Posts in category: National Events

In the build up to this weekend’s Junior and Cadet Six Nations tournament at the University of Limerick we took a trip to Limerick to visit schools registered with our particiaption programme. Coaching will begin in these schools in the coming weeks so this was an ideal opportunity to show the students what they have signed up for.

Ryan Farrell (Cadet No.1) and Conor Beades (Junior No.5) put on an entertaining exhibition with lots of rallies, long range shots and trick shots that had the students enthralled.

 In Our Lady of Lourdes, Rosbrien, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th class got to see the top international players display their skills while at Gaelscoil Sheoirse Clancy the students of 4^th and 5^th class were invited to try their luck against Ryan and Conor with many showing great potential and one or two even winning points against the International players!

Our final visit of the day was to Corpus Christ National School in Moyross and here again the students were treated to skillful display by the two Irish internationals. After the session students got to ask the boys questions about their experience of playing table tennis at such a high level. They were interested to know how much training the boys did, if there was any kind of special diet they had to follow and whether or not they thought they have a good chance of winning at the weeknd.

All the students were invited to come along to UL at the weekend and support the Irish team in what promises to be an entertaining and action packed three days. Admission is free, click here for the playing schedule.

UCD’s John Murphy and Clogher TTC’s Ashley Givan were crowned National Champions in their respective singles at the Butterfly National Senior Championships which took place in ALSAA Sports Complex, Dublin, over the weekend.

In the men’s singles, Murphy, the top seed and Irish number 1, overcame the ever improving Ashley Robinson (Fivemiletown TTC) by 4 sets to 1 in a highly entertaining final. Robinson, still eligible at Junior level, showed his quality throughout the tournament. However, when it came to the final, the more experienced Murphy, who now has 4 National singles titles, took control, preventing his younger opponent from gaining a foothold. The key moment in the match came in the 2nd set, where Murphy withstood wave after wave of pressure to clinch the set 15-13. Despite Robinson taking the third, Murphy took the fourth and powered his way to secure yet another National title. Murphy, such a dominant force in Irish Table Tennis, was ecstatic with his victory, acknowledging the appreciative crowd after the final point, he ran to his corner to hug his delighted father.

Afterwards, Murphy commented that ‘Growing up, I always dreamt of winning an Irish title, and now with 4, its an amazing feeling. It was a hard match, and I had to draw on all my experience to get through’. Speaking of his opponent, Murphy added that ‘Ashley is an amazing talent, and I have no doubt he will be back to take the title within the next few years’

Murphy’s path to the final was fraught with potential dangers. In the quarters, he had to endure an onslaught from Ballincollig TTC’s Declan O’Brien, before taking it 4-2, while in the semis, the UCD man repeated the scoreline in defeating his Irish International team mate, Paul McCreery (Glenburn) who has returned to the Irish scene following a 6 week injury.

In the Women’s singles, Ashley Givan defied the odds to clinch a thoroughly deserved victory over seasoned International and Irish Number 1 Amanda Mogey on a 4-1 scoreline. Both players were acutely aware of each others game, but Givan took the risks and played the big points in fearless fashion to retain the crown she won last year as the youngest ever champion. In the semi-finals, she swept aside the spirited efforts of Jean Hughes in straight sets, while Mogey ended the hopes of Sabina Devereaux (Wexford) on a 4-2 scoreline.

In the under 21 Men’s singles, Paul McCreery overcame his International team-mate Gavin Maguire (UCD) by 3 sets to 1 in a cagey encounter. The Ulsterman was in imperious form, not dropping a set on his way to the final. Maguire, on the other hand was forced to dig deep against fellow Dubliner, Ryan Flood (UCD), in a pulsating semi-final clash, fighting back from a seemingly unassailable 5-0 deficit in the deciding 5th game to clinch it 11-9.
In the under 21 Womens singles, Mayo’s Sarah Timlin clinched the title defeating Dubliner Clodagh McCullagh (York Road TTC) in the final.

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 3^rd 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 4^th 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

FIXTURE SHEETS

Below please find Fixture Sheets for Cup and League Match Sheets.  Please print out the relevant match sheet and bring it with you to your match.  Fill out the fixture sheets by hand at the match.  You can then type up the details in a blank fixture sheet and e-mail me the electronic version.  Alternatively, you may scan and e-mail the results to [email protected]
Cup Match Sheet (See attached)League Match Sheet (See attached)

UNDER 13 BOYSCup Competition (Here)
Under 13 Primary Schools LeagueFixtures (Here)Results (Here)
Under 13 Secondary  Schools LeagueFixtures (Here)Results (Here)

UNDER 15 BOYSCup Competition (Here)Fixtures (Secondary Boys Under 15 – Fixtures)Results (Secondary Boys Under 15 – Results)

UNDER 18 BOYSCup Competition (Here)Fixtures (Secondary Boys Under 18 – Fixtures)Results (Secondary Boys Under 18 – Results )

PRIMARY SCHOOL GIRLSCup Competition (Here)Fixtures (Here)Results (Here)SECONDARY SCHOOL GIRLSCup Competition (Here)Fixtures (Here)Results ( Here)

On Saturday the 19^th of February Fivemiletown High School was the scene of drama and excitement as players and spectators gathered for the Fermanagh Senior Open.

Doubles was the first event on the cards and the first semi-final consisted of the “experienced” team of William Cherry and Norman Nabney versus the youthful pair of Jonathan Porter and Trevor Knox who had come out on top of a thrilling five setter against Leinsters Georgi Hubenov and Joshua Cooper in the quarters. The experienced pair would have the better of the youth on this occasion as they won in straight sets 11-7, 18-16 and 11-2. The other semi saw Ballymoney’s father and son pairing of Pawel and Dawid Sulkowski play Dariusz Zatylny and Tibor Pofok. Dariusz and Tibor won the first 11-8 and the Sulkowski’s pulled one back 13-11 but it was Dariusz and Pofok who retained composure and won the next two 11-7 and 13-11. This would leave a thrilling finale and it didn’t disappoint. Cherry and Nabney took the opening set 11-7 but an epic second set leveled it off as Pofok and Zatylny claimed it 18-16. They took this win with confidence and took the third 11-3, however, Cherry and Nabney settled themselves and won the fourth 11-8. Pofok and Zatylny pulled ahead in the fifth and couldn’t be caught as they claimed the title 11-5. This title was the start of a pretty good day for Tibor Pofok.

Next on the timetable was Class II. The groups saw a couple of upsets as Belfasts Ted Mahaffy beat second seed Mark McAllister. Non-seeded Dave Butler also claimed first in his group after a win against Gary Crawford. In the last 16 William Cherry had his chance to replay Dariusz Zatylny and after an electrifying match Willie came out on top 13-11 in the fifth. This win left him up against Gary Crawford whose early defeat to Dave Butler left him with a longer route to the final if he could succeed. Crawford would have the better of Cherry as he claimed a semi-final spot 11-8 in the fourth set. Gary then had to face Connacht’s Kariem Sabir who came through a tough quarter final against Atilla Mandler in five sets.  The semi was tense with sets and points staying neck and neck the whole match, Sabir won the first but Crawford claimed the second, Sabir found form again to take the third but again Crawford pushed back taking the fourth, however Sabir’s determination to win allowed him see off Crawford 11-7 in the fifth. The other side of the draw saw both semi-finalists have to battle to get there, Tibor Pofok beat Pawel Sulkowski after losing the opening two sets 11-7, 11-3. His semi’s opponent was Keiron Burke who very nearly lost out to Larne’s Philip Jamison in a thrilling five setter in the last 16. Tibor had too much on Keiron as he claimed his finalist spot in straight sets. The crowd expected a thriller as Tibor and Kariem would face off in the final but Tibor showed a new found class to take the final in straight sets in what could be his last Class II event as he climbs the rankings.

Next were the main events of the day which were the Men’s singles and Ladies singles. In the Ladies the round robin saw Amanda Mogey and Ashley Givan both win against Wexfords Sabina Devereux and Fivemiletown’s Annalise Walker; this left the decider between Amanda and Ashley. Fivemiletown Academy’s Ashley Givan had the better of Amanda on the day, scoring a rare win over the Irish No.1 as she beat her in straight sets 11-8, 15-13, 11-7.

The Men’s event also provided some shock upsets and some very close calls, one nearly came from UCD’s Matt Finlay as he took fifth seed Wexford’s Brian Devereux to five sets but Devereux had enough to come back from 2-0 down to claim a quarter final draw with second seed Daryl Strong, another tight one and Brian very nearly had it but Daryl beat him in the fifth set, setting up a semi-final with third seed Mark O’Flynn. Mark too had a bruising run as he was taking to five by Ballymoney’s Dawid Sulkowski in the last 16. Daryl proved too strong for Mark as he claimed a spot in the final in straight sets. The other side of the draw saw number one seed and many peoples favourite for the title Peter Graham crash out in straight sets to the on form Tibor Pofok. Daryl continued his good run to claim the title(which he last won in 2002) with a fourth set victory over Tibor who put up a good fight in a closely contested match.

In the Under 21’s FMT’s 15 year old Ladies Champion had to play Eastpoints Mark O’Fylnn in the semi-final and this was one for the crowd. Ashley took the opener 11-7 but Mark looked on route to the final as he won the next two 11-8, 11-7, however Ashley was having none of it and took the match to a decider 11-7 in the fourth and some fiery topspin winners allowed her claim the match 11-5. Dawid Sulkowski came though the other side of the draw after defeating UCD’s ever improving Matt Finlay in straight sets. Givan determined to add to her cash pool took the title in three straight sets all ending 11-9.

The Veterans saw a couple of upsets in the groups but the major talking point being Ulsters Jay McAllister got a rub of the green in the fifth set as he bet number one seed Kariem Sabir. Jay continued this form as he beat evergreen Norman Nabney in an exhilarating five setter in the quarter-finals. That set up a semi with William Cherry but unfortunately for a popular Jay he was beaten in straight sets. The other semi provided plenty of drama as Kariem Sabir was set to face Pawel Sulkowski. Kariem stormed to an early lead as he took the first two sets 11-8, 16-14 it looked all but over but Pawel fought back taking the third 13-11, from this he went on to take the next two 11-7, 11-9. Pawel took this confidence on into the final as he took the title in straight sets.

The day concluded with the prize money being given out by ITTA secretary Ken Strong and FTTA Chairman Alec Gordon. The day ran very smoothly and Fermanagh Table Tennis Association would like to thank the players who attended for their support in this crucial annual fund raiser. They also would like to thank the Official ITTA Umpires especially Tournament Referee Tom Mitchell, also to Fivemiletown Annex for the help with the venue and Fivemiletown Academy for the running of a tuck shop and in turn to Carlton Cakes and Biscuits, Cootehill for supplying some tray bakes for them to sell. Finally to tournament sponsors Stiga, their agent Tommy Fitzgerald whose continuous support to FTTA is extremely appreciated.

Full results here

An action packed day was had at the recent Ulster Junior Championships held at
Fivemiletown College with the new format of play devised by Tony Phillips to ensure
that all competitors played plenty of matches. 
 
The U12 and U17 categories kicked off the action in the morning. Zak Wilson, fresh
from his Munster Open heroics where he won the U12 Boys was victorious again
defeating his great nemesis Ryan McConkey from Newbliss in three straight sets.
However the match was a lot closer than the scoreline suggests, with Zak winning 13-11,
11-8, 13-11 to be crowned Ulster U12 Boys champion. Joshua Hall (Newbliss) came
from an unseeded position and did exceptionally well to finish in 3rd position with Dylan
Duffy also from Newbliss, finishing in 4th position. Glenburn’s Owen Cathcart excelled
in winning the consolation event with Dylan Murdock (Castlerahan) finished in 2nd
position.
 
The U12 Girls was once again a battle between Glenburn’s Rebecca Finn and
Castlerahan’s Leah Shekleton. The standard of play between both these girls was
exceptionally high with both girls still eligible to compete at U10 level! After some
scintillating rallies, it was Finn who came out on top defeating Shekleton in five close
games. Elizabeth Cathcart (Glenburn) finished in third position with Emily Hill
(Islandmagee) claiming 4th
 spot. Lydia McConkey (Newbliss) did well to oust Amber
Harrison (Fivemiletown Acadmey) to win the Consolation event.
 
Castlerahan tasted their first gold medal of the day when Kieran Reilly was victorious in
the U17 Boys. Reilly was in imperious form all day and had to produce his best table
tennis to defeat the up and coming Jonathan Porter (Fivemiletown Academy). In one of
the closest matches of the day, Reilly defeated Porter 15-13 in the fifth set to claim his
first Ulster U17 Boys title. Meanwhile Kieran’s Brother Darren was victorious in the
Consolation event defeating Stephen Fawcett (Newbliss).
 
Annalise Walker who plays for Fivemiletown Academy did well to defeat Hannah Lynch
Dawson who hails from Drung/Fivemiletown Academy. Walker clinched the first two
sets on deuce, and was always ahead in the third set to claim a good win over the rising
star from Monaghan. Laura Finn and Erin Thompson (both Glenburn) finished in joint 3rd
 
position with Erin enjoying a good win over her team mate Emma Ludlow in the quarter-
finals. In the consolation, Emma McSorley (Glenburn) defeated Ballyclare’s Hannah
Ireland in three close games.
 
The afternoon session brought about many shock results with the players enjoying the
chance to play many of their peers.
 
The U21 events kicked off, with Annalise Walker crowned a winner for the second time
on the day defeating Hannah Ireland by 3-0. 
 Many thought Philip Jamison (Larne) was the favourite to take the  U21 Men’s Singles
Title after his recent good performances at the Co. Antrim Open, however his opponents
had other ideas! The first shock appeared when Trevor Knox defeated Jamison in five
close sets. However Knox could not live with the consistency from Kieran Reilly.
Meanwhile James Dawson (Newbliss) was quietly doing the business badgering his
opponents into submission one after one and eventually remained undefeated after some
very good wins to be crowned Ulster U’21 Champion. Jamison finished in 2nd
 position
with Trevor Knox finishing in 3rd
. 
 
The U14 categories in both the girls and boys events where intriguing affairs with many
close matches and a few surprises along the way.
 
In the boys section, Michael Jones made a promising start coming from an unseeded
position to top his group having an excellent win over the third seed Eric Shekleton.
However Shekleton excelled in the 2nd
 round robin group stages to defeat U12 stars
McConkey and Wilson to fight for a place in the semi-finals. McConkey however
ensured his semi final position with a win over Zak Wilson whom he had previously lost
to earlier in the day in the U12 Boys final. Oisin Reilly and Jonathan Porter completed
the semi-final line up. Porter defeated Ryan McConkey in straight sets with Shekleton
defeating Oisin Reilly in 4 close games. In the final, Porter was in cruise control and
never looked in danger defeating Shekleton by 3 games to nil. 
 
Andrew Mulholland who hails from the Ballymoney club did exceptionally well in his
first Ulster tournament to win the consolation event defeating Joshua Hall from Newbliss
3-1. 
 
The U14 Girls category has proved to be a tough category this year with several girls
fighting it out behind the top two girls Lynch-Dawson and Ludlow. The top 6 after the
initial group stages where placed into a final round robin to battle it out for the title. Once
again Hannah Lynch-Dawson was at the top of the tree winning her first Ulster U14 Girls
title. However Hannah was made to work for her win, with Erin Thompson putting up a
good fight with Hannah prevailing 11-9 in the fifth set. Emma Ludlow enjoyed a good
win over Lynch-Dawson by 3 games to 1, however loses to the Finn sisters, Laura and
Rebecca damaged her chances of winning the title. Rebecca Finn was the surprise
package in this event, defeating her older sister Laura and defeating the experienced
Emma Ludlow after some hard hitting rallies. With a three way tie for 2nd position,
Emma Ludlow finished in 2nd position having a superior games ratio with Rebecca Finn
finishing in 3rd position. 
 
Cherith McBride (Ballyclare) was a worthy winner in the consolation defeating Elizabeth
Cathcart (Glenburn)
 
In the U10 Boys, Ethan Duffy (Newbliss) was victorious defeating Bangor’s John Ewing
who was playing in his first ever competition. Glenburn’s starlet for the future, eight year
old Owen Cathcart finished in third position with Castlerahan’s Daniel Murdock in 4th
 
position.  
In an all Castlerahan Consolation final, Joshua Murdock defeated William Love.
 
In the U10 girls, Leah Shekleton was victorious defeating Lydia McConkey and Caron
Jones (Dungannon) to be crowned U10 Champion. L. McConkey finished in 2nd
 position
with Jones in third place. 
 
Thanks go to tournament organizers Rachel McConkey, Jamie McConkey and Amanda
Mogey for ensuring the smooth running of this event. Thanks also go to Arnold Morgan
for assisting with umpiring on the day and Kenny Graham from Fivemiletown College
and his team of helpers who set up the hall. Thanks as usual go to Tony Phillips who did
a lot of behind the scenes work, completing the draw and ensuring that the format
allowed for players to play as many matches as possible within the time constraints. 
 
Results
 
Under 21 Boys    Under 21 Girls
1.  James Dawson (Newbliss)   1. Annalise Walker (Fivemiletown Acad)
2.  Philip Jamison (Larne)   2. Hannah Ireland (Ballyclare)
3.  Trevor Knox (Fivemiletown Acad)
4.  Darren Reilly (Castlerahan)
 
Under 17 Boys    Under 17 Girls
1.  Kieran Reilly (Castlerahan)  1. Annalise Walker (Fivemiletown Acad)
2.  Jonathan Porter (Fivemiletown Acad) 2.  Hannah Lynch Dawson (Newbliss/FMT)
3= Oisin Reilly (Castlerahan)   3= Erin Thompson (Glenburn)
3=Eric Shekleton (Castlerahan)  3= Laura Finn (Glenburn)
 
Under 17 Boys Consolation   Under 17 Girls Consolation
1. Darren Reilly (Castlerahan)  1. Emma McSorley (Glenburn)
2.  Stephen Fawcett (Newbliss)  2. Hannah Ireland (Ballyclare)
 
Under 14 Boys    Under 14 Girls
1. Jonathan Porter (Fivemiletown Acad) 1. Hannah Lynch-Dawson (Newbliss/FMT)
2. Eric Shekleton (Castlerahan)  2. Emma Ludlow (Glenburn)
3= Ryan McConkey (Newbliss)  3. Rebecca Finn (Glenburn) 
3= Oisin Reilly (Castlerahan)   4. Laura Finn (Glenburn)
 
Under 14 Boys Consolation   Under 14 Girls Consolation
1.  Andrew Mulholland (Ballymoney) 1. Cherith McBride (Ballyclare)
2.  Joshua Hall (Newbliss)   2. Elizabeth Cathcart (Glenburn)
 
Under 12 Boys    Under 12 Girls
1.  Zak Wlson (Glenburn)   1.  Rebecca Finn (Glenburn)
2.  Ryan McConkey (Newbliss)  2.  Leah Shekleton (Castlerahan)
3. Joshua Hall (Newbliss)   3= Elizabeth Cathcart (Glenburn) 4. Dylan Duffy (Newbliss)   3= Emily Hill (Islandmagee)  
 
Under 12 Boys Consolation   Under 12 Girls Consolation
1. Owen Cathcart (Glenburn)   1. Lydia McConkey (Newbliss)
2. Dylan Murdock (Newbliss)  2. Amber Harrison (Fivemiletown Acad)
 
Under 10 Boys    Under 10 Girls
1.  Ethan Duffy (Newbliss)   1. Leah Shekleton (Castlerahan)
2.  John Ewing (Bangor)    2. Lydia McConkey (Newbliss)
3.  Owen Cathcart (Glenburn)   3. Caron Jones (Dungannon)
4. Dylan Duffy (Newbliss)
 
Under 10 Boys Consolation   
1. Joshua Murdock (Castlerahan)
2. William Love (Castlerahan) 

FULL RESULTS HERE

County Antrim Open: Sulkowski Triumphant – but only just!

There was drama and excitement in abundance at the County Antrim Open table tennis championships in Ballymena Academy last Saturday as Academy Strongtower players Pawel Sulkowski and the evergreen Jimmy O’Hara lifted some of the silverware, Larne’s topspin ace Philip Jamison had the locals cheering with a sparkling display and Cookstown’s Ivan Jeffers showed some of his old magic on his return to the sport.

The tournament attracted a large entry from all over Ireland and the excellent playing conditions produced some marvellous matches.　In the main event Pawel Sulkowski defeated clubmate Mark McAllister 11 – 5, 11- 5, 11 – 2, Magherally’s Stephen Turkington 11-5, 11- 5, 11-3 and Ballymoney’s flamboyant Mark McGuigan 7-11, 14 – 12, 11 – 9, 3 – 11, 11 – 6 in the quarter finals. At the other end of the draw Phil Jamison defender Randolf Loney 5 – 11, 11- 5, 11 – 6, 11 – 13, 11 – 6, Belfast’s cagey Ted Mehaffey 9 – 11, 11- 7, 11 -8, 11 – 6 and Jack Cash 11-7, 10 – 11, 11 -8, 11-3 in the quarter-final.

The first semi-final matched Pawel against the top seed Philip Wallace who had already survived a bruising four set quarter-final encounter against his nemisis Academy Strongtower’s Gary Crawford. This semi-final proved a real sparkler as veteran Sulkowski tried to counter the rasping forehand loops and drives of his younger opponent. Sulkowski took the first set only for Wallace to take the next two. Sulkowski rallied in the fourth to set up a exciting fifth and deciding set which he won by the narrowest of margins.

The other semi final saw Hungarian Tibor Pofok, conqueror of the number 2 seed Wexford’s Brian Devereux in the quarter finals, take on the youthful and ever improving Philip Jamison. Jamison won the first set narrowly 11 – 9 and took the second set 11-7 with some wonderful attacking forehand and backhand loops. Pofok, a winner in Belfast a few weeks earlier where he had comfortably defeated Jamison, took the third set at a cantor 11 – 4. But Jamison put on a wonderful exhibition of attacking table tennis to win the fourth set 11-6.

The final promised to be a red hot encounter with two attack minded players giving the fifty or so spectators a game to remember. Jamison reeled off the first two sets 11-8 and 11-8 with some unbelievable forehand and backhand drives. Sulkowski managed to claim the third set with some spectacular loops and dogged defence when required. Jamison rushed into an 8-2 lead in the fourth set and the match seemed as good as over. However a few loose shots from Jamison let Sulkowski back into the game and apparently drained the confidence of the young Jamison. A few more misses from Jamison and some spectacular shots from Sulkowski brought the game to 8- all. Sulkowski maintained the momentum to snatch the fourth set 11-9. Despite the shock and obvious disappointment of losing the fourth set, Jamison started the deciding set promisingly with hit and counter hit bringing ohs and ahs from the spectators. But a net point for Sulkowski gave him a two point advantage at 9 -7 and he held on to this to the end of the game winning 11-9. Both players plough their trade in the County Antrim league and both players would have been worthy winners of the County Antrim Open but it is Sulkowski who adds this title to his County Antrim vets title of 2008 and Ulster veterans title of 2009.

The Grade two tournament was of a high standard with local interest in this event right up to the semi-final stage. Cookstown’s Ivan Jeffers had decided to use this tournament as part of his table tennis comeback. He defeated Ballymoney’s Gary McClelland 11-6, 11-7, 11-4 before defeating the ever improving Stephen Clarke from Knockagh in the Quarter-finals 11 – 3, 11 – 7, 11- 6. In the bottom half of the draw Dublin’s Georgi Hubenov defeated John Walker 11-8, 11-7, 11-5, Dublin’s Anthony Dobbs 11- 3, 11 – 7, 11- 8, and Coleraine’s Anselm Brankin 11-5, 11-5, 11-6 in the quarter finals.

Ivan Jeffers had a real tough semi final against Christchurch’s redoubtable Roy Coard, emerging victorious in five sets 12 – 10, 7 – 11 12 -10, 7 – 11 12 – 10. Georgi Hubinov looked like he would steam-roller his way to the final when he defeated Ballyclare’s Ian Davies 11 – 1 in the first set. But Davies used guile and composed defence to take the second set 11 – 8. However Hubenov’s speed and power of shot told in the end as he reeled off the third and fourth sets 11-8 and 11-8.

The final was an all action match with Georgi Hubenov’s attack being countered by Jeffers who was recapturing the old form of old that made him a feared opponent all over Ulster. Jeffers took the first set 11 – 7 only to lose the second by the same margin. The third set was pivotal with both players having set points before Jeffers clinched it 14 – 12. The fourth set saw Jeffers hold off the Hubenov attack to win 11-9.

The Grade three tournament had local interest all the way to the final. Academy Strongtower’s Wayne Charleton had defeated Coleraine teenager Andrew Mulholland 11-7, 11 – 6, 1 – 5 before defeating club mate Peter Neeson 11-3, 11-4, 7 -11, 11 -8. In the semi-final he defeated his team mate Andrew McIlmoyle in a real close battle 11 – 7, 12 – 10, 10 – 12, 11 -7. The other half of the draw had favourite, CBPPU’s Barry Dickson defeat Academy Strongtower’s Johnny Wilson 11-2, 11 – 6, 11- 4, Coleraine’s James Dillon in the quarters 11-3, 11 – 5, 11 – 6 and Rasharkin teenage sensation Thomas McCann 11 4, 116, 11 – 6 in the semi-final. Dickson continued his total dominance of the Grade 3 event by defeating Charleton in straight sets 11 – 4, 11 – 5, 11 – 2.

The Grade 4 tournament saw more local success as octogenarian Jimmy O’Hara defeated Ballymoney’s Paul McGuigan and Larne’s Alan McGuffog before setting up a semi final clash against Ingus Feldhanis from Latvia. The semi was a dogged affair with O’Hara coming from two sets to one down to defeat Feldhanis 11 – 4, 12 – 14, 6 – 11, 11 – 7 , 11- 7.

The bottom half of the draw had Knockagh’s Colin Clements defeat Ballyclare’s Thomas Davies, and Academy Strongtower’s Peter McCrumb before clashing with Donegal’s Mark Johnston in a tight semi final which he won 11 -6, 11 -9, 11-5.

The final proved a step too far for Clements as the experienced O’Hara wo in straight sets 11 – 9, 11 – 8, 11-9.

The County Antrim Committee would like to thank the Academy Strongtower club for hosting the event and Ballymena Academy for the use of the halls and facilitating the growth of table tennis in the area. Thanks also go to Andrew Dennison and Ted Mehaffey for the loan of nets and scoreboards and Thomas McLeister and Amanda Mogey for their help in the organising of the event.

A busy weekend for Irish table tennis, with the Leinster Junior Close taking place in Clontarf, the Veterans gathering to contest the Munster Veterans Open and a team of cadets in the UK to contest the East Midlands 4* event. Main results below;

Munster Veterans

Men’s Over 40:  1. T. Dolan;                 2. D. Zeatlynly;              3. K. Burke, M. Cunningham;                    

Men’s Over 50:  1. B. Finn;                 2. R. Davis;                    3. T. Dolan, M. Pickles;            

Men’s Over 60:  1. M. Pickles; 2. R. Coard;             3. B. Finn, B. Varnham;                                          

Men’s Over 70:  1. T. Mahaffey; 2. T. Burke; 3. K. Ridsdale; 4. M. Keogh; W. Clarke.

Ladies:             1. S. Murphy; 2. K. Reynolds; P. Harper.

Leinster Junior Close

Junior Boys : 1. S. Logue , 2. S. Zhao Li , 3. J. Stapleton.
Plate 1. C. Judge , 2. B. O’Toole
Banded : 1. K. Murphy , 2. B. O’Toole , 3. C. Judge.

Junior Girls : 1. C. Hellar , 2. E. McGlone , 3. M. Slattery.
Plate : 1. L. Hayes , 2. E. Kavanagh

Cadet Boys : 1. S. Zhao Li , 2. C. Kelly , 3. C. Gallagher.
Banded : 1. S. Farrell , 2. L. Dempsey ,  3. C. Merriman.

Cadet Girls : 1. E. McGlone , 2. M. Slattery , 3. A. Lou Hayes

U12 Boys : 1. E. McGovern , 2. C. Gallagher , 3. S. Hurley.
Plate : 1. J. Doyle , 2. L. Massey.
Banded : 1. C. Byrne , 2. C. O’Reilly , 3. N. Moise.

U12 Girls : 1. N.Nguyen , 2. K. Hayes , 3. K. Whelan
Plate : 1. E. Akinblodun , 2. C. O’Toole.
Banded : 1. A. McCool , 2. C. O’Toole , 3. E. Akinblodun

U10 Boys : 1. K. Wang , 2. C. O’Brien , 3. T. Downey

U10 Girls : 1. K. Whelan , 2. J. Hayes , 3. N. Krawczun

East Midlands 4*

Katie McGlone was the star of the show at the East Midlands 4*. She reached the Semi final of the Under 13s by winning her group and beating the number 2 seed and then lost to Emily Bolton 11-9 in the fifth in the semi. Bolton was the number one seed for the event. In the Cadets McGlone progressed to the Quarter Finals where she lost deuce in the fifth to Chrissie Slot. McGlone beat team-mate Emma Ludlow in the last 16.

In the Cadet Boys Ryan Farrell and Kevin Hutchinson made it to the Last 32. Farrell lost 3-1 to Eddie Freeman who was the eventual runner up, Hutchinson lost 3-1 to George Falcus.

Conor Mullally was in the last 16 of the banded event but lost there 3-0.

Despite the recent severe weather, which impacted the entry, the cream
of Irish Table Tennis traveled to Belfast at the weekend for the
Ulster Senior Open.

Leinster’s John Murphy, Irish number 1, justified his status as the
pre-event favorite by taking the singles title. After beating Ulster’s
Daryl Strong 3-1 in the semi-final, Murphy had to dig deep to fend off
the challenge of Ulster’s Ashley Robinson who pushed the champion to a
fifth set.

In the Ladies, Na Liu was comfortable in taking the singles title
without dropping a set, and defeating Ulster’s Amanda Mogey 4,6 and 4,
in the final.

Dublin’s Tibor Pofok took the Class II event by defeating Wexford’s
Brian Devereux in a 5-set classic, while Eastpoint’s Mark O’Flynn took
the U21 title, defeating fellow clubmate Daniel Keenan by a 3-1
scoreline. The pairing of John Murphy and Peter Graham claimed the
doubles title over Daryl Strong and Phil Wallace.

Results :

Men Singles : 1. J Murphy ; 2. A Robinson.

Class II : 1. T Pofok ; 2. B Devereux.
U 21 : 1. M Flynn ; 2. D Keenan.

Womens Singles : 1. Na Liu ; 2. A Mogey.

Veterans 1. N Nabney ; 2. J Robinson.

Click here to view results.

The Connaught GP took place in Castlebar over the weekend. The poor weather conditions prevented some of the players reaching the event, but that did not detract from the quality of table tennis on offer.

Ulster Junior, Ashley Robinson was the winner of the mens singles beating fellow compatriot, Peter Graham, 3-2 in the final. Robinsons attacking style was too much for his opponents, but was made to fight all the way by Graham, to eventually take the title in a tense and thrilling final set.

In the ladies, Welsh International Naomi Owen stamped her authority on the tournament and her up close attacking and counter hitting style gave her opponents little chance. The final was closely contested with Ulster’s Amanda Mogey proving why she is one to watch in these events.   Owen came out on top in the final but Mogey can take great heart from an encouraging performance.

Full Results Here
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Mens Singles : 1. A Robinson ; 2. P Graham.

Mens Band 1 : 1. R Gavin ; 2. D Butler.
Mens Band 2 : 1. B Devereux ; 2. P Kopacz.
Mens Band 3 : 1. I Browne ; 2. M McAllister.
Mens Band 4 : 1. K Devanney ; 2. I Browne.
Restricted  : 1. R Gavin ; 2. P Wallace.
U 21’s      : 1. D Egan ; 2. M Lyons.
Mens Vets   : 1. K Devanney ; 2. T Dolan.


Womens Singles : 1. N Owens (Wal) ; 2. A Mogey.

Womens Band 1  : 1. D Murphy ; 2. E Burns.
Womens Band 2  : 1. E Kuffel ; 2. E Burns.
U 21’s         : 1. S Timlin ; 2. O Timlin.