James Marfo and Augustina Baidoo have cemented their status as Ghana’s table tennis elite after clinching the senior titles at the Otumfuo Smash II tournament.
More than 180 players descended on the Ahinsan Youth Centre in Kumasi for the two-day event, held between 6 and March 7.
Organised by the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), the competition showcased the nation’s rising stars and seasoned veterans across three intense categories: Under-12s, Under-19s, and Seniors.
In the women’s senior final, Augustina Baidoo, a two-time Sheroes champion, faced off against fellow champion Cynthia Kwabi in a match that tested the nerves of both players.
Baidoo looked to be on the ropes after falling two games behind, as Kwabi’s powerful service game dictated the early pace.
However, a tactical shift allowed Baidoo to claw her way back, eventually securing a thrilling 3-2 victory.
“I came into the competition with the mindset to win, but in sports, anything can happen,” Baidoo said following her win.
“My opponent’s service was very strong and she led 2-0. When I adjusted and managed to control the service better, I was able to come back and take charge of the match.”
Baidoo, who also overcame a tough semi-final against Joanita Borteye, is now shifting her focus to the international stage as she prepares for the World Championship in London.
In the men’s senior division, 2025 SWAG Table Tennis Player of the Year James Marfo lived up to his billing, though he was pushed to the limit by Francis Antwi.
In a display of high-octane rallies and precision smashes, Marfo overcame an early setback to win 3-1 with a scorecard of 9-11, 12-10, 12-10, 12-10.
The narrow margins in every winning set highlighted the competitive depth of the tournament, with Marfo describing the path to the trophy as one of his toughest yet.
He admitted that most of the top players were in his lane, including experienced competitors like Israel Aklie and Emmanuel Commey.
Marfo’s eyes are now set on the West African Games this July, where he hopes to add more medals to Ghana’s tally.
The tournament also provided a platform for Ghana’s future Olympians.
In the Youth Under-19s, Joanita Borteye dominated the girls’ final with a clinical 3-0 win over Emmanuella Yaa Kyere, while Israel Aklie matched that dominance with a straight-sets victory against Frederick Mensah in the boys’ category.
The Hopes Under-12s saw Lovely Akua secure a narrow 3-2 win in a see-saw battle against Sheila Akolgo.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Azu claimed the boys’ title with a 3-1 victory over Ransford Antwi, further proving the depth of talent emerging from across the country.
The tournament serves as a vital preparation ground for Ghanaian athletes ahead of a busy international calendar.
GTTA President Mawuko Afadzinu and the executive team were praised by the athletes for maintaining a high standard of competition, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive in the Ashanti Region and beyond.
Source: Ekow Segu
