Veterans 6 Nations Opened by ITTA President
The Six Nations Veterans Championships commenced this afternoon with an address from the ITTA President, Joseph Hickey;
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.
Whilst Brian Finn is too modest a man to have allowed any mention of his work on the organisation of this event in to the official programme, I am delighted to be able to acknowledge his magnificent contribution not only to this event, but also to the management of veterans’ table tennis in Ireland.
To everyone else, I am pleased to extend to you a ‘Cead Mile Failte’ or a hundred thousand welcomes, to this 2013 Veterans Six Nations Championships at the ALSAA arena in Dublin.
Whenever I watch matches, I see part of the magnificence of table tennis. Ours is a sport that requires considerable athletic ability. It also requires mental agility and tactical awareness. But most of all, it requires you to combine all of these abilities, if you are to succeed.
Over the next 3 days, competitors will strive to deliver that perfect loop, that vicious chop, that short push or that stunningly disguised serve. People will cheer the successful outcome, or agonise with you if the ball fails to reach the desired destination.
However, veterans’ table tennis is about more than just sporting success. It is a celebration of life. It is a shout to the world that the passage of time has not dimmed the desire to enter the sporting arena and continue the athletic endeavours of our earlier years.
Veterans’ table tennis has done a magnificent job in ensuring that as Father Time marches on, we are able to continue that journey, playing our sport with team mates and fellow competitors on an equal footing.
Whether today is your first international selection, or another step in a long and illustrious career, if you look around this hall, you will see team mates, fellow competitors, coaches, umpires, event organisers, family and friends. You will see people, who are sharing every moment of this Six Nations Championships with you.
When the last shot has been played on Sunday, and whether our contribution was on or off the table, let all of us who have taken part in this great celebration of table tennis, be able to say with an inner calm of quiet satisfaction, ‘ we did our best’,
Ladies and gentlemen, let me conclude now, by formally declaring this Six Nations Championships open, and let competition begin.
Joseph A Hickey
President,
Irish Table Tennis Association
Colum Slevin’s EVC 2013
Lorestas Trumpauskas and Colum Slevin
Colum Slevin’s EVC 2013
A week may be a long time in politics, but it is amazing what can be done in six weeks of structured application in table tennis if you are Colum Slevin! Competing in a hard bat tournament at Alexandra Palace in January whetted his appetite for more involved tournament play. It also helped that the latest Texo blade with new Evolution MX-P rubbers from Tibhar renewed his confidence. Like many others, he has not been happy with new equipment since the speed glue ban.
Practicing for only six weeks beforehand brought Colum to a level where he just might enjoy himself competing at the European Veterans Championships in May. John Murphy,Guy Elensky, Peter McCabe, Mark O’Flynn and Kevin Mackey were his principal practice partners in Dublin. However, he did have doubts on his physical stamina and lack of match practice prior to Bremen.
Colum was a little apprehensive about Norway’s Frode Grini, his first opponent in his Singles group, knowing that he just might face defeat. At the same time, he was fully aware that he would have to play himself into the tournament. “The great players never play their best at the start of matters. They play better as the tournament progresses. The best opportunity for a surprise win is always in the early rounds”. Sure enough, he lost the first set. He really clawed his way back in the second to win 11-8, before winning out in four sets. In hindsight, one wonders if he deliberately courted tense situations like 3-7 down to prepare for such eventualities against better quality opposition!
In the Main Draw on Thursday, he gave a great demonstration of his abilities, winning several close singles matches to make it to the last 16. He put in a herculean effort against Kepper to win the second set 17-15, going on to win 3-1. “It’s more difficult to play adventurous forehands when two sets down. I really had to dig deep there”. Despite being in serious difficulties with Lednev of Russia, he always seemed to have the ability to grind out those crucial winning points to secure tight sets. He saved at least one match point against Germany’s Joachim Beumers before winning 12-10 in the fifth. This was a very tense, draining affair in front of an enthusiastic audience. Shortly thereafter, he ran out of steam against his doubles partner, Lorestas Trumpauskas, losing in three sets. “I knew my legs were gone after missing an easy forehand early on”, he confessed. “Some of the early rounds could have been played on Wednesday morning to lighten the schedule”.
Playing high octane table tennis from early afternoon until 10 pm obviously leaves one charged up. It certainly helped Colum to unwind a little afterwards when he stumbled upon an hilarious covert workshop on foul service techniques given by Keld Jaksland at the El Sol Restaurant. This was greatly appreciated by an enthusiastic entourage, including many Norwegian friends. In spite of that, he could not really sleep overnight!
Looking at the draw for Men’s Doubles, Colum felt that there was not one outstanding doubles combination, and that he and his partner Lorestas had a realistic chance of a podium finish. The group stages on Tuesday allowed him to familiarise himself with the style of play favoured by Lorestas, a powerful, aggressive left hander.
On Friday, they eased through two early round matches before facing the defensive combination of Detlef Gassler & Norbert Adolf for Germany. Winning the first two sets comfortably, the third set was tied at 4-4. However, the constant demands of playing heavy forehand topspins resulted in Colum straining a shoulder muscle. They lost that set 4-11, and limped over the line 11-9 in the fourth. Though they won their next match in four sets, Colum’s service action and forehand kill were obviously hampered by the muscle strain. The portents were ominous for the semi-final on the following day. Could ice packs and anti-inflammatories save the situation? Physio, heal thyself!!
In the practice hall on Finals Day, Kevin Mackey earned his spurs while giving Lorestas a 40 minute workout before Colum arrived for a shorter routine to complete preparations. It is not known whether Lorestas is a Crystal Palace fan or not, but he is familiar with several such happy souls at Fusion, his TT Club in London!
The setting of the OVB ARENA provided a marvellous backdrop to a wonderful semi-final with Russians Kushov &Kushkov. A bald scoreline of -9, -15, 14, 10, 9 cannot convey the intensity of such an absorbing encounter. Lorestas played the more aggressive role while Colum seemed to contain affairs. That shoulder was causing problems. Leading 1-4 in the fourth set, the Russian pair called “time out”, but Colum & Lorestas fought back to win 12-10. Colum & Lorestas led 5-0 at the turnaround in the fifth. The Russian pair proceeded to serve a wrong court… 6-0. However they clawed their way back to 10-8, when Colum called “time out”… 10-9. Thereupon, Lorestas hit a fabulous forehand winner to claim the match. PHEW!
The final against Georg Bohm & Andreas Fejer-Konnert was delayed by some 30 minutes awaiting the outcome of an earlier match. Losing a close first set 9-11, Colum was 1-6 down early in the second set. Lorestas pulled out some delightful angled winners, and they levelled at 7-7. Colum hit one incredible forehand to lead 10-9, and the set was secured. In the third set, Lorestas played some telling service returns and powerful forehands to win 11-7.
At that point, this match was the only one on court, and the large audience were rightly enthralled. The cut and thrust of tactical counter play brought Colum to within two points of championship glory. Alas, the set was lost 9-11. Bohm & Fejer-Konnert started the fifth set in commanding fashion, going 0-4 up. They retained their advantage, and were always two points ahead. Trailing 7-9, a “time out” for Colum & Lorestas could not alter the trend of that final set…. Bohm & Fejer-Konnert secured a notable championship title.
One point in that final gave an indication of Colum’s reservoir of talent: holding his free hand aloft to call attention to a “wrong court” service, Colum nonchalantly blocked two full-blooded forehand drives before a “let” was called and the point properly awarded!!
Though Irish eyes may not have been smiling full on, Colum has given us involvement, excitement and adrenaline to live long in the memory bank! Coach extraordinaire, Tommy Rowsome, and long-serving Ireland NPC, Pat O’Brien, must take great pleasure in this accomplishment. Doubtless, his wife, Birgit, was on tenterhooks throughout, though she had remained at home.
It gives pause for thought that Colum has been on this primrose path since the European Cadets Championships in the late 70’s. Of course, many rocks and obstacles are strewn thereon. He has honed his skills with endless hours of practice, physical conditioning and adherence to dietary regimens. His sharp competitive instincts have been forged in the professional arena in Germany. He has represented Ireland with distinction for more than twenty five years. His Gold Medal at the European Veterans Championships in Rotterdam and a Bronze at the Worlds in Rio are on the record. At the Arena Complex, greeting many friends, rivals and mentors, the regard in which Colum is held was obvious. The manner in which he coped with the demands of so many different people was exemplary. TV interviews were conducted just as a matter of routine…
To be involved at the business end of affairs at a major championship as a mere spectator is greatly energising. One can only imagine how it feels from Colum’s viewpoint. Hopefully, when the stardust settles, he will take many positives from this performance, with a renewed enjoyment in the sport to which he has given so much. RESPECT!
European Veterans Championships 2013 – The Ladies’ View
European Veterans Championships 2013
The Ladies’ View
‘Vorsprung durch tecknik‘ summed up Teresa’s magnificent achievements in the 2013 European veterans championships, Bremen. With German-like precision and dogged determination, Teresa fought her way to a bronze in the women’s singles over 60’s, having already secured a quarter-finals finish in the doubles.
An agonising 25 minute delay had the assembled crowd in the ÖVB arena on edge even before Teresa’s semi-final started. On edge they remained throughout a nail biting five setter, as Teresa exchanged point for point with her Russian rival, and long time friend, Larisa.
Holding the opening set to 9-10, an uncharacteristic unforced error lost Teresa the first set. Teresa fought back to clinch the second 13-11 on a net, her only bit of luck on the day! A more confident Teresa took an early 2 point lead in the third, but was hauled in at the last to lose it 10-12. A cautious exchange in the opening of the fourth set, saw Teresa build a 10-8 lead, only to go behind 10-11. Unperturbed, Teresa hung in to win this set 14-12.
The 5th set was another tense affair, with Teresa trailing 5-1 at the change of ends. A timeout called by Larisa at 6-8 afforded Teresa an opportunity to recompose herself and take the next point in convincing style. Despite Teresa continuing with her controlled offensive play, her opponent held out to win the fifth by 3 points.
Each of the other Irish ladies secured their own personal victories. Sharon, having come second in her group, drew the defending European champion in the second round of the women’s singles over 40 main draw. The on-paper
0-3 result masked a steely performance, with Sharon coming out on top of several lengthy rallies. Audrey too qualified for the main draw, winning her group outright, before going out in the last 8 of the over 75 singles.
Having been pipped 9-11 and 6-11 in the first two sets of their last 16 match in the over 50’s doubles consolation draw, Carmel and Margaret steadied themselves and won the third set 11-8. Unfortunately, home advantage saw the German opponents clinch the match in the fourth.
After a convincing 11-5 win in the first set, a temporary lapse in concentration saw Vivienne and her partner fall behind 2 sets to 1 in the last 8 of the over 65’s doubles, consolation draw. The ladies soon returned to form, winning the remaining 2 sets in style. They continued this form into the opening set of the quarter finals, winning it 11-9, before narrowly losing each of the next 3 sets.
Summing up the tournament shortly after her bronze medal win, Teresa said her achievement hadn’t yet sunk in, half expecting the fact that she finished in the European top 4 to hit her only after a good night’s sleep! Whilst understandably disappointed at narrowly missing out on the chance to compete for gold, Teresa consoled herself with some last minute bargain hunting amongst the TT stalls in preparation for 2014….roll on New Zealand!
European Veterans Championships 2013
European Veterans Championships 2013.
The OVB ARENA in beautiful Bremen hosted memorable table tennis for some 18 Irish competitors from May 27 to June 1. Colum Slevin and Teresa Devaney were our star performers, winning Silver and Bronze Medals respectively. The supporting crew members had a very busy time trying to be in two places at once, since both players were involved in singles matches at the same time in different competition halls on Thursday. However the effort was well worth it!
Teresa won Bronze in the Over 60s Ladies, losing a tense match in five sets to her Larisa Ilinskaya. Though she may be disappointed at that outcome, she scored great victories over Hannelore Dillinberger and Elisabeth Husin in earlier rounds. Coupled with a solid performance in doubles, she can be justifiably proud of her achievement. The Ladies Report gives more detail on affairs…
Colum gave a great account of his abilities, winning several close singles matches to make it to the last 16. Despite being in serious difficulties against Lednev of Russia, he always seemed to have the ability to grind out those crucial winning points to secure tight sets. He saved at least one match point against Joachim Beumers before winning 12-10 in the fifth. This was a very tense, draining affair in front of an enthusiastic audience. Shortly thereafter, he ran out of steam against his doubles partner, Lorestas Trumpauskas, losing in three sets. Lorestas himself had just beaten Matthias Leissner 12-10 in the fifth, having saved a match point in the third set!
Ted Mahaffy was impaired with an injured shoulder in the Over 70s, while Martin Pickles progressed to the last 32 of the Over 65s, losing to the eventual winner. Jimmy Fleming qualified from his group, but lost in the first round of the main draw, as did Brian Finn in the Over 60s. In one bizarre group match, Brian was tied 6-6 in the first set, where the opponent had scored with FIVE nets and edges! Keld Jaksland lost to Zimmerman in three sets, having beaten Muller in the first round of the Over 50s. He is determined to practice more during the summer for the Six Nations.
Dave Gibbons lost to Milla in four sets in the Consolation over 40s, having finished third in his group. Kevin Mackey started well against T Klein in his first round match. He won the first set 11-8, was 4-0 up in the next, implementing a positive game plan effectively. However, a poor serve disrupted his momentum. He snatched at several shots, and ultimately lost in four sets.
Unfortunately both Vinnie O’Neill and Albert Adamson had to withdraw from their events on health grounds. Vinnie was hospitalised with a recurrence of an infection, but he flew home on schedule. We wish him a speedy recovery.
Men’s Doubles were pedestrian affairs for all Irish competitors, except Colum. What a player! Looking at the draw, Colum felt that there was not one outstanding combination, and that he and Lorestas had a realistic chance of a podium finish. The group stages on Tuesday allowed him to familiarise himself with the style of play favoured by Lorestas, a powerful, aggressive left hander.
On Friday, they eased through two early round matches before facing the defensive combination of Detlef Gassler & Norbert Adolf for Germany. Winning the first two sets comfortably, the third set was tied at 4-4. However, the constant demands of playing heavy forehand topspins resulted in Colum straining a shoulder muscle. They lost that set 4-11, and limped over the line 11-9 in the fourth. Though they won their next match in four sets, Colum’s service action and forehand kill were obviously hampered by the muscle strain. The portents were ominous for the semi-final on the following day. Could ice packs and anti-inflammatories save the situation? Physio, heal thyself!!
The setting of the ARENA provided a marvellous backdrop to a wonderful semi-final with Russians Kushov &Kushkov. A bald scoreline of -9, -15, 14, 10, 9 cannot convey the intensity of such an absorbing encounter. Lorestas played the more aggressive role while Colum seemed to contain affairs. That shoulder was causing problems. Leading 1-4 in the fourth set, the Russian pair called “time out”, but Colum & Lorestas fought back to win 12-10. Colum & Lorens led 5-0 at the turnaround in the fifth. The Russian pair proceeded to serve a wrong court… 6-0. However they clawed their way back to 10-8, when Colum called “time out”… 10-9…. thereupon Lorestas hit a fabulous forehand winner to claim the match. PHEW!
The Final against Georg Bohm & Andreas Fejer-Konnert was delayed by some 30 minutes awaiting the outcome of an earlier match. Losing a close first set 9-11, Colum was 1-6 down early in the second set. Lorestas pulled out some delightful angled winners, and they levelled at 7-7. Colum hit one fabulous forehand to lead 10-9, and the set was secured. In the third set, Lorestas played some telling service returns and powerful forehands to win 11-7.
At that point, this match was the only one on court, and the large audience were rightly enthralled. The cut and thrust of tactical counter play brought Colum to within two points of championship glory. Alas, the set was lost 9-11. Bohm & Fejer-Konnert started the fifth set in commanding fashion, going 0-4 up. They retained their advantage, and were always two points ahead. Trailing 7-9, a “time out” for Colum & Lorestas could not alter the momentu of that final set…. Bohm & Fejer-Konnert secured a notable championship title.
Though Irish eyes may not have been smiling full on, Colum and Teresa have given us involvement and adrenaline to live long in the memory bank! Their many supporters from Germany, England and Norway certainly added to the colour and excitement of the championships. Tampere, Finland 2015, here we come!
STIGA Masters: National Championships Results
Men’s Over 40 winner Darius Zatylny with Tommy Fitzgerald
Irish Veterans Table Tennis Society.
STIGA MASTERS
National Championships, 6 April 2013.
Men’s Over 40:
1. D. Zatylny; 2. W. Mahaffy; 3. K. Mackey, W. Cherry; 5. K. Sabir, T. Caffrey, T. Pofok, D. Pemberton.
Men’s Over 50:
1. W. Cherry; 2. T. Dolan; 3. D. Pemberton, K. Jaksland; 5.K. Sabir, J. Storey, F. Szeles, M. Pickles.
Men’s Over 60:
1. T. Caffrey; 2. N. Nabney; 3. M. Nash, B. Finn; 5.J. Storey, M. Pickles, L. Perris, R. Drain.
Men’s Over 70:
1. J. Sheehan; 2. R. Drain; 3. L. Perris, A. Robinson; 5.K. Ridsdale; 6. M. Keogh; 7. P. Bracken.
Ladies:
1. T. Devaney; 2. R. Carpenter; 3. G. Richardson; 4.S. Murphy; 5. A. Cowan; 6. S. Brien; 7. A. Robinson.
Doubles:
1.D. Zatylny & T. Pofok; 2. D. Pemberton & K. Mackey.
STIGA Masters Connacht Open: Results
Irish Veterans Table Tennis Society.
STIGA Masters Connaught Open, 23rd February 2013.
Men’s Over 40:
1. T. Pofok ; 2. D. Pemberton; 3. D. Zytlny, K. Sabir; 5. K. Mackey,D. Butler, T. Dolan, P. McCloughan .
Men’s Over 50:
1. W. Cherry; 2. M. Pickles; 3. D. Pemberton, M. Dziewonski; 5. K. Jaksland, O. Adamson, T. Dolan, P. Shaw.
Men’s Over 60:
1.B. Finn; 2. M. Pickles; 3. N. Nabney, J. Storey; 5. O. Adamson, B. Varnham, M. O’Brien, L. Perris.
Men’s Over 70:
1. T. Mahaffy; 2. L. Perris; 3. J. Sheehan, B. Varnham.
Ladies:
1. G. Richardson; 2. T. Devaney; 3. S. Murphy; 4. S. Brien; 5. R.Carpenter, V. Barry;
Mixed 40s Restricted:
1. T. Pofok; 2. D. Zytlny; 3. K. Devaney, S. Joyce.
B. Finn, Secretary. 28 February, 2013.
Irish Veterans Promoted in British League
The Irish Womens Veterans team comprised of Ros Carpenter, Gillian Richardson & Sharon Brien secured 2nd place in Division Two of the Bribar Veterans British League and secured promotion to Division One for Season 2013/14. The Irish Ladies performed superbly well over both weekends and narrowly lost out on top spot to Milton Keynes, despite recording a 3-3 draw with the Champions. Ros Carpenter was in inspired form, with 19 victories from 20 over the two weekends, and her team-mates were also on top form in the surge for promotion. Congratulations to the team and preparations for next season start here!
County Antrim Open Report
Picture: Daryl Strong
Forty table tennis enthusiasts from all over Ulster travelled to the Ballymena Academy gymnasiums to participate in the 2013 County Antrim Open. The quality entry included no less than eight of Ulster’s top sixteen players headed by Strongtower’s Mark McAllister, Ballyclare’s Gary Crawford, Ballymena Open champion Philip Wallace, top Ulster veteran Pawel Sulkowski, attempting to regain the title he last won in 2011, and Daryl Strong, the 2012 Co Antrim champion, determined to retain his title.
To qualify for the Open event the players had to finish in the top two of a group of five players. Anyone in third place qualified for the Class 2 event, those fourth in their group qualified for the Class 3 event and the fifth placed players battled out for the Class 4 event. There was a total of eight seeds each heading one of the eight groups.
In the qualifying group stages the top seed Mark McAllister qualified from a very competitive Group 1 unscathed with close victories over Zambia’s Aaron Muguti, Strongtower’s Norman McBride and Jonny Wilson and Ballyclare’s Andrew Davies. Davies snatched second place by stint of a net cord to continue in the Open competition.
Second seed Ballyclare’s Gary Crawford was top of Group 2 defeating the new-look Richard Black, Ballymoney veteran Gary McClelland, Newtownabbey lad Colin Clements and teenage sensation and new kid on the local Strongtower scene Vladislav Chucklev. Richard Black qualified for the Open by finishing second in the group.
In Group 3 Larne’s Phil Jamison, fresh from a skiing trip in Poland, romped into the Open with some excellent attacking table tennis defeating Roy Coard, Stevie Turkington, Paul McGuiggan and Peter McCrum, Portadown’s Stevie Turkington accompanied Jamison into the Open thanks to an excellent victory over the war horse that is Roy Coard.
Group 4 had the Ballymena champion Belfast’s Philip Wallace in fine form finishing top of the group ahead of ace veteran Barry Dickson, Banbridge’s Arnold Morgan, Ballymena veteran Jimmy O’Hara and hot local prospect Jonny Moore. Dickson, playing his best table tennis of the year (well it is only the second week in January), also made it into the Open.
Group 5 saw the excellent Pawel Sulkowski stroll into the Open with straight set wins over Portadown’s Randolph Loney, Belfast stalwart Ted Mahaffey, Carnmoney’s attacking phenomenon Peter Martin, and Ballymena’s James Wharton. Randolph Loney showed that there was still a place in the top echelons of table tennis for a defender by taking second spot.
Group 6 had the first minor upset as Daryl Strong – unseeded due to a lack of tournament play over the past twelve months – breezed into the Open without dropping a set and in so doing defeated sixth seed Richard Davies who clinched second spot with wins over Coleraine’s new signing Robin Agnew, Knockagh’s wizard of the table Stephen Clarke and Donegal’s hot teenage prospect and the youngest participant at the tournament John Gallagher.
Group 7 saw the unseeded Andrew Loane qualify ahead of seventh seed Donegal’s Paul Gallagher who also qualified with wins over Strongtower’s “Mr HMV” Ciaron Nelson, Belfast’s Ray “Two Dogs” Fleming and another huge teenage prospect from Ballymoney, Adam Wallace.
The eighth and final group had Ballyclare’s Mark Gordon top the group with Francis Shirley from Osmond taking second spot ahead of Ballyclare’s Ian Davies and Strongtower’s ever-improving Stevie Balmer.
The County Antrim Open’s sixteen qualifiers then formed four further groups of four with the top two in each group progressing to the quarter -finals. The first group saw top seed Mark McAllister win on count back from Barry Dickson who actually beat him in the group. Second seed Gary Crawford won his group thanks to a five set victory over Andrew Davies who finished second. The third group saw Daryl Strong march majestically into the quarters with Philip Jamison finishing in second spot. The final two places in the quarter-finals were secured by Pawel Sulkowski and Richard Davies who caused the first major upset of the day by defeating Philip Wallace in five close sets.
In the first quarter-final Mark McAllister met his Waterloo in the form of Philip Jamison who defeated him in four sets 12-10, 12-14, 11-6, and 11-6. Philip was joined in the semis by Gary Crawford who defeated Barry Dickson 7-11, 11-7, 11-4, 11-6; Daryl Strong who defeated Richard Davies 11-1, 11-4, 12-10 and Pawel Sulkowski who defeated Andrew Davies 11-9, 11-9, 11-6.
The first semi saw Daryl Strong defeat Gary Crawford in three sets 11-3, 11-8 and 11-1. The second semi final was the match of the tournament with Philip Jamison eventually defeating long time rival Pawel Sulkowski in five pulsating sets of attack and counter attack, winning 8-11, 13-11, 5-11, 11-9 and 11-8.
A spent Jamison could not raise his game a second time as Daryl Strong retained his title in imperious form 11-3, 11-2, 11-3.
Class 2 Graded tournament
The Class 2 tournament proved very competitive with Roy Coard reaching the final with victories over Robin Agnew, Vlad Chucklev and Aaron Muguti. His opponent in the final was Ted Mahaffey who reached it by defeating Arnold Morgan, Ciaron Nelson and Ian Davies.
Coard continued his excellent form into the final to defeat a battling Mahaffey in four sets 11-6, 11-7, 9-11 and 11-6.
Class 3 Graded tournament
The Class 3 final was contested between two Osmond club-mates Gary McAllister and Paul McGuiggan. McClelland had defeated McGuiggan in the group stage but McGuiggan qualified second so progress to the semi final were he defeated local favourite Jimmy O’Hara. Gary McClelland recorded an excellent semi final win against Two Dogs Fleming and in the final he scrapped passed McGuiggan in five tense sets winning 12-10 in the fifth set.
Class 4 Graded tournament
The Class 4 final was contested by Colin Clements and Strongtower’s Jonny Wilson. Wilson had got to the final with a revenge five set win over Jonny Moore who had knocked him out of the Ballymena Open in December; a straight sets win over James Wharton, who was making his tournament debut; and a hard fought semi final win over Donegal’s John Gallagher. Clements had defeated Stevie Balmer in the quarters and won a titanic semi against Adam Wallace in five sets. The final witnessed a victory of guile over youth with Clements securing the title in straight sets 11-8, 11-7 and 11-7.
The tournament will be remembered for the imperious performance of Daryl Strong who retained his title without dropping a single set in the ten games he played on his way to the title. But equally important is the emergence of some bright new youngsters on the tournament scene such as Vlad Chucklev, Adam Wallace, John Gallagher not to mention Strongtower’s crop of young talent improving each year.
Irish “One Point” Championship
The County Antrim Open was the setting for the inaugural Irish “One Point” Table Tennis championship. Held during the interval between rounds one and two of the Co Antrim Open, forty-two competitors took in the highly entertaining competition where one point secured victory in a single game format played on a strictly knock out basis.
Even with such a curtailed format the cream rose to the top with Andrew Dennison, Philip Jamison, Mark McAllister Paul Gallagher reaching the semi finals. It was Philip Jamison who emerged victorious to become the “One Point” Irish Champion 2013.
The Strongtower Secretary Norman McBride thanked, on behalf of the County Antrim TT League, all the competitors for their sporting behaviour. He thanked Ballymena Academy for the use of their gymnasiums, ex-Irish international table tennis star Jimmy O’Hara for doing the presentations, Arnold Morgan and his fellow umpires for their assistance, Andrew Dennison Sports for the ball sponsorship, Paul McGuiggan for organising catering, all the people that assisted with setting up and taking down of the tables, surrounds and umpires tables etc. and Table Tennis Ulster/ITTA for advertising the event.
Many thanks to Norman McBride for this comprehensive report.
STIGA Masters Munster Open : Results
The STIGA Masters Munster Open took place last weekend. See below for the full results
Irish Veterans Table Tennis Society.
STIGA Masters Munster Open, 5th January 2013.
Men’s Over 40: 1. T. Pofok ; 2. W. Mahaffy; 3. P. McCloughan, T. Caffrey; 5. W. Cherry, T. Dolan, D. Zytlny, K. Devaney .
Men’s Over 50: 1. T. Dolan; 2. K. Jaksland; 3. D. Pemberton, B. Finn; 5. K. Karczewski, P. Shaw, W. Cherry, M. Cunningham.
Men’s Over 60: 1.T. Caffrey; 2. T. Mahaffy; 3. N. Nabney, B. Finn; 5. J. Storey, B. Varnham, R. Drain, L. Perris.
Men’s Over 70: 1. T. Mahaffy; 2. J. Sheehan; 3. L. Perris, B. Varnham.
Ladies: 1. R. Carpenter; 2. G. Richardson; 3. S. Murphy; 4. S. Brien; 5. V. Barry.
Mixed 40s Restricted: 1. T. Pofok; 2. D. Zytlny; 3. W. Mahaffy, D. Gibbons.
B. Finn, Secretary. 7 January, 2013.