Posts in category: International Events

Over 200 young talents gathered in Schiltigheim, France, at the European Euro Mini Championships (U13 & U11). Representing Ireland with pride were Peadar Sheridan, Stefan Bonchev, Aaditya Singh, Toby Caldwell, and Karsten Close, accompanied by Irish team coaches Conn Higgins and Gervis Knox. The event showcased exceptional performances and here is how the event unfolded.

Peadar Sheridan’s Remarkable Journey

Starting with the in the under 13 boys category, Peadar Sheridan showcased his resilience and prowess, making a significant impact by reaching the main draw (last 32). Peadar navigated through three grueling group stages, each featuring four players. Notable victories in the group stages included wins against Priou and Richard of France, Muller (last year’s quarter-finalist), Sahrni of the Spanish National Team, and candelier of France.

Peadar’s path led him to a close encounter with Closset, the World No.10 from Belgium, where he fought valiantly but narrowly missed out in a three-set match. In the 17-32 playoff, Peadar encountered tough competition in Razak from the Czech Republic, the European No.11 and going down 3-1.

However, Peadar’s shining moment came on the final day, where he secured three impressive wins against Malik of Denmark, Andrade of Portugal, and Lois of Spain, clinching a well-deserved 25th position. Peadar’s overall performance was nothing short of impressive, and he is still in the age category next year!

Aaditya Singh and Toby Caldwell’s Determined Efforts

Also in the under 13s category, Aaditya Singh and Toby Caldwell represented Ireland with enthusiasm. Though they didn’t progress beyond the stage one groups, their determination was evident in every match. Aaditya’s commendable effort included a thrilling 3-2 battle against Sandona, a top 16 finisher. Toby’s remarkable performance was highlighted by a closely contested match against Ellerman, a top player from Sweden, which saw him fighting fiercely in three close sets. Aaditya was able to finish with two wins in the consaltion whilst Toby took one victory, well done boys.

Stefan Bonchev’s Inspiring Top 16 Finish!

Stefan Bonchev shone brightly in the under 11 category, where he embarked on an epic journey to reach the last 16 stage. Stefan’s exceptional wins against opponents like Campagna of the Italian National Team showcased his talent and perseverance. While he faced a tough match against Issakason from Sweden in the last 16, Stefan’s resilience was evident in every set and narrloy lost out in the 5th set.

His journey continued in the places 9-16 bracket, where he faced off against Maran of France losing 3-1 to the French National Team player. Stefan kept battling hard and emerged victorious in his last two outstanding matches against Jaffiner (France) and Escudier (France), finishing in a superb 11th place, many congratulations Stefan!

Karsten Close’s Strong Performance

Also in the U11s Karsten Close demonstrated his mettle in the competition, displaying notable performance against formidable French opponents in his first round group. Despite not advancing from the group stage, Karsten’s showed great fight in every match whilst gaining great experience. In the consolation matches, Karsten secured three impressive wins, showcasing his potential for growth and future success!

A Special Thanks to Coaches Conn and Gervis

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our coaches Conn Higgins and Gervis Knox, who tirelessly coached and guided the young athletes throughout the weekend. Their expertise and support played a pivotal role in the success and growth of the Irish contingent. The experience gained by the players under their guidance will undoubtedly contribute to their future achievements.

The European Euro Mini Championships not only brought thrilling matches but also showcased the talent we have coming through in the mini cadets. As these young athletes continue to train and develop, the future of Irish table tennis looks bright.

Congratulations to all the players for their outstanding performances and to the coaches for their unwavering support!

Stefan Bonchev traveled to the ETTU Euro Talents pre selection camp in Kiskunfelegyhaza, Hungary accompanied by Coach Conn Higgins.

Over six days Stefan trained with some of the best U13 boys in Europe. He also played a tournament where he played 20 of those boys (where all matches would be 3 sets).

Stefan won 10 of those matches, winning 34 sets and losing 26. This left Stefan in eighth position from 28 participants.

A very creditable performance as he has 2 more years in this age group.

Success in Prague for Team Ireland

Team Ireland travelled to Prague for the Prague Grand Prix which took place 23rd – 25th June. The first day saw the team events which saw bronze for Ireland. Peadar Sheridan and Boris Bonchev were narrowly beaten 3/2 in the u 13 boys team event Semi final in Prague by Hertha Berlin losing 11/9 in the 5th set in the deciding doubles game. In the U15 category Vincent Ni and Boris Bonchev finished 9th of 40 teams while Ben Watson and Sean Loughnane finished 11th of 44 teams in the U17 category.

The next day saw the individual events where Stefan Bonchev captured the gold medal in the boys U11 final at the Prague Grand Prix. He came fromone set down to win against Remi Borok 3/1. Peadar Sheridan reached the quarter final in the U13 Singles while Vincent Ni also reached the quarter finals in U17 Singles. Boris Bonchev reached the last 32 in the Boys U15 singles while Sean Loughnane and Ben Watson were both beaten in the consolation quater finals.

Big thank you Conn Higgins and Alan Hurley who coached the team.

We would like to wish the following players the very best of luck at this weekends Primary Schools International, which is taking place in Northamptonshire in England:

Boys – Peadar Sheridan, Stefan Bonchev, Clifford Tan & Karsten Close  

Girls – Eimear Hutchinson & Polly Smith (they will be joined by players from England and Wales for the team event)

The teams will be supported by coaches Erin Thompson & Conn Higgins.

There were mixed fortunes for Peadar and coach Conn Higgins in Slovakia this weekend at the WTT Youth Contender Senec.

In the Under 13 event Peadar qualified for the main draw, having finished second in his group after beating Roland BACA (Slovakia) 3-0 and losing to Deni VALE (Croatia) 0-3.  He then went on to the round of 64, beating Kuzey GUNDOGDU (Turkey) 3-1 before losing to Francesco TREVISAN (Italy) 3-1 in the round of 32.

In the Under 11 event a tough draw saw Peadar come up against three Asian opponents, two of whom were unseeded.  Despite heroic efforts to force a deciding set, he lost to Yun-Yan WU (Chinese Taipei) 1-3 before overpowering Yousuf HANIFA (Saudi Arabia) 3-0.  Playing for a place in the main draw, he took the first set off Yeongjun MA (South Korea) but eventually lost 1-3.