International Tournament in memory of Janos Molnar
February 8, 2010

Carl Ahlander Johansson the Cadet Boys' Singles winner in Budapest Photo By: Zita Pidl

Courtesy of ITTF Sweden dominated the Cadet Boys’ Singles event at the International Tournament, staged the Hungarian capital city of Budapest in memory of Janos Molnar, on Saturday February 6, 2010, or perhaps I should describe the event as the Cadet Boys’ Singles plus Tamolwan Khetkuen competition.

The Swedes clinched three of the top four places but it was the young lady from Thailand who caught the eye.

Tamolwan Khetkuen was one of two girls from the 2009 ITTF World Hopes Team who had received special permission to compete in the male only tournament.

Polished
Furthermore, the Thailand nicknamed “unpolished diamond” was anything but unpolished. She gave a most polished performance and gained the respect of the knowledgeable crowd as she progressed to the quarterfinal stage before suffering defeat.

Alas for Salma Khaled it was defeat in the group stage as it was for Christos Christonof of Cyprus, the third member of the 2009 ITTF World Hopes Team competing in Budapest.

Medalists
Winner of the event was Carl Ahlander Johansson of Sweden with compatriot Benny Feng in runners up and a third Swede, Simon Berglund alongside the host nation’s Richard Kovacs sharing third place.

Memento
“The Prize Ceremony was followed by a very touching moment”, explained Zita Pidl, the 2009 and 2010 ITTF World Hopes Team Manager. “The lights are turned off and everyone receives a candle with everyone singing thoughtfully in memory of Janos Molnar, so tragically killed in a car accident in 1995.”

It was a special memento for all.

(left to right) Salma Khaled, Christos Christonof and Tamolwan Khetkuen, members of the 2009 ITTF World Hopes Team with candles in memory of Janos Molnar.
Photo By: Zita Pidl

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