Sunday 4th October saw the individual event of the Senior 6 Nations. The highlight for the Irish was Amanda Mogey who claimed a bronze medal following some excellent performances. Mogey was drawn against Irish team-mate Claire Nelson in the quarter-finals and the pair who are so familiar with each others games played out 5 sets of fascinating table tennis, with Mogey eventually claiming a semi-final spot with some assured play in the final set. In the semi-final she came up against England’s Hannah Hicks, who had knocked out Irish youngster Ashley Givan in the quarter final. Givan at her first Senior 6 Nations will be delighted with her last 8 finish, and still a Cadet, she looks to have a glittering career in the game ahead. Mogey took the first set of a closely fought semi-final, but Hicks asserted her authority to take the next 3 sets and progress.
Best for the Irish Men was John Murphy, who also progressed to tje last 8. Here he had a tough opponent in Craig Howieson. Murphy took a 2-1 sets lead and looked on course to make the semi-final. However, Howieson fought back with some clever spin and explosive forehands to eventually bring the game to a final set, where he dominated to win 11-4 and progress. Other notable Irish performances was from veteran Brian Fitzgerald, who took a silver medal in the consolation event.
Key Irish Results
Mens QF: J.Murphy v C.Howieson: 8-11, 14-12, 11-9, 5-11, 4-11
Womens QF: A.Mogey v C.Nelson: 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 11-8
Womens SF: A.Mogey v H.Hicks: 11-9, 5-11, 8-11, 11-13
In the Mens final, 16 year old Liam Pitchford from England produced a sensational performance to defeat odd-on favourite Ryan Jenkins of Wales. Pitchford from England is a full time player with the English squad based in Sheffield and he was tenacious throughout, belying his inexperience to take his first major Senior International title. In the Ladies event, Naomi Owen was peerless as she stormed through to the Final, taking the Final by 3-0 to claim the Senior 6 Nations title.
Final Results
Mens Final Winner: Liam Pitchford(England bt Ryan Jenkins(wales): 11-4, 7 -11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9
Womens Final Winner: Naomi Owen(Wales) bt H.Hicks England 3-0(11-5, 11-9, 11-3)