Welcome to our blog! We will be adding special content here about the rich history of our league, Eastern Kentucky Table Tennis, which spans 30 plus years.

  1. When did it begin?  The Eastern Kentucky Classic (formerly known as The Legends Ball table tennis tournament-up to 2014), began in 1991. The tournament was chosen as a way to introduce a tournament format that was dominated by weekly match-up play, where championships were the main goal (and still are). This tournament would come to close out the table tennis year, and enable players to compete at the highest level. The Legends Ball name had nothing to do with our most decorated player “The Legend” Byron Risner, but most people think it does! Mythbuster. Over time, Grand Prix Table Tennis was renamed Eastern Kentucky Table Tenis in 2014, and the EKTT Board of Directors decided that the name Eastern Kentucky Classic was more appropriate for our new region of representation. A name we hear now in reference to the tournament is simply “The Classic.” If it works for you, it works for us!

2.     What does winning the tournament mean? Quite simply, it means you have reached a major milestone in that you have won the most prestigious annual table tennis tournament in Eastern Kentucky.  Only 8 players have won the EKC since 1991, which is 25 tournaments.

3.   What is the EKC Final Four? The Final Four of EKC is placing in the top four of the event, which is extremely difficult to accomplish due to the level of talent in the field. This shows that a player is at the top of the league, and can elevate your status as a top contender. It can raise your USATT League Rating immensely. The following players have etched their name in EKC lore with the most Final Four appearances. 1) Byron Risner 23 (out of 25!); 2) Josh”The One” May 8/ tie Cody “Tex” Risner 8;  4) “The Hammer” Charles Standifer 7; 5) Junior Gullett 5; 6) Langley Franklin, John Perkins and Johnny Johnson all tied at 4; 9) Greg Helton and Josh Frisby 3

4. What players have won the Eastern Kentucky Classic? This is elite company. Many all-time greats have failed to win this grueling tournament. The following are the winners and number of times they have won the EKC: 1) Byron Risner=15 times  2) Junior Gullett= 3 times; 3) Brian Patrick= 2 times  4) Johnny Johnson  5) Daniel Arnett  6) Tyler Adkins  7) Idris Kurnia (won during his debut!)  8) John Perkins. Numbers 4 through 8 have each won one EKC. Only three players have won the EKC multiple times.

5. How is the 26th Eastern KY Classic going to be different from previous tournaments? For the first time, we are introducing the concept of the “Super 6.” There will be trophies for the top six singles finishers. Previously, EKTT has only issued 3rd and 4th place awards after 1st and 2nd. The format this year will be a consolation tournament. This means that if you lose, the best that you can achieve is 3rd place (which is a tremendous accomplishment). Doubles will also be held under the same rules. If you play in the best match of the night, (featuring scores, going the distance, and games). Even if you don’t place, you can make history at the event. Doubles will feature first, second and third place.

6. What should I do to prepare for the EKC? We asked Eastern KY Champ Byron Risner for advice on this event, since he is the only player to have played in all 25 tournaments, and his record speaks for itself. “Get a good night’s sleep, be focused on the event all day, bring water or Gatorade (something like that), pack a towel, and get to the event early. Get to the event asap. Warm-ups and sign up will be from 5 pm to 6 pm. It is important to get the feel of the place, the atmosphere, and see how you are playing. Conserve energy as much as you can, and don’t throw points away with crazy shots or bad serves. Keep a positive attitude, and give it all you have until the last point. You can be tired later, but you only have one shot at winning this tournament.”

7. How do I sign up for doubles, especially if I don’t have a partner? EKTT will make sure you get to play doubles. It is better if you have a partner in mind, and the two of you have committed to playing at the event. If something happens and you don’t get to play with your partner, EKTT will accommodate you and make sure you get a partner. It is better to contact potential partners early, as someone else may have that individual in mind!

8. What is a consolation tournament anyway? This is the format for doubles and singles this year. It means that the winners keep playing until they reach the championship final. When players lose, they drop into the consolation bracket-where you are eligible to win third place. In effect, you at least get two matches.

9. Doubles Rules: Doubles is a different animal than singles. We will review doubles rules before the actual doubles event. If you have any questions, check with an experienced player, the tournament director, or the referee.

10.  How do I know who to play, and how I’m doing in the tournament?  EKTT will have results posted as to who wins and loses, and where you are in the tournament at any particular time. If you are in doubt, check in with the control desk to find out. Players should not go out to eat during the tournament, or leave for long periods of time. If you do not show up within 15 minutes of a match (unless of an emergency, injury, etc.) you will forfeit the match. Please check with officials if you have any questions.

ENJOY THE BIG EVENT!