Competitors from all over New England will make their way to Lewiston this weekend for the state's only open table tennis tournament.

The Maine Spring Table Tennis Open takes over the Lewiston Armory on Saturday, May 10 with total cash and prizes approaching $1,000.

The event is sponsored by the Maine Table Tennis League (MTTL) of Lewiston, industry suppliers Stiga and Paddle Palace and is sanctioned by USA Table Tennis (USATT).

The open has come a long way from its humble beginnings in a single room of Lewiston's Multi-Purpose Center to one that attracts over 60 men and women, ages ranging from 11 to 75, to the spacious Armory equipped with 12 tables - most tournaments have eight - a high ceiling and hardwood floor.

"This is the pinnacle of table tennis play in the state of Maine," said MTTL founder and president Guy Boisse.

Fellow MTTL member Rick Shea will serve as the referee. Shea is a certified table tennis official - a requirement in obtaining a USATT sanction. Shea is the only certified official in Maine and New Hampshire.

Two-time and defending champion Ricard Dewitt of Connecticut is looking for his third straight open win and the accompanying $300 cash prize. Although many players will be vying for the top prize, Dewitt will not have to contend with Boisse or Shea, who will be too busy at the front desk to compete.

"We'll sacrifice our playing goals for the benefit of the event," said Boisse. "We get a charge out of watching different players play."

With 10 divisions including doubles, junior, women, senior, rated and unrated, the event encourages players of all levels to pick up a paddle.

"It would be advantagous to the people who play in their cellar who have no idea what active competition is all about," said Boisse. Fees range from $10 to $25 per event.

Spectators, admitted free of charge, will have a bird's eye view of the action from the comfort of the balcony.

"They will be impressed at the quality of play," said Boisse.

Concessions will also be available.

For more information call Guy Boisse at 784-4691, e-mail ulsa@localnet.com or log on to www.mainetabletennisleague.com.