Hawke’s Bay brothers Daniel and Kaleb Wood show off their growing collection of medals and trophies after a standout season on the table tennis circuit.
Hawke’s Bay brothers Daniel and Kaleb Wood show off their growing collection of medals and trophies after a standout season on the table tennis circuit.
Table tennis player prodigy Daniel Wood is proving age is just a number.
At only 12, the Central Hawke’s Bay student has smashed expectations - and grown-up opponents - winning the A Grade Men’s title at the Hawke’s Bay Residentials.
He is the youngest in the event’s 60-year history.
Introduced to the sport two years ago, Daniel’s quick reflexes and natural talent soon saw him collecting medals across New Zealand, some of them alongside his younger brother Kaleb.
“What made me interested was travelling to competitions, friends and if you get really good you can go to international competitions,” Daniel told Hawke’s Bay Today.
“Table tennis can be a very fast sport which makes it exciting. I love trying out new shots and spins.”
Daniel Wood, 12, is the youngest ever A-Grade Men’s Champion in the 60-year history of the Hawke’s Bay Residentials.
His father, Murray Wood, says Daniel’s determination sets him apart.
“Dan just kept getting better and better and beating everyone.”
With guidance from coaches Jean-Philippe Ehret, Marcus Matena, and Philip Kenny, Daniel now trains up to nine hours a week, though he says it’s “not enough”.
Daniel and his coaches Marcus Matena, left, Jean-Phillipe Ehret, and Philip Kenny.
The young athlete’s success isn’t limited to table tennis.
He’s also been CHB Under-13 Tennis Champion for two consecutive years and an MVP football player for the Wanderers Football Club.
“Dan has been able to succeed in whatever he has set his mind to: football, chess, maths, athletics, tennis, handball, arm wrestling,” Murray said.
“He is competitive and has a strong desire to win.”
Still, it’s behind the tennis table that Daniel stands out, as he enjoys the challenge of the “faster” pace.
“Sometimes he has needed to get up to seven points in a row to win - and did it - at competition level,” Murray said.
Daniel’s talent seems to run in the bloodline. His maternal grandfather was a successful table tennis player in Saudi Arabia, winning several competitions during his time there.
At home in Central Hawke’s Bay, it’s not unusual to find the paddles out after dinner.
“We all enjoy playing, but Mum and Dad aren’t as good as the boys would like,” Murray says.
