Ryan "The Nightmare" Gibson Captures Paddle Palace Sunday League Championship

Incredible Edge-Ball Save Highlights Thrilling Final Against Ayllon Giladi

Every Sunday, the Paddle Palace Club brings together players of all levels for an afternoon of competitive table tennis, Ratings Central matches, and opportunities to improve.

This week’s Sunday League delivered all of that, along with one of the most memorable rallies the club has seen this year.

When the final point was played, Ryan “The Nightmare” Gibson emerged as champion, defeating Ayllon Giladi after a championship match filled with tactical adjustments, contrasting styles, and incredible athleticism.

🎥 Watch the Championship Rally

Sometimes one point tells the story of an entire match. Late in the Sunday League Championship, Ayllon Giladi appeared to have won the rally with an edge ball. Ryan "The Nightmare" Gibson somehow reached the ball, kept the point alive, and completed one of the most remarkable reversals of the afternoon.

Ryan "The Nightmare" Gibson saves an apparent winning edge ball before completing one of the most memorable rallies of the Paddle Palace Club Sunday League.

Championship Match

Ryan’s close-to-the-table style was on full display throughout the competition. His quick hands, fearless blocking, and ability to redirect pace consistently forced opponents into uncomfortable positions.

Standing across the table in the final was one of the club’s most versatile competitors, Ayllon Giladi.

An accomplished all-around player, Ayllon mixed topspin loops and defensive chops from away from the table with drive blocks and chop blocks close to the table. The constant changes in speed, placement, and spin forced Ryan to react and adjust throughout the match.

The contrast between Ryan’s fast, close-table blocking game and Ayllon’s creative all-around style produced an entertaining final that kept players around the club watching until the final point.

The Rally Everyone Was Talking About

The spectacular rally on match point demonstrated one of the most important qualities in competitive table tennis: the willingness to fight for one more ball.

From Ayllon’s perspective, the edge ball had ended the point.

From Ryan’s perspective, the point was not over until the ball hit the floor.

Ryan Gibson’s Perspective

“Ayllon’s a tough player to know what ball’s coming next. As an all-round player, he mixes up his loops and chops away from the table, with drive blocks and chop blocks close to the table.

With that being said, I was in a bit of a scramble in most of the match trying to react to his placement and spin, with the last point being no exception.

I didn’t have any memorable thoughts during that last point, but definitely had a big sigh of relief when I brought that last edge ball back.

I was definitely thankful that I had my super-light STIGA Carbon Soft Touch blade to help with my hand speed to get a paddle on the ball, and the fight to stay in the point.

Especially in close matches like that one, the games and overall match can come down to a couple big highlights and a few moments of just keeping the ball in play when all seems lost.”

Ayllon Giladi’s Perspective

“As usual, Ryan stayed close to the table and fearlessly blocked my shots into uncomfortable locations. I did my best to counter from a distance, but ultimately, his insanely fast hand speed outmatched my ability to cover the court.

Also, I fatally used my slower Nittaku Goriki Super Cut paddle against him and think I would have had a better chance using my main setup with more penetration power, the Goriki Danshi.

And yeah, that rally was insane! I nearly started to walk away from the table, thinking I had won the point, but again, his lightning-fast reflex saved it and led to a stunning reversal.

I am looking forward to another chance at redemption next time!”

Their comments capture what made the final so compelling. Ryan’s quick reactions and determination were tested by Ayllon’s changes of spin, pace, depth, and positioning. In the biggest moment of the match, Ryan found a way to stay alive and turn the point around.

Champion’s Equipment

Ryan’s equipment setup complements his close-to-the-table game, where quick hands, early timing, controlled blocks, and rapid transitions are essential.

Blade: STIGA Carbon Soft Touch, Flared Handle

The lightweight balsa-carbon construction of the STIGA Carbon Soft Touch gives Ryan the speed and maneuverability needed during rapid exchanges at the table. Ryan specifically credited its light weight with helping him reach the edge-ball recovery during the championship rally.

Shop the STIGA Carbon Soft Touch

Forehand: STIGA Helix Platinum M, Black

Ryan used STIGA Helix Platinum M on his forehand. Its combination of speed, spin, and balanced control supports aggressive offensive play while still allowing enough touch and stability for close-table exchanges.

Shop the STIGA Helix Platinum M

Backhand: Green Long Pips

Ryan competed with green VVIP long pips on his backhand. Paddle Palace does not currently carry that Yinhe rubber, but players looking for a disruptive green long-pips option can consider Tibhar Grass D.TecS.

Tibhar Grass D.TecS is designed to create spin variation, disruptive returns, and difficult changes of pace. It is also available in green.

Shop Tibhar Grass D.TecS

More Than Just Winning

One of the day’s most encouraging stories came from Dharshanika Selvakumar, who shared a thoughtful reflection after finishing with a 2-2 record.

Rather than focusing only on wins and losses, Dharshanika evaluated her performance by the improvements she made in her receiving position and her ability to read spin.

“I had a proper receiving position. I was bending all the way down to read the spin and receive the ball. I made a few mistakes while receiving, but I think it was a good step forward.

I am learning to take it easy and enjoying the experience. Sometimes a part of me was missing the killer instinct. The results were still good, two wins and two losses.

It didn’t feel like a huge leap in progress, though. Onward to the next week.”

Her comments embody what the Paddle Palace Sunday League is all about. Every week provides players with another opportunity to compete, gain confidence, improve their technique, and experience different styles of play.

Player Perspective Video

Dharshanika also shared a video reflecting on her Sunday League experience.

Watch Dharshanika’s Video

Undefeated Day for Paul Shih

While Ryan "The Nightmare" Gibson captured the Sunday League championship, Paul Shih enjoyed one of the most impressive performances of the day, finishing with a perfect 5-0 record.

Paul's unbeaten run showcased the steady progress he has been making through regular league play. Match after match, he demonstrated consistency, confidence, and the ability to execute under pressure, earning victories against a variety of playing styles.

One of the greatest strengths of the Paddle Palace Sunday League is that success is measured in many ways. Ryan left with the championship prize money, while Paul left with an undefeated record; another milestone that reflects the competitive yet supportive environment that continues to help players improve week after week.

Congratulations to Paul on an outstanding performance. We look forward to watching his continued progress in future Sunday League competitions.

Full Sunday League Results

View all match results, player performances, and Ratings Central information from the event.

View the Full Ratings Central Results

Join Us at Paddle Palace Club

Congratulations to Ryan “The Nightmare” Gibson on capturing the Sunday League championship and to Ayllon Giladi for an outstanding runner-up performance.

Whether your goal is improving your rating, preparing for a tournament, testing your skills against different styles, or simply enjoying meaningful competition, the Paddle Palace Sunday League offers players a valuable weekly challenge.

We hope to see you at the Paddle Palace Club for another afternoon of great competition.

Paddle Palace Table Tennis Club
12230 SW Main Street
Tigard, OR 97223
503.549.6292
club@paddlepalace.com

Club Hours
Monday: 3:00–9:00 p.m.
Tuesday–Friday: 1:00–9:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 12:00–6:00 p.m.

Photo caption: Sunday League champion Ryan “The Nightmare” Gibson and runner-up Ayllon Giladi following a memorable championship match at the Paddle Palace Club.