(By: Tawny Banh)

The 16th Si and Patty Wasserman Junior & Open Championships were held on Veteran’s Day weekend in El Monte, California on Nov 11-13 at Los Angeles Table Tennis Association (LATTA). I, Tawny Banh, 2-Time US Olympian, am deeply honored to host this year, with 22 Events & 187 fierce & competitive participants. Butterfly from Bowmar Sports was the equipment sponsor.

For the very first time, in 16 years, this prestigious Wasserman tournament was held in California, particularly in Los Angeles! The 15 table facility was an exciting place to be as many of the top U.S. juniors were vying for the $10,000 in prize money! The 8 featured junior age events are Boys & Girls 18, 15, 13 and 11 & Under. Along with good prize money, juniors were awarded 2 feet marble trophies. The premier tournament sponsor, Patty Martinez Wasserman was in attendance for the first time! Unfortunately, Si Wasserman couldn’t join us as he recently passed away at age 100. One of Patty’s comments: This was the highlight event of my life since Si’s passing! So much heartfelt love for him & me also. The kids were spectacular! Tawny & her staff are absolutely awesome!”.

In the Boys 18 and Under, Aziz Zarebhin defeated his older brother Kai in the finals. Kai was up
1-0 and deuce in the 2nd before Aziz won that game and went on to win 3-1. The Girls 18 and Under, US National Team Member, Rachel Sung coasted to victory defeating Emily Tan in straight games 3-0. Both the Boys & Girls 18 & Under Champions were awarded $1,300 for 1st place, $700 for 2nd place, $250 for both Semifinalists.

The 15 Boys event was won by Charles Shen over Ryan Lin in a remarkable display of quick shot-making. Charles takes home $750 and Ryan $350. In the 15 Girls, it was Angelica Arelano over Stuti Kashyap 3-1. Close match at 1 game apiece and 8-8 before Angelica pulled away. Michele Chen won the Girls 13 over Stuti Kashyap. Isabella Yuan won the Girls 11 over Camille Liu. Charles Shen won the Boys 13 over Vishal Sivakumar and Caillou Chen defeated Jayden Cai in the Boys 11 final. Tears were shed, “Cho-Le!” was screamed, and every single person who attended learned what it means to win with class and learn something with defeat.

Congratulations to all Winners of the 16th Si and Patty Wasserman Championships! Big thanks
to sponsors Si & Patty Wasserman & Butterfly and all Participants!!! Thanks to Austin Chow for the great videos! (can be viewed on YouYube).

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