A dominating display of grit, perseverance and passion saw seasoned table tennis player Danisha Patel claim her 7th SA Women’s Singles title, at the Table Tennis SA Open Champs in Cape Town on Saturday, 7 October 2023.
Patel – who hails from Johannesburg, has been nothing short of inspirational and extraordinary during the tournament. She was vying for the triple crown, a feat that not many have accomplished, but the national number one was determined to see it through to the last.
She claimed gold in the Mixed Doubles final with her partner and friend, Chetan Naidoo, and the Women’s Double final, with partner Laila Edwards. That set the tone for her triple crown aspirations.
Patel was pitted against Jade Sasman from Cape Town in the singles final. Sasman did not make it easy for Patel, but it was through sheer determination and in what was a heart-pounding match, Patel emerged champion and claimed her 7th career SA Open Singles title.
Patel narrowly missed out in a record four gold medals, when Gauteng Central lost to Cape Town in the team event final.
Speaking to gsport, Patel said “Nationals is always such a competitive tournament, especially with the women seniors and juniors coming up.
“It has been a good year for table tennis training and to put in the hard work in training in a match has been very difficult. I feel very relieved and relaxed now. I need to get some other titles back so that means, it is back to the drawing board. But for now, I am just soaking in my wins.”
SA No. 1 Table Tennis Champion, Danisha Patel
She expressed determination the win the team event next year: “I really enjoyed the team event matches. The feeling of team events and singles is very different.
“Losing may have been a blessing in disguise, and it helped me with a strategy for the singles. Next year we will be sure to win the team event.”
Danisha’s advice to up and coming table tennis players: “The competition for the women’s juniors and seniors has improved so much. It is so nice to see. I would like for them to keep pushing, keep working and take the initiative to train.”
Results SA Table Tennis Open Champs Women’s Junior and Senior, on Sunday, 8 October, 2023
Singles Event:
U11 Girls: Tamika van As
U13 Girls: Tamika van As
U15 Girls: Rochica Sonday
Senior Women: Danisha Patel
Team Event:
U11 Girls: Cape Town
U13 Girls: Umgungundlovu
U15 Girls: Gauteng North
U19 Girls: Cape Town
Senior Women: Cape Town
Photo Caption: A dominating display of grit, perseverance and passion saw seasoned table tennis player Danisha Patel claim her 7th SA Women’s Singles Title at the Table Tennis SA Open Champs that concluded on Saturday 7 October 2023, in Cape Town. Image: SA Table Tennis on Instagram
Photo 2 Caption: Danisha Patel claimed gold in the Mixed Doubles final with Chetan Naidoo, and the Women’s Double final with Laila Edwards, setting the tone for her triple crown aspirations. Image: Supplied
Photo 3 Caption: The Table Tennis SA Open Championships saw Tamika van As scoop both the U11 Girls and the U13 titles, with Rochica Sonday winning the U15 Girls title. Image: SA Table Tennis on Instagram
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