Eleven-year-old table tennis talent Takaimaania Ngata-Henare is one to watch. PHOTO/RICHARD ROBINSON
Eleven-year-old table tennis talent Takaimaania Ngata-Henare is one to watch. PHOTO/RICHARD ROBINSON
Rising table tennis star Takaimaania Ngata-Henarehas been impressing over the last few weeks on the circuit.
The Huanui College pupil is just 11 but showing signs of being something special.
At the Northland Table Tennis Open Tournament Ngata-Henare was in stellar form as she took out both the under-11 andunder-13 mixed singles events in a great showing.
Waitemata's Leon Masefield was the other big winner on the day, taking out the under-15 mixed singles and under-18 boys' singles.
Ngata-Henare is the top attraction though as Table Tennis Northland look to bring in more players.
The youngster had another strong showing at the AIMS Games in Tauranga, picking up a silver medal for her second overall placing in the girls' singles championship.
Next on her agenda are the New Zealand Nationals Individuals, in Christchurch from October 7-9.
Following that event, she will play at a marquee national event in Whangarei.
The Aotearoa Maori Table Tennis National Tournament will take place at Kensington Stadium on October 13-14 and Ngata-Henare will be one of the ones to watch.
She has also been selected for the 2018 New Zealand National Hopes (under-12) girls' squad and will attend a training camp in Christchurch in January.
In the meantime, Table Tennis Northland is looking to drum up new players by holding weekly family fun nights for players of all levels and ages between 6pm-8pm every Friday.
This is held at Kensington Stadium. For further information contact Julie Butel on (09) 459 1453.
