Bennelong Cup table tennis tournament creates new champions, at home and abroad

While Australia lost to Japan in the annual Bennelong Cup table tennis competition, the tournament produced a new batch of potential champions in the Schools Cup.

Winners of the Bennelong Schools Cup rece their medals from Bennelong MP John Alexander after the weekend tournament at Ryde Sports Centre.

Australia  has managed its best ever finish at the annual Bennelong Cup table tennis competition, losing to Japan in the final at Ryde Community Sports Centre over the weekend.

The Cup consists of the schools competition and the international competition and was played over three days, from Friday night until Sunday afternoon.

The event was hailed a great success by Bennelong federal Liberal MP John Alexander.

Schools Cup winners were presented with their medals by Bennelong federal MP John Alexander.

“I started the School’s Cup in 2010, as a way of bringing students together from many different backgrounds through sport,” Mr Alexander said.

“Since then it has grown to the point that we have hundreds of students from all corners of the electorate and with backgrounds from all corners of the world playing, competing and making friends through this competition.

“It’s gratifying to be able to facilitate bridge building between young people and their different backgrounds.”

Ping Pong Diplomacy in Canberra was the winner last Thursday.Pictured (from left) were: Philippines Ambassador Minda Calaguian-Cruz, Bennelong MP John Alexander, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, New Zealand High Commissioner Chris Seed and Japanese Ambassador Sumio Kusaka. .

While Japan narrowly took out the Bennelong Cup, Hornsby Girls and Carlingford High School took out the girls and boys high school competitions.

Meanwhile, West Ryde Public School and St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School were the victors in the primary school tournament.

John Alexander with players from Northcross Christian School at the Ryde Sports Centre in ELS Hall Park, North Ryde.

“From the humble beginnings of the school’s competition, we have now added a world-class international tournament to the schedule, along with a fantastic ceremonial opening and exhibition match in Parliament House,” Mr Alexander said.

“This year it was opened by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, with many diplomats attending to support their country.”