December 3, 2008 > ICC California State Open Tournament ICC California State Open Tournament By Meenu Gupta Photos By Courtesy of Rajul Sheth For the second time since July of 2007, the India Community Center (ICC) Table Tennis training camp is conducting a California State Open Tournament. "It is a USATT sanctioned National ranking tournament," said Rajul Sheth, Team ICC coach. "We already have two International players signed up. One is former Indian National team member Jitndra Gidla; and another is Shen Hailong from China. As of today we already have 145 players signed up in the tournament which is considered to be a huge turn out." USATT, the national governing body of table tennis in USA, ITTF, International Table Tennis Federation, and more table tennis media rated it as a top tournament. "Due to the huge success last year we have four top table tennis brands supporting the event this time as sponsors," said Sheth. They have a total of 21 events in the tournament, which include Junior events, Rating events and Doubles. On top of trophies, the total cash prize is $2,000. What makes this tournament different and more popular than other ranking tournaments is venue: one of the best venues with an international standard table tennis floor mat on all the courts. In America, only U.S. Open and U.S National Championship tournaments have used this kind of flooring; and the lighting for the tournament venue is considered to be some of the best. "At the tournament we have free parking for all players and spectators and free refreshments for all," said Sheth. "We are planning to conduct this kind of tournament three times a year from 2009." For more information, contact Rajul Sheth at rajul@indiacc.org. For registration information, e-mail sports@indiacc.org, or visit ICC Table Tennis Center at www.indiacc.org. The last day to register has passed, but late registrations may be possible with late fees. ICC California State Open Friday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 7 ICC Table Tennis Center 1453 N. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas (408)-945-9556