Two weeks ago, Italy held its first domestic table tennis tournament since the COVID-19 lockdown this spring. The so-called Top 10 "Tico Trophy" in Cortemaggiore saw 34-year-old Mihai Bobocica claim the men's title, and 14-year-old Nicole Arlia standing tallest among the women. This weekend saw the continuing resumption of Italian competition, albeit under strict pandemic protocols, at the Top 12 Alperia Cup in Bolzano. In a case of déjà vu all over again, Mihai Bobocica won the men's event. He staved off 23-year-old Jordy Piccolin in the final, coming from behind to claim the title, (6-11, 11-5, 5-11, 11-8, 11-7). "It was a very hard final because Jordy played very aggressively, both with the forehand and with the backhand," admitted Bobocica. "It is also known how dangerous his service is." Speaking of dangerous opponents, Tico Trophy titlist Nicole Arlia was also a factor in the women's draw. This time, however, she could not quite replicate that old Cortemaggiore magic. She did manage to reach women's semifinals, where she ran into world #72 Debora Vivarelli, the Italian ace nearly twice her age at 27. Vivarelli advanced to the finals in straight sets, whereupon she encountered another teen phenom in the form of Arianna Barani. The 17-year-old Barani is ranked #111 among the world's junior (under 18) players but has yet to establish a world ranking among the seniors. Predictably, the final favored the more experienced player, with with Vivarelli claiming the title in straight sets. To Barani's credit, however, she never gave up, posting her best effort in the last game which she brought to deuce. This fighting spirit is strong evidence that she will not remain unranked among the grown-ups. "After eight months of inactivity, in these two days I brought out all the desire I had to play and all the determination I had," said the victorious Vivarelli. "I am happy and also a little tired. I hope this is just the beginning and that we can go on like this, because everyone has a strong will to take the field." With domestic action heating up in Italy, along with the resumption of the European Champions League, table tennis has thus far proven to be viable under the new pandemic protocols. Although many questions remain about safety and logistics, the ITTF must be cautiously optimistic about the upcoming Women's and Men's World Cups, as well as the ITTF Finals, next month in China. In any event, however, the wily veterans must be ever wary of the waxing wave of whippersnappers.

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