He beat Ali Ammar 11-3, 12-10 at the final after he had previously dispatched Ying Zhang at the semi-finals.

The tournament, known as the Hard Paddle Event, featured a unique game format where players utilized a special type of paddle. This paddle had inverted pimples facing outwards and lacked a sponge underneath, aiding in the synchronization of the blade under the rubber.

“In all six players participated and we were divided into two groups with two players advancing to the semi-finals from each group. After emerging as winner of my group, I met Ying Zhang in the semi-finals and defeated him and met Ali Ammar in the finals,” he told Daily Graphic as he shared his tournament experience via telephone from his US base. 

The day brought double celebration for Nanevie as his protégé, Olin Rupchin, also managed to bag two awards.

Rupchin, who has been under Nanevie’s guidance, defeated Ghanaian Timothy Cudjoe 9-6, 11-6 to be win the title.

Nanevie praised the 13-year-old Rupchin, stating that he was a player to watch in the coming years due to his immense talent, which led to his triumph in both the Under-1600 and Under-1750 competitions.

“So far, he is one of the most improved players currently under my supervision at the Westchester Table Tennis Centre in New York
“In the June Open he won two trophies in different events, the Under-1750 and the handicap events,” said Nanevie who serves as a coach as the Westchester club where he nurtures emerging talents.