Kent met Sussex as two clubs came together to contest the second annual Pingstone Cup.

The event is between Maidstone TTC and Pingsters TTC from Worthing and was set up by Rudi Dharmalingam, a founder member of Pingsters who learned to play the game in Maidstone from the age of seven and who wanted to connect the two clubs and establish an annual event.

Last year’s competition was held at the new Maidstone TTC venue and this year Pingsters took on hosting rights – though the result was a win for Maidstone, repeating last year’s outcome.

“I feel like inter-club tournaments are such a powerful way to strengthen the bond across counties and with other table tennis communities,” said Rudi, who set up Pingsters alongside co-founder Neil Bromham and first approached Maidstone with the idea of a tournament a couple of years ago.

“Despite the individual nature of this sport, the group of people – the collective – seems to have a more pertinent and empowering place in making any athletic activity more important. 

“Yes, we all like to win, but the losses get easier to take when one considers the deep underlying reason why we all continue to put ourselves through the stress of competition and keep coming back for more. 

“Sport is essential for the cultivation of not only mental toughness, but it gives us a way to immerse ourselves in an activity which requires physical and cognitive concentration. Maybe we all don’t do enough of this, after all being sedentary with just our screens seems to be becoming a dangerous normality.

“I feel confident in saying that we all LOVE the Pingstone Cup. Huge thanks to Terry Clapperton and Rachel Woolven at Maidstone TTC for helping us bring two clubs together in one common goal, that is to play some ping pong, eat curry and just enjoy being a community of table tennis enthusiasts.”

Rudi explained the trophy at the centre of the competition is called the Alan Woolven Trophy, in memory of a coach who spearheaded junior coaching across Kent for many years.

“Alan was a hugely inspiring and influential personality to everyone that had the privilege to be coached by him,” he said. “Unfortunately, the world lost a truly great table tennis devotee a few years ago, but his shield we hope will be contested for many years to come.”  

Fellow Pingsters player Julian White summed up the day perfectly: “The match with Maidstone showcased everything that is good about table tennis.

“Often the standard of play across a range of abilities was excellent but much more than that, the day bought two communities together in a spirit of harmony and was great fun. Everyone is really looking forward to the re-match next year.”

Tyler Paul, who played for Pingsters at the event, said: “It was my first time playing in the Pingstone Cup. Unfortunately, I didn’t secure a win, but I should be known for being that player who wants to get the most of their table time, as most of my games went to five sets.

“It was a great day of competitive table tennis with a friendly atmosphere of players who just love to play the sport. I would be honoured to do it again next year.”

Photos and video of the event will appear on the Pingsters Facebook page.