Breaffy Hotel in Castlebar played host to the Stiga Connacht Junior Open over the weekend, with over 160 players travelling from all over Ireland to compete. This was the first time since the early 1970s that Connacht have hosted a Junior Ranked tournament, and players and spectators alike were treated to a feast of top class table tennis.
The Junior Boys saw Irish International and number 2 seed, Sam Logue from ALSAA TTC, take the title in straight sets over Ballincollig’s Declan O’Brien. O’Brien was in superb form throughout the tournament with his trademark backhand winners stunning the opposition. However, Logue controlled the final from the first point, and the win now puts him in the number 1 spot ahead of the final event of the season – the Nationals in April. Third place in the Juniors was shared by Eastpoint clubmates, Ryan Farrell and Conor Beades.
The quarter finals of the Cadet Boys witnessed the match of the tournament, pitting Ballincollig’s James O’Reilly against the current Irish number 1, Eastpoint’s Ryan Farrell. O’Reilly took the first set, and Farrell had to dig deep to take the second on a score of 22-20. O’Reilly took the next and had Farrell on the rack in the fourth, before Farrell steadied and hit back claiming the set, and then took the fifth in classic fashion. O’Reilly had let him off the hook, but certainly has laid down a marker of his future intentions, and underscores this Cadets potential. Farrell went on to claim his 3rd title of the season by defeating Club Donic’s Conor Mullally 3-1 in the final, while York Road’s Kevin Hutchinson took the third place.
In the U12 Boys, Glenburn’s Zak Wilson took the title defeating, Fivemiletown’s Ryan McConkey on a scoreline of 3-1, while local favourite, Connaught’s Dara Egan took the third spot.
The Junior Girls title was taken by tournament favourite, Fivemiletown’s Ashley Givan, on a score of 3-1 over Ballincollig’s Edel O’Reilly. Givan was clinical in her victory over her International Team mate, and confirms her clear-cut position as the Irish number 1 as we head towards the end of season. Third place was taken by the home favourite, Mayo’s Sarah Timlin. In the Cadet Girls, Eastpoint’s Katie McGlone followed up her Munster title win with a 5-set, action packed triller over the number 2 seed, Glenburn’s Emma Ludlow. The Eastpoint player was in sparkling form, capping off a superb weekend by finishing in 4th position in the Junior event.
In the U12 Girls, Mayo’s Marie Williams took the title over Killarney TTC’s Valentina Puotlkalis, while Orla Timlin from Mayo finished third.
The Under 10 event again offered an opportunity for some of our youngest talents get an opportunity to play in a major event as they take their first step on the competition ladder.
Many thanks to all from the Connacht Bramnch who delivered a good tournament experience for the players. Thanks also to Ben Haughton who volunteered his time to assist with the draw over the weekend.
Junior Boys ; 1.S Logue ; 2. D O’Brien ; 3. R Farrell & C Beades (shared).
Cadet Boys ; 1. R Farrell ; 2. C Mullally ; 3. K. Hutchinson
U12 Boys ; 1.Z Wilson ; 2. R McConkey ; 3. D Egan.
U10 Boys ; 1. J Kelly ; 2. E Ditchburn ; 3. E Duffy
Junior Boys Plate ; 1. S Kelleher ; 2. M Doyle
Cadet Boys Plate ; 1. S Farrell ; 2. S Og Tigue
U12 Boys Plate ; 1. J Viegas ; 2. K Hodgins.
U10 Boys Plate ; 1. T Downey ; 2. D Nyland.
Junior Girls ; 1.A Givan ; 2. E O’Reilly ; 3. S Timlin.
Cadet Girls ; 1. K McGlone ; 2. E Ludlow ; 3. E Thompson
U12 Girls ; 1. M Williams ; 2. V Poutlaski ; 3. O Timlin.
U10 Girls ; 1. K Whelan ; 2. M Williams ; 3. N Krawzun.
Junior Girls Plate ; 1. A Walker ; 2. S McConkey
Cadet Girls Plate ; 1. B Brady ; 2. T Molloy
U12 Girls Plate ; 1. A Taylor ; 2. O O’Malley.
U10 Girls Plate ; 1. L McConkey ; 2. M Cummins