Original Article From NY1.com:
Some of the best table tennis players in the world are putting their paddles to the test in this weekend’s New York City Open.
The tournament, being held at Columbia University, draws some of the most talented players on the continent.
The reigning U.S. National mens singles champion, 15-year-old Michael Landers, is going up against a crowded field of about 250 players for the title.
The open singles category features world-class athletes volleying with Olympic-level speed and precision.
The tournament also supports a non-profit after-school table-tennis program run by the American Youth Table Tennis Organization.
Organizers say table tennis has seen a resurgence in the city.
“Table tennis is growing in New York City, it’s growing around the world,” said AYTTO Director Ben Nisbet. “It’s a great sport, it’s an Olympic sport, it’s a high-skill sport, it’s a high-energy sport. And at the same time, you can play it in a relatively small and confined area and you don’t have to have great weather to play.”
The winner will be decided at the championship match on Sunday.
