International visitors keep Alaskans in tune

Over the past decade Alaskan's have had great opportunities to experience top level players from all over the world.  Asia, Canada, South America, Europe and the lower 49 states.  At the air cross roads of the world, Anchorage is a great stop over spot for anyplace in the world.   I am sure world champions have landed here on a brief layovers.  Heck if we get the president of the United States and world leaders stop here to refuel in route to Asia and Europe I am sure some world champs have landed here too.   Now we just need to convince them to stay for a day or more to offer a demo or coaching for the local players.

Recently we were visited by Mr. Noh-Woo from South Korea.  Karl, Paul, Mike, Chidi, Jacod and Mr. Noh. Oct. 2011, ATTSPHe is a Korean Airline pilot who comes about 2-3 times a year to Anchorage on the way to other lower 48 state cities like Chicago and New York.   He is a young 37 year old player, married and has a 6 and 2 year old daughters.  He often contacts me with little notice.  A phone call out of the blue saying he just landed and is eager to play.  Staying at the downtown Hilton hotel.  I offer to be his personal limo driver with the help of some of the local players.  Picking him up and returning him safely to his hotel.   With little time in town I will  scramble to call, text or email players to meet at the AT&T Sports Pavilion or Eagle River to take up the challenge.  

As in most table tennis clubs in the world it is always good to see "new blood".  I visit WA, OR, MD, TX, CA and other state playing when on vacation or at a tournament.  Many of the players at these clubs love to challenge the "new kid".  We get that way here too.  We are tired of playing the same old gang of local players.  

He follows in a the footsteps of many visitors.  Most notable is Errol Resek from the Dominican Republic.  Errol Resek (right) with coaching adviseA top US player in the late 60's & 70's he was a member of the world renown "Ping Pong Diplomacy" Team that visited China in 1971.  President Nixon agreed to send a delegation of top US players to main land China on a historical diplomatic journey.  In the early 80's Errol lived in Anchorage and immediately became the top Alaskan player for his short stint in the north land.  He swept the Gold Ulus in the 1982 Arctic Winter Games in Singles, Men's and Mixed Doubles.   Errol had quickness like a cat and light on his feet.  Amazing touch and accurate placement.  He was my most influential coach and he help improve my strokes and gamesmanship.  

Several other players include Sabina Schmidt, Jorg Heger from Germany, Haitham Salman, 2006 Alaska Open ChampionHaitham Salman from Bahrain and Yuriy Solovyov Yuriy Solovyov from Urkrain.  All who lived here for 2 years or more and became Alaska Open Champions while living here.  Haitham is still active and will re-join the "Alaskan Assassins" in Rockford, IL on May 26-27, 2012 with fellow Alaskans Andy Hutzel and Karl Augestad.  They are expected to play in the B division as their team average is about 1915 USATT rating.  Haitham's rating is 2107 as of May 15th and will be the "go to" guy to set the pace for the team.  In 2006 the Alaskan Assassins along with Jorg, Haitham, Andy and Karl took 2nd place in division 6 at the North American Team Championships in Baltimore, MD.     Jorg Hegar (white T-shirt) and Albin Czyz (right)

Alaskan's don't get the opportunity to play or get coaching from top level players often.   

Another Korean Airline pilot, Mr. Ha.  A very good penhold player who was the first to find me on the internet. 

More to come,   Karl