Some fantastic news has filtered through today as Ireland’s Owen Cathcart has been selected for the ITTF’s new ‘Rough Diamond’ Programme.
The Rough Diamond Programme is a new initiative in which the ITTF are targeting top young Under 15 players from all over the world with a view to nurturing world class talent.
In total, 20 players (10 boys, 10 girls) have been selected, with the first camp taking place in Luxembourg over 8 days in September.
Of the 20 players selected, only 6 of these are European, further highlighting the magnitude of Owen’s achievement.
The Europeans to make the Boys group include Sidorenko (RUS) Moregardh (SWE), the current number 1 and 2 ranked players, as well as Rasenfosse (BEL).
Special invited players for the first camp include the Number 1 and 2 U15 Players in the World; Japan’s Harimoto and Uda.
The camp will be led by Chinese National Team Coaches, with emphasis placed on four key areas; Quality training, quality coaching, an individual approach, motivational education.
Congratulations to Owen on this exceptional achievement! We wish him the very best for the first camp in September.