Top Ghanaian table tennis players James Marfo and Augustina Badioo emerged champions in the senior categories at the second edition of the Otumfuo Smash Tournament held in Kumasi.
The two-day competition, organised by the Ghana Table Tennis Association, took place from March 6 to March 7 at the Ahinsan Youth Centre and attracted more than 180 players from across the country. The tournament featured competitions in three categories — Hopes Under-12, Youth Under-19 and Seniors — with both male and female players battling for honours.
In the Hopes Under-12 girls’ final, Lovely Akua secured a narrow 3–2 victory over Sheila Akolgo with scores of 11-8, 9-11, 11-5 and 11-9. Emmanuel Azu also impressed in the boys’ division, defeating Ransford Antwi 3–1 with scores of 11-6, 13-11, 8-11 and 11-5 to lift the title.
The Youth Under-19 girls’ title went to Joanita Borteye, who dominated Emmanuella Yaa Kyere with a convincing 3–0 win (11-3, 11-3, 11-5). In the boys’ category, Israel Aklie also produced a commanding performance, beating Frederick Mensah 3–0 with scores of 11-9, 11-4 and 11-9.
The senior category produced some of the most exciting matches of the tournament as experienced players returned to competitive action with powerful rallies and impressive smashes.
In the women’s final, two-time Sheroes champion Augustina Badioo defeated fellow two-time Sheroes champion Cynthia Kwabi 3–2 in a thrilling encounter. Badioo had earlier overcome Joanita Borteye 3–2 in the semi-final, while Eva Adom Amankwah and Joanita Borteye finished in third place.
Reflecting on her victory after the game, Badioo expressed joy and gratitude. "I am very happy, and first of all, I thank God for bringing me this far. I came into the competition with the mindset to win, but in sports, anything can happen. Through hard work and dedication in training, I was able to achieve this victory and I am very grateful."
"All the players performed very well, but the biggest challenge for me was the final match. 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."
"My semi-final was also not easy because I faced Joanita again after meeting her in the Sheroes competition. I learned from my past mistakes and prepared well this time. We are now preparing for the upcoming World Championship in London, and I want to thank the Ghana Armed Forces, my coaches and supporters for their encouragement and support."
In the men’s final, 2025 SWAG Table Tennis Player of the Year James Marfo defeated Francis Antwi 3–1 in a competitive match with scores of 9-11, 12-10, 12-10 and 12-10. Emmanuel Commey and Samuel Hagan secured third place.
Marfo admitted the tournament was one of the toughest he had competed in. "This competition was very difficult because most of the top players were in my lane. Players like Israel Aklie and Emmanuel Commey have a lot of experience in the sport, so every match was challenging. I trained very hard for this tournament and I thank God for helping me win."
"Going forward, we are preparing for the West African Games in July. I will continue to train hard so I can represent Ghana well and win more medals for the country. I also want to thank the Ghana Table Tennis Association, especially the president Mawuko Afadzinu and the executives, for organising such a great competition for us."
Winners and runners-up across the various categories received prizes from the organisers in recognition of their outstanding performances.
By: Victoria Kwofie
