Posts in category: Masters

Irish Veterans Table Tennis Society.                            

STIGA Masters Ulster Open, 10^th  November 2012.

Men’s Over 40:  1. K. Devaney ;  2. K. Mackey ;  3. D. Pemberton, P. McCloughan ; 5.  K. Jaksland, W. Cherry, N. Nabney, T. Pofok .

Men’s Over 50:    1. D. Pemberton ;  2. W. Cherry;   3. K. Jaksland, R. Davis;  5. I. Davies, M. Scott, B. Martin, K. Murphy.

Men’s Over 60:   1. N. Nabney;    2. I. Davies;   3. A. Coulter, T. Mahaffy;    5. K. Murphy, B. Varnham.            

Men’s Over 70:   1. T. Mahaffey;  2. B. Varnham;   3. K. Ridsdale, R. Drain.

Ladies:     1. G. Richardson ;  2. S. Gibbons.

Mixed 40s Restricted:  1. T. Pofok;    2. P. McCloughan;  3. K. Devaney, M. McAlister.

Doubles:               1. D. Pemberton & K. Mackey;                 

2. N. Nabney & W. Cherry.

F. Szeles, K. Mackey, A. Lyons

STIGA Masters Round Robin Banded Event Report

18^th August 2012

Veterans from all four provinces travelled to Athlone this weekend to kick-start 2012/2013 season. Athlone produced another big entry and more new competitors! It’s great to see new faces and to extend a welcome return to old ones as well.

A new format was introduced for the main event ensuring plenty of match play. 40s, 50s & 60s were mixed and organised into four evenly matched groups to decide positions for the banded events in the afternoon.  The top 3 from each group proceeded to Band 1, next 3 to Band 2 and remaining players moved to Band 3. Unfortunately, the banded events had to be expedited due to unavoidable delays in the group stages. Some minor changes to the group stages will ensure that such delays are avoided at future events.  Now to the action!

Some close and exciting matches developed in the early group stages, with notable performances from Pat McCloughan, Mike Nash and John Finn.

Mixed 40+ Band 1

Despite losing a 5 set battle to Pat Mc Cloughan at the Group stage, Kevin Mackey recovered and progressed with ease through Band 1. He overcame Kariem Sabir in the semi-finals to set up a final match with Kevin Devaney. Kevin Devaney topped his group, unbeaten, and progressed to the final beating Dave Butler and Terry Dolan in the knock-out stages. On the day, Kevin Mackey prevailed,  taking the Band 1 Title with a scoreline of 11-7, 11-8, 7-11 & 11-7.

Mixed 40+ Band 2

This was by far the most exciting Band, producing many 5 set thrillers. Although not making the Band final, David Gibbons has to be complimented for his outstanding performance beating Robert Davis in the QF to set-up a semi-final match with Ferenc Szeles. David took Ferenc to the fifth set, only to lose 13-11. Kryzstof Karozewski must also be congratulated on his performance beating Martin Pickles in the QF and Istvan Kozak (a dark horse) in the semi-final. Both Kryzstof and Ferenc stole the show producing a final with many twists and turns. Despite Kryzstof taking a two point lead in the fifth set, Ferenc held his nerve taking the Band 2 Title 11-7, 11-4, 9-11, 8-11 & 11-9.

Mixed 40+ Band 3

Alan Lyons found his form in the afternoon, progressing to the final beating the exhausted Gillian Richardson (who played 16 matches on the day) and Bryan Morrison, on the way to set-up an encounter with Jack O’Meara. Jack progressed to the final after defeating both Richard Cruise and Paul Gallagher. Alan proved too strong for Jack on the day taking the Band 3 Title 11-13, 11-6, 11-9 & 11-6.  

Ladies Round Robin

Ros Carpenter emerged victorious in the ladies event. Ros, who also played in the Mixed 40+ event, defeated Teresa Devaney winning the fifth set 11-3. Gillian Richardson finished third having emerged victorious over Sharon Gibbons in a 5 set thriller. Apologies to the Ladies for starting the event 45 minutes late!

Our congratulations go to Teresa on winning the VETTS National Championship Title in Singles and Doubles at Bristol in May. Teresa also gave an outstanding performance at the World Veterans Championships in Stockholm, reaching the last 32 in Singles, where she lost to the eventual winner in 4 sets.

Mens 70+ Round Robin

John Fannin made a triumphant return to Irish competition after a long absence. He cruised to victory, only dropping one set in the entire event. What a performance! Liam Perris, returning to action after a serious illness, was the only player to take a set from John. Fittingly, Liam finished second, beating Ted Mahaffy in three straight sets. Jim Sheehan finished fourth after enduring a 5 set battle with local boy Ken Ridsdale.

A special thanks to all who volunteered their umpiring services and to those who stayed behind to clean-up. This is an aspect to the sport that is very often forgotten. Well done everyone!

The Society would also like to wish the Irish Veteran Squad who travel to Wales next month to participate in the Six Nations Championships the very best of luck! Our Ladies trio of Jenny, Teresa and Helena will relish the challenge of retaining their gold medal status.

Finally, the invaluable support of STIGA in running the Veterans Society is greatly appreciated.

Band 1:   1. K. Mackey;  2. K. Devaney;  3. T. Dolan, K. Sabir;   5. K. Jaksland, P. McCloughan, D. Butler.

Band 2:   1. F. Szeles;   2. K. Karozewski;  3. D. Gibbons, I. Kozak; 5. J. Storey, N. Nabney, R. Davis, M. Pickles.

 Band 3:   1. A. Lyons;   2. J. O’Meara;   3. P. Gallagher, B. Morrison;  5. G. Richardson, J. Finn, R. Cruise, G. Potter.

Men’s Over 70: 1. J. Fannin;  2. K. Perris;  3. T. Mahaffy;   4. J. Sheehan;  5. K. Ridsdale;  6. J. Harrison; 7. M. Keogh.Ladies:1. R. Carpenter;  2. T. Devaney;  3. G. Richardson;  4. S. Gibbons;  5. C. Harnedy;  V. Barry.

The latest Veterans rankings are now available for download.  Click here to view.

STIGA Connaught Veterans Tournament Report

Drum Community Centre, Athlone, hosted a very successful Veterans Tournament on Saturday, 25 February. 48 competitors provided thrills, spills and no mean drama during a most enjoyable day, capably administered by Michael Barry and Kariem Sabir. Tommy Caffrey emerged victorious in the Mixed Over 40s and in the Men’s Over 60s events. A dramatic, tense 40s semi-final encounter with Kevin Devaney went to expedite, which Tommy won 6,9,8. He proceeded to defeat Tibor Pofok in the final,8,-9,8,5.  Later, he beat Martin Pickles in the final of the 60s. This tremendous double is a testament to the maestro’s enduring skills and competitive instincts. In the Restricted Over 40s, Tibor beat Kevin 3-1 in the final.

Jenny Harrison triumphed over Teresa Devaney in a very strong, well contested Ladies Round Robin. Helena Dennett and Gillian Richardson finished third and fourth. Jenny and Helena travelled over from England, lured by the famed hospitality of past Athlone events. Their attendance greatly enhanced the event.

Kariem Sabir re-established his stranglehold on the Over 50s. Philip Shaw registered a good victory here over Martin Pickles. Also, Jay McAllister  performed really well in the 60s event.

The Over 70s saw a potential upset to the old order, but Ted Mahaffy shaded it narrowly on countback from friend and rival Ronnie Drain. The gap at the top appears to narrow. Liam Perris was a little erratic, while Jim Sheehan should benefit from his new bat, next time! The Doubles saw Dunst/Sabir overcome Richardson/Mahaffy in the final.

The irrepressible Michael Cunningham put on a bravura performance through the day. Playing inspired table tennis, he overcame marquee names like Kieran Murphy, Brian Finn and Oliver Adamson. He succumbed to Tibor Pofok in the Over 40s, but only on his scoreline of  8, 7,-7,-10,-4. Absolutely awesome!!

A most convivial dinner was enjoyed afterwards at the Jia Jia Restaurant by twenty tired, happy competitors. TT banter, tactical technical discussion, and hatching plans for further travel continued into the small hours. Athlone, we most certainly will return, especially as Alan Taylor can enjoy a lie-in until 6am!

Finally, the invaluable support of STIGA in running the Veterans Society is greatly appreciated.   

Click here for full results

Strong sees off Academy Strongtower challenge to claim the County Antrim Open title.

Fifty nine table tennis enthusiasts from all over Ireland travelled to the Ballymena Academy gymnasiums to participate in the 2012 County Antrim Open. The quality entry included no less than fourteen of Ulster’s top twenty players headed by new Ulster number one Philip Wallace. Top Ulster veteran Pawel Sulkowski was back trying to defend the title he won in 2011 and Daryl Strong, a former Irish number one, also choose the event for his welcomed return to tournament play. 

To qualify for the Open event the players had to finish in the top two of a group of six players. Anyone in third place qualified for the Class two event, those fourth in their group qualified for the Class three event and fifth and sixth placed players battled out for the Class four event. There was a total of ten seeds each heading one of the ten groups.

In the qualifying group stages the top seed Philip Wallace qualified from group one unscathed with convincing victories over Ballycastle’s Francis Shirley, John Walker, NICS’s Will Fleming, Coleraine’s T Cichey  and Belfast’s Andrew Loane. Loane snatched second place to continue in the Open competition.

Second seed Fermanagh’s Gervis Knox was top of a very competitive group two defeating Zac Wilson, Randolph Loney, Arnold Morgan, Maurice Rooney and local Ballymena lad Johnny Moore. Belfast’s Maurice Rooney edged second spot ahead of Glenburn’s Zac Wilson and Tandragee defender Randolph Loney by virtue of sets won.

In Group three Academy Strongtower player, and Ballymena Open winner, Dawid Sulkowski romped into the Open with some excellent attacking table tennis defeating Ivan Jeffers, Paul McGuiggan, Vincent O’Regan, Joe Mullan and the youngest competitor in the event ten year old Philip Montgomery. Tyrone’s Ivan Jeffers accompanied Sulkowski into the Open.

Group four had the defending champion Academy Strongtower’s Pawel Sulkowski in fine form finishing top of the group ahead of Ballymoney ace Gary McClelland, Peter Martin, Adrian Pietras, Ray Fleming and Michael Cichey. McClelland, playing his best table tennis of the season, also made it into the Open.

Group five was a real tough group with Martin Pickles causing the first upset of the day defeating fifth seed Mark McAllister in five gruelling sets. McAllister did finish second defeating Wexford’s Jake Kells, Anthony Dobbs, and team mate Ingus Feldmanus to give the host club Academy Strongtower three qualifiers for the Open.

In Group six Belfast stalwart Ted Mahaffey qualified along with fellow veteran Ian Davies from Ballyclare, each securing wins over Anselm Brankin, Colin Clements, Maurice McCullough and Michael McLarnon.

Group seven had top seed and pimples specialist Roy Coard top the group ahead of Ballyclare’s Gary Crawford with wins over Brian Lockhart, Shane Murray, Thomas Davies and Zac Ng.

In group eight Philip Jamison, as expected, topped the group with Dublin’s Kalen O’Neill a close second thanks to wins over Richard Black, Alan Cairns, Jonny Wilson and William Walker.

The ninth group had the only seeded casualty of the day with Barry Dickson ending up third behind group winner Daryl Strong and the ever improving Trevor Knox. Alan Jamison, James Dillon and Harry McGoldrick also succumbed to the attacking play of Strong and Knox.

The tenth and final group also had a minor upset as Richard Davies qualified ahead of Mark Gordon with wins over Jimmy O’Hara, David Boyd and John Moore. Gordon also made it to the Open as runner-up.

The County Antrim Open’s twenty qualifiers then formed four further groups of five with the winner of each group progressing to the semi-finals. The first group saw top seed and Ulster number one Philip Wallace lose to a rejuvenated Daryl Strong  in four brilliant sets of table tennis 7-11, 11—8, 3-11. 10-12. Second seed Gervis Knox marched majestically to the semis with four wins where he would meet his nemesis from previous tournaments the young Dawid Sulkowski. Defending champion Pawel Sulkowski took the last semi final spot with four excellent wins – only defender Maurice Rooney was able to take a set from the champion. Pawel would have Daryl Strong as his semi-final opponent.

In the first semi-final the defending champion Pawel Sulkowski found Daryl Strong on top form and although he managed to take a set from the Newry teacher it was Strong that progressed to the final.

The second semi-final proved a step too far for Gervis Knox as he lost in four frantic sets to Dawid Sulkowski 7-11, 11-9, 12-14, 9-11 with the third set proving his waterloo losing a good lead and a set point that would have put him in the driving seat.

The final turned out to be a five set classic with Dawid taking a close first set 12-10. Strong took the second set comfortably but lost a tight third set. It looked like the reigning Ballymena Open champion Dawid Sulkowski was going to add the Co Antrim to his trophy cabinet but Strong clawed his way back into contention with an excellent exhibition of attacking table tennis to take the fourth set and he repeated the medicine in the fifth set to claim the title.

The Class two event went to Barry Dickson who defeated starlet Zac Wilson over five sets. The experienced Dickson had to use all his guile to defeat Wilson recovering from a set down and two sets to one down to snatch victory 5-11, 11-8, 6-11, 12-10, and 11-5

The Class three event was won by Randolph Loney whose super defence could not be consistently penetrated by Wexford’s attack-minded Anthony Dobbs. Loney won in straight sets 11-7, 11-8, 11-7.

The Class four semi finals were very keenly contested. In the first semi Ballymoney’s Paul McGuiggan defeated Banbridge’s Arnold Morgan in five sets 5-11, 11-5, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7. The second semi final was a Fleming family affair between brothers Will and Ray Fleming. Ray edged the first set 12-10 but Will fought back strongly to take the second set 11-7. Ray   won a close third set 11-9 and took an even closer fourth set 12-10. In the final McGuiggan produced his A-game to defeat Fleming 11-8, 11-7, 11-8.

The outgoing County Antrim Secretary Norman McBride thanked all the competitors for their sporting behaviour, Ballymena Academy and host club Academy Strongtower for the use of the 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, Ted Mahaffy for supplying additional scoreboards’ and nets  and all the people that assisted with setting up and taking down of the tables, surrounds and umpires tables etc.

A pair of Stiga trainers and two tops were left in the gym after the tournament. Please e-mail Norman McBride if any of the items are yours [ [email protected]]

KARIEM REIGNS SUPREME AT THE ULSTER VETERANS TABLE TENNIS

Almost fifty hardened table tennis veterans from all over Ireland travelled to the Glenburn Table Tennis club in Belfast for the Irish Veterans Table Tennis Society Ulster Open Veterans tournament. With players aging from forty to almost eighty, there was a wide selection of events to compete in.

The prestigious Open singles had two Ulstermen in the semi-finals – Brian Orr from Ballymoney’s Osmond club and Willie Cherry from the host club Glenburn. Both players had missed each other in the semi final draw, but the prospect of an all Ulster final was dashed as first Castlebar’s Kevin Devaney defeated Cherry 11-8 in the fifth set, and Athlone’s Kariem Sabir came from a set down to defeat Orr in four close sets.  The final was a repeat of the Leinster Open  veterans final, and Kariem once again triumphed with an excellent 11-6, 11-8, 3-11, 11-5 win over a battling Devaney.

The Open ladies round robin event final was won by an undefeated Jenny Harrison, with Gillian Richardson runner up and Sharon Brien defeating Pauline Harper 11-6, 11-8 and 11-4 to claim third place.

The Open Doubles was an all County Antrim affair with the Ballymoney duo of Brian Orr and Francis Shirley playing Ballymena’s Academy Strongtower duo of McAllister and Pawel Sulkowski, with the latter winning in four sets.

The restricted veterans for players aged over forty but under fifty, a new event in the calendar, was also an all Ulster affair with Glenburn’s Willie Cherry recovering from two sets down to defeat Academy Strongtower’s Pawel Sulkowski  6-11,10-12, 11-7, 11-9, 11-6. Kevin Devaney, still smarting from his surprise four set defeat by Cherry in the semi-final, won the third place play-off beating Gillian Richardson 11-1, 11-3 and 11-6.

In the over 50s event, Kariem Sabir defeated Ulster hotshot Jimmy Robinson 11-8, 15-13, 11-9 in the semi final to set up a rematch against Martin Pickles in the final. Pickles had defeated Sabir in the Irish Veteran’s Qualification Tournament in August. However, Sabir had his revenge battling past the pimpled rubber specialist 12-10, 11-6, 19-21 and 11-9. Robinson won the third place play defeating Ballyclare’s Ian Davies in straight sets 11-6, 11-8 and 11-5.

Martin Pickles was also in action in the over 60s, where he fell at the semi-final stage to Glenburn legend Norman Nabney 11-7, 11-8 and 11-8. Brian Finn had a real struggle against Portadown’s Barry Dickson, eventually winning the semi-final 10-12, 11-7, 14-12, 11-9. An excellent final was anticipated and it didn’t fail to produce as Nabney recovered from a two set deficit to take the title 11-9 in the fifth set. Dickson had no answer to Pickles in the third spot play-off losing in straight sets 4-11, 6-11, 6-11

Ted Mahaffy retained his over 70s title with an excellent five set win in the final over his old adversary Ronnie Drain winning 11-7, 6-11, 11-1, 7-11, 11-6. Third spot was secured by Ken Ridsdale who defeated Windsor Clarke 11-2, 11-4, 12-10.

The Irish Veterans Table Tennis Society would like to thank Jack Cash and Ted Mahaffy for organising the event, Peter Clarke for overseeing the draw and Norman McBride and Tony Philips for operating the top table and ensuring the events ran smoothly.

Click here for full results

Veterans Open Singles

1^st Kariem Sabir; 2^nd Kevin Devaney; =3^rd Brian Orr/Willie Cherry

Ladies Veterans Open Singles

1^st Jenny Harrison; 2^nd Gillian Richardson; 3^rd Sharon Brien

Veterans Open Doubles

1^st Mark McAllister/Pawel Sulkowski; 2^nd Brian Orr/ Francis Shirley; =3^rd Ted Mahaffy’/Gillian Richardson and Kevin Devaney/Alan Taylor

Over 40s restricted

1^st Willie Cherry; 2^nd Pawel Sulkowski; 3rd Kevin Devaney

Over 50s

1^st Kariem Sabir;2^nd Martin Pickles; 3^rd Jimmy Robinson

Over 60s

1^st Norman Nabney;2^nd Brian Finn; 3^rd Martin Pickles

Over 70s

1^st Ted Mahaffy;2^nd Ronnie Drain; 3^rd Ken Ridsdale