Championship Final: A Designer Victory
The match we'd all been waiting for lived up to its billing, as I Love Paris strutted away with a breathtaking 3-2 victory over Crepes A Go Go. In a final tighter than a designer suit, both teams served up a feast of table tennis excellence.
While Samara might not have brought her usual haute couture form, she delivered when it counted most. Crepes A Go Go's dynamic duo of Ale and Greg whipped up individual victories, pushing their matches to four sets with scores tighter than their perfectly rolled crêpes. Peter proved to be I Love Paris's secret weapon, fashioning two crucial singles victories before the team sealed their win with a doubles performance worthy of the Paris runway.
Battle for the Podium: ANZ Banks Third
ANZ continued their remarkable Business Class journey (they're one of our original teams from nine years ago!) with a commanding 4-1 victory over fellow veterans Topologic. The scoreline doesn't reflect the drama, with Topologic's Dave engineering a brilliant five-set thriller against Kelvin. Last-minute substitute Dylan proved that even with limited practice time, you can still calculate the perfect angles.
ANZ's Travis, our "Mr Consistency," maintained his perfect interest rate of returns, while Kelvin showed why ANZ remains one of our most formidable teams. A special mention to Topologic's injured warrior John - his earlier contributions helped chart their course to the playoffs.
Super Standard Engineers Fifth Place Victory
The battle for fifth place proved anything but standard, with Super Standard securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Niwa. Your humble competition organiser (that's me!) had the privilege of stepping in for Doug, who was exploring the Heaphy Track, and managed to secure two victories against Niwa's technically accomplished father-son combination.
Paul's performance for Super Standard was a masterclass in power play, with his smashes drawing gasps from the crowd. Meanwhile, Niwa's technical prowess was on full display, with Matthias's chop shot proving as reliable as German engineering and young Anton showing why he's one to watch for the future. His forehand loops had the pace and precision of a seasoned player, though the occasional backspin proved his kryptonite.
Capturing the Magic
Special thanks to our dedicated videographer Vinay, whose keen eye has documented every serve, rally, and celebration throughout the series. His footage not only captures the action but tells the story of what makes Business Class Table Tennis special - the perfect blend of competition, community, and corporate networking. These videos will be instrumental in showcasing our unique competition to future participants and sponsors alike.
Refreshingly Supported
Our fantastic sponsor Almighty kept the energy flowing all season long with their outstanding range of refreshments. Players and spectators alike stayed hydrated and energised through every rally with their delicious selection, including Pear, Blood Orange, Peach and Ginger, and their zesty Grapefruit and Tangelo flavours.
These aren't just any refreshments - they're Wellington-born beverages crafted with care and quality. If you're a business looking to keep your team refreshed and energised, Almighty offers the perfect solution. Their range of drinks would make a brilliant addition to your office kitchen or team events.
Want to keep your staff refreshed the Almighty way? Get in touch with them at hello@drinkalmighty.com. Trust us - your team will thank you for it!
The Future is Business Class Plus
After this successful "testbed" season, we're excited to announce ambitious plans for the future:
- Expansion to 12 teams across two grades
- Regional competitions throughout New Zealand
- A national championship bringing together the best business talent
- Enhanced networking opportunities
- Seasonal competitions starting late February 2025
Nine Years and Growing Stronger
Special recognition goes to our original teams, ANZ and Topologic, who've been with us since day one. Like well-managed portfolios, they've stood the test of time and continue to deliver returns. Their ongoing commitment shows why Business Class Table Tennis is more than just a competition - it's a community.
Join Our Next Chapter
Whether you're a corporate giant or an energetic startup, a seasoned player or a complete novice, Business Class Table Tennis offers something unique - networking through sport. Our late February 2025 competition is already generating interest, so don't miss your chance to be part of Wellington's most innovative corporate sporting event.
Sign up your team here for the next comp.
Final Thoughts
Tonight wasn't just about crowning champions; it was about celebrating the spirit of Business Class Table Tennis. From the intense competition to the friendly banter, from the strategic timeouts to the networking opportunities, every moment reminded us why this competition is special.
As captured in our group photo, this is more than just table tennis - it's where Wellington's business community comes together to serve, rally, and connect
