Grab your paddle; it's tourney time

There will be no second chances, no "comeback kids," no hope for "do-overs."

Step up to the table Saturday in the single-elimination City Table Tennis Championships at Naperville's River Woods School and your fate will depend on you, your opponent and your trusty paddle.

"One loss and you're done," said Brock Atwell, the Naperville Park District program manager supervising the tournament.

The single-elimination format cuts down on confusing playoff rounds, he said, and keeps things on schedule to finish around 4 p.m.

"It moves pretty quickly," Atwell said.

Four tables will be set up in the school's gym. Registration for the adult competition, featuring men and women ages 18 through 49, begins at 11:30 a.m., with play scheduled to start at noon. Men and women compete separately.

There's also a masters competition for players 50 and older.

Youths in three age divisions -- 11 and under, 12 and 13, and 14 to 17 -- begin registering at 1:30 p.m. with play starting a half-hour later. The youth competition is co-ed.

Competitors also may register in advance at the park district office at 320 W. Jackson Ave.

The top two finishers in each age division will receive a plaque, Atwell said.

The tournament is co-sponsored by the park district and the Naperville Table Tennis Club. Atwell said club members regularly practice at River Woods on Sunday nights. Both club members and non-members are welcome to compete.

Anyone who has a favorite paddle is in luck. Not only are players allowed to use them, they're encouraged to do so.

Extra paddles will be available for those who don't bring their own, Atwell said.

If you go

What: City Table Tennis Championships, sponsored by Naperville Park District and Naperville Table Tennis Club

When: Adult registration at 11:30 a.m. Saturday with play to begin at noon; youth registration at 1:30 p.m., with play to begin at 2 p.m.

Where: River Woods Elementary School gym, 2607 River Woods Drive, Naperville

Cost: $10 at the door; $8 in advance

Info: (630) 848-5000 or napervilleparks.org