National-ranked players included in Euro Games table tennis squad

The three table tennis squads which will be representing Team Maccabi GB at this summer’s European Maccabi Games in Berlin has been announced.

The side will consist of juniors, open and masters and has a healthy balance of big match experience and up-and-coming table tennis talent.

The squad will be managed by the sport’s Delegation Chair, Adam Black with Alon Gordon as his newly-appointed Junior Manager. The squad returned from the 2011 EMG’s in Vienna with an impressive medal-tally including three gold (junior single, junior doubles and overall junior team gold), three silver (junior doubles, open doubles and overall masters team Silver) and three bronze (junior single, masters double and overall open team bronze).

Speaking about the selection and his expectations, MGB Table Tennis Chair, Adam Black – who is also competing as a Masters athlete – said: “What a privilege it is to take this squad to Berlin – a tournament steeped in history for these Jewish competitors. Nationally-ranked Juniors, Seniors and Masters will step out on the international stage after honing their talents in the British league and for their counties. I’m not sure if it’s hard work or just plain talent that is the hallmark of this squad! We’re lucky in table tennis that players compete at the highest level in the UK and we’ve got talent in spades.

“The older players combine first timers alongside experienced players and multi-Maccabiah medalists; whilst the Juniors sees a number of talented debutants. With so many new faces the squad looks well set for the future. The EMG’s sees Jewish players of international quality from around the world so competition is tough. But Team MGB is blessed with attack, speed and initiative written all over it. Whatever the result, the Maccabi GB Table Tennis Squad will set the games alight with some of the most exciting and ambitious tactics the sport has seen at this level.”

SQUADS:

Chair:
Adam Black

Junior Manager:
Alon Gordon

Masters:
Richard Abrahams
Adam Black
Michael Gerrard
Dov Katz
Ivan Lewis
Jason Tendler

Open:
Yoni Caspi
Keith Lesser
Dan Spurling

Juniors:
Carl Breindel
Matthew Gold
Jack Josephs
Jamie Rosen
Jonathan Stelzer
Judah Jackson