On 2 April, it was time for the the annual FEK Table Tennis Tournament again, and this year also marked its 10th anniversary! The competition first started in 2013 but has had three breaks over the years, which is why the 10-year celebration is taking place this year. (See the fact box for more details on past years and winners.)
A total of 22 players battled fiercely until the very end, and this year's final surpassed even last year's in terms of excitement and impressive serves—and last year's final was already in a class of its own!
This year, six lucky players—or three pairs—made it into the top three, and they were: Daniel Gunnarsson and Christian Jörgensen (winners), Ivan Hejny and Sverre Spoelstra (second place) and Jörgen Wettbo and Erik Siebers (third place).
A set of quick questions for the winners
What do these winners, as well as the silver and bronze medalists, think about their performance? Did they train a lot beforehand, and what do they love most about the competition? Join us as we meet some of our fantastic players!
1st place – Gold/Winners
Congratulations Daniel Gunnarsson and Christian Jörgensen! How do you feel?
Daniel: “It feels really good, always fun to win. This is my first time in the competition, so this was a really nice start!"
Have the two of you played together before?
Daniel: “No, we have never even met!"
Did you practice extensively before the game?
Daniel: “I must admit that I played a couple of weeks ago, with some friends. I don't play regularly but I like ball sports in general."
What’s the best thing about FEK Table Tennis Tournament?
Daniel: “Meeting all these people, putting faces to names, and getting to know them—many of whom I had never met despite working here for a year and a half—has been amazing. Winning is fun, but I saw this as an enjoyable activity that brings the faculty together, and of course, I wanted to take part!"
(Jörgen had already left when the interview was conducted.)
2nd place – Silver
Congratulations Ivan Hejny and Sverre Spoelstra! How do you feel?
Ivan: “I was not expecting much, but I ended up in second place!"
Sverre: “Last time I participated I won so this was kind of a disappointment (laughing)!"
Have the two of you played together before?
Both: “No, never!"
Did you practice extensively before the game?
Sverre: “Actually, my son has joined a table tennis club, and we have a table tennis table in our basement where we have practiced. Not for this tournament specifically though, but for my sons tournament..."
Ivan: “I have played when I was younger and sometimes I still do, but I haven't played since August anyway."
What’s the best thing about FEK Table Tennis Tournament?
Sverre: “It's always very nice! And I always want to participate, but it doesn't always work."
Ivan: “It's fun and I was paired with a very good player!"
3rd place – Bronze
Congratulations Jörgen Wettbo and Erik Siebers! How do you feel?
Jörgen: “It feels great! Having just watched the super finals we are happy for our bronze, it would be really hard to get a higher placement this year."
Erik: “It feels good! A bronze finish is totally fine!"
Have the two of you played together before?
Erik: “Yes, we played together once before. And I think we ended up second best."
Did you practice extensively before the game?
Jörgen: “Not together but a lot separately. On a weekly basis."
Is that true?
Jörgen: “No (laughing)!"
What’s the best thing about FEK Table Tennis Tournament?
Jörgen: “Such a fun thing to be part of. Always nice and funny. Joyful people."
Erik: “I totally agree!"
The challenge cup will now be "taken care of" by reigning champion Daniel Gunnarsson, who will find a nice place for it at LUSEM Library, and his co-winner Christian Jörgensen, at AgriFood. We can assume they share the trophy—perhaps taking turns holding it for six months each?
