ONE reign came to an end on Sunday February 22, inside the Roche Caïman Omnisports Gym, while another was extended as the 2004 table tennis season unfolded with the Curtain-raiser competition.

After having remained unbeaten in local competitions for over two years, Godfrey Sultan was finally toppled by young Garry Elizabeth who whitewashed him 4-0 (11-7 14-12 12-10 13-11) in the semifinal.

Unfortunately for Elizabeth, 17, he could not keep his head in the final, letting his  emotions take control of the situation and he went home without a winner's medal at the end of the tiring one-day competition.

MARIE ... men's singles winner

Against Jude Marie, who had been stretched to seven sets before triumphing 4-3 (9-11 11-6 6-11 7-11 11-5 11-5 11-7) over Vincent Isaac in the semifinal, Elizabeth contributed to the fun and excitement by joining in the long and interesting rallies but the big points did not go his way.

Lanky Marie, who had not known success for a while, banked on his experience to get into his stride and swing the intriguing match his way with a five-set (11-8 11-9 6-11 11-5 11-9) win over Elizabeth who also lost last year's final on a 2-4 score to Sultan.

The semifinal and final were pretty tough, especially because I had not been training regularly of late. Today (Sunday), my experience gave me the edge over Garry. With the Curtain-raiser men's singles title in my possession, I hope to win more competitions during the season," said 20-year-old Marie who has been practising the sport for seven years.

If Sultan, who won the men's singles title for two consecutive years, relinquished his title, Janice Esparon, 17,  brought her number of wins in the women's singles to two by defeating 2002 champion Margaret Chang-Time 4-2 (12-10 11-5 11-9 7-11 9-11 11-7).

Two-time female table tennis player of the year Esparon, who defeated former number one Maria Laure on the way to reaching the final, told Sports Nation that the competition was tough.

ESPARON ... women's singles winner

"At one point, I didn't think I could retain my title because the competition was tough with some of the players who had been away making a come-back. It's nice to have them back as they bring more competition," said Esparon.

Esparon then joined forces with Vincent Isaac in the open mixed doubles and needed six sets to overcome the duo of Maria Laure and Garry Elizabeth 4-2 (9-11 11-6 11-9 6-11 11-9 11-6).

The girl's under 14 title went to 13-year-old Anissa Benstrong. Left-handed and no-nonsense Benstrong, a secondary two student of Pointe Larue Secondary School, condemned Tracey Nourrice to a second consecutive defeat in the final on 3-0 (11-3 11-7 11-6) score.

MARENGO ... boy's under 14 singles winner

BENSTRONG... girl's under 14 singles winner

"I've beaten Tracey before and I knew I could repeat the feat today (Sunday). Tracey didn't play well and I capitalised on her mistakes to score," said Benstrong, who took up table tennis two years ago and practices five times a week.

The boy's under 14 title was captured by Ronny Marengo with a 3-0 (14-12 11-8 11-5) victory over David Payet.

G. G.