money. To make it more interesting, at the beginning of the 4th
game, a local fan, Don Nash, came up and told us that we were both playing so well that he
was giving an extra $5 to the winner. I said, thinking of the odds, Why not give it to the
loser? No response.
And now Im down 20-14
and how to describe it, the feeling
of coming backI knew I could do
it. It was his serveI looped three
in for winners, he missed a kill, I
won a fast rally, another, and was
there. He was up 21-20 before I ran
it out. The last game was pretty
tightI had him 20-16, but then he
got three points off my trickiest
serves. So I gave him my juiciest
backhand side/top serve, fastJay Crystal
looped the return, and he put it into
Photo by Mal Anderson
the net.
My final against Wright was
very anti-climacticBryan was up
17-13 in the first, and I took 8 straight. The 2nd game Bryan missed something like 5 or 6 of
his own serves [sic], and I won at 14. Next game Im home at 16and Im the Pepsi Cola
Open Singles winner. I guess going to Pittsburgh paid off, at least for this week. The first thing
I did when I won the tourney (besides drinking a few beers in my honor) was to write a letter
to the Pittsburgh TT Club and tell all those suckers who won.
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Jay says going to Pittsburgh gave him new insights and perspectives. He feels his
biggest contribution as a player is to be as professional as possibleplaying well, looking
good, creating exciting, interesting matches, helping the kids. He wants to be a good jock at
the table, so people will come and watch and enjoy. He says, I want to see how good I can
get. When Im satisfied, Ill quit or maybe start organizing and helping the Game that way. For
now, just tell me when and where to play and Ill be there.
The Oklahoma Open and Closed were played in Oklahoma City the same Sept. 23-24
weekend. Here are the Open Results (references, too, to the Closed): Open Singles: Bruce
Smith won both Singles titlesthe Open over Swaminathan Bhaskar in5; the Closed over
David Babcock. Open Doubles: Bhaskar/Smith over Larry Kesler/Babcock. Womens: Karin
Thompson over Norma LeBlanc, 19 in the 4th. Womens Doubles: Marilyn Johnston/Kathy
Thompson over Karin Thompson/Barbara Johnston. Mixed Doubles: Smith/LeBlanc over
Bhaskar/Sue Sargent. Esquires: Richard Puls over Lou Coates. Open Seniors: Kesler over
Don Bassett. Closed Seniors: Mort Finkelstein over Vern Eisenhour. Senior Doubles:
Finkelstein/Kesler over Eisenhour/Loy Lockwood.
Open As: Russ Finley over Babcock in 5. Closed A winner: Finkelstein. A Doubles:
Babcock/Kirk Golbach over Eisenhour/Finkelstein. Open Bs: Bassett over Mark McDonald.
Closed Bs: Fred DeArment over Hamid Ahmadi. B Doubles: Kenny Holmes/Tony Chan over
McDonald/Percy Harvey. C Singles: Ahmadi over Rudy Crawford, 21, -19, 23 whod
advanced by Floyd McCammon, 21, -19, 23. Ds: Trent LeForce over Freddie Marchena,
Closed U-15 winner over Alex Fields. D Doubles: Marchena/Fields over Trent Bester/
Pritchard. Es: LeForce over Marchena. Consolation: Scott Pritchard over Ken Wager. Closed
Intercollegiates: Jim Short over Chan. Open U-17s: Golbach over Johnny Cortez. Closed U17s: Kenny Holmes over Cortez. Junior As: Fields over LeForce. Junior Doubles: Golbach/
Holmes over M. Johnston/Karin Thompson in 5. Open U-15s: M. Johnston over Karin
Thompson, 22-20 in the 4th. Open U-13s: LeForce over Lori Proctor, then over Karin
Thompson in 5. Closed U-13s: LeForce over Richie Crawford. U-11s: Reed Kyker over
Denny Duran.
Winners at the Sept. 30-Oct. 1 Akron Open: Insook Bhushan in 5 over Dayton, Ohio star
Tim OGrosky, in the early 70s the Ohio Champion and, as the first USTTA Ratings were coming
out, U.S. #12. Womens: Denise Horn over Kim Kondash. Open Doubles: Greg Collins/Mark
Wampler over OGrosky/Jeff Williams. As: Williams over Ron Schull. Bs: Bob Slapnik over Carl
Federl. Cs: Les Harrison over Kurt Stump. Ds: Paul Schoenberg over Mike Prendergast.
Esquires: Bob Allen over Tom Shirley. Seniors: Harrison over Vern Weingart, -17, 16, -16, 23, 19,
then over Lyle Thiem. U-21: Stump over Thai Le Khac, 6, -17, -20, 20, 18, then over Kerry
OBrien, 18 in the 5th. U-17: Horn over Stump. U-15: Jeff Miller over Doug Hardy.
Fourteen players tried out Sept. 16 at North Little Rock, Arkansas to see whod qualify to
participate in the Nov. Regionals at Irving, Texas. Qualifiers there would advance to Vegas for the
Dec. Trials that would decide the members of the 1979 U.S. Team to the Pyongyang, North Korea
Worlds. Roger Persaud, Duke Stogner and Nancy Hill were the advancers.
Power Poon, as Director of the Louisiana Open, held Sept. 9th in Baker, said he just
couldnt refuse entries, so the total mushroomed to near 90, more really than he could
comfortably handle at this one-day tournament. Last match went off at 11:15 p.m., but,
earning Powers grateful thanks, the following members of the Baton Rouge Club stayed till
1:00 a.m. to help him with the clean-up work: Tom Baudry, Mel Douglas, Marty Felps,
Charles Hoyt, Justin McDonald, Alex and Ed Poon, Rick Revels, and Melinda Varner.
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Louisiana Open Results: Open Singles: John Quick over Terry Ziegler, 19 in the 3rd, then
over Dave Harville. Open Doubles: John Malley/Tom Kelly over Roland Schilhab/Ziegler.
Womens: Marty Williamson over Carrie Joseph. Mixed Doubles: Quick/Williamson over
Thompson/Joseph. Closed: Quick over Keith Friley. As: Hugh Lax over Al Weaver. A Doubles:
Lax/Harris over Schilhab/Allen Barth. Bs: Robert Chamoun over Mike Pritchard, 19, 20, 19. Cs:
Chamoun over Malcolm Latour. Seniors: Harville over Power Poon. U-17: McDonald over Ed
Poon, -17, 21, 17, 19. U-15: Ed Poon over Alex Poon. Jr. Consolation: Will Hemphill over Scott
Connerly.
Tom Poston, in covering the Sept. 16th Fall Open at the Butterfly Club in Wilson, N.C., said
that only a month had elapsed since the last Butterfly tournament when Larry Hodges had rudely
closed the proverbial door on Fred Kings year-long win streak in N.C. tournaments. Then, adding
insult to injury, Larry had announced, with his usual endearing brand of diplomacy, that N.C.
players had no concept of how to serve and attack or how to receive serve advantageously. Yeah?
Well, in the Open semis, Hodges found himself face to face with the vengeful King, who, fueled
by Gatorade and M&Ms, served and killed and received serve oh-so-advantageously to a 3-0
never-in-doubt victory.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the draw, Randy Nedrow, mysterious visitor from the far
west (Arizona), and possessor of a healthy 1958 rating, had some 2nd-round trouble with areaplayer Clyde Vincent whose Black Flash imitation of the English star Des Douglas was in high
gear. Nedrow then disposed of local semi-stars Denny Stanley and Jim McQueen (in 5) to reach
the final.
There, finally, pushed to his last M&M, Fred smacked in a series of routine desperation
forehands to claim the 18-in-the-5th triumph. Nothing was settled until the last point, however
since against McQueen Nedrow had won back-to-back games from down 18-11, then from down
18-12. Randy must be from Phoenix, huh? For like that peculiar bird he rose from the ashes.
But when it comes to rising from the dead, its hard to outdo Larry Hodges and Sean
ONeill. They looked ready for the white sheet in the doubles finalagainst Denny Stanley and
Bowie Martin, Jr. they were down 20-11 in the 5th. Then, a few loose points by the hometowners;
after all, plenty of time20-15. O.K., play it cozy, let em miss. Oops, 20-18. Careful now, get that
last point. But by now the momentum was altogether with Hodges/ONeilland so was the match,
23-21. A rally remembered for a lifetime.
Other Results: As: McQueen over Hodges, 20, -19, -26, 16, 17.
Bs: ONeill over Vincent, 19 in the 4th. Cs: Erle Davis over Earl
Huffman. Ds: Mickey Huff over Greg Cox. Consolation: Leighton
Johnson over Earl Connell. Senior winner: Davis. Boys U-17 winner:
Walter Wintermute. Girls U-17 winner: Esperanza Vincent. U-15
winner: ONeill. Under 13 winner: Marius Vincent.
Hodges gives us the results of the Howard County Open, played
Sept. 30-Oct. 1 in Columbia, MD: Open Singles: Eric Boggan over
Scott Boggan, 18, 15, 19. Eric was getting so many nets and edges
that, at one point, he just broke up laughing, walked over to the stands,
and started singling out people, asking whether they thought it was
Jim McQueen
funny. It couldnt have been funny for Scott, who in one game, down
17-13, fast-looped in three of Erics serves in a row, tied it up at 18-all, then put two of his own
serves into the net. In the one semis, Eric had defeated Charles Butler whod eliminated Dave
Sakai in 5; in the other, Scott had defeated Mike Bush, now using pips-out on his backhand.
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Open Doubles: E. Boggan/Bush over S. Boggan/Butler, 21,

21. Women: Jackie Heyman over Barbara Kaminsky, then runner-up
Donna Newell. Mens As: Igor Gary Fraiman over Gary Akinsette.
Womens A winner: Heyman. Bs: Mike Shapiro over Chi Thien
Chung, def. B Doubles winners: Bowie Martin, Sr./Jr. Cs: V.
McCoy over Tom Stern. Novice: A. Schulmann over W. Collier.
Senior winner: Bob Kaminsky. Youth: Eric over Scott Boggan. Boys
U-17: Shapiro over Brian Masters. Girls U-17: Pam Simon. Boys U13: ONeill. Girls U-13: Esperanza Vincent.
In reporting on the 180-entry Sept. 16-17 Westfield Fall
Open, John Markson tells us right off that an hour before play began
15-year-old Eric Boggan was a nervous wreck. After putting new
Bob Kaminsky
sponge on his racket, Eric, to his distress, discovered that the new
sponge didnt act quite the same as the old. Not, however, that this seemed to make any
difference in his playat least as the tournament went on. True, in their quarters match, Lim
Ming Chuis hard flat kill gave the loop-oriented Eric a lot of 5-game trouble, but, after that,
winning was three-straight easyover Mike Bush in the semis, and, by neutralizing his serves
and countering well, Ricky Seemiller in the final.
Roger Sverdlik, meanwhile, was having his struggles. In his very first match, Roger
was down triple match point to Elmer Wengert, a 2000-rated player, but pulled it out. Then he
was up against the visiting Swedish junior, Mats Backstrom. In a match that featured more
net and edge balls than a person is likely to see, Roger prevailed in 5. But then he fell in 5 to
Ricky who went on to defeat George Brathwaite in the semis.
Other Results: Womens: Ai-Wen Wu over Catherine Howe, 18, 21, after Catherine got
by Denise Cohen, 19, 19. Open Doubles: Sverdlik/Scott Boggan over Ricky/Randy Seemiller.
As (U-2100): Backstrom (unrated) over Tim Boggan. A Doubles: A. Feldman/Brian Eisner
over Don Feltenberger/Marv Plevinsky, 18 in the 3rd, then over Ralph Bockoven/Alex Sze,
deuce in the 3rd. Bs: Julian Millan over Man Ling Shum. Cs: John Sisti over H Chan, 23-21 in
the 3rd, then over Neil Ackerman. Ds: T. Smith over Joe Poon whod knocked out Howard
Lee, 20, 20. Es: K.C. Sang over Don Peters, after Don had escaped Dana Gvildys, 24-22 in
the 3rd. Fs: S. Wong over Marius Wechsler. Esquires: Henry Deutsch over Sid Jacobs whod
eliminated Manny Moskowitz, 18 in the 3rd. Seniors: Frank Studley, deuce in the 5th, over
Deutsch, after Henry had advanced by Haig Raky, 19 in the 3rd. U-17: Eisner over Millan
whod downed Markson, 19 in the 3rd. U-15: Millan over Jeff Pedicini. U-13: Ai-Ju Wu over
M.D. Klein.
Winners at the Lithuanian Open,
played Sept. 23-24 in Brooklyn, N.Y.:
Open Singles: Mike Bush over George
Brathwaite, after George had stopped
Roger Sverdlik, 20, 20, 19. Women:
Carol Davidson over Shazzi Felstein. U2150: Benfield Munroe over Julian Millan
whod defeated Jonathan Katz, 18 in the
3rd. U-2000: Man Ling Shum over Alex
Sze. Under 1900: Sid Jacobs over Ben
Benfield Munroe
Nisbet. U-1800: Gene Wonderlin over
Photo by Mal Anderson
346

Tom Tsui. U-1700: Maximo Vasquez over Shahlil Bose. U-1600: Don Miller over Jeff
Sabrowski. U-1500: Miller over Mobley, III. U-1400: Bob Siegel over Mike Eggner. U-1300:
Siegel over Eggner. Under-1200: Rich Roberts or Hytinnen? Under-1100: Bill Caravelis over
Tom Guinter (from 2-0 down and 20-all in the 4th). Under-1000: Guinter over Karen Ruger.
Seniors: Bill Sharpe over Henry Deutsch.
Womens Singles
In the absence of
Defending Champion Insook
Bhushan who, along with other
members of the U.S. Team,
was on a goodwill trip to
South Korea, the $120 winner
of the Womens Singles in this
4th Annual Nissen Open, Sept.
23-24 at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was former U.S. National Champion Connie Sweeris.
Michelle and Todd are growing up, need a little less
looking after, and Dell really wants to play again, and wants
Connie to tooso here she was, elbow still a little too high,
countering away with three-time U.S. Intercollegiate Champ
Sheila ODougherty in the final and finally winning in 5.
Sheila, who lost a lot of weight in Bangkok this
summer, just got by U.S. Open Girls U-15 Champ Cheryl
Dadian in a 16, -17, 19, 21 semis squeaker. Someone said that
Sheila used to be real bad-tempered, said she prided herself in
knowing more words than a truck driver. But I dont
knowthere in the dark, amid the foam-topped draughts of
beer, she suddenly half-seriously asked me if Id go to church
with her the next day. Maybe she should have asked Connie
who was also at the partymight have thrown her off her
guard, made her less
attacking?
In the other
Womens Champion
Connis Sweeris
semis, Sweeris beat
Photo Mal Anderson
Japanese-born Takako
Trenholme three straight. The hardest thing that Ive
had to learn, said Takako, is to be aggressive. I
dont know if its because Im a woman or because of
my personality, but its hard for me to attack and keep
attacking.Ideally youre supposed to just want to
crush your opponentrelease all aggressiveness on
him or her. So I force myself to hate my opponent,
something which is very hard for me to do. Takako,
who played as a Junior and then was absent from the
Game much longer than Connie, got some measure of
Takako Trenholme
revenge (and an extra $20) by downing Dadian in 5
Photo by Mal Anderson
347

for 3rd Place. But at least Cheryl, who vows to beat Insook this season, had the consolation of
winning the Womens Doubles (with Grace Ide over ODougherty/Trenholme) and the Mixed
(with Danny Seemiller over Ricky Seemiller/ODougherty). Womens Novice went to
Ethelanne Risch over promising Minnesota Junior Ardith Lonnon.
Nissen OpenMens Singles
Danny Seemiller successfully defended his Mens Singles title at the Nissen Open
($500 First Prize) by defeating Hungarian immigrant Attila Malek in the semis, and U.S.
Junior Champ Eric Boggan in the final, both in 4 games. The Seemiller brothers didnt win the
Mens Doublesthey opted not to play the final and so split the prize money with Eric
Boggan/Sweeris.
Not surprisingly, this $4,000 tournament, which is always run in an appealing (nobody
ever gets defaulted), friendly fashion by U.S. Team Captain Houshang Bozorgzadeh, had many
exciting matches in the lesser events as well as the Mens. Ill quickly indicate those winners,
then come back to the top playersmatches I most want to talk about.
Results: Bs: Godwin Ibhahulu over Roy
Hyden, 19 in the 4th, then over Leonard McNeece. Cs:
Tom Drucker over Rodney Cowles. Ds: Box Fox, who
years later will be the U.S. Team Manager to many a
World Championship, over Bill Bauer. Novice: Mike
Zdan over Phil Seidenfeld in 5, then over Mitch
Seidenfeld, 19 in the 4th. Handicap: Malek over Jim
Schnorf. Seniors: Tim Boggan over McNeece whod
advanced over George Hendry, back playing again after
a long absence. George was our first U.S. Junior
Champion (1935: Boys U-14), and was a member of
the U.S. Team to the 1938 London Worlds. U-13:
George Hendry--in 1938, in 1978
Scott Butler over Daylin Risch.
In the As, since the rating cut-off was 2250, all
but a handful of players were
free to pursue the $150 first
prize (roughly equivalent to 3rdPlace in the Open). Sweeris,
getting into comeback shape by
running, by practicing in the
Dell Sweeris
basement with 5-year-old son
Photo by
Todd, was beaten in the
Mal Anderson
quarters of the Mens by the
early seasons 2nd leading money
winner Eric Boggan (Danny had
so far earned $1,187.50, Eric
$887.50). Ten years ago, Eric,
like Todd, was swinging that same can-hardly-see-over-the table, wood-chopping forehand.
But more important to Dell perhaps were his victoriesover Charles (Bubba) Butler and Jim
Daveyon his way to winning the As, and his 4-game victory over Jim Lazarus in the 8ths of
the Mens.
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Lazarus had not once but twice risen from the deadfirst against hometown favorite
John Stillions (who had him 11-4 in the 5th), and then against Minnesota Champ John
Soderberg (who precariously high-up at the end of the 5th soon had that fallen angel look).
But against Dell, Jim just couldnt play. He would be terrific, though, in a Dickens novel or
theatricalone time going so far, in a mocking self-caricature (Is there any sense in my
head?), as to squat down and (like one of those characters nodding furiously away at the Aged
P. in Great Expectations) begin banging his head against the table topknocking himself silly,
you might say.
Rival Chicagoans didnt seem to have it much more together. Paul Pashuku, for
instance, kept shaking his head in an I-dont-know-what-the-hell-is-happening-here way while
losing in the As to Long Island expatriate Mike Lardon. Down 21-20 in the 4th, Paul was
blessed with a racket point. Then, up 22-21, Mike got a balancing racket point from Paul and
their frustrating back and forth little drama was over.
The athletic Lardon, who apparently much prefers the
Mike
indoor undercover life of table tennis to the outside wellLardon-a whirl of known amenities of country club golf, played his best
motion
tournament since graduating from high schoolgoing 4
games with Malek in the Mens, 19-in-the-4th with Sweeris
in the As, and beating the two young mid-western stars
Johnny Stillions and Todd Petersen in the U-21s. And
speaking of Johnny and Todd, what a marvelous crosscountry, deuce-in-the-5th, mo-ped-maneuver of a match
they played in the U-17 final before Todd crossed the finish
line first!
Charles Butler,
who like Lardon had moved to Pittsburgh to become
a top player, was not smarting so much from his loss
in the As to Dell but from his -23, -16, 19, -18
defeat in the Mens at the hands of three-time Irish
Champion Mark Kennedy. Three-time what? Well,
Marks on a show-biz tour of schools in the area
with longtime exhibition pro Bob Ashleyso of
course being a Kennedy hes the Irish Champion,
and though he may never have been to County Cork
hes full of Dublin blarney. As for Ashley, the 9-time
U.S. Professional Champion, if asked, he says he
uses an $85 hard bat racket imported from Malaysia
(from the finest Malaysian rubber tree?).
Helping Ashley and Kennedy is none other
than tournament sponsor George Nissen. Hes the
Three-time Irish Champion Mark Kennedy
Photo by Mal Anderson
biggest name in trampolines, but hes also just
bought a girls basketball team and seen them
through a new Bad News Bears kind of movie called Dribbles. (George, in case you didnt
know, is also into making basketball backboards and scoreboards.) How is he helping Ashley
and Kennedy? Well, hes fixed up an all-weather table-carrying device, sheathed a Nissen table
into it, and balanced it all atop Ashleys station wagon. Having a table with them as they travel
349

from town to town playing against all comers with their 4 and inch net makes the tour a lot
easier.
On the other side of the Mens draw, there was a good quarters match between Malek
and Scott Boggan. Midway through a tight first game, Scott misread 4 or 5 serves in a row
that allowed the game to get away from him, then won the 2nd at 18, then looked as if hed win
the 3rd but lost it at 19. After that, he couldnt help himself as Attila, his confidence building
with an early lead in the 4th, began scoring with a series of relentless forehand loops and downthe-line Klampar-like flat-out backhands.
Later, after the match, Scott, smiling, said to Attila, Next time I beat you. Malek
smiled too and said, When you come to Chicago I give you3 pointsand I beat you.
Attila is living in a Hungarian community in Chicago and with the help of his pretty
wife Sylvia, whos encouraging him to improve his English, hes hopeful of soon starting to
coach in the Chicago school system. In Hungary he went to a Table Tennis Coaching School
for 3 years. But though he was living well, had a car and an apartment, he felt there just wasnt
enough freedom, enough opportunities
for him. (After the best half dozen or
so players, of which the eccentric
Klampar is the best, theres not much
difference between the next 20 or 30.)
So they went off on a vacation to
Rome and never came back They
thought theyd have to stay a mere six
weeks or so before getting into the
U.S. (Dirty hippies, they go, we
staywhy?). But it took months and
some questioning by the CIA before
they were allowed to leave Italy for the
U.S.
Attila Malek
Shortly after their arrival in the
Photo by Neal Fox
States, they went to spend a week with
the Butlers in Iowa City, where Attila
was kept busy 6-8 hours a day coaching 11-year-old National Champion Scottwhich meant
not only playing table tennis with him but exercising, biking, sprinting to get him in shape for
his upcoming six weeks stay in Sweden.
Never mind that here in this Cedar Rapids tournament Scott won the U-13s, never
mind the solo singing in his hometown boys choir or the piano and french horn lessons, never
mind his mother Sue sometimes giving him the needleall hell soon be able to think of for a
month and a half in Svenska is bordtennis at Angby and social studies at Niclas Torsells
grundskolanin that order.
Maybe with Scott gone, thatll mean more table tennis time for Amy and Jimmy and
Annie? Scotts other coach, his dad Dick, was also practicing here in this Coe College
Fieldhouse with his 7-year-old son Jimmy. One thing Dick teaches the kids right away is not to
get too far back from the edge of the table. Why? Because theres no way such little bodies
can physically cover so much side-to-side ground.
In the other Mens semis, Eric Boggan, who at 15 still has something of the kid in
himhe was up all hours of the night riding Stillions mo-ped; said steering it round curves,
350

putting on the hand brake, giving it the gas was all good for his writs, would help his table
tennis game. And maybe he was rightsince for the 3rd straight time this season he beat Ricky
Seemiller 3-0.
It was not a good tournament for Ricky whod been complaining that brother Danny
wasnt giving him enough encouragement. In the semis of the U-20 eventchanged by all
concerned to the U-21 event to accommodate RickySeemiller played his 3rd straight
September 5-game match against Scott Bogganand despite winning the first game at deuce
and the third at 19 still could not break through to win.
Nor in the play-off for 3rd-Place in the Mens could Ricky beat Attilathough the
match was 18 in the 3rd close. Part of Rickys difficulty against the Boggan brothers and Malek
was that unfortunately for him his spin wouldnt take on these tables and he has no flat-hit as
an alternative point-winner.
The last two delayed matches of the day saw Eric Boggan playing first Danny in the
final of the Mens, then brother Scott in the final of the Under 21.
In the 1st
Eric Boggan
game against Danny,
Photo by Neal Fox
Eric spotted the
National Champion a
5-0 leadthen had
him game-point
down before losing
on an irretrievable net
ball. In the 2nd, Eric,
loose almost to the
point of casualness,
had Danny 19-11
after cracking in
some absolutely
amazing winners. In the 3rd, Eric got off to a 4-1
leadbefore Seemiller finally got hold of
himself, Boggan lost his concentration, and the
score was suddenly 9-5 Danny. After that, Eric
was never in the match.
And now Eric had immediately to go out
and play the $100 final of the U-21s against Scott.
No way of course they were going to split that.
How do they generally do against each
other?that was a question often asked of me.
The answer was that down through the years
Eric and Scott have alternated beating each
other. In fact, some people say thats one reason
why theyve both become goodbecause, no
matter how much each has improved, each has
refused to let the other outdo him.
This time it was Scotts turn to 18, 19, Scott Boggan
20,
14
win
(as two weeks later in Maryland it
Photo by Neal Fox
351

would be Erics). Their rivalry is mirrored in the 3rd game of the matchEric, down 2-0 in
games and 18-14 in the 3rd, just cant go down without fighting; he wins 6 in a row to go 2018 up. But then Scott deuces it. Then Eric wins it. But then Scott hangs tough to win the 4th
and the match.
Afterwards, Im being conciliatory to Eric, voicing aloud my feeling that, for him
(though not for Scott), this match, coming after his Mens match with Seemiller, must be
somewhat anti-climactic. But he interrupts, says not to make excuses for himsays Scott
played well and deserved to win.
He does remain irritated at Mal Anderson, though, whos not allowed him to use his
tactical footstamp serve (tactical, not gratuitous because the noise of the stamp prevents his
opponent from hearing whether hes using his Killer anti-spin side or not). When later I asked
Mal, who of course is an International Umpire, if hes aware of the ruling delivered on the
protest the English made at the 73 World Championships in Sarajevo against the Chinese
footstamp serve, he said he was not. But I distinctly
remember the Chinese continued to use this serve.
Mal promised to get some ITTF ruling on this
matter, and so I leave it at that, for the moment
anyway, for its been my experience that Mal is on
the whole (and certainly wants to be) a very fair
Umpire/Referee.
After all the turmoils over and Erics off
relaxing with Stillions on that sceaming mo-ped and
Scott and I are with Danny and Ricky having a beer
or two, Danny, smiling, feeling pretty good, says,
Tonight was the first time I ever felt that Eric really
had a chance to beat me. When he beat me in
Detroit, it was a flukebut tonight it wouldnt have
been.
And then he turns to Scott and says, Eric
has the best chance to beat me, you have the next
best chance. For a moment it sounds as if Danny
almost wants someone to beat himas if now after
six years of FUN, the tournaments are getting so
boring he sometimes can scarcely bring himself to
play.
And with that he and Ricky head home to do
some serious training, while Scott and Eric go on to
play somewhere elseEric to Philadelphia for his 5th
Nissen Open Champion Danny Seemiller
tournament weekend in a row. I need the practice,
Photo by Mal Anderson
he says.

352

Chapter Twenty-Six
1978: American Takes T.T. Summer Course in England. 1978: Korea-Germany-U.S.A.
Womens Goodwill Games. 1978: U.S. Team in Trinidad.

Above: Durham Cathedral; below: front of Durham Castle; right: Englands Nicky Jarvis and Robert Compton

In Play Table Tennis With Tees Sport (TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1978, 8), Robert Compton
tells us of his Aug., 1978 adventures as a student at the Tees Sport school in England. Players
were housed at an impressive castle in Durham near the river Weir, and play was on 24
Butterfly tables at the Maiden Castle Sports Center about a mile away. Total cost for tuition
and room and board for the week-long course: $179.
Among those Tees Sporters Robert found himself comfortably in contact with were:
Jose Tomkins, former E.D. of the Canadian TTA, now handling all administrative duties for
Tees Sport; Joses soon-to-be husband, Alan Ransome, an English TTA 3-star coach,
international player and captain whos the course director; coaches and Tees Sport directors
Alan Hydes and Nicky Jarvis (just recovered from a spine operation); and other well-known
player/coaches Don Parker, Bob Wiley; and the 1977 #1 English woman player Carole Knight.
Im sure Robert felt the daily schedule8 a.m. to 10 p.mwas rigorous enough. The
day began with warm-up exercises, followed by demonstrations of strokes by the coaches;
different drills; personal tuition (for example, Parker helped Robert with his serves); physical
conditioning; then a meal break. The afternoon schedule was usually much the same as the
morning one. However, after each evening meal, the students watched a Top Table Tennis
353

TV show featuring world-class players in

a competitive match, and listened to a
talk by one of the coaches on a topic of
interest (for instance, Jarvis on
Equipment).
Taking his turn, Parker spoke on how
international players observed three
training cycles: active rest (no table
tennis play, though other activities
continued); preparation (physical
conditioning and practice); and
competition with subsidiary and main
(major tournament) targets. Don also
English player/coach Don Parker
pointed out studies by a Russian
From England TT News, Jan., 1980
psychologist that concluded there are no
more than two cycles (peaks) a year for players. Trying to win every tournament week after
week and preparing that way is comparable to planting the same crop year after year in the
same field. The crops get weaker and weaker as time goes on.These peaks can last more
than one tournament, maybe a few weeks. [Compare Europes cluster of the French,
Yugoslav, and Scandinavian Opens in successive weeks in Nov., 78].
Compton was paired in an
afternoon team tournament with
an English player, Keir
Donaldson, and to Roberts
surprise they reached the final
(turned out other students
practiced much better than they
played). In an evening variation,
disco queen Carole Knight
insisted everybody dance,
including a reluctant Robert.
Carole said shed never seen an
American dance, so Robert did
Alan Hydes
Alan and Jose Ransome
it (for his country, he said).
Other talks were given by
Hydes (on table tennis in China) and Ransome (on winning matches). Once during personal
tuition, Ransome noticed Compton was standing up during blocking drills. He said, You can
almost always recognize an American player by the way he plays standing up. This does not
allow for the body to work and you lose power and movement. However, in a singles
tournament, Robert did place a satisfying third.
In summing up his week-long experience abroad, Compton says, Since theres nothing
comparable to Tees Sport Summer School in the U.S., I highly recommend this course to
beginners, top players, and everybody in between. The food and lodging was very good and
the setting will leave you speechless. I hope more players from the U.S. will come to this
school, both for the excellent table tennis experience and to see another part of the world.
Want to give it a try? Maybe you can still sign up.
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Robert wasnt an exchange student, but Im sure self-styled table tennis fanatic
Englands Ron Etheridge of Beckenham, Kent, though over 50, would like to work out some
exchange. He wants to visit the States, three to four weeks if possible, free of course, in return
for which he and his wife would treat their American visitor, free of course, as a member of
the family. He has a pleasant house about 10 miles from the centre of London, owns his own
club, and is Tournament Secretary for his local league. Since hes a pretty useful player, hes
interested in having a go in a tournament or two whilst in the U.S.
Korea, Germany, U.S.A.
Womens Goodwill Games
Both U.S. Team
Captain Leah (Miss
Ping) Neuberger (TTT,
Sept.-Oct., 1978, 6) and
U.S. Team Manager John
Read (TTT, Nov.-Dec.,
1978, 6) report on the
Korea-Germany-U.S.
Invitational Goodwill
Womens Games.

355

As Miss Ping says, the trip started for her, John, and some members of our Team
Insook Bhushan, Kasia Dawidowicz, and Angie SistrunkSaturday, Sept. 9 when they all met
in L.A. The girls looked great and colorful in their dress uniforms, bright red blazer jackets,
egg shell long-sleeve blouses, and navy slacks. Thanks go to Heather Angelinetta and her
mother who had to get these uniforms at the last moment and were busy altering them for us
at the airport. Thanks also to Bowie Martin for the Butterfly blue shirts, navy shorts, and dark
and light blue track suits.
The Team left L.A. late that night on Korean Air
Lines for Seoul, and we were met Monday morning at the
ramp of the plane where players presented each of us with
flowers from Mr. Yeong Cheol Chae, President of the
Korean TTA. John said that KTTA Secretary General Chun
(a longtime coach who John would later see conduct a high
school girls clinic) greeted everyone, and apologized for the
absence of President ChaeHe is a leading member of
Congress and is very busy running for the election that will
be held in December.
That afternoon, after a fabulous feast on the hotels
South Korean TTA President
th
20 floor (breathtaking view of Seoul), there was a practice
Yeong Cheol Chae
session with the Koreans at a bank [the bank has its own
gym for its sponsored amateurs?]
Alice Green and He-ja Lee arrived Monday night with the German Teamthey flew
over the North Pole. Judy Bochenski arrived from Thailand. Dal-Joon Lee arrived two days
later. Everyone stayed at the Hyatt Regency Hotelall glass and solar energy. The airconditioning makes no noise. If, curious, you want to leave the hotel and walk around, dont
do it from midnight to 4:00 a.m.theres a city-wide curfew.
The girls practiced the next morning for two hours, said Miss Ping. Then interest in
practice waned, but the Germans practiced every day.
John tells us a little about the first
Sept. 12-13 match at the Munwha Gym
which drew a large number of
spectators. The U.S.A. Team (Insook,
He-ja, Alice) lost 5-2 to the Korean B
Team (the top Junior Team). Insook,
having problems getting used to the
tables (she said the ball wasnt coming
out to her), went down to Lee Soo Ja
(Koreas top Junior and #4 woman
player), but beat Choi Jae Ok. He-ja had
a nice win over young Lee Yoo Kyung.
Lee Soo Ja
The U.S. B Team (Angie, Kasia,
Photo by
Judy)
was
blitzed by the Korean Junior
Mal Anderson
B Team (An Hae Sook, Whang Nam
Sook). Kasia played well in winning a 24-22 game from Whang, said John, but needs
experienceshe has to learn not to push so much and not let her opponent break up her game
so easily.
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Think we should have

Germanys #1,
done better? asks John.
Ursula (Little Bear)
Hirschmuller
Consider that the top
Korean women and
juniors live together for
four weeks, training and
practicing daily, each of
them under the attentive
eye of their National
Coaches, then they take
one week off. Then
theyre together another
four weeks before again
taking one week off. And
this has been going on for
U.S. Team Manager quite a while and will of
John Read
course continue to go on
until the Worlds next April. Contrast this
program with our non-existent oneand tell me
we should have done better. Moreover, Korea A (Kim Soon Ok, Lee Ki Won, Park Hong Ja)
also beat Germany A (World #33 Ursula Hirschmuller, Monica Kneip-Stumpe, Kirsten
Kruger), 6-1, with Kneip-Stumpe edging Park, 19 in the 3rd. Meanwhile, the Korean Jr. A
Team (Chang Kyung Ja, Shin Kyung Sook) blitzed Germany B (Anke Olschewski, Monica
Stork), 5-0.
On Wednesday, the
U.S. was totally blanked.
Korea A beat our A Team 90 (but, though we didnt
win so much as a game Heja put up -20, -19 stiff
resistance against World
#21 Kim Soon Ok). And the
Korean Junior A Team beat
our B Team (Judy, Angie,
Kasia), 5-0. Understandably
neither Miss Ping nor John
had anything to say about
that. Best to speak of
Friendship. Let the Germans
speak of Competition. The
Alice Green (R) vs. Kim Soon Ok
German A Team did a
respectable Wednesday turnaroundbeat the Korean B Team (5-4). But the German B Team
fell badly to the Korean Junior B Team (5-0).
On Thursday, all three teams took a 4-hour train trip to Pusan. Midway through our
little journey, said John, we said goodbye to National Junior Coach Kim Jin Ho who was
going to his home in Taegu. On the train platform were two young high school girls dressed in
357

track suits (its against the law, by the way, for women of any age to
wear casual walking shorts). Each presented a bouquet of flowersto
me and to Jupp Schlaf, head of the German delegation. For lunch we
were offered Steak or Hamburger Steak. And while the girls drank
gin-cider (a remarkable cross between 7-Up and carbonated
lemonade), Herr Schlaf, his wife Hanne, Womens World team Captain,
and I had some good Korean beer. Then, as we strolled out of the
Pusan railroad station, an all-girls brass band was playing Anchors
Aweigh, and, after shaking hands with various dignitaries, we were all
wreathed with flowers.
Germanys
Miss Ping said the Teams stayed at the Chosen Beach Hotel
Jupp Schlaf
(American Hyatt chain). It opened June, 1978 and everything was
decorated in Korean modern. Saw the Ali-Spinks fight on color TV, and Insook, when she had
some time, watched the Korean soap operas. As John said, there was always something to
dosightseeing, shopping, and for those more adventurous swimming in the 55-degree
water, or risk losing a wager at the local casino where Coach D-J induced me to lose a few
wons (at 4.77 to the $). Our Pusan host, Mr. Choi, the President of the Pusan TTA, showed
up from time to time and, whether we were playing matches or not, treated us to Coca-Colas.
It turned out Mr. Choi was the areas Coca-Cola bottlerabout 8,000,000 cases a year, he
said.
Thursday night, Sept. 14, at Kudek Stadium we played against Kai Sung high school
teams before 4,000 spectators. Our U.S. B Team lost 5-0. Our A Team, however, put up quite
a fight before losing 5-4Insook won 3 and Angie (playing in place of Alice) got by Park
Jeung in two deuce games. He-ja, however, was not feeling well (some foreign Korean food
no doubt) and couldnt pull one out for us. Germanys A Team beat the Highschoolers 5-4,
but other Highschoolers stopped Germany B, 4-1.
Friday afternoon it was more of the sameour A Team lost another 5-4 match to the
Highschoolers (Insook again won 3, He-ja added another, but Kasia couldnt score to give us
a win). Our B Team also lost, 4-1, when only Judy was victorious. The German A Team beat
the Pusan A Team, 5-2. The match between the B Teams had to be cancelled because the
German girls were ill.
We returned to Seoul on the Sunday train. Then on Monday we visited the Minister of
Education, Park Chan Yun, who was proud not only of the 1973 World Champion Korean
Women Table Tennis players, but of the Korean Womens Basketball and Volleyball Teams,
both of which were the Asian Champions. Monday night, at another sumptuous dinner at the
Hyatt (last night it was Chinese; tonight, Japanese), a box was brought in and placed in front
of Mr. and Mrs. Schlafa magnificent 24th anniversary cake that could easily have been for
100.
Tuesday the Team visited Panmunjom. Heres Johns account:
We went by bus to the historic 38th parallel where stood a bust of President Truman,
erected in 1963 by President Park Chung Hee. Because of our VIP status we were allowed
into the Demilitarized Zone where we first received a briefing (including slides) of what we
were about to see. We were advised, No gestures, pointing fingers, or waving hands at the
North Korean soldiers.Then we were taken in a Joint Security Armed Forces bus to the
various observation posts where U.S. soldiers as well as South Koreans continually scanned
358

the border and where you could see the North Koreans doing the same thing from their
observation posts about 100 yards or so away. I hope that the forthcoming Worlds in
Pyongyang will help to lessen the very, very real tension that exists between the North and
South Koreans.
Our girls, ever popular and bubbly as only Americans
can be, waved at American soldiers stationed nearby, and as our
guide said, They have fallen in love with you. Apparently a tour
of duty lasts one year and our GIs very rarely get to see young
American girls. [My wife would sharply ask, Theyre girls?
Young girls? Absurd.] So once again, while we may not be the
very, very best in table tennis, we were the best ambassadors
especially Miss Ping who is beloved everywhere.
Miss Ping adds her account of this visit:
Panmunjom is now paved and the buildings are fixed up. It
is under the jurisdiction of the UN and a tourist attraction now. I was
there in 1956 and 1957 to give TT exhibitions for the American
soldiers, but there were no paved roads and it was very primitive. We
had to wear army fatigues because it was so dusty and dirty.
Miss Ping Neuberger
I kept asking the soldier who briefed us where the Libby Bridge,
38th parallel marker, or the building where Mark Clark signed the armistice was because I have
pictures of those places. It seems, however, that they moved the 38th parallel and so all my
pictures are collectors items because everything is now in North Korea.
John had had too much to eat and drink at a special
Korean-style Geisha party, but next day concerned KTTA
officials ordered up buckets of ice, wrapped towels round his
fevered head, and, lo, he made a miraculous recovery. At the
Farewell Party, Miss Ping said, our Team sang Jungle Bells
and the Koreans joined in and sang it better. than we did. Mr.
Tamasu of Butterfly sang Korean, Japanese, and English songs. I
kept calling him the Frank Sinatra of Japan.
The evening came to a perfect close, said John, as Mr.
Chae gave each of us a parting gift of either a Korean vase or a
beautiful jewelry box. Mr. Schlaf and I received a handsome
scrapbook, photographs, and, the next morning, a framed copy
of all the guests signatures.
The Frank Sinatra of Japan
After all were profuse in their thanks for such fantastic
hospitality, they were escorted to the airport with much fanfare.
Alice would be staying in Korea to train with the Juniors, Angie and Kasia were going to
Tokyo for a few days, and Judy was headed for Senshu University to train for six weeks. All
agreed it was a great goodwill trip.
And maybe some goodwill was needed. According to an article in the Washington Post
(reprinted in TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1978, 4), Seoul was initially all in a spin, thrown for a loop, on
finding out that the U.S. had been invited to North Korea. For the World Championships?
Could this be a sinister game of Ping-Pong Diplomacy the two countries were playing?
359

Even before the story hit the streets of Seoul, the Foreign Ministry had called in the US
Embassys political counselor, William Clark, and asked for an explanation.The Embassy
replied that the visit, if it goes ahead [can there be any doubt?], would be made by a private
sports group without government sponsorship. It also pointed out that since March, 1977
Americans have been free to travel to North Korea when invited.
What South Korea fears.

U.S. Team in Trinidad

C.S. Bogganthats Christopher Scottwill tell us about (TTT, Nov.-Dec., 1978, 10; 16)
his adventures in Trinidad-Tobago with his U.S. teammates (Horace Roberts, Mike Bbush, David
Philip, and latecomer Charles Butler). On their Nov. 1st evening arrival at the airport outside Portof-Spain, Horace, Mike, David, and Scott were met by T.T. officials, including the National
Associations President, Victor Cowan, and went through customs by-passing a long line of glumfaced Americansa perk for visiting athletes of stature. Then, says Scott, I was a passenger with
Cowan, and in his zeal to point out some local scenery nearly got me killed driving to the University
of the West Indies where wed all be put up for the night at some guest houses. After this, there
was a quick run-in to Port-of-Spain for some Trinidadian cuisineKentucky Fried Chicken.
For two hours next morning, the U.S, players shared the practice venue with a good
many schoolboys and girls in blue and gray uniforms who ran back and forth about the place
while we hit balls. Afterwards, we went back to our rooms to showerwhich wed be doing
quite often throughout our stay because of the over 90 degree weather.
Later, while the players were eating lunch, an important Trinidadian official was
talking about some of the T & T players whod recently come to New Yorkbut not for table
tennis. The only balls they played with there were their own. Can you imagine a U.S. table
tennis official saying this?
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We didnt have
much of a laugh
though when we
found out that the
Trinidad Giants Club
playershad decided
to boycott the
matches. Indeed, the
Caribbean Champ, the
great Mansingh
Amarsingh himself,
was refusing to play
because the T & T
TTA would only give
him $10 ($4 U.S.)
U.S. Team, L-R: Charles Butler, Mike Bush, Scott Boggan,
Dave Philip, and Horace Roberts.
expense money per
day. On hearing this,
Bush talked to a local
reporter about how
he personally wanted
to challenge Mansingh
for any amount of
moneysaid, if need
be, hed wire home to
get, say, $5,000.
Late that
afternoon we took the
hours drive to St.
Anns where we were
to play the first of our
Goodwill Team
Trinidad-Tobago Team, L-R: Gordon Delf, Nazruddin Asgarali,
Hamilton Bridgeman, Stephen Wade, and Billy Abdul
Matches. On this
Photos courtesy of Horace Roberts
particular Thursday
evening, there was
some kind of candle celebration, or funeral observance, or both, for there were candles
everywhere. We arrived at the Chinese Association Hall without mishapthough on the way I
was to see more than a few dead dogs along the rather narrow roads. There at the Hall
awaiting us was our other team member Charles Butler. The But had not been able to leave
LaGuardia with us the day before because he hadnt a passport, and was here now only
because after a frantic call to the State Department he was able to hurry into New York City
and get one.
We were introduced to everyone, shook hands with American Ambassador Fox, heard
both national anthems, exchanged pins with our opponents, and were ready to start.Bubba,
whod just gotten off an 8-hour flight, won his opening exhibition, and then first up in the
Teams, played to a best five-out-of nine Swaythling Cup format, was Bush against Gordon
Delf, who we later all agreed was the best man on this team.
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To get ourselves psyched up against these turkeys, we said, Well crush

them!Yeah, someone said, 6 and 8.Bush, however, did not crush Gordon Delf 6 and
8. On the contraryhe lost deuce in the 3rdafter blowing a 20-17 match-point lead. Were
the U.S. players to have had towels over their faces, it would not have been to hide their
embarrassment, or their tearsrather it would have been to stifle their laughter. Thereafter D.
P. and I took two matches each, while poor Bush did manage to win, in a close three games,
his next time up.
The spectators during our matches were just great. Like the wind coming into the
Hall that repeatedly blew down the barriers, they would hiss, howl, yell, scream, and
whistle not only in between matches or in between points but during the actual play itself.
I think they even had at least some say as to how any umpire called a match. During the
break after my first game I swear I heard one spectator tell the ump I had to throw up the
ball moreand then no sooner did I walk up to the table than I heard the umpire say,
Lets see some air under that ball, mahn. The spectators would also laugh at youfor
instance, if you intentionally or unintentionally did something funny, like miss your own
high-toss serve.
Next morning, after Bushs unimpressive showing, a headline in the local paper read,
Mulligan: Ill back Amarsingh to whip any American. Mulligan was the boycotting Giants
Club manager. That afternoon we moved from the University of the West Indies to the Hilton,
the most beautiful hotel I have ever seen or dream of seeing. It is situated on the top of a
mountain and when you want to go from the lobby, say, to the 11th floor, you go down. That
is, the higher the floor, the lower you go. There were some beautiful birds to be seen around
the hotel, and also in our rooms I did see an occasional cricket, and there were, during our
weeks stay, a few roaches here and there.
This Friday afternoon we met and talked with some of the Giants, including Mansingh
who then drove us to southern Trinidad, to San Fernando, where our second team match was
to be played at the Oxford Club. I enjoyed this team match most of all. There was again only
one tablewith a couple of hundred friendly but rowdy Trinidadians surrounding it. And to
make things a little more pleasant, but maybe not so mellow, a bar.
In the middle of the matches Mansingh walked in. From then on the place was in
chaos. People from one end were shouting, We want Mansingh! And people from the other
end shouted back, Mansinghs chicken!
Realizing that this was the time to get some good info for Topics and impress
everyone with my reportorial debut, I went round to a number of people to get their opinions
on the Mansingh holdout.
Spectator #1: Mansingh is afraid to play a $5,000 match with your Bush. He couldnt
make that in a year. Hes never played for that kind of money. Still, I think he knows the U.S.
cant put up $5,000. If hes good, hell play anywayfor pride. But I dont think hell play
because he doesnt want to risk his reputation.
Spectator #2: Mansingh is not a professional. Hes an amateur. He plays because he
loves the sport. Hes not rated in the top 100 in the world. Who does he think he is to be
suddenly playing for so much money?
Spectator #3: You stink, Boggan, and so does your countryincluding or not
including table tennis. This guy then went off in the direction of the bar.
Spectator #4: Money is Mansinghs problem with the T &T TTA. But he should play.
Hes the National and Caribbean Champion.
362

Spectator #5 (drinking a beer and popping some nuts into his mouth): If it was for
his life it would be alright not to play. But its just for money. Ive been in table tennis 10
years, and after seeing the U.S. play I think Mansingh would win. Hes beaten players from
China, you know. You could tell this guy really knew what he was talking about. Beaten
players from China, huh?
Spectator #6: Theres a difference between prestige and principle. I prefer a
champion to have his principles. Mansinghs not afraidbut he shouldnt have said his quarrel
was over money. The main thing is he wouldnt go against his principles. The game hasnt
been pushed here in Trinidad, so the Champ has to show the Government that the sport would
thrive on publicity. Thats what he was doing by not playinggenerating attention.
Writing all this down was beginning to tire me outbut since Bush quickly lost again
I could leave off and go play. I went out there to the table and in 15 seconds I was down 5-0.
But since my opponent couldnt return my serves, anymore than any of my other opponents, I
was always in good shape.
After the matches, which we
again won 5-1, there was more yelling
and screaming from one side of the
room to the other about who would
winBush or Mansingh. One character
went so far as to take out $500 and was
ready to put it upwinner take all. But
somehow his challenge eventually died
out.
On our way home we stopped
for some real Trinidadian provender.
First, we had hot rotispicy chicken in
Mansingh Amersingh
Mike Bush
bread. Then a guy on a coconut truck
chopped up some coconuts for us and we drank the juice right out of the shell. It was
delicious.
Later, we met a fellow on the street who (like all Trinidadians by now) knew Bush. He
said, Mansingh would chop and chop against Bush and when he got tired hed come in and
loop kill.
During the next few days we played more team ties, and Bush lost still another
matchto Stephen Wade, as did Charles Butler at our fourth
stop. But neither Mike nor Charles seemed the worse for it.
One time, while I was trying to get a sun tan, Bush was
on TV and radio and of course repeating the thing that was on his
mindhow he wanted to play Mansingh. Naturally everybody in
the Hilton knew Bush. He had telephone calls every half hour. He
was paged here, there, and everywhere. He was the biggest man in
the hotel.
Bushs TV interview was very interesting. Although the
camera didnt show the cut-offs he was wearing, it did catch very
clearly his long hair, unshaven features, and ever-present Grateful
Dead t-shirt. But he got his points across, one way or another. I
mean, if you had to walk right up to the camera and eye-to-eye
Stephen Wade
363

scream, I want Mansinghif thats the way it had to be done, so be it. Anyway, the people
down here loved himhe was our popular American ambassador.
A little more respectable-looking Mansingh was on TV too. He complained that the T
& T officials didnt realize how long it took, how hard it was, to get good. He also thought
that, like officials in other associations Ive seen, they were afraid if they gave in to the Giants
they would lose some of their power, their control. I dont think they liked Mansingh much.
Hoping the T & T officials would see the possibilities of really promoting the sport
through this match half of all Trinidad was clamoring for, and in the bargain give us some fun,
Bush drew up a contract. The spectator gate would be split evenly three waysto the Giants,
to the U.S. Team, to the T & T TTA. The Giants agreed, but the Association did not. Im
not positive, but I think one reason was because of the possibility thered be gambling on the
match. Now come on, I said. Everyone knows table tennis players. Could you believe theyd
be interested in betting on this match? I mean, would you expect me to wire home for a couple
of hundred dollars?
Some said the Trinidad officials were bad, but without a doubt Ill take them over the U.S.
or Canadian ones. Even though the Bush-Mansingh match never did come about, Im sure all of us
want to thank the T & T TTA officials for their considerable efforts in making our stay enjoyable.
We also want to thank everyone who rendered us assistance, particularly Dennis Askin, Public
Relations officer for the U.S. Embassy, who, day after day, took a great interest in our team.
For the last nights matches there werent as many spectators as wed expected. Also
the conditions at the Queens Hall were poor. Id been laughing at kids in street shoes playing
earlier and falling down, but the first time I tried to hit a ball I fell down too.
In the special Singles Tournament this final night, Bush and
Butler lost their first-round quarters matches. I won mine easilybut
then I was in trouble in the semis. I had to play some wild man named
Hamilton Bridgeman whose loop kill was faster than Sterns. It was
very hot, hotter even than usual, and my sweat was getting in my pips
and the ball was going straight down. I was behind 19-11 in the first
before he choked away not only that game but the match. Bridge,
besides representing Trinidad/Tobago at the Worlds, will in the 1980s
precede Scott as the World Police and Fire Games Champion. Philip,
meanwhile, who of course is a native Trinidadian, had reached the
Hamilton Bridgeman
finals rather easily despite a broken racket which hed had to epoxy
together. So it came down to Dave and me, and D. P. crushed me,
broken racket and all Youll understand if Id rather not describe the match.
Our play, our trip, then, had come to an end. Before I left Trinidad, though, I wanted
to get some candy. So I went into a stationary shop and got some chocolate-covered
peanutscalled of all things, Ping Pong. And then it was Adieu to you, Trinidad. Or so we
thought. But our plane that was scheduled to leave at 11 a.m. was delayed at least 20
hours.I was in the airport pacing up and down when a Trinidadian walked up to me and
said, Relax, mahn. Youre in Trinidad now.
I sat down next to him and while he offered me some salty peanuts he told me a story.
About some guy whose strength was so sustained from eating these nutsday after day for
five monthsthat finally, since he was becoming so unrelievedly potent, so powerful, they had
to bed him down in a hospital. Some story, huh? From a friendly Trinidadian whowhile I
was edgycould relax, eat nuts, and enjoy fantasizing with a stranger.
364

Chapter Twenty-Seven
1978: Pre-U.S. Closed Tournaments.
Jay Crystal, in reporting (TTT, Nov.-Dec., 1978, 18) on the Benihana Open, held Nov.
11-12 at the Paddle Palace, says he was amazed to see the huge turnout for this tournament.
From Vancouver alone came 15-20 men, women and children, and from Eugene, Oregon
(home of the infamous Ducks who are floundering in football but are 2-0 in collegiate team
t.t. play this year) a dozen more entries; there were also players from California and Idaho.
The Open, AA, and A events had double the average entrants. Butwas there any prize
money? Noooo. Not even $10. Not even $.50. But we played for some real nice dinnersIll
give Benihana credit for that.
Since the Open drew 65 entries, the final
Peter Joe
wasnt played until 11:40 p.m. On the one side
From the 1979
of the draw, Eddie Lo downed Charlie McLarty
Pacific Northwest
in the 8ths, me in the 4ths, and Ron Carver in
Program
the semis. Eddie was looking awesome. His
forehand loop was too fast and steady for us,
and his footwork was excellent. I keep telling
him that he and Peter Joe should make the
Canadian Team this year. [Peter would, Eddie
wouldnt.]
On the other side of the draw, in the
quarters, Quang Bui was down 2-0 to Zoltan
Pataky before he adjusted to Zoltys slow
spin and came back to win in five. In the
semis, he faced Doyle whod advanced over
temperamental Bryan Wright. Though Quang
had never beaten Dean, he was up 2-0, but got
sloppy and lost the third game. He was then so swamped with coaching during the 5-minute
break that it looked like Dean might go on to win. But Quang survived a tight 4th game at 19.
In the final, after Lo had taken the first two games, Jay gave Quang some strategic
advice and he jumped off to an 8-0 lead. Then, gaining momentum, he took the 4th as well.
The 5th game was classic. Eddie wasnt looping now with the same reckless abandon, so
Quang was able to counter with him, swinging with his own reckless abandon. Down 20-16 in
the 5th, Quang deuced it and went on to win his first tournament at the Paddle Palace. Dr.
Michael Scott praised Quang not only as a talented player who excels under tournament
pressure, but as an unspoiled, well-liked, well-behaved, well-mannered, non-conceited, young
man who would be an excellent representative of the USA in international play. Mgosh,
Michael, thats an endorsement for a lifetime!
Other Results: Open Doubles: Crystal/Khoa Bui over Pataki/Lo, deuce in the 3rd, then
over Doyle/Quang Bui. AAs: Peter Smith over Leslie Ehn. As: Ron Vincent over Young Joe
Kim. Modified A Doubles: Doyle/Benji Klevit over Johnny Chew/Woo. Bs: Bill Popp over
Bob Andrews. B Doubles: Popp/Harris over Chew/Robert Chin. Cs: Gayle Wilson over Harry
Mah. Ds: Jan Collins over Sacramentos Bob Homer, 19 in the 3rd. Modified D Doubles:
Ross/Chew over Homer, Sr./Jr. Es: Robert Larson over John Elicker, Sr. Fs: Elicker, Sr. over
365

Tom Sayre. Gs: Warren Jung over Mike Jones. Ratings: Chew over Len Lukey-Ott. Hard
Rubber: Doyle over Crystal. Juniors: Doyle over Khoa Bui. Jr.s U-1600: Klevit over Mah,
22, -13, 18. Jr.s U-1000: John Elicker over Gayanne Homer.
Tony Martin (TTT, Jan.-Feb., 1979, 21) tells us that Franz Huermann, though only playing
occasionally because of a night job, successfully defended his Championship Singles title at the
Phoenix Closed by downing John Harrington in the final in straight games. Harrington was a good
player. In 1968-69 hed been the United States ArmyEurope Champion, and, like the future
Forrest Gump, had traveled all over. But whenever John gave him the slightest opening, Franz was
up at the table, hitting forehands and especially effective backhands.
In the Championship Singles there were three
entertaining matches. The first featured Norm Schwartz
against 14-year-old John Merkel. Norm won his first city
title four years before John was born!...In recent years
Norm has taken up racketball and his pre-tournament
practice was done on the racketball court. Still, with his
experience, Norm was able to stay up at the table, block
Johns shots, and then generate his own offense. But
finally youth prevailed in 5.
Next, John played hard rubber specialist, 19-yearold Paul Groenig, whom he often practiced with. John
was the aggressor, looping and hitting. But if the rally went
Sy Kenig and his star pupil,
longer than six shots, Paul would switch to offense and
John Merkel
John would then block. Match to Groenig in 5.
In the semis, Paul faced Harrington. John was runner-up to Schwartz in this same
tournament in 1960, when Paul was 1 year old. (Norm and John were juniors at the time.) In
the state rankings John has edged out Paul the last two years, but Paul has the higher rating
(2027). Up 1-0, but down 20-16 in the 2nd, Paul, irritated at himself, grabbed the ball,
served, and hit a hard slam past JohnThen won the next five points by smashing both
forehand and backhand. After that, would you think hed lose this match? But he did.
Other results: Championship Doubles: Huermann/Groenig over
Merkel/Dennis Jewell who got by Harrington/Bill Guerin, 18 in the 4th.
(Guerin had played with some success as a Junior back in the 1959
Inglewood, CA U.S. Open, but since then had spent much more time on
tennis rather than table tennis.) Women: Pam Jaffe, for her first city title,
over Corina Santiago and her strong backhand kills. Mixed Doubles
winner: Groenig/Tommie Burke. As: Peter Kwong over Mark Jaffe.
Bs: Jack Badders over Don Gropp in 5. B Doubles: Oliver Nicholas/
Gropp over Badders/Gloria Jones. Cs: Santiago over Don Cheperka.
U-17: Merkel over Bobby Ryberg. Esquires: Sy Kenig over John
Porter. Seniors: Kenig over Ken Hoover. Senior Doubles: Kenig/
Forrest Barr over Bill Baker/Bob Groenig. But watch out, Sy. Martin
says Gene Wilsons just made the move from California to Sedona, AZ,
and with the enthusiasm of a youthful player, plans to drive 228 miles
round-trip to play in the Phoenix League.
John Dawson covers the 6th Annual Colorado Springs Christmas
Tommie
Burke
Open. In Championship Singles, Paul Williams had a hard 1st-round
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match in Championship Singles against Phantom chopper Dawson, but then he went on to
prevail in the semifinal round robin by lobbing, looping, and hitting his way to first place and
$50. Runner-up in the 1-1 three-way tiebreaker was Tim Walsh whose Phantom backhand
block and topspin did in looper Rick Jones and chopper Dana Jeffries, then, on getting to the
semifinal round robin, Tim also beat Williams. Only a narrow 19, -21, -12 loss to 3rd-place
finisher Bob Burke kept him from winning the Championship.
Other winners: As: (Double Elimination) Jones over Williams and a split with Jeffries.
Bs: (DE) Dawson over Donn Olsen and Walsh. Cs: (DE): Travis Eiles over Terry Travis and
Olsen. Novice: Mark Bradley over Mary Dunagin.
Winners at the Dec. 2-3 Tulsa Yasaka Open: Mens:
Roland Rittmaster over Jose Marin. Womens: Marilyn
Johnston over Kathy then Karin Thompson. Womens
Doubles: Johnston/Karin Thompson over Kathy Thompson/
Barby Jones. As: David Babcock over Larry Kesler. A
Doubles: Kirk Golbach/Babcock over Marin/Vern
Eisenhour. Bs: Bob Shaha over Don Wilson. B Doubles:
Gilbreath/Joe Ogilvie over Kenny Holmes/Golbach, def. Cs:
Holmes over Steve Finney. Ds: Freddie Marchena over
Trent LeForce, 25-23 in the 5th. D Doubles: Marchena/Field
over Lori Proctor/Jones, 21, 15, -22, -19, 16. Es: Virgil
Watkins over John Bryan. Fs: Proctor over J. Brown.
Lori Proctor
Consolation: Colin Abrams over Lou Coates. Over 50: Cliff
Smith over Rudy Crawford. Over 40: Eisenhour over Kesler. Senior Doubles: Kesler/Eisenhour
over Coates/Crawford. U-17: Rittmaster over Golbach. Junior As: Marchena over Brian Thomas in
5. Junior Doubles: Holmes/Marchena over LeForce/Golbach. U-15: Rittmaster over Johnston, 18
in the 3rd. U-13: LeForce over Karin Thompson. U-11: Reed Kyker over David Smith.
According to John Stillions first Topics write-up, the Skublicki-Hall Memorial Open,
held in little Wisner, Neb. Nov. 18-19, drew around 70 players from Neb., Iowa, Minn.,
Missouri, Kans., & South Dakota. (John Soderberg came all the way from California to play in
the Regional U.S. Team Tryouts held in conjunction with this tournament.)
Results: R.R. semifinal: 1. Todd Petersen, who played unbelievably well under
pressure, 23, 12-21, 22 over Soderberg in the semis, then 16, -21, 22, 19 over Stillions
whod 15, 21, -15, -22, 18 won his semis from Houshang Bozorgzadeh. Petersen also finished
first in the Regional Tryouts with a perfect 11-0 record. As: Scott Butler over Sheila
ODougherty, 18 in the 3rd. Bs: Mitch Seidenfeld over Jerry Gustafson, def. Cs: Jeff Brills
over Mike Zdan, deuce in the 3rd. Ds: Carl Miller over Larry Haden. Juniors: Butler over
Roland Rittmaster whod advanced by Seidenfeld, 22, 19.
We learn from Tom Walsh (TTT, Jan.-Feb., 1979, 22) that because of the NebraskaOklahoma football game, the Omaha Occult Open was sparsely attended. Actually two
tournaments were helda serious one, and a fun one, complemented by the attention-getting
football game that was being shown on a TV in the hall. Associate the serious one with Todd
Petersen who won every event he entered, including the Hard Bat. And the fun one with what
was being billed as the Occult World Championshipswhere worthies competed in MiniBat-Singles, Other-Hand-Singles, Three-Legged-Doubles, and One-Paddle-Doubles. Those
who entered these events enjoyed them with raucous gusto at timesalmost as much as they
liked our pizza and beer party after the games.
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There was no stopping Todd in the

Championship eventthough runner-up Tom
Walsh played him a 19 first game. Walshs
strategy was to push and pick to Todds
backhand.Todd just could not hit his backhand
in often enough, so he found himself moving
quickly to his backhand side to try to hit
forehands. But that left his forehand side
vulnerable to Walshs quick pushes that set up
loose returns for Tom to pick-hit in.
Other results: Open Doubles: Petersen/
Mike Zdan over Walsh/Jerry Gustafson, deuce in
the 3rd. As: Walsh over Ron Bull who got past
Bob Gellner but was apparently puzzled by
Walshs changes of spin. A Doubles: Zdan/
Gustafson over Walsh/Kermit Risch. Bs:
Todd Petersen
Photo by Mal Anderson
Gustafson over Ethelanne Risch. Jerry has added
an effective down-the-line forehand to his solid
defensive game. Seniors: Walsh over Don Ehrismann. Jr. U-17: Daylin Risch, helped by
some coaching from Mark Kennedy, over older brother Doyle. U-15/U-13: Daylin Risch over
Steve Kirby. Hard Bat: Petersen over Walsh, 28-26 in the 3rd (from down 20-16). Mini-Bat:
Rod Cowles (whos played mini-bat exhibitions around the city) over Ed Collins. Both
players made fascinating shots that seemed impossible with such small bats. Three-LeggedDoubles (teammates are tied together): Cowles/Chrismann over Freudenburg/Judy Libowski
(the teams antics trying to reach shots were side-splitting). Other-Hand-Singles: Topekas
Carl Miller over Kermit Risch.
Winners at the Wisconsin Winter Open, played Dec. 9 at Milwaukee: Open Singles
semifinal R.R. 1. Danny Seemiller, 3-0 (d. R. Seemiller, 14, -19, 21, 12; d. Lazarus, 8, 8, 14; d.
Malek, 15, 15, 6). 2. Ricky Seemiller, 2-1 (d. Lazarus, 11, 18, 19; d. Malek, 15, 19, 20). 3. Jim
Lazarus, whod advanced over Brandon Olson, -11, 5, -19, 22, 21, 1-2 (d. Malek, 13, 17, -13,
17). 4. Attila Malek, 0-3. Lazarus and one of his teammates, Joe Yoon, had just come off
strong performances at the USOTCs. Jim had a win over Eric Boggan. And Joe, in five of
their team ties, had won the climactic ninth match. Womens: 1. Cheryl Dadian, 3-0 (d. Ide, 16,
-15, 13). 2. Grace Ide, 2-1 (d. Leeman, -20, 10, 17; d. Liu, def.). 3. Faan Yeen Liu, 1-2 (d.
Leeman, 7, 8). 4. Anita Leeman, 0-3.
As: Faan Yeen Liu over Norm Schless, def.. A Doubles: Geoff Graham/Mike Hoffland
over Dadian/Liu, -22, 18, 18. Bs: Norb Falkenstein over Tor Hallaraker, after Tor had
eliminated Joe Mayer, 23-21 in the 3rd. Cs: C.T. Cauthen over Chuck Pelky. Ds: L. Lusardi
over Stephen Rue, 18 in the 3rd. Es: Caroline Schweinert over Peter Schweinert whod
advanced by Hank Widdick, -13, 19, 18. Handicap: Faan Yeen Liu over Peter Stomma.
Seniors: Joe Bujalski over Schless, def. U-17: Jeff Brills over Hallaraker. U-15: Scott Orth
over P. Schweinert.
Tom McEvoy reports that at the Nov. 11 Furniture City Open in Grand Rapids, Dell
and Connie Sweeris, having recently come out of retirement, competed, and Dell swept to
victory in the Open Singles semifinal round robin.The #2 seed, Wayne Wasielewski, lost a
tough 19 in the 5th match to Larry Wood, but won a deuce in the 5th match from Jim Doney.
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Doney, however, was too tired to complete the round robin against Wood, so Larry took 2ndPlace money.
Other results: Open Doubles: Mike Moriarty/John Huizinga over Wood/Doney. As:
Pat Cox over Connie Sweeris, then over Doney. Bs: Ian Mailing over Bill Hornyak. Cs: Virgil
Miller over Ernie Bauer. C Doubles: Chris Wibbelman/Wood over McEvoy/C.J. Williams. Ds:
Mark Merritt over Steve Plotkin. Handicap: Jeff Freeman over Doney. Novice: Bruce Lee
over Ross Sanders. Beginners: Wibbelman over Dan Richardson. U-17: Doney over Torsten
Pawlowski. Seniors: Bill Hornyak over Gunter Pawlowski, 19, -10, 19.
Hornyak was the Jan.Feb., 1979 Topics Senior of the
Month. Heres what Red Griggs in
his Dec. 23, 1978 Michigan City, IN
News-Dispatch article had to say
about Bill:
Hornyak had open
heart surgery early in February at St.
Catherines Hospital in East Chicago
to correct a heart blockage. Doctors
said his secondary heart valves, which
had been built up by his table tennis
playing, had taken over much of the
load of the blocked main vessels. This
contributed to his quick recovery.
Hornyak had started
playing
table
tennis at the South Bend
Bill Hornyak, 1939
Bill Hornyak, 1979
Photo courtesy of
Photo by Mal Anderson
YMCA when he was 9 or 10. By the
Dale McColley
time he was 19 he was the No. 1
player at the South Bend Y and had
won his first table tennis medal. He was hit by rheumatic fever in 1938, but made a rather rapid
recoverythanks largely to the exercise he got playing table tennis. I was playing basketball again
within three years, Hornyak said. By 1942, he was ranked 24th in the nation in Mens Singlesbut
he retired from the tournament tour in 1943 to start a business (Home Heating & Cooling Co., in
which he is still a partner) and raise a family in Michigan City.
He stayed away from the game (at least at the tournament level) for more than 25
years, returning in 1971 as a result of an exhibition at Marquette Mall by a Michigan couple,
Dell and Connie Sweeris.Using a hard rubber paddle, he didnt win a tournament match for
more than a yearbut he started winning again when he changed to a soft-rubber anti-spin
paddle. [Since then his major achievements have beenreaching the final of the 1976 Closed
Senior A Doubles with Bruce McGee; reaching the final of the Over 60s in both the 1977
Hollywood U.S. Open and the 1977 Vegas U.S. Closed.]
Bill and his wife, Liz, have two grown sons, Bill, Jr. and Steve Hornyak. Bill is the
chief juvenile officer of the South Bend court system, and Steve operates the S & H Motor
Lodge in Michigan City.
Hornyaks main interest now (besides table tennis) is an Ivy Tech teaching job at
Indiana State Prison. Hes teaching air-conditioning, heating and refrigeration to inmates, and
369

is proud of his role in rehabilitation. [Once, he told me, hed had a tool stolen, but when he
took a hard, no nonsense line, threatened to cancel the course if it wasnt returned, it
mysteriously appeared next day, and no questions were asked.] He says many of his former
inmate students are either working in the heating-refrigeration trade or attending civilian
schools.
After Bill got out of the hospital following his open-heart surgery, his students (and
other instructors) gave him an autographed table tennis paddle with the words This will make
you No. 1 inscribed on it. [As well see, they knew what they were talking about!]
In doing the write-up (TTT, Nov.-Dec., 1978, 22) for the largest table tennis
happening in the history of the statethe Oct. 28-29 $1,000 Louisville OpenRick Craig
thanks Charlie Buckley for his diligence behind the control desk, and Tom Allen for his vision
of popularizing table tennis in Louisville.
In the Open, on one side of the draw, Insook Bhushan, recently back from the
Womens Invitational Goodwill Games in South Korea [a tournament youll read about in an
upcoming chapter],lost only one game on her road to the finalto 17-year-old John Allen.
In the quarters, she downed Paul Pashuku; and in the semis, Jim Lazarus, whod advanced in
5 over Dick Hicks. On the other side of the draw, Jim Davey, before losing in 4 to Attila
Malek, scored a big upset over Dell Sweeris who complained, I just cant find the ball.
The final was a classic confrontation between looper and chopperspiced up because
the two had never met before. A particularly exciting first point stirred the spectators as Attila
looped, looped, dropped, and looped again to win the point. But the great match we had all
hoped for never materialized, for Insook ripped off 9 straight points and took the first game at
12. [Then easily won the next two.] She seemed to bring back every loop, and Attila lacked a
point-winning flat hit. Sloppy drop shots added to Attilas problem, for Insook devoured very
one of them with super pick-hitting off both sides.
Other results: Womens: Faan Yeen Liu, scoring on picks, upset Connie Sweeris in
straight games. Open Doubles: Malek/Pashuku over Bhushan/Sweeris. Mixed Doubles:
Bhushan/Homer Brown over Jim Davey/Grace Ide whod eliminated Dick and Norma Hicks,
deuce in the 4th. As: Jim Schnorf over Brown (from down 2-0) in the final. Homer, who used
to live in Louisville before moving to Nashville, as usual captured the imagination of the
crowd. After one spectacular point, Homer, whod been lobbing. lobbing, lobbing, only finally
to miss, leaned over a barrier and gasped, What in the name of Jesus can I do?!!!
Bs: Eric Seiler over Allen, 18 in
th
the 5 . Semis: Seiler over Faan Yeen
Liu, 18 in the 5th (from down 2-0 and at
deuce in the 3rd); Allen over Syed
Kadry. B Doubles: Shekhar Bhushan/
John Dichiaro over Seiler/Tom Pohlman
Cs: Pohlman over Kris Pangburn. Ds:
Gordon Alstott over Mike Robinson
whod eliminated David Phelps in 5
(from down 2-0). Es: D Abbott over
Phelps. Consolation: Jim Flannagan
over Dwight Mitchell. Hard Rubber:
Harry Deschamps-Harry Deschamps over Pangburn. Utriple winner
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21: Jeff Williams over Faan Yeen Liu (from down 2-0). U-17: Pohlman over R.J. Allen. U-15:
George Brewer over J Cable. Esquires: Deschamps over George Hendry in 4. Seniors:
Deschamps over Hendry, 19 in the 4th.
It may be that John Messerly, a St. Louis tournament
John Messerly
player from 1969-74 (he said he had wins over both my
sons at the 1970 USOTCs), accompanied Hendry to this
Louisville Open. In a Dec. 24, 2008 e-mail to me, he said he
hadnt given up tt completely at this time, had hung out at
the St. Louis Club, mostly playing poker in the late 70s
and early 80s. Back in 73-74, John said he played about
even with Larry Chisolm, who was coached as a kid by
Bill Price, and was my coach. From 75-77 John didnt
compete, but when he came back in 78 just before George
Hendry decided to un-retire and dominate local play, he
won the Missouri State Championships over Seiler and
Rittmaster.
I became great friends with George Hendry, John said, and spent a lot of time
practicing with him when he came back to table tennis in 78. We played a lot of golf together
and I have stayed in contact with him over the years. He is one of the finest men I have ever
known, a true gentleman and one of the great U.S. table tennis players ever. The man walked
into the club at nearly 60 years old, hadnt hit a ball in 30 years and was a 2100 player in about
8-10 weeks. Amazing.
John gave up table tennis to increasingly concentrate on school, earned a Ph.D. in
Philosophy, and taught at various schools. He thinks he may move to Seattle, and, if it really
rains there as much as hes heard it does, he may play less golf andwho knows?not just
read my volumes on the Associations web site (I want you to know I enjoy immensely your
History of U.S. Table Tennis) but may come back and play a little table tennisperhaps with
the gentlemanly Dr. Scott?
In the Kentucky Closed at Castlewood Park, John Allen won the Open Singles, 3-0
over Jai Prasad. Womens went to Nga Nguyen over Karen Richardson, also 3-0. Open
Doubles: Prasad/Ron Shodham over Buckley/Syed Kadry. As: Dwight Mitchell over Allen,
def. Bs: Paul Mills over Denver Bush. Cs: Don Lafferty over Bruce Logan. Ds: Bush over
Jordan Michaelson, 19 in the 5th. Girls U-17: Molly
Blayney over C. Meyers. Girls U-15: Blayney over Wendy
Brown. Boys U-17: Allen over Mills, -17, -20, 23, 12, 15.
Boys U-15: Cliff Maywieser over Jim Cable. U-17
Doubles: Eddie Rahardia/Mills over Matt/Wayne Turner.
Esquires: Ted Friedman over Robert Halliday. Seniors:
Friedman over Lafferty in 5.
Friedmann, whos worked with the city rec
department for 20 years, says that when the average
basement ping-pongers see the one or two tournament
players we have (with their fifteen-foot serves and screwy
sponge surfaces) they leave and never come back. Its like
youve got two completely different sports, ping-pong and
tournament table tennis. Like? For 20 years how many of
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those rec players Teds come in contact with cared anything at all about real table tennis, about
the USTTA, regardless of what rackets serious tournament players use? Apples and oranges,
Ted. Apples and oranges. So its always been, always will be.
Winners in the Oct. 28 Mississippi Closed: Championship Singles: Robert Chamoun
(for the 3rd time) over (former Champion) Julian Wright. Women: Linda Weisling over
Kimberly Walsh. Championship Doubles: Chamoun/Mike Pritchard over Joe Ferguson/Wright.
As: Vance Kelly over W.V. Plue. A Doubles: Don Dorsey/Osie Singleton over Herb Bennett/
Billy Joe Varner. Novice: Bill Long over Glen Purvis. Juniors: Hune Hung Ricky Moon
over Will Hemphill.
Larry Buell (TTT, Nov.-Dec., 1978, 24) again covers the Atlanta
T.T. scenethis time its the Oct. 7-8 $1,300 Fall Open. Greg Gingold
won the Championship Singles in straight games over Ron Rigo. But
there were other well-contested matches. Best quarters: Brian Masters
over Larry Thoman in 5 (from down 2-0), and Ron Rigo over Thomas
Nunes in 5. Semis: Greg Gingold over Steve Rigo, 5, 20, 20, and Ron
Rigo over Masters, 26-24 in the 5th. Ronny played superbly, cleverly
mixing up his topspins and often befuddling the usual imperturbable Masters. Championship
Doubles: Masters/Bowie Martin, Jr. over Cornell Gavris/Thoman, deuce in the 4th. Womens:
Nancy Newgarden over Marti Williamson.
As: Steve Rigo over Thoman. Bs: Jim Flannagan over Scott Leamon whod gotten by
Steve Federico in 5. B Doubles: Denis Fritchie/Hugh Lax over Federico/Mark Gibson, 23-21
in the 4th. Cs: Mitch Stephens over Alan Averill, -19, 19, 9, then over Fritchie. Ds: Ed Baker
over Steve Mills. Es: Gerald Harris over Bob Ervin. Fs: David Loy over Mike Stowell, 24, 10, 19. Gs: Joe Butler over Williamson. Consolations: Bernie Braun over Wing Man Tam.
Esquires: John White over Jim Holcomb. Seniors: Cyril Lederman over Larry Bartley. Senior
As: Norbert Braun over Roger Baldner. Junior As: Greg Cox over Roger Babcock. Junior
Singles: Rigo over Masters in 5. Masters, whose best game derives from his own carefully
varied returns to a strong offense, was visibly upset
by his inability to react aggressively enough to the
continual change of pace Ronny introduced into
each game. These two matches Brian lost to Ronny
may persuade him to develop a stronger attack to
combat the only slightly perceptible chink in his
gamequick put-away cracks that would deny
him his carefully-staged, wait-for-the-weak-return
game plan.
Tom Poston tells us (TTT, Nov.-Dec.,
1978, 24) that going into the Oct. 28 Open played
at the Butterfly Club in Wilson, N.C. Fred King
had not lost a match in a North Carolina
tournament in a year. So who could have imagined
Larry Hodges-that lightning would strike in the form of
so dangerous
Maylands Larry Hodges, an 1841-sometimesthey want to use
under-rated, sometimes-over-rated, but always
darts on him.
dangerous competitor. Larry played great, was
so pumped up (he always is, Im told) that we
372

were considering using tranquilizer darts on him. Anyway, exit

Fred King, stunned and dejected. But what Fred couldnt do
with power, Jimmy-the-Kid McQueen did with craft and
cunninghe slipped by Larry in 4.Then he generally
pushed, dinked, angled, junked, looped (occasionally),
downing his friend Pete May in the process, and psyched his
way into the finals to lose 19 in the 4th to 14-year-old Masters.
Tom said that no one could remember a tournament with
so many phantom, feint, slime, and whatever (on one side only, of
course) assaulting the sanity of traditional-minded playersThere
was so much racket-twirling that spectators must have thought the
players were practicing for a baton contest. Like Alice said in that
other Wonderland, Curiouser and curiouser.
Womens
went to Melba
Curiouser and curiouser-Martin over
thats Pete May?
Photo by Mal Anderson
both Yvonne
Kronlage and
Jean Poston. Melba, Id like to add, went to
New York with Pam Ramsey to publicize
Maybelline Nail Color in a 90-second TV
tape. The pitch was that Maybelline Nail Color
is so tough it bounces back instead of
breaking. To prove their point, Maybelline
had a table tennis ball coated with their nail
color and had Melba and Pam, coated with TV
make-up, play for three hours off and on, and,
sure enough, the ball didnt crack or break.
Other Butterfly Open results: As: Ron
Lilly over Clyde Vincent. Bs: Clyde Vincent
over Bowie Martin, Jr. Cs: David Loy over
Bob Ervin. Ds: Marius Vincent over Melba
Martin. Seniors winner: Erle Davis. Under 13
winner: Marius Vincent. Under 15 Girls
winner: Esperanza Vincent. Under 15 Boys
winner: Sean ONeill. Under 17s:
ONeill over Bowie Martin, Jr.
Under 21s: Randy Nedrow over
Sean ONeill in 5. According to
Arizonas Tony Martin, Randy was
formerly Arizonas #2 player. Is now
going to school at the University of
Melba Martin gets a facial touch-up.
Pam Ramsey gets a Maybelline
manicure. Last-minute instructions,
then its a go.
373

North Carolina, majoring in architecture. He received a tennis scholarship and plans to play
baseball as well. His table tennis game features deceptive serves, paddle flipping, quick blocks,
and an aggressive attack.
Fred King wasnt so stunned and dejected, says Poston (TTT, Jan.-Feb., 1979, 24), that
he couldnt, the following month at the Wilson Butterfly Club, successfully defend his N.C.
State Closed title. But just barelywith the aid of a calculator, clicking and ticking, as it
added up games won and lost. King lost to Nedrow; Nedrow lost to Bowie Martin, Jr.;
Martin, Jr. lost to Walter Wintermute. So nobody, including King, is head and shoulders above
the others in N.C. anymore. As went to young Bowie over Greg Cox, winner of the Bs and
Cs. Robert Byrd, 13, took the Ds. Most promising young player is the cherubic-looking
David Agner, 12, the Under 15/Under 13 Champ. David has abundant natural talent, but so
far he has had almost no coachingand therefore his game remains awkward.Still, a
remarkable combination of determination, unshakeable concentration, and outstanding selfcontrol allows him to win.
At the Dec. 2 Butterfly Winter Open held at the Wilson Club, Poston writes (TTT, Jan.Feb., 1979, 24) that King was again vulnerablebut he won, downing Wintermute in the final
in straight games. The spotlight here, however, went to two lesser luminaries:
Long, lean-and-mean Denny Stanley, a native of Durham, whose textbook strokes
from both wings and whose Johansson-like forehand (occasionally, at least) make him a
dangerous opponent for anyone, was having himself a good tournament after a prolonged
slump. And to challenge him, down from the hills of Tennessee, came Jim Flannagan, Dr.
Feintwhose acrobatic returns of Stanleys building-leveling smashes brought repeated
applause from the audience. Spectacular was the word for it all. Stanley would repeatedly loft
his 64 frame into the air to bazooka apparently unreturnable kills, and Flannagan would
persistently return them at the expense of trampling barriers (and threatening to trample fans
braveor foolhardyenough to sit near the rear barricades). Eventually all play ceased on the
other 7 tables as, one by one, the players joined the ranks of enthusiastic spectators. To most
in the audience it hardly mattered who won, but eventually Denny did.
Other results: As: Bowie Martin, Jr. over James Gatling. Bs: Bowie Martin, Sr. over
Wendell Dillon. Cs: Lewis Bragg over Jack Staylor in 5 (from down 2-0). Ds: Jean Poston
over Paul Ng. Seniors: Erle Davis over Bowie Martin, Sr. U-21s: Martin, Jr. over Stanley. U17s: Martin, Jr. over Greg Cox. U-15s: David Agner over Robert Byrd.
Winners at the Oct. 7-8 Philadelphia Open: Open Singles: Final: Charles Butler over
Roger Sverdlik, 18, 20, -17, 16. Semis: Butler
over Eric Boggan, 23, -19, 18, 22; Sverdlik
over Rich Farrell, 18, -17, 18, 17. Quarters:
Butler over Hank McCoullum in 4; Boggan
over Parviz Mojaverian in 4; Farrell over Mike
Bush in 4; Sverdlik over Enoch Green in 4.
As: Igor (Gary) Fraiman over Joe Tanzer
Rich Farrell
whod advanced over Paul Rubas in 5. Bs:
Photo by
Mal Anderson
Louise Nieves over Don Feltenberger after
Don had come from 2-1 down to escape Craig
Bowman in 5.
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This Open Singles grouping needs only to be reunited with

Stan Smolanowicz and Ray Arditi to replay some memorable
moments. Stan, whom Ray said coached Mike Bush to a
somewhat similar game, went on to pursue other interests. Parviz
tells me he became a 2500-level competitive Salsa/Rumba
dancer, and, uh, a true urban vampire, chasing women [and
apparently catching them]. Ray takes that bit of news a couple of
steps further. In a June 27, 2006 e-mail to me, he says, Stan has
more moves than John Travolta and years ago was inducted into
the Disco Hall of Fame.Stanleys Basement was totally
underground (and you had to be a hard-core t.t. junkie to get in, I
made sure of that).
But Stans club, unlike Rays open-to-the-public Liberty
Stan Smolanowicz
Bell one, had advantages that allowed it to survive. It had a
Photo
by Mal Anderson
steady flow of Stanleys beautiful girl friends, dancers, dance
partiesa beautiful hardwood dance floor with mirrors, pulsating
disco, salsa and ballroom melodies, a comfortable living room with TV, plants, and European
dcor, a dehumidifier, a clean bathroom, Pebbles the cat, an unlimited supply of Double Fish
TT balls, and close proximity to Da shens, a popular Chinese restaurant, and the Granite Run
Mall.
Stan told Ray that when Rich Farrell visited his home he once ate a dozen hot dogs
and a dozen scrambled eggs. And both Ray and Parviz have things to tell me about Farrells
other compulsions. Parviz, in a June 19, 2006 e-mail says, Ill never forget the night that
Richard had to play against Roger Sverdlik.Before the match, I told Richard to take it easy
and be relaxed and just play his game that he always played against me, and that he will win
for sure. But he was nervous, and, as he always did when he was nervous, he started to
warm up by running up and down the steps (3 or 4 floors!). By the time he had to play the
match, he was so tired that he couldnt move at all, and he lost easily, 3-0!
Ray, in a June 23, 2006 note, says, Farrell, a self-taught master of sports
psychofeedback, wouldnt sleep most of the night when he returned from the Liberty Bell
TTC. He couldnt fall asleep because he had to replay all his matches in his mind to go over his
opponents moves and tactics, so he could
develop his counter-moves and more effective
strategies. (And this could take a while because
Richard played lots of matches.) He probably
had enough information on the late Bill Sharpe,
Parviz Mojaverian, and Spin Wizard Enoch
Green to write manuals on them, complete with
diagrams and illustrations. Ray tells me Enoch
was extremely health conscioushad his
own idiosyncrasies regarding the healing
properties of gemstones and crystals.
Provolone cheese, Enoch said, was the least
toxic of all the cheeses. Maybe Enoch talked
about Green vegetables too, but Ray
remembers specifically this advice: by adding
Parviz Mojaverian (L) and Enoch Green
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some red pepper to my diet I could neutralize a lot of the toxic meat I was eating. {Better not
to eat so much of the toxic meat to begin with, yes?)
Ray said Rich came to use his loop sparingly (and more as the introduction to a telling
barrage of flat-hits). He claimed to have eight different ways to flat-hit his forehand. Ray
didnt think Rich smoked or drank alcohol. He first turned to drugs when the woman he
loved jilted him, leaving him a total basket case. But he recoveredfor a while. Every
spring he would take one month off from his busy do-nothing-but-play-tt & screw schedule for
a one-month cleanse.He would go in his Sacouny running shoes out to Fairmount Park and
sprint/jog as he went on a juice cleanse. He was 10 pounds lighter [had resisted the manicotti
he so liked], was in great shape and feeling high after the cleanse. Then he could go back to
playing table tennis and feeding his nut (one of his pet expressions) to build up his stamina in
the bedroom. I got to feed my nut! he would exclaim.
He apparently followed this obsessive-compulsive behavior all his table tennis lifeand
it would lead to a horrific end for him. But not for 12 years yet, so, well see, maybe I wont
write about it.
The Dec. 9-10 pre-Nationals Westfield Open
was won by Dave Sakai, who also won the Oct. and
Nov. Westfield Opens. Earlier in finals, hed beaten
Mike Stern, then Roger Sverdlik, both 3-0. This time it
was visiting Swede Mats Backstromthough Dave had
quite a bit of -15, 18, 19, 19 trouble with him. In his
semis, after losing the first two games, Sakai beat Scott
Boggan who, down 20-12 in the 5th, was disqualified.
Would that someone had written down why that
happened. Mats escaped Charles Butler in 5, then, in his
semis, downed Robert Earle, 23, 18, -13, 19. Open
Doubles (played only in Dec.) went to Sverdlik/Scott
Boggan over Peter Stephens/George Brathwaite whod
squeaked by Stern/Ali Oveissi, deuce in the 3rd.
Womens (played only in Dec.): Alice Green over Dana
Gvildys.
Dave Sakai--three straight Westfield wins.
Other results: As (won in Oct. and Nov. by
Photo by Neal Fox
M.L. Shum over, first, Paul Rubas, then Lenny Klein):
Jonathan Katz over Ralph Bockoven, 22, 18, 19. A
Doubles: Tim Boggan/Brad Lardon over John Sisti/
Brian Eisner. Bs (won in Nov. by Louise Nieves
over John Markson, 20, -20, 18, then over Andy
Diaz, -17, 19, 18): Rubas over Haig Raky, -18, 20,
19, 17. Cs: Brad Lardon (whod lost the Oct. U1725s to Steve Rosenfield) over Greg Robertshaw.
Ds: Klein over Robertshaw whod advanced by
Barry Dattel, 19 in the 3rd. Es: Joe Campbell over
Chris Lehman. Semis: Campbell over Tony
Gegelys, 19, 21; Lehman over David Kilpatrick, Lennie Klein, 1967 U.S. Open Senior
18, 20, 18. Fs: G. Marrero over C. Caines.
Champion, is back playing.
Esquires (played only in Dec.): Marcy Monasterial
Photo by Mal Anderson
376

over George Chotras, then Klein. Seniors: Monasterial over Klein. U-17: Markson (whod
lost this final in Oct. to Ben Nisbet) over Lardon in 5. U-15: Lardon over Marko Popovich,
after Marko had eliminated Jeff Pedicini, 19 in the 3rd. U-13: David Gonzalez over Martin
Klein.
Winners at the Nov. 4-5 Slippery Rock Open: Open: Howie Bush over Dan Rzewnicki.
Women: Joanne Jamison over Daria Motter. As: Mike Walsh over Lance Falke. Bs: Harry
Hawk over Rzewnicki. Cs: Dave Demay over Art Rupp. Ds: Jim Clark over Pat Herman.
Es: Todd Ingram over Mike Baslor. Novice: Tom Burik over Rich Logan.
Two reports (TTT, Nov.-Dec., 1978, 25) on the Oct. 14-15 Gateway Classic at
Frostburg, MD: first, Director Jim Williams sharing some of his thoughts; then Mike Bush on
the play.
A two day tournament over at 7:00 Sunday night! Why, asked Jim, werent there more
entries? We expected 150but only 60 showed. We thought that 1500-1900 players would
welcome the prize money we provided for them, but they didnt come. It was the top players
who put up with less than perfect playing conditionsthe absence of barriers, for example
and other inconveniences. George Brathwaite, a super man (two words) had to sleep in his
car, there was no room at the Innbut his star would rise to great heights..The Seemiller
brothers had two exhibitions canceled at local high schools (some testing program interfered).
They took it greata special thanks to them. Also, there was a lack of spectators on a day
when the campus was full of people. My faultnot many posters.
But there were some pluses. The programs did get printed. The tables werent circling
Moosejaw.The Frostburg State College gave us a good gym, lighting and all. The insurance
company agreed to wait for payment. The players played when called on; the losers didnt ruin
the table edgesmy thanks to all of them. Also, the Western Maryland T.T. Club members
helped with their time, talent, and treasurean assist I greatly appreciated.
Heres Bushs opening:
An hour in historical Frostburg-Cumberland, Maryland, and, dammit,
we still couldnt find our tourney hotel! It was late and we were tired
just wanted to bed down. As we made another wrong turn, Tim, driving,
let out one of his periodic ___s! Whereupon Eric, outraged at such a
show of emotion, yelled, ___yourself, Tim! Yelling will accomplish
nothing!
Faan Yeen Liu (who was traveling with usshed been in New York, getting herself
ready for the U.S. Team Tryouts two months away) kept searching, searching, searching,
trying to find even the semblance of a hotel. Finally, with her help, we found the intersection
where the hotel supposedly restedbut no hotel. Nothing. Only a decrepit, run-down building
to the right. The hotel, where is it? Almost simultaneously we all peered to the right, No, no
please, no. But there it stoodthe Algonquin Hotel. We all looked at each other. Well, its late
Friday night, Homecoming Weekendwhat choice do we have, lets park.
Saturday morning there were some fiery first-round matches: Roger Sverdlik over
Perry Schwartzberg, Scott Boggan over Rory Brassington, and Mike Lardon, in the
tournaments first upset, coming from 2-0 down, over David Philip. In the 2nd round more
fireworks: Bush over Charles Butler, Scott over Randy Seemiller, and (surprise, even Dan felt
the heat as Tim, fist up, roaring, cracked in more than one forehand before rounding the table
with the 1st game under his belt) Seemiller over Boggan.
377

In one quarters match, Roger started out strong against Danny, keeping him off
balance with forceful backhands and powerful loops. He had an ad in the 1st before losing, then
won the 2nd. As the match wore on, though, Roger tired and got angled more and more out of
position and was forced into choppingwhich Dan of course took advantage of by zipping in
loops for winners.
In my quarters match with Scott he had it pretty easy. Id been playing with pips
recently, trying to stay up at the table more and hoping for a better hitting and blocking
backhand. Scott, attacking my backhand pips with his own, forced me into error after error.
This combined with his good flat hit and containing block of my loop was quite enough to do
me in.
Ricky went out in 5 to a determined Brathwaite. The Chief, playing great, was just
very consistent in coming back to win the 4th and 5th games.
Eric, playing visiting Swede Mats Backstrom, though down in every game and not
always playing seriously enough, won in 4.
The semifinal round robin was greatly appreciated by the playersfor any tourney
Dan plays in leaves the players in his half no chance at 2nd prize. And in this tournament ($400,
$175, $50, $50), if you didnt come 2nd, there was no chance even to make expenses.
Actually, the chances of being in Dans half are hardly ever 50-50for most
tournaments, Fox-drawn or not, arbitrarily separate Dan and Rick into opposite halves. Rick
over the past year, especially when foreign players are in the draw, has consistently been 3rd
(or 4th) seed, leaving the other seed with the knowledge that he knows where he can gointo
Dans half. Eric, for almost all of last year, was that other seed.Directors, though it isnt
advertised, must get all the involved players approval to run a semifinal round robin. But since
Dan and Rick usually dont
approve, it usually never comes
off. [I question whether either
Seemiller objects of late.]
In The Chief vs. Eric
semis, George just wasnt missing.
Eric couldnt seem to get through
with his loops and hits, and when he
blocked short or dropped with his
anti, George would come in and hit
the ball, often for a winner. In this
match, Eric, as in his earlier match
with the Swede, just didnt have his
usual intensity, his strong will to
win. Hes had other things on his
mindschool, a proposed trip to
Trinidad. This was his 6th straight
tournament weekend and he was
experiencing an unusual lack of
concentration. His racket, which he
considered too fast (or was it too
slow?) added to his problems. He
George Brathwaite
went down swinging, 19 in the 4th.
Photo by Neal Fox
378

Now George, if he could win his match against Scott, would be guaranteed 2nd prize.
And that was just the way it looked to happen as, again playing beautifully, The Chief took
the first two games. Moreover, Scott, down in the 3rd, was noticeably upset and mumbling to
himself. He had had it with Georges never-ending, fist-raised, warrior- chiefs victory dance
which followed all points won.
Suddenly then, Scott looked deep into himself and somehow decided he just couldnt,
mustnt losejust had to win this match. With screaming, fist-up Yeahs! he hurled his shots
at Georgeand turned the 3rd game his way with pure fight. Then he rallied from 15-10 and
19-16 down in the 4th. And within the first few points of the 5th, Scott was joyfully telling
himself out loud, Oh, youve got him! And thereafter began getting more and more confident
with every shot. Smiling, skipping, even running to pick up the ball, he finally took a crushing
lead by killing ball after ball. Game and match to Scott 21-12.
Since Danny had beaten both Scott and Eric and, it was assumed, would take down
George, interest focused on 2nd place, especially since the two rival Boggan brothers were
playing one another. If Scott beat Eric, he would of course come second. In fact, if Scott won
two games he would come 2nd providing George did not take a game from Danny. As for Eric,
he thought if he beat Scott three straight he could still come 2nd, but in this he was
mistaken.Anyway, as George watched interestedly, the brothers played their typical match
occasionally yelling at each other and professing never to understand how the other could be
so nets-and-edges lucky.
Scott seems to have a bad game to play Ericneeds, I think, a stronger loop. Scotts
up-to-the-table blocking, exchanging and hitting game just doesnt cut no ice against younger
brother. Eric blocks the ball low and quick and in this match at least never gave Scott the balls
he likes to crack. Time after time, Scott would get driven back from the table, leaving himself
with no shotno shot but a defensive one to win the point. That might have worked a year or
so ago, but now against a fast-growing bigger and stronger Eric it just aint a healthy strategy.
Match to Eric (19, 11, -20, 16).
Which certainly must have pleased George, for now he was automatically second
without even playing Danny. He just took the $175 hed earned and that was that.
A lot of us then headed for all-out accommodating Director Jim Williamsand,
sure enough, he invited us to his home to drink a few beers and catch the last few innings
of the Sox-Yankees Series game before going out for dinner and driving the long drive
home.
Other results: Womens: Faan Yeen Liu over Donna Newell. Open Doubles:
Seemiller/Seemiller over Bush/E. Boggan. As: Mike Lardon over Tim Boggan, 17, -21,
19, 14. Bs: Mike Shapiro over Chi Chung. Cs: Chung over Ron Snyder, 26-24 in the 4 th.
Semis: Chung over Pat ONeill in 5; Snyder over TONY KHAN, deuce in the 4th. (As
well see in a moment, Tony has, real bad luck, but a week to livehe dies, I heard, in a
motorcycle accident.) C Doubles: Vic McCoy/Clyde Alvey over Richard Shrout/Newell.
Ds: Jackie Heymann over Peter Neal, 17, -12, 19, 18. Es: Jess Rosenthal over Dan
Piper, -16, -15, 12, 24, 16, then over Todd Ingram whod advanced over K.V. Nguyen in
5. Fs: Rosenthal over L.T. Nguyen (from down 2-0). Seniors: Brathwaite over Boggan.
U-17s: Sean ONeill over Shapiro. U-17As: Ingram over Allen James. U-15s: ONeill
over Ingram.
In Memory of Tony Khan appeared in TTT, Nov.-Dec., 1978, 11. A remembrance
written by his mother Jeanne, its reproduced in entirety here:
379

Page 14 of the Sept.-Oct., 1978 Topics

shows:
1651 KHAN, TONY
Tony died at age 21 on Oct. 22, 1978 in
West Virginia. He talked with me the night before
about being down on his game at the Eliminations
in Maryland and I reminded him of the many trophy
firsts hed wonat Okinawa, or in Japan, or at
Ft. Devens, Mass., or at Vint Hill Farm Station,
Virginia (where he was stationed with the U.S.
Army Intelligence Command), or at the Waltham,
Mass. Table Tennis Club, or the Washington, D.C.
Table Tennis Club, of which he was a member.
His improving attempts to perfect the Danny Seemiller style and the time he spent with
several other expert players at clinics, together with his almost weekly trips to the Washington
and Pittsburgh clubs, may suggest his dedication to table tennis.
Tonys knowledge of and investment in equipment, his tutelage of a hundred or more other
players before his graduation from Watertown High School in 1975 and during his army stint, made
many skilled fans of the sport. He enlisted all his friends and relatives to call and/or write the
Educational stations where there were table tennis matches; he commended Sports Illustrated for
their coverage of the sport; he had all of us involved in sending money and letters to advance the
publics recognition of the skill, physical stamina, and self-discipline so necessary to table tennis.
Tonys hobbies included: photographymany of his pictures were action shots that
showed the concentration, the sweat, the physical demands of the sport; chesswhich he
became a master of and which he believed contributed to his development as a strategic and
tactically conscious table tennis player; tennis and other racquet sportswhich he very much
enjoyed; readinga book a dayeverything from the practical self-help kind (on positive
thinking, for example) to imaginative, entertaining adventure stories; runningwhich showed
the value he put on physical fitness; bike-ridingwhich included marathon racing on his tenspeeds (he had several); and motorcycling (he had a Yamaha). Tony also had explored martial
arts, meditation, and musiche had been a horn player in the Watertown Cadets and Boston
Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, and he owned the finest stereo.
His selection of the U.S. Army, and his membership in an elite Intelligence Corps,
together with his life experiences and interests, allowed him to learn from and play with
thousands of players. His love of the sport, his enthusiasm for it, his investment of time, money
and energy, was contagious. He explained that table tennis represented the culmination of a
long journey toward the right outlet for both his mental and physical strength.
Ive met so many of his comrades in this sport, and Ive continually supported this
devoted fans search for the perfect stroke, the perfect smash, that now I ask that donations, in
lieu of flowers, be made in his memory through Danny Seemiller, his friend and mentor.
(Dannys address is: 119 Ravilla Ave., Pittsburgh, PA. 15210.)
Finally, I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Association, all
readers of Table Tennis Topics, and all table tennis players everywherefor, by their continuing
interest in the sport, they helped my son, Tony Khan, have some of the happiest days of his short life.
380

Chapter Twenty-Eight
1978:
Butterfly I (Juniors);
Downtown Athletic
Club (Women); and
Table Tennis
Enterprises (Men)
Win Detroiter
USOTCs. 1978: Mike
Bush, Dana Gvildys,
and Roger Sverdlik
Make a Right Guard
Commercial.
The 1978
Detroiter USOTCs
were played Nov. 2426 at Detroits Cobo
USOTCs Junior Team Champions: Butterfly I, L-R:
Hall. Dick Butler
Captain/Coach
Dick Butler, Mike Shapiro, Scott Butler, and Sean ONeill
covered the Junior
matches; Shazzi
Felstein the Womens, and I, Tim, the Mens (TTT, Nov.-Dec., 1978, cover +).
Juniors
Butterfly I, the Junior team of Mike Shapiro, Sean ONeill, and Scott Butler, fluttered
into Detroit seeded fifth and floated out as the Junior Champions of the 1978 Detroiter U.S.
Open Team Championships (USOTCs). On Friday and Saturday they played a total of 11
ties, winning them all 5-0, except for 5-1 wins over Quebec I and Quebec II. Two elevenyear-olds and a 16-year-old had defeated the first, second and third seeded Junior teams, and
all that remained for Sunday was the seemingly easy task of dispensing with sixth seeded New
Jersey and fourth seeded Pennsylvania I.
About 11:30 Sunday morning New Jerseys Dennis Pedicini (the NPCNon-Playing
Captain) began filling in the match sheet from the bottom up as the younger members of the
Butterfly I team kidded him about the fact that it would be unnecessary to fill in all nine lines
because the first five lines would determine the winner of the tie. At that moment the
unpredictable chemical reaction between determination (New Jersey) and over-confidence
(Butterfly I) began to take place.
Butterfly I got off to a 2-0 lead when Shapiro beat John Markson, and Butler downed
Jeff Pedicini. But then though ONeill played tough for the upset, he ultimately lost, 19 in the
3rd, to the steady and experienced Brian Eisner. And Butler lost to a determined Markson,
who was playing well above his 1873 rating. But from this 2-2 tie, Sean went on to defeat
Jeff, and Mike stopped Brian to give Butterfly a 4-2 lead. Just one more. Only Butler was
unable to upset Eisner, and ONeill lost to Markson. That left Shapiro, a 300-point favorite,
to play Pedicini. Could Jeff pull the upset of the tournament? Nopeso Butterfly, 5-4, got
the better of New Jersey.
381

In the last tie, played Sunday afternoon, it was ONeill

over Mike Walk, Shapiro over John Richards (-17, 21, 19),
Butler over Lance Falce, Shapiro over Walk (unfortunately
marred by a dispute over the score), and Butler (playing
the finest match of the day) over Richards.
Thus, Butterfly I ended the tournament undefeated in
ties, 65-8 in matches, and Mike Shapiros unblemished 24-0
match record made him the deserving recipient of the Most
Valuable Player Trophy. Congratulations to sponsor Bowie
Martin and the Butterfly I team members for your
outstanding accomplishment.
Women
Shazzi Felstein
reported that the
#1 seeded
Womens team, the
DAC, Downtown
Junior MVP Award Winner
Athletic Club
Mike Shapiro
(Insook Bhushan,
Photo by Mal Anderson
Judy Bochenski,
and Kasia Dawidowicz), d. the runner-up, the fifthseeded New York City team (Carol Davidson, Louise
Nieves, and Shazzi Felstein), 5-0, to win the ($900
1st-prize, $450 2nd-prize) 18-team Womens Detroiter
USOTCs.
From the 12 U.S. and 6 Canadian teams
Shazzi Felstein
entered, three evenly weighted divisions of 6 teams
each played Saturday round robinswith the top two
teams from each group going into Sundays A Division, the next two into the B Division, and
the bottom two into the C Division.
The only upset that occurred on Saturday was NYC over #2 seeded Montreal
(Mariann Domonkos, Christine Forgo, and Adel Karim). Then, on Sunday morning, the NYC
team continued its winning ways against the Canadians, this time downing #3 seeded Ontario
(Gloria Hsu, Birute Plucas, Gloria Nesukaitis, and Suzanne Kavallierou). Also on Sunday
morning, perhaps the most exciting tie of the tournament took placebetween the DAC and
Montreal. In the first three matches, Domonkos d. Dawidowicz, 22, 9; Bhushan d. Karim, 10,
3; and Bochenski d. Forgo, 19, 11 to give the DAC team a 2-1 lead. But then the action
heated up. Domonkos won the 1st game from Bhushan at 19 and was winning the 2nd but lost it
at deuce, then lost the 3rd at 11. Now
DAC was ahead 3-1 and a big favorite to win the tie at 5-1. But! Forgo d. Dawidowicz, 12, 13, 18, and Karim d. Bochenski, 15, -19, 16 to tie the tie at 3-all. Bhushan then d. Forgo, but
Domonkos wiped out Bochenski (whod just returned from Japan where shed been learning
how to loop the ball), 11, 6, to square the tie at 4-all.
The final match was between Dawidowicz (1986) and Karim (1711). With Kasia
having more than a 250 rating point advantage over her opponent you might think the result of
382

this match would be a forgone conclusion. However, Dawidowicz had already lost to Forgo,
and Karim, a hard rubber chopper, played her heart out but finally lost in three to give the
DAC a 5-4 victory that might have gone either way.
Montreal found itself in two more 9-match ties Sunday afternoon. (They must have
gone home mentally, if not physically, exhausted.) They managed to defeat Chicago (Faan
Yeen Liu, Cheryl Dadian, and Grace Ide), 5-4. But later, playing Ontario for 3rd $150) and 4th
($90) places, leading 4-3, they lost a crucial, super-exciting 8th match (Nesukaitis d. Forgo, 20, 19, 22), then lost the deciding 9th (Hsu d. Karim, 15, 16).
New York City, thank goodness, didnt have any
9-match ties. I say, Thank goodness because I was
scheduled to play the 9th match in each case. Louise
Nieves, who was always scheduled for the 8th match, has
been doing very well recently. In the last two months she
has won a Class B event at Philadelphia, another at
Westfield, and finished first at the Regional Tryouts in
Columbia, Md. with a perfect record. At this tournament
she continued to play well, and three times won the 8th
match for a 5-3 team winsaving me from having to
play the deciding match. She defeated Forgo of
Montreal, Nesukaitis of Ontario, and Newgarden of
Louise Nieves
Minnesota. Since NYC had also beaten Chicago (5-3)
Photo by Mal Anderson
we came undefeated to our final with the DAC.
Although we lost the final 5-0, there
were two matches worth mentioning. First,
Louise, (up 15-4!) won the 1st game from
Insook. And, second, Carol Davidson played
a very exciting match with Judy Bochenski,
finally losing deuce in the 3rd.Carol, who
has a very strong offense, also displayed a
classy back-from-the-table defense. She won
three matches against Ontario, and two
against Montreal and
Minnesota. She had an
18-4 record and richly
deserved her Most
Valuable Player Award.
(Bhushan had a perfect
record, but by now we
Womens MVP Award Winner Carol Davidson
take that for granted.)
Photo by Neal Fox
Chicagos 5-2
defeat of Minnesota (Sheila ODougherty, Takako Trenholme, and
Nancy Newgarden) gave them 5th place over Minnesota who finished
last in the A Division. For Chicago, Dadian had some good wins,
Insook: Her perfect
record taken for
including Plucas, Kavallierou, Karim, Nancy Hill, and some on the
granted?
Minnesota team. Minnesotas Takako Trenholme beat Nissen Open
Photo by
rd
winner Connie Sweeris, and, though she lost a 26-24-in-the-3 killer to
Mal Anderson
383

Dawidowicz, she did beat Kasias teammate Bochenski. Also, she took a game from Canadian
Champ Domonkos.
The B Division was won 5-0 by the Howard County team (Sweeris, Donna Newell,
and Yvonne Kronlage). This 7th-seeded team was not too happy with their draw on Saturday.
They were in the bracket with the #1 seed DAC and Minnesotaand they (and I) thought
they shouldnt have had to play the almost unbeatable DAC team as one of their two chances
to make the A Division. Runner-up in the Bs was 8th-seeded Ontario Central (Colleen
Johnson, Becky McKnight, Julia Johnson, Jeanette Camacho, and Tina Walter).
The C Division was won bysome teambut a mix-up in Detroit hasnt been
straightened out to give us the winner. The tournament was very well run, the playing
conditions good except for the concrete floor, and the format excellent. Thank you, Detroit.

Below: Winning USOTCs Mens Team: Table Tennis Enterprises, L-R: Eric Boggan, Roger Sverdlik,
Dave Philip, Scott Boggan, and NPC Tim Boggan
Photos by Barry Margolius

Men
After three days of round robin play, Long Islands Table Tennis Enterprises team
(Roger Sverdlik, Dave Philip, and Scott, Eric and NPC Tim Boggan) defeated Pennsylvanias
Defending Champs (Danny, Ricky, and Randy Seemiller), 5-3, to win the 95-team Mens
Detroiter U.S. Open Team Championships.
384

This final tie ($1,200 to the winner; $600 to the runner-up), watched by close to 500
spectators (thanks to the efforts of Tournament Director Bob Beatty and Leader Dogs for the
Blind supporter Graham Steenhoven), provided the expected dramatic finish between the two
top-seeded teams. But whereas the Seemiller team advanced through the qualifying field with
ease, winning every tie no worse than 5-2, the TTE team was often struggling, even losing a
tie along the way. In following them to the final, we can also follow the fortunes of 3 rd Place
Chicago ($300), 4th Place Harvard ($150), and the other contending teams.
Saturday morning TTE opened against Chicago (Attila Malek, Jim Davey, Paul
Pashuku, and Mal Anderson). Though Malek got off to a 7-0 lead against Sverdlik you could
almost say he never really got started because he lost that game handily and the next. But
although hed had trouble with Rogers pips he did manage to give an equally un-warmed-up
Scott Boggan and his pips one of his three tournament losses.
Poor Chicago. I dont know how they got such a draw. Coming off that 9 a.m., 5-1
loss to TTE, they now had to play the Seemillers. And with an even 5-0 worse result when
Attila couldnt beat Ricky and never even got the chance to lose to Danny. Thereafter the
Chicagoans won their remaining 7 straight ties and toward the end of the tournament were still
in contention for second.
Next up for TTE was
the Eastern I team (Mats
Backstrom, Mike Lardon,
Joe Rokop, and a not to be
discounted (2217)
Rutledge Barry who six
months ago quit the game).
Lardon, on his way to a
good tournament, played
very well in the clutch to
pull out a close match
against Philip. But that was
5-1 it for this PittsburghDerek Wall
Scott Boggan
based Seemiller- satellite
Photo by Mal Anderson
team.
Ontario (Errol Caetano, Derek Wall, Frank Watson,
Cameron Scott, and Joe Ng) was a dangerous teamat least now, in the early stages, when
sharp-eyed Caetano and Wall could still see themselves in contention for the money and the
title.
Right off, TTE was in trouble. A smiling Scott Boggan was being too 17-year-old
familiar with South Africas 48-year-old veteran international star (Call me Derek, or call me
Mr. Wallbut dont call me Wall). Boggan lost the 1st and was down 20-12 in the 2ndso
leave that match, huh?
Meanwhile, Sverdlik, down 17-7 to a much improved Cameron Scott, kept at it, kept
at it, until, surprise, he rallied to get the adbut then lost the game.Now, continuing to
complain that on these tables you just couldnt serve short, he was back and forth on his way
to deuce in the 3rd.
If the Long Islanders lost these first two matches, without Canadas #1 Caetano so
much as touching a racket they were in deep trouble. But, amazingly, Boggan was into one of
385

those bravura rallies of his and, unbelievably, had suddenly given out a scream that
shookwell, maybe even the Wall opposite. From 20-12 match-point down hed deuced it!
He thinks hes won the world, says Derekas if, in a moment of disgust, it might not be
worth the winning? A pearl of great price this world, or another (the tinier table tennis worldl). But
Scotts sphere of attention was centered on survivingand win the game, stay alive, he did.
As I rooted excitedly, my good friend Derek and my son Scott played an absolutely
marvelous 3rd game. Ive never seen Wall, normally a very smooth defender, so aggressivehe
looped, he hit, he countered, he picked, he flicked. The points were long, the exchanging
offense and defense ebbed and flowed in pebble-grating roars of waves. It was more than a
table tennis matchit was a dynamic of mans nature. Jesus, Tim, said Derek along the way,
Im going to send for an ambulance. He meant for me.
Finally Scott won it at deuceand the momentum of his finishing shot carried him past
the table-net and down before Wall on one knee, hand up, outstretched, eyes smiling, dancing,
looking up with both mock and real respect into the equally disarming face of the man he had
near miraculously just beaten. It was one of those moments (what the Sport gives us all) in the
35 years Ive played table tennis Ill never forget.
And what about Roger? Cant forget him. So much shouting, so much noise, so hard
to concentrate. He, too, in or out of this distracted globe, won deuce in the 3rdon a gutsy
serve-and-loop-follow down Camerons backhand line.
So instead of being (2-0) down, TTE was (2-0) up. At least until Eric, after twice
getting the ad, lost deuce in the 3rd to Caetano who, with his long, wristy reach, twice came in
to backhand away Erics match-winning hopes. But Cameron on his second try could not
come through, and though Errol also beat Roger, he could not beat Scott, and Derek could
not take down Ericso the much contested tie went to TTE, 5-2.
Now, though, the Enterprisers, playing their 4th tie in a row, and without once in the 8
or 9 hours theyd been at the hall, having had sense enough to get out of that 85-degree, halfsuffocating heat (the air-conditioning system was on the blink?), went dragging themselves off
to play the 9th-seeded Seemiller Club team (Perry Schwartzberg, Larry Goldfarb, and Mike
Baber) whom they were more or less taking for granted.
It was soon apparent that Eric, particularly,
was going to have his problems. Perhaps that deuce
in the 3rd loss to Caetano was still nagging him?
Anyway, he was having real or imagined trouble
holding his sweaty racket, and he hadnt eaten
anything, didnt want to eat anything, because, well,
what was there? The franks were a Polish joke, and,
no, he didnt want any fruit or juice or cookies or
whatever else Team Manager Barry Margolius
and I had gone out to get the team. What he really
wanted was not to play.
And it showed. Match point down to
Larry Goldfarb, a (2152) player hes had trouble
with before, he hit in an incredible winner and
then ran out the match. Then he yelled at me for
Mens MVP Award Winner
getting excited. He wasnt excitedwhy should I
Perry Schwartzberg
be? Then he lost to Schwartzberg who, down 1-0,
Photo by Neal Fox
386

won the 2nd and 3rd games primarily by top-spinning balls deep. Perry, on the way to getting his
well-deserved Most Valuable Player Award (he must have been playing at least 2350 this
tournament), also beat Scott and David Philip. Mike Baber, playing back, taking advantage of
the fact that on these tables the ball would always come up and out to him, spin-killed or
looped-in winners to down both David and an apathetic Eric
Schwartzberg thought he saw a syndrome in Erics behavior. Perry remembered what
had happened to him in the Southwest. He was beating everyone so often that people soon
stopped giving him the attention hed been used to and still wanted. So he found if he lost
some matches more people would come up to him and say some well-meaning words. Because
he was youngas young as Ericit took him a while to understand what consciously or
unconsciously he was doing and put a stop to it.
Anyhow, this loss wasnt disastrous for the TTE teamnot so long as we didnt lose
another one. For if we beat everyone, including the Seemillers, which of course (since nobody
else could beat them) wed have to anyway to win, we would come first via the head-to-head
tie breaker.
The morale of our team was thus still high and, despite Erics obvious lapse in this last
tie (After a while, he said, my eyes became so blurry in there I couldnt even see), only
encouraging words were said to him, for everyone realized that he held the key to the TTE
victory. Eric, like anyone else tired and hungry, could occasionally be temperamental, could
get upset. But everyone knew too that in a not too distant moment he could quickly get it all
together again and beat anyone, including Danny.
After a bye that allowed us a two-hour break for dinner and a shower and some rest,
we came back and in the last tie of the evening, with Eric his rejuvenated self, we defeated
Montreal (Rod Young, Alex Polisois, and Guy Germain), 5-0.
We were now only four matches away from winning the tournamentthis is the way
we were thinking.
Our 1st match Sunday morning was against the 10th seeded but highly underrated Vancouver
team (Eddie Lo, Peter Joe, and Zoltan Pataky). On Friday they had kept the strong McClure team
(Jim Lazarus, Charles Butler, and Joe Yoon) from qualifyinghad perhaps knocked them out of
the tournament altogether (for what fun was it to play in the B Division?).
As it turned out, TTE won this tie 5-0. Scott won a deuce-inthe-2nd close one against Lo, who at this moment may well be the
best player in Canada. Since Eddies whole game is unhesitatingly
serve and follow, and loop the other fellows serve, these tables, on
which it was so difficult to serve short, were perfect for him. How
could he not score well? But he was handicapped somewhat by the
fact that he had to wear sunglasses, since just before leaving for
Detroit hed been involved in a car accident and his regular glasses
had gone flying off over a bridge or something. Eddie also lost a
close one to Roger from 17-all in the 3rd. And Peter Joe went down in
his match with Eric from 18-all in the 3rd.
Against New England (Lim Ming Chui, Dave Sakai, and
Bill Sharpe) we got off to a very shaky start. Although Scott won
the 1st from Bill (after a mid-game 10-minute wait in the hope
that someone would be able to fix their apparently one out of
Eddie Lo in sunglasses
many unfixable nets that were at least half an inch too low), he
Photo by Mal Anderson
387

was soon in trouble and then down 19-17 in the 3rd. At which point he rolled a ball in
preparation to taking the quick step to the side he would need to smash in the return, only to
see Bill, beautifully anticipating Scotts intent, come in and fish line-cast a forehand sidespin
sweep shot that put him match point up. Meanwhile, on the companion table, Philip had lost
the 1st to Sakai. So it didnt look good for TTE.
But then our David, coming through under pressure, repeatedly found openings to
score with his gradually more consistent loop, and prevailed in 3. And Scott, moving Bill so as
to keep his left-handed Phantom returns coming from his backhand side, got in some last
minute fearless kills and pulled out the match.
When Chui, up 18-17 in the 1st against Eric, couldnt bring that one home, and Sakai
couldnt win his deuced 2nd game against Eric, and when Philip with renewed confidence beat
Sharpe two straight, TTE had scrambled to another 5-0 win.
The only tie remaining then before our hoped-for final was against Harvard (Danny
Robbins, Dell Sweeris, Mike Bush, and Houshang Bozorgzadeh). This team had just severely
damaged their chances for 2nd, however, by losing a 5-4 tie to Chicago. George Brathwaite,
who was to have played with Harvard, went to the Barbados Invitational insteadand his
absence was sorely felt.
Although Houshang blocked down Malek to help get his team off to a red-hot 3-0
start, Harvard soon found itself blown about by the (fixed air-conditioner?) winds of change
and were soon cooled off. In fact, they lost four straight matches to go down 4-3, when Davey
and Pashuku scored, and Malek downed Sweeris and Bush. Finally Paul looped away
Houshang in the 9th matchand the best Harvard could hope for, if all worked out perfectly
for them, if they beat TTE and a then dispirited TTE somehow managed to beat the then
locked-in Seemillers, was a three-way tie for 2nd, which they might or might not have a chance
for, depending on the number of matches theyd won and lost.
Against us Harvard was ready to be spoilers. I knew that Dell particularly would be tough,
for I felt that he (not to mention his one-time protg Danny, who of course as our tie progressed
would be more and more interested in its outcome) would rather see the Seemillers win than us.
Against Bozorgzadeh, who was bothered by the loud (Let!) calls of the umpire at the
next table, Eric could not get himself to move into a forehand controlling position. Houshang
either kept him awkwardly on the move by dinking little up-close-to-the-net shots here and
there or else forced him to roll or jab backhands that too often didnt have enough force to get
through the Iranians unique defense.
Meanwhile, on the adjacent table, Bush and Scott had
called for a service-watching umpire and were going hard at
one another in a close match. Although Scott had beaten Mike
6 of their last 7 matches, this obviously was one of those times
where the streak had to be extended. Up 15-14 in the 3rd,
Scott gets an edge. At 17-all Scott pushes a forehand that just
catches the edge. Up 20-19, Scott wins the match on an edge
loop. Being lucky sometimes makes a big difference. Tie all
tied 1-1 when it easily could have been 2-0 Harvard.
Now its Roger against Dell. Sweeris is ahead 18-11 in
the 1stbut then Roger wins a point and, more importantly,
the serve. He high-tosses up two, both of which Dell fails to
Roger Sverdlik
return outright; tosses up two more, which Dells weak
Photo by Mal Anderson
388

returns allow Roger to follow for point-winners. Eventually Sverdlik wins the game. But Dell
isnt gonna let him get away againis he? Up 18-15 in the 3rd, Sweeris is just a little too soft.
Then at 18-16 Dell serves off! Up 19-18 Roger comes in to loop a dropmisses the ball
completely. But then, 20-19 up, he serves and loops down Dells backhand line for a big
winner. So many obstacles for TTE, so many theyve been fortunate to overcome.
Dell cant beat Scott either. He loops too much to his backhand and gets caught
crosscourt on Scotts pips-out angled-off blocks. And Houshang is just never in the match
with Rogerits as if literally he cant win a point. But Bush holds Harvard together with wins
over Sverdlik (Rogers up 8-3, down 9-8 in the 1st and can never get going again), and a still
struggling Eric.
Now with the tie TTE 4, Harvard 3, Eric faces Dell. This time, however, after his
losses, hes spent the last half hour out in the cool hallway being talked to from time to time by
Tony Elmore, President of TTE, teammates Philip and Sverdlik, Manager Margolius, and
who knows who else, even me.
Yes, Eric understands the importance of
this match. Yes, hes come out to play. But so of
course has Dell. On into the 3rd they gowith
Eric staying loose, taking his shots, blocking
well against the long-limbed persistent Sweeris
until he wins the game, the matchand the allimportant tie that gives us the chance to beat
the Seemillers.
Now we get a break. We have two hours
to eat something and get our heads together
before the final. Of course no ones higher than
Eric Boggan
the Butterfly boys (yes, Bowie Martin is still
Photo by Neal Fox
behind them, sponsoring them, though Rutledge
is gone). Theyre looking to avenge last years
5-4 loss to the Seemillers. Eric, mindful of his
loss to Randy a year ago here, urges us to try to work out the pairings so he can play Randy
first. (So I can get him out of the way, he says.) And as it turns out, Scott will open against
Ricky, Danny will follow against Roger, and then itll be Eric against Randy.
So far, neither Ricky nor Danny has lost a single match in the tournament. But because
theyve been playing so well, their team has had it easy, hasnt had to hustle as much as we
have. Is this a psychological factor?
Against Ricky, who last year beat him in the deciding 9th match, Scott out there on his
toes, wiggling his fingers, playing aggressively, scoring hit after hit practically at will, is in total
command. Now that Scotts beaten Ricky, somebody prophetically said, the tie is over.
Certainly this put a lot of pressure on Danny and Randy right from the beginning, for if Danny
won all three and Randy lost all three as expected, the Seemillers were clearly the underdogs.
Eric would now only have to beat Ricky for TTE to winand in their last three meetings Eric
had beaten Ricky 9 straight games.
Against Roger, Danny in the beginning could not keep his serve short and so the 1st game
was close for a whilebut then Danny forged out a lead, and then another, and the tie was tied.
Eric and Randys match was now the big one. Perhaps Eric whod already lost 5
matches this tournament could lose this one too? Many thought Randy, always a tough fighter,
389

had a better chance to beat Eric than Ricky. Their match was much like last yearsup to a
point. Eric easily won the 1st. Randy easily won the 2nd. But in the 3rd Eric handled Randys
spin serves well and, to the roars of our stern, beer-drinking supporters in the audience, nononsense out-steadied him.
Scott played a good match against Dannylost at 19, 18. Then Eric came on strong,
practically nailed down the lid of the coffin by taking his 10th and 11th straight games from
Ricky. So when Roger finished off Randy two straight, the Seemillers were down 4-2. Just like
last year.
Eric played Danny a strong match, reminiscent of his 77 one. Down 18-13 in the 3rd,
he rallied to 18-all then served and followed with a good shot that just barely missed the edge,
then tried to serve and follow again, only to see Danny pass him on the return with a perfect
forehand placement, then watched his last chance blasted away as Danny bulleted in what in
this tie was a rare winner.
So now it was Scott and Randyand though Randy tried hard he was neither so
steady nor so capable of winning points as Scott. It was just a matter of time then before all of
our TTE team and its supporters were at a table in the Pontchartrain across the street drinking
a champagne toast to our all together efforts, and to each year, in or out of this Sport, as being
better than the last.
Right Guard Commercial
Heres Mike Bush describing (TTT, Jan.-Feb., 1979, 28; 25) how he, Dana Gvildys,
and Roger Sverdlik made a Right Guard Commercial:
The taxi pulled up to the corner of 47th and Madison and Roger Sverdlik and I paid
and got out. There waiting for us were the BBDO people (the people from the advertising
agency) and some of the cameramen, designers, and the likewe wouldnt meet the big boys
until we arrived on location.
Dana Gvildys was there too. She would be the girl Id play with in the commercial.
We all filed into the van and were offall the way to Greenwich, Connecticut, to a
mansion that presidential candidate Wendell Wilkie had built and lived in back in the 40s. On
the hour ride up I had plenty of time to daydream.
I thought about the pact Roger and I had made the night beforenot to eat anything
so as to stay slim for TV land. And yet at 1:30 in the morning we stood in Rogers kitchen
munching out. What the hellwed decided it was all right, had agreed to call a let, so to
speak. Besides, we had plenty of time, didnt have to get up until 5: 00 a.m., so we could still
get a couple of hours sleep.
I also thought of a phone call Id received three weeks before, telling me about this
audition for the commercial. One stipulation was that, if I wanted to go to it, I had to cut off
my DArtagnana hair and shave off my moustache. Gillette was most insistent that anyone who
did their commercials had to have short hair and be clean shavenhad to have, in other
words, that All-American Yecch look.
I remember when Id walked into the BBDO office and signed in. There I saw a
beardless Roger who practically doubled up with laughter when he saw my short hair, baby
face, and business suit. I quickly reminded him of his own ultra-clean look and he shut up.
We all had to get out on the table that was asset up, hit a few, put our arm around a
girl and smile. There were about 20 other people there, mostly models and actors, each more
390

gorgeous or more macho handsome than the other. I was sick. I thought I had no chance. But
as it turned out, they were more interested in skill at pong than mere movie-star looks. And
almost as if I were in a dream I got the part..
Soon the hour had gone by. The van pulled up to this beautiful home. People were
hustling around, carrying cameras, lights, the table. Dana and I had to get ready for our
performance. We warmed up on the table, a Stiga VM. Valued at $1,000 it certainly had no
counterpart among any of our American tables. The living room where we were playing was
fabuloushand-carved, dark wood paneling ala Wilkies era; a roaring fireplace; and a very
expensive-looking walled-in bookcase.
After Dana and I had gotten the feel of the table,
we headed into make-up and wardrobe. I was given
another haircut (!) and a three piece suit to wear
without the jacket, shirt, and tie. Dana had her hair
made up and was fashioned into a slinky gown and
given a $2,000 crystal necklace to wear. She looked
simply beautiful.
Pretty soon Bob Roughsage, the Director, came
walking in. At 61, maybe 250 pounds, with red hair
and a red beard, he looked like a madmanand was. He
had the final say on everything. He was just what youd
picture a director to beeccentric, even crazy, but a
man who knew exactly what he was doing.
Dana Gvildys
There were other guys there too. Mel, some
Photo by Mal Anderson
kind of producer for BBDO, was an avid T.T. fan. Every
time Roger and I went out to the table to hit some and
he had some free time, he interrupted us and literally forced Roger to help him work on his
new forehand.
We all took a break for lunch. The food was marvelousit was brought in by caterers.
It consisted of such delicacies as mussels, cheeses, ham, hot this and that, and exotic desserts.
As we saw the food I looked at Roger and he looked at meand then we both looked at my
stomach. I knew I really shouldnt eat, but Id have to be crazy to pass up a meal like this. And
of course since Im not crazy I didnt. Coming finally to the end of it all, staring at the
chocolate mousse, I realized that, really, I must be strict with myselfso I allowed myself only
one helping.
After the break was over, we all headed back to the set. Dana and I hit a few and were
ready to go. Bob had us try every shot in the book and some that werent in it. At one point I
had a cameraman lying face up on the floor between my legsfilming from that view. Another
time they separated the table halves by about 6 feet and cameramen knelt in the middle. Then
Roger, who was along as technical director, fed me some ballsand though we had a tough
time playing points we finally got used to it and were able to give them what they wanted.
As for the story proper, a guy and a girl play a little pongwhile its being explained how a
guy sweats differently from a girl. Of course, no matter what I do, I dont sweat at all, right?
Because I use Gillette Right Guard anti-perspirant. Naturally all the time were filming Im to be
smiling at Danafor naturally Im enjoying myself and were soon to head out on our date,
In the last part of the commercial we put our bats down, and then as I suavely sling my
jacket over my shoulder, Dana comes over to me and puts her arms around me. I then swing
391

her around in a circle and we go off arm in arm. The whole time were filming Im to eye Dana
romantically and she me. And though we arent given any script, arent going to be heard,
were supposed to talk, lip, like, in anticipatory fashion, the intimate details of our forthcoming
evening together.
As Dana and I go off arm in arm for maybe the 7th time, I hear the last Cut! of the
day. And then its like Im awakened out of some already hazy dreamand the fantasy is over.
After Id changed, and weor should I say Igot something else in my belly, we
were all taken to the train station. On our way back to the City, we all talked excitedly about
our long and difficult day. I was a little uncomfortable on the train with a face full of make-up.
But since we were in New York, nobody noticedI hope.
When we arrived in Penn Station,
Dana went her way and Roger and I
went ours. We headed over to Reismans,
where I would soon get involved in a
rubber to rubber money match against
Martywhich, as it turned out, meant I
really would need some protection. For,
before the evening was over, hustling for
a shot, I would run into a barrier that
wouldnt give way and would break my
big toe. Something, unhappily, I have to
keep telling myself, with or without the
commercial, I could not have guarded
against.

Mike Bush...resting his toe. Hed play in the

Nationals...without the chair.
Photo by Don Gunn

392

Chapter Twenty-Nine
1978: E.C.
Minutes and Related
Items.
Acting
Recording Secretary
Gene Sargent (TTT.
Jan.-Feb., 1979, 12;
16) gives us a
summary of the items
discussed at the Dec.
20 E.C. Meeting at
At the Las Vegas Club, L-R: Jim Limerick; Honeymooners Russ and (new
Caesars Palace, and
bride)
Chomey Thompson; Caesars Vice-President Neil Smyth, and Las Vegas
Ive added snippets
TT Club Treasurer Gary Sternberg.
from related topics
that our members voiced in the magazine.
E.C. members present at all or part of the Meeting: Sol Schiff (SS), Fred Danner
(FGD), Gus Kennedy (GK), Barry Margolius (BFM), Bowie Martin (BGM), and Ron Shirley
(RS). Also present at all or part of the Meeting: Executive Director Bill Haid (BH), Yvonne
Kronlage, John Read, Gene Sargent, Bill Hodge, Leah Neuberger, Tim Boggan (appeared
merely to sign his Topics contract with Schiff), Steve Isaacson, and Paul Therrio who thanked
the E.C. for their help with the U.S. Closed tournament and hoped they were satisfied with the
results. In a note in Topics Jim Limerick thanked Neil Smyth, Vice President of Caesars, for
giving our sport such a showcase as Caesars.
The following proxies were accepted: Kronlage (YK) for Jack Carr, Read (JR) for
Rufford Harrison, and Sargent (GS) for Danny Robbins.
For the upcoming E.C. elections, BH reported that official ballots and campaign
statements will be mailed separately from Topics. Formally, no more than two [candidates]
per position as decided by the Nominating Committee [chaired by Jack Carr] ,and no more
than one candidate as proposed by the E. C. are allowed.
Jack says (TTT, Sept.-Oct., 1978, 20), The thought behind this new rule is to be more
selective of the E.C. candidates, to upgrade the E.C. just as
Bill Haid is trying to upgrade the sport. Jack says, Even
though I sent out over 800 letters to prospective candidates
who had been recommended to me [wow, recommended by
how many people?], and placed an article in the last Topics
issue, some worthy people may have been inadvertently
overlooked and not seen the article. Also the competition is
expected to be close for the few available positions. Yet, if you
are not selected by either the Nominating Committee or added
by the E.C. you may still get on the ballot by petition.
The petition [which Carr himself is to receive] must be
signed, with names also printed, by at least 100 eligible
votersthat is, adult USTTA members whose membership
Jack Carr
393

expires after January 1, 1979. Along with the petition the candidate shall sign a statement that
he has a USTTA membership which [presuming he/she is not a Life member] expires after May
31, 1981 ([and so covers] the prospective term of office), that he has read and will comply
with the USTTA Constitution and Bylaws, and that he will reply to correspondence promptly.
[Many a candidates monologue with self: Do I really need to read the USTTA Constitution
and Bylaws?No, just say you did.]
Im reminded of last years fiasco of an election, where few
voted let alone chose to run for officeand I question whether all
this, while giving Carr himself considerable attention, actually
encourages not 800 but anyone to run. However, the following have
been found acceptable: For Vice-President: Mal Anderson, Fred
Danner, Norma LeBlanc, Bowie Martin, Gene Sargent, and Lyle
Thiem; For Treasurer: Yvonne Kronlage and Sam Veillette.
Move: that, since the Junior Foundation has been funded
$500, Quang Buis fare to and from Japan be paid for in entirety.
Passed 8-0-1 (BFM).
Move: that a Committee of the President, Executive
Director, and the National Tournament Director shall solicit bids
for the U.S. Open, U.S. Open Team, and U.S. Closed
Championships at least 36 months in advance of the tournament
Sam Veillette
dates. Passed unanimously.
Photo by Mal Anderson
Caesars is to televise the U.S. Team Trials held in
conjunction with this years Closed.
Long Island will be the site of the 1979 U.S. Open. Its hoped that, in addition to the
coveted world-class teams, many other players will attend, especially from close-by Canada,
the Caribbean islands, and the Union Latinoamericana de Tenis de Mesa (U.L.T.M), of which
Mexicos Dr. Helios Farrell is the President.
Move: For nomination to ITTF committees: Rufford Harrison (Equipment); Mal
Anderson (Rules); John Read (Classification); Leah Neuberger (Standing Orders); Gus
Kennedy (Press/Publicityas a Corresponding Member). For officials at the World
Championships [since some official positions are gratuitous but thought needed for
admittance, Ill just list the accepted names]: Schiff, Harrison,
Kennedy, Danner, Read, Anderson, Neuberger, Haid, Houshang
Bozorgzadeh, Heather Angelinetta, Dal-Joon Lee, Robbins, Boggan,
Fox, Wintrich, Chui Fan Liu, Don Larson, Rich Sinykin, Steve
Strauss, Lucy Alvarado, Jean Nelson, Sue Sargent [and perhaps
anyone else who wants to go]. Approved unanimously. Confirmed
points of departure for Pyongyang are: Geneva, Karachi,
Khabarovsk, and Peking.
A Committee formed of Read, Neuberger, and Steve
Isaacson will assist Haid in the establishment of a U.S. Table
Tennis Hall of Fame.
So far, the only sponsorship for our teams to the
Pyongyang Worlds is for uniforms. Our officials will keep trying.
Members, send your tax deductible contributions to Team
Steve Isaacson:
Founder, USTTA Hall of Fame Manager Gus Kennedy.
394

Executive action: Authorized payments for

fund-raising trips to Washington, D.C. [Trips? Who
took them? How much did they spend? Were any funds
raised?]
Move: allow the Executive Director to spend
up to $250 to write a new Starting and Operating a
Club manual. Passed 9-0-0. Haid also wants to make
sure theres a re-write of USTTA Rules, now called
the Official USTTA Handbook). A Referees and
Umpires Manual will be available in the near future.
The USTTA is to try via Harrison to
secure ITTF approval of U.S. tables, and to
have the U.S. Open included in the
International Grand Prix circuit.
ITTF Secretary-General
Tony Brooks made it clear
that at the ITTF Biennial
General Meeting in
Birmingham, England, 65 out
of 77 member-countries
voted for a professional/ amateur/disclosure. So a list of 29 known
[U.S.] professionals was compiled. Topics tabulated a list of the 30
leading U.S. money winners from July 7 through Dec. 31. The Top
Six: Danny Seemiller ($3,537.50), Eric Boggan ($2, 257.50), Ricky
Seemiller ($1,570), Scott Boggan ($1,549.50), Insook Bhushan
($1,490), Ray Guillen ($1,030).
ITTF Secretary-General
The tax-exempt status of the USTTA prevents it from
Tony Brooks
sponsoring U.S. Open tournaments. How about USTTA
assistance rather than sponsorship?
Move: that no advertising be accepted or placed without approval of Executive
Director and through a signed advertising contract. Passed
unanimously.
The National Tournament Director is now not Neal Fox but
Tom McEvoy. Bill Hornyak has taken Toms place as Midwest
Regional Director. Dr. Art McCartney has replaced Richard Alden as
Pacific Regional Director. Haid, of course, rather than Danner, is chair
of the Advertising Committee. The Coaching Literature Committee
(taking the place of the Library Committee?) has as its chair Mark
Holowchak. Carr replaces Margolius as head of the Nominating
Committee. The Film Committee, chaired by C.F. Liu, is now separate
from the (non-existent?) Library Committee. Public Relations Chair
after Stan Robens resignation is Tom Wintrich.
On having the temerity to write a pro-junk article for Topics,
Tom quickly gets chastised by J.R. Jackson from Tacoma, Washington
C.F. Liu,
who proves hes an ally of Seattles Dr. Michael Scott in wanting to
Film Committee Chair
save our sport. Jackson writes:
Photo by Mal Anderson
395

Where does the USTTA secure their Public Relations Directors?

Over-zealous Tom Wintrich, looking through rose-colored glasses, believes that the
new element of deception through ingenious products like Phantom, Feint, Screw, Killer,
Tackiness, etc. will dramatically create the golden age of table tennis. Bull. That is precisely
what is ruining the sport not only from a spectators viewpoint but also for players who prefer
to rely on skill rather than deception.
If ingenious Tom loves deception so much why not get unbalanced balls and irregular
table tops to add to these wonderful creative inventions.
Tom thinks the supposed 30 million recreation Ping-Pong players would recognize
what an exciting sport Table Tennis is if they learned to play with modern rackets. But has he
picked up the Feb., 1979 issue of Gentlemens Quarterly? In there he could read, Ping-Pong
is easy to learn and virtually injury-free.[A table] can be bought for less that $150, but be
sure to avoid the new foam-rubber paddles, which create great spins and short rallies with the
small plastic balls, thus effectively ruining the game. Stick to hard rubber and sandpaper ones.
But, ah, the word that dominates this chapter is controversy (which, come to think of
it, swirls round every volume I write). Aiken, S.C.s Mark Gibson writes in to Topics to say:
Something very disturbing is the sandpaper paddle. Why are there any sandpaper paddles at
all? In my own small town (pop. 25,000) there are at least four people who could be 1500 or
better if they would give up sandpaper and play with inverted, but they dont want to have to
learn how to play all over again.
Want umpires to rule on the rackets available to a player? A
USTTA Umpires Committee has been formedwith Mal Anderson,
whos to receive of his travel expenses to the Vegas Closed, as
Temporary Chair (Schiff dissenting). Manny Moskowitz, interested in
enforcing a Dress Code and establishing certification toward
becoming a Regional and then a National Umpire, will quickly be
appointed permanent chair.
Don Gunn (TTT, Jan.-Feb., 1979, 6) has a few words to say
about umpires and umpiring he noted at the upcoming Dec.
Nationals:
Manny Moskowitz,
USTTAs Umpires
Committee Chair

The strangest thing that I saw in LV was

an umpire threatening a player. Talk about a
reversal of roles! One game had been settled on an
uncalled let serve, which caused the loser to pass a few remarks, including
the word stupid. The umpire pointed a finger at the offending player and
said, You call me that again and Ill knock you flat. Considering the age
and condition between the two, the challenge was more audacious than
wise. Alas, the fuss went no further, depriving me of some fight pictures.
The scorekeepers in the finals matches were all women. Credit
this to What Mary Wants, Mary Gets McIlwain. The scoring device
belonged to her, and getting the women into the act was the price she
exacted for the use of it. I leave it to you whether or not scorekeeping is a
privilege, but it certainly beats umpiring. Umpires range from the reluctant
(me) to the eager; from the vacillating to those who wouldnt give water to
396

Mary McIlwain

Christ on the Cross. It can be a nerve-wracking job, as few of us want to cost anyone a crucial
game or match, especially if a place on our Worlds Team is at stake. We endeavor to be fair to
people who try desperately to trick or intimidate us; to people who have done no umpiring
themselves in years. During one third game, when the players changed ends, I neglected to
move their points as well. Two more enemies made. Audience participation doesnt add to an
umpires confidence, either. We players with low ratings officiate each others matches, then
we are supposed to umpire the top players matches flawlessly, without offending their tender
sensibilities. There are those who can, but one of them is not D.M. Gunn.
Various By-law changes were proposed, made, or not made (a number made by Carr
were defeated). Proposed By-law change: that Senior Women be a compulsory event for the
U.S. Open and U.S. Closed Championships.
Move: that the sanction fee on two-star tournaments be $75. Defeated 1 (SS)-5.
Move: that the sponsor must establish the entry fee prior to sanctioning and subject to
the approval of the National Tournament Chairman. Passed 9-0.
Paul Therrio was approved by general consent as an alternate Olympic Committee
delegate to the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Olympic in-roads are being built: Table Tennis has been acceptedfor demonstration
purposes onlyin the VIII Pan-American Games, June 17-25, 1979. However, at the IX Pan
Am Games in Venezuela in 1983 Table Tennis will be a valid competitive sport.
Executive action taken:
Authorized payment for domestic travel, miscellaneous expenses, favors, and
uniforms for the U.S. Team trip to South Korea.
Approved payment for round trip of Scott Butler to Sweden.
Authorized payment of $350 maximum each for the round trips of John
Stillions and Sean ONeill to Sweden. Passed 5-2 (FD, BFM).
Authorized $1,000 to Yvonne Kronlage for her Girls Camp in Columbia. MD.,
Dec. 26-31.
Yvonne had questioned in a summer Topics why in table tennis there arent as many
opportunities for girls as there for boys? Why, for example, doesnt a girl get sent to Japan
or Sweden? Or why arent there camps for girls? She says for girls who are really serious
about the game and who are willing to work she would run a camp, and the girls would be
housed at her home under her watchful
supervision. Would the USTTA help? They
would.
Thus Kronlage tells us (TTT, Jan.Feb., 1979, 25) what a success this first
all-girls National Coaching Camp was
thanks largely, as Mike Bush said, to the
girls Den-Mother, Yvonne.
Yvonne begins her article by
praising coaches David Sakai, Mike Bush,
and Scott Boggan, along with junior
helpers Brian Masters and Mike Shapiro.
She says, A questionnaire given to the
397

girls the last day greatly praised Sakai as a patient,

knowledgeable player whose main interest was solely the
improvement of every player there. She thanks him for
everything and for arranging for the other coaches and seeing
they did a good job.
Girls began arriving at my house where they were to
stay starting Christmas night. First arrivals managed to get
either a bed or a cot. The rest had to sleep in sleeping bags
on the floor. Twenty-two girls were in the recreation room
and two in the spare bedroom. Even though it was a tight
squeeze there were no known complaints. We lined up one
Dave Sakai: Players and coaches, wall with bodies and the opposite wall with luggage so that
morning practice begins NOW!
there was a possible walkway between the two.
Practice started at noon on Tuesday, the 26th. We were at
the tables that had been set up in the gym of the Howard Community College until 5:00 p.m.
when all went for showers. All showers were taken at the college after every practice session.
There was no way that 30 people staying in one house could take showers in 2 bathrooms. It
was bad enough cleaning teeth and visiting the John, but all went very smoothly and
everyone was very patient and considerate. Dinner was at the house and we had 33 eating
there. I have to confess I would not like to run a cafeteria, restaurant, or hotel in the near
future.
Wednesday morning we started our jogging by running from the house to McDonalds
where breakfast was served.Practice started at 9:00 a.m. and finished at 3:30 p.m.
[Practice? What did the girls do? What did they learn?)] Lunch was served at the college by
me. For dinner I ordered 11 pizzas. Every day there was as much fresh fruit as people
wantedapples, oranges, and bananas. That evening we drove into Washington, D.C. to see
the National Christmas Tree which stands on the Elipse in front of the White House. We had to
have chosen the coldest night to go as we all but froze. That didnt stop us though from going
to Giffords, a large ice-cream parlor.
Thursday breakfast was served in the houseand the jogging was done in the gym as
it was so cold outside. A few of the girls had colds and Mike Bush had a very bad one. Dinner
was at the house and then we all went to see California Suite.
Friday we decided to go and eat at the Rustler Steak House. On the way my car ran
out of gas. Luckily one of the other cars was behind us so they ran me to a gas station. After
dinner we all looked for Shazzi Felstein and couldnt find her. We then found that four other
girls were missing. Turned out they thought we were going to the Ponderosa and had headed
there, which was about 12 miles away. They finally arrived at the Rustler just when we were all
leaving. My husband stayed with them while they ate so they wouldnt get lost again as we
were all going roller skating. At the rink a few falls were experienced, especially by Jackie
Heyman and David who were skating double. David fell with Jackie on top of him. What a hit!
Didnt think David would sit down for a week.
Saturday we ran a group tournament with four round robins. The four winners were:
Cheryl Dadian, Shazzi, Caroline Schweinert, and Yvonne Sanchez-Pabon. When the
tournament was over we had a one hour splash party in the college pool. Girls and coaches
jumped in in their playing clothes as many didnt bring swim wear. That evening a party was
held at one of Columbias recreation centers.Music to dance to was played, but no one
398

danced. Awards were given out. Most

Caroline Schweinert-Improved player was Carolineshe
Most Improved Player
received as a token of appreciation a set of
Photo by Mal Anderson
hangers because she was always so
worried about her clothes being creased.
Miss Congeniality went toYvonne who,
along with Jackie and Audra Backaitis,
helped indispensably by driving everyone
around.
Other small gifts were given out. A
bag of candy to Esperanza Vincent for being
the sweetest girl. A miniature snail for
Yvette Kronlage for being the slowest. And
a pair of warm socks to Cheryl since she was always cold. David was given a cushion to
ease the ride home after his fall at the roller rink. Also, all the coaches were paid in gold.
Gold chocolate coins, that is.
On leaving, hugs and farewells, addresses and telephone numbers were exchanged.
Yvonne hopes there will be many more such camps and of course she thanks the players and
coaches for coming, thanks the USTTA for their funding, and thanks her husband Carl who
let me have all the girls stay at the house. Thanks, too, to McDonalds for the free orange
juice and the loaning of a large cooler for the drinks, to the Cross Keys Inn for giving a
room to the coaches for four nights, and thanks especially to the Howard Community College
for letting us use their facilities, for without them there would have been no camp.
Meanwhile, new year or old, USTTA members, though presumably not working as
hard on their games as these girls, continued to vigorously voice their opinions in Topics.
Houstons Buddy Melamed wishes there was a roster of USTTA members available with their
home addresses and phone numbers. Perhaps a list could be published annually? Table Tennis
manufacturers, cooperating with the USTTA, have put in place a Reply Card Program, so that
the names and addresses of purchasers interested in the USTTA can be put on an accessible
lista list available to Tournament Directors and the Membership Chairman. Another
manufacturerJapans Yamato Takkyu Ltdhas contributed $5,000 to support the USTTA
Headquarters.
Pennsylvanias Fred Kistler doesnt like it that the list of
affiliated clubs (now numbering 209) has been dropped from Topics.
But Rufford Harrison says the cost of running them each issue adds up
to about $1,250 a year and the great majority of members would not be
getting anything theyd want to read. Rufford points out that any back
issue of the magazine contains such a listing and should be kept for
future reference. Moreover, he says, buy a copy of the just-out
Annualthe current clubs list is in there. This Annual of course
received the expected accolades from those for whom such praise is de
rigueurincluding, among others, ITTF President H. Roy Evans;
ITTF Secretary General Tony Brooks; Canadian TTA Executive
Director Maiu Betlam; and Sportcraft, Halex, Stiga representatives
Rufford Harrison on
James Miceli, Brian Hearn, and Tony Furman. Heres a sample
trying to read the list of
encomium to Haid:
209 affiliated clubs.
399

Magnificent! You should be very proud of the

1979 Table Tennis Annual as it is truly a work of art as
well as the first concise professional manual about
table tennis in the United States to be put together in
this manner. Your reputation, which preceded you, was
not over-estimated!...
The Annuals Editor, Tom Wintrich, writes:
Topics Editor Tim Boggan called the Annual by far, the
single, most outstanding publication the USTTA in its 50year history has ever produced. Hes buying copies for his
table tennis friends and acquaintances abroad. [A single
copy costs $3.50. Order 20 before its too late for $2.00
apiece.Later, you can get a copy for $1.50.]
Marylands Ray Chen
says the USTTA Seal of Approval
on tables is too easily given
consideration of the playing
surface is not enough. The trouble with some tables is that usually the
legs and casters fall apart after a very short time. Also, fold-away tables
have gaps in the middle.
Sally Boggan and Ruth Shur dont want the USTTA to sanction tournaments in
states that havent ratified the Equal Rights Amendment. They get stonewalled, however, by
Georgias James Buckner who says, Is the U.S. Team not to go to Pyongyang because the
North Koreans have done, or have not done, this or that? Im sure, he says, that I can play
in any or all of our 50 states without compromising my personal or political ideals, and Im
sure others can too.
No sooner does Rufford Harrison say what a pleasure it is to read the Nov,-Dec.,
1978 issue of Topics, and particularly the informative and constructively critical articles, than
Philadelphias Marilyn Vichnin on the very same page says Topics is dull... is poor reading.
Where, she asks, are the interesting columns of days gone by?*
Topics being what it is, controversies continue to abound. And of course Jack Carr
(TTT, Jan.-Feb., 1978, 10) can be depended on to say something provocative: During my 13
years on the Executive Committee and 8 years as USTTA Equipment Committee Chairman, I
have never been asked to comment on either equipment or rules to the ITTF. [Why is that?]
But now, prompted by a Tony Brooks article in Topics, he breaks his silencetakes the ITTF
to task for not acting more progressively. He says that Table Tennis needs to become a
spectator sport. That means long rallies. That means nullifying the effectiveness of the
servewhich today is as devastating as the old finger-spins.
Here are Jacks solutions to the serve problem: theres too much cupping of the serve with
the fingers, even by the worlds top players; the height of the serve toss should be limited, or all
serves have to be tossed over the servers head; the center line of the table should be used for serves
as in tennis; in serving, not only contact with the ball but also the follow-through must be behind the
table end; a fault should be called if the serve can bounce twice on the opponents side; and all
serves must be served backhand or forehand and with the same side of the racket. Also, all
deceptive practices, such as footstamping or feinting a stroke should be forbidden.
400

Jack also asks questions of the ITTF. Why do they want to ban long pips? Its more of
an equalizer for a defensive player than anti-spin. The defender needs help, for table friction
and the tendency to manufacture heavy and harder balls favor offense. And, among other
things, Why doesnt the ITTF change the blade rule to legalize fiberglass, plastic, and metal?
They play just as good or better than wood.
Pennsylvanias Henry Godshall in responding (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1979, 19) minces no
words: hes really appalled by Carrs responses. His suggestions on how to play the game
are ridiculous and ludicrous to say the least. In my opinion, his suggestions would not only
nullify the serve effectiveness, but would go far in nullifying the entire sport. Consider:
The height of the serve toss should be over (say, the 59) height of the servers
headand if he crouches low as he serves (serves how high?) or crouches very low but serves
on the rise, wont the umpire have a measurement problem?
Bravo false motion or feintespecially when a player has been hitting, then makes a
false motion that hes going to hit again, but deftly drops. Its one of the most beautiful
moves in table tennis.
Serve on only one side of the court? Declare a fault if the serve bounces twice on the
receivers side of the table? Asinine suggestions. If a player cant cope with about 22 and
square feet of table surface, he should restrict his activity to something like chess or checkers.
In another article, Make Boggans Legal Illegal Serve
Legal (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1979, 19), Carr says, Tim
Boggans serve is the most legal illegal serve Ive ever seen.
Its legal because Tim doesnt impart spin or speed on the
ball with his free hand. Its illegal because Tims free hand is
cupped and the ball is dropped instead of tossed up. Yet, I
am unaware of Tims serve ever being faulted, thanks
probably to most umpires using logic and common sense
rather than the exact words of the rules per se.
Jack questions whether its possible to have all fingers
together, each finger touching every other finger [sic] and
have the palm open and flat. He says, What difference does
it make if the fingers are straight so long as the ball doesnt
touch the fingers? [Because the umpire cant see whether
the ball touches the fingers if the hand is cupped?] Also, if
the free hand, while in contact with the ball in service, shall
at all times be above the level of the playing surface, the
umpire will never be in doubt when Boggan serves, for he
Boggans serve
Photo by Barry Margolius
stands [somewhat] erect and holds the ball at head height.
With Tims serve the ball is released above the neck with him
standing [somewhat] erect. He doesnt toss the ball up at all. He pulls his hand from below the
ball and lets it drop. No doubt about it, it is always visibly descending. So, why, Jack asks,
doesnt everyone serve like Tim and not get faulted? [Id like to know myself.especially
since it seemed that after umpires read this article they looked at my serves more closely.]
Coaching Committee Chair Jeff Smart (TTT, Nov.-Dec., 1978, 11) talks of cleaning up
our Sport, ridding ourselves of the malignity of strange equipment. Because its becoming
increasingly difficult to judge spin and speed from watching and listening to your opponents
strokes,many former t.t. players have already switched to other sports such as racketball and
401

tennis because they are sick of losing matches to someone who simply confounds them with
their strange kinds of rubber, not with their skillat least not athletic skill. A players racket,
he says, should have the same type of rubber on each side. If a player uses different kinds of
rubber on his two-sided racket, he must have totally different colors, and it must be illegal to
switch sides during a point.
Buddy Melamed, in an article Ban the Weird, adds that any
rubber that does not give a uniform rebound should be banned. A
Phantom topspin stroke can produce topspin, a dead ball, sidespin,
or weird spins that even the hitter cant control. Yasaka
Phantom, particularly, is the #1 bogy-man of the new rubbers.
In a rebuttal article, Keep the Weird, Kansas Citys Brian
Jackson says, When a 1700 player can put on a spin that a
2000 player cannot even hit thats the 2000-players
problem. I dont believe many USTTA members would
vote to ban weird rubber.
Jeff Smart abhors the lack of goodwill and
healthy competition among our players, especially the
younger ones. Theyre too intent on winning, and
Phantom
they lose it if theyre not winning. They should be
Bogy Man
content with doing their best. [But doing their best
Drawing by
ambitiously means winningto prove theyre
John Dawson
doing their best and
not settling for less?]
New York Citys Guy Tommy Castronovo is also against the
winning is everything mentality, says such an attitude makes it
harder for a player to reach his full potential. But surely that blanket
statement isnt true for everyone (though reaching ones full
potential is certainly hard enough). Tommy warns that if we
relentlessly play the winning is everything ego game we are as
impoverished as if the sole value in food was its taste not the
nutrition we also receive.
Jeff finds deplorable the emphasis on deception in todays game
the motive not to win on your own wonderfully
executed shots but to force the opponent into errors.
[Jeff, too, is making blanket statements that I dont
Jeff Smart,
think are applicable to the best players Ive currently
USTTA Coaching Chair
been around and he hasnt.]
Its not only the unpredictable rubber that deceives an opponent, some
fault the footstamp serve, the legality of which will be debated for decades.
Footstamping will continue to be in use by a number of the worlds professionals
who see it as part of their deceptive arsenal. In an Umpires Corner article, Mal
Anderson says that a player using a footstamp serve takes unfair advantage by
concealing the sound of the racket hitting the ball and/or by distracting his
Colin Clemett,
ITTF Rules
opponent. Of course is another use of deception unfair? And if one uses such a
Chair
serve repeatedly, and presumably one will if its advantageous to him/her, it cant
Photo by
unexpectedly distract the opponent, can it? Colin Clemett, ITTF Rules Chair, says Mal Anderson
402

if a player footstamps, call a let. Mal says thats

begging the question. Never calling a fault when its
used is ridiculous.
Like Bill Haid, Smart wants to preserve the
niceties. The manufacturers have made the sport
dirtyand poor sportsmanship among the players
is prevalent. Jeff urges that the dictates of the
USTTA Handbook be observedthat an authority
figure have the power to default or disqualify any
player for CONDUCT DETRIMENTAL TO THE
What the USTTA doesnt need.
SPORT.Behavior justifying default or
disqualification:profanity or obscenity, open gambling, improper deportment, stalling or
disruptive tactics, failure to show respect to tournament officials, players and spectators,
uncontrolled temperament such as making loud noises, throwing racket, striking racket on
table. Give one warning, then, if theres another offense, the players out, says Jeff.
Haid wants to clean up the Sportit behooves him to as Executive Director. Your club
is one area hes concerned with. Would you be proud to bring your spouse, your girl friend,
relatives, friends, or business acquaintances to your club? Shouldnt one have a high ground
of ones own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority? Bill wants to do a cosmetic job on the
USTTA, put an-up-to-date, best-foot- forward look as a step toward success. But, though
he is dutiful in doing what he can, he is no heart-and-soul table tennis aficionado, and Id be
very surprised if in his lifetime, even while holding office, hed visit many U.S. clubs or have a
feel for the disparity among them.
Players who are aficionados have the inventiveness, the deep-felt interest in our sport,
the desire to break from tradition that, with all due respect, Haid does not have.
Larry Thoman (TTT, Jan.-Feb., 1978, 12) is ahead of his time in saying our Sport needs
radical changes. He suggests its better for the spectators that we change our scoring system
to duplicate the latter stages of a close game. Maybe use a modified tennis scoring system,
with games, sets, and matches.With more time consumed per match, there would have to be
fewer matches scheduled for the weekend. Which would likely mean fewer eventsnot a
bad idea, as it would be easier for a spectator to figure out what is happening when he walks
into a tournament.
Larry proposes three divisions: the Upper one for the five major events; the Lower for
Class play; and a Special one for Age events. A tournament could have one, two, or all three
divisions depending on the number of days to run the tournament. There would be less
conflict of events and less waiting to play by the players.
Larry says our score-keeping at tournaments needs changing. Its hard for anyone to
stay interested in a game if he has no idea what the score is. So you need to either have
scorecards or a loud-mouthed umpire for every major match.
Finally, he says, Id like to have a rule passed to prevent stalling and excessive childish
behavior on the part of players.
Pennsylvanias Horst Zodrow agrees with the need for an acceleration of the scoring
system. He says, Why do we have to wait for the ITTF to do it? Why should we not proceed
on our own? A change of our scoring and tournament regulations to fit our needs should not
affect our top players in such a way that they couldnt compete any more in those countries
staying with the old system. [A debatable point, I should saynot concerning a players
403

eligibility but his adaptability to focus.] Horst feels

theres too much tournament reporting in Topics and
would like to see more coaching articles. If one lives in
the proper area and also has the financial means, he can
always purchase lessons, but what does that do for the
mass development we are after? To which I reply, If
youre not in the proper area (can play against only
weak players), and havent money for meaningful
lessons, maybe dont even have a club to go to, what
will reading coaching articles do for your game?
Nevertheless, the Topics Editor assures me he prints all
the coaching articles he gets.
Haid works with the manufacturershe knows
their products are here to stay. Theres no going back
different rubbers will proliferate, become more and more
expensive. Bill likes Public Relations Chair Tom
Wintrichs line, Discover the Sport Youve Always
Played. The suggestion is, Youve got to move with the timesthe Games undergone a
drastic evolution. Young players are growing up with the advanced technology, but older
players, some even still in their teens, need to discover and adapt to whats going on.
Combination rackets are producing better players.**
Marylands George Heyman, sympathizing with
In todays game, its as his daughter Jackie, adamantly insists that the Sport is
if the ball makes up its being insidiously and immutably ruined by a cancerous
own mind what to do.
growth. After playing for years and years, he suddenly
Cartoon courtesy of
sees an opponents ball do strange thingsas if
Zdenko Uzorinac
making up its own mind what to do. Some of his
pushes popped up, some dived down off the racket not
even reaching the net. His pick-hits and loops either
sailed off or dove into the net. Playing wasnt fun for
him. He no longer had control over what hed learned
to do.
Now he sees his daughter, Jackie, 18, whom he
calls little girl, experiencing the same thing. She had
developed a very nice gamewas a classy player
with great strokes, dynamite smash, a loop kill, great
footwork, magnificent over-the-table flips, a superstrong attack. She won the 77 Eastern Open Jr. Miss,
the Intercollegiate Regionalhad the goal of making the U.S. World Team. So what
happened?
Now the strongest woman player in the area, whom Jackie had exchanged matches
with, was no longer playing with Sriver/Sriver. Shed switched to
Tackiness/Phantom. Almost like magic, the mystical uncertainty of Phantom/Tackiness
mercilessly stripped power and control from Jackie. This isnt table tennis, George thinks.
He says, a sense of utter shame creeps over meshame for the sport that I thought was
great; shame for the governing body that could knowingly permit this grotesquerie to pollute
404

their sport; shame for the members who have failed to rise in protest; shame for my own
passivity when I knew the timbers were rotting.
Little girls five-year training, coaching by Seemiller, Sweeris, Chan, is now useless.
She says to me, Im sorry about all its cost you and mom, but I have to think about whether
I want to play table tennis any more. If they allow this to happen, then it isnt a real sport
anymore, its just a trickery contest. I feel like a fool.
Does Colorado Springs Tom Smith sympathize? Its realistically too late to
standardize rubber, he says. New rubbers require a player to read the strokes and think
about how to counter them, and how to out-think the opponent. His reply, as it were, to the
Heymans, Suffer you lazy sponge playersor meet the challenge!
Ontarios Tom Slater says the new screwball rubbers are ruining Table Tennis as a
spectator sport (in decline some say ever since the introduction of sponge rubber). He says,
Its time we changed the rules to eliminate tricks and gimmicks, so that table tennis can once
again become the fantastic athletic sport we know it can be, instead of a game of
deception.The rules of table tennis were not brought down from Mount Sinai on stone
tabletsthey were made by men to promote fair and honest competition.Its time to revise
them!...Make it mandatory [though the Chinese are against it] to use the same rubber on
each side of the bat. Or at least use a two-color racket. Maybe use just one proscribed rubber.
Also, ban throw-up serves.
Perhaps, in a
return to the classic
confrontations
between choppers and
attackers that once
attracted large
crowds, the net
should be raised. Also,
a server whose ball
Ask former USTTA President Dr. Stan Morest
if maybe a 40mm ball would be big enough.
double-bounces on his
opponents side of the
table should lose the point. The change that Tom most advocates, though, is not necessarily
the change to orange balls (more easily seen by the spectators) that former USTTA President
Stan Morest wants, but a change to bigger ballssay 45mm ones. I think it would make for
longer rallies that would require more strategy as well as making the game more athletic.
Tom is ahead of his time in wanting the ITTF to ask the ball manufacturers to help by making
balls of different sizes and weights, so that they can be experimented with. He says, Any
change that can improve the popularity of table tennis with spectators will benefit the players
and eventually even the equipment manufacturers.
How better, with the Nationals and U.S. Team Trials coming up, to close this chapter
and move on, than with a brief so-far conclusion about the racket controversy by Fargos
Frank Portscheller:
I have been following the racket rules (rubber standardization) issue with much
interest. The arguments made by both sides are well taken and I believe are legitimate, and Im
sure some compromise will be the final result. What I find pleasing is that theres enough
interest for there to be controversy. When we reach the point when we have no conflicting
opinions voiced that is when our sport is in trouble.
405

SELECTED NOTES
*Speaking of days gone by, it may be that somewhere around this time (more likely a
few years later) I received the following letter from Marilyn:
Dear Tim:
We see that you still have a way with the written word! Your style is as soothing as ever.
Unfortunately, Herb says that Sally misunderstood his
[phone] message. He said he might put a few tables up at Penn
to play just for some exercise. The tournaments involve the
word game Boggle, purely mental.
As a matter of fact, Herb has never been sorry that he
gave up the game. Too many wonderful things have happened
to him career-wise because he gave it up that its very hard to
recall that we were once so involved.
Tim, if you hadnt boycotted that tourney [the 1976
Philadelphia U.S. Open] and screwed everything up the way
you did, he might still be involved. At one time I thought you
were a real prick; however, inadvertently, you saved a brilliant
Herb Vichnin
career. He got so angry he took all the time & effort hed
devoted to table tennis and got his Ph.D. at Penn and became
very well known in the field of Bio Mechanics (Orthopedicfemurs, etc.) Id tried to
convince him to channel some of that energy into his career for years, but it took you to stab
him in the back to make it happen! [I refer interested readers to Vol. VIII, Chapter 22, 319-335.]
Our children are quite big. Michelle is now 13 and we celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on
Feb. 28. Michael is now 10. They dont play t.t. because Herb never has had the table up since
the 76 Nationals.
Were still at our home [I presume in suburban Philadelphia] and plan to be here
permanently.
Weve often thought of you, Sally, and the boys. We still get Topics so were aware of
how well they look and play. You must be very proud.
We rarely, if ever, get to New York, and Im sure Philadelphia and its suburbs are off
your beaten path. However, if youre ever in the area call 446-5374.
Be well! Our very best to all of you. Sallys made of iron!!!
Herb & Marilyn Vichnin
**Tom Wintrich, in a Nov.9, 1978 letter to me writes:
One of the great things about table tennis is that it is turning into the worlds fastest
chess game, and although I too have been frustrated by the advantages gained by a players
rubber, I am finally accepting the fact that you just have to learn how to beat your opponent
no matter what he utilizes.
I have changed considerably since I first attempted to steal your job as editor, and I
think I have found my niche in the USTTA. I like my position as public relations chairman and
as a free lance writer for national magazines, and I suspect I will resist Haids attempts to get
me to move to St. Louis. As a total convert to the New Mexican life style, Im not very
anxious to leave this extraordinary state, even though I previously told Bill that I would come
to St. Louis if the USTTA would provide the money. For what its yworth, I am no longer
actively considering myself for the editorship.
406

Chapter Thirty
1978: Eric Boggan/Insook Bhushan
Win U.S. Closed.
Ill start coverage of the Dec. 16-19 U.S. Nationals with Roger Sverdliks account of
the Mens Championship, then go on to indicate the
winners of the satellite events, and conclude with
the Womens Championship. Heres Roger:
I, Caesar, extend to you [with this entry
blank]a personal invitationto the third annual
U.S. Table Tennis Championships. And by imperial
pronouncement, a complete spectrum of activities
has been decreed.

Roger Sverdlik

Ay, Caesar, so you welcomed us to your magnificent palace, with the moving sidewalk
leading from the street directly and onlyin to your lobby, and of course your casino. But
whats that you saytheres much action here at Caesars, further and beyond the bright
lights of your casino, back, back at your world famous Sports Pavilion. Youve heard that
trouble is brewingfor the U.S. #1 Danny Seemillerthat he is in danger of losing his U.S.
Singles title. Caesar! Your friendsthey deceive you. For I know the field. And it would be
most unusual. In fact, I would have to see it to believe it.
But see it I did, believe it I had to, for in the finals of the Mens Singles, Danny
Seemiller did exactly what he was not expected to do. He lost. Eric Boggan, in becoming the
new U.S. Singles Champion, did to Danny exactly what Danny has done to the rest of the U.S.
players for the last five years. He controlled the table and consequently controlled the match. It
was this superb table control which led to his rather convincing 21, 16, -21, 16 win.
Through a good part of the first game there were no clues as to the eventual outcome
as Danny led 8-3 and then 16-10. At this point, though, Danny, perhaps sensing trouble,
played too tight, or, as he would bluntly put it later, I started choking. And Eric, with a little
luck, and with every point gaining confidence, moved ahead to a 20-18 lead. Whereupon
Danny deuced it. And then lost.
The first game was crucial even beyond the fact that it gave Eric a 1-0 lead in the
match. For Eric, relentlessly tough when ahead, can at times be demoralized when behind, and
had he lost that tough first game, he could have easily gone down 3-0. But he won the first,
and then, playing stronger and stronger, led by 3-4 points through most of the second as he
coasted to a 21-16 win.
In the third, Danny, playing better, led most of the way and at 20-17 his favor it
appeared as though the match would soon be 2-1. But two quick points for Eric made it 2019, and then, as hed been doing the whole match, he used the serve to its full advantage, and,
getting a safe return into his backhand, stepped around and looped hard down Dannys
backhand. Although it was a good aggressive shot, it was also a most dangerous one, for,
because of Dannys grip, and because hes always hugging the backhand corner of the table, it
is most difficult to score with a loop down his backhand. And, yes, with the whole table in
front of him, Danny did block it back, but it missed by what he later said was a millionth of an
407

15-year-old Eric Boggan becomes the youngest player in history to win the
U.S. Mens Singles by defeating defending champion Danny Seemiller.
Photos by Neal Fox

He Was 3 Then
We have many fine young players on the way
up, and it is conceivable that we could have a
15-year-old mens champion.
-Danny Ganz, Bats and Balls column
Courtesy of Dennis Kaminsky

408

inch. So that close point made it 20-all in the third game. And then Eric got an unreturnable
net to give him match point.
But when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Whoever said that about a
dynamic football team of the 60s could easily have been talking about Erics never-say-die
opponent. For at his ad, Eric played a point which he surely should have and in most cases
would have won. But not here, not now. Danny reached wide to his forehand to just barely
block back Erics apparent winning loop, and in winning that point he just barely blocked out
visions of a three-straight loss. Thereafter, in running out the game, Danny could then go into
the five-minute break feeling that perhaps he had stemmed the tide, that perhaps he could then
alter the ever-changing flow of momentum.
It was clear that, in order to even the match, Danny would have to stop playing so
passively. He would have to serve and follow more effectively, and he would also have to
return Erics serves more aggressively. In the first three games, he was always pushing the
serve back. If he could instead spin the serve, or at least roll it, even if he did it only on 2 out
of 5 serves, perhaps Eric would think twice about using those long, heavy spin serves. For it
was in the serve and follow game, normally one of Dannys strong points, that he was being
outplayed. Regardless of who was serving, Eric was repeatedly the one getting the opening
shot in, whether it was an anti-spin roll or pick hit, or his own ever-improving loop. And it was
Erics ability to make that first shot (or, perhaps, Dannys inability to open up aggressively
himself) that gave Eric such control of the table. It also gave him the opportunity to get his
quick backhand counter-drive into one of Dannys very few weak areas, the wide forehand.
In the fourth, Danny jumped off to a quick 3-0 lead, but still not seeming to have
enough confidence in his own usually potent attack, he missed a couple of easy shots, and
once again Eric had the lead. This time, though, it was a lead he would never relinquish, as he
maintained a 4-5 point edge throughout the rest of the game for an easy 21-16 win.
In defeating Danny here at Caesars, Eric became the first U.S. player to do so since he
upset Danny at the U.S. Team Championships in 1977, 13 months before. In fact, in the two
previous U.S. Closed tournaments, and up until the final here, Danny had run through the field
without the loss of a single game! In pulling off this rather miraculous feat, Eric had to be at
the very top of his game. And he was as he moved the ball from corner to corner, in and out,
while rarely making an unforced error! He made the ball skip, hop, dance and, when least
expected, simply drop dead. In playing such an exciting match, he earned every bit of this most
prestigious US singles title.
Danny Seemiller, for perhaps the first time since he began dominating table tennis in
this country 5 years ago, seemed to succumb to the pressure of a big match against an
opponent who, in playing Danny, had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Not that Erics
win should be credited to psychological pressures alone, for he did play a superb match. But
Danny seemed to lack the sharp aggressive play that everyone has come to expect of him. Of
course he still remains indisputably #1 in the ratings with an almost 200 point lead over his
nearest rival. And he did defeat Eric handily (10, 8) three days later in the Team Trials.
But what his loss to Eric here proved was that, by for so long dominating the Game in
this country, Danny had forced everyone to play better, to play up to his level. And Im sure
this in turn will force Danny to maintain, indeed improve, his high caliber of play. One last
word on the final: Danny Seemiller in his actions on and off the court, during and after the
final, proved that he could lose as gracefully as he has so often won.
Danny reached the final with a straight game win over Scott Boggan in the semi-final.
409

The match was abruptly halted in the first game (with Danny leading 16-10) when Scott, in
trying to loop a short serve, caught his thumb on the edge of the table, something which he
would later discover was a fracture. Nevertheless, after applying ice, Scott tried to finish out
the match before retiring in the third game. Although his play was obviously affected by the
injury, in judging by the way the match had progressed up until that point, it didnt appear as
though Scott could have done much to pressure Danny. For while his aggressive attacking
style is in many ways more developed than Erics, he still lacks the consistency needed to stay
in there with Danny. True, Scott did play Danny a close four-game match in the final of the
Canadian Open [CNE], but Danny apparently feels more comfortable against Scott, perhaps
because of his more familiar style, than he does against Eric.
In the quarter-finals, Danny defeated Gil-Joon Park in straight games (10, 13, 11). In
this quarter of the draw, however, the eighths proved more interesting than the quarters.
Former US Team member Dell Sweeris, who the
Dell
round before was down 2-1 to twice U.S. Open runner-up
Sweeris
Jack Howard, played Danny a good match despite a straight
game loss. He effectively returned Dannys serves and also
brought his loop back well in playing a close 18-17 third
game. It seems as though Dell is gradually returning to the
form that gave him the 1974 Eastern Open crown over
Danny. And though maybe not quite there yet, Dell, as
always, plays smart, strategically. Now, maybe, with less
pressure on him in table tennis, he is certainly, as he would
prove later in the Team Tryouts, a contender.
Meanwhile, in the other eighths in this quarter, in
what I consider to be one of the most interesting matches of
the tournament, Park defeated defensive specialist Franz
Huermann in three straight games (19, 20, 11). The match,
which pitted two real class competitors, was a beautiful
one to watch as Park effortlessly spun ball after ball. After
winning a very close first game, Park was down 20-17 in the second, but coming back to 2019, he rolled, rolled and then beautifully smacked in a winning forehand to deuce it, and went
on to win that game and then the third easily.
Poor Franz, for after drawing D-J Lee in an early round at the U.S. Open, he once
again got a bad draw here in having to play Park, who is notoriously good against chop.
Had Franz gotten a different draw, say in the Ray Guillen-Ricky Seemiller quarter, he might
have done some damage. (Perhaps because he holds the racket unusually low on the handle,
hes better able to quick-wrist flick in winners?)
In the next quarterfinal match, Scott Boggan defeated me in a back and forth fivegame match. I won the first two games by successfully keeping the attack and by stopping
Scott from using his forehand kill. He was not forcing his backhand pips enough either, and
since thats perhaps his most effective way of setting up his forehand kill, it was really hurting
him. He was playing much too tight, being too tentative with his shots, instead of going for
winners. When I led match point in the 3rd, I decided to gamble (after all, when in Vegas).
Instead of serving short to the forehand as I had been doing most of the match, I served long
to the backhand, hoping to surprise him and force him to push or roll with the backhand. But
he anticipated the serve, and in stepping around and spinning it, he caught me off balance, and
410

I blocked the ball off the end. Scott went on to

win that game. Then, down 19-13 in the 5th, I
came back to 19-18only to miss an easy
shot, and lose my chance for the semis.
The big upset (round of 64) in my section
of the draw was San Franciscos Kenneth Lee
(2005) over Perry Schwartzberg (2384). Lee,
who along with Dean Wong and, from what
Ive heard, a lot of other young players from
that area, has good serves, a smooth loop, and
good quick movement. Perry, though, has
been playing extremely well lately, and, as he
would prove later in the Tryouts (hed finish
5th), his serve and follow and powerful
Kenneth Lee
counter-drive and block game can be
Photo by
Mal Anderson
devastating. In fact, his serve is considered by
many to be the best in the country, even better
than that of Wuvanich or Chan (both of whom are now back in Thailand). Of course Perry
didnt develop it out of nowhere. He must toss it to the heavens in Pittsburgh, say, two to
three thousand times a week! Nevertheless, after winning the first two games handily, Perry
could not win another, and Kenneth went on to the sixteenths where he lost in straight games
to Portlands Dean Doyle.
Doyle, with a spin here, a backhand pick there, and some deceptive serves, made it to
the eighths where he lost to me. Dean also played well in the Tryouts (he beat Sweeris and
Sakai, and lost close to Mike Bush and Ricky Seemiller). I got to the eighths, despite losing
two games from 20-18 up, via a five-game win over Californias Jimmy Lane.
Scott Boggan defeated Class A runner-up Sakai in the eighths, 3-0. David has been
playing exceptionally well lately and in the round of 32 he pulled out an exhilarating 5-game
upset over Paul Raphel. Dave won the all-important 3rd game from 19-16 down, and, despite
losing the 4th, won the 5th easily. Paul, though looping well and displaying his usual superb
touch, doesnt seem to explode with the forehand kill the way he used to. Scott had made it to
the eighths with a four-game win over Craig Manoogian. Although Ive heard that Craig
rarely practices, he seems to excel in big tournaments.
On the opposite side of the draw, the other Boggan, Eric, matched his brothers
advance to the semiswith a win over Ray Guillen (17, 7, -22, 16). It would seem that Ray,
with a good defense, and a strong, point-winning loop, could give Eric plenty of troublebut
their match was really not very close. Ray played too much topspin and, as with almost anyone
playing that way against Eric, Ray would certainly have to play more up to the table, and
would have to mix the game up a little with a push or chop, or at least not play the both sides
topspin game, which, while effective against most other players, is most ineffective against
Eric.
Guillen had made it to the semis with a three-game win over Ricky Seemiller in the
quarters. In a match that always seems to offer the unpredictable, Ray won the first at 19, the
second at 9. Then he was leading19-8 in the third when Ricky all of a sudden got 11 out of the
next 12 points. If Ricky had deuced it, Ray would have been pressured, but Ricky missed his
last loop and the match was over.
411

Ricky had a relatively easy path to the quarters with 3-0

wins over Jeff Stewart and David Philip. Dave got there with a
five-game win over Apichart Sears, who, with Tackiness on both
sides, is now playing a steady counter-drive game as opposed to
his previously more aggressive loop and hit game. Against Ricky,
Dave just could not return serves effectively, and so went down
3-0. Ricky would go on to team with Danny to take their third
straight Closed Mens Doubles titlethis time over Doyle/Bui,
13, 12, 19.
Meanwhile, Ray was defeating George Brathwaite in
straight gamesthe key game being the second which George,
despite having two ads, could not win. The round before, George
had defeated Charles Butler in a close four games, and Ray had
beaten Lim Ming Chui, 3-0. Chui, I might add, played great to
win the Hard Rubber event (he beat Marty Reisman, Houshang
Bozorgzadeh, and Franz Huermann), but then, having switched
from sponge to hard rubber and back again to sponge, didnt
even qualify for the Team Trials.
In the last quarterfinal, Eric Boggan defeated Dal-Joon
Lee (18, -19, 20, 15). After losing a close first game and winning
a close second, D-J led 20-16 in the third. Whereupon he was
Dean Doyle/Quang Bui,
faulted on a serve, and then unaccountably lost five in a row.
Mens Doubles Finalists
Eric, becoming more confident, then won the fourth rather easily.
Photo by Neal Fox
Whenever Eric got past the first two or three rallies, he would
eventually, through deft blocks and placements, force the ball into D-Js deep backhand, so
that, despite many fine defensive retrieves, D-J could win only a small percentage of those
points.
Eric made the quarters with straight-game wins over Jerry Thrasher and Bill Sharpe.
Against Sharpe, Eric won a 24-22 second game, and after that, Bill, whos beaten Eric twice in
the last year (including a match just the week before in Westfield, N.J.), couldnt stay in there
in the third.
In the round of 64, however, Eric had (-22, 15, 19, 17)
trouble with Ohios John Spencer (2034). Spencer played a smart
push and pick-hit game, a style which is well suited to playing
Eric, for it not only forces him to make the winning shots, but
eliminates perhaps his two best shots, the block and counterdrive. Had Eric, down 17-16 in the fourth, lost that game, he
could have been in danger of being eliminated.
In the eighths, D-J defeated Mike Bush (14, 14, -19,
15). Bush had fractured his toe 12 days before the tournament,
and in wanting to preserve himself, and give the injury more time
to heal before the Tryouts, had given up his forehand spin game
and adopted a rather unusual, stationary-up-at-the-table blocking
style. He played remarkably well though, defeating in earlier
John Spencer
rounds John Soderberg in four games and up-and-coming Quang
Photo by Mal Anderson
Bui in three. Moreover, in winning a game from D-J and being
412

15-all with him in the fourth, he

continued to control the table well
though he couldnt win the match.
Someone who could have
beaten D-J was Mike Lardon. Mike, in
winning the As over a strong field,
often played brilliantly. After winning
the first at deuce, and losing the second
badly, Mike led D-J 19-14 in the third.
But at 19-16, he launched his deceptive
high-toss serve perhaps once too often
Class A Winner Mike Lardon
and gave Lee the attack and
consequently a 23-21 win. Then, by
winning a very close 21-19 fourth game, D-J pulled out a match he was on the verge of losing.
Lardon, who plays spinners especially well, had some consolationhe would go on to the Team
Trials where he would beat not only Brathwaite (15, 12) but, sweet revenge, D-J (12, 14).
And so, Caesar, another of your tournaments has come and gone. The Mens Singles
provided many interesting matches. But while this was going on, there were other battles
between other gladiators.

Womens Consolation Winner

Tommie Burke

Under 2000 Winner

Brandon Olson

Womens A Winner
Nancy Newgarden

Photo by Mal Anderson

Photo by Mal Anderson

Photo by Mal Anderson

Rating/Age Events
Womens Consolation: Thomasina (Tommie) Burke over Karin Thompson, 23-21 in the
th
4 . Womens As: Nancy Newgarden over Donna Newell, -17, 18, -21, 10, 12. Under 2000:
Brandon Olson over Takako Trenholme, 12, 19, 20. Under 1900: Dana Jeffries over Bowie Martin,
Jr. Under 1800: Paul Williams over Yihlin Chan in 5. Under 1700: Rich Livingston over Julian Ong.
Under 1600: Jose Garcia over Harlan Jamison, then over Robert Compton. Under 1500: Jordan
Michelson over Dale Francis. Unrated: Kenneth Siu over Chris Faye. Mens Consolation: Scott
Butler over Sean ONeill whod eliminated Paul Groenig, 19 in the 3rd. Veterans: C.H. McCallister
over Oliver Nicholas. Esquires: Bernie Bukiet over Russ Thompson. Esquire Doubles: Michael
Scott/Thompson over Carmen Ricevuto/Gene Wilson. Seniors: Bill Sharpe 19, 20 over Houshang
413

Bozorgzadeh, then 12, -18, -11, 21, 7 over Bohdan Dawidowicz whod advanced over Jack
Howard, -20, 11, 23. Senior As: Mac Horn over Hugh Lax in 5. Senior Doubles: Bozorgzadeh/
Howie Grossman over Sharpe/Tim Boggan in 5.
Boys U-17: Eric Boggan over Dean Wong. Best matches: Wong 22, 16, -20, 22 over Ron
Rigo, then 26, 10, 19 over Brian Masters whod eliminated Jimmy Lane, 26, -16, -9, 19, 16. Boys
U-17 Doubles: Lane/Todd Petersen over Bui/John Stillions, 19, -20, 17, 18. Junior Consolations:
John Allen over Lee Bahlman. Girls U-17: Kasia Dawidowicz over Cheryl Dadian whod gotten by
Kathy Thompson in 5.
Boys U-15: Eric
Boggan over Masters.
Boys U-15 Doubles:
Masters/Stillions over
Dan Wiig/Olson
whod squeaked by
Bernie and Peter
Braun, 19, -20, 20.
Girls U-15: Dadian
over Pam Simon
whod escaped
Marilyn Johnston, 21,
18. Boys U-13: Olson Cheryl Dadian, Under 15 Champion
Dean Wong, Under 17 Runner-up
over Butler. Boys UPhoto by Mal Anderson
Photo by Mal Anderson
13 Doubles: Butler/
ONeill over Olson/Khoa Nguyen (from down 2-0). Girls U-13: Karin Thompson over Lisa Gee.
Girls U-13 Doubles: Marilyn Johnston/Karin Thompson over Dadian/Caroline Schweinert. U-11:
Butler over ONeill, -19, 22, 19, -19, 16.

Sean ONeill (L) and Scott Butler, being interviewed for TV by John Schneider
Photo by Neal Fox

414

Womens Championship
Insook Bhushan
successfully defended
her U.S. Womens
Singles Championship by
defeating U.S. Junior
Champion Kasia
Dawidowicz in 5 in the
semis, and 1976 U.S.
Champion He-ja Lee in 4
in the final
Kasia, 17, whod
been training in Japan
before this tournament
and who might be going
there again in the near
future to play in a
professional womens
league, had everybody in
Caesars Sports Pavilion
Tired after their interview and marathon Under 11 final,
won by Scott, -19, 22, 19, -19, 16, the boys relax:
running to her table when
L-R: Sean and his mother Kathy; Scott and his mother Sue.
word spread that she had
Photos by Mal Anderson
Bhushan down 2-0.
Bhushans ball had been coming back higher than usual, and Dawidowicz had been
exciting the growing crowd by fearlessly smacking in winners. But then towards the middle of
the 3rd game, Insook began getting the ball lower, began more deceptively to change her spin,
and when Kasia, becoming over-anxious, started slapping the ball instead of smoothly,
gracefully stroking it as shed been doing earlier, the match turned and Kasia could never get it
going right again.
Actually, Dawidowicz was somewhat lucky to be in such a challenging position. In the
th
8 s she herself was down 2-0 to Guyanas (sometimes too impatient?) Carol Davidson, now
working and going to school in New York. For a long moment there it looked as if Kasia
couldnt figure out what to do with Carols mix-em-up Phantom.
Then, in the semis. Kasia was down 2-1 to Judy Bochenski whos just come back from
the Far East herself, where somebody told me theyd been trying to make a looper out of her.
What exactly Judy was doing against Kasias slow loop was surely not much of a counterloop, or a block, but a hita sometimes mindless hit, if I may say so, since Judys never
played the ball, never been careful about reading spin, but, rather like her former teammate,
Angelita Rosal Sistrunk, has always preferred instinctively to swing.
Anyway, it looked to be all very effective, for Judy beat Kasia 8 and 12 in the 1st and
3rd games and was heading home in the 4th when suddenly she got into an argument with a
spectator or two, blew her concentration, and lost the game 21-19. In the 5th, she madly got 6
points.
Insook advanced to the semis and her comeback there against Kasia with a straightgame quarters win over Olga Soltesz who, by serving deep and flat-out following, just got by
Minnesotas Sheila ODougherty, 19 in the 5th.
415

Kasia Dawidowicz, Under 17 Champion

Angelita Sistrunk--has had enough

Photo by Neal Fox

Photo by Mal Anderson

On the other side of the draw, Sistrunk

won an 18, -9, 19, 21 thriller from Alice Green. In the beginning, Angie was just returning the
ballbut when Alice took her shots, as she was supposed to do, she began missing, lost
confidence in her pick, and then stopped. Stopped hitting the balland started pushing.
Whereupon Angie, becoming more aggressive, earned just enough points to make the
difference. I was so tight, said Alice after shed dried away the tears. So tightI dont
know why. Three-time U.S. World Team member Angie, on the other hand, wasnt holding
anything back. She wasnt going to play in the Team Tryouts, she said, because she was fed up
with the politics of U.S. Team play abroad. I just want to play, she said. A World Team
member has too many extraneous dutieslike being nice to people she doesnt want to be nice
to.
Taking my cue from Angies being fed up enough not to continue playing, and not
wanting to be nice to people whom she didnt see as being nice, Im going to delay completing
my coverage of the Womens Championship to bring in Yvonne Kronlage wholl tell us a story
about Nancy Hill (TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1979, 14; 20)a sad story:
Nancy Hill was deeply hurt at the Closed [no, not by losing to Kronlage in the
Womens after being up 2-0, but hurt] by some very inconsiderate people. It was wonderful
having Pancho Gonzales there to present awards. I very much admire this man for what he has
accomplished in tennis, his field of sport. BUT not everyone knows him, recognizes him in
person on sight.
Moreover, in the analogy Im starting to make here, if an official had come up to
Gonzalez and asked him if he would lend his racquet to a total stranger to hit some balls with,
do you think he would do it? I very much doubt it. Now if hed been introduced to the person
who wanted to use his racquet and knew that he or she was a very responsible person who
knew how to take care of good equipment, then he might have loaned his racquet without
question.
Nancy Hill, one of our top women players [U.S. #9 in the Nov.-Dec. ratings], was
asked by a tournament official to loan her paddle to someone who wanted to hit with itin
this case, Pancho Gonzalez, who was an unrecognized total stranger to her. She refused. [Of
course she didnt know that the official, Paul Therrio, had been the Chief Engineer in charge of
building Caesars Pavilion and that Gonzalez was showcased at Caesars as one of their Sports
Personalities, their Director of Tennis.] If the tournament official [who was outraged by her
snub] had had the decency to introduce Pancho to her or to explain who he was and why he
416

wanted to use her paddle, then she would have obliged him. BUT
instead of doing this [he assumed Nancy knew who Pancho
was?], the official [after Nancys
refusal] told her, Thats why
table tennis will never get out of
the basementbecause of
people like you.
This was uncalled for,
and I feel it was he who was
hurting table tennis as he had no
thoughtfulness or tact. Also,
Nancy Hill: Is she smiling?
Photo by Mal Anderson
when a friend of the condemned
party told him that she [Nancy]
Pancho Gonzalez: Is he smiling?
was leaving the tournament, his reply was, Do the USTTA a
From 1976 Caesars Closed Program
favor and dont come back. Who is he to tell one of our top
players not to come back? Nancy is a person who has represented
the United States in international matches and is the sweetest and kindest person you would very
want to meet. She is a credit to table tennis and I am very proud to have been associated with her.
Then one of our umpires came to her and told her, That was the worst possible thing
you could have done. Then after what had happened was explained to one of our top players,
he said to her, I understand, but really you have hurt table tennis. I am sure Gonzalez would
understand Nancys reluctance [if he were privy to her thinking. But it doubtless was a
surprise and a slight to him that she didnt recognize him, or, worse, that he thought she did.
How did he react when she didnt give him the racket?].
I believe that the three who spoke to Nancy owe her an apology. Through this
misadventure we have lost one of our tournament players. [Apparently Nancys response to Dont
come back was I wont.] I want to see her back as Im sure many others do.Nancy Hill, I
apologize for the
inconsiderate way
youve been
treated.I beg
you to reconsider
and return to
tournament play.
[Will she?]*
Having
gotten Insook to
the final, I now
have to get He-ja
there as well. In
her quarters match
she took care of
former U.S. Open
Champion Connie
Sweeris, 3-0. After

Insook Bhushan (R) on her way to defeating He-ja Lee

in the Womens final of the U.S. Closed.
Photo by Mal Anderson

417

a four-year lay-off, Connie, since her return in September, has had to try to adjust to a faster
game, and though she herself fast-angles the ball, she has yet to make the adjustment. (Im
reminded of her rehearsed polite line back in the spring of 71. When asked in Peking if she
liked Chinese food, she smiled and said, I havent acquired a taste for it yet.) But it
certainly seems shes adjusted to those kids of hersand now wants to get out of house and
home to where she can swing free and, well, maybe not so easy.
He-jas match with Angie in the semis was 17, 17, -19, 17 decent. Lee has a good
lead-off flat kill, but Sistrunk, executing some angle shots, often hit very well herself. In the
end, she just made more mistakes than He-ja who after all is being paid thousands of German
marks per year (more this year than last) not to make them.
In the expected final between Bhushan and Lee, Insook stayed steady, was generally in
control. Not bad, considering her only practice partner at Bong Mo Lees new Columbus Club
is her husband Shekar. Insook of course also won the Mixed Doubles with Danny Seemiller.
During his wifes play [perhaps even when she won the Womens Doubles with
Sistrunk in 5 over Bhushan/Dawidowicz?], D-J could be seen taking notes, drawing diagrams,
making little hand motions, offering advice. But, said one longtime knowledgeable spectator
watching, herself a former international star, I dont believe in all that. After a while you just
know things without having to draw Ogimura diagrams.
Oh, ohYvonnes back, and has reason to be upset again. Why? Here she is to tell you:
Insook was the winner and was presented with her award in front of the television
cameras and was given the glory that she so deserved. BUT what about He-ja who also played
extremely well? She was not treated like the runner-up of the Mens Singles and the runner-up
of the Boys Under 11 who were interviewed and
Nancy Hill:
presented with their awards in front of the
Arkansas State
spectators and television cameras. After her match
Champion--not
was over, she wandered off to the corner of the
exactly just an
arena where she sat relaxing after her strenuous
ex-player.
battle. Finally when all the hubbub had ended, a
tournament official walked over and gave her her
award without the presentation which she so
richly deserved. What a disgraceIf we want this
sport to become professionally recognized, then
lets start thinking professionally.
SELECTED NOTES.
*I didnt see this incident, but Mal
Anderson did, and in a Feb. 16, 2009 e-mail to
me, he said, Nancy was walking off court when
Pancho asked to borrow her racket. She said, No.
He had an all-out temper tantrum! Yelling at her!
Several years later, in an article in my
magazine (Timmys, Apr., 1984, 12), as an aside,
Nancy (now Nancy Persaud) referred to what had
happened with Gonzalez. Im just an ex-player,
she said, who quit after going from a 1200 to a
418

1900 player in 4 years and who was asked to get out by Mike Bush, Paul Therrio, and the ever
loveable Pat Collins who all said Id hurt table tennis terribly.
Nancy quit playing, but, as if she had something stuck in the craw of her unconscious,
she submitted the following article, Freak Choking Called Accident (Little Rock Gazette,
Apr., 1979; reprinted TTT, May-June, 1979, 19):
BURNABY, British Columbia (UPI)Authorities say no inquest will be made into
the death of Adolf Daxboeck, 23, who choked on a Ping-Pong ball.
District Coroner Doug Jack said Friday the police were satisfied the death was
accidental.
The police said Daxbroeck was competing with his girlfriend to see how far they could
blow a table tennis ball. He put a ball in his mouth and apparently inhaled to gather his
strength.
The man accidentally swallowed it, and it became lodged in his throat, a police
spokesman said. All attempts to free it failed and he choked to death.
Daxboeck was rushed to a hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

419

Chapter Thirty-One
1978: U.S. Tryouts for 1979 World Team to Pyongyang, North Korea.
Play began on Dec. 21 at Caesars
Angie says,
Sports Pavilion to determine the U.S.
Im outa
Womens Team to the 1979 Pyongyang,
here!
North Korea Worlds. Perhaps the twoday play had started, as it had for the
men (though for them on the 20th
thered been some preliminary play for open spots), with
24 players (including originally Angie Sistrunk and Nancy
Hill?), but the three initial round robins consisted of only
22 women. These players were divided into three groups
of eight (or, rather, now one group of eight and two of
seven), and everyone clearly understood that only half the
fieldthe four players with the best record from each
groupwould continue into the final day of play. Any
match a player won or lost the first day would count towards the completion of round robin
play the second dayproviding the player shed won from or lost to had made it to the final
round of 12, otherwise that win or loss wouldnt count. At best, a player could carry over
three wins; at worst, three losses. Here are the first-day groupings:
Group A: Bhushan, Sweeris, Soltesz, Trenholme, Felstein, Kronlage, Payotelis.
Group B: Lee, Dawidowicz, Davidson, Liu, ODougherty, Harris, Simon, Gresham.
Group C: Green, Bochenski, Dadian, Nieves, Newgarden, Newell, Marilyn Johnston.
Group A
In Group A no one got more than 15 points a game from Insook.
Connie Sweeris, picking the ball up quickly, hitting it in fast for winners, won close
game after close gameagainst Olga Soltesz (-19, 18, 19), Takako Trenholme (-19, 9, 19),
Shazzi Felstein (18, 21), and Yvonne Kronlage (6, 22)to qualify with a 5-1 record. Olga
finished 4-2 (after losing a 16-9
lead in the 3rd against Connie).
And Takako, finalist in the Closed
U-2000, became the 4th qualifier
when she just got by Shazzi (-18,
19, 16).

He-ja Lee wins a close one over Carol Davidson

420

Group B
In Group B, as in Group A, the
top four seeds advanced. But Heja Lee (7-0) was extended to 19
in the 3rd by USOTC MVP winner
Carol Davidson. At first Carol
didnt think she had much of a

chance against her more experienced opponent, but Lee, bothered by Davidsons 007
Phantom, became less and less aggressive, began pushing, and gradually Carol got some
confidence and started spinning into He-jas backhand. That kept the match close. Up 20-19 in
the 3rd, He-ja cleverly spun her racket and unexpectedly returned a backhand with the pips side
of her racket, and Carol, without trying to read the spin, automatically came up on the ball
as shed done beforeonly this time it was already so high that, if shed been thinking, she
would have killed it instead of badmintoning it off.
Kasia Dawidowicz, U.S.
Girls U-17 Champ, in qualifying
with a 6-1 record, won tight
match after tight matchagainst
U.S. Intercollegiate Champ
Sheila ODougherty (20, 18),
against the surprising Leslie
Harris who almost won the
match of her life (-19, 10, 19), and against a very distraught
Faan Yeen Liu (-17, 14, 21). Faan Yeen, with a commanding
lead in the 3rd, was suddenly faulted and then faulted again
[what the hell could she have done that she hadnt been doing
before?], and made so confused and disoriented by what she
felt was a gross injustice that she twice mis-served and, on
losing at deuce, came off the table in tears. As it happened, this
was an incredible swing match and one that hopefully should
make many an umpire reflect on the power he/she has to
subjectively alter the outcome of a match. Such power, so
Faan Yeen Liu: Umpire victim.
appealing to the unconscious, must always be tempered with
the best kind of conscious, practical judgment so as not to be abused.
Coming in 3rd in this bracket was Carol with a 4-3 (10-7) record. Lucky for her that her
18, -22, -14 loss to non-qualifier ODougherty would not have to be carried over.
Fourth was Faan Yeen (4-3/9-7) who lost in straight games to Davidson and who had
unlooked for (18, 17) trouble with Liz Gresham. ODougherty just got squeezed out with a 43 (8-9) record.
Group C
Alice Green (5-1) dropped a match to Judy Bochenski (5-1) who in turn was most
upset by Louise Nieves. Judy just played awful, said Louise. Shes been on a Thai rice
diet, said someone elsethough whether that was meant as cause and effect I couldnt tell.
U.S. U-15 Champ Cheryl Dadian, who sometimes shows a temper, gave Alice a -18,
19, -18 battle, but then she herself was the (-19, 8, -20) surprise victim of U.S. Open U-13
Champ Marilyn Johnston. Cheryls record was 3-3 (8-6)good enough for 3rd place.
The 4th qualifier was Louise Nieves, 3-3 (7-6) whose win over Closed Class A Champ
Nancy Newgarden forced Judy to carry over her loss to Louise.
Final Days Play
After four rounds of play on Sunday (there would of course be a very demanding,
better-be-fit eight altogether), the situation was this: Trenholme (1-6) was out of it, as was
421

Nieves (1-5), Soltesz (2-5), and Sweeris (2-5) who had Dawidowicz, Lee, and Bochenski yet
to play. Davidson had four lossesand the one to Bhushan would make five. Ditto with the
hard-hitting Dadian. Liu, having rallied from 16-9 down in the 3rd against a dispirited Olga, had
only three lossesthe three shed started withand though Bhushan would make four, she
still had a fighting chance. As did Bochenski and Dawidowicz with their three losses.
In the 6th round Kasia, who couldnt sleep the night before the Tryouts because of
stomach problems (a doctor came, gave her pills), found a not so easy (17, 22) way to get by
Mother Sweeris. And Green had to struggle on into the 3rd to finish off Soltesz.
There were two extremely important matches in the 7th round. Davidson (3-5) had to
play Bochenski (5-4), and Dawidowicz (6-3) had to play Green (6-2). Carol beat Judy, an
outcome which in terms of making the Team was far more damaging to a frustrated Judy than
it was helpful to Carol. For had Judy won this match (or earlier beaten Louise Nieves), she
would have finished with only four losses and (strangeJudy did not play one 3-game match)
would have had a score better than Dawidowiczs or Greens. That would have put her 3rd
among the Qualifiers and automatically on the Team.

Alice Green (L) wins a 15, -22, 19 match that sends Kasia Dawidowicz into tears.
Photos by Mal Anderson

The other extremely important match was Dawidowicz vs. Green. Alice, whod
scarcely played a decent match since shed been in Vegas, just eked out a 15, -22, 19 win over
Kasia. No wonder Kasia was in tears. It was the fourth straight close match shed lost to Alice
in the last two seasons (the one in the 76 Tryouts had kept her off the 77 World Team)and
had she won it she would have been a lock for the Team, and Alice would have been
psychologically hard pressed against her remaining challenger, Faan Yeen, in the 8th round.
If Alice, in addition to losing to 2nd-place finisher He-ja, had lost to Kasia, and then to
Faan Yeen, she would have ended with a 6-5 record to tie Bochenski and Davidson (who
finished with three straight wins). In which case, Faan Yeen would then have scored seven
victories in a row and finished 4th and with Dawidowicz an automatic qualifier might well have
been the single pick of the Selection Committee.
Even as it was, Faan Yeen could still beat Alice in the 8th round, finish with only four
losses, tie Dawidowicz, and at least make the Selection Committee think a little about who
422

they were going to pick. After all, had she not quit school to try to make the Team, and had
she not got a terrible undeserved blow when that strange umpire unexpectedly faulted her,
broke her concentration, when she was on her way to victory over Kasia? What a huge swing
that was.
But though Faan Yeen had got her head together to win so many in a row, she could
not make the comeback perfect by beating Alice who took the 3rd Team spot.
So Carol, Judy, and Faan Yeen all just missed. And in the last round Kasia had only to
beat Nieveswhich, a little (19, 17) shakily she didto be selected as the 4th member of the
Team.
Mens Tryouts
In the Mens Tryouts, unlike the
Womens, there was preliminary play. A half
dozen or so rabbits qualified for places in the
final 24-man field. However, Scott Boggan,
whod been one of the favorites to make the
Team, and who, next to Danny Seemiller, had
built up the best mens record of the season in
raising his rating to 2407, had fractured the tip of
his thumb in the semis of the Closed, and, after
having x-rays taken and his thumb put into a
splint, was advised by a doctor at the hospital
that no matter how important the matches were
he was not to play for a month.
Of course the Selection Committee had
long ago prepared for the possibility of a top
contender for the Team (like our world-class
Danny) being injured or having an unimaginable
day. After all, much of the criticism of the
Selection Method had focused on the one
Scotts fractured thumb being tended to
moment in time danger that our proven best
by Dr. Ernie Bauer.
playersDanny and our new National Champion,
Photo by Mal Anderson
15-year-old Eric Boggan, those who most people
wanted to see have the important experience of playing at Pyongyangwould for some reason
not make the Team.
So to that end the Selection Committee had made it quite clear that it would
automatically select only the first three finishers in the Tryouts and that it reserved the right to
select the other two members of the Teamthough of course with the understanding that very
strong consideration would be given to those players who finished 4th and 5th in the Tryouts.
Now, though, with Scotts last-minute injury, the players, and most of all Scott himself,
did not know what status he enjoyed or did not enjoy. It would seem, on the one hand, that the
injury which brought tears to his eyes and finally forced him to default against Danny was a
blessing in disguisefor rationally, ethically, the Selection Committee, having prepared for just
such an eventuality, had the perfect just cause to select him even though he didnt try out. On
the other hand, supposing Danny, or his brother Ricky, or Eric, or perhaps even Ray Guillen,
who had been a gutsy, responsible Team member at the last Worlds, didnt make the top
423

threewhat then? Supposing the Committee had to decide whether to place two Boggans on
the Teamand leave Ricky off?
At the very last moment, Scott, half-seriously, thought maybe he should take off his
splint and at least try to playthough of course the swollen finger would hurt him more and
more. But his closest friends among the players said he shouldnt try to play and some
Selection Committee members said he shouldnt (for then regardless of his handicap theyd
have to take into consideration his losses), and so he finally decided not to try to play, just sit it
outgamble that way. If Danny, Eric, and Ricky finished in the top 3, or even in the top 4 (as
their recent play indicated was very possible), then the Selection Committee would likely pick
him. So Scott waited and hoped, as had many another, for what he thought was Reason and
Justice to prevail.
Here are the start-off three groups:
Group A: D. Seemiller, Guillen, Sverdlik, Philip, Sharpe, Baber, Bui, Brown.
Group B: Lee, Schwartzberg, Brathwaite, Sears, Charles Butler, Lardon, Dean Wong,
Dawidowicz.
Group C: R. Seemiller, E. Boggan, Bush, Sweeris, Sakai, Lane, Doyle, Masters.
Group A seemed to me the weakest, B the strongest. Others of course didnt agree.
Obviously the immediate danger was not that a player would lose to a contender whose style
bothered him, but that one badly played match might be enough to keep him out of the final
12while, unjustly it seemed, for another player such a loss would not even be carried over
and so not counted.
Group A
In Group A, Danny Seemiller, fighting to regain his confidence after his loss to Eric in
the Closed, finished with a perfect 7-0 record. He was in trouble only oncewith Roger
Sverdlik, whos analyzed his (and every other players style) and who had him down 6-2 in the
3rd. No doubt it was difficult for Danny to care. I mean, hed lost his National Championship,
had to be down about that, and naturally he knew that there was no way, no matter how badly
he played, given the great record hes had for the last six years, that the Selection Committee
could not put him on the Team.
Roger, who that very morning had been considering not even playing in the Tryouts
he had the flulost only one other match, to Ray Guillen.
Ray, too, was safely in
though he would have to carry over
an 18, 19 loss to David Philip. Up 1-0
and 19-18 in the 2nd, Philip was
suddenly faulted on his servewhich
caused quite an uproar. Turns out that
before the match had started David
had requested another umpirebecause, as he said, This man
intimidates me. When, however, the umpire in question had agreed
to take some of the pressure off Philip by giving him one service
warning before faulting him, David had agreed that he could
continue umpiring. Suddenly, though, this umpire, who believes,
Dave Philip: Umpire victim.
424

sort of vigilante-like, that more than a few players are consciously or unconsciously apt to try
illegal serves at crucial stages of the match, had instinctively faulted Philip without first
warning him. Then when David erupted (the more so because he felt his serve was legal) the
umpire had to admit hed forgotten their agreement and so now felt morally obligated to
reverse himself and revert the score to 19-18 Davids favor. All of which was quite disruptive
to both players.
This little incident raises again the question of just how bookishly an umpire should
enforce the service rules, particularly without any complaint from the offenders experienced
opponent. (For instance, cannot one cup the hand slightly, so long as the ball isnt spun or isnt
hit on the rise?) Most good umpires use common sense and seek not controversy but
anonymity.
Anyway, Philip not only won the argument but the match. And that would be a bad
loss for Rayunless of course David would not be able to make the final 12. But who could
beat him?
Bill Sharpe, the National Senior Champion? Although at 47 (Bills 47! Unbelievable)
he seemed to be playing in these Tryouts more for the fun of it than with any serious thought
of making the Team, he did win one matchhe gave Philip his third loss.
Rabbits Mike Baber and Homer Brown were out of itso that left only 15-year-old
Quang Bui who, partnered with Dean Doyle, had surprised many by getting to the U.S. Closed
Mens Doubles final before losing to the Seemillers. Buis match with Philip was pivotal. As it
happened, Quang looped more balls through David than David did through him and beat him
in straight games. Which naturally pleased Guillen since now with Bui becoming the 4th
qualifier Rays loss to Philip didnt count.
Group B
As if to prove my contention that this
was the strongest group, there wasnt one
player who had less than two losses. D-J Lee,
willing to expose his 2468 rating, to run the
gamut of the round robin play hes not
participated in for several years, had straightgame losses to Apichart Sears and Mike
Lardon. But, as always, he fought very hard
and saved the two very big matches he needed
to continue playing.
After losing the first game 23-21 to
Charles Butler, he held on to take the 21-19
second, and (Alright, he says encouragingly
to himself as he goes to retrieve a ball
cmon, just one little point can do it!) and
won in three. Then, match point down in the
3rd to George (The Chief) Brathwaite, he
finally came out victorious there too. So Lee,
never one to be counted out, survived.
Perry Schwartzberg had straight-game
losses to D-J and to Butler who hes been
425

D-J Lee-spotlights on him.

sharing an apartment with in Pittsburgh. But against everybody else he had 3-zip wins.
So he qualified.
Sears lost to Perry and Georgebut got in by winning a 19 game from Lee, two
come-from-behind 3-gamers with Butler and Dean Wong, and a 24-22-in-the-3rd cliffhanger
with Lardon.
Mike, $350 winner of the U.S. Closed Mens As, lost only one other matchto
Schwartzberg. So he too qualified. Since Id seen him do a headstand on his way to losing his
crucial match with Lee in the Closed, I thought that, since he won this one over D-J, if I
watched long enough I might see him levitate. But apparently hed hurried off again to the
hospital or to his hotel bed, since every time Id see him he was croaking that each day in
Vegas would be his last.
What happened, then, to The Chief? His 4-3 record in another group might well have
gotten him into the final day of play. Or had Lardon beaten Sears deuce in the 3rd, instead of
the other way round. Brathwaites 4-3 record would have been better than Sears and the Thai
would have been out. Or had George beaten D-J, gotten one more point when it mattered
most, he and not Lee would have qualifiedand he would have carried over a 5-2 record.
(Perhaps it was some small consolation to George that he was doing so well with the slots?)
Anyhow, Searss loss to Brathwaite, Schwartzbergs to Butlerin this way of selecting a
Team, they didnt count.
Group C
Ricky Seemiller lost his expected straight games to Eric Bogganbut won all his other
matches. Someone said he didnt push enough with Eric. Instead he opened with a soft loop
and got into an invariably losing exchange.
Eric almost won all his matches, 3-0. But, after having match point on Dell Sweeris,
he lost the game and then the match. And this despite Bill Hodges calming presence (Bill, who
used to be U.S. #2 John Tannehills psychological coach, had been in Erics corner during
his crucial matches in the Closed). How did Boggan lose to Sweeris? Well, said Eric, Dell
played very steady, and I didnt move over and hit my forehandits the same problem I had
when I lost to Manoogian here last year.
Sweeris was the 3rd qualifier in this group. In losing two straight to Ricky he still
scored 40 points. Dell also lost to Dean Doyle, one of the few
Dean Doyle
players in the country who can flat hit.
on serve
Doyle, helped by his tricky service motion and angledPhoto by
Jeff Lundell
off serves, downed Dave Sakai, and also won a big 23-21
game from Jimmy Lane (another flu victim). So did Dean
qualify?
Nope. Because he lost a game to Brian Masters, and
because Mike Bush, whose fractured (broken?)
toe was beginning to mend, was moving around
better now, and although he was having at
least one-game trouble with almost everyone,
he had built up a little better record than
Dean4-3 (9-8) to Deans 4-3 (10-9). Actually, if Mike had not
blown a big 1st-game lead against Eric, or lost that 24-22 1st game to Ricky,
he might have been in a much better frame of mind and been able to win at
426

least one of those very important matches. For though nobody wanted to be on the Team more
than Mike, it now looked bad for him as he had to carry over three losses. Whereas Dell got a
break by not having to count his loss to Doyle.
Final Days Play
For Sundays play, Neal Fox must have conscientiously stayed up half the night
ingeniously working on a schedule that at the first possible opportunity pitted friend against
friend. Dont ask why, silly. So that in the later, extremely critical stages of play, a player either
safely on the Team, or hopelessly off, wouldnt be tempted to outright dump a match to a
friend. (Naturally it was assumed at the outset of play all 12 players first and foremost wanted
to see themselves on the Team.)
So. o.k., after 4 rounds of rather non-friendly play on Sunday, it began to be obvious
who did and who did not have a chance to make the Team.
Bui (0-7) was out of it. Lardon, who had to begin the day by playing Danny, Ricky,
and Eric, had 5 lossesand even if he could somehow psyche himself up enough to beat
Bush, Guillen. Sverdlik, and Sweeris, he still couldnt make the Team, since even if he made 5th
place Scott Boggan would probably be picked ahead of him.
Bush, whod (NO!) lost a disastrous 20, 18 opening match to Sverdlik and then (his
last hope) another to Lee was finished because he had five losses already and Danny still to
play. Those critical of Mikes game say he has a great repertoire of shots but doesnt fight for
the table enough. Some people thought his experience playing with his injury might help him
make him stay at the table morebut he was still backing off when attacked.
And D-J, whod lost in 3 to Guillen, and whose record was a deceptive 4-3, had
Danny, Ricky, Eric, Roger and Dell to playand so, given his self-immobilizing backhand and
the fact that he was unable to hit a hard shot, appeared out of it.
The 5th round produced four very key matches.
Schwartzberg, in suffering his 5th loss (one that would seem to keep him at his
university next spring), greatly helped to stabilize Eric Boggans position. Had Eric not won
this matchwell, did it matter? How seriously is one to take a Game? With a loss, would
unpredictable Fate have made (momentary? permanent?) sport of him, his brother, others?
Sweeris, whod made a pact with wife Connie that if either one made the U.S. Team
the other would go to North
Korea too, unexpectedly lost to
Bui. (Quangs not so steady but
he knows how to win a point.)
As for Roger vs. D-J,
Ricky vs. Raythey had to play
their matches twice. The lights in
the Sports Pavilion abruptly went
out (somebody somewhere threw a
wrong switch?)and since the
Rule states that if play is stopped
for more than 15 minutes (as it
was in this case to get the lights to
come on to full strength again), the
whole match must be played over.
Ricky Seemiller, World Team Member
427

The score between Roger and D-J had been very close coming into the last third of the
3rd game. But in the replay D-J won easily in straight games. Orientals age more quickly than
others, one opium-eyed spectator had said (speaking apparently not of D-Js physical
conditioning but his quickly with it adaptability).
When the match between Ricky and Ray had been stopped in the 3rd, Ricky had just
rallied from being 17-9 to 18-17 down. Ray would have had the advantage of serve, but Ricky
would have had the momentum. Strangely enough, their replay found them in an almost
identical position with Ray up 14-10 in the 3rd, only to go 17-14 then 18-17 down. Whereupon
Ricky (who, 20-17 up, had blown one of the earlier games by missing three of Rays serves,
then serving into the net, then pushing into the net) prevailed from 19-all.
So then how did they all stand? Danny (7-0) was in. But as for the seven others in
contention it was still a toss-up.
Sweeris and Sears, both of whom had beaten Guillen, were showing unexpected
strength at 4-2but each had yet to play Danny. So figure with 4 matches to play they had 3
losses.
Eric at 3-3 was looking very shaky. He hadnt liked it that hed
drawn a 1st-round bye, that nobody had told him this until play was
just about to begin, and that he then had to open against Roger, a
pips-on-the-backhand player whom he promptly lost to, 5 and 13.
After being down in the 1st to Lardon he struggled to a 16, -5, 15 win.
Then against Danny he got killed 10 and 6. Clearly, losing games 5, 5,
and 6, he did not want to play. Had he not just won at 15 the U.S.
Championship? Had not his record for the last two years been
exceptional, especially considering his age? Surely they would have to
pick him for the Team? With his pride and innate competitiveness he
had to fight against submitting to such thoughts.
Ricky, after losing to Schwartzberg (Perry spun Rickys serves,
then killed when Ricky looped), was 4-3. As was Sverdlik after a
Eric Boggan--so Im
surprisingly easy win over Perry. Both had yet to play Guillen who, at
losing
games, 5, 5, 6.
3-3, was having his troubles.
So what?

Schwartzberg had been going to school

at the University of Pittsburgh and
practicing with the Seemillers quite a
bit. He had Danny down 18-17 in the
3rd. But then ironically, though it had
been his serves that had been giving
Danny a problem, it was his mis-serve
into the table edge at 18-19 that did him
in. Had Perry, who was now 3-4, won
that match, would anyone have said he
hadnt a psychological advantage over
the field?
In the 6th round, Guillen could not
win his deuce game with Eric and so took his 5th and perhaps fatal loss. Sweeris and Sears,
meanwhile, were each picking up their fourth loss.
Perry Schwartzberg,
U.S. First Alternate

428

But then in round 7 Sweeris and Sears each won matches that
gave them great hopes of making the Team. Dell downed Roger in
three, and Sears just held on to win a big 19-in-the-3rd match with
Eric who, after missing that last hanger, did not hold on to first his
racket, then his bag.
With two rounds left, it was Danny with 0 losses, Ricky with 3,
Eric, Dell, and Sears with 4, and Roger, D-J, Perry, and Ray with 5.
In Round 8, against Bui, Eric, down 1-0, and fast losing his lead
in the later stages of the 2nd game, was playing so listlessly that I
just couldnt stand it any longer. It was the only time I yelled at him
in Vegas. Offended Eric might well be, but if he didnt win this
match hed have to risk being picked for the Team and that of
course would lessen both his and particularly Scotts chancesfor
privately, I thought, if they only picked one of them, they had to
pick Eric over Scott. Anyway, Eric kept his cool as he had so
marvelously in the Closed and won that game and the next.
In must-win matches, Sverdlik had no difficulty with Sears, nor
Schwartzberg likewise with Sweeris. Guillen also won2-0 over
Apichart Sears
Bush, but with an accompanying flare-up. Obviously neither player
Photo by David Thornes
was happy with the way things had been going, and when at the end
of the match Mike, prompted to express his frustrations, whacked a ball at Ray like a zoom-in
close-up. I and a few others quickly got in between them and talk of knives and hit men, and
there was no further incident.
Bill Haid, USTTA Executive Director, was later to publicly deplore the appearance and
actions of some of the playersand many agreed with him. But many also felt that if there had
been some respected Authority Figure on the scene representing both Caesars and the USTTA,
both the Closed and the Tryouts could have been more the class events that everybody wants
them to be. But that week-long extension of everything human is having its growing pains.
In the last round, Eric beat a still game D-J to clinch 3rd place behind Danny and Ricky
whod raised his rating to 2447 and the #2 position in the country. Sverdlik hung by the
strongest thread to finish 4th with a 6-5 (16-11) record that was barely better than
Schwartzbergs 6-5 (15-11) finish. If in this last round Guillen had won that 1st game at deuce
from Perry and had then gone on to win the 2nd as well, instead of last-gasp losing 21 and 19,
he, Ray, would have had a 6-5 (13-12) record for 5th place.
However, since the Selection Committee picked Roger as the 4th and Scott as the 5th
man, I think they would have done the same thing regardless of whether Sears or Ray (both of
whom had not been playing in many tournaments) had replaced Perry, who was named 1st
Alternate.
Sweeris finished with a 6-5 (14-13) record, followed by D-J with 5-6 (12-14), and
Sears and Ray at 5-6 (11-14).
Perhaps Bush took his loss the hardest. I think we ought to listen to him: I can no
longer keep playing the way I have been, he confided. I must do everything in my power to
get out of this country. Ive gotten everything I can out of t.t. here, long ago. Except one
thingto go to the Worlds, play for the U.S. Its been the only thing Ive cared about,
worked for, these last few years. When I woke up the day after the Tryouts I felt old, empty,
like all the life had been dragged out of me. The only thing I cared about was taken away from
429

me. I love t.t. too much to keep at it this

way, in this country. I must either get
out of here or quit. I really hate the
word quit but I have no choice. I will
not lead the life of a bum. Therell be a
time when Ill be ready to marry and
raise a family. I want to provide well for
them.
I look ahead to when Im 24-25
when Ill have another chance to try
out. Its too far away. If Im going to
continue in this sport I must go at it
right. Im going to work now, plus play.
Mike Bush
Ill play up through the U.S. Open, but
Photo by
if I cant get away, Ill quit and go to
David R. Moore
college in September. One thing Ive
learned in this sport is that if you want
to be good at something you work at it
200%. Anything less is cheating yourself as to what you can do. I feel now Im cheating myself
playing the sport in this way, in this country.
Danny, too, has had his problems in this country, isolated as hes more or less been in his
prime from the world table tennis scene. Hes now in his 25th year and what are his ambitions?
Dannys gone public, I heard someone say at Caesars, someone who ought to know
because he was once the U.S. Professional Pocket Billiard Champion. Hes totally intent on
making a living, on being nice. For the sake of the Sport hes lost Danny Seemiller. Thats
why he lost the Closed. Hes got to keep that innocent brashnesslike McEnroe in tennis.
Hes got to be a tough
m_________.
I thought this fellows
comments interestingand some of
what he said I agreed with. But
Danny has been, and still is, one of
those rare champions who, for the
past half dozen years hes been the
best player in the country, has
remained remarkably unaffected,
decent, and sincereremained for
me and Im sure many others the
real Danny Seemiller. Make a living
hes got toyes. But as for his
toughness I wouldnt sell him short.
This is the 3rd consecutive Tryout
hes gone undefeated inand
momentarily behind the 8-ball or
not, that record still makes him a
Danny Seemiller--tough enough.
pretty tough m_________.
Photo by Raul Rodriguez
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Chapter Thirty-Two
1978: Brathwaite Wins in Barbados. 1978: D-J and He-ja in Germany for the 78-79
Season. 1978: Interview with Scott Butler on his Return from Sweden. 1978: Dick Butler on
Coaching Very Young Players. 1978-79: European/Asian Tournaments. 1979: Danny
Seemillers Two Weeks in Japan.
George Brathwaites
friend, Kanchan Gilfillian,
reports (TTT, Jan.-Feb., 1979, 8)
that While most of us were
battling the cold elements here at
home, The Chief was enjoying
the sunshine and the jeweled
Caribbean sea after having won
the Nov. 25-26 First Annual
Barbados Independence
Invitational.
Since Georges trip was
through the courtesy of Air
Canada, he had to travel from
New York to Barbados via a late
night flight to Toronto. But
The Chief wins the Barbados Invitational
though only 10 minutes away
Photo by Neal Fox
from the airport, he missed his
next mornings flight connection because of transportation difficulties. Nevertheless, he
managed with his usual charm to convince the Air Canada Flight Manager of the urgency of
the situation and became perhaps the first athlete to be transported from one country to
another in a crew shuttle flight. He was taken to Bermuda where two hours later he connected
with the same flight he had missed in Toronto.
As the tournament formed part of the countrys Independence celebration, it had
received extensive publicity, and George, along with the Trinidad Womens Champion, was
interviewed on National television. The venue gym itself had a capacity crowd of over 700
people in addition to the many who had standing room only.
The crowd was enthusiastic, and, after George had easily beaten the Barbados
Champion, he met the Caribbean Champion, Mansingh Amarsingh, a good chopper who
moves very well and has a quick pick shot. George, however, had no problem, as he pushed
one, rolled one, and then moved around and killed the ball, winning the match in straight
games.
In the final against Robert Earle, George won the first game, but lost the second. As
always, the master of strategy, The Chief changed to slower play, moving Earle around with
well-placed shots, and finally subdued him in four games. Adding yet another notch to his
racket, George walked away with the first prize money and the silver cup.
After all the excitement, he spent a peaceful night being lulled to sleep by the warm
Caribbean waves while the rest of us here at home pulled our coats even closer to our
shivering bodies.
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D-J and He-ja to Play the 78-79 Season in Germany

Back in Chapter Twenty, Id said wed look in
on D-J and He-ja again as they continue their League
play in Germany. So heres D-J (TTT, Nov.-Dec.,
1978,, 16) with his own update:
This year, He-ja and I will have played in one
of the seasons most prestigious tournaments, the late
Nov. Scandinavian Open.This year, too, the League
scene is even more international than before, as more
and more clubs have started bringing in foreign superplayers. The whole of Englands Teamwas bought
by just one German club.
World #27 Jaroslav Kunz of Czechoslovakia
was supposed to be the #1 man on my Teambut his
Association wouldnt give him permission to play,
D-J and He-ja back in Germany
only to coach Schleswig-Holstein. So my Selk Team
is the weakest in the Bundesliga. I now have to play
the #1 position and so far Ive played 6 matches and won only 1, against Peter Engel.
He-jas
Team is now
#1. Again in
the beginning
she did not
play very
welllost 10
matches, won
17. But she
had a great
straight-game
victory over
European
Champ Jill
Hammersley,
Yaroslav Kunz (L); and Peter Engel
World #8, and
From 78 European Open Program
hopefully she
can again play the second half of the season as well as she played it last year.
By the time you read this, He-ja and I will have played in the U.S. Closed and the
Tryouts. Right now were training hard. Heres what weve been doing. Training two hours in
the morning, two hours in the evening. Running: 8kms.twice; short, short intervals twice;
circuit training once. Practicing: 40% ball control; 40% footwork; 20% tactical (but by the
time you read this we will have changed to 10% ball control; 30% footwork; 60% tactical).
Natually weve learned to reduce our physical training before we play in big tournaments. And
weve learned to eat at least three hours before a match and to drink Champ.
Since weve come to Europe weve learned a great deal about the newest, most
modern techniques in the sport, and we fully expect to share this knowledge with you when
we return to the U.S. next summer.
432

Interview with Scott Butler

After Scott Butler had
returned from his trip to Sweden,
I delayed talking with him (TTT,
Jan.-Feb, 1979, 18) until I could
meet him in person at the U.S.
Closed. I think from our
conversation you can see how his
trip abroad helped him to win the
National Under 11 Championship
by defeating in a very close match
Defending Champion Sean
ONeill. Here, then, is my
interview.
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant...
Comes the sound in my Imaginationfor even now, this very evening, as I begin to write
about him, U.S. Under 11 Champ Scott Butler is singing in his local Christmas Eve choir. Intent,
yet innocently serene, with something pleasant if not quite angelic needing but the slightest
prompting to reveal itself in his youthful acolytes face, he is far awayin Iowa City.
Or perhaps even further awayfor in his Imagination, even as he sings, holds on high
just the right joyful note, he may again be mounting the steps to the winners dias to
triumphantly receive the wreath of roses from above.
Scott has just returned from a six-week stay in Sweden where he so distinguished himself in
Junior tournamentsin Solna, Lycksele, Vasterasthat he was given, both for his playing
performance and good sportsmanship, the commemorative, highly coveted 75th anniversary medal
of the Swedish Sports Federation. According to Angby Club founder/president Nisse Sandberg,
who encouraged Scott to make the trip and who looked after him from the time he first arrived in
Sweden, Scott, twice a winner in Boys U-12 events there, was the
only non-Swede this year to win that award. It is, in fact, this very
award Scotts just finished showing me over his unfinished milk
and cereal this morning in Vegas after hed won the Championship.
INTERVIEWER: So tell me, Scott, you had a good
time in Sweden, yes? And you were made to feel quite at home
there?
SCOTT: Yeah, everybody was very nice to me, even
when I carelessly left my shoes or shorts or shirt behind
somewhere. When I wasnt traveling around I lived with Niclas
Torsellyou know, the kid who won the U-13s at the last
U.S. Open. I stayed with his family. He lives in a famous
university town. And once while I was therein UppsalaI
saw a castle and it had a lot of old hand-carved paintings on the
walls and ceilings. I also saw some stones with very early
Viking pictures on themwhich was interesting cause those
Niclas Torsell
stones are still there.
From 1978 U.S. Open Program
433

INTERVIEWER: So you like all that historical

SCOTT: And when I was in Stockholm I saw the Vasa
this big wooden war ship that was built in the 1600s and sank.
Then some time in the 1900s it was pulled up out of the water
and put into this huge boat museum where its still all wet
because theyre trying to keep it just like it was centuries ago.
INTERVIEWER: Well, it sounds like you got something
of an education over there. Your mother was telling me that,
even though youd be missing a month or so of school, your
teachers back in Iowa all encouraged you to make the trip.
SCOTT: Yeah, they did. But I went to Niclass school while I was there and sat in on
his classes. The kids were two years older than me and it was a little strange but not so different. I
went to Carpentry Shop and we had fun making things: a shelf for a dresser, a baseball bat, and
even a table tennis paddlemade for a penholder, though I dont know why. And we played some
table tennis at school. We played Around the World where everybody in the whole 7th grade had
to take their turn hitting the ball. Of course Niclas and I were by far the best players.
INTERVIEWER: So you got along well with Niclas and his friends?
SCOTT: Yeah, we practically took over his house. But his parents were very nice, even
when we made a lot of noise. It was a little different at his place. They had a wood-burning
stove and you had to cut and carry your own wood for it. Except Niclas never wanted to do
that. And you didnt take baths too often because they had this old water heater and it wasnt
so easy to get hot water into the tub. Also, there werent many channels on their TV. Do you
know what Niclas wants to do most when he comes to the U.S.?
INTERVIEWER: What?
SCOTT: He wants to watch TVespecially Westernsand eat hamburgers. He likes
to play Monopoly too. We played a Swedish game like Monopoly called NyafinansI can
spell it but Ive forgotten how to pronounce it. And they do lots of other things we dolike
celebrating birthdays. Niclas and I celebrated our birthdays togetheronly he tricked me. His
family had this big cake with candles and when I blew them out, they all came back on lit
again! They were magic candles.
INTERVIEWER: Ah! That sounds like something Nisse himself
would doand yell Weak American! You know, hes fun-loving and
likes all those Marx Brothers jokes. Tell me, was he really helpful to
you on your trip?
SCOTT: Oh yeah. He was fun to be with and very helpful. We
took an all-night train to get to Lyckselethat was fun. I was having a
lot of trouble in Lycksele in the U-14s against this ex-Angby player
whose game Nisse knew very well. After Id lost the first game at 12
and went over to be coached, Nisse told me, Scott, were gonna have
to gamble. Youve just got to hit faster and harder! So I started 3rd-ball
Nisse Sandberg
attacking in the second game and beat the guy at 14. Then, with Nisse
yelling, Keep it up! Keep it up! I played him very close in the third all
the way, until, down 20-19, I missed a down-the-line backhand that I never miss. Which was
too bad because I probably would have won at deuce.
INTERVIEWER: Nisses a good strategist alright. In fact, Ive thought for a long time
that what we need in the U.S. are coaches who can handle all the different psychologies of the
434

players. I know Nisse helped my son Eric a lot. When we were in Hallstahammar last spring
and Eric was having such a back problem that he literally couldnt move, Nisse eventually
got him up and out to the table and able to play at full strength again.
SCOTT: Nisse believes that psychological training is at least as important as physical
conditioning.
INTERVIEWER: Speaking of conditioning, what kind of exercises or what kind of
technical training did you do in Sweden? Of course I know you were there as a visitor, as a
guest, and so werent into any heavy training.
SCOTT: Oh, you know, wed run around the tables, do some calisthenicspushupsdo some skipping. And Id practice pattern playssome of them Id already learned
from my dadlike loop the forehand, then come in diagonally to wait for the return and sock
it into your opponents stomach.
INTERVIEWER: Your mother told me you used to have stamina problems. I was
surprised to hear that. Howd you get over those?
SCOTT: I started running. The high school track is right next to our elementary school. So
Id go out there in the morning before classes with a stop clock and run two miles or so.
INTERVIEWER: So you didnt have any stamina problems in Sweden?
SCOTT: No. But I didnt enter every event I could have. There were so many Junior
events to play in and so many matches that I didnt enter any of the Mens events.
INTERVIEWER: And you did very well of course.
SCOTT: Yeah, and I
was glad they had
merchandise prizes. I know
Im only 11, but I already
have 150 trophies, so I just
dont need any more. They
gave things I could use or my
friends or parents could
uselike a camera, games, a
pen and pencil set, clothes, a
coffeemaker, a fishing rod
and reel, and so on. Stuff you
could use, not just a trophy to
sit on a shelf. I wish theyd do
that in U.S. tournaments.
INTERVIEWER: Yes, In 1984, when Scotts brother Jimmy celebrates his 13th birthday
I agree with you. I know my
with a 5-week trip to Sweden, heres what hell win: inflatable raft,
Kodak disk camera, crystal bowl, tool set, silver and gold cups, goldown kids long ago had more
etched plate, sweat suit, toaster oven, and tennis racket.
than enough trophies. Well,
anyway,
Scott, maybe by now youve had more than enough questions. One last one,
O.K.? What would you say gave you the most pleasure in Swedentable
tennis-wise, aside from winning your medal?
SCOTT: Maybe two things. One, when I was in Lycksele and my name
was called out Scott ButlerAngby and then when I was playing and the
whole Angby Club was rooting hard for me to win just as if I had been one
435

of them for years. And two, when I was down 20-15 to this Swedish kid and didnt give up
and came back 161718to suddenly begin seeing him carrying on and throwing up his
hands and looking all around in the air as if to say, Help me! Help me! I finally won that
game 22-20. I knew all along that if he was gonna beat me hed have to help himself, that
nobody was gonna do it for him, no matter how much he cried or prayed.
...Word of the father now in flesh appearing...
The song in my Imagination had almost come silently to an end. Scott, howeverthe
real Scottwould be singing, dreaming, of some faraway star for many an evening to come.
Dick Butler on Coaching Young Kids
Dick Butler (TTT, Jan.-Feb., 1979, 19), in checking out the U-11 event in the last three
U.S. Opens and Closeds, says a total of over 100 players participated (surely not 100 different
players?). But, he noted, less than 10 of those players have had serious coaching and training.
Why? Because there are so few U-11 events offered in U.S. tournaments, and because many
coaches dont want to take students under 9 or 10. Dick says its ridiculous that one wellknown coach wouldnt take his 7-year-old Scott for
coaching. My son had mastered the basic strokes, played
in tournaments, and demonstrated the self-discipline and
eagerness necessary for championship play, yet the
people who might help him most were not interested.
This indefensible, illogical attitude is the more surprising
when you consider that so many of our best young
playersEric Boggan, Scott Boggan, Rutledge Barry,
Brian Masters, John Stillions, Brandon Olson, Scott
Butler, and Sean ONeillall developed very early.
Dicks work with his own small sons, Scott and Jimmy,
forced him to view our sport from a new perspective.
A young Scott Butler
That new perspective includes 4 ft. bodies, 20 arms, and
Photo by Mal Anderson
elbows which barely clear the end-line when stroking a
backhand. It includes little minds unable to tally two scores to a big number like 21unsure
when the serve changes; minds with attention spans that at first allow only brief glimpses into
our table tennis world before returning to toys and coloring books.
Best, says Dick, to start teaching a child table tennis when hes 6 or 7. Realize, though,
that developing the necessary timing to deal with a moving, spinning, bouncing table tennis
ball is a problem for players of any age. Since for the very young the problem is acute, heres a
beginning suggestion:
Tape a ball to a six or seven-foot length of sewing thread and suspend from the
basement ceiling so that the ball is about waist-high to your young player. After explaining a
proper grip, position the player in a basic ready position which will allow a good forehand
stroke at the suspended ball.Grip the players wrist and guide through the act of stroking
the suspended ball. Keep it all simple: no deep squat stance, no full follow-through with body
twist at this time. Beginning in the basic position, perform a backswing, a forward motion to
contact the ball, a slight follow through, and a return to the basic ready position.
436

Next step: As the ball reaches the end of its arc of traveland begins its return trip
toward the player, have him (her) begin another backswing. When the ball is halfway through
the return arc, begin the forward motion and meet the ball with a new stroke.
After the string trick is mastered, your pupil may graduate to a T-ball at the
table.Obtain a two-inch square length of Latex or chemical foam rubber about eight inches
long. Use an electric carving knife and shape the upper half of the foam into the shape of a golf
tee with a slight cup carved in the top end so that a table tennis ball can be placed there.
Adjust so that the upper portion of the tee where the ball sits is smaller in diameter than the
ball because we are going to hit the ball off the tee and the bat must contact the ball before it
contacts foam. Use some furnace tape and tape the tee on the end line in the forehand court of
your table tennis table. Now you can position a young player to hit the ball off the tee and onto
the opposite side of the table. No bouncing and spinning ball to fight.
You progress by feeding your pupil some (carefully placed) balls across the net so he
can return them to you. Feed one ball to the forehand and place it so that the forehand stroke
which has been grooved on the string and tee can now be successfully used to return the ball.
If the pupils technique is good, praise him.
There are more ramifications to Dicks beginning approach than Ive presented here,
but the bottom line to keep in mind is this: that the development of technique is accomplished
one stroke at a time with patient understanding on the part of the coach and player.
Which is not something you want to forget, right?
European Tournaments
The Feb. ITTF Bulletin tells us that the Pinyin roamanised spelling of Chinese names has
here and there been in effect for a while now, but that it becomes official Jan. 1, 1979. So from now
on Ill try consistently to use this new spelling. Here are examples (Ive put the old spelling in
brackets): Men players: Guo Yuehua (Kue-Yue-hua); Liang Geliang (Liang Ke-liang); Li Zhenshi
(Li Chen-shih); Huang Liang (unchanged); Lu Qiwei (Lu Chi-wei); Wang Jiangiang (Wang Chienchiang). Women players: Zhang Li (Chang Li); Zhang Deying (Chang Te-ying); Ge Xinai (Ke Hsinai); Yang Ying (unchanged); Yan Guili (Yen Kuei-li); Huang Xipin (Huang His-ping).
Results of the French Open, played Nov. 10-12 in Paris: Mens Team: France I (3)West
Germany (1): Huging d. Secretin; Martin d. Leiss; Martin/Secretin d. Huging/Leiss; Secretin d.
Leiss. Womens Team: Rumania I (3)France I (1): Alexandru d.
Thiriet; Bergeret d. European
Youth Champion Ferenczi;
Alexandru/Ferenczi d.
Bergeret/Thiriet; Alexandru d.
Bergeret. Mens Singles:
Klampar over Douglas in 5,
then over Stellwag whod
advanced over Bengtsson, 2523 in the 5th, then over
Orlowski in 5. Womens:
Olah, 23-21 in the 4th, over
Uhlikova whod eliminated
Hendriksen in 5. Mens
Brigette Thiriet
Szuszanna Olah
Doubles: Secretin/Birocheau From 78 Europeans Program
From 78 Europeans Program
437

over Gergely/Orlowski.
Womens Doubles:
Magos/Szabo over
Hellman/Lindblad in 5,
then over Alexandru/
Mihut (from down 2-0)
after the Rumanians
had rallied (from down
2-0) against Uhlikova/
Silhanova. Mixed
Doubles: Orlowski/
Uhlikova over Secretin/
Bergeret, deuce in the
Yugoslavian Open Mens Doubles Winners:
5th, then over Douglas/
Hungarys Zolt Criston and Tibor Klampar
Ludi.
Results of the Yugoslavian Open, played Nov. 16-19 in Borovo: Mens Team:
Yugoslavia (3)China (1): Surbek d. Huang Liang; Li Zhenshi d. Stipancic; Surbek/Stipancic
d. Huang/Li; Surbek d. Li. Womens Team: China I (3)Yugoslavia I (0): Tong Ling d.
Perkucin; Ge Xinai d. Palatinus; Tong/Ge d. Perkucin/Palatinus. Mens Singles: Klampar over
Shi Zhihao, then over Orlowski, both in 5. (Quarters: Gergely over Li Zhenshi in 5.).
Womens Singles: Tong Ling over Ge Xinai. Mens Doubles: Klampar/Kriston over Gergely/
Orlowski. Womens Doubles: Li Ming/Yan Guili over Ge Xinai/Tong Ling whod knocked out
Palatinus/Perkucin in 5. Mixed Doubles: Huang/Tong over Li/Li Ming.

Scandinavian Open Champions: Mens Doubles winners Gergely/Orlowski;

Womens Singles winner Chinas Tong Ling

Results of the Scandinavian Open, played Nov. 23-26 in Norrkoping, Sweden: Mens
Team: Hungary (3-0)Sweden I (0): Klampar d. Thorsell; Gergely d. Bengtsson; Gergely/
Klampar d. Bengtsson/Carlsson. Womens Team: China (3)Hungary (0): Tong d. Magos; Ge
d.Szabo; Ge/Zhang Li d. Magos/Szabo. Mens Singles: Li Zhenshi over Huang Liang.
(Quarters: Lu Qiwei over Orlowski, 18 in the 5th.) Womens Singles: Tong over Ge.
(Quarters: Hellman over Yan Guili, 19 in the 5th.) Mens Doubles: Gergely/Orlowski over Li/
Huang. Womens Doubles: Li Ming/Yan over Hellman/Lindblad, 18 in the 5th, then over Ge/
Tong. Mixed Doubles: Huang/Tong over Li/Li Ming whod eliminated Gergely/Magos in 5.
438

Results of the English Open, played Jan. 11-13 at Brighton: Mens Teams: 1. China I.
2. Hungary I. 3. China II. 4. Hungary II. Womens Teams: 1. Czechoslovakia. 2. U.S.S.R. 3.
Hungary. 4. England. Mens Singles: Final: Guo over Liang Geliang. Semis: Guo over Wang
Hui-yuan; Liang over Orlowski. Womens: Final: Hammersley over Magos. Semis:
Hammersley over Thiriet; Magos over Dubinova. Mens Doubles: Guo/Liang over Gergely/
Orlowski.
Results of the Czech Open, played Jan. 26-28 at Usti-Nad-Labem: Mens Teams: 1.
Czechoslovakia. 2. Yugoslavia. Womens Teams: Czechoslovakia. 2. USSR. Mens Singles:
Final: Klampar over Gergely. Semis: Klampar over Jonyer, 3-0; Gergely over Kreiss. Womens
Singles: Final: Perkucin over Baksutova. Semis: Perkucin over Alexandru; Baksutova over
Bergeret. Mens Doubles: Secretin/Birocheau over Orlowski/Gergely. Womens Doubles:
Urban/Szabo over Uhlikova/Silhonova. Mixed Doubles: Kalinic/Perkucin over Klampar/Csix.
Results of the Stiga Welsh Open, played at Cardiff, Feb. 9-11: Mens Teams: 1.
Hungary. 2. Yugoslavia. Womens Teams: 1. England. 2. Hungary. Mens Singles: Orlowski
over Thorsell. Womens Singles: Hammersley over Hellman. Mens Doubles: Orlowski/
Gergely over Klampar/Jonyer. Womens Doubles: Palatinus/Batinic over Magos/Szabo. Mixed
Doubles: Orlowski/Ferenczi over Stipancic/Palatinus.
Results of the Commonwealth Championships, played Apr. 12-18 at Edinburgh: Mens
Teams: 1. Hong Kong. 2. England. 3. Australia. 4. India. Womens Teams: 1. Hong Kong. 2.
England. 3. India. 4. Canada. Mens Singles: Final: Vong Iu Veng (H.K.) over Jimmy Walker
(Eng.). Semis: Vong over Don Parker (Eng.); Walker over Errol Caetano (Can.). Womens
Singles: Hui So Hung (H.K.) over Carole Knight (Eng.). Semis: Hui over Linda Howard
(Eng.); Knight over Melody Ludi (Eng.). Mens Doubles: Robby Javor/Steve Knapp (Aus.)
over Walker/Wilson. Womens Doubles: Knight/Howard over Hui/Chang Siu Ying. Mixed
Doubles: Walker/Howard over Caetano/Domonkos, 19 in the 5th.
Results of the Norwich Union Mens Singles Grand Prix, held May 29-31 at Milton
Keynes, England: 1. Surbek (first prize: 1,000 pounds). 2. Li Zhenshi. 3. Shi Zhihoa. 4.
Klampar. 5. Huang Liang. 6. Thorsell. 7. Jonyer. 8. Kreiss. 9. Orlowski. 10. Dvoracek. 11.
Douglas. 12. Leiss. 13. Takacs. 14. Stellwag. 15. Appelgren. 16. Gergely.
Asian Tournaments
Results of China Closed: Mens Singles: Shi Zhihao over Lu Yaohua. Semis: Shi over
Lu Qiwei; Lu
Yaohua over
Liang Geliang,
17 in the 5th.
Womens
Singles: Huang
Xiping over Yan
Guili. Semis:
Huang over Cao
Chian; Yan over
Cao Yanhua, 16
in the 5th.
Asian Championships Womens
Asian Championships Mens Singles
Results of
Singles winner Chinas Cao Yanhua
winner Chinas Guo Yuehua
th
the 4 Asian
From 1979 Table Tennis Report, No. 3
Photo by Mal Anderson
439

Championships, played Nov. 22-Dec. 2 in Kuala Lumpur: Mens Team: 1. China. 2. DPR
(North) Korea. 3. Japan. 4. Australia. 5. Indonesia. Womens Team: 1. China. 2. DPR (North)
Korea. 3. Japan. 4. India. 5. Laos. Mens Singles: Guo Yuehua over Liang Geliang, 19 in the
4th. Semis: Guo over Jo Yong Ho; Liang over Chen Xinhua. Womens Singles: Cao Yanhua
over Yang Ying. Semis: Cao over Zhang Deying; Yang over Zhang Li. Mens Doubles: Jo/Yun
Chol over Guo/Lu in 5. Womens Doubles: Pak Yong Ok/Kim Chang Ae over Ri Song Suk/
Jong Hi. Mixed Doubles: Seiji Ono/Kayo Sugaya over Guo/Zhang Li.
The 8th Asian Games, played Dec. 9-20 in Bangkok, got a write-up in
the Dec. 20 San Francisco Chronicle (reprinted in TTT, Mar.-Apr., 1979,
10). China, making its first serious bid for the title in the 29-year history of
the Games, sent more than 300 participants to compete, but had to settle
for finishing second behind Japan in the medal race. South Korea had the
third highest total, North Korea the fourth.
A very bad show of sportsmanship at these Games:
The 1978 Games, not quite over, have seen incidents including a nearriot by Thai spectators which forced a one-day suspension of boxing events.
North Korean athletes walked out of both water polo and basketball
contests charging biased officiating. On Monday, a North Korean distance
Bangkok Palace runner literally tried to pull back the Indian winner of the 900 meter
womens final. [Could the U.S. Team possibly be faced with such North
landmark
Korean fanaticism when they compete in Pyongyang?]
The second near-riot came during the basketball championship, which China won, 9171, on the play of 7-4, 308-pound center Mu Tiehchu. The trouble began when Mu was hit in
the eye and fouled by Korean defender Park Soo-kyu. Mu, infuriated, gave chase as Park
ducked under his team bench. The pro-Chinese spectators began tossing ice cubes, shoes, and
other missiles at the South Korean bench, and one enraged spectator made a futile attack on
Park. It took about 50 police wielding riot sticks to restore order before the Chinese cagers
continued on to their methodical victory.
No report of chaos at the TT tables. Here are those results: Mens Teams: 1. China. 2.
Japan. 3. DPR (North) Korea. 4. Indonesia. Womens Teams: 1. China. 2. South Korea. 3.
Japan. 4. Hong Kong.
Mens Singles: Liang
Geliang over Guo.
Semis: Liang over Jo
Yung Ho; Guo over
Takashima. Womens
Singles: Zhang Li over
Zhang Deying. Semis:
Zhang Li over Kim Soon
Ok; Zhang Deying over
Nagahora. Mens
Doubles: Guo/Huang
Tung-sheng over
Zhang Deying
Wuisan/Supit. Womens
Liang Geliang
From 1979 Table Tennis Report No. 3
440

Doubles: Zhang Li/Zhang Deying over Hui So Hong/Chang Sui Ying. Mixed Doubles: Guo/
Zhang Li over Liang Geliang/Zhang Deying.
Bangkok-based Charlie Wuvanich says he has a friend, Wisuit Sirarchawatna, 19, a former
Junior Champion, whod like to come to the States and be adopted, as it were. Charlie says hed
be a good t.t. teacher for anyones son or daughter; says hes smart, friendly, and honest. He
needs the initial security of a place to stay and the opportunity to get any kind of job (anythinga
dishwashers o.k.) until he can orient himself here. [If something cant work out for this young
man, well see that in time another Thai Champion will be adopted.]
Mens winner in the Jan. 11-14, 1979 All-Japan Championships was our current U.S.
Open Champion Norio Takashima. He defeated Seiji Ono (3-1) of Kinki University. Womens
went to Yoshiko Shimauchi of Senshu University. Shes coached by Mitsuru Kohno, and used
his racket, the one that he won the 1977 World title with at Birmingham. The Japanese had
their Tryouts for their World Team way back in July. Finishing first among the men was
Takashima; first among the women, Kayoko Kawahigashi.
Dannys Two Weeks in Japan
Danny Seemiller, in taking a February twoweek tour of Japan, felt his close interactions
with former World Champions Hasegawa and Itoh were quite valuable to him. Just being around
these two great champions, he said, helped me a lot, gave me a great deal of insight.
Danny arranged his notes into the following dairy form:
Feb. 8. I left Pittsburgh at 9:00 a.m. en route to Tokyo via Chicago and a direct
flight. Fourteen hours later, I was picked up at the Tokyo airport by representatives of the
Butterfly Table Tennis CompanyMr. Okada (Export Manager) and Mr. Tsuiji (Chief
Manager of my tour). My hotel room was on the 35th floor of the Keio Plaza Hotel, one of
the finest Id ever seenand rightly so, for the cost of my room was $85 a day.

High-speed camera HYCAM: ability to

take 44,000 pictures in a second.

The lab
employs a 3dimensionvideo system:
cameras from
above, from
the side, and
from the front.

441

Feb. 10. Strange,

but it would take me almost
3 days to recover from jet
lag. Today I visited the main
office of the Butterfly
Company. Really impressive.
Its a 5-story building and on
the 5th floor is a table with
many cameras for expert
study. I practiced with Itoh
for about two hours. Then
everyone wanted to see how
I played a match. With most
of the Butterfly workers
watching, I beat Itoh, 3-0,
then did the same to
1977 National Champion
Japans 1967 World Champion Kasahari, a defensive player
Danny Seemiller
Nobuhiko Hasegawa
who couldnt handle my
loop. Since I dont get to practice with a good chopper very often, I stayed and played another
hour with him. Then I was taken to a Mongolian restaurant where the food was great.
Feb. 11. Practiced at Waseda University, then had lunch at a Dairy Queen.In the
afternoon I played matches against their top 10 players, at least five of whom would be rated
over 2300. I won them all. After about 6 hours of practice and play I was sore, but overall I
felt good.
Feb. 12. Today was the start of a fantastic tour that would take me to 7 cities in 10
days. Our traveling party consisted of Mr. Tamasu (President of the Butterfly Company),
Hasegawa, Miss Iwamoto (Interpreter), and Mr. Tsuiji.First stop: Kitakyushu. The playing
participants at all the stops on our tour were four working players, the high school champion,
Hasegawa and me. Hasegawa had been training 2 months for this tour and just before I
arrived hed played against the whole Japanese National Team and beat them alleven though
hes officially retired. Today, in preparation for the first tournament beginning tomorrow,
Hasegawa and I practiced 3 hours.
Feb. 13. First match of the seriesbefore 2,500 spectators. Hasegawa beat me, 15,
19. I couldnt get startedwas a little nervous.
Feb. 14. Today we flew to Mirjazaki City and then took a two-hour car ride to
Miyakuenajoro. A disappointing crowdonly 700 hundred. But I didnt mind, for I evened the
series with a crucial 19-in-the-5th victory (from 19-18 down).
Feb. 15. Japan is really a beautiful countrywith plenty of mountains and little
lakes everywhere.After a 5 hour train ride, we arrived at Oita, did some courtesy
appearances and/or interviews with the mayor, on TV, and for the newspapers.Before 2,200
spectators, I played my best match of the tour and beat Hasegawa 12, 14.
Feb. 16: A travel day3 hours by car, then a 2-hour boat ride to Kyushu Island, then
onto two trains to Yanai City for the Western Championships. [Anybody gonna trace Dannys
peregrinations with a big National Geographic Atlas?]
Feb. 17: There were 1,200 entrants for these Championships. Hasegawa and I won
the Doubles from 325 other pairs, didnt lose a game.
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Feb. 18: In the 526-entry Mens Singles I

had to play 8 matches to make the finals.The
Japanese Mens and Womens Teams were in
training for the Worlds and did not compete. In
the semis, I played Furukawa, a member of the
73 and 75 Japanese National Team, and beat
him in a tough match, 18 in the 3rd. Since I had
to loop at least 200 balls to win, my arm began
hurting (Id also played a chopper in the
quarters). It was just like what had happened to
me at the last U.S. Open in Oklahoma. When I
play choppers I think I try to loop too hard and it
produces too much strain on certain muscles.
Dick Yamoaka, who
was my interpreter and
Japans Toshiaki Furukawa
Coach during the
tournament, said that I dont conserve my energy when I have an easy
match. In his semis, Hasegawa was down 20-19 in both games, but won
them both.
There were over 4,000 people in the stands for the final. I played
nervously the first game and lost itcouldnt follow up effectively off my
serve. My arm was bothering me when I had to loop a push, so Hasegawa
just pushed my services. In the 2nd game I climbed back to 19-all before
Butterflys
Dick Yamoaka
losing that one too. I was pretty mad because I knew I could beat him.
Feb. 19: At Hofu, we did some coaching, and played the top 8
working players. I beat Hasegawa, 18 in the 3rd, to take a 3-2 lead in the series.
Feb. 20: We took the bullet train (130 m.p.h.) back to Tokyo, a 5-hour trip.
Feb. 21: At our last stop on the tour, Nogi City, where, again, the conditions were
excellent, there were 2,200 in attendance. Table tennis in Japan is very bigvirtually every school
kid has his own racket. In the semis I beat Itoh 2-1, then got by Hasegawa 2-1 to take the series 4
matches to 2. All in all, though my Western Japan tournament loss to Hasegawa still bothered me,
we were both satisfied with our play and certainly felt the tour was a success.
Feb. 22: Had dinner at Hasegawas home and hit some golf balls. Hasegawa said there
was no doubt that I could be one of the worlds top players but that I had to work hardermaybe
six hours a day. Hasegawa and Itoh gave me insight on how to become a champion, and discussed
my weaknesses. They were both very helpful and put me in the right frame of mind to prepare for
the Pyongyang Worlds. I knew that when Id get back home Id be practicing 4 hours a day and
doing an hour of physical training. My goal would be to peak at Pyongyang and after all these years
to reassert the U.S. as a strong power at the World Championships. I believe we can finish in the
top 8if not better.
Feb. 23: [Danny gives thanks to all those hed earlier mentioned, said it was possibly the
most enjoyable overseas trip Ive ever taken.] Come time for the World Championships, this
tour will go a long way towards helping me. I am truly excited about the upcoming World
Championships and will do my best to prepare properly so that I can achieve my best results.
O.K. Ready? Were off to what we expect will be a strange countryNorth Korea.
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Chapter Thirty-Three
1979: Pyongyang, North Korea: U.S. Team Play
The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea
North Korea! Not many Americans were apt to even try
to go therenot since the end of the Korean War in
1953. But as it was common knowledge that the U.S.
Team and its entourage would also be visiting China on
this trip, we were emboldened to feel more diplomatically
secure in venturing into Pyongyang for the 1979 World
Championships.
We arrived there on a Soviet-made plane from
Peking, and were bussed off to the Changgwangsan
Hotel where we were to be housed with all the other
teams. USTTA Vice-President and International Chair
Gus Kennedy, who was our Team Leader, was given a
welcome start, more an irritating jolt, when it turned
out that the North Koreans wanted to charge quite a bit more for the spectators rooms than
had been earlier published in an ITTF Bulletin. Said Gus, They wished to charge for heat,
water, cleaning of the room, and for the appliances normally in the room.
Of course, as in India in 75, the ITTFs democratic dictum that no member-country
can be excluded from these Championships was disregarded. Visas would not be issued to
South Korean players and officials waiting circuitously in Geneva (where, if by some lastminute miracle all went well, they could catch a plane to Moscow and then another to
Pyongyang, only an hours flight from Seoul). The official North Korean position presented on
Apr. 25 Opening Day in the Pyongyang Times was as follows:
Expressing the unanimous desire and will of the entire Korean people and the
progressive people the world over, we have made every sincere effort to ensure the
participation of a unified team of north and south Korea in this world meet in Pyongyang. This
is associated with our patriotic position to demonstrate our peoples stamina and talent by
entering the event as a single team, instead of brothers of the same blood competing with each
other in an international game. Nevertheless, due to the insincere and unreasonable approach
and attitude of the south Korean authorities who are trying to divide our nation for good, the
idea of forming a unified team of north and south for the Championships has fallen through.
It is our firm belief that the day will come sooner or later when the sportsmen of north
and south Korea will appear on the arena of international games in one and the same team.
[Twelve years later at the 91 Worlds in Chiba, Japan, North and South Korean players would
combine to play as one Korean Teamand the women would win the Corbillon Cup.]
The South Koreans, according to an Apr. 21 article in Japans Mainichi Daily News,
were apparently willing to consider a combinedif not exactly unifiedteam, but talks
failed they said, because Pyongyangs table tennis association demanded that such a joint
team play under North Korean colors....South Korean officials said, Pyongyang just cannot
accept the idea of two Koreas and there is no way that they would permit the South Korean
444

flag and team emblem to be seen in North Korea. (Later, in Chiba, the combined Korea
Team will fly a white flag with the entire Korean peninsula in blue.)
Of course the ITTF accepted the DPR position that, Well, weve tried to bring in the
South Koreans, but, as theyre not being cooperative, what can we do?
Also excluded from these Championships, as they were in India in 75, was the Israeli
Team. The excuse was again that they posed security risks. While USTTA Vice-President Kennedy
was diplomatically threatening that the USTTA Team might pull out unless South Korea and Israel
were permitted to play, U.S. President Sol Schiff was expressing publicly his hope that the U.S.
could participate. It would be regrettable, he said, if our players who are paying their own way
[sic: they are?], went all the way to Pyongyang and then could not compete.
So having had their say on this fait accompli (whos playing, whos not) subject, all
went to another performancea gala music and dance entertainment on the evening of the
24th. This was followed by the next days Opening Ceremony/Player Parade extravaganza.
Although some were regarding the absence of President Kim Il Sung as a snubVicePresident Pak Song Chol was there in his steadclearly the North Koreans had worked very
hard to put their best foot forward.
This was also evident in the
Pyongyang Students
overall beauty and extraordinary
and Childrens Palace
pollution-free cleanliness of the citya
city in parks, someone aptly saidand
in the various public buildings one might
be invited to visit, perhaps during the
free day between the Team and the
Individual events. Places of interest in or
outside the city included the
Mangyongdae house where the great
leader Comrade Kim Il Sung was born
and spent his childhood, and the
Mangyongdae Museum of Revolutionary History; the Exhibition of Comrade Kim Il Sungs
Works; the Korean Revolutionary Museum; and the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War
Museum. Of particular interest to me was the Pyongyang Students and Childrens Palacethe
more so because I believe it was in one of the large halls there that I saw very small children,
three to five years old, manned in uniform at row after row of cut-down tables, stroking the
ball with the same identical motionall precisely, fluidly choreographed. A stunning sight.
At this Palace, as the Pyongyang Times put it, our children and students were growing
into reliable builders of socialism, knowledgeable, morally impeccable, and physically sound,
cultivating their talents to the full under the loving care of the respected and beloved leader
President Kim Il Sung. Knowledgeable? I think not. Not even the North Korean adults wereat
least not about the world outside. Everything from their mini-Metro to their mini-roller-coaster
many North
Koreans
assumed
were the
worlds best.
In contrast to
the relentless
The worlds best roller coaster? Houshang couldnt help but smile.
445

babble of obligatory praise that spokespersons for one country after another spoon-fed their hosts
and the Pyongyang Press, here are some of Team Leader Kennedys safe-at-home remarks:
...The people are proud and energetic. All of their waking moments are dedicated to
the wishes of their government. No individual decisions are made by the people. Everything is
decided by the government.
Every person during their waking hours wears a button with the picture of their leader
Kim Il Sung. It is as if he is watching every act they perform and listening to everything they
say. There are no foreign newspapers, books or magazines in North Korea. They only know
what their government tells them, and it does not tell them much. I only met two out of over a
hundred of their top people who knew that the U.S. had been to the moon. Such information
is not considered apparently of value for them to know. They truly believe they live in a utopia.
They believe no other form of life could be as wonderful as they have it. In fact they were not
at all eager to be told information on the way things are in the outside world. You get the
feeling that you are in a country of robots. I cannot say that at any time people were not
friendly to us. I can say that they did as they were instructed. It was almost impossible to
change plans with them once they had been made. I was also surprised that they did not try to
get into a discussion of any type with us. I was not asked any question about my country or
my opinion on any important issue....
Of course, as well continue to see, independent-minded Americans dont shy away
from saying what they think about their stay here in Pyongyang. U.S. Mens Team Captain
Houshang Bozorgzadeh, on noting how, publicly, the North Koreans had adopted Chinas
Friendship First slogan, went on to say that, privately, with regard to the U.S., the exact
opposite was true, and that this was evident not only at the tables, but also in the hotels,
restaurants, in the [playing] auditorium and elsewhere. He told Fred Danner he had reason to
believe all our rooms were bugged.
U.S. Womens Team member Alice Green, writing for the New York Times, said, after
being in Pyongyang two days, that Freedom to walk around the city as we please is linked
with a nagging sense of being watched. My teammates are continually annoyed to find guides
staring over their necks as they write postcards [$1.90, by the way, to send a postcard to the
U.S.]. But, she said, The people? They smile warmly when they hear you say hello in
Korean. They wave to you as you pass by in a bus. They touch you warmly. (Question: Do
they know youre from the U.S.?) It
Pyongyangs
turns out that Alice would tell a reporter
Palace of Sports
back home that just last year shed spent
two months in South Korea and had
found the people there to be very
emotional, enthusiastic, and exuberant.
Were there really such similarities
between those who lived in these two
very different countries?
I myself must say that at the
playing hall when it was obvious I was
an American I got some very dagger-like
looks from Koreans. In fact, I strongly
446

sensed these people would have liked to do me harm...except that were they to have tried to
do so I had the feeling they would have been executed. I must also say that my Englishspeaking North Korean liaison struck me as being an honest, sensitive, inquiring and openminded young man, whom I gave daily presents to in the form of U.S. idioms, roughly 200 in
all, which he seemed most appreciative of.
U.S. Womens Team Play
In addition to Alice, 1973 U.S Open runner-up, our Womens
TeamCaptained, as at the 77 Worlds in Birmingham, by Heather
Angelinettaconsisted of South Korean expatriate Insook Bhushan,
World Top 25; He-ja Lee, who, after being a formidable player in South
Korea, went on to win the 76 U.S. Closed; and Kasia Dawidowicz, the
1976 through 78 U.S. Junior Girls Champion. This was arguably the
strongest U.S. Womens Team in decadesbut, since wed advanced to
the Championship Category, we were faced with many of the worlds
best players.
The top 18 teams from the Birmingham Worlds, using a Davis
Cup format, were divided into two round robin groupsand as usual to Heather Angelinetta,
U.S. Womens
decide the two finalists there would be crossover matches between the
Team Captain
winner of Group A and the runner-up in group B, and the winner of
Group B and the runner-up in Group A. Since the U.S. Team was
considered to be relatively weak, weaker than we really were, seasoned observers might
expect us, as 7th or 8th place finishers in our B Group, to be involved in crossover matches
that would decide whether wed remain in the Championship Category at the next Worlds in
1981 in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia.
Unhappily, our first days schedule worked against us. We drew a morning Bye, then scored
a Walkover in the afternoon against the absent South Korea team. Finally, at 9 p.m. we were able to
play for the first time in Pyongyang a competitive tie, and so acclimate ourselves to the main arena.
We met England, whod already had plenty of play, for theyd opened with a 3-2 win over West
Germany (6th-place finisher in the
Group) and followed with a 3-2 loss to
Czechoslovakia (3rd-place finisher).
How shaky a start it was for Insook can
be seen from her deuce in the 3rd win
over Karen Witt, whose record would
be no better than 3-12, although she did
score for the Brits the match they
needed against Germanys Kristen
Kruger. U.S. 1England 0.
Ater He-ja lost a respectable
18, 18 match to the as yet undefeated
Englands Karen Witt--won the deciding match against us. perennial World Top 10 player Jill
Hammersley, our two Korean
expatriates teamed to defeat Witt and Anita Stevenson. England, I might as well say here,
would finish 5th in the Group. Why? Because theyd play five 3-2 ties and not once would
they win the doubles. Perhaps it would cost them here with us? U.S. 2England 1.
447

In the 4th match, with Insook up 16-14 in the 3rd

and at expedite with Hammersley, we thought we had an
excellent chance...until Hammersley ran off seven straight.
Tie tied. Although He-ja hadnt been on the South Korean
National Team, shed had German Bundesliga experience
and, on losing the 1st game in the all-deciding match to
Witt, didnt fold but won the 2nd at 19. Then, said Captain
Angelinetta, the English girls slow loop proved too
effective.
Just before coming to Pyongyang, Bhushan, while
practicing on Long Island with the U.S. Mens Team, had
Englands Jill Hammersley
given Pete Alfano, a reporter for the Island paper Newsday,
an interview detailing briefly her background. When Insook
was coming of age in South Korea, there wasnt time for college, she saidI made a
choice. Heres Alfano to continue her story:
For a modest salary from the governmentequal to that of office personnel,
she saysBhushan became one of the countrys best table tennis players, a recognizable face
on the streets of Seoul. But the tedious practices gradually drained her enthusiasm. Politics
deprived her of a place on the national team for the 1973 Championships in Yugoslavia. She
traveled with the team as a non-playing captain. It was a ceremonial position, but she thought
she should be playing.
When her father decided to move to the United States in 1974, it made the
upheaval easier for Bhushan, who was 22 at the time. She also was being asked to stay by her
boyfriend who had marriage on his mind.
Bhushan was not ready for that so she accompanied her family here. They
settled in Flushing [Queens, New York] which has a small Korean community. Bhushan had
the customary difficulty adjusting. She struggled with English. She was bored. She reached out
for something familiar, for the paddle and the birds-egg ball. And in July, 1974 she went to
Columbus, Ohio and met Shekhar Bhushanan Indianat a local table tennis club.
They married over her parents objections. They live in Columbus where
Insook is majoring in accounting at Ohio State.
She has visited South Korea once since her family moved. As a child she
remembered learning only negative things about North Koreans. The man-made boundary
which has divided Korea made North Korea more remote to Bhushan than the United States.
She is apprehensive about playing in the world championships. She does not
want to embarrass herself in Pyongyang.
But now that is where she isPyongyangunder intense pressure, andwatch
out!this morning its the U.S. vs. North Korea. Remarked Heather, To say the crowd was
partisan would be the understatement of the century. The fans were so rabid I even felt
overwhelmed when I tossed the coin [for ABC or XYZ] position.
Against the U.S., the North Koreans, obviously on orders from on high, did not play
Pak Yung Sun, the World Champion for the last four yearswe were the only team she sat out
against. Insooks opening opponent was Li Song Suk, who (with a 2-1 record) would be used
sparingly in Cup play (the better not to give away a secret or two?). Insook chopped her down
448

two straight. So how would this Li later get to the final of the Singles? Take a guessIll get
back to you.
Up now were He-ja Lee and another Top 25 PakPak Yong Okwho under normal
conditions would likely be too strong for our #2. But these were not normal conditions, and
He-ja wasnt even in the match. In truth, she had to be unnerved by the unusual violation of
protocol. The Koreans chant and cheer during the points, said Lees teammate Alice. The
whole crowd will stand up while the point is going on.
Ok then teamed
with doubles specialist
Hong Gil Son to handily
defeat Insook and He-ja.
But though Bhushan
retaliated by winning the
1st game from Ok, she
could do no more. With
her longtime ties to
Seoul, Insook would
later say how very selfconscious, how very
uncomfortable shed felt
on court. Since I was a
native-born South
Korean playing for the
U.S., I was like a double
enemy to those North
North Koreas Hong Gil Son (left foreground)/Pak Yong Ok on their way to
Koreans. In fact, there
defeating the U.S.s Insook Bhushan/He-ja Lee.
was a rumor going round
that I was paid to play for the U.S. by the South Koreans. It was a
really bad experience playing there. I came on court and there were
20,000 spectators clapping like mad for my opponent and against
me. I hadnt expected thatand it wasnt any fun.
Against the USSR (2nd to North Korea), we suffered our
3rd straight loss. Heather spoke of tumultuous cheering
whenever we lost a point.* Bhushan seemed shell-shockedwas
beaten 12 and 5 by World Top 20 Ludmila Bakshutova (5-4 in the
Teams). Heather said Insook couldnt handle the Russian girls
racket or her play. The only momentary break in the thunderous
psychic storm was He-jas 1st game win over Valentina Popova,
next years European Champion.
Insook: A double enemy to
Yugoslavia (4th) shut us out too. Insook challenged
the North Koreans.
Erzebet Palatinus, but then faltered in the 2nd and 3rd games.
By now, though, we should be acclimating to...well,
everything. Perhaps Germany is beatable? Indeed. Bhushan 9, 20 starts us off strong against
Kruger. And Lee continues playing well. Winning a 19 2nd game, she forces Germanys #1
Ursula Hirschmuller to 3. But our women lose the doubles in 3. And now against Hirschmuller
Insook has more to beara huge and painful blister. Germany 3U.S. 1.
449

Russias 1980 European

Champion Valentina Popova

Czechoslavakias #1
Ilona Uhlikova

Yugoslavias #1
Erzebet Palatinus

Before our tie with Czechoslovakia (theyd defeat North Korea 3-1), the accomodating
Yugoslav Team Doctor (why doesnt the U.S. have one?) ministers to Bhushanopens the
blister, treats it. Still, some fight has to be drained out of Insook, for, despite winning the 2nd
at 19, she loses in 3 to Dana Dubinova (4-4). But then, surprise, He-ja, as Heather said,
playing possibly the best match of her life, downs, 12 and 9, Uhlikova (whod just beaten
World Champion Pak). She killed every ball and never let the Czech girl take the table away
from her. Perhaps He-jas playing such good singles because for the first time she isnt
burdened with doubles. Kasia Dawidowicz, making her one appearance, paired with Insook
but they offered little resistance to Uhlikova and Marie Hrachova.
Insook comes back, wins a key 24-22 1st game from Uhlikova, whos playing her third
straight match, and prevails in 3. U.S. 2Czecholsovakia 2.
The outcome of this tie wont effect a change in the round robin standing for either
teambut to watch the match between Lee and Dubinova youd never know that. Down 2019 in the 3rd, after losing the 1st at deuce, He-ja played, in Heathers words, the best point
ever, sending the ball over the net at least 50 times with incredible saves and smashesa
point He-ja finally won...only to eventually lose the game and match, 25-23.
Our last tie was Bulgaria, a team that fielded two 14-year-oldsand, in finishing 7th to
their 8th, we kept their 0-21 match-record intact.
In the important crossover tie, we fell to the Netherlands, 3-1losing all the close
matches. Bettine Vriesekoop, who in three years would be the European Champion, downed
He-ja, 19 and 20, then, after Insook and He-ja had lost the doubles in 3, the volatile

The Netherlands Bettine

Vriesekoop

He-ja Lee--beats world #13 Uhlikova

Photo by Mal Anderson

450

Bulgarias Daniela
Guergueltcheva

Vriesekoop came grittily back to take Insooks foot-troubled measure, -19, 19, 16. Too bad,
because Id have liked He-jas chances against Sandra DeKruiff (0-5).
By beating Bulgaria again (though this time He-ja lost, 17, 24, to Daniele
Guergueltcheva, who 9 years later would win the German Open), we came 15th, rather than
16th. Poland, who was 0-8 in Group A, did not compete in the crossovers, and was ranked
17th. Whether this means the U.S., along with Bulgaria and Poland, will be relegated out of
Category I in 1981 remains to be seen, for since India and Finland must advance, South Korea
will doubtless reappear to make the 17th team. It would seem, if, as this year, there are 18
teams, wed have a claim to get back in.
Our Womens inability to do better had to be disappointing. Should anyone ask, we
might say that while many countries have only one or two strong players, the best of them
have a third, or even a fourth, they can afford to play, and so give needed rest to their stars.
We had no such luxury. Still, we had good chances against four teamsbut couldnt beat one
of them. The crucial ties were against England (without a warm-up), against Germany (with
Insooks bloated blister), and against the Netherlands (where likely, had we gotten to play it,
wed have won the 5th match). But, should anyone ask, perhaps Insook and He-ja should not
have been called on to play against Russia (#2) or Yugoslavia (#4), or, once having played
those ties, not have been called on to play that grueling Czech tie, which it was obvious
beforehand we might as well have lost 3-0, for, exciting as it was, it would have done us, in
terms of advancement, no good to win.
U.S. Mens Team Play
In Swaythling Cup play, the U.S. Mens Team will do very much whats expected of
them against the worlds best. As 15-year-old Eric Boggan, one of the youngest competitors in
the field, had put it, somewhat pessimistically, before leaving home, Were favored to lose
every match. True, the experienced Seemiller brothers were backDanny with an incredible
44-1 record in Category II play at the last two Worlds. But they were joined by three
rookiesall Long Islanders and all former U.S. Junior Champions: Roger Sverdlik in 74,
Scott Boggan in 77, and Eric in 78the same year he also won the U.S. Mens
Championship from Danny.
The men agreed it was not only hard enough to score against the strong players in the
Championship Category but that their task was made much more difficult by the anti-American
hostility they were exposed to. The thousands of highly partisan spectators cheered wildly for
any team playing against the U.S., and the North Korean umpires were sometimes so partial
that they couldnt help but, well, cheat. Outside the arena, Insook had noted that she couldnt
go anywhere without a security guard, and so likely our men, too, were continually observed
up close or at a distance in case of any incident. Scott Boggan told a Long Island Newsday
correspondent that in one instance, Koreans on the street shouted at him and shoved him
after he had snapped a photograph of another Korean.
Fortunately, on the whole, these American youths, sharing a camaraderie, acted less
provocatively, and more prudently. Though not always. North Korea was a scary place.
However, Ricky could tell you of an irreverent act of derring-do** perpetrated against
Beloved Leader Kim Il Sung, or rather his framed picture thrown gleefully out a storied
window...to become a shattered icon. And I could tell you how my younger son Eric in his
innocence got thrown-up drunk.
The 18 teams in the Championship Category, following the usual best 5 of 9 singles
451

format, were divided into two round robins. Crossovers would determine the final placings and the
two teams to be relegated (replaced in 81 in Novi Sad by the top two teams in Catgeory II).
We opened against West Germanybut not auspiciously. Tenacious defender
Engelbert Huging, the 78 German National Champion, beat both the Seemillers, though
Danny stubbornly won the 2nd game at deuce. Neither Eric nor Ricky could offer opposition
to Peter Stellwag, for the next three years the German #1. And Eric would fare even worse
against 1977 U.S. Open Champion Jochen Leiss, whom Danny was able to get by in 3.
Prepared
for North Korea
were we? I dont
think so. Scott
was clearly
outclassedas
he would be in all
five of his
matches.
Houshang was
right when he
said Scotts
forehand was a
bit risky. After
upcoming league
play in Germany,
and with Leiss
U.S. - North Korea Mens Team match at Pyongyang Worlds.
and Hugings
Danny loses to Hong Chol...U.S. Team loses 5-0.
Photo by Neal Fox
help, hed
impressively
improve it. But how quickly the Seemillers adapted. Danny and Ricky, as if motivated, as if the
Korean cheers were for them, seemed to be at their best this tie. They didnt win, but they
came close. Ricky lost to Yun Chol, 22-20 in the 2nd, and to Cho Yong Ho in 3. Danny lost to
Hong Chol, -19, 20, -18 and to Yun Chol, 25-23 in the 3rd. After the tournament, Cho would
be World #18, and Hong World #27.
Next up? France, whod finish 3rd but didnt seem that strongindeed, little separated
them from the 4th, 5th, and 6th-place finishers. Danny lost to the World Top 20, perennial
French Champion Jacques Secretin, but had two victories, an especially nice one after losing
the 1st, over Patrick Birocheau (whod post a 12-10 record). Roger and Eric were both beaten
badly by Secretin and Birocheaubut Eric scored a feisty 20, -14, 20 win over the weak
French fourth, Patrick Renverse.
Defending Champion Chinaplaying Lu Qiwei, Li Zhenshi, and Huang Liangwent
through the motions against us. Scott got 43 points, Roger 37, and Danny (vs. Li) 30. Five
matches, 10 games: 110 points.
Next, Yugoslavia 5, U.S. 1. Danny -18, 20, 10 rallied to outpoint Josef Juhas who,
playing only this tie, balanced by beating Ricky in 3. Though our Captain, Houshang, was later
to write that Eric had a slow start and did not perform up to his capabilities until late in the
games, he did take a game here from one of Europes finest, Dragutin Surbek, and forced
The Dragons 83 World Champion Doubles partner Zoran Kalinic to 23-21 in the 2nd.
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Against Rumania, the Seemiller brothers each won two, while Eric splitgetting by
Serban Dobosi in 3, but falling in 3 to veteran Teodor Gheorghe.
Howre we doing? You took note we just won one?
Ah, Poland. Danny and I cant forget how they just
barely beat us in Calcutta in 75 to keep us out of the
Championship Category. We owe that Stanislaw Fraczyk
(13-8). But damn if he doesnt limp away again with 2-0 and
2-1 wins over Eric and Danny respectively. And Andrjez
Grubba (15-9), who bounces with vitalityhe downs Ricky,
2-0, and Eric, 2-1. Though Ryszard Czochanski (3-15) ekes
out an 18, 19 win over Ricky, he has little chance against
Danny. So again were not shut out.
Forget Hungary. The Seemillers take a rest, while
Eric takes a game from Istvan Jonyer.
Both the Mens 9-team Group A and (since South
Korea
was
originally in the draw but couldnt play) the 8Polish spoiler Stanislaw Fraczyk
team Group B round robins are now complete. With our 1-7
record weve finished 8th. Which is much better than 9th-place winless Rumaniafor, like
Poland in the Womens play, theyre odd-team-out of the necessarily balanced 16-team
crossovers, and will for sure be relegated. For our U.S. men to be certain of advancing, we
must beat Denmark, whom we have a 4-5 score to settle with from back in 73. In 77
Denmark had finished 15th in a 16-team field, had been relegated, but here in 79, with the
addition of North Korea, had been brought back into the Championship Category so as to
make an even number of (18) teams.

The Netherlands Claus Pedersen

The Netherlands Freddy Hansen

Eric (4-14) opened against Freddy Hansen (9-10)lost the 1st 23-21, but rallied to
win the next two. This upset might give us the edge? Danny, as expected, easily beat Palle
Rud. But World Top 30 Claus Pedersen scored twiceagainst Ricky and Eric. That made the
tie 2-2. Now a big swingonce Hansen took the 1st from Danny at 19, the 2nd was rather
easy. But Ricky (3-10) balanced with a must 16, 20 edging of Rud (5-17). Tie: 3-3. In 73
Pedersen had killed us with a 22-20 in the 3rd win over D-J Lee, a 23-21 in the 3rd win over
453

Peter Pradit. Now it was up to Dannywhom the bearded Dane had also beaten in 3 six years
ago. Danny was a much better player now (11-9), but so was Claus (16-5). Unfortunately for
us Pedersen came through againhurt us badly with his 26-24, 22-20 defeat of Danny.
However, Eric got by Rud in 3and again the tie was tied, 4-4. Could Ricky pull it off?
Maybe. He wins the 1st at 14. Then...loses the next two at 15that is, 8 and 7.
Which means were relegated? Not necessarily. Because just as, with the addition in
79 of the North Korean team, the77 15th-place team Denmark, whod been relegated,
backed in, so if in our last tie now we beat Hong Kong to finish 15th rather than 16th, and if in
81 South Korea will be added to make the 17th team, we too might back in as the evening-up
18th team.
Danny led the attack against Hong Kong
beat Lam Hung Shing, 2-1, and two players, 2-0, hed
defeated before in Category II playChiu Man Kuen
(in 75), and Li Kuang Tsu (in 77). We were made
uneasy when Erichas bad eating habits...and sleep
patterns, observed Houshanglost to both Chiu and
Li. But Rogerwho, like Scott, had not previously
won a match (nor could they have been expected to
against China and Hungary, or World #5 France and
World #6 North Korea)--played extremely well. He
outsteadied Li, 2-0, and Lam in 3and in so doing
effectively made suspect Houshangs assessment of
him as not being physically or mentally prepared.
To anyone who wanted to ask, Well, how did
the American men do? the answer I think is pretty
obvious. Our 15th-place finish was not in the least
surprisingand, while disappointing, was certainly
nothing to be ashamed of. There were only three
Roger Sverdlik--won two against Hong Kong teams we had a chance to beatand we knocked off
two of them, and lost 5-4 to the other in matches that
might well have gone in our favor.
SELECTED NOTES
*Though the North Korean spectators cheered loudly for the Russians to beat usor
rather for the Americans to loseFred Danner said hed heard some boos not directed to the
U.S. but to the Russian Team as they took their place in the Opening Day parade. He was
surprised because didnt the Soviets set up Kim Il-Sungs government and supply all their
military arms for the Korean War? Later he found out that the D.P.R.K. broke diplomatic
relations with Russia back in 1960 when China did the same. The Russians tried to take
control of Korean security which caused the breakdown in relations. Theyre just getting back
to dealing with each other at arms length.
In fact, the North Koreans are looking to be friends with the U.S.? Fred says they want
us to sponsor the D.P.R.K. World Team to the United States and play Friendship Matches in
New York City. (See in this chapter the were friends photo showing the sweet
togetherness of the U.S./D.P.R.K. teams.) Note, too, that, according to Fred, China doesnt
want to go to the 80 Moscow Olympics to play t.t., but would be willing to come to Lake
454

U.S. and North Korean Teams in Friendship pose?

Placid, N.Y. Talk about deceptive play, changing spins, our little sphere of Sports is right up
there with the best of them.
**When I say derring-do, Im not exaggerating. Wed all heard strange stories about
North Korea, which we didnt think were apocryphal. Heres Fred Danner to describe one of
them for you:
The North Koreans published a daily English version newspaper which was available
at the hotel. It was mostly propaganda with some reporting of the match results. The Great
Leaders picture was always in each issue. We heard a story of how a member of the
Australian Team was taken into Korean security and questioned for over six hours because he
had a hole in the sole of his shoe and had used a couple of pages from the newspaper to stuff
inside his shoe to block the hole. A picture of Kim-Il Sung was on one of the two pages in the
shoe. They wanted to know how anyone could stuff his shoe with the Great Leaders picture.
Once we heard this we returned all newspapers after we read them to the hotels mezzanine
table just the way we got them. God forbid if we threw them into the waste basket.

455

Chapter Thirty-Four
1979: Pyongyang: Corbillon/Swaythling Cup Play
Perhaps a good many people not only from
our own country but others would be interested in
hearing from the media at this Worlds how the
U.S. Team was doing, how they had finished, in
their Swaythling and Corbillon Cup competition?
And interested, too, in whether there were unusual
circumstances here in Pyongyang that might have
affected their play?
But, never mindsuch questions were
moot. For though ABC Wide World of Sports
wanted to interview our players, USTTA President
Sol Schiff would not allow their TV appearance
unless ABC paid our Association for their
participation. This ABC refused to do.
To all those who would have enjoyed such It would have been nice to see our dressed-up
an interview and were disappointed by, even critical Womens Team on TV. L-R: Kasia, Insook,
of, the U.S. demand (Ill say more about this in my
Heather, He-ja, and Alice.
Photo by Neal Fox
next volume), our International Chair and U.S.
Team Leader to Pyongyang, Gus Kennedy, offered
a defense of the Associations position. Gus said that since the USTTA had helped ABC
NEWS and ABC Sports (as well as others) get into North Korea, they really ought to try to
help usand, as it was, they certainly hadnt been giving much attention to U.S. table tennis.
Further, said Gus, ABC Sports pays the Gymnastic Association, the Ice Skating Association,
and the Amateur Boxing Association to show their events on TV, so why shouldnt they also
pay something to our Table Tennis Association?
After all, we werent being unreasonablewed made it clear before wed left for
North Korea that the ABC NEWS group could cover our trip for news purposes without
paying us a thing. It was only if the SPORTS group wished to cover the Worlds that we
would expect some funds. Gus said that ABC wanted the interview to be at its own exclusive
Press Conference and therefore wanted to use our players for
their own profit, and this we didnt think was fair.
Ending his defense, Kennedy asked himself, Why was
there so little coverage of the Pyongyang Championships by the
U.S. media? Then replied that he thought the USTTA was not an
organization skilled at dealing with such groups. Wait, he said,
until China gets into the Olympicsthen Table Tennis will receive
its just due.
Gus enjoyed being a spokesman for the Association
indeed, he liked the attention, the authority it conferred. But he
had to take some heat. U.S. Womens Team Captain Heather
Angelinetta in her report to the USTTA Executive Committee felt
U.S. Team Leader
that Kennedy as Team Leader had had too many distractions (his
Gus Kennedy
456

family was with him, he was an ITTF Committeeman), and that hed been too concerned with
the political aspects of the trip. Of course, as in China in 71, Ping-Pong Diplomacy was
called for, and everyone on the U.S. Team and in its entourage was expected to be on his/her
best behavior.
But understandably Heather, for one, was sometimes frustrated and had to ask herself,
Where was one to draw the line? She complained that Team Leader Kennedy made it quite
clear to me as Womens Captain that no points during match play should be argued with the
North Korean Umpires. In the event of questionable calls he ordered me to desist from making
any official complaints no matter what the situation was. This definitely opened the door to the
biased officials.
I myself think that door was wide open from the beginningbut, as Ive already
reported at length on the U.S. Womens matches,, lets leave Heather to her reflections, and
concentrate on all the Category I ties Ive yet to cover.

Frances Claude Bergeret

Japans Shoko Takahashi

From Nagoya Worlds Report, 80

79 Top Twelve Winner

Hungarys Gabriela Szabo
Photo by Horst Muller

Corbillon Cup
Defending World Champion China did not drop a matchwon 24 straight games in
Singles play.
Runner-up Japan, aside from their losses to China, dropped only two 3-1 tiesone to
France when Claude Bergeret upset Shoko Takahashi (World #12 in post-Pyongyang
rankings), and the other to hapless, relegated Poland when Iolanta Szatko got the better of
little-used Yoshiko Shimauchi.
Third-place Hungary, in addition to getting blanked by China, struggled with three 3-1
ties. One of these was against Hong Kong when Hui So Hung (who finished with a 10-5
record) beat current European Champion Judit Magos, 18 in the 3rd, and then came -20, 17, 19 close to knocking off 79 Top 12 winner Gabriela Szabo (10-4). Another was against the
Netherlands when the same pattern repeated itselffast-improving Bettine Vriesekoop opened
with a win over World Top 20 Zsuzsa Olah, only to be later stopped by Szabo -20, 13, -19.
Still another 3-1 tieagainst (4th-place) Swedenfound Marie Lindblad doing in Szabo -21,
18, -18, but seeing her good play go for naught when 75 and 76 Top 12 Champion Ann
Christin Hellman came up short, 19 in the 3rd, to Magos, then couldnt much contest against
Szabo.
457

Hong Kongs 3-2 win over Rumania

didnt mean muchdecided 5th-6th, which
meant that, if successful in the block-of-four
crossovers (where Group As 5th plays Group
Bs 6th, and Group Bs 5th plays Group As 6th),
they could meet again in that blocks mini-final
for the overall 9th-10th ranking.
The Netherlands 8th-place finish was
deceptive. They played 3-2 ties with Sweden and
France (7th). In the one tie, Lindblads wins over
Vriesekoop (with a 19 game) and Marian Van
der Vliet (with a deuce game) were an important
factor. In the other tie, Bergeret (8-4) allowed
France to avoid a switch in standings by beating
in extended singles play the winning doubles
Bettine Vriesekoop--in two years
combo of Vriesekoop and Van der Vliet, who
shell be Europe #1.
also fell to Nadine Daviaud. One can see from a
closer look at the intensely competitive Vriesekoops hold-her-own 8-7 recordshe played
thirteen 19 or deuce gameshow shell rise in the European Rankings from being out of the
Top 10 in Jan., 1980 to #3 in May of 81 to #1 in Jan. of 82.
Over in Group B, in the all-important crossover for the U.S. (we finished 7th) Vriesekoop
made the big-swing differencebeating our Insook Bhushan -19, 19, 16 and He-ja Lee 19, 20.
In this Group, both North Korea and the USSR had 6-1 records. Against the Russians (take
note, U.S.), the Koreans used all four of their Team players, and won, 3-0. But against the (3rdplace) Czechswhom the Russians blankedWorld Champion Pak Yung Sun was embarrassed by
singles losses to Marie Hrachova (19 in the 2nd) and Ilona Uhlikova (deuce in the 3rd). But of
course the tiebreaker with the Russians, broken by the Koreans head-to-head win, meant that the
Russians, not the Koreans, would meet the dreaded Chinese in the crossover semis.
Yugoslavias 3-2 victory over England was significant, for it kept the Brits from
finishing 4th, and tumbled them from the 5th through 8th
into the 9th through 12th overall block. 1976 European
Champion Jill Hammersley won all 10 singles matches she
playedyet England, in addition to losing to (4th place)
Yugoslavia, was also beaten by the Russians and the
Czechs. Given their inability to win at doubles (at least
without trying to use and so overwork defender
Hammersley) they could only beat two teams(6th
place) Germany, when Karen Witt (3-12) defeated
Kirsten Kruger, and the U.S., when Witt defeated He-ja
Lee. Relegated Bulgaria, meanwhile, could not contest.
After the round robin there were two crossover ties
for every teamwith, as I explained in the last Chapter, the
exception of odd-team-out Poland (who finished 0-8) in the
9-team Group A (as opposed to, in South Koreas absence,
the 8-team Group B). But here I concern myself only with
Englands Jill Hammersley--10-0
the four remaining contending teams.
in Cup matches
458

In the crossover semis, China wastes no energy with the Russiansgives up only 77
points in six quick games. The North Koreans, however, will be locked together with the
Japaneseand the question is, Who holds the key to their 5-match tie? In the 8ths of the
Singles that will follow the Team competition, it appears theres a good chance that Japans
Shoko Takahashi will play World Champion Pak Yung Sun. So why, after Takahashi has beaten
Magos, Vriesekoop, Hellman, and her 75 World Doubles Champion partner,76 European
Singles runner-up Marie Alexandru, is she not playing this all-important tie for Japan? Two
reasons. One, because lefty looper Pak is at her topspin best against such a defender. In the
later Singles event Takahashi will indeed play Pak and get only 39 points total. And, two,
because her Cup substitute, Kayo Sugaya, having been well-rested after only three matches,
figures to do no worse against Pak than Takahashi. (To slip quietly ahead to the Singles again
for a moment, I note that Sugaya will be the only player to go five games with the new
Chinese World Champion, Ge Xinai.)
However, at the moment, Kayo cant take so much as a game from either Pak Yong Ok
or Pak Yung Suncant complement the partial success of future 3-time U.S. Open Champion
Kayoko Kawahigashi whos scored in singles (over the lesser Pak) and in doubles (with
Takahashi). So Japan succumbsand the thousands in the stands are ecstatic.
Theyre even more so when in the
final the World Champion opens so heroically
against...Ge Xinai. But let Carl Danner,
covering this and some of the Mens Team
ties for our USTTA magazine Topics,
describe Paks opponent. Out to defend
Chinas honor is an unlikely looking citizen of
the Twilight Zone, Ge Xinai. She is short,
does not look athletic, and wears the sort of
glasses your Aunt Emmie used to use to peer
at dominos with. Whats worse, this would-be
librarian is, of all things, a penhold chopper.
She makes the ball do weird fluttery things
Ge Xinai stroking a forehand.
From Table Tennis Report, 1979, No. 3
(especially when blocking) that seem beyond
physics. Pak, however, after rallying from
17-13 down in the 1st, will win this match 2-0the only singles match China will lose in Cup
play through 10 ties.
Which, just in case you thought that
China might opt to give up an event she prizes
most, rather tells you what will follow. Carl
speaks of how right-handed penhold attacker
Zhang Deying beats Pak Yong Ok two
straightand notes that the Korean girl is
more powerful, but bigger and slower. As
expected, the doubles will go to the imminent
World Doubles Champions Zhang Deying and
Zhang Li (who, though runner-up during Paks
reign, has been thought by many to be the
Friendship Champion). Zhang Deying will then,
Chinas Zhang Li, 2-time World Runner-up
459

18-in-the-3rd, insure Chinas victory while allowing Pak a Champions dignity in fighting the
good fight to the end-game end.
Swaythling Cup
In writing about the Mens Team Championships Carl was happy to note that the
conditions at the Pyongyang Gymnasium were perfectpiano-legged Stiga tables, Nittaku
balls and a beautiful parquet wooden floor. The lighting was incredible, and each large court
was individually barriered. He was a little dismayed thoughoccupational hazard, Carlthat
so many matches were being played at once. How could one keep track of them all?
The format at this Worlds was the same as those previous. So Ill start with the Group
A round robin. Because it had 9 teams, as opposed to Group B, which (in South Koreas
absence) had only 8, Rumania, 0-8 in its ties, was deemed odd-team-out and relegated without
any chance to play in the crossovers. Rumania, as we saw in Chapter 15, was the only round
robin team the (8th-place) U.S could beat.
Poland (7th with a 2-6 record) lost three 5-3 tieswith France (3rd), West Germany
(6th), and Yugoslavia (5th)and also one 5-2 tiewith North Korea (4th).
Against France, Poland got off to a fabulous startwon its first
three matches and in the fourth was at deuce in the 3rd. But Patrick
Birocheau (12-10) escaped Ryszard Czochanski (3-15), whod earlier
upset Christian Martin. And then in the 5th match, after Jacques
Secretin (17-7), with his defensive/offensive high lobs and high-hopping
loops, eked out the 1st, 23-21, from Andrzej Grubba, the momentum
shifted conclusively to the French. Grubba, whod be runner-up at the
Europeans in 84 and at the World Cup in 85, won two from both
Germany and Yugoslavia,
and lame, game Stanislaw
Fraczyk contributed a win
each tieincluding the one
against North Korea where
Grubba (15-9) beat Yun
Polands
Andrzej Grubba
Chol (8-11).
Against Germany,
North Korea prevailed 5-3 by winning 4 out of 5
of the 22-20 and 21-19 swing games. Losing 3 of
these games was Germanys 1978 National
Champion, Engelbert Huging, whom our Carl
Danner described as a big guy with shoulderlength stringy hair and a black beard to match his
racket. Even more of a threat to the Koreans was
Yugoslavia who fell to them 5-4. Though Dragutin
Surbek took three, including a 19, -8, 22 tietightener over penhold attacker Cho Yong Ho (187), Anton Stipancic, whod go on to share the
World Doubles title here with Surbek, lost two
Germanys Engerlbert Huging. Hes not
disappointing 3-game matches, and Zoran
happy about losing those swing games. Howd
Kosanovic, whod soon be trading off key U.S.
it happen?
460

Open matches with Swedens Mikael Applegren and Eric Boggan, couldnt add an outcomechanging winner.
The Yugoslavs also lost 5-3 ties to France and Hungary. Surbeks excellent 20-2 record
was marred only by a 15, -19, -20 loss to Secretin (his other, a drubbing by China superstar
Guo Yuehuawhom Surbek later, in a losing Singles cause, would average 21 points a game
against). For whatever reason, The Dragon didnt come out of his fiery cave to play against
Hungarybut Stipancic won a 19-in-the-3rd thriller from Gabor Gergely, and gangly
penholder Zoran Kalinic (12-5) gave the indifferent Korean spectators more of the same by
outlasting 75 World Champion Istvan Jonyer, and then knocking off Tibor Klampar two
straight.
Among Surbeks victims
had been Li Zhenshi, who
impresses Danner with his
astonishing speed as he
hustles to get into position for
repeated deft thrusting forehands
that are astonishingly quick.
China beat Yugoslavia 5-2the
other loss being a highly suspect
one, for Kosanovic (4-12) upset
one of the heretofore favorites to
win the Singles, Liang Geliang,
18 in the 3rd. Thus Liang is
positioned as a loser for the
important tie to come?
Though China has given
up only these two matches, in the
final tie of their round robin
Chinas 1978 Scandinavian Open Champion Li Zhenshi
against Hungary they were to
Photo by Neal Fox
win only two.
Danner says that in the opening
match Klampar is often able to contain
Li Zhenshis penhold flash attack so that
he himself has a chance to take the
offense. He serves short, digs into short
pushes...then wallops the first ball that
comes up. After getting in two downthe-line kill loops, he takes the 1st
game at deuce, and wins in 3.
Carl, like everyone else, is
captivated by Liang Geliangs game. He
was first a world class player as a
chopper, then he won the Asian Games
attacking! His opponent here is the
flamboyant Gergely who scrambles,
Hungarys Tibor Klampar
jumps high in the air to lift Liangs
Photo by Mal Anderson
461

impossibly loaded chop, and bashes winners. The Hungarian wins in straight games, ending
the 2nd by winning 8 of the last 9 points. Maybe Liang isnt so good after all? Maybe the
whole Chinese Team is overrated? Maybe this tie signals the end of Chinese domination for
now and decades to come?
Jonyer and Guo Yuehua, says Carl, is a high tossing, free-swinging affair. Guos
loop is superb. Jonyer spins everything he can. Seemingly the former World Champion is in
1st-game 17-11 control, but Guo rallies, and, down 19-18, kill-loops Jonyers best serve and
wins when Jonyer misses two short pushes. After the Hungarian wins the 2nd, Guo gets off
to a 7-1 lead in the 3rd. But perhaps its no surprise he doesnt hold it. At 14-all Jonyer
whales a loop crosscourt to Guos backhand, wins a long looping point and breaks the game
open with spectacular play. The Chinese are down 3-0.
Isnt this embarrrassing?
In the 4th match, Carl points out that Klampar doesnt let Liang hit a ball. Then,
whether he lets him or not, Liang, down 17-14 in the 1st, does take the attack, but can carry it
only to 19. In the 2nd, Liang is up 16-5! So now who do you think is going to win? Not
China, for in the 3rd, down 20-18, Liang chops off.
Enough. For a moment or two, that is. Li beats Jonyer in 3.
Ah, the tie is tightening? Can be tightened further? Maybe thats what the North
Korean umpire thinks? He cheats Gergely out of an early first game point against Guo and
the Hungarian goes ballisticloses the match 8 and 7.
But...mission accomplished.
Jonyer masterfully dominates
Liang. The Chinese appears to need
coaching, for hes much too
defensive-minded. The next time he
plays the Hungarianwhich will not
be in the Team final, from which hell
be removed, but in the Singlesthis
veteran of World Championships
since 71 will know what to do. By
boldly attacking and counterlooping, hell defeat Jonyer in
straight games and join his
teammates Guo and Li in the semis.
But for now, in Group A,
Hungary is #1 and Defending
Champion China #2.
Perhaps the Chinese should
have played Huang Liang? No, they
Jonyers too powerful for Liang
shouldnt have, said one longtime
observer, because the Hungarians were used to Huangs once dreaded racket and couldnt be
chopped down. Jonyer, Klampar, and Gergely have had so much experience playing the
Chinese, this analyst insisted, that they know to watch carefully how the ball flies, and so read
the spin very well. Jonyer for oneand as Jonyer goes, so goes the teamdoesnt have any
problem with high toss serves or any other Chinese kind now because he knows exactly whats
on them. Also, though he hadnt been practicing much until just before this tournament (his
462

play has been limited because capillaries threaten to break in his calf), and though he can play
badly for, say, 10-point stretches, he has, frighteningly, the necessary strong-arm game to
power winners through the Chinese. So the Hungarians, the argument goes, were scarcely the
same Birmingham underdogs a number of people had made them.
The Hungarians wonmost people, including our U.S. Mens Team Captain
Houshang Bozorgzadeh, were sayingbecause theyd given up their wide-arc topspin and
were playing much closer to the table. Moreover, a player like Klampar, whos good off both
wings, will, if inspired, be more than a match for the Chinese hitters who have only a block and
a forehand and with suspect footwork are therefore vulnerable on the backhand. Most people
were also saying that its not the Hungarians who are intimidated but, ever since Hungary beat
China in the Scandinavian Teams several months ago, the Chinese.
Some experienced circuit players were still skeptical of Hungarys success though. Said
one, Come on now, if I can keep the ball short when the Hungarians serve, why cant the
Chinese? Of course if you give the Hungarians chance after chance to loop, theyll look like
worldbeaters. Who wouldnt?
But others pointed to the fact that if you served short to the Hungarians they now
flipped the ball back instead of just softly returning it short. Also, theyre pushing fast and long
to make it more difficult for the Chinese to out-and-out hit the ball. Now the Chinese are
forced to half-hit, half-topspin and this allows the Hungarians to block or counter very quickly
and then get into their super-hard forehand or backhand topspin control. Or, to put it another
way, the loopers can stop the hitters from hitting, but can the hitters stop the loopers from
looping?
Of course China is still in contention to retain their title, for they have entered the
crossover semis as runner-up in Group A.
Meanwhile, over in Group B, three non-contenders are fighting for the 6th spot, which
will assure them they cant be relegated in the crossovers. Australia, whod barely managed to
stay in Category I at the last Worlds in Birmingham, 5-4 survived their ties with Denmark
(7th) and Hong Kong (8th).
The Aussies were
down 4-2 to the Danes
after which in the 8th and
9th matches the
unpredictable happened.
Bob Tuckett (2-13) defied
all odds by bearding Claus
Pedersen (16-5), then
Steve Knapp (7-10)
avoided an ironic reversal
by 23, -17, 23 besting
Palle Rud (5-17) in a tietingler. Two days later,
Australia survives--with the help of Bob Tuckett (L) and Steve Knapp
more teasing uncertainty
for the Australians.
Leading Hong Kong 4-1, they suddenly saw Tuckett lose two matches after winning the 1st game in
both, and Paul Pinkewich, whod heretofore given up but 34 points total in four games, drop a 19,
8 match to Vong Iu Veng. Knapp again came through, though, beating Lam Hung Shing 21, 14.
463

Naturally the Australians, whose men again narrowly avoided relegation, were feelin
pretty good as later they prepared to leave Pyongyang. But, as Aussie official Len Haycroft
told Mal Anderson, the North Koreans at the airport told them that their bags were
overweight, and the overweight charge would be $1,000 U.S. The Australians answered that
their bags were not overweight when they arrived, so the increase could only be due to all the
mementoes of North Korea that they had received; so rather than pay this charge, they would
open their bags and leave all these mementoes on the runway. The North Koreans then
compromisedthe charge was reduced to $12.50 U.S.
It was unfortunate for Denmark (who, like Australia, finished 2-5) that they were in
danger of relegation, for they not only beat Hong Kong 5-0 (highlighted by Freddy Hansens
deuce-in-the-3rd win over Li Kuang Tsu), and scored a wasted 5-2 victory over England
(highlighted by Pedersens deuce-in-the-3rd win over Des Douglas), but they 3-5 contested
with both Japan and the USSR. In the Japan tie, Pedersen lost to Seiji Ono, but downed both
Masahiro Maehara and Norio Takashima. And in the tie with the Soviets, Denmark was
actually leading 3-1 thanks to Pedersens victories over Bagrat Burnazian and Valerij
Shvechenko.
All of which shows that Denmarks later 5-4 tiewith Pedersen beating Danny
Seemiller 26-24, 22-20that resulted in the U.S. being relegated was scarcely an
embarrassment for our Teams modern-day debut with the worlds best.
Though Hong Kong couldnt win a single Swaythling Cup tie, they managed to 4-5
extend the USSR which, in posting, like Sweden, a 4-3 record, finished 3rd. The Soviets were
stopped by the 5th-place English, whom the Swedes beatbut since the Swedes fell to the
Soviets they lost out in the head-to-head tiebreaker, and finished 4th. 73 World runner-up
Kjell Johansson, true to his word, had indeed retired. In fact, only 71 World Champion Stellan
Bengtsson remained from Swedens Birmingham Team. Mikael Appelgren (4-8) and Ulf
Carlsson (4-12) were the most promising Swedish newcomers and six years later would pair
up to win the World Doubles title.
Japanwith Ono (17-6) and Takashima (17-5) leading their advance, but with a
relatively weak thirdhad to struggle through 5-3 ties not only with Denmark, but with
England and Sweden as well. Englishmen giving the Japaneseand particularly the upcoming
World Champion Onothe most trouble were Douglas (17-5) who beat him, and John Hilton,
1980 European Champ-to-be, who -20, -18 threatened him with his effective antispin.
Swedens Bengtsson (13-3) was able to defeat Ono and Takashima in straight games, but was
upset by Maehara (4-7).
Undefeated Japan finally came to its climactic tie with undefeated Czechoslovakia who,
playing three playersMilan Orlowski (18-4), Josef Dvoracek (14-6), and Jindrich Pansky (89)had shown more depth than their opponents, winning over England 5-2 and all other ties
5-1 or better. Though Takashima triply triumphed, the Czechs were able to down the Japanese
5-4 because both Orlowski and Dvoracek proved too strong for Ono, and European Junior
Champ Pansky won the 3rd-man, 9th-match battle over the hapless Maehara.
Czechoslovakia thus had the dubious distinction of meeting Defending Champion
China in the crossover semis. Pansky, who in the 1st round of the Singles would average only
10 points a game against the Rumanian Serban Dobosi (3-11 in the Teams), opened for the
Czechs, and opened some eyes, by winning the 1st game from the as yet undefeated Huang
Liang, World #3 after the Birmingham Worlds. But then in the next two games combined the
Czech youth totaled only 3 more points than hed won in the 1st. Li Zhenshi followed by 8, 11
464

crushing Orlowski, who, if you didnt count that loss and his
two subsequent ones to the Chinese, would post an 18-1
record. Meantime, count Dvoraceks loss to Guo, tooand
China had streaked to a 4-0 start.
Nor did Pansky, down 16-2 in the 1st, suggest a
5th-match change might be in the offing. And yet,
wonder of wonders, it was. Danner, writing up this tie
for Topics, says, in effect, that Guo just uncaringly,
carelessly allows the youthful Czech to build some
confidence by getting to 12 that 1st game. Then,
reports Carl, Pansky is rejuvenated, eager, and
hotand, on looping, killing, looping Guos
loops (though often the Chinese is missing
now), takes the next two games.
You can tell that Carl himself, after
watching the Chinese win 9 straight games, is enthused by this unlikely turn
of events that keep the Czechs alive. Heres his description of the next match:

Jindrich
Pansky
Photo by
Mal Anderson

Dvoracek must be six feet four and

225 pounds. He is big and strong. His style is
to loop, loop, loop with his backhand,
controlling the table with soft spin and then
lunging at the ball with his awkward forehand.
He is very steady, however, and has a good
touch. His game turns out to be perfect for
playing penholders. Li Zhenshi is immediately
uncomfortable against him. He cannot time
his lightning quick bullet forehand against the
Czechs lazy, deep unpredictable spin.
Furthermore, Dvoracek is occasionally able to
Josef
crank a backhand fast and spinny enough to
Dvoracek
get through. Li is like a finely tuned and oiled
Photo by
Mal Anderson
machine into which some kid has thrown his
wad of bubble gum....Down 12-19 in the 3rd,
his rally falls far shortat 15-20, he high toss serves into the bottom of the net and comes to a
gooey halt.
So are you beginning to think that Czechoslovakia might continue staying afloat so,
maybe even win this tie? Dream on. In the wake of the last two wins, Orlowski, though
deucing the 2nd, loses in straight games to Guo, and the Czechs must realize that their
imagined passage to the final has disappeared, as with a ghost ship gone.
So, finally, the finalChina vs. Hungary. Will it be a repetition of their earlier tie?
Some say the Chinese are scared, have already given up. Instead of playing Liang
Geliang, theyre playing young Lu Qiwei. Listen, said one fellow, if the Chinese thought
they had any chance, Liang wouldnt be sitting on the bench.
But, came the rebuttal, why would Lu be scared of the Hungarians? He beat them
in Sweden and Paris.
465

Another pointed out that the Chinese were clearly in disarray. Look, he said, some
of them arent even wearing their same-color Team shirts.
Which prompted one confirmed skeptic to counter with, Precisely. And when have
you ever seen that? Dont you understand? Theyre trying to tell you that their society is
changingand that the image of China as one big collective body instead of small, separate
individuals isnt that important to them anymore.
So in this fellows eyes the Chinese were going to dump the Teams but maybe win the
Singles or Doubles? Did that seem possible?
Guo, Danner points out, is on court practicing for his opening match. Hes warming up
with his opponent, Gergely? No, with another Hungarian? No, a Chinese who strokes like a
Hungarian. The World Champions are rumored to have, if not a look alike, a play alike, for
every contending countrys best they have to face.
But have Guo and his coaches
Hungarys Gabor
anticipated accurately? Carl says Gergely
Gergely--has the wing
from the get-go is a Hungarian madman. So
span of a giant bird.
From the 78 European
he was last time when that North Korean
Championships Program
umpire upset him and Guo routed him in an
8,7 debacle. This time, however, he spins
and kills, sprints from side to side while
launching bullets to the corners around Guos
penhold reach. So up is he that after one
point is over, he leaps four feet high over a
barrier hurrying to retrieve the ball. Back at
the table, following through with a kill, he
seems to have the wing span of a giant bird.
Guo gets 10its like hes standing still? The
Chinese contests the 2nd, however. But from
18-all, the Hungarian loops in, Guo misses a
lob, and Gergely finishes him off with a sharply angled forehand. Hungary 1China 0.
Coach Li Furongs decision not to play either chopper Huang or (to chop or not to
chop?) Liang Geliang this tie, but to use instead Lu Qiwei, who -17, 21, 9 almost lost to
Rumanias Teodor Gheorghe, seemed to some questionable. The more so, when in the 1st
against Jonyer Lu is down 10-1. In the 2nd, however, the youthful-looking Chinese shows he
can move and flat-hit well enough to get to 19-all before Jonyer blasts him away with
backhand-loop winners. Hungary 2China 0.
Li Zhenshi looks discouraged. Had he won that 1st deuce game from Klampar before,
he would have beaten him? Now he averages 14 a game. Perhaps Coach Li should have sat
him out. Would it have made a difference? Hungary 3China 0.
Is this embarrassing?
Ah, Guo leads Jonyer in the 1st, 16-12. Then gets but one more point as Jonyer zones
in. Danner explains that by playing short balls and then quickly looping before the taller,
lankier Hungarian can get his own attack in, Guos doing just fine. But then he makes the
mistake of not varying [his] tactics (uh, why should he?), and Jonyer aggressively
dominateswhich to some must seem something of a paradox.
In the 2nd, says Carl, Jonyer, whomping the ball, is up 19-17, then gags, so that his
errors keep Guo at the table for a 3rd game. Jonyer recovers, is up 6-1....At 10-6, says
466

Carlthats 10-6 Jonyerthe

Korean umpire calls an obvious
side an edge, cheats[?] Jonyer and
breaks his concentration. Guo
wins four straight and then sees
Joyners off shot also called an
edge (perhaps the umpire was
simply blind). Jonyer turns to the
Chinese bench and gestures thats
one each. But the Hungarian
seems distant to the task at hand
and, down 19-15, cant quite get
it together in time. Hungary 3
China 1.
Observing the 5th match,
Carl reports that Gergely does
the improbabledefeats Li in 3.
Hungary 4China 1.
Now Lu needs to beat
Klampar, or its all over. Lu loses
the 1st, is down 9-0 in the 2nd,
and soon it isquite decisively
all over. Today is Klampars 26th
Arms outstretched, Gergely has done the improbable.
birthday, and appropriately hes
From 78 European Championships Program
hoisted high on courtthe figure
whos iced the celebratory cake.
Zoltan Berczik, the former
European Champion who coached
the Hungarian Team to victory
here, told U.S. Team Captain
Bozorgzadeh that for 15 years
Ive been chasing the Chinese
team. Naturally he exulted in this
resurrection of Hungarys past
glory. Our victory over China
during the Swedish Championships
was reported in the media to be a
result of Chinas stressing
friendship, but they cannot say that
now. As most everyone could see,
the Hungarians, who hadnt won
Chinas Li Furong (L) is dwarfed by Hungarys first championship Swaythling Cup Team since 1952.
the Teams since the 52 Worlds in
Bombay, had just demonstrated
that, through their marvelous power play, they got what they were entitled to.
As for the Chinese, when a reporter asked Li Furong how he thought his team would
do next time, he said, with a faint smile, It will not take us 27 years to gain back the title.
467

Chapter Thirty-Five
1979: Pyongyang: Womens/Mens Singles Play.
U.S. Team
member Alice Green, in
one of her articles to
the New York Times,
spoke of how
extremely partisan the
North Korean
spectators were, how
they erupted with
screams and cheers
every time their players
so much as earned
no, make that wona
Alice taken aback by the screams and cheers.
point. Otherwise, she
said, regardless of the
quality of play in the arena, they maintained a ghostly silencethat is, if they even stayed
around to watch. And, said Alice, 15,000 of them at the end of the China-North Korea
Corbillon Cup final did not stay to follow the continuing China-Hungary Swaythling Cup tie.
All this on a day that the Pyongyang Times began its lead front-page article with the headline,
Pyongyang Gymnasium Permeated With Love.
Womens Singles
Since that Gymnasium Permeated With Love
article referred really to North Koreas great leader
Comrade Kim Il Sunghis love for his people, expressed
by the great leaders profound loving care and attentions
shown in the construction of this sports arenait would be
no surprise to read, at least in the Pyongyang Times, that
two-time North Korean World Womens Singles Champion,
Pak Yung Sun, might personally have received a few
coaching tips from her beloved and respected leader.
Certainly she was a near 20,000 to 1 screaming favorite
here. And perhaps rightly sofor she had only to get the
cooperation of a few Chinese. And, as one fellow
humorously put it, It would mean war if the Chinese didnt
let her win.
Still, on her way to that quarters match with Chinas
16-year-old Tong Ling, Pak did have a momentary problem
with Mariann Domonkos, Canadas #1 (16-1 in Category II
play, and a deuce-in-the-5th 1st round Singles winner over
Czechoslovakias Dana Dubinova). In the 1st, Domonkos,
down 19-18, was not being sufficiently intimidated by the
468

North Koreas World Womens

Singles Defending Champion
Pak Yung Sun

crowd, and when Pak served off to make it 19-all, it was as if she were far more nervous than
her much lower-ranked opponent. Pak, however, won that game, then quickly reassured her
fans (though could they doubt her?) by thrashing the Canadian girl 21-9.
But Mariann came back to take the 3rd easily. Paks
got a steady topspin, she acknowledged, but nothing
special, nothing that impresses me. Which meant perhaps
that, after losing that 3rd game, the Champion sought advice
not only from her suited-up coach but from her beloved and
respected leader? For on returning she demolished the young
Quebecer, 21-5.
One thing she did bothered me a lot, said Mariann.
Often just as I was about to serve, shed put her hand up
so Id have to reset myself time after time. She didnt bother
me if I was doing well, but when I fell behind I began thinking
about her and not the match.
In the next round, Pak, with her long, looping stroke,
had no trouble with defensive-minded Shoko Takahashi,
whod just gotten by her Calcutta World-winning doubles
partner, Maria Alexandru, in 5 in expedite. Its always a
Mariann Domonkos
pleasure to watch this intense Rumanian playshe fights as
Photo by Don Gunn
hard now as she did 20 years ago, though now she wins with
antispin.
Tong Ling had no difficulty in reaching the quarterseither with Insook Bhushan,
U.S. #1, who too often just seemed to be floating the ball, or anyone else. At Birmingham,
Insook looked as if she were capable of winning the world title, but now that shes older and
an American citizen with of course no training prospects, she wont be considered a World
Championship contender again. (Suffered a bad blister, did she? Too bad, but perhaps it was
inevitable.)
An interesting player to follow in this section before she met up with Tong was Japans
Yoshiko Shimauchithe more so perhaps if you were her first-round qualifying opponent
whod gotten pulverized 5, 2, and 3. Some of the women had to play four qualifying rounds,
and in her third of these Shimauchi, after dropping the 1st game, disposed of U.S. #2 He-ja
Lee, who with her new hairstyle was called, I think admiringly, the Gergely of women.
To get to the 1st round proper, Shimauchi had to come from two games down to
defeat the Irish #1, Karen Senior (9-6 in Category II play), who on losing the 3rd at 19 and
coming so close to finding herself in clover, was just psychically spent. After which the plucky
Japanese had to again go the limit (and win a big 19 3rd game) to down Hungarys 19-year-old
Zsuzsa Olah, World #12.
Advancing to the other quarters in this half of the draw were Chinas World #3 Ge
Xinai and Hungarys 20-year-old Gabriella Szabo (10-4 in the Teams).
Bespectacled Ge Xinai, a penholder disciple of Zhang Zielin, former Worlds Mens
and Mixed Doubles Champion, is a very versatile, very steady attacker and defender. But she
almost immediately got knocked out by Japans Kayo Sugaya. When, with her jerkiness, her
awkwardness, Ge apparently just managed to win in 5 over the Japanese World #219,
somebody joked that the North Korean, Ro Jong Suk, Ges 1st-round opponent, must have
dumped to her.
469

Coming out to meet Ge Xinai in the 8ths

was the 24-year-old Swedish Champ Ann-Christin
Hellman. Shed been down 18-16 in the 5th to
Blanka Silhanova, the Czech #2 whod fearlessly
missed one too many forehands at games end.
Against Ge, Hellman lost 17 and 6, then,
undaunted, extended the Chinese star to deuce.
Szabo would be spared the shrieks of
partisans rooting for Kim Bok Yong when Kim lost
in the 1st round 27-25 to Jolanta Szatko, the Polish
girl whod beaten Japans Shimauchi in the Teams.
Szabo went 4 with Szatko, then another 4 in the
Blanka Silhanova
From 78 European Championships Program
8ths with Englands World #6 Jill Hammersley.
According to one observer, the Englishwoman
would have done better had she varied her spin more and placed her returns at deeper angles.
It wasnt enough for Jill that shed -18, 21, 19, 22 prevailed over World #25 Huang
Xiping and her Hong Kong coach, or that earlier in the season shed won the English and
Welsh Opens. She now insists that at 27 shes about to retire. Says that shes going into the
mail order table tennis business and have kids. That is, after she plays former England #1 Denis
Neale (now no longer ranked) a pound-for-pound challenge match.
On the other side of the draw, World #4 Zhang
Deying advanced in straight games to the quarters,
where shed meet World #18 Valentina Popova, whose
progress right from the beginning had been sometimes
haltingly difficult. First, the Russian #1 had met Chinas
World #8 Yang Ying, runner-up in the Asian
Championships, and after seeing her two-game lead
collapse had angled-in just enough backhands to win, 18
in the 5th. In the 2nd round, against Englands Karen
Witt (who was in Pyongyang via the English Selection
System in place of the more experienced Carole Knight
and Linda Howard), Popova had a 6, 10, 7 breather
after which Karen, as if she were thinking of emigrating,
went back to reading Cobbans A History of Modern
France.
The Netherlands Bettine Vriesekoop, World
#24, who has no penetrating shots but who keeps the
ball rolling well, lost a 17-in-the-5th 8ths match to
Chinas Yang Ying,
Popova. However, considering shes not been playing
Asian
Championships
Runner-up
much in order to finish her high school studies there at
Leiden (then its full-time play again before going on to
the university), she surely took great satisfaction in beating both Choe Jong Hui (North Korea
#8) and Pak Yong Ok (North Korea #2).
It was Choe and her umpire who earlier had so infuriated Hong Kongs Hui So Hung
that shed left their qualifying match and went scowling off up into the stands. The Hong Kong
player had been ahead 2-1 and 19-12 in the 4th when the umpire suddenly called four straight
470

service faults on her, which so unnerved her that she ended up losing the game. When in the
5th the umpire again began to fault her, she stomped out of the court.
Which reminds me....In another match, after a protest and consequently an
interminable hour or so wait, a Korean umpire, whod unfairly given a point to a Korean
player, was retired by the Tournament Referee. The European who comes in as the new
umpire promptly instructs the Korean scorekeeper to push a button that will subtract a point
from the Korean player involved, and return the game to its proper score. When the
scorekeeper refuses to make the change, the umpire, thinking theres a communications
problem, gets down off his chair, comes over and pushes the button for her, then turns and
heads back to his chair. Naturally the minute his back is turned the scorekeeper reverts the
point to the Korean player. Later, someone said, Look, whether she knows anything about
table tennis or not, its an automatic actshe thinks shes defending the worth of her country.
Before losing to Vriesekoop,
Germanys #2 Kirsten Kruger had
advanced out of the qualifying rounds by
eliminating the U.S.s feisty Kasia
Dawidowicz. Earlier, Kasia, worried
about being defaulted, had thoughtlessly
run from her open gym bag and the tens
(hundreds?) of dollars she had left loosely
lying on top therein to hurry out to the
court and go 2-0 and 20-16 match-point
down to Canadas Suzanna Kavallierou.
Miraculously, however, everything stayed
Germanys Kirsten Kruger
together for Kasia.
From 78 European Championships Program
Poor Suzannato lose a match
like that. Andpainful associationpoor Gloria Hsu. Up 1710 in the deciding 3rd in the Teams, knowing that if she wins
the Canadian women are promoted to Category I, Gloria, alas,
didnt win, and the Canadians werent promoted.
Advancing to the remaining quarters were World #2
Zhang Li, Singles runner-up in 75 and 77, and North Koreas
World #11 Li Song Suk, whod chopped down Hungarys
European Champ Judit Magos. Chinas Li seemed so smooth a
looper that after seeing her beat the Czech World #13 Ilona
Uhlikova, 7, 6, 6that same Uhlikova who in the Teams had lost
to He-ja Lee yet had bested World Champion Pakit was hard for
me to imagine that such a player could lose a game to anyone.
Canadas Gloria Hsu--alas, she
Another Chinese destined soon to dominate the World
didnt win and Canada was
scene was Shanghai high-school sensation Cao Yanhua. Shed been
relegated.
beaten in the 8ths by Magoswho, years ago as a very promising
schoolgirl herself, had changed from shakehands to penholder after the success of Kimiyo
Matsuzaki in the 63 Prague Worlds. Against Cao, the longtime Hungarian Champ had looked
slow, sick, and lost. And yet after losing a 19 3rd game that put her 2-1 down shed wearily
persevered, occasionally wristing away a Chinese throw-up serve or somehow finding strength to
snap in enough loops to finally keep herbandaged leg or nostanding tall.
471

Chinas Cao Yanhua went down to Hungarys Judit Megos.

Cao photo by Mal Anderson

The quarters match of most interest was

between World Champion Pak and Chinese
teenager Tong Ling. Pak of course, as weve seen,
had been far from invincible. Her Corbillon Cup
record at Birmingham had been an unimpressive 96, and here at Pyongyang, playing against every
team but the U.S. (with Insook and He-ja, its two
Chinas
Tong Ling
expatriate South Korean players), 8-3. She was
Photo by
said to be particularly vulnerable to Europeans
Mal
who pushed short then quickly spun from either
Anderson
forehand or backhand to take the attack away from
her. When she won that 1st game from Tong 21-8,
and then, down 19-16, scrambled out of the 2nd, 22-20, to prolonged thunderous applause, it
looked as though she and not the Chinese was in control. (And perhaps entering her mind too at
this time was the thought that in the semis shed be meeting Ge Xinai whom shed beaten two
straight in the Teams and who no doubt; everybody agreed, shed beat again.)
But whereas in the first two games Tong had been hitting to the corners and sometimes
tightly steering the ball, she now began smacking shots into Paks middleand, war or no war, as
that fellow in the beginning jokingly said, won the next three games to send Pak and perhaps all but
one of her coaches into retirement.
The premier player to advance to the semis to meet Tong
was Ge Xinai with a straight-game victory over Szabobut I
suppose the U.S. contingent, for one, should have been forewarned.
Back in Birmingham, our wily USTTA Rating Chair Neal Fox had
had the foxy notion that, gee, this Chinese should be #1.
In the other half of the draw, still another Chinese, Zhang
Deying, moving around her forehand well, high-toss-and-hit the
struggling Popova away.
So, to make it an all-China semis, that left only a win from
Zhang Li, twice Defending World-runner-up. I really feel sorry for
Chinas Zhang Deying
that woman, said a player who thought politics had deprived
From the Table Tennis Report,
Zhang of the title.
Sept., 76
472

But Zhang (who of course was not chosen to play against North Korea and World
Champion Pak in the Teams) hadnt won those years she was Chang Li and so wasnt going
to nownot even against a chopper. Anyway, though Im willing to give credit where credit is
due (especially when it comes to besting the Chinese), I feel I ought to remind everyone that
the North Korean in question, Li Song Suk, was beaten two straight by our Insook in Cup
play.
In the one semis, the veteran Ge, with her long, hard pips, seems just too straightgame good for not tough enough Tong, who after all was making her worldly debut here in
Pyongyang. Understandable, huh? Except that in November in the final of the Scandinavian
Open, young Tong 15, 11, 15 toyed with Ge.
In the other semis, it soon appeared there would be an All-Chinese final when Zhang
Deying won the first two games, 13, 13 from the North Korean Li. But then there was a hardto-figure 14, 14 turnabout and the players moved into the 5th.
Two awful-looking forehands put Zhang down 10-6 at the turn, but just when you
thought you saw the pattern, the red figure in the carpet, it was 10-all...12-all. Then the
Chinese seemed to get the arm, and with the crowd chanting its spell, its swell, every second
of every point, and with some in the stands literally jumping for joy, Zhang failed to cover a
ball and it was 17-13 Li. Down 18-15, Zhang angrily smacked back the ball shed just put into
the net. Clearly she wanted to show her frustration. And the Chinese used to be so disciplined.
Then two good picks by the North Korean put the crowd into a frenzy. After Li had scored the
last, match-winning point, one guy whod been flag-conducting his own separate coaching
section broke, ran madly with his huge spear of a banner round and round the arena. As the
crowd converged on Li, the ushers ran with her for their lives.
So. Maybe a North Korean would win after all.
And maybe not. Down 18-9 in the 1st, Li seemed bothered by Ges rubberor
something. In the 2nd, the Chinese, continuing to look so casual, so only half interested, never
topspinned very forcefully, just seemed to be loosely going through the motions. Up 16-10,
18-13, 21-16, with that same effortless, monotonous stroking, she seemed to say, If you
want, Ill topspin us into expedite.
As play continued, Ge of course rolled some more, but occasionally Li smacked one in.
Maybe, as in the last match, the Korean will come from behind, win 3 in a row. Wouldnt that be
something to tell Marshall
Kim Il Sung? Or he, if called
upon, to tell others? Into the
mid-game they played, and
Li was up 15-13; up, too,
several decibels, was the
sound-strength of her
supporters. Down 18-16,
the Chinese was choking or
dumping? And then the
signal was given. Expedite
it. Whereupon Ge won, 19
in the 3rd. And China once
again had a World Singles
Champion.
Chinas 1979 World Womens Singles Champion Ge Xinai
473

Mens Singles
The Japanese players one ought to rememberTanaka was a genius, his arch-rival
Ogimura had saidfor at the last 14 World Championships the Japanese had won as many
Singles Championships as the Chinese and the Europeans combined. 1969 Champ Shigeo Itoh
was in Pyongyangbut as a Tamasu Butterfly analyst and photographer. He had in fact a
never-to-be-forgotten moment whenas if all Japanese World Champions were the same
one in our USTTA party shook his hand and said warmly, Good to see you again, Kohno. As
it turned out, Mitsuru Kohno, the 1977 World Champion, was not defending his Singles title,
and, in his already fading place, Chinas Defending runner-up Guo Yuehua was the top seed.
After Guo had been given a 1st-round 24, -16, 12, 11 jolt from Rumanias Zsolt Bohm,
his match with Dragutin Surbek (20-2 in the Teams) figured to arouse at least a few hundred
spectators in the 20,000-seat arena. And, sure enough, their opening play didnt disappoint.
Surbek, up 20-19 in the 1st, had Gao going for his towel. But the Chinese came back, moved
the no longer quite so acrobatic Yugoslav around, made him look uncharacteristically clumsy,
and won the point. Again Surbek, threatening to pound Gaos lobs into the stands, got the ad.
But again the Chinese deuced it, forcing Surbek perhaps for the first time in anyones memory
to look at least a little slow and awkward in trying to stretch back a counter. Finally, after
more back and forth play, Gao won it 25-23.
Later, down 2-0 and 19-8, mortally wounded, the 32-year-old Dragon, invincible in
spirit, still 20-13...15...17...thrashed a very dangerous 21-19 tail.
So that was it then for the Yugoslavno other point to be made? Not quite.
Surbek,
though of course
hes had a very
distinguished
career, had never
won a world
titlenot, that is,
until, surprise, this
year when he and
his longtime
doubles partner,
Anton Tova
Stipancic stunned
first the Chinese in
the semisat
1979 World Mens Doubles Champions:
least they looked
Anton Tova Stipancic (L) and Dragutin Surbek
stunnedand then
From World Table Tennis, Oct.-Nov., 1986
the 1971 winners,
Hungarys Istvan Jonyer and his sad-faced partner Tibor Klampar, in the final.
Earlier, as Surbek was getting his elbow sprayed after a typical tumble, Id heard
several people talking about whether he was now finally going to retire. Could he really
continue to keep his will to win? Well, said one, his determinations always been his best
talent. How else could he be good enough to win that recent Top 12 tournament?
As for his partner Stipancic, even with The Dragon gone for a rather unsuccessful
season in the German Bundesliga, he, Stipancic, still couldnt win the Yugoslav Closed (hed
474

been beaten by Zoran Kalinic in the final). True, hed lost some weightbut not enough. He
was slow. His hands still there, said one. His hand will always be therebut the minds
somewhere else. I know, said another. Look at him out there, throwing his racket into the
net. Yeah, said the first, that army stint really hurt him: World runner-up in Calcutta,
World #40 nowa disgrace. And yet a lot of the players are still scared of him. When Klampar
plays him hes scared.
But, ah, the Doubles. All the waythey went all the way and never even lost a
game! said Dusan Dule Osmanagic, the spirited Yugoslav Captain, hugging and kissing his
boys on both cheeks. It was a very surprising and very popular victory.
Coming through to meet Gao in
the quarters was 1978 U.S. Open
Champion Norio Takashima. The
Japanese was spared a 2nd-round
encounter with Chinas Wang Huiyuan,
non-Team member and anonymous Mens
and Mixed Doubles semifinalist here,
when Englands John Hilton dispatched
him in 5.
Hilton, fair-haired and boyishlooking though in his early 30s, is
something of a physical fitness fanatic and
an enthusiastic, immaculately-dressed
player. He usually uses a combination
anti-loop/tackiness racket, but, says his
teammate Des Douglas, Every time you
see him, hes got some different Black
Power, Phantom Power, Black Tackiness,
Chinas Wang Huiyuan
Soft Screw, whatever.
Hilton is awkward to have to play because you cant tell which side of his rackets
which until youve started your stroke and the ball is up close or has already bounced. He also
occasionally uses a footstamp serve. But you cant use that serve, I told himits illegal.
There are a lot of things youre not allowed to do, he said, but you do them.
Of course no matter what he did, he couldnt take a game from Takashima.
Milan Orlowski, World #7, on his way to Takashima, had no trouble with Hong Chol,
North Koreas #2, whod gone 5 games with our own Danny Seemiller and then with
Bulgarias Stephen Stephanov whod compiled a very mediocre 6-6 record in Category II play.
Seemiller had lost a close match in the Teams to a combined force of Hong, the
Korean scorekeeper, and a Kim Il Sung support-button army of spectators, and had vowed
revenge. But, as in their Cup play, Danny began by losing a crucial 19 1st game, though hed
rallied from 19-14 down. The Korean had been bothered by Dannys serves, but up 20-19 hed
made an excellent return and followed with a forehand winner.
With the match tied 1-1 in games, Seemiller was again 21-19 done in, in part by too much
passive blocking. For a moment the Big Brother P.A. System tried to soften the attack (Please
dont root only for your Korean people, root for good points as well)but it was no more
effective than Dannys temporizing, which allowed him to win the 4th, but not the 5th. Clearly the
match had to go to the most unrelenting attacker and in this case that wasnt Danny.
475

Danny, I have to say, did not play as well in this Worlds as he has in the pastbut of
course the competition was much stiffer, the conditions far more adverse. Had he won his
expected two matches against Denmark in the Teams we would have no doubts now about
staying in Category I. But in all fairness to Danny and everyone concerned, I really dont think
the U.S. Team or their unwieldy, sometimes distracting entourage were sufficiently together to
give him the psychic focus, intensity, lift he needed.
All things considered, it seems to me impossible to blame any one person for our
disappointing showingeven if you wanted to, and I dont know anybody who wants to.
Ricky Seemiller played normally. Eric played normally, and at a very important moment
in the Teams rose to the occasionkept us momentarily alive by taking two big matches in
that must-win Denmark tie. Roger Sverdlik and Scott Boggan could not possibly have done
better in their Cup play given the first-rate opposition they faced. When Roger in the Hong
Kong tie finally had the opportunity to meet players he might beat, he won two important
matches.
The sad truth is, though, and after five straight Worlds its very obvious to me, that
year after year the U.S. is fighting mightily over the same terrainthe combat zone between
Category I and IIwithout making much progress. Nor could it be otherwise. We have no
National Team that regularly engages others, no professional coaches, few, if any, professional
players, no leaders committed to making the U.S. a world table tennis power, no premier
places to play, no world-class players to practice with, no chance to be familiar with worldclass playing conditions, and, worse, no prospects in the future for any of these things.
In short, it looks hopeless for the U.S. to become any kind of superpowerso much
so that the very idea of us ever challenging China or Hungary seems totally absurd.
Which is not to say of course that just because one measures oneself against the best,
and is found sadly deficient, one ought to quit. But if you cant beat em, you gotta join em.
Our players have to compete outside the U.S., outside North America, if they want to be
good.
Orlowski, too, though hed beaten Takashima in the Teams, wasnt too happyhed
just as soon not have drawn him in the Singles. Since the Czechs havent a chopper, Orlowski
hasnt exactly been getting in a lot of daily practice against a defensive style. But up 1-0 and 80 in the 2nd, his flat hit crisp and sure, he seemed secure enough. And yet the next moment the
Czechs lead and surely too much of his confidence was 16-16 gone. At deuce Orlowski had
Takashima on the run but missed a winning forehand and then another. Big swing.
Again in the 3rd it was deucebut this time it was Takashima who picked a
forehand...and it went in. Perhaps that induced the scrappy Czech to make an error. At any
event, you could see that after losing those two deuce games Orlowski had checked out.
Getting to the other quarters in that same half of the draw was Li Zhenshi, World #6,
and Gabor Gergely, World #3.
Before meeting Li, Germanys Engelbert Huging had struggled through two 5-game
matches. The first with Australias Steve Knapp, who, before losing, had persisted with dingolike tenacity to win the 4th, 28-26. And the second with Rumanias Teodor Gheorghe, who the
round earlier had 19-in-the-5th outlasted the Netherlands Bert van der Helm. Since Huging
was Germanys best material player, Li Zhenshi, up 2-0 and 17-4, ought to serve as a perfect
role model, an inspiration, to all those who, lacking Lis lifetime-learned, quick angled-off
blocks and hits, complain about how impossible it is to play against all this weird new rubber,
this junk spin.
476

Japans Hideo Goto upset Frances Jacques Secretin.

Goto photo from 1984 U.S. Open Program

Lis opponent in the 8ths was Hideo Goto, whod survived three ad-filled 3-2
matches. First, the Japanese, up 20-15 in the 5th, just 19 got by Koreas #3 Yun Chol. Then,
20-18 match-point down, hed fought back to down Englands Paul Day 23-21 in the 5th. The
fact that Paul hadnt gotten very good results this season in the Bundesliga (Balls are too
soft, tables too slow) hadnt helped his head any.
And lastly Goto, buoyed by two 23-21 games, had upset Jacques Secretin, World #14.
Up 1-0 and at deuce in the 2nd, the Frenchman pushed one off, then looped off and followed
by flipping his racket onto the table in disgust. At deuce in the 3rd, Secretin scored with mild
topspin, tried to do the same again and missed, then tried an unsuccessful drop, then pushed
off. After these three finishing errors, Secretin again flipped away his racket, bent to wrap a
towel round his neck, and with hands on hips walked round and round as if defying anyone to
stop him from self-strangulation.
But back then he came, looping harder, trying to get through Gotos defense...until it
was 16-all in the 5th. At which pointOozah!Hideo began picking in winners and
jumping ecstatically, generally in that order, and ran out the game. Before Secretin could even
pick up his towel (three Worlds in a row hed lost to a chopper), Goto was go-going down
the French bench shaking everybodys hand before jog-nodding happily over to his own.
In the 8ths, Li Zhenshi, who supposedly uses a standard Double Happiness racket,
with standard rubber right off the shelf, stopped the irrepressible Goto in 4. But for a furious
while the Japanese was again battling away, exhorting himself to prevail whatever the odds.
Up 26-25 in a game that will put him ahead 2-1, Goto gambles, picks out a ball and slugs it
with all his might. It goes in. But thenunbelievableit comes rocketing back into Japanese
mind-space, having been spectacularly countered. Down 27-26 Goto is undeterredpick-hits
in another. At 27-all, he hits againmisses, spins around, contorts his features into a silent,
alien scream. On losing 29-27 his face is Hideo-hideous.
Gergely, too, on his way to the quarters, was having his fuzzy-haired troubles. He
opened by losing a game, and giving up 19 points in another, to Swedish junior Mikael
Appelgren. The Swedes, now that Johanssons retired, are in a developing phase. But since
they probably have the best juniors in Europegive them time, it takes maybe five years of
477

international experience to become a good playertheyll considerably improve their 8thplace Swaythling Cup finish.
Gergely had surprising 5-game difficulty with Valeri Shevchenko, who, on taking the
4th at 19 from Stipancic had gone on to win the 5th too. Shevchenko was the top-ranked
Russian here in the absence of Sarkis Sarkhoyan and Anatoly Strokatov who, after returning
from a tournament, were being disciplined for having tried to sneak too many jeans under the
folds and around the shanks of old-maidish Mother Russia.
Up 19-16 and 20-18 in the 5th, Gergely looks...awful. Is just passively popping the ball
back down the center line. Shevchenkos serving (though not that squat serve the Russians
developed, perhaps because, as I heard someone say, The games so fast now, the server cant
get up in time), and, to the consternation of his coach and teammates, Gergelys half-choke,
half-keep-the-ball-in-play strategy is to wish himself a winner....Down 21-20, seemingly so
scared that his hairs standing on end, the Hungarian instinctively loops one in, and then
another, and when Shevchenko, trying to keep his serve return short, puts the ball into the net,
Gergely raises his fists in triumph and, coming off the table, throws his towel at the Hungarian
bench.
Shi Zhihao, the current (1979?) Chinese Championwho for whatever reason didnt
play on Chinas Cup Team (he lost to Klampar in the Yugoslav Open)is Gergelys opponent
in the 8ths. After pushing one off to lose the 1st at 19, the Hungarian suddenly finds himself
winning the 2nd 21-8 and going 8-1 up in the 3rd. No problem, huh? Except of course this is
the Worlds and many a player has a streak of the Champion in him....Down 19-18 after a
pirouette that seemed like a sudden stifled gasp, Gergely has to play through two net serves
that the inexperienced North Korean umpire doesnt call. Finally, at 22-all, he gets in a good
flick return of serve (the shot that allows the Hungarians to beat the Chinese?), and wins the
3rd, 24-22.
Up 2-1 and 17-15 in the 4th, it looks good for Gaborbut supple-wristed Shi stays
strong with tricky, table-controlling chop-blocks followed by crisp cracks, both crosscourt and
down the line, to extend the match.
In the 5th, up 20-19, the Hungarian is passive, and Shi passes him with a line-drive
beauty. Theres a deafening roarmerely one more deafening roarfrom the stands above. I
look up, butthough the score, deuce in the 5th, is plainly visible to allI cannot with a
binocular eye find one facenot onethat is watching or even glancing at this end-table
match. The 9-5 applause, willed, wells-up through the Gymnasium for Li Song Suk whos in
the first part of her first game with Chinas Zhang Li. Meanwhile, its Gergelys ad. Hes
looped one inwon the match? The response is a deafening roar...followed by another...and
another...and another...and another...long after he and Shi, unnoticed, have left the arena.
Moving towards a quarters match on the other side of the draw were Lu Yaohua,
runner-up in the Chinese Closed but still an unknown even to those on the circuit (I never
saw the fellow before, said Englands Douglas, one of Europes Top 5), and Seiji Ono,
runner-up to Takashima in the Japanese Closed.
The tall, 18-year-old penholder Lu first came to everyones attention when he 12, 8, 15
pip-zipped through 26-year-old ex-World Champ Stellan Bengtsson, the only remaining
member of the Swedish Team that had defeated the Hungarians for 3rd place in the last
Worlds.
Bengtsson had a shoulder injury earlier in the season and many thought he aggravated
it here. For after compiling a 13-3 record in the 1st Stage of the Team event, with wins over
478

Takashima and Ono, he didnt play in the crossover matches and later defaulted in both the
Mens and Mixed Doubles. Some were speculating that Bengtsson, especially since his injury,
was more vulnerable now to...distractions, that he wasnt psychically as strong as hed been in
years past. One analyst said that whereas Bengtsson used to keep the ball short so his
opponent couldnt get in to loop it, he now has to accept the fact that his opponent has learned
to flick-in that short ball. This means that Bengtsson is no longer the steady aggressor that he
was and so doesnt get to smash the ball as much.
Since Lu hadnt played in the Cup matchesChina, like every other team, could play
only 5 menmany observers were interested to see (compare World #9 Shi Zhihao vs.
Geregely) how this unknown Chinese reserve (?) would play against Klampar, one of the
worlds best. As it turned out, Klampar, winner with that marvelous pick-up backhand flick, of
the recent French, Yugoslav, and Czech Opens, had perhaps a little too much birthday cake
for one game against this Chinese was the best he could do.
Advancing to meet Lu was 23-year-old Ono of Osaka who in his spare time works in a
piano factory (no, he doesnt play himself). Again and again, stroke after varied stroke, he
pounded away a la Johanssons hammer, his follow through vibrating winners for him. First
against German Champion Peter Stellwag whom he outlasted in 5. This was a very big match,
for the winner had only Chinese left in the eighths, quarters, semis, and finaland anyone
aspiring to be a Champion always wanted to test himself against the Chinese, right? Or so Ono
must have been telling himself after losing the 3rd, 4th, and 5th gamesno, not the 5th, but he
was down 10-3 that last game.
Having survived Stellwag, Ono, strengthened by his comeback, now none too gently
assisted the superb pick-hit defender, Huang Liang, 25-23 in the 4th, out of the tournament.
Actually, Huang might not even
have been out there playing Ono in the
8ths had circumstances not demanded it.
During his 16ths match with Cho Yong
Ho, the North Korean #1, who earlier this
season was a semifinalist in both the
Chinese-dominated Asian Games and
Asian Championships, there was a
disputed point. This not only stopped
play, stopped the match (as earlier
because of notoriously bad officiating
Cup matches had been stopped and
bureaucratic decisions interminably,
absurdly waited for), butand this was
unprecedenteddid not allow the
resumption of the match until 17 hours
Chinas Huang Liang
later!
Down 2-1 (after losing the 3rd at
19) but up 11-9 in the 4th, Cho returned a ball that Huang and the entire Chinese bench
thought missed the table. The point, however, was given to Choin what the Free World had
come to call a Juche edge (in propagandistic mockery of Marshall Kim Il Sungs Juche ideal
thatin all-controlling North Korea of all placesman makes his own destiny). But because
Cho hadnt raised his hand in the customary Im sorry for being so lucky way (as if to
479

acknowledge that he himself hadnt thought hed won the point),

Huang asked the stony-faced umpire to reconsider. Of course he
wouldntfor no North Korean umpire, linesman, or scorekeeper
ever corrected any call, no matter how bad, no matter how
vehemently protested. The Chinese, whatever their
understandings were with the North Koreans, wouldntas a
matter of principle?let this call go. They were visibly angry,
feeling, one presumed, the injustice that the Americans, French,
and who knows how many others had felt, and so stopped play.
But this time the usual hour or so wait came and wentand still
no delicate decision could be made.
The Chinese were arguing that they had (what the North
Koreans didnt) objective proof of their positiona videotape of
the point. Naturally they wanted to show it to those officiating.

The Chinese at the moment of Huangs victory over

North Koreas Cho Yong Ho.
Photos by Scott Boggan and Neal Fox

480

DPRK propaganda poster

Naturally those
officiating didnt want
to see it. Or so the
story went round.
Meanwhile, in a rare
display of emotion, a
Chinese woman in the
stands just off court
was screaming mad at
having been cheated.
And a well-known
player was rancorously
thrusting a dagger, as it
were, into the ear of
our polite, young,
ideally sensitive
interpreter, Mr. Kim.
Nobody coming
here likes your
cheating, he told the
18-year-old North
Korean. Youre the
host. If you act like this
nobody will respect your
country. Only against
North Korea do the
players have a problem.
China in its history never
had a problem with
anybody. China wants
Friendship First. This

is the first time Ive ever seen China protest like this. I dont know why you are doing this.
You waste your moneyyou wont promote your country like this. Tell your leader. Explain
to him how I feel.
I will, said Mr. Kim with a perplexed little frown.
Eventually play resumeswith Huang, having lost the disputed point, down 12-9. And
now Cho is looping like one possessed, and Huang is equally relentless in returning the ball.
The North Koreans, massed in the stands above, chant fervidly their waves of Ohhhs, timing
with ritual regularity the onomatopoetic loop after loop, point after point tide of them. The
Chinese, Europeans, Americans, and Oceanians have bunched themselves round the court,
cheering uninhibitedly for a victory for the Free Worldthe more so because in some
instances theyre irritated or even angered at being pushed aside by North Korean
photographers desperate to do their job, get picture after picture the whole country wants to
see. Aficionados, intent on both players and backdrop, are bearing witness to what is likely the
most exciting moment of the Mens draw.
In this finally continued 4th game, Huang came from behind to catch Chobut at
deuce the North Korean had the strength of inspiration.
In the 5th, the match was post-mid-game close when Huang (who had not missed one
pick-hit, who was like 10 for 10 since his 12-9 down in the 4th return), seeing the now or
never need to extend himself, opened the palm of his hand to show (you should have seen the
effect of this at Birmingham) the most feared weapon at his commandthe serve. Cho,
helpless, missed three in a rowand though he fought gamely on, the match, the war, was
over.
The North Koreans made a big mistake cheating the Chinese, said one long-time
observer. You can bet there wont be any World Champion from Pyongyang this year.
Into the remaining quarters came the Czech Josef Dvoracek, Europe #15, who would
eventually play Asian Games winner Liang Geliang.
The tall, strong Dvoracek, losing games along the way with awkward consistency, got
a break when the Danish #1, Claus Pedersen, ousted World #15, frail-looking Lu Qiwei. Lu
had played for China without success in the final team tie against Hungary, and, as one fellow
put it regarding Lus 1st match in the Singles, He just didnt seem to be there, did he? But
with his little gifts (one U.S. player was quite pleased with the umbrella pen hed been given),
Lu certainly was a winner at promoting Chinese goodwill.*
The 16ths match between Dvoracek and Pedersen was 3-2 close. Invariably, whoever
got the first loop in would win the point, for on these tables the ball generally jumped high and
was difficult to block. Pedersen appeared to have the momentum, for, though hed lost the 3rd
game at 7 to go 2-1 down (how is it that rather evenly matched players so often get beat by
such lop-sided scoresdo they just abandon lost games in order to conserve their energy?),
he was 20-16 up in the 4th. Then, teeter-totter, the game was up in the air and the Dane barely
held on to win at 19...then he was down, grounded, at 5-0 in the 5th. Which proved to be
much too much of a spot against Dvoracek whose key wins over Jonyer and Klampar at
Budapest helped the Czechs win the European League.
Dvoraceks final opponent before getting to Liang Geliang was Englands Douglas,
World #8. The Black Flash (is he still called that in his native Jamaica?) has steadily
improved over the years since his first Worlds in Sarajevo when he was 17. But he knew even
if he were playing well hed have a demanding match with steady topspinner Dvoracek, for
hed lost to him in the Teams. And, sure enough, up 1-0 and at deuce in the 2nd, in a game he
481

needed to win to maintain his confidence, Douglas was forced into blocking the Czechs highkicking ball and lost 23-21. After that, he just 10, 7 seemed to want to quit.
World #2 Liang had few early-round problems. And even when he did, they seemed to
be of his own making. When he was in the process of beating Igor Solopov, the #2 Russian, 30, I heard somebody say, Look at Liang. Doesnt he look awful now? He used to be a good
player. His games really gone down since Birmingham. And, weirdly, Liang did look awful
his strokes were so cramped and strange I wondered what in the Worlds he was doing. He
was probably trying out some new rubber, said someone more worldly-wise than most.
Liang might also have been a little flaky in his 1st match in the Mixed Doubleswhich
he and his World Champion Singles partner Ge Xinai four rounds later would win. With his
team up 2-0 but down 20-19 in the 3rd to the Yugoslav pair of Kalinic and Gordana Perkucin,
Liang served off to lose the game...which 21-19 in the 5th later almost cost him the match and
the title. Now if this wasnt carelessness on his part, what was it?
Also, though Im sure theres a rational explanation for it (as Im beginning to think
there is for everything), why didnt Liang defend his Mens Doubles title with Li Zhenshi? Isnt
it difficult to believe the way Liang was tumbling all over the court that he and Guo Yuehua
would rather lose to the Hungarians in the semis?
Coming up to take his turn at getting zapped by Liang was Ralf Wosik of West
Germany. Wosik had beaten Ricky Seemiller in 4but not before Ricky had played one of the
most satisfying matches of his career against Chang Won Hyon, North Korean #7, who Id
heard was a Junior Champion in the Asian Games.
The deciding game for Ricky, after hed won the 1st, was the 2nd where, rallying from
19-16 down, he got to deuce. Chang then failed to return serve, Ricky held strong, and
smiling, shrugging at finding himself unexpectedly up 2-0, said, When youre loose, youre
loose.
But after hed lost the 3rd somebody pointed out that his penholder opponent was
using an illegal racketthe back of it wasnt stained. This caused some confusion, not of
course in the umpires mindhe always knew what to do, his duty was clearbut in the
minds of the North Korean players and coaches who knew (what the umpire didnt) the ITTF
ruling. Fortunately for the home-town favorites there was a 5-minute break, stretched out a
little, while some ugly-looking stain was leprously misapplied. Later at a mid-game point in the
4th, there was mild protest talk of an illegal
Liangs in no
servebut thereafter Chang was on his best
mood to lose.
behavior, and, when Ricky ran it out from
18-all, only the scorekeeper wouldnt shake
hands with him. Naturally North Korean
television didnt show a replay of this match.
The Liang-Jonyer 16ths match was
disappointingthough the Chinese tried his
best to be dramatic. Liang had lost to all
three Hungarians in the first China-Hungary
Cup tie, had then sat out the second. In this
match, because Jonyer was so wiped out
from his 14-5 herculean efforts in the
Teams, or from celebrating that first team
victory in 27 years, or for any other reason
482

you can think of, Liang retributively shaking a mean, bad-actor fist at the Hungarian had him
down 2-0 and 7-0 in the 3rd.
Oh well, Jonyer can always go back to giving $700-$1,000 exhibitions with Surbek, or,
if things are slow, he can figure out how to market some of that new Hungarian hair tonic
(guaranteed to grow hair on anyones head) that people in Budapest are supposedly standing
in line for at 4 a.m.
Surprisingly, most of the quarters matches didnt seem very interestingor maybe it
was just that, with no North Korean playing and the stands so empty, the tournament seemed
old and finished before its time. Maybe, too, it wasnt just the cold food the players were
getting tired of. Said one freedom-loving Westerner, I dont think Ive ever been to a place as
depressing as this. Players are slowly cracking upare borrowing each others cassettes, are
drinking, just to kill the time. Whereas if they were home....
Anyway, as everybody knew from Birmingham, Takashima, marvelous though he is at
getting a near perfect length on his ballchop after chop deep to the white linehad no
chance against Guo.
And Liang, who, regardless of what anyone presumes to say about his game
collapsing, is capable of performing as if he were the worlds greatest player, 63-34 destroyed
Dvoracek and so moved into one more semis here.
Li Zhenshishouldnt he be in
the semis too? I mean, who
knowledgeable wouldnt discount his
Singles losses to the Yugoslavs
Savnik in Calcutta, Kosanovic in
Birmingham? Of course he has to
overcome Gergely, whod -13, 9, 17
beaten him in the Swaythling Cup final.
The 1st game, which Li won at
deuce, was a big one. In the 2nd, the
Chinese, confident, was at his rapid-fire
bestwas picking up the ball so fast
on his forehand (has any player faster
reflexes?) that the score was 16-4
before, too late, Gergely could even
begin to trade off points. The trade
Chinas Li Zhenshi
continuedwith Gergely winning the
Photo by Tommy Andersson
3rd then losing the deciding 4th.
The Hungarian superstarsall of whom had now been eliminated by the Chinese
were said to be psychically down. I dont mean because they were beaten by the Chinese in
Singles but because they had beaten the Chinese in the Teams. Sound confusing? Paradoxical?
The best analysts assure me that its all pretty simple when you think about it.
And while youre at it, why not think about Onos opponent, Lu Yaohuawhose game
nobody knows. Will he be the 4th Chinese semifinalist? (At Birmingham thered been only
threeand Kohno.) Perhaps hed even be the new World Champion? Wouldnt that be an indepth surprise?
When on into the 5th he and Ono go, its anybodys guess as to what will happen. Up
7-6, the Chinese serves off. Down 11-9 he scores with some strange semi-loop that had a low,
483

dead trajectory. Onos up 13-12, but his face shows the strain. And then something very
unusual happens. Lu returns 1-2-3-4 of Onos servesreturns them allOFF the table. Is
apparently totally unnerved, broken. The ever intense Ono finishes him off with a down-theline crack that some imagined would send a tremor through the All China Sports Association.
The 18-year-old Lu couldnt take the pressure, had lost his concentration? Ono had
been holding back some super serves for just such an occasion? Whatever the reason, as
people began to talk, History was beginning to repeat itself, and a Japanesenot Kohno but
Onohad come to take his place with the Chinese as a potential Champion.
The turning point in the 5-game Liang-Ono semis was the 19 second game that Ono,
down 1-0 and looking as if he might succumb from malnutrition, had to winand did. Liang,
who in his glorious past had been both a brilliant retriever and attacker, too often seemed
content (though win or lose always cunningly content) to allow his opponent topspin control
of the match, and so, after that close 2nd game, the outcome, though surprising to many,
might well have been predictable.
Nobody seemed too interested in the Guo Yuehua-Li Zhenshi match, for most felt that such
a high level winner had been decided on by the collective Chinese before the players went out to the
table. Guo won 15 in the 4th, and for the second straight Worlds moved into the final.
In the Japan-China Friendship tournament in May, 1978, Guo had defeated Ono, 14, 26, 14and former World Champion Nobuhiko Hasegawa, writing in the Japanese Table
Tennis Report, had been impressed. He thought that Gao spent at least six hours a day
practicing, and said that no one was better at serve and follow.
Of course that was a year ago.

Japans Seiji Ono (L) will defeat Chinas Guo Yuehua to win the 79 World Mens Singles Championship.

In the 1st against Ono, Guo, who very early showed he could successfully keep the ball
short, didnt follow up the advantages he often had, but instead passively blocked then
deliberately backed away from the table. Ono, however, failed to return at least half a dozen
serves and so in a badly played beginning didnt get anything going either. At 17-all Guo failed
to return serve. Then he put Onos return of serve into the net. But down 19-17 he took the
offense for two successful pointsas if he could do this anytime he wanted. At 19-all he
popped up Onos backhand thrust return of serve and backed up to lose the point. Up 20-19
Ono appeared to chokereturned Guos serve long. Deuce.
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After Ono went up 21-20 on a perfectly placed block, Guo scored with two fast loops.
But again Guo appeared to set the ball up and Ono obliged by socking it in. There followed a
long, marvelous away-from-the-table loop exchange that brought Guo to 22-all and the
spectators to the realization that they were suddenly watching some of the most exciting play
of the tournament. Guo blocked one into the net, then balanced with a serve and fast follow
23-all. But now, pushing his serve return into the net, he fell game-point down, and when he
was again caught back from the table Ono passed him with a sharply angled-off winner.
In the 2nd, the Japanese came out of his corner nodding and dancing. Again Guo began
setting up the ball. Again Ono was having difficulty with those Chinese serves. Whenever Guo
got to a ball with his forehand the point was hisbut he wasnt getting to too many. Why not?
Because as the match progressed Ono was playing better and better? But then from 14-9 Ono,
it was abruptly 16-all. In the end game Guo again made costly errorsfirst hit the ball far too
long then into the net. Which maybe made it easy for Onohe socked one in and finished with
a down-the-line ace.
In the 3rd, Guo was down 3-0. Then for the first time he took the offense from
backcourt. By mid-game Ono had missed three more of Guos servesand the score was 9all. Guo, again too far back, returned the kind of well-angled ball he had heretofore not been
able to and moved in to control the table. But, still having his problems, was 17-12 down. Why
wasnt he doing what strategically everybody sees he should do? Seize the initiative with his
incomparable forehand. It was as if he didnt want to win. And then, just when many had
counted him a goner, he rallied, pulled to 17-16. And was again close when Ono, up 18-16,
missed a wind-up backhand.
Then, at
No World
18-17,
Fate
Championship
intervened. Guo,
for Guo this
year.
moving, changed
direction, and,
anticipating an
angular return,
twisted his left leg
and, on scoring,
fell to the floor.
He was quickly
ministered to,
managed to get
up, and, surprise,
ran out the game.
Then he
fell againas if to
show it was the same Guo, though in dumping himself into a heap like that hed just given the
Philoctetic illusion that, my god, he played better wounded than he did at full strength.
There was no doubt, however, that Guo had seriously injured himselfso dont think
for some Chinese box of a reason he was faking it. Observer after observer verified the knot in
his left leg was real. And now, thigh taped up, he could only stand there at the table flatfootedcouldnt move to hit a forehand if hed wanted to. Again he tried to continue, but it
was hopeless.
485

Guos destiny was not to win the World Championship at Birmingham, or here in
Pyongyang. Li Furong understoodhe signaled Enough, and bent over to comfort his player.
Ono, bowing, masking his eyes with a towel, was escorted off courtas if he, too, or
at least some part of him, was numb to what had unexpectedly occurred.
SELECTED NOTES.
*And that goodwill will continue, for, in the summer of 1986, Lu Qiwei will reportedly
(TTT, May-June, 1986, 9) come from Beijings Chinese National Sports Institute to Minnesota
to personally coach Juniors Tryg, Thor, and Rio Truelson.
I might add that Zhang Deying will also reportedly turn up in the States (TTT, Nov.,
1987, 18), in the summer of 1987, to take the jog of Head Coach at the Monteray Park, CA
Training Center.
How long either will stay in the U.S., I cant say.

486

Chapter Thirty-Six
1979: U.S. Teams Visits to Peking
In 1971, after attending the Nagoya World Championships in an even then fastbecoming Westernized Japan, I, along with 15 other slightly apprehensive U.S. enthusiasts,
was unexpectedly invited to Red China as the most untrained of Ping-Pong diplomats.
Now eight years later, on our USTTA delegations way to and return from the World
Championships in Pyongyang, I again visited Peking. After getting a glimpse of what went on
behind that strange curtained-off country of North Koreawhere every host, interpreter, and
guide wore not a Mao but a Kim Il Sung badge; and uniform, saluting children marched to
recorded musicI returned to what I now began to think of as Free China before going full
circle on to Japan and home.
U.S....Japan...China...North Korea...China...Japan...U.S.
Well, let all politicians and/or travelers in the future discover what symmetry they
mayI with a backward eye think again of that quote from The Great Helmsman, Make the
past serve the present and foreign things serve...
Serve China, yesbut also me, my own little fantasized sense of History. For in China,
as opposed to North Korea, romance for me was still possible.
Arrival
To begin with, our Pyongyang-bound U.S. group once again landed in the dark. (To
jokes: Sue Butler, just before she left Iowa, recalled her little one saying, Mommy, what year
are you coming back?) But this time our eyes had been gradually accustomed to seeing
hundreds of people at the airport, rows and rows of shadowy spectators who, as it soon turned
out, were not assembled there under that same hugely protective portrait of Mao to welcome
us, as if with brass band, as some had vainly thought. Far from it, for with our landing these
ghostly figures had all so completely, mysteriously disappeared that some of us began to
wonder whether theyd ever been there at all.
And whenstill strange ChinaU.S. Under 11 Champ Scott Butler went back to give
a customs man the gift of a frisbee (this man had been quite solicitous in his recording of
valuables, had even wanted to record the costume earrings Scotts mother was wearing), he
and all others whod had any business there were gone.
So who was at this airport? No other passengers, for no other planes were coming in,
or taking off, as late as 8 p.m. in this city of, say, 8,000,000. And no photographers or
newspaperman (werent we, wasnt our table tennis return, news?). But, ah, here with a few
relaxed soldiers about was our welcoming guide, smiling and greeting us with a perfectly
fluent, How do you do?
Is she wearing make-up? said one of us privately to another. Or is that just her
natural color?
I dont know, came the reply. Also, its hard to say how old these Chinese are. She
could be anywhere from 18 to 38.
Quickly then, in the eerie quiet broken only by the cassette strains from home (Its
over, my rock n roll dream), we were bussed off down the narrow, tree-lined road that, as I
looked instinctively for a street sign in English, would lead us (Life is like crazy circles round
and round) to...whatever accomodations awaited us.
487

Hotel Scene
Our first rather in-and-out stay before going into North Korea was at the Beiwei Hotel
on Xijinglu Street. Our 5-day second stay on our return from Pyongyang was at the Friendship
Hotel compound that was protected by a gate and armed guards (though as one Chinese
confided, Its really for showI doubt if there are any bullets in those guns).
In the Beiwei, perhaps because they were already putting up a number of small tourist
groupsAmericans, Canadians, Japanese, Chinesemore than half our rooms did not have
the lowliest diplomats tub or toilet. But there were great down-the-hall showers where one
crowded morning a smiling hotel employee, who earlier would not accept the gift of a frisbee,
graciously insisted I take his stall. In a typical room at the Beiwei there was the ever-present
thermos of tea, and new towels and bedspreads. But a lamp could be defective, a rug filthy
dirty, and the furniture, though adequate, invariably Salvation-Army-like.
In the Friendship Hotel, where on several floors chalk-clothed men and women were
carrying on extensive renovations, the accommodations were all first-class spacious. But since
there was often a problem getting hot water, some in our party, particularly players,
occasionally longed for the shared showers of the Beiwei.
In both hotels, any average tourist willing to give up his Western menu (U.S. dollars
thoughand only U.S. dollarswould always buy cokes) had to agree that the foodspicy
fish, saucy pork, sea cucumber, duck, shrimp with bean sproutswas quite good.
Also in both hotels all the employees were friendly and eager to please and everybody
from chamberman-or-maid to elevator operator was making at least some effort to learn
English. Good morning...1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.and then, though there were 10 floors, the
operator got stuck). Dictionaries and practical workbooks abounded (Do I pay my hotel bill
here?...Where can I get my film developed?) And each morning there was an English
language radio program:
Is your sister a student too?
Yes.
Is she a young pioneer?
Yes, she is.
How old is she?
Shes 10.
Whats her name?
Jane.
And so on, with that same British inflection, very slowlyand then again in the more
natural uninterrupted rhythm of conversation until...Goodbye, comrades.
Though an itinerary was planned for us that would center around the Forbidden City
and the Summer Palace in Peking, the Great Wall at Pataling, and of course the Friendly
U.S.China Table Tennis Match, many of us, especially in the beginning, just looked to be on
our own for a while. We wanted to walk (or jog) round the hotel, or be bussed to the
department stores, the glass and enamelware factory gift shops (where I valued particularly a
winged unicorn tip-toe on a bird), and see the sights of the city.
City Sights
Reconstruction was starting on the outskirts of Peking and moving inward. There were
many multi-storied buildings going upin one area, for example, there were 13 new
apartment complexes, numbered 1-12, the last left (superstitiously?) blank. But mile after mile,
488

city block after city

block, connecting wall
after connecting wall,
there would remain,
behind the strung-out
laundry lines and
private little entranceways, perhaps for a
very long time yet, the
catch-as-catch-can
brick and stone
enclosures, the
cemented homes of
how many dirt-filled
years of life.
There was still
such an absence of
Chinese street scene
grass in Peking. But
From Chinas Table Tennis 72; photo courtesy of Audrey Topping
there were more and
more pruned trees on the good earth, more flowers, shrubs, and green park benches now. And,
as always, the streets, the more often than not dirt sidewalks, the dusty roads (one guy driving
a truck was wearing goggles)all these were wind-swept, hand-swept immaculately clean.
(But, oh, what a stench from the sewers underneath.) And yet when I commented on this to a
Chinese he smiled and said, Peking man doesnt think the citys so clean. In some places they
clean the street with a towel.
Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalintheir portraits were
still largely there. And Maos, of course, conspicuously
where youd expect it to beat the Great Hall of the
People, or the Chinese Revolutionary Museum. But at
Red Square everyones favorite massed-together
business or pleasure now was having his/her picture
taken, or, with a rented camera perhaps, taking others.
Our short stay at the Beiwei brought us more into
the actual life of things than did the confines of the
Friendship Hotel (Id heard, for example, that there were
no cats in Peking, but that first night there was an
unmistakable meowing outside my window). No
American minding his own business here in 1979, even
the business of sight-seeing, would be unduly stared at or
draw the stunned, astonished mob that our U.S. Team did
back in 71 when it was almost always necessary for an
interpreter to be with us or at least follow at a discreet
Chairman Mao--his portraits still there
distance. Of course the people still looked at us curiously,
especially when we were buying something in a store
selling to Chinese, and naturally the free handout and demonstration of a frisbee or two could
quickly draw a crowd.
489

Walking down the streets of Pekingits miraculous to

me! said C.F. Liu, our USTTA videoman, who long ago had
left his native China but not his childhood memories. Perhaps
some of what he with his experienced eye saw anew we did
too?
Tiny tots with Mama,-I-have-to-make slits in the rear of
C.F. Liu,
their pants played at the edges of the horn-honking street. A
USTTA
father and his very small son practiced their sidewalk soccer
videoman
Photo by Mal with a little rubber ball. Kids yelled King of the Hill! on late
Anderson
afternoon construction mounds. Or quickly passed the time with
gaily-colored scarf dances. Or, having tied a bright ribbon
between two trees, enjoyed a game of Jump Rope. Redkerchiefed boys and girls with canteens nodded and smiled at
us. And once I saw a young fellow carrying a basketball, yo-yolike, on a string as he passed a curbside couple playing netless
badminton. Of course there was table tennis too...under
whatever conditions were possible.
A woman came along walking her bike and steadying
the kid sitting on it. Another cycled by with a fastened-on wooden box of a baby carriageher
little one sitting in the homemade sidecar splendor of a see-through cellophane enclosure. A
young woman in pigtails, humming, rode by with one of those thin, worn, unisex, blackbookbag-like satchels dangling from her handlebars. Still another came along, dressed baggily
like anybody else but with high heelsand she had a casual, sauntering, sexy, hands-in-herpocket way of walking.
As I was sitting in front of the hotel, three older women passed by, looked at me,
stopped, spoke to each other almost without moving their lips. One, without saying a word or
giving me so much as a nod or a smile, came up close, inspected carefully, curiously my
earring, then, satisfied, went back to the others and they continued on their way.
In the morning, chunky, white-kerchiefed, middle-age women jogged slowly by. An
elderly man with close-cropped white hair, dark glasses, faded pegged pants, and a cane was
out for a walk. Men played checker-like games on sidewalk tables, or more often huddled
mysteriously intent in little circles, as if shooting craps. A man in a white mask came by,
writing on the back of his hand. Another, more understandable in a mask, busied himself along
the street with broom and dust pan. A woman with what looked like a bee-hive bag over her
face was pulling a cart. A fellow whod run for a bus, and was disappointed at missing it,
looked at the schedule posted on a nearby pole, then shook his head.
Were we all seeing things or was a man doing lunatic finger exercises? Except we
knew we and he werent crazy. And then suddenly we came upon a whole class of phantom
warriors, from 6-60, led by an elderly woman who was practicing various degrees of slowmotion arm sweeps, tip-toe animal movements, sword swings.
Back at the hotel, or on the move, things happened. An older man, sitting around the
lobby, on seeing my freshly made-up wife, nudged a comrade and made a circular motion at his
lips. A younger man in a bus that had pulled adjacent to ours for a congested traffic moment
returned the greetings of Heather Angelinetta, our Womens Captain, and one of her players by
slowly sticking out his tongueallowing more than one inciting thought to come in and out of
their lives.
490

Down a side street a woman in a straw hat, hair sticking out, angry, yelling, a curious
mob at her heels, struggled with a man who was trying to stop her. (Are there Chinese
witches?) An occasional drunk you might see, or a man sleepily sprawled in a doorway, or a
feeble-minded person, or one deformed (that ones too much a lowbrow), or people on
crutches, or a red-haired Chinese, or an albino.
More different kinds of people now, more colors, than what Id seen in 71.
Within easy walking distance of the Beiwei Hotel was a streetside wall-poster exhibit.
As you might expect, Mao and Chou En-lai were honored with pictorial biographies. In
another frame, prominently positioned near a photo coupling American and Chinese flags,
were pictures of New York Citys World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty. Not far away
a smiling Senator Jacob Javits, President Jimmy Carter, and Vice Premier Teng were all caught
in comradely poses. There was also a shot of President Nixon and what appeared to be photos
of the 17-day war between China and North Vietnamone showing a mans leg gone, another
a womans shoulder badly cut and incompletely sutured. All of which reminded me of a
conversation Id had with our interpreter guide Ms. Liu. I believed in arguing, I told her, so
long as reason prevailed and it didnt lead to fighting. I do too, she said.
Camera Thoughts
Before we were to go to the Forbidden City, USTTA professional photographer Neal
Fox and I were walking down one of the less-traveled interior streets near the Beiwei when
suddenly we were stopped by a Chinese whod caught sight of the bazooka-like zoom lens
Neal, to the fascination of quite a few passersby, had fastened to his camera.
Excuse me, sir, he said to Neal in startling English, but may I give you a word of
advice. Dont do what Antonioni diddont take any pictures without first asking these
people if its all right.
Neal replied that, yes, he already knew to be careful about that, and the man seemed
satisfied.
I, though, was in mild shock. What backstreet Chinese here could possibly know this
famous Italian director? There were no free-world movies, no movie buffs in China yet, were
there? Did you say
Antonioni? I asked.
Yes, said the stranger,
and now as I write I picture this
man in a beret (was he really
wearing one?). Michelangelo
Antonioni. He did a
documentary here and caused
some ill-feeling.
Then abruptly gone
from our camera-I close-ups
was this unknown man, leaving
Neal and me to imagine our
subject more intensely.
Neal was interested in
Renowned Film Director Michelangelo Antonioni
photo-realism. Earlier, a friend
From
Screenplays
of Michelangelo Antonioni, Orion Press, NY, 1963
of mine had asked him if he
491

were into creative photography, and Neal had hesitated then replied, Well, Im into quality
photography. Unfortunately though, strangers advice be damned, those Chinese who
consented to pose for Neal too often produced only a grin, and consequently a disappointing
picture.
Actually, I myself, who had little or no interest in cameras, was comfortable with and
felt the worth of my compulsive note-taking. If that was something like photo-journalism, was
I as interested in realism as Neal? In a sense, I was a terrible reporter. I seldom wanted to ask
questions of anyone, least of all a stranger, for then I always felt as if I were forcing an answer,
directing this person into a pose, putting him on his guard. And I didnt want him on his guard.
But, oh, how I wanted to be around him, overhear him, observe him, analyze him, judge him. I
wanted to be the invisible man. And if I didnt hear or see enough through my eavesdropping
then Id extend what Id heard or seen of this person, ever so little, in my imagination.
With a still-pic camera, Neal was saying, you of course try to take your best shots,
but you always see the before and after, and not the happening.
What, I asked, do you mean by that?
Well, he said, the synthesizing eye of the still-pic photographer really isnt equipped
to slow down the action, the incredible blur of the moment he wants most to capture. Usually
tourists snapping away, even if theyve got fairly decent cameras, dont know whats going on.
But the professional photographer does, and because he knows that what happens at impact is
necessarily left to the Imagination, he concentrates on the before and after, on the interesting
tension of elements in, say, super-looper Guo Yuehuas wind-up...or follow through that can
produce a fascinating picture.
So it was with my own head-in-a-box note-taking? Lots of before and after there. As I
looked to scribble, how much was I missing?
Surely you agree, Neal said to me, that its possible for the best Chinese to serve
the ball so that an opponent literally cant see what spin is on it. As every slight-of-hand artist
knows, the hand is quicker than the eye. But professional table tennis players, like professional
poker players, know to look before and after. They look at the servers body, the angle of his
racket, and then, as the ball comes out of the blue, they watch very carefully how it spins in
flight, and so, with a little split-second help from their Unconscious, their Imagination, they get
the picture.
Theory aside, as Neal and I spent more time in Peking, we couldnt help but wonder if
these Chinese, who only eight years ago used to be so picture-shy, and still were, at least in the
eyes of that enigmatic stranger, and who in 1972 on their reciprocal goodwill tour of the U.S.
at first refused the gift of individual polaroids, were the same Chinese who were now shooting
each other as fast as the American tourists were?
Which reminds me (make what connection you will): just before I left for the Worlds I
gave a friend Susan Sontags well-known book on photography, wherein she says, To
photograph people is to violate them....Just as the camera is a sublimation of the gun, to
photograph someone is a sublimated murdera soft murder, appropriate to a sad, frightened
time.
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City (constructed 1402-1420) is a seemingly endless Chinese box
within Chinese box of ornate buildings and grounds now no longer forbidden to the ordinary
people. Indeed, one fellow here for a days outing, as if mindful of his past, went over and with
492

the sole of his foot rubbed

out the spittle that another
fellow had tongued there.
(Clearing the throat, spitting,
burping, blowing ones nose
with ones fingers were as
prevalent here as at any big
city commemorative park in
the U.S.)
Before the Peasant
Uprising the Imperial Mings
lived here in marble splendor.
Howd they get all that
marble here? They dug wells
in the country, then in the
winter made ice highways
and slid the marble the
however many necessary
miles. Most of the time the
Mings rested in their Throne
Room (Rich people dont
have legsthe sayings
tumbled down), where they
received foreign dignitaries,
scholars, and other elite.
Today, a mother
L-R: Roger, Eric, Danny, Scott, Ricky, and Houshang.
wanted her young son to see
U.S. Mens Team in a cauldron of trouble?
the foreigners. She pushed
him as he shied away, turned
him round to face us until, as a reward for putting himself in the proper focus, he received the
medal of an American flag pin. Teenagers needed no such proddingthey were interested in, if
not us per se, the clogs, the boots two of our women wore.
All but one of us made our way out of this maze. Bill Cho, one of our Korean
interpreters, had disappeared even before wed gotten to Pyongyangwhich, until he was
found, gave more than one person a secret-police paranoid thought or two.
Summer Palace
At the Emperors Summer Palace, roped-off treasures spoke of Long Life to those
who once fired the pagoda-topped incense burners or kept alive imaginative time by the
matching elephant clocks. There are many Korean things here, said one in our party who
could not resist telling me how, since historically there were always more Chinese men than
women, the Emperors used to demand a yearly ransom of 300 Korean virgins.
Symbolic mazes, grottos, terraced court-yards, balanced tier after balanced tier of
themthe hardest stones strengthening the most delicate flowersled us up the steep hills. In
a temple room at the very top there used to be an enormous Buddha. Said one Chinese, We
hope someday to replace it.
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Meanwhile, those in the USTTA bowed before the

newest if most short-lived of Emperors. U.S. Champion D-J
Lee (reign: 1968-1973) put on 10 yuans worth of rented
robes and a crown, and, with wife He-ja standing strong
behind him, sat, arms folded, in the inscrutable pose of a
picture-postcard icon for those players and officials whose
elevated cameras would pay highest homage to him. D-J
wasnt always so inscrutable on this trip, though. Cameras
caught his tearful reunion with a brother he hadnt seen in 30
years.
Every picture tells a story, said my interpreter Mr.
Ai as we continued our walk under the colorful panels on
the roof of an arcade. Above were four adventurerssage,
fool, and two animal-looking mercenaries. They were
debating whether to exorcise the hell out of a devil woman.
Whats she done? I kept asking Mr. Ai.
Emperor D-J Lee (reign: 1968-73)
Shes a baaad woman, he kept insisting.
and his #1 concubine.
The sages advice was to leave her alone. As Mr. Ai
Photo by Scott Boggan
put it, The sage says to the other men, Dont beat
everybodywhich under my prodding he corrected to, Dont beat anybody.
Another picture showed a very famous, no-nonsense warrior-king in thoughtful meditation
over a chess game while an aged doctor, equally famous for his surgical skill, sewed up a gaping
wound in the heros unfeeling shoulder. Of such imaginative stuff is History made.

From The Great Wall-China Heritage Site book

Great Wall
On the way out of Peking to the Great Wall at Pataling there were the usual city sights:
bike garages; basketball playgrounds (seldom any nets, just hoops); open-air markets; mothers
494

pushing homemade baby carriages that doubled as grocery carts; trucks with their engineinsides exposed carrying sand and dirt, and sometimes breaking down; donkeys drawing loads
of grass clumps, wood slats, stones, concrete, tar, manure.
All manner of transportation half-clogged the streets. Old bicycles werent giving up
the right of way to shiny new buses and the drivers who forever polished themand vice
versa (so the miracle was that, with so few policemen or traffic lights, I only saw one accident
in the weeks time I was here).
On out the tight three-lane highway we were bussed...to see women washing clothes
on rocks; school-age children (who obviously werent in school) waving to us; chickens
pecking; piglets pointing; sheep stretching; three men in a field watching while a woman
explained to them what was wrong with their tractor; a man seemingly atop a sea of green,
shouldering his pole, balancing with great steadiness the buckets of water he was carrying;
people hoeing in a backyard garden enclosed with barbed wire; a guy along the road taking a
photo of us taking a photo of him.
And then, after a while, as we neared the Wall, there was a railroad tunnel through the
mountain in front of us, and that same strange hole in the hill off to our leftas if eight years
ago one could have entered it and would just now have somehow come out, only to face again
the journey within. In the rock-ridge distance to our right, there was an ant-line of people
(mountain climbers bent on work or play?). And hair-pinned to the side of the winding road,
perched precariously like one of those huge boulders above forever threatening any passing
bus, a building was going up (a holiday inn, perhaps?).
At the Great Wall (They say its visible from space), one could climb either left, as I
did in 1971, or to the now restored right, before reaching an Out Of Bounds For Visitors.
This time, though, the table tennis players werent the only tourists. Sporting sunglasses and
listening to oriental rock n roll on their transistor radios, Chinese from every walk of life,
colorfully-garbed representatives from 15 provinces (shills?), were milling around, posing for
photo-ops. While others hiked their way via support railings up the steep, stony parapets
(etched into which were lines and lines of mid-70s grafitti) to a view that had to take their
breath away.
At the chess-castle top, one young woman from our delegation took a polaroid-pic of
Chinese father and child and, encircled so by the development, presented the photo to the two
of them. The daughter looked at herself, gave a little exclamation of surprise and pleasure,
turned away smiling, then twisted back to see her proud father take out a notebook and
carefully fit this little moment of History into it.
But where now with all these people was the mystery that Id felt here eight years ago?
And yet, despite the terrible jokes (How many helicopters do you suppose it took to build
this thing?...Didnt you hear? They hired the guys who built the pyramids), the snake-like
stone continued to lie there in my Imagination, to coil up passionately perhaps when I was no
longer so aware of the souvenir shops, the concessions, the litter at the base of it all.
I preferred, I knew, to see the Wall as an enduring work of artthe frieze round
Keatss Grecian Urnnot the remarkable achievement and repair work of unendurable man.
Sentimental about it some of us were. My older son, unable at the moment to write
about what hed seen, put his pen into a chink in the Walls armor and covered it up with
specks of stone. One day, he said, hed see if it was still there. And I, not unlike some others,
took home to my aged 80-year-old mother the souvenir shed most wanted: a little piece of the
Wallthat which she could imagine was indestructible Greatness.
495

One of the tourists

winding down from the Wall was
Seiji Ono, the new World
Champion. Yeah, said one of
our own, hes pissed he cant go
straight back to Japan and
practice. Strolling into a little
open courtyard, my wife, Sally,
and I came across several in our
U.S. group who were being
urged by an ever-increasing
crowd of Chinese to sing
something for them. Sally, a
music teacher, with the help of
Actually, back in Tokyo, Ono will have to interrupt his practice
an accordionist, led the groups
for a few moments. As Japanese TTA Vice-President Yaichiro
rendition of Ive Been Working
Yamamoto looks on, the Champ receives congratulations from
On The Railroad and
Japanese Prime Minister Ohira
Photo courtesy of Yoshio Fushimi
Someones In The Kitchen With
Dinah.
That was quite good, said a Chinese coming out from under a red banner.
Like each little segment-car of the Peking-to-Pataling tourist train, we, on our bus,
wound our way into and out of the hillsides, over and around and down the blind curves until
(! read a highway sign) we straightened out at the place where the remains of 13 Ming
Emperors (1573-1620) were scattered all over the hills and fields.
Guarding the entranceway to the Tombs and our mortality was the ancient turtle of
longevity, the two-humped camels, lions, elephants, and, perhaps not quite so absurdly, a grotesque
or two (something called a not likeearless, with a cleft foot, that looked stonily ahead, ever
vigilant I supposed to that one last, blinding moment of Ming or any other mans life).
Down into the no longer difficult to find entranceway of the no longer hidden Tomb of
the 13th Ming we dropped, along with hundreds of other tourists, mostly Chinese, any number
of whom were intent on taking archeological notes (the swastika sign Id seen in Indiait
turned up here). For us the five-foot bolt had been thrust back, the death door had opened,
and, unlike the poor workers who had slaved to build the place and were buried alivetherein
to preserve its encoffined gold and silver secret whereaboutswe climbed back out....To see
in a nearby museum room a picture of the famous Li uprising (at his side a warrior woman on
a white horse with drawn-back bow and arrow). And there, too, the ornately bejeweled
Phoenix birds that suggested, perhaps to one of those blind-to-this-world not likes at the
entranceway, that something would rise up out of dreams become ashes.
On our way back to the bus someone pointed out to me how unexpected it was for him
to hear, coming from the loudspeaker treetops, not Chinese music but what he fancied was a
European concerto.
Unexpected to me, too, was, first, the sight of several tourists stepping over a protective
chain and clambering up onto an irreplaceable statue so that they and their families and friends
could better continue their picture-taking craze. And, second, the sight of a Chinese soldier casually
throwing an apple core onto the scrupulously-kept grounds. What seeds had planted themselves in
me that I felt these acts here such a defilement of the living, the dead?
496

Peking Duck
Not that evening but the next,
accompanied of course by the Chinese
players and officials who by harmonious
design took seats at each of our circular
tables, we were treated to a Friendship
Dinner at the Peking Duck Restaurant.
Sometimes even our interpreters had to
be interpreted, but we all got along.
Certainly the conversation was
more relaxed, freer, and much more
enjoyable than when I was continually
raising the mask of my mao-tai, eight
years back. We were having duck soup?
Why then, with an eye to the Marx
Brothers, we could talk about
Limelight? After my Antonioni
surprise, Id seen in downtown Peking a
wall poster of this Charlie Chaplin movie.
I didnt get very far with Chaplin or
Marx, but (honk, honk, quack, quack) it
all did lead me back to duck soup.
Conversation, I pointed out, after having
made up the little stick-figures, the
heads, of Heather, Kasia Dawidowicz,
my older son Scott, me, Mr. Kao, Sally,
Ms. Kong, and Ms. Chou seated
In this case, those clambering up onto the long-lived
respectively round the table was easy
Ming warrior protecting the Tombs are future young
was, with pronounciations of the names
visitors (L-R) Khoa Nguyen, Scott Butler, Brandon
repeated three timesduck soup.
Olson, Jimmy Butler, and Sean ONeill.
Photo courtesy of Sue Butler
About the Chinese movie Id seen
the night before at the International Club,
an innocent not to say innocuous comedy about a supposed marital infidelity involving four
couples, I had little to saythe more so because I hadnt been able to get the damned ear
phone on right and consequently the faint, quaint translation clear in my head.
Another entertainment I couldnt speak of (because we wouldnt be seeing it yet for a
couple of nights) was the so-called Acrobatic Show. A cool evening it was and we werent
dressed for it. Why, I wondered, did our guides not tell us the theater would be outside?
Nobody knew? Nobody had been there before? Or was it not their custom to explain?
The acrobats were few and far betweenand when at stunts end they all boundingly
got together and, smiling, hands outstretched, looked at the audience, why, except for the thin
little claps of the foreigners, was there not a sound? The Chinese didnt applaud for such an
expected performance?
Puzzling us most were the sleight-of-hand artists, the magicians. Was one of their
distracting props the pigeon whose home seemed to be at the front of the stage? Or the everreturning bat who midst the flowing drapes rested in the windswept wings?
497

One cloaked magician with his pole of a wand came down into the audience, pulled
from more than one of us a little then a much larger fish. As if we were all at sea together.
The final act before, shivering, we were yanked out of the unfinished show was the
proverbial Chinese box within the Chinese box trunk trick. Inside the hoisted, deepest one a
girl was turned into a boy. How, deep down, was it done?
Back at our round table in the Peking Duck we talked of course of table tennis. Yes,
the Chinese had read in the papers about the North Koreans cheating at the Worlds. And,
surprise, Ms. Chou, whod played at a few Worlds herself, said shed remembered me from
Peking, from Sarajevo. Tomorrow, she would be coaching her womens team against ours
while smiling, quick-eyed Ms. Kong would be umpiring. Also remembered, the tongue of the
duck melting in her mouth, was nine-time U.S. Womens Champ Miss Ping Neuberger and
the conversational entree of her ChouChou En-laibutton, as well as the fellow with the
long hair and floppy hatGlenn Cowan of course, who in 71 had made them laugh.
Time, finally, for dessert? In Shanghai, said a Chinese, in what eight years ago would
have been confidingly unthinkable, they made delicious cookiesbut not in Peking.
Was it my imagination or were too many Good-Healths drunk to the Chinese and
American teams? For walking out of the restaurant I had the distinct impression that not only
one of the young Americans was weaving a little but also one of the young Chinese. Wouldnt
that be a breach of discipline for which he and his team would suffer? And on being bussed to
the hotel, was it only in my fancy that I saw a young woman woozily holding on to a street
pole while the man with her tried a pick-me-up of sorts? Ah, if one only knew. If only the truth
were told. Wouldnt it be nice, someone on the bus had said to me earlier, if there were a
Dickens-like novel to read about Peking?
Chinese Coaching
Before we played the Chinese youth a match, they practiced with us, then decided to coach us.
Ricky Seemiller, for one, learned some things privately that he wanted me to write
down lest, not reading them in our magazine Topics, hed forget them. Always hit the ball
before the top of the bounce, he was toldunless of course you can do whats best, hit it
precisely at the top of the bounce. But never go for the top of the bounce because, the hand
here not being quicker than the eye, too often youll be late....The forehand follow through
ought to come just below the nose
Why dont Americans play like Guo?
but not quite up to the
From Robbins Sports TSP ad
ear....Americans let the ball come
back too farand, remember, for a
crosscourt shot, the left foot should
be in front of the right, and for a
down-the-line shot, the feet should
be square....Think of the racket face
as a clockat 9-10 in the morning
you ought to be able to get a lot of
high-toss spin on the ball; at 3-4 in
the afternoon youll be serving dead
balls....Instead of 100% spinning the
ball or 100% driving the ball, why
dont the Americans play like Gao? That is, always with powerwith 50% spin, 50% speed.
498

D-J, too, learned a few things on his own. While the Americans warmed-up with the
Chinese by running around in circles, he went over to the table where two of his soon to be
opponents had been practicing and examined a 729 Friendship racket. He pressed this bat
down hard on a ball and lifted up. Behold, a sleight-of-hand trickthe ball had disappeared!
No surprise though when you understood what had happened. The ball was still there, hidden
under the racket, stuck to the underside.
From a fellow who promised to get him a piece of this rubber D-J said he learned
about a knuckleball, sidespin-fake serve that you have to snap just right. The Chinese all
agreed that it wasnt the spin but the deception that made the serve so effective. First time I
ever got anything out of the Chinese, said D-J.
When it came time for Coach Lis presentation, the Chinese lined up and one of them
yawned in his face.
Forehand to forehand practice came first. A key point here was the bent position of the
knees. Also, the placement of the ballit should be close to the net. Accuracy was more
important than speed. In the beginning, racket tilted 90-100 degrees, you hit the ball easy, then
harder. Older players of course no longer needed to practice consistency as much as juniors.
Backhand to backhand you naturally had to hit the ball much earlier than on the forehand.
Next came short ball practice (someone made the point that the North Koreans werent
interested in strategically dropping the ball shortthey always wanted to all-out attack
everything). Remember, when pushing, the more underspin your opponent has on the ball, the
more you open your racket. This was followed by short ball smashes and (Chinese players
have flexible wrists) flip returns of the push. Then back to more forehand practice (naturally
you stroke forward and upward to counteract chop).
After which came the serve and the 3rd-ball attack. Chinese players arent watching
the ball, reminded the coachtheyre watching the opponent.
Not watching the ball? said one of our women. Ive always been taught that youre
supposed to be watching the ball.
Coach Li explained that of course you were aware of the ball coming at you, but you
always saw it against the background perspective of your opponents body movement and
wrist action, the angle and flip of his racket. The before and afteryour anticipation, your
judgment, of what kind of spin your opponent will give or has given youis very, very
important.
By now a number of our players had drifted off (None of this is any revelation, said
one). But while USTTA President Sol Schiff was demonstrating his fingerspin spins that had
so terrorized opponents back in the 1930s, some on our Team or in our entourage went back
to practicing, others remained to ask questions.
Q. How often does that 11-year-old practice? (For the forthcoming Friendship Match,
the Chinese had found a fair opponent for U.S. Under 11 Champ Scott Butler.) At the moment, the
kids were warming up in a friendly sort of way and Scott was having the best of it.)
A. Well, if he or any other junior doesnt have school in the afternoon he can get
special table tennis training. Maybe three or four times a week. Winter and summer he can play
as much as he wants to.
Q. Hes so young. Often at that age kids dont want to be too serious. Is there any way
the coach can make practicing more fun for the sometimes lazy boy?
A. The coach has to teach the mind as well as the body. But if the boy is lazy and
doesnt want to train, weve lots of other boys to choose from.
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Q. Who decides, when youre young, if youre to be a shakehands player or a penholder?

A. Mostly it depends on the individual. If youre powerful and tall, youre encouraged
to be a shakehands player. If youve got a naturally flexible wrist and arent too tall, maybe
youll be a penholder. And if youre very supple in the waist you could be a chopper.
As the coach and almost everybody else was getting rather tired of this instruction
period, it was patiently brought to a close. The three most important things in table tennis
were: (1) serves; (2) footwork; (3) hand and elbow movement. Remember, too, the three
points of the triangle you were constantly to keep in mind. As your racket from (1) its ready
position came (2) to meet the ball in front of you, you should (3) complete the triangle with an
imaginary line running to your midsection.
When the coach concluded by asking for our suggestionsnot now but after the
forthcoming Friendship Matchso that the Chinese too could learn from their
American friends, I began to feel Id had pretty much this same lesson back in 1971.

U.S. and Peking Teams--we lost 22 out of 22 straight games, but everybodys friends.
Photo by Neal Fox

U.S.China Friendship Match

Friendship First, Competition Secondhow well I knew the official line. Ever since
wed played our historic matches in Pekingwed lost them 7 matches to 4the Chinese had
been trying to capitalize on their table tennis goodwill. As back then they could have blanked
500

us 11-0, as later they could have won more World titles than they did, so tonight in our U.S.
China Match they would take it easymaybe beat us, say, 8-3?
Or since it seemed to be just local high school kids wed be playing (and yet the average
age of our own Mens Team was only 19) perhaps we had a shot at winning? After all (enough of
this mystique), it didnt pay to overrate your opponents just because they were Chinese.
First off, after the marching-in ceremony, was Scott Butler against Fan Hsiang Tun
who, as it turned out, for all anybodyor almost anybodyknew, was the best 11-year-old in
the world. First game to the Chinese 21-8. What do you think? asks the guy next to me.
Hes about a 2200 player? In the 2nd, Scott does better. Down 17-14, he gets the Chinese
kid to serve off, hook a forehand off, block off. Final score: 21-18, Fan.
Meanwhile, on the other table, Alice Green, who for one reason or another had not
gotten to play a Team tie at the Worlds, was showing what she could have done had she been
given the chance? Up 13-5 she was in the 1st...only to lose it at 19. Bad luck. In the 2nd, she
got beat 21-11. Difficult not to lose heart, huh?
In the absence of Danny Seemiller, who had to hurry back to the States to play in the
perennial World Racquets Championship (there, win or lose, he could make several thousand
dollars), ex-National Champion D-J Lee was drafted to take his place. And the wily, old
boyish-veteran did well enough12 and (from 17-all) 18.
China 3U.S. 0. Or, if you wanted to count games, China 6U.S. 0.
Scott Bogganwho still seemed shell-shocked after his five matches in the Teams
against Huang Liang and Lu Qiwei of China, Gabor Gergely and Tibor Kreisz of Hungary, and
Cho Yong Ho of North Koreaserved off to make it 12-0.
12-0! For who? Hsu Chi Chun. Trying to keep the ball short, Scott at one point, or
rather for five points, returned Hsus serves into the net. The 2nd game was 21-14which
was better of course.
And now a mixed doubles match to break up the monotony. Ricky Seemiller and
Insook Bhushan lost 18 and 12but never mindto players you wouldnt know.
Kasias turn. When she started to get beat, fighting broke out in the stands. While
those in charge were quickly getting the offenders separated and ushered out of the gym, I
thought maybe a signal had been given that some spectators were being asked to take Kasias
side, and that those calling the shots would want her to win to make the competition more
interesting. I remembered at our last Friendship Match in a much larger hall in Peking, a light
would flash-on over sections of the audience, notably blocks of conscripted soldiers, to
encourage them to applaud forcefully.
But apparently this time no signals were givenat least none that helped us. Kasia got
11 and 12. Maybe, said someone, they havent been taught how to dump in high school.
As our National Champion He-ja Lee was losing 12 and 14, spectators began to leave.
Lest any of us were embarrassed by this, a Chinese sitting behind me was quick to point out
that they were sorry but they had to catch the last bus.
Next up, Roger Sverdlikagainst the chopper Wang Yen Sheng. But Rogers
technique kept the chopper from chopping one ball. He just hit everything in. Crazy, huh? 160that was the score....
Although the guy 15-year-old U.S. National Champion Eric Boggan was about to play
had been friendly enough throwing frisbees, I dont think he approved of the newly bought,
red-star cap Eric with his customary insouciance was wearing. How else explain the fact that
Eric was down 17-4?...
501

But why go on? Because thats what one does, has to do.
Insook, who would go on to win more U.S. Womens National Championships than
anyone ever, lost respectably at 12 and 13.
Which left only Ricky (All my matches are Friendship Matches, hed said at the
Worlds). Since he kept waiting for Teng Yi to put a ball in the middle of the table, he was
invariably in trouble. Particularly stinging was the fact that against any soft loop Teng had a
devastating backhand. Finally Ricky whiffed a serve to end it all.
Final score: China 22U.S. 0. Or, if you prefer the match rather than the game score,
China 11U.S. 0.
Friendship First, Competition Second? Well, as I said, Chinas not quite the same.
They were angry that theyd lost the Mens Singles at the Worldsthats why they
wanted to beat us so bad, said one of our officials.
Of course wed lost to a good team. Word had gotten around that these players were
not just school-kids. Our interpreter thought they were the 4th best team in Peking. What
that would make them in the world I leave to your imaginationor to the imagination of the
World Champion Hungarians.
It was rumored that one of these Chinese wed played against had beaten the 1975
World Champion Istvan Jonyer. And rumors spread such other rumors that its often hard to
tell whats true and what isnt. Confessed one of our players, We all knew after our practice
sessions with them we had no chance.
One story I heard said that years ago when the now world-famous Hungarian Coach Zoltan
Berczik had been the then world-famous several-time European Champion he came to China to
train. But when the 1st-tier Chinese National Team had all beaten him, he could do no better than
challenge the 2nd-tier of players. And, when they all beat him, the 3rd. And when they all beat him,
he had to go, one by one, to the best teams in Peking. And when he lost to all those players, he had
to go to the local high schools. It was then, finally, that hed decided to become a coach.
This story is no doubt apocryphal, but you get the point.
Last Afternoon
Undoubtedly C.F. Liu did. For, having earlier interested the Chinese in the new Helios
carbon fiber rackets (or made them aware at least of his interest in the stick-together chemistry
of such things), he was early-morning off with the sun to the Tientsin Table Tennis Factory
before we even played that Friendship Match.
Why Tientsin? Because every Chinese player must make his pilgrimage there to hand
pick his own special racket. More than 800,000 paddles, in addition to tennis and badminton
racketsthats what this factory produces in a year. And the Friendship rubber is said to last
100 hours whereas the conventional kind lasts only 60. Perhaps the Chinese were interested in
exporting this rubber to the U.S.?
Also taking a train trip to Tientsin, though for a different reason, were Sue and Scott
Butler. In a dingy-looking neighborhood they were hoping to find a particular import-export
warehouse whenlo!the magic door opened and...
What do you want to buy? said a polite Chinese.
What do you have? said Sue.
What do you want to buy? persisted the Chinese.
And then Sue saw: silk rugs from floor to ceiling; dusted-over, hand-carved jade;
ornate enamelware; lacquerware; kites for Scott; ivory....
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The Butlers were at a loss for

wordsbut not the proprietor. He had
somehow procured an American Slang
Dictionary and began quizzing first Scott
(Hey, my mother wouldnt let me read
this book!), then Sue. I think its safe to
say that, after visiting this treasure trove
and being feted at a 150-year-old
restaurant, the Butlers were anything but
pissed off.
Sue Butler
Scott Butler
So while the others shopped this
last afternoon in Peking, Sue had picked up some far-away hellos and good buys.
As for me, I had a Radio Peking broadcast to do with Sol, Bill Haid, Fred Danner, and
Miss Ping. Mr. Wu, who began by giving me the remembrance of a Radio Peking button, was
particularly interested in my impressions of China past and present. And since I liked this little
show of expressing myself I came preparedhoping that later back in the States I could find a
ham or two who would be willing to help me hear my own voice.
I confided to Mr. Wu and his global audience that thered been a mild complaint at the
hotel about how some Americans had been taking thingslaundry bags, towels, cups, plates,
chopsticksand how one sensitive fellow in our group had said that this petty thievery must
really baffle the Chinese.
They must see the Americans here as being pretty well off, hed said, so why then
did they steal? Why couldnt they afford the small price theyd have to pay for these items in
the stores?
I wondered aloud, though, whether the lifting of these souvenirs really did blow the
Chinese mind. Hadnt they by now come to expect it of Westerners? And, worse, wouldnt
they sooner or later come to expect it of themselves?
Were not the Chinese becoming tourists too-if only in their own country? Didnt they
too believe in bringing back souvenirs? So how foreign really were we or will we be in the
future to them with our newly-bought
mementoes and gifts, our rolls and rolls of
soon to be developed film, our scrawled out
notes and carefully-kept journals that allow
us to remember our own relatively
nondescript, but, ah, romanticized lives by?

Neal Fox, photographic historian: he tries to

capture the before...and after.
Photo by Mal Anderson

503

To order copies of

History of
U.S. Table Tennis,
Volumes I, II, III, IV, V,
VI, VII, VIII, or IX,
send $40 per book to:
Tim Boggan,
12 Lake Avenue,
Merrick, NY 11566

Danny Seemiller, a U.S. Open Finalist in 1977, and here again in 1978 against Japans Norio Takashima.

Eric Boggan, 15, becomes the youngest player in U.S. history to win the National Mens Singles Championship.