They won the table tennis competition in the men and women’s categories respectively.

The 7th edition of the table tennis competition christened ‘Chinese Ambassador’s cup’ took place on Saturday, December 6 at the INJS gymnasium with Ngwe Emmanuel and Tayim Mercy lifting the trophy in the male and female categories respectively. In the men’s final, the reigning Cameroon champion, Ngwe Emmanuel had an easy walk over Nyo Derick in four straight sets; 11-09, 11-06, 11-09 and 11-09.

The women’s final was however more competitive with Tayim Mercy narrowly edging Ella Essebe 3-2. Whereas it was Ella who took the upper hand of the game from the onset winning the first two sets; 11-06 and 12-10 before being caught up and defeated by Mercy 11-06, 11-03, 11-05.

Both athletes declared they were elated about their victory but Mercy though she benefitted from divine favour since she was given a real run for her money. “This is the first time in five or six years that I had to fight hard to obtain a victory,” she said.

Having dominated the national scene, the attention of both athletes is now focused on the international scene though Tayim Mercy recognizes that with the state of the infrastructure, equipment and conditions of training, they cannot measure up to their counterparts from other countries.

She however promised to do her best if ever called up to defend the national colours. Ngwe Emmanuel classified 64th in Africa is more concerned about improving his ranking and aims to begin the conquest of the international scene by first winning the sub regional championship.

The final was presided at by the Chinese Ambassador to Cameroon, Wo Ruidi, who said the level of the athletes has been increasing ever since he started witnessing the competition. He expressed the wish that one day an African should become the world champion. Trophies were also awarded to the winners in the cadet and junior categories with Mohamed Abdoulaye emerging champion in cadet category while Marthurin Chouochib won in the junior category.

Kemajou Claude won the fair play trophy. The Minister of Sports and Physical Education was represented by the technical adviser No 2, Marie Louise Mbita. The Chinese Ambassador offered balls to the federation.