🏆 Bruce Huang Crowned 2026 NSW Junior Division 5 Champion as CTTC Trio Shine
Three Players, Three Group Wins
After June’s NSW Metropolitan Division 10 team title, the same CTTC training group returned to the Sports Halls at Sydney Olympic Park for a deeper individual test on Sunday 26 July. We are proud that all three players finished first in their Division 5 groups, then each won at least one knockout match.
| Player | Finish | Verified knockout path |
|---|---|---|
| Bruce Huang | Champion | Ellie Kim 3–0; Emily Mia Xu 3–1; Max Peng 3–1; Jayden Huang 3–1 |
| Jiahe “Jack” Huang | Joint 5th | Nathan Li 3–1; Jeremy Li 1–3 |
| Lucas Dai | Joint 5th | Yanxu Eamon Zhang 3–1; Max Peng 1–3 |
Jack and Lucas are described as joint fifth because both reached the last eight; this is their bracket position, not a separately awarded TTNSW prize. Their group wins and knockout victories made this a shared CTTC achievement before the later rounds began.
Bruce Huang, Jiahe “Jack” Huang and Lucas Dai with Coach Pei during the Division 5 event at Sydney Olympic Park.
Bruce Completes the Championship Run
Bruce opened his knockout campaign with a 3–0 win over Ellie Kim, taking the games 11–5, 11–8 and 13–11. He then defeated Emily Mia Xu 3–1 in the quarter-final, 11–7, 10–12, 11–8, 11–2, before overcoming Max Peng 3–1 in the semi-final, 11–9, 11–9, 5–11, 12–10.
The final brought Bruce together with top seed Jayden Huang. Two games stretched beyond 11 points, and the match remained demanding throughout. Bruce prevailed 14–12, 10–12, 11–6, 14–12 to complete four consecutive knockout wins and become the 2026 NSW Junior Division 5 champion.
A group win from every CTTC entrant, a knockout win from every CTTC entrant, and a Division 5 title to bring home.
Jack and Lucas Earn Their Place in the Last Eight
Jack advanced by defeating Nathan Li 3–1, with game scores of 11–6, 11–3, 7–11 and 15–13. In the quarter-final he took the opening game 11–5 against Jeremy Li, then lost the next three 2–11, 9–11 and 9–11. That placed Jack among the final eight players in the draw.
Lucas defeated sixth seed Yanxu Eamon Zhang 3–1 after dropping the first game, recovering 6–11, 13–11, 11–7, 11–4. He lost the quarter-final to Max Peng 1–3, with games of 9–11, 12–10, 8–11 and 8–11, after levelling the match by taking the second game. Like Jack, he left the event as a group winner and successful knockout competitor.
Turning Results Into Targeted Practice
The next step is a coach-led review, using score sheets, available video and coach feedback to choose one repeatable training objective at a time. These are questions for practice, not diagnoses made from results alone.
For Bruce, two 14–12 games in the final offer a useful starting point for reviewing serve-receive choices and end-game routines. For Jack, the quarter-final’s 11–5 opening game creates an opportunity to study how to reset after momentum changes. For Lucas, his recovery after losing the first game against Zhang, followed by drawing level against Peng, gives coaches evidence for examining starts and how to sustain a successful pattern. Across the trio, the aim is focused learning rather than changing everything at once.
Eyes on the Next Challenge
The next competition on the calendar is the 2026 ACT Open Championships, to be held at Tuggeranong Archery Centre in Greenway, ACT, on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August. The program includes junior and youth events alongside open, rating, veterans and para events, with national ranking points available.
Table Tennis ACT lists early-bird entries closing at 11:59 pm on Monday 3 August and standard entries closing at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 19 August. Families and players should use the official event page for registration, schedule, conditions and any updates. Thank you to the coaches, families, organisers and volunteers who supported a memorable day of junior table tennis.
We are proud of all three players. Onwards and upwards, Chatswood — point by point.