Newgy Robo-Pong Open
Wednesday, 23 March 2005

Written by NATT

NATT is proud to announce the creation of a new event, in partnership with Newgy, the world's largest manufacturer of table tennis robots. The Newgy Robo-Pong Open is now scheduled for September 17th and 18th 2005 at Middle Tennessee State University's Recreation Center in Murfreesboro, TN. This tournament features more than $10,000 in total prize money and is expected to attract the top players from throughout North America. 

"I'm very pleased to be working with Newgy", said NATT President Richard Lee. ‘Their company is rightly famous for the quality of their product and the outstanding support they give it. My goal is to manage an event of the same superior quality, a tournament worthy of bearing their name." The Newgy Robo-Pong Open will have more than 30 events and will incorporate the Tennessee State Table Tennis Championships as well as junior and senior events, ratings events, and an Open Singles category that shares more than $8,000 among the top 8 finishers.

 Conditions at the MTSU Rec center are quite good, with recently resurfaced hardwood floors in the playing hall. Entrants are invited to view the playing site at the MTSU website. Only twenty miles from Nashville, the tournament is served by that airport, a major hub for Southwest Airlines. An official tournament hotel will be selected in the near future. Room rates in Murfreesboro are expected to be very reasonable.
 
"This is exciting" said Newgy President, Joe Newgarden. "It's been too long since Tennessee hosted a major four star event. Our company's hometown is a beautiful and friendly place, and we look forward to showcasing it for the table tennis community. We love the idea of a championship bearing our company name, and we anticipate an excellent competition."

 The Open Singles Champion at the Newgy Robo-Pong Open will be presented with $4,000 and $1600 will go to the runner-up. Semifinalists will get $640 apiece, while the four Quarterfinalists will earn $290.
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UPDATE, July 1, 2005
Newgy will also be hosting three table tennis seminars: for coaches, umpires, and players on Friday, September 16th. The coach's and player's seminars will be free to participants. Take an extra day off and learn more about the sport you love. For more information, please see this seminar flyer.

Update, July 15, 2005 12:36 pm
From: Alan Williams of NATT 
Jul-15  
 
The NEWGY Robo-Pong Open, September 17 and 18, 2005 in Murfreesboro, TN, is pleased to announce that International Referee Wendell Dillon will be serving as Tournament Referee. Mr. Dillon is also conducting a Referee Training Seminar from 1PM to 5PM, Friday, September 16 at the playing site, the Middle Tennessee State University Rec Center.

Entry blanks for this Four-Star tournament are being mailed today, and more information about the tournament and its associated activities is coming!


Update, July 15, 2005 4:29 pm
From: Alan Williams of NATT 

Larry Thoman, of NEWGY Industries, has been a famous organizer and promoter of Table Tennis for many years. So, no great surprise when he seized on the upcoming NEWGY Robo-Pong Open as a chance to revive the Tennessee State Championships as well. ;-)

Incorporated into the Robo-Pong Open are four categories open to all residents, students and military personnel residing in the State of Tennessee. Men's and Women's Singles, Seniors (Over 40) and Juniors (18 and under)will each be a trophied event awarding a Tennessee State title.

Larry's best recollection is that this is first Tennessee State Championship since the turn of the millenium. The tournament will be held September 17 and 18th at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN.