December 2024 News

by BTT

Aaron, Anna, Emma and Rassi, four BTT members trained and mentored by MPTTC coaches, made their debut at the 2024 U.S. Open, held from December 16th to 21st at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. This prestigious event has drawn 1,478 participants competing across 115 championship events, showcasing a mix of elite talent and emerging players from around the globe.

Competing in multiple events, BTT members met old friends, made new friends, showcased their skills, gained valuable experience, and enjoyed the exciting atmosphere of the city. Rassi, one of our honor members, had the unique opportunity to engage with the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) Foundation and those special and innovative games during their first encounter. This experience was particularly memorable to BTT members, which emphasized fun, inclusivity, and the spirit of table tennis.

Below are their highlighted achievements:

They also shared the experience in their own words:

From Rassi:

I’m ten years old and I’ve been playing table tennis for five years. I recently attended the US Open in Las Vegas, I played seven singles events and three doubles events. I felt that the US Open was very different from the tournaments I played in the past, playing this tournament gave me a sense of responsibility and independence.

During the US Open I participated in an event hosted by ITTF (international table tennis federation) foundation featuring rackets with different colors and textures. I feel this event helps non table tennis players experience table tennis in a fun way by using those special rackets. I hope in the future there are more events like this that feature fun and exciting experiences for everyone!

From Aaron:

This is the first time I’ve been to U.S open and I think it’s very special because it has sooooo many people with different styles and techniques. My favorite part was when I got to play opponents so much high than your level and it felt so good to play the dudes. My main goal was to just try and like do my thing and just play table tennis as best as I could so that’s my experience at THE US OPEN AT LAS VEGAS!!!!!

From Anna:

This year, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the US Open 2024. It felt like a dream come true to stand among some of the best players, all of us sharing the same passion for table tennis. But wow, it wasn’t easy - mentally or emotionally.

Every match was a challenge, not just because of the strong opponents, but also because of the battle in my own head. Focusing on every single game was so difficult. Sometimes, I’d get frustrated when things didn’t go my way, or I’d get too excited and lose control of my strategy. I realized quickly that table tennis is as much a mental game as it is about skill.

There were moments, though, when I managed to take control of my emotions. In those moments, I could think clearly, stay calm, and play my best. And when that happened, I won games. It felt amazing! Those wins weren’t just about the points; they were about proving to myself that I could do it.

But there’s still so much to learn. Emotional stability is something I know I need to work on for the future. I want to train not just my strokes and footwork but also my mind - to stay strong, focused, and calm no matter what happens during a match.

The US Open taught me so much about myself, and I’m already excited to keep growing as a player. One day, I hope to return to this stage stronger than ever!

From Emma:

This year was my first year at the US open. I was very excited and nervous at the same time. I was excited to meet all my friends and play against different people, but I was also nervous about losing rating, which I learned doesn’t really matter too much. I fought hard for my matches, and some of them I ended up winning while some of them I lost. In the end, I learned two main lessons. The first one was to always warm up well before playing, because when I was more warmed up I had more feeling which allowed me to perform better. I also learned to always stay focused during the match. Regardless of the score. I noticed that as long as my head was in the game, and I had feeling, I would be more likely to win. I learned a lot about Table Tennis through this tournament. It's not just about how fast you can move, or how accurately you can hit the ball. It’s about where to hit the ball and how, because in table tennis there are thousands of options of what to do. But only a few lead to success.

About the U.S. Open Table Tennis Championships 

The oldest and one of the most prestigious table tennis tournaments in the United States, dating back to 1934. Over the years, it has grown significantly, attracting top players from around the world and providing a platform for both amateur and professional athletes to showcase their skills.

Key Milestones:


About ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) Foundation: Empowering Change Through Table Tennis

The philanthropic arm of the ITTF, dedicated to leveraging table tennis as a tool for positive social change. Established in 2018, the foundation promotes inclusivity, equality, and development through various global initiatives and projects. It envisions a world where table tennis transcends boundaries, empowering individuals and communities. Its mission is to use the universal appeal of the sport to foster social cohesion, improve well-being, and create opportunities for marginalized populations. 

The ITTF Foundation has implemented projects in over 50 countries, benefiting thousands of individuals and communities. From providing equipment to remote regions to organizing inclusive tournaments, its work demonstrates the transformative power of table tennis.


About Matchpoint Table Tennis Center (MPTTC) at Whippany, NJ

Matchpoint Table Tennis Center features a 5,000-square-foot facility equipped with 11 professional tournament tables. The center offers private and group training for all age groups, league play for various skill levels, and open play for recreational players.


About Table Tennis America (TTA) 

A state-of-the-art table tennis club located in Fremont, California. Known for its commitment to excellence, TTA serves as a hub for table tennis enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. TTA is also committed to promoting the growth of table tennis in the community. It welcomes players of all backgrounds and organizes events to make the sport accessible and enjoyable for everyone. 


About HITTA (Houston International Table Tennis Academy) 

A premier table tennis training center located in Houston, Texas. Through its dedication to coaching, training, and community-building, HITTA is committed to growing the sport of table tennis in Houston and beyond. The academy also focuses on youth development, helping young players reach their full potential while emphasizing sportsmanship and discipline. HITTA plays a significant role in advancing the sport of table tennis in Texas and the U.S. Its commitment to helping players of all ages and levels succeed makes it a cornerstone in the table tennis landscape.