National Over-40 Table Tennis Tour This Weekend in Pleasantville

This national tour is the culmination of 14 over-40 tournaments (the "Tour") held across the U.S. in 2016-17. And it's a prelude to the 19th World Veterans Championships, which will take place in Las Vegas in June -- the first time in the U.S. The WVC is expected to draw 5,000 players age 40+ from around the world.

The championship this weekend has two parts. The first is for some of the best over-4o table tennis players in the country. It is a Giant Snake Ladder, with initial matches held on Saturday. The Round of 16 and single-elimination playoffs will take place on Sunday. To be eligible, a player must be a U.S. citizen and meet one of these three criteria:

• Having won one of the 14 previous tournaments on the Tour;
• Having competed in any two previous tournaments on the Tour; or
• Payment of an extra $250 fee.

First prize is $3,000. Second is $1,500. Cash is awarded through 16th place.

The second part of the championship is designed for the rest of us who play ping pong in our basements. If you can't or don't want to compete in the Giant Snake Ladder you can still take part in one or more of the special age events on Sunday listed below. These events are open to any player age 40+ who lives within 70 miles of the Westchester Table Tennis Center and who has not finished in the top 4 at a a previous tournament on the Tour. In other words, it's designed for average players in the New York area -- even those who don't usually compete in tournaments.

The registration form is here, with starting times and prizes. Additional information is here.

If you're receiving this email and you're not yet over 40, but you know a player who is, please pass this along.

The Westchester Table Tennis Center (175 Tompkins Avenue Pleasantville NY 10570) is one of the largest table tennis facility in the eastern U.S.. It is owned by Will Shortz, crossword editor of The New York Times and highly ranked table tennis player. Call the club if you have questions: 914 741 0738.

Table tennis (or ping-pong, as it’s also known) is the second-most popular participatory sport in the world, after soccer. It has been an Olympic sport since 1988.