Posts in category: TTI News

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

‘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.

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!