F. Szeles, K. Mackey, A. Lyons
STIGA Masters Round Robin Banded Event Report
18th 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.