Pictured, Nick Sakov competes in the Southern Open Table Tennis Championships. (PS Carolyn Whitehouse)

The 69th Southern Open Table Tennis Championships were hosted by the Southern Tasmanian Table Tennis Association (STTTA) on Saturday, May 4, at the Kingborough Sports Centre.
The full day championships saw entries from 66 participants, with players from at least five different clubs travelling from all over Tasmania.
There were over 20 events showcasing some of the best table tennis the state has to offer, with tense finals, spectacular moments and incredible shots.
The Women’s Open Singles was won for the third successive year Irina Sakova 11-7, 11-7, 11-6, 11-5, with Cari Tan the runner-up.
The Men’s Open Singles came down to the final two match points, with Daniel Huxtable defeating Jason Allie 7-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-8, 7-11, 6-11, 12-10.
There was strong competition in other events, including doubles, junior and veterans matches.
The next major event in the table tennis calendar is the Tasmanian Open Table Tennis Championships which will be hosted again by the STTTA at Kingborough Sports Centre in late July.