Rackets Out, Dignity Gone: The First Semi PingPong Tournament

Basel, Zurich, and a Little Conflict Prevention

The first semi PingPong tournament was held at Volta Pong, located at Voltastrasse 30 in Basel. Voltabräu, located in the same building, provided the necessary energy off the ping-pong tables with food and drinks.

We largely avoided alcohol. After all, Cyril and Nic—two Zurich residents—had also come along. Given the historically sensitive diplomatic relationship between Basel and Zurich, we didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks. Conflict prevention is taken seriously at semi.

We can be punctual

The meeting was scheduled for 5:55 p.m., and everyone actually arrived on time. While this is to be expected from a Swiss company, it’s still worth mentioning for a corporate event.

At 6:20 p.m., the tournament began as scheduled. Two tables were reserved for the official competition, while two others were set aside for casual play on the side. At least, that was the plan. In reality, it became clear relatively quickly that even a so-called “just for fun” match in semi-competitive play stays “just for fun” only until someone loses the first point.

Twelve players, four groups, and the first bruised egos

In the official tournament, twelve players competed in four groups of three.

Group A

In Group A, Nic Andres came out on top with two wins. Joël Eichenberger secured second place and thus also advanced to the final round.

Group B

Onur Seyvan was in Group B, where he won both of his group matches. Erich Klauwers followed him into the quarterfinals.

Group C

In Group C, Mike Klauwers remained undefeated, while Remo Trummer took second place.

Group D

And then there was Group D. Cyril Wenger won both games and made it clear early on that his trip from Zurich was obviously not just for dinner. Danilo Kuhl came in second.

After twelve group matches, it was clear who would move on to compete for the title and who could now focus once again on the much less intense Tables 3 and 4.

"Just for Fun" was interpreted relatively freely

While players were competing for a spot in the next round at the tournament tables, other matches were taking place right next to them. Theoretically, these didn’t count toward the standings. In practice, however, it was clear that no one had explained to the participants exactly what the phrase “just for fun” meant.

There was running, diving, and fighting for balls that sensible people would probably have just given up on.

Unfortunately, this is where the author of this text comes into play. Everyone gave it their all for that one ball. They really gave it their all.

The ball might have been saved. Our dignity, however, probably not. Thanks to our colleagues’ strong commitment to photography, the moment has, of course, been captured in a photo. After all, true teamwork means not helping a fallen colleague to their feet until there is sufficient photographic evidence.

Physical injuries were minor. As of the time of publication, there are no definitive medical findings regarding the state of the ego.

Now things were getting serious

Starting with the quarterfinals, a good run wasn't enough anymore. The tournament was played in a single-elimination format. Nic beat Erich, Onur defeated Joël, Danilo advanced to the semifinals against Mike, and Cyril beat Remo.

In the first semifinal, Nic faced Danilo and won in two close sets, 11–6 and 12–10. On the second table, the match between Onur and Cyril turned out to be the longest semifinal of the evening. Cyril won the first set 11–4, Onur fought back with an 11–8 victory, and the deciding set went well beyond the standard eleven points. In the end, Cyril prevailed 14–12.

Meanwhile, however, Onur was building a second career. Although his commentary, hosting, and strong verbal presence didn't earn him a spot in the finals, they later officially made him the winner of the people's hearts.

Basel vs. Zurich—or at least, almost

From Basel's perspective, the lineup for the final could certainly have been more favorable. In the end, it was our two Zurich players—Nic Andres and Cyril Wenger—who made it to the final. As a result, all the previous de-escalation measures suddenly became almost meaningless.

Cyril got off to a strong start and won the first set 11–4. The second set was much closer. Nic put up a fight and kept the score tied at 12–12. Cyril ultimately won the set 14–12.

So it was settled: The first semi table tennis champion is Cyril Wenger. And since winning the tournament apparently wasn't enough, he also remained undefeated throughout the entire evening.

Nic secured second place. In the match for third place, Danilo Kuhl defeated Onur and rounded out the podium.

At some point, we had to eat, too

Fortunately, between the group matches, the final round, and personal rivalries, there was still plenty of time for the less socially dangerous part of the evening.

Over food and drinks from Voltabräu, people chatted, laughed, and probably reexamined the tactics behind one or two defeats. As is typical at company events, more and more stories were told as the evening wore on—stories that would either be recounted quite differently or completely denied the following workday.

However, there is evidence in the form of numerous photographs. This complicates the legal situation for some of those involved.

One title, one fall, and plenty of reasons for a rematch

In the end, Cyril took home not only the title but also what is probably the most prestigious award of his career so far. Nic secured second place, Danilo took third, and Onur, at the very least, won everyone’s hearts. Some discovered previously unknown table tennis talent. Others mainly discovered the floor of the Volta Pong.

But what was much more important was that what started out as an internal tournament turned into a really great evening spent together. We played, talked, ate, laughed, and at times showed far more competitive spirit than anyone was willing to admit beforehand.