Writes Sameer P. (Y8) and Riyan T. (Y6 Captain)
Following our qualification in the Autumn Term as top players in our respective year groups, we were proud to represent Merchant Taylors’ Prep at the IAPS Table Tennis Tournament after four months of preparation through after-school table tennis training.
The tournament gave us a fantastic opportunity to test ourselves against some of the strongest players from other schools, and it proved to be both enjoyable and challenging. The standard was very high, making every match competitive and pushing us to raise our level throughout the day. In the Year 8 competition, the group stage format worked well, with each player competing in three matches, each made up of two sets. This gave us valuable match experience and helped us improve as the tournament progressed.
Although three of our players were knocked out in the group stages and one reached the knockout rounds before being eliminated, we played some strong matches and felt we developed a lot over the course of the competition.
In the U11 competition, our team of four — Sebastian, William, Nico and myself — enjoyed a brilliant team experience. There was a great atmosphere on arrival, with schools warming up and preparing for their matches, and it was exciting to be part of such a well-run event. Some of the matches were tough, but we stayed focused, gave our best throughout and were proud to represent Merchant Taylors’ Prep together. For all of us, the competition was about much more than results. It was an opportunity to challenge ourselves against quality opposition, learn from each match and enjoy competing as part of a team. We all felt we improved as the day went on, and the months of preparation leading into the event certainly paid off.
A big thank you goes to Mr Rabin and Mr Walliker for giving up their weekend to support and coach us throughout the tournament. We are very grateful for their encouragement and for helping make the day such a positive experience.
