BEST TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT SO FAR - ‘MAO' WON THE EVENING
Relevant to present political situation
The Seychelles College Table Tennis Evening reminded all present that the Chinese are still lords where table tennis is concerned. Indeed a quick glance at the contestants gave one the impression of being in Hong Kong rather than the Seychelles. Among the evening stars were a Lailam, 2 Manchams, an Ah-Time and Ah-Moye. And even those remaining few who did not possess such obvious names (Pool and Cadeau) certainly depicted characteristics north of Tibet. In fact the only exception to this mongol invasion was two “Bon Blanc” (Maurel and Barallon) who struggled hard to survive this yellow menace. And then, yes, there was also the American (Dawson) who undoubtedly looked like a spy in this oriental entourage.
None will deny that the most exciting set was the tough “Island Championship” ---contested by Lailam and Ah-Time--- a game which could aptly be described as the war between “MAO” and “CHIANG” to determine who was to become “Champion” of the Island”. Lailam was of course “MAO” --- defiant, aggressive, and warlike and smile less. And by a purely mathematical Ah-Time was the “Chiang” of the evening --- almost always on the defensive, shining with a glory that was past but then on the brink of a great defeat. Adopting a capitalistic attitude, with chewing gum in the mouth and perhaps a girl friend in town – he was too over confident when he stepped on the battlefield to face a rival who had all throughout the evening been engaged in a successful “Prestige Expansion Policy” by defeating all the other competitors who had stood in his way. When “Chiang” realized that the arrogant looking little man in the khaki shorts meant business ---- it was already too late to advocate the policy of “peaceful co-existence” --- for that man was “Mao” --- he won all the games, was proclaimed “Champion of the Island” --- but still there was no smile. His expansion policy was not yet extinct. With the drive, power and ambition behind him, who can now, dare say that this equation of “Lailam” with “Mao” was not in fact well made!
Courtesy Seychelles Weekly – November 2nd 1963
