2007 Invitational Polish Ping Pong Tournament

The 2007 Invitational was held on October 12-13. During the this 2 day tournament we had 3 tables running non-stop for most of the weekend. With 27 players playing 15 friendly matches, a wild-card game, 3 playoff games and the championship game, there was not a lot of time for anything but Polish Ping Pong. This tourament was opened up to girls, which means we had a lot of people new to the game. We had 7 new guys introduced to the National Ranks, as well as 10 girls.

Some highlights of this tournament...

John Sprout, a newcomer to the league, broke onto the scene in dramatic fashion. He did not have enough points to go straight to the playoffs, which meant he had to play himself in through the Wild Card Round. He did so with ease and went on to do very well in the playoffs, winding up in the Championship game.

Jessica Galluppi was named the first ever Women's Champ. Jessica played very well in pool play, but made an early exit in the playoffs. Luckily for Jessica, no other girl advanced to the Championship table, which meant a Women's Championship game had to be played. Jessica played incredibly well in the game easily winning the Women's Champ trophy.

The story of the tourament seemed to focus on the break through play of newcomer Todd Westphal. He dominated in pool play and looked like a favorite to win it all this tournament. However, suspicions were depleted when he made an earlier-than-expected exit at the championship table

With all this said, 2 players sifted their way to the top winning trophys for the men. Andy Fink, a late arrival to the tournament, worked his way to the top of the ranks and finished strong with 2nd Place. However, it was Ian Landis who prevailed as this tournaments champ. Ian, who finished 2nd in the 2007 National Men's Championship, proved that he deserves to be at the top. His strong pool play carried over into the playoffs and championship, earning him another trophy this touranment. However, this trophy says "Champion" and will look a lot better on the mantle.

Congratulations Ian Landis on winning the 2007 Invitational Polish Ping Pong Tournament!