Tsukimoto is just sad *spoilers*

So this guy was bullied as a kid and as a result can't express emotions. He easily beats everyone and becomes the best player, but he doesn't care or appreciate it. He isn't able to enjoy his talent, instead he just plays video games and lets life pass him by. He seemed to want to be beaten by his friend so he could stop playing. And then at the end, he becomes a teacher of all things.

The old teacher and the grandma both tried to get him out of his shell but he still basically didn't care. At the end he says Kazama is the only one who still thinks he's a good ping pong player... that is one sad dude. If there's one moral I got from this show it's not to go through life like Tsukimoto.

I think Kazama was my favorite character, although I don't quite get why he didn't put forth a little effort with the girl.