March 11, 2010 | Story by: Lindsey Chester | Categories: Events, Sports
Photo by Rick Thingpen courtesy of Cary Table Tennis Association
Cary, NC- Olympic Level Table Tennis is coming to Cary’s Bond Park March 18th- 21st. Cary’s Table Tennis Association (CTTA) is hosting the 9th Annual Butterfly Cary Cup next weekend- a tournament attended by not only local players- but by serious enthusiasts from around the world. The tournament is billed as Olympic quality, and winners will come away with thousands of dollars in prize money.
The Tournament
The Cary Cup is the highest rated tournament in the country- granted a 4 Star rating by the US Table Tennis Association. Expectations are that about 300 players will participate next weekend. By using a round robin format the tournament offers lower level players the unique opportunity to play against some of their table tennis heroes! Last year’s tournament was attended by many of Canada’s highest ranked players including Xavier Therien who will be returning, as well as defending champ Stefan Feth from Germany.
The event kicks-off with a free clinic open to all registered participants on Thursday, March 18 at 4 p.m., and continues to Friday, March 19 with a retro “hardbat” table tennis tournament at 9 a.m. Following the hardbat tournament, there will be a beginner event and advanced event at 3 p.m. All events will take place at Bond Park Community Center, 150 Metro Park Drive. For those not in the know- Butterfly is the maker of most Table Tennis equipment.
Not a table tennis pro? Come watch for free! Stay for a match and watch some fast paced exciting sport- this is not your typical basement rec room match!
What is “Hardbat”?
This designation is primarily for the type of paddle or “bat” that players wield to hit the ball. In “hardbat”- the blade(Paddle) must be made of wood, the paddle must be covered with a non- sponge material, and must be the same on both sides and the glue must be a standard wood glue. Many think of this style paddle as “old school” as newer models feature a spongey surface, and many feature different surfaces on either side.
Who are CTTA?
The organization came about when Mike Babuin (Cary TTA President) realized that Cary table tennis players needed much more practice opportunities as it was practically non-existant in Cary as a sport. He also grew tired of having to travel all over the country to see a high level of play. One of Mike Babuin’s goals was to attract world class players to the area so that local players had the chance to see table tennis excellence in their home town which is how Cary Cup began. By partnering with the Town of Cary, CTTA is able to store their equipment at Bond Park and offer open gym table tennis to players from beginning to expert.
Interested parties may register for the Butterfly Cary Cup Championship at www.carytta.net or by calling the Cary Table Association Director Mike Babuin at (919) 601-1914.
For more interesting events happening in Cary, please visit the CaryCitizen Calendar. If you know of an event you would like us to add to our calendar, please contact Lindsey Chester
