The Open

Recently we had the Moreton Bay Table Tennis Open.  People came from all over south east Queensland to play.  There were many events but the one I entered I do not want to talk about.
I was talking to guy who is one of Australia’s best and complained to him that my operation did not make me a better table tennis player.  He thought that was really remiss of them and I agree.  I think I have worked out why though.  The operation was on my head and they found a bit of brain, and had not been expecting it.  I guess it threw them.  Like in most things I make up the numbers. 
Merril and I needed to go to Big W before the tournament.  We were dressed in our club gear (well Merril was wearing the dress – not me – let’s be clear on that.)  A guy asked where the club was, and we told him.  He seemed really keen to join.  Like many, he has a table and is considered good.  His wife told us how good he is.  I informed him that joining our club would show how good he really was.  He acknowledged that, and said he really likes competition.  Like all things we just put it out there.  Outcomes are never set.  We have seen some players join from home and really work on their game and exceed expectation.  Others join and drift off.  No one knows the outcome initially.
We have found in our club that many people join for the competition.  There are a number of clubs about that only run social play.  There is certainly a time and place for that, but it seems counter-productive to make that all there is. To me, a well-rounded club caters for all.  Of course that depends on the club’s aspirations.
I will never forget an example from Zig Ziggler who was famous once.  He was talking about fleas.  Put them in a bottle with the lid on, and they jump as high as the lid.  Take the lid off and they still only jump that high, although if they went higher they could escape.  Clubs to me are like that.  How high they go is determined by the ceiling set. Some like to be comfortable and others like to be stretched.  There is no right or wrong.  Like attracts like.
I play table tennis because I enjoy it.  I will never be the best, but I always give it my best.