The ITTF has chosen two commentators. You can find them in the attachment.
Here's the text accompagnying the e-mail:
"Sebastian Hallen from Germany and Jonathan Cowen from Ireland have been selected as the next voices of table tennis.
The ITTF's recent search for the next voice of table tennis led to an overwhelming entry from all corners of the globe. The recently held competition gave the public an opportunity to showcase their commentary skills over a pre-recorded match and submit a sound bite in the hope that they would be selected to become the next voice of table tennis.
This competition was designed specifically to meet the growing demands for commentary across itTV, the online video portal for the ITTF that streams an ever-increasing number of matches, including the World Championships and Pro Tours.
The high-caliber of entries led to two voices being selected, with both now having the opportunity to commentate at the Liebherr 2011 World Team Cup, alongside the ITTF's professional commentator, Don Parker.
Steve Dainton, ITTF Marketing Director, said:
"After an exhaustive and intensive process from the overwhelming number of entries we are pleased to finally announce the winners of the ITTF Voice of table tennis competition.
"Thank you to all those that participated we were very impressed with the level of entries that we received. It truly was a difficult job to find the best so we decided to give two exceptional candidates an opportunity.
"My congratulations go to Sebastian and Jonathan we wish them the best of luck in their debut and who knows, they may even join our team of professional Table Tennis commentators."
Sebastian Hallen, said:
"I had my phone set to alarm me when there was a message from the ITTF, but failed to factor in the time difference between me (living in Germany) and the ITTF office, so the email woke me up in the middle of the night. I immediately felt very nervous about its contents. When I read that I had won I literally jumped out of my bed and danced around the room. I felt as if I had won the World Team Cup myself and I needed to celebrate my victory, but it was in the middle of the night!"
When asked why he applied Hallen continued:
"When I watch big events like the World Team Cup with friends who do not play table tennis, it becomes obvious how important the commentator is. Many people don't see the little things: a feint wrist movement, a small timing adjustment or spin variation. So it depends on the commentator to see it and point it out, or they can't truly understand how beautifully complex our sport is and how much on the spot thinking it requires.
"I have always been the one to tell people 'what happened there' when I watch table tennis with non-players, so when I heard about the ITTF competition and discussed the opportunity with friends they said: "Why don't you apply, you've been doing it all along."
Jonathan Cowan, said:
"I was delighted when I received the news that I would have the opportunity to commentate in Germany. Not only does it enhance my comeback to the table tennis arena since my retirement from competing after the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne 2006, it is great to be part of the worldwide efforts to continue to develop and promote table tennis."
When asked why he applied Cowan continued:
"I was sent the information by a number of people who have seen me MC and commentate over recent months and years, and I saw it as a very exciting and unique opportunity. No looking back from there!"
The two will now travel to the Magdeburg in Germany, where they will take to the mic and commentate 'live' on the action from the LIEBHERR World Team Cup, 3-6 November 2011.
Listen to them at ittf.com/itTV"
Congratz to those guys!
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