A Family Affair

This edition of Table Tennis News seems full of the latest news and views of ETTA members on the continuing 'Chen issue'. As in all family disputes there are diametrically opposed points of view being propounded by groups whose sole concern is for the good of the sport. The 'Chen for England' faction genuinely believe that Table Tennis will benefit from his selection for his adopted country. The 'English Citizens only' supporters are genuinely disturbed by the vision of a Chinese national becoming European Champion or Luxembourg winning the World Championships with three imported players. Healthy Debate There is no doubt that constructive debate is healthy. In this case it is heartening to see the amount of effort and thought being put towards ensuring that the decision reached by National Council on 21st April truly represents the view of the member on the Clapham omnibus. But there are dangers in too open a debate. Much of our Press coverage for the past two months has concentrated on the controversy, sometimes to the detriment of factual sports reporting and, at a time when we are searching for a new national sponsor, the impression might be given of a sport divided - a certain turn-off for many potential supporters. So when the result is known let us all present a unified face to the outside world. After all, it was only a family argument. Going, Going... ? England's defeat by Germany in the Super Division match of the European League seemed to ensure certain relegation to Division One next season. If the Swedes had lost too we would have stayed up - but they won. So it's the end of the road - or is it. The whole structure of the European League is being debated by the ETTU BGM in Gothenburg, could a new system emerge which would ensure that we stayed amongst the elite? Come back Harry Houdini, all is forgiven.

/ Much better late... If we publish on time in May there will be only a last minute report from the European Championships and no coverage of the Leeds National Championships from Oldham. So we will be bringing out a combined May/June bumper edition of Table Tennis News in the third week of the month to round off the season in style. Worth waiting for, I promise you. ALAN PICKARD

In this issue

John Prean a Thank-you 2 , The official• magazine of iSpot the Ball 2 the English Table Tennis Federal German Open 3 Association. Published 'The European Scene 4, 5 eight times a year. Schools ...... 6, 7 Grass Roots Development 8 Editor ALAN PICKARD Table Tennis for the Disabled 9 the Leeds British League , 10, II Advertisements: JIM BECKLEY Women in Table Tennis 12, 13 Sports PR, PO Box 8, the Leeds County Championships 14-16 Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 7RG Wiltshire Five Star 17 Tel: 061 4884002 England v Germany " 20,21

Subscriptions and South of England 3 Star 22 distribution: Yorkshire 2 Star 23 Bethan Davies, Coaching - Jill Parker 24 ETTA, Third Floor, Queensbury House, Havelock Rd., News from the Counties 25-32 Hastings TN34 1HF. Mailbox 33-35 Tel: 0424 722525 Events 36 COPY DATE April 10 Issue 191, May/June 1990

Table Tennis News accepts advertisements in good faith, but cannol accept respon­ sibility for the goods or services described in advertisements. If you have any queries, these should be made directly to the DESMOND DOUGLAS - Winner ofthe Wiltshire 5 Star and unbeaten in advertiser. COVER singles for England against Czechoslovakia and Federal Germany PICTURE (European League), proving once more that, despite a curtailment in Printed by: * playing appearances, he is still a Warld force to be reckoned with. (Photo by * BIDNALLS PRINTERS Action Plus Photographics) Unit 28a Peddars Lane Beccles, Suffolk A &om oar Chairman ETTA Chairman John Prean re-elected unopposed for another year

Dear Colleagues, First, may I please thank you for electing me Chairman of our Association for another year, particularly the Counties and Leagues who went to the trouble of nominating me. The coming season will not be without problems. We shall miss the LEEDS sponsorship and all that this brought. Our Chief Executive is actively looking for a replacement; there is interest and support in a number of directions, but the current economic climate has not made things easier. If we do not succeed in the near future, we shall be able to do less than in the past, but a substantial programme will still be developed. More ofour fellow citizens will have to be convinced that ours is the great sport we already know it is. In an earlier issue I called next season "The Year of the Member" and much of our effort will be devoted to real grass roots development and up to £100,000 can be ploughed into that task. We hope that very many good local schemes will be born, that there will be what Professor Wolf calls a "quickening of minds and spirits" and that all over the country members will get together to think actively about the future of the game and how we can advance it. Not only funds but the active assistance of our Development Officer Diccon Gray will be available. It took us two years to put right the rather desperate financial and general situation ofthe E. T. T.A. The third year produced the profits that we are now able to put back into the sport. I always took the view that immense talent and goodwill existed in our member Associations. Let us now put all that to work and map out a real future for the sport at the grass roots. Let this be the start of a real partnership of the local Associations and the E.T.T.A. JOHN PREAN Spot Bradley's Ball

This month Table Tennis News brings you a superb opportunity to win a Donic Tracksuit of your choice with the compliments of FAST BAT HOUSE Reepham Norfolk (Tel: Norwich 871102) This is what you do! Just study this photograph of England's Bradley Billington, snapped in action by ace photographer Mike Loveder. Then use your skill and judgement to decide just where in the photograph the ball is located.

Here is your clue - 'WHOOPS' Mark the position of the ball by an 'X' on the photograph and send it, or a photocopy if you value your TIN, to: The " believe I know where Bradley's ball is' competition (or Spot the Ball) ETIA, Queensbury House, Havelock Road, Hastings, TN34 1HF. to arrive before 16 April 1990. Please ensure your name and address is marked clearly on the entry.

The solution and winner's name will be published in May's edition of Table Tenni:; News. Many thanks to Mike Loveder for a superb Spot the Ball pic.

2 RESULTS Magic Ball in Europahalle Men's Team Quarter-jinals: by GEORGE R. YATES Belgium 3 Sweden 2; Poland 3 Japan 2; FR Germany I 3 France I; USSR 3 Yugoslavia I. FIRST visited for the singles qualification tournament for the Seoul And no better fortune in the Semi-finals: women's singles with Alison Belgium 3 Poland 2; FR Germany Olympics my second sojourn in Karlsruhe, over the period March 1/4, 13 USSR O. 1990, was in respect of the Federal German Open. Gordon, on her first visit to the table, being eliminated by Ilka Final: BELGIUM 3 FR Germany I And what an Open it proved to be Kriston of Hungary after an open­ Bohning of Federal Germany and I. with Belgium winning the men's ing round bye and a win over Fiona Elliot, in her first encounter, Women's Team team title beating the host assoc­ Torben Wosik of Federal losing to the Soviet Union's Galina Quarter-jinals: iation 3-1 in the final and Jean­ Germany. Melnik who took the first game 32­ USSR 3 England 0; FR Germany Philippe Gatien ofFrance taking the Cooke fell at the first hurdle in 30 but thereafter II and 13. I 3 Belgium I; France 3 Romania men's singles crown with a final 3-1 failing to get the better of Austria's Prean and Cooke in tandem 2; Hungary 3 Sweden O. wi n over Jorgen Persson of Sweden. ace defender Dietmar Palmi while raised hopes in the men's doubles Semi-finals: The counterpart victor on the dis­ Andrew had his moment ofglory in by reaching the quarter-final stage USSR 3 FR Germany I I; Hungary taff side was Canada's Geng Lijuan despatching the host nation's Fet­ but after an opening game win lost 3 France 2. who, in the final, beat Csilla Batorfi zner 12, -21, 18 and 17, only to to Andrzej Grubba of Poland part­ Final: Hungary 3 USSR I of Hungary while in the women's succumb to Sweden's Johan Fallby nered by Gatien. No other English team event Hungary had a 3-1 win in Rd 2. over the Soviet Union. Men's Singles In the women's doubles Batorfi Quarter-finals: and Gabriella Wirth of Hungary U. Bengtsson (SWE) b J-O. had a final win over Marie Waldner (SWE) 22, 15, 19; Hrachova and Renata Kasalova of J-P. Gatien (FRA) bt A. Grubba Czechoslovakia and the host (POL) -12, 14, -21, 16,22; nation's Jorg Rosskopf and Steffen J-P. Saive (BEL) bt M. Appelgren Fetzner had a final win over Jan­ (SWE) 16, 18, -15, -16,21; Ove Waldner and Mikael J. Persson (SWE) bt G. Bohn Appelgren of Sweden. (FRG) -10, 12, 18, 15. But, back to the men's team event Semi-finals: in which Jean-Michel Saive and Gatien bt Bengtsson 17, 12, -9, Thierry Cabrera caused such havoc 21; Persson bt Saive 10, -15, 12, as they proceeded to wipe out Greece (3-0), Czechoslovakia (3-0), 11. Sweden (3-2) and Poland (3-2) be­ Final: GATIEN bt Persson 14, -21, 14, fore their final triumph against Fed­ eral Germany in which the scores 19. were :- Women's Singles Quarter-finals: Saive bt G. Bohm 19, 16 Geng Lijuan (CAN) bt D. Guer­ Cabrera bt J. Rosskopf -17,20, gueltcheva (BUL) -18, 20, 17, -18, 19 Saive/Cabrera 1 RosskopfiFetzner 16; M. Kloppenburg (HOL) bt N. -17, -16 Saive bt Rosskopf 15, 18 Struse (FRG) -20,8, -17,8,22; O. Nemes (FRG) bt M. Hrachova What then of England's men's (TCH) 17, -17, 7, 8; team who began with a comfortable C. Batorfi (HUN) bt E. Noor 3-0 defeat of Norway - one each (HOL) -19,18,11,17. for Carl Prean and Alan Cooke and Semi-jinals: Prean and Skylet Andrew in the Geng bt Kloppenburg 10, -19, II, doubles. But then defeat at the 14; Batorfi bt Nemes 18, -22, -11, hands of Yugoslavia's Zoran Prim­ Gatien of France played outstanding table tennis to capture the Mens 14,18. orac and Ilija Lupulescu, both beat~ Singles title (Photo by John F.A. Wood) Final: en by Cooke but no other break­ GENG bt Batorfi 11, 16, -12,13. through. Bradley Billington opened with a combination reached the second In the women's team event win over Sandro Caenaro of Lux­ round, nor did Andrew, paired with Men's Doubles Alison Gordon and Fiona Elliot embourg thereafter falling to Philippe Saive of Belgium, beaten Semi-jinals: began, like the men, with an easy 3­ Austria's Ding Yi and Sean Gibson by Ding Yi and Ulf Bengtsson of J. RosskopfiS. Fetzner (FRG) bt odefeat of Sri Lanka, subsequently had the misfortune to be drawn Sweden. I. Lupulescu/Z. Primorac (YUG) beating Bulgaria 3-2, Daniella against Dmitrij Mazunov of the And, in the women's doubles, 15, -17,17; Appelegren/Waldner Guergueltcheva winning their two, USSR who whistled through 16, 12 Alison and Fiona took their depart­ (SWE) bt Gatien (FRA)/Grubba and then taken out 3-0 by the Soviet and 9. ure at the first time of asking losing (POL) 18, 17. Union's Valentina Popova and Steve Dorking lost to Frank to Valentina Popova and Melnik of Final: Jelena Timina with Galina Melnik Boute of the Netherlands and the USSR. There was no mixed FETZNER/ROSSKOPF bt Appel­ partnering Popova for the doubles. Glenn Baker to Olivier Marmurek event. It was not a happy excursion gren/Waldner 13, -10, 22. But they did reach the quarters un­ of France both in the first round in for an II-player English represent­ Women's Doubles like Poland,Yugoslavia, the Neth­ which Chris Oldfield survived in ation whose play, overall, left a Semi-jinals: erlands, East Germany and Czech­ beating Tilekeratney of Sri Lanka great deal to be desired albeit the Batorfi/G. Wirth (HUN) bt G. oslovakia. only to take his departure at the field was a strong one. And so will it Melnik/V. Popova (URS) -12, 18, hands of Gurhan Yaldiz of Turkey. be in Gothenburg! 11; Hrachova/R. Kasalova (TCH) INDIVIDUALS John Holland was beaten by Petr bt Guergueltcheva (BUL)/O. England had nine men in the Korbel of Czechoslovakia yet Badescu (ROM) 12, 17. singles event but only one, Prean, another first round faller. Thus, Final: succeeded iri reaching the third from an England point of view ­ BATORFI/WIRTH bt Hrachova/­ round there to be taken out by Zsolt end of story! Kasalova -19, 12,21.

3 E. Maier bt Els Billen 17, 17; Ding/P. Eckel bt Carbrera/Saive -21, 19,9; Vive la France Ding/Fichtinger bt P. Saive/Billen 9, 15; Ding w.o. J-M Saive; Palmi bt Carbrera -15, 0.0. (conceded). by GEORGE R. YATES But with one match still to play at home to Turkey on March 10 Belgium must remain the firm favourites to gain promotion to the Super Division, with Hungary finishing the runners-up. FRANCE duly wrapped up the championship title of the European League's Super Division with an emphatic 6-1 win over the Nether­ Division 1 lands in Huizen on March 6. P W L F A Pts 5 I Spearheaded by Jean-Philippe Gatien, who figured in four successes, the Belgium 6 27 15 5 only home win was accomplished by Paul Haldan in the very first set when Hungary 6 5 I 31 II 5 7 5 2 the ex-Romanian beat Olivier Marmurek. Thereafter it was very much one­ Austria 36 13 5 Bulgaria 7 4 3 25 24 4 way traffic. Turkey 5 2 3 12 23 2 Although equating on points with the Federal Republic ofGermany - 4­ 7 2 5 25 24 2 3 winners over England on the same night in Bexleyheath - the fact Italy 6 1 5 8 34 that when these two countries met in Sl. Avoid in October last the French Finland I 6 1 5 II victory by 5 sets to 2 was the all-important factor in determining the champ­ Denmark 31 I i'on winners. Scores in Huizen were:­ Remaining fixtures are:­ P. Haldan bt O. Marmurek 18, 17; Belgium v Turkey, Finland v Hungary, Denmark v Turkey D. Heister I J-P Gatien -11,18, -17; In Division 2 all depends on the outcome of the match between Switzer­ M. Kloppenburg 1 Wang Xiaoming -14, -15; land and Spain. Both countries are undefeated to date and all roads must Haldan/Heister 1 GatienlMarmurek -16, 21, -17; lead to Geneva when these two associations meet. G. Bakker/Kloppenburg 1 Gatien/Wang 14, -18, -15; Meantime Portugal won the Division 3 round robin beating Haldan I Gatien -II, -10; Liechtenstein (6-1), Jersey (7-0), Guernsey (7-0), Isle of Man (7-0) and Heister I Marmurek -18, -17. Malta (7-0). In Bratislava, Czechoslovakia were beaten 4-3 by Sweden and Poland in Gdansk had a like result against Yugoslavia the final table being:­ PW L F APts FRANCE 7 5 2 31 18 5 F. R. Germany 7 5 2 31 18 5 Netherlands 7 4 2 23 26 4 Sweden 7 3 4 35 24 3 Poland 7 3 4 19 30 3 Yugoslavia 7 3 4 23 26 3 Czechoslovakia 7 3 4 23 26 3 England 7 2 5 21 28 2 Shock result in Division I was the 7-0 win for Austria over Belgium in Wels on March 6 the scores being:­ Ding Yi bt T. Cabrera 18, -19, 18; D. Palmi bt J-P Saive -9, 16, 14;

YOUTH CUP 1990/91

As the Leeds Permanent Building Society Sponsorship agreement ends this season, the Youth Cup event will not be staged next sea­ son unless an alternative sponsor can be secured.

JENNY HUGHES ETTA EVENTS MANAGER

4 The final match between TRADE UNIONS MOSCOW and Europe Club Cup of Champions - 1989/90 STATISZTIKA BUDAPEST shall take place on the 28th April 1990 in Results of Semi Finals Moscow because Statisztika Budapest were the HOME TEAM in last season's final. Men's Section Levallois UTT (FRA) - Borussia Dusseldorf (FRG) 5:3 Secretin - Rosskopf -17, II, -10 Gatien - R. Wosik 18, 17 Lo Chuen Tsung - Fetzner 12, -15, 14 Bohumil Vans Gatien - Rosskopf -7, -21 Secretin - Fetzner -15, -21 One of table tennis' arcatelt dulmpiOIl$ died at the .. ef 69, Lo Chuen Tsung - R. Wosik 14, 10 Bobumil Vana, many times World Champion, was not only a pUt Gatien - Fetzner 20, 9 player but one who made a major contribution to the deftlopment Lo Chuen Tsung - Rosskopf 19, 16 ofdte pme. TSK Partizan Belgrade (YUG) - ATSV Saarbrucken (FRG) 3:5 His famous duels with Johnny Leach. Ferenc:Sido.lvan ADctmidis. , (played in Germany) Dick Miles, Zirko DoHnar, Jouef KoCzian. rage F1.isberg, Faenc Lupulescu - Engel 17, -19, 18 Soot. Guy Amouretti, Wtlav Tereba-; 'IJId. especially apill$l Primorac - Podpinka 15, I3 ~le Gavrilovlc - Xie Saike -12, -18 Richard BerJllUlnn. are .mona the most that ever rook Primotac - Engel 20, -19, 14 place. Lupulescu - Xie Saike -14, 19, -17 Vana was born in Prague and played'Cable tenniafntm th~a.of 12­ Gavrilovic - Podpinka -12, 21, -16 making his debut in the World Champ~in ~OQin 1935. Primorac - Xie Saike -12, 18, "15 At the .. of 17 he was the World MiRclDfJublClrchlimPion With Gavrilovic - Engel -19, -6 Vcra Votnabco¥a. and at the age or 18 btcIame Si~ World The venue for the final match between LEVALLOIS UTT and ATSV Champion. SAARBRUCKEN will be determined by lot by the Executive Committee of His anacking forehand and service were qanse ~ .. the ETTU during the German Open Championships in Karlsruhe (1-4 ~ ~tboOt March, 1990). brilliant footwork enabled him to pill, at the The FINAL SHALL TAKE PLACE ON 28th April, 1990. .using bacthand. Women's Section The fint trall8lllil&ioDs of lemUs otl the:BBC 'MIlIfC ...... lh Statisztika Budapest (HUN) - Spvg Steinhagen (FRG) 5:1 Gi1d ChampiolllhiPs ~ in.CNWdeII Alhert HatJ

~~ ~ 5/UUXU ~ 3&wu6 ~tU !,\ Directly affiliated to the E.llA First Ever Leeds Womens British Champions 1989 CLUB PREMISES: The Prudential Building, Sponsored by Linda Farrow, Sunglass Manufacturer 250 Euston Road, London NW1 and Designer of Optical and Sunglass Frames Enquiries and correspondence to:­ 51 Calthorpe Street, London WC1X OHH Tel: 01-837 7420 Telex: 267578 Fax: 01-837 1657 CENTRAL LONDON SCHOOL OF TABLE TENNIS Special coaching sessions by ex-world No.4 CHEN XINHUA 16/17 June - 30 June/1 July -14/15 July 6 hour course - £20 a day - 10am to 4pm: 6 tables only

England Ladies No.1 ALISON GORDON Sunday 20 May £10 a day - maximum 16 persons a day price includes temporary membership Please apply for membership by ringing 01-837 7420 or writing for details to 51 Calthorpe Street, london WC1X OHH Club opening times: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 7.00pm to 10.00pm saturday and Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm Cost: members £2 Non members £2,50 Coaching on Tuesdays extra £2 per hour GUESTS WELCOME TO USE PREMISES BUT PLEASE PHONE IN ADVANCE

5 English Schools T.T.A. REGIONAL FINALS by DAVID LOMAS

ALL three Regional Finals of the Dunlop National School Team Championships were staged on February 17th. In the North Region Finals, held Archbishop Cranmer C.E. Mid­ at Pontefracl, West Yorkshire, it dle School, Leeds, are, according to was a highly successful day for Yarlside's teacher, Martin Holland, Parkview School, Barrow-in-Fur­ the "best-ever standard in Girls ness. The Cumbrian Champions Under-II I have ever witnessed". won no fewer than four of the eight The Leeds girls edged out Yarlside, events. Last year Parkview got three 5-3. teams through to the National Yarlside also went down 5-3 Finals at Matlock but only their against Dronfield Junior School Boys Under-I6 team were success­ (Derbyshire) with Dronfield's No.3 ful. & 4 players unbeaten. Parkview's Girls Under-13 team Alsager School (Cheshire) were were in convincing form. They won due to make their first appearance their three matches by maximum 8­ at Matlock, where their Boys o margins. Two members of their Under-19 quartet of Gary and Paul line-up, twins Joanne and Julie Pickford, Ben SeeI and Simon Ed­ Baker will be making their third bury qualified by virtue of convin­ consecutive appearance in the Nat­ cing performances against King's ional Finals. They were winners of School, (8-0), Royal Grammar the Girls Under-II event in 1988, School, Newcastle (7-1) and Thorn­ when pupils at Yarlside School. leigh School, Oldham (7-1). The Girls Under-16 quartet of Samantha MarlingofWyke Sixth Caroline Watt, Fiona Harris, Form College, Hull, was unbeaten Carrie Lowes and Rebecca Holland in the Girls Under-19 event at hope to go one better than last Pontefract but her efforts were in­ year's runners-up spot but face a sufficient to prevent Kesteven and strong line-up from the Grove Grantham Girls School (Lincoln­ Yorkshire & Humberside Region: Winners of Junior events, with Mr Ken School, Market Drayton, winners shire) racing through to their fourth Davison, Selby Branch Manager of the 'Leeds', Mark Stephenson of the Midlands and West event, consecutive finals appearance. (Halifax) and Samantha Marling (HulO held at Stroud. Garry Knights of Burton The closest contested event at Technical College (Staffordshire) ,Monks Hill Sports Centre, Croy­ Bedford Modern School scored Matlock cou!d probably be the was the outstanding player on view don. Only two of their seven teams an unexpected win over Peniel in Boys Under-16 competition (for the at Stroud. He saw his team qualify involved got through. They are very the Boys Under-19 category and Leach-Carrington Trophy). Park­ in the Boys Under-19 event. strong at Girls Under-19 level and Whitgift School, Croydon were view will not r.elinquish their title Two teams from Bristol were also thrashed Thomas Peacocke School, convincing winners in the Boys without a struggle. They have an ex­ in winning mood. Brislington (Boys Rye (East Sussex). It was much Under-16, including Jason Blake perienced squad, including Justin Under-l3) and Holymead (Boys closer in the Girls Under-II event, and John Blasco in their line-up. Brunton, Kevon Hodgson and Gar­ Under-II) are no strangers, having however. Peniel knew that a 4-4 It was also a doubly-successful eth Brunton. They face opposition made several previous appearances, draw in the final against North Bor­ day for another local Croydon from Whitgift School, Croydon but none successful. ough Junior School, Maidstone, School, Cumnor House. They saw (South & East) and Mary Webb Peniel Academy's hopes of suc­ would be sufficient. The Brentwood off challengers from Peniel in the School, Pontesbury (Midlands & cess were dashed in the South & girls pulled out all the stops to Boys Under-13 and Under-II West). East Regional Finals, held at recover from a 4-2 deficit to qualify. events. Cumnor's No. I. 13 year old Darren Blake (ranked at No.4. in the England Cadet list) led from the front whilst his younger school mate, James Furner (Boys Under­ 11 No. I) guided Cumnor to another win over Peniel, after trail­ ing 2-1 at one stage. Malden Erlegh School, Reading, were surprise winners in the Girls Under-16 event and another well­ known name in the shape of the Grove won the Girls Under-13 event at Croydon. But this team is the Grove School, St. Leonards-on­ Sea (East Sussex). They have Sara Coggon at No.1. and, following in the steps of Thomas Peacocke are only the second East Sussex School to qualify for the "Nationals". The Finals were due to take place at Lea Green,. Matlock, on Satur­ day, March 17. Many County Schools individual championships are taking place this Yorkshire & Humberside Region: Winners of Cadet events Andy Nicholls (Selby) term, with winners going forward to and Sally Marling (Hull), with Mr Ken Davison, Selby Branch Manager of the the Dunlop English Schools Indiv­ 'Leeds'. idual Championships at Mansfield

6 Regional Finals - cont.

on Saturday, April 28th. It could Revival well be that entries will be up on last • season's total. Organiser, Paul Birch (0234 41988) told me that In Inner London increased interest in counties such by DAVID LOMAS as Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex was most encouraging. The inaugural East Sussex ALMOST one hundred London accommodating at least half the London event with his usual schools individual championships schoolchildren thoroughly enjoyed entries on the day of the event! efficiency and good humour. got off to a great start last season, a non-stop day of table tennis at the Fourteen tables were in use: un­ There was generous support from with 135 entries from 20 schools, George Green Sports Centre, fortunately to make it possible for the soon to be disbanded ILEA, but this season's event - again Tower Hamlets, on 19th February. the singles events to be completed London Dockland Development sponsored by St. Leonard's Timber They were taking part in the the main doubles event had to be Corporation, British Telecom, Merchants, Stamco, have attracted Inner London Schools Table cancelled. Tower Hamlets (Isle of Dogs a massive total of 231 players from Tennis Association's tournament to Finalists were presented with Neighbourhood), Rotherhithe 26 schools throughout the county. determine individual winners - for trophies donated by British Tele­ Community Sports Project and the The surge in interest meant that boys and girls, ranging from Under­ com (Docklands). The Association Sports Council. three venues were used on March II to Under-19. Consolation events is most grateful to Alan Grant of The event was a great success and 10th and 18th. were played in each of the eight Elmbridge Leisure Centre who was thanks are due to Bernie Cunning­ West Sussex's inaugural champ­ events. "poached" from his more accust­ ham and Pauline Barham and the ionships are also under way. 15 Demonstrating an ability to be omed role of organiser .,of the other officers and supporters of the schools provided 70 competitors at flexible the Association took a annual Elmbridge tournament and Inner London Schools ITA who Southwick Sports Centre, Brigh­ unique step in organising the also newly-recruited referee of the are putting London schools back on ton, with crucial sponsorship from Championships on a Monday Surrey Schools Championships. He the table tennis map. Adur District Council Leisure Serv­ during the half-term break and organised and refereed the Inner ices. Winners of the Lancashire Schools individual championships, held at Claydon Green Leisure Centre on 10th February, included Maria Thornley, Albany School, Chorley (Girls Under-16) and How­ ard Whewell (Boys Under-19) Burnley College. The Boys Under­ II event was the most popular, with 35 entries. Joe Walk, Secretary ofthe Great­ er Manchester Schools Association, told me that his area's individual championships are going from strength to strength. "Sponsorship from Rosebank Sports, plus in­ valuable Press coverage in the Sports "Pink" (Jim Beckley) and the Manchester Evening News (Geoff Garnett) have enabled us to increase the involvement to over 40 schools", said Joe. Karen Richard­ son (Hathershaw, Oldham), how­ ever had a walk-over in the Girls Under-19 event. Other winners included Susan Doolan (Girls Standing (I to r): Ian Slater (General Manager British Telecom - Docklands), Desiree Joseph, Under-B) and Zoe Buchanan Tim O'Leary, Simon Jablon, Mike Maybee (Chair ILSTTA). (Girls Under-16) whilst Darren Front (I to r): Natasha Barham, Joanne Barham, Carrie Blake, Gordon Logan, Paul Jablon. Howarth (Audenshaw High School) and Robin Falkener (Bury College) were winners of the Boys Under-16 and Under-19 events, respectively. Lack of interest amongst girls is a National problem. Whereas the ESITA has equal opportunities for boys and girls in all its competitions it 'is not unusual for boys to out­ number girls in some instances by as much as a 10-1 ratio. Come on, girls!

Pictured right are Sarah Holmes and Tristan Newman who lifted the British Telecom sponsored trophies for the best girl and boy "player of the day" at the ESTTA Inner London Area championships.

7 One School's Progress in 10 years...

ALSAGER COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL, on the Cheshire/Staffordshire border has just reached the Dunlop National Schools Compet­ ition Finals for the first time, but it has taken 10 years of commitment, encouragement and many miles of travel to get this far. But it isa story that may give encouragement to other schools who start from nothing, or who are just beginning the sport seriously. When Philip Clarke, who had winning the Boys Under 19 and the last 4 years. From here young­ local Crewe League, including a been at the School for two years as a Under 13 groups, and the Girls sters progress in the lower divisions team in Division I. Club nights on newly appointed Deputy Head, Under 16 groups in their County of the Crewe or Potteries Leagues Fridays are attended by upwards of took over Table Tennis in 1980, it competitions in 1989-90. playing with, and against adults. 40 players, including the coaching was in a sorry state. The teacher As well as this they have supplied Alongside all this is regular session for the Under lis from 6.30 normally in charge had no real in­ .County champions at each age coaching, with Philip Clarke taking - 7.30 pm. Sponsorship of shirts terest or experience and there were group for Boys, with Ben Seellead­ the "beginners", and with ETTA and shorts by the local Royal Ord­ no inter-school matches or entries ing the way by winning the Boys Coach Peter Hancock, who lives in nance factory has helped - even if into even the County competitions. Under 16 title in 1988, followed by Alsager, taking coaching sessions the shirts carry the logo "Defence That changed with entries into the successes for Gary Pickford, the for the "intermediate" and "ad­ systems, sub-systems and compon­ County Individual and Team com­ current School No.1 at Under 16 vanced" players. Unfortunately ents"! petitions, involving treks of up to 40 level (1989) and by Simon Edbury Peter missed the Northern Area This year the School stages the miles for away fixtures in darkest at Under 19 level (1989). finals at Pontefract through a prev­ County Schools Championships for Warrington! As to Girls - development has iously booked holiday in Tenerife! the first time at Alsager Leisure By the 1984-5 season the School come later, in the absence of an The boys and girls also undertake Centre where the Potteries Champ­ Under 13 Boys team won the energetic lady teacher! Philippa the Dunlop Skills Award. ionships have been held in 1989 and County Team Competition and Clarke, whilst at a local Primary One of the recent highlights was 1990. played in the NW regional finals at School, won the Girls Under II title the "Exhibition Roadshow" put on Whatever happens at Matlock on Fleetwood - they were soundly de­ in 1987, and is now the current by Don Parker and Jill Hammer­ March 17th Table Tennis is well on feated! One of the team members Under 13 title holder. sley, ably assisted by Sean Gibson the map in S.E. Cheshire! was Ben Seel, now 18 and in the Sponsorship followed by a local - sponsored by the ETTA. Held in Above all, though, the School Upper Sixth, he has helped to steer company "B & B Vending" so the December, this captured the imag­ hopes that other schools, where the Under 19 Boys to their first Nat­ school play in shirts adorned with ination of many potential players, Table Tennis may be in the infancy ional Final. "Golden Service"! as well as attracting local Press cov­ stage, can benefit from their exper­ In the period between 1985 and The School enters four teams in erage. iences! 1990 Alsager has grown to become the local Crewe & District Junior The Alsager Club only began in the strongest school in Cheshire, League and has won the title in 3 of 1988, but now has four sides in the

From Left: Paul Pickford. Simon Edbury. Gary Pickford and Ben Seel. (Photo courtesy D. Sant)

8 British Sports Association for the Disabled International Stars support Training Weekend by MICHAEL HILTON

THE weekend of 20/21 January saw the North West Region play host to a coaching spectacular that attracted players from Scotland, Wales and the many Regions of England. The course was organised by our friend Dave Hewitt, a senior ETTA coach, and he was ably assisted by current international stars and quality coaches from around the North West. Saturday's course ran from 12.00 until 5.00pm and concentrated on mastering the basic four strokes and practise techniques. At 5.00pm all trooped to the Crest Hotel to reg­ ister, get changed and rest before re­ turning to the West View Leisure Centre for the evening socialising. The evening proved unique with Syd Fryer (Sydvision) showing a selection of Table Tennis videos and John Hilton (no relation, but the 1980 European Champion) commenting on his performances in various tournaments. John later went into a question/answer ses­ sion that engrossed the audience Chen Xinhua samples table tennis from a wheelchair against James Rawson. with his comments on attitude, styles of play and bat rubbers. Sunday proved to be informative and entertaining. The session ran from 1O.00am until 3.00pm and TABLE TENNIS (Ping Pong) SPECIALISED commenced with the techniques re­ YEAR DESCRIPTION PRICE quired for developing spin. Foll­ 1902 1902-1905 ADVERTISING HANDBILL CROYDON "THE OUICK FIX SET PRICE 3/9" 15.00 owing this was the highlight of the l1lO2 PEN LINE SKETCH POSTCARD USED AS INVITE TO TABLE TENNIS PARTY 20.00 1902 PREMIER SERIES 1915 POSTCARD CHOICE OF 3 DIFFERENT MINT AND USED 10.00 weekend when Chen Xinhua played 1903 ETW DENNIS POSTCARD PICTURE OF CAT BANDAGED WITH CAPTION "ND MORE an exhibition match with England's TABLE TENNIS FOR ME" 3.00 1903 LOUIS WAIN POSTCARD TWO CATS PLAYING TABLE TENNIS 25.00 Michael O'Driscoll and then des­ 1903 PREMIER SERIES 2020 POSTCARD USED 10.00 cribed the various methods of 1903 RAPHAEL TUCK SERIES 624 POSTCARD USED CHOICE OF 6 DIFFERENT USED 10.00 1903 RAPHAEL TUCK WRITE AWAY POSTCARD USED 10.00 service. On the receiving end were 1903 RAPHAEL TUCK WRITE AWAY POSTCARD USED WITH CAPE OF GOOD HOPE I DRED Richard Reading and Gordon CANCEUED ALUVAL NORTH 25 7 1903 10.00 1903 SALLO EPSTIEN OF DURBAN BW POSTCARD LADIES PLAYING TABLE TENNIS 3.00 Shields before a "sit-down" chall­ Franglaise 1904 TUCK ART SERIES 1156 POSTCARD TABLE TENNIS IN FAIRYLAND 10.00 enge was arranged with James Raw­ 1937 PROGRAMME FROM SS PRESIDENT WILSON DURING A VOYAGE ONE OF THE EVENTS Pongiste BEING TABLE TENNIS 10.00 son of the East Midlands. James got 1954 POSTAL HISTORY POSTCARD CANCEUED WITH SPECIAL HANDSTAMP FOR 21ST the biggest cheer of the day when he WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN WEMBLEY . 2O.lIlI 1955 22ND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS UTRECHT HOLLAND POSTCARD WITH SPECIAL actually beat the Chinese ace. A WE KNOW the French frown HANDSTAMP STRUCK IN VIOLET 10m buffet lunch was followed by more upon the use ofEnglish words in 1956 23RD WDRLD CHAMPIONSHIPS TOKYO SG 749 ON FDC CHOICE OF 3 COVERS 10.00 1958 1ST EURDPEAN CHAMPIDNSHIPS BUDAPEST TWO STAMPS WERE ISSUED TD COMM "hard graft" which included video their language - 'Ie weekend' THE EVENT ON COVER 8.00 replays and the use of a service and 'Ie sandwich' are being 1960 2ND EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS ZAGREB YUGOSLAVIA BAT HANDSTAMP ON COVER8.oo robot. outlawed throughout the PLEASE ALLOW 50P POSTAGE AND PACKING ON EACH ORDER Thanks must go especially to country. So it came as a surprise SUBJECT UNSOLD Dave Hewitt and also to the follow­ to read in the official magazine Above is small selection of table tennis postcards postal history ing coaches and players who gave at of the Federation Francaise that and stamps least a day of their time to the 'Ies pongistes' have a choice We are whole world stamp dealers and can supply lists of event:­ between 'Ie backside adherent' most countries and themes John Hilton, Brian Gooddy, and 'Ie caoutchouc backside', Personal callers welcome at our shop in Dereham Chen Xinhua, Mark Gibson, Mikey not to mention the ultimate 'Ie except Tuesdays closed Malcolm, Pete Dixon, Tony Rigby, caoutchouc backside adherent'. All accessories, albums, cats, etc stocked Caroline Rigby, Jim Higham, Our Franglaise expert Michael O'Driscoll, Dave Hope, informs us that 'adherent' Syd Fryer, Rupert de Rigg, Mike means sticky, while 'caout­ Yardley and Eddie O'Hara (robot chouc' translates as 'rubber'. So DEREHAM STAMP CENTRE men), Steve Turner and Anne we a ppear to be discussing (Proprietor: D. A. CAMERON) sticky backsides or rubber Sweeney. NORWICH STREET, DEREHAM, NORFOLK, The event was reported in The backsides. Surely more suited to Times on Wednesday 24th Feb­ Tobogganing or Trampolining 1"1 ENGLAND, NRl9 lAD mc1 ruary 1990. than 'Tennis de Table'? ~ TEL: (0362) 696923 ~

9 British League Promoted by the English Table Tennis Association A Challenge for Chen • by MIKE LOVEDER

NICKY MASON provided Chen Xinhua's toughest challenge of the season as he led 19-12 in their third game. However, Chen clawed back to win 24-22 completing a 17 minute marathon for both players to receive a standing ovation. Matthew Syed was unable to play due to yet another injury and Bath lost out 3-5 again to Ormesby. Grove I consolidated their top position with an 8-0 win over Kettler and did the same to the Dulwich Rams earlier in the month. Ellenborough have chalked up two wins this period, beating Kettler Sport 6-2 and Butterfly Cardiff 5-3 to move up to fifth. All the team positions in the Premier look unlikely to change with the possible exception of Cardiff and Kettler in their bid to avoid relegation. They meet each other on 13th May to decide their fate for another year. Expedite at Ashford place with the fewest results Hart Launceston celebrated their they remain in 7th place with 8 Ashford remain top of Division I recorded at the time of writing. first point of the season which was points. South with wins over Britannia and Liverpool beat Norwich 7-1 and taken from Royal Mail Leicester. Early Winners Rejects. They convincingly gained Cambridge 6-2 to upset the apple- Birmingham remain in the rele- Congratulations to Seat Peter­ revenge over the latter as Gary cart and they could finish as the gation zone with two convincing borough who have already won Spencer recorded their sole win runners up assuming Ormesby beat losses. Division 3 East with three matches over Joey Kennedy. John Taylor Norwich Foxwood. Chan Con- Nigerians Collapse to spare! At the bottom end Levi's and Dave Barr played an expedite struction beat Oldham 8-0 to move The all Nigerian team, Concord Westfield secured a point against to extend the match by 45 minutes. off the bottom. Flash, have plunged into fourth City of Milton Keynes - who are Expedite was called at 20-20 in the position in Division 2 South follow­ third - and this should see them first and Dave Barr won 29-27. Lead Narrowed ing two losses. Fellows Cranlhgh safe. Crusaders Lincoln are left at From 12-12 in the second John Burslem were held to a draw by scraped through 5-3 against them to the bottom with 4 points and 29 Taylor won 2l-12and then, tocap it VPM Mazda, in Division 2 secure top spot but the real surprise games to their credit. However, if all, from 10-9 in the third Dave Barr Midland, which reduces Burslem's was a 1-7 loss inflicted by Jolliffe they make April fools of Levi's and won 21-11! Neil 'glue' Charles beat lead to two points. Cheltenham are Poole who are sixth. Tonbridge wrestle a point elsewhere they could Taylor at deuce in the third and beat chasing in second place but they move up to second place, only one do a Houdini... Congratulations Percy Collino 19 & 19 for two useful dropped a point to Grove III. Bath­ point adrift, with two 6-2 wins over too to Humberside Andro who wins. Ashford are still to meet old wick Tyres II have recorded two 5-3 Rejects II and TSP Larkhall II. have now won Division 3 North rivals Chelmsford on the run in and wins to hang on to third place. At Horsham Dolphins 'pooled' their with t~o 7-1 wins, one ofwhich was any three teams could win the the other end of the table White resources to beat Jolliffe 7-1 but against t.hird-placed Ormesby III division depending on this result. Team Peniel are one point behind Nicky Mason led Chen 19-12 in 3rd... but Chen clawed his way back to win 24-22. the leaders having beaten Britannia after being at 3-3. Peniel seem unlikely to drop any more points and will prefer their closest rivals to draw. Colley Toyota move up from 7th to 4th with two wins this period. Horsham Dolphins are still a dangerous team but they have developed the knack of losing 3-5 too. Win for Bradford In Division -I North Grove II will not be caught but it is still anyone's guess who will be runner-up and take promotion. West Warwick­ shire are just one game ahead of St. Neots. They both beat Lincoln 6-2 this period. Well Connected Menswear gave Bayer Bradford their long-awaited win which livens up the bottom ofthe division. I have no results received from City of Leeds at this stage and these missing results will have considerable influence on the promotion and relegation battles. Division 2 North is a bit of a jumble but it is Ormesby II who look the favourites at present. Norwich are down to 4th

..Schildkrot distributed by Butterfly •

10 who also lost 0-8 to Vymura Inter­ 2 Midland 1 North: 3 East: national II. The 'booby' prize of Birmingham 2 6 Mazda Grove II II 9 2 0 20 Peterbro II II 0 0 22 bottom spot is far from decided Grove III 4 4 Cheltenham W Warwicks II 7 I 3 15 Brentwood II 6 2 3 14 with Durham, Telford and Blaydon Bath II 5 3 Launceston St Neots II 7 I 3 15 M Keynes II 5 2 4 12 having 4 or 5 points each. Telford Leicester 2 6 Burslem Well Con Men 10 6 0 4 12 Cranleigh II II 4 3 4 II beat Durham and Durham beat Launceston 4 4 Leicester Leeds 9 3 I 5 7 Peniel II II 5 0 6 10 Blaydon this period to edge off the Bath II 5 3 Grove III Bradford II 3 0 8 6 Britannia II II 3 2 6 8 bottom. Cheltenham 8 0 Birmingham Chan 10 3 0 7 6 Westfield II 2 3 6 7 Mazda 4 4 Burslem Lincoln II I I 9 3 Lincoln II I 2 8 4 Gunnersbury's late run Dulwich Rams II crashed out 2-6 2 South: to Amity Generation Fareham and Rejects II 2 6 Tonbridge 2 North: 3 North: saw their lead narrowed to one Concord 3 5 Cranleigh I Ormesby II 9 7 2 0 16 Humberside II II 0 0 22 point. Gunnersbury Triangle move Horsham II 7 I Poole Liverpool 10 7 I 2 15 Vymura II II 7 I 3 15 up to second place with a late run Ellenbro II 4 4 Larkhall II Vymura I 9 5 2 2 12 Ormesby III II 6 2 3 14 beating Marley Ashford and Fare- Horsham II 3 5 Ellenbro II Norwich 8 6 0 2 12 Byker II 6 0 5 12 ham 5-3. Their match with the Poole 7 I Concord Cambridge 9 2 I 6 5 Huddersfield II 5 2 4 12 Rams on March 18th should see the Cranleigh 5 3 Rejects II Chan II 9 I 0 8 2 Durham II 2 I 8 5 title decided. Pillinger Air Croydon Tonbridge 6 2 Larkhall II Oldham 10 I 0 9 2 Telford II I 2 8 4 are joint third with Fareham and 3 East: Blaydon II 2 0 9 4 they should both have a relatively Peterbro 7 I Britannia II 2 Midland: easy run in. With this division in Brentwood 4 4 Cranleigh II 3 South: Burslem II 8 2 I 18 two clear halves the outcome M Keynes 4 4 Westfield Dulwich II II 8 I 2 17 Cheltenham II 7 2 2 16 remains far from certain. Peniel II 6 2 Lincoln Gunnersbury II 8 0 3 16 Bath II II 6 2 3 14 M Keynes 7 I Peniel II Fareham il 7 I 3 15 Toyota Racing VPM Mazda II 5 3 3 13 Westfield 0 8 Brentwood Croydon II 6 3 2 15 Colley Toyota II remain unbeat­ Grove III II 6 0 5 12 Cranleigh II 3 5 Peterbro Marley II 4 0 7 8 en at the top of Division 3 West. Leicester II 2 5 4 9 Britannia II 8 0 Lincoln Rejects III II 3 0 8 6 They meet their closest rivals, Birmingham II 2 I 8 5 Lambeth 10 3 0 7 6 AHW Comets, on 1st April and 3 North: Launceston II 0 I 10 I they are both still to play third place Blaydon 2 6 Durham Harlesden 10 I I 8 3 Kingfisher Reading who have some Ormesby III I 7 Humberside potential to cause an upset. Bude Byker 3 5 Vymura II 2 South: 3 West: Surfers continue with only one Huddersfd 7 I Telford Cranleigh I II 6 4 I 16 Colley T II II 9 2 0 20 point despite having won 24 games. Byker 5 3 Huddersfd Tonbridge II 7 I 3 15 AHW Comets II 8 2 I 18 Thorns can relax in the knowledge Vymura II 8 0 Ormesby III Ellenbro II II 5 3 3 13 Reading II 6 2 3 14 that Bude need two wins and they Humberside 7 I Blaydon Concord II 5 2 4 12 Grove IV II 4 5 2 13 too meet each other on 1st April. Durham 3 5 Telford Rejects II II 5 0 6 10 Bath III II 5 0 6 10 Grove IV and Bath III both cling on 9 Leckie 3 South: Poole II 3 3 5 II 3 I 7 7 to mid-table positions. Grove beat Rejects III 5 3 Harlesden Horsham II II 2 4 5 8 Thorns II 2 I 8 5 Bath and drew with the Comets this Dulwich II 4 4 Croydon Larkhall II II I 3 7 5 Bude Surfers II 0 I 10 I period and they could move up to Gunnersb'ry 5 3 Fareham third place by the end of the season. Marley 7 I Lambeth Leckie look very safe having Gunnersb'ry 5 3 Marley pinched a point from Reading. Fareham 6 2 Dulwich II EXPRESS SPORTS Croydon 6 2 Rejects III FEBRUARY RESULTS Harlesden Lambeth Premier: - Lead the Way 3 West: Dulwich 0 8 Grove I Thorns 3 5 Colley II Ormesby 8 0 Armada Grove IV 4 4 Comets Bath 7 I Cardiff Bath III 5 3 Bude Ellenbro I 6 2 Kettler Reading 4 4 Leckie £...... Cardiff 3 5 Ellenbro I Bude I 7 Reading Bath 3 5 Ormesby Bath III 3 5 Grove IV ARE YOU INTERESTED IN MAKING Armada 3 5 Dulwich Comets 7 I Thorns MONEY FROM YOUR INVOLVEMENT Grove 8 0 Kettler Colley II 6 2 Leckie 1 North: IN TABLE TENNIS? St Neots 2 6 Grove II For more details contact EXPRESS SPORTS WWarwicks 6 2 Lincoln Leeds Chan LEAGUE TABLES AS AT WellConnM 3 5 Bradford 1 MARCH 1990 Leeds WellConnM EXPRESS SPORTS SUMMER CAMP Chan 2 6 WWarwicks Premier PW D L Pts Lincoln 2 6 St Neots Grove I II 10 I 0 21 Very few places left, Grove II 5 3 Bradford Ormesby I II 9 I I 19 Contact us quickly - only £120 per week 1 South: Bath I II 8 0 3 16 Rejects I 3 5 Ashford DulwiCh I II 7 0 4 14 Britannia I 3 5 Ashford Ellenbro I II 4 0 7 8 Horsham I 3 5 Peniel I Kettler II 2 I 8 5 Chelmsford 8 0 Larkhall I Cardiff II 2 I 8 5 Private and Individual coaching can be arranged for you or Horsham I 3 5 Chelmsford Armada 400 II 0 0 II 0 your club, remember our coaches are Britain's most success­ Peniel I 5 3 Britannia I ful tournament coaches Ashford 7 I Rejects I 1 South: Colley I 6 2 Larkhall I Ashford II 9 0 2 18 2 North: Team Peniel I II 8 I 2 17 Liverpool 7 I Norwich Chelmsford II 7 2 2 16 Ormesby II 5 3 Cambridge Colley Toyota II 4 2 5 IQ FOR DETAILS ON ANY OF THE ABOVE Chan II 8 0 Oldham Horsham II 4 I 6 9 CONTACT: EXPRESS SPORTS 19 Campbell Close, Vymura I 3 5 Ormesby II Rejects I II 4 I 6 9 Uckfield, Susex, or ring 0825 764566 Cambridge 2 6 Liverpool Britannia I II 2 4 5 8 Norwich 8 0 Oldham Larkhall I II 0 I 10 I

II WOIDe. en Table Tennis 1

competitIOn lor women would not THE LEEDS WOMEN'S BRITISH LEAGUE be run without some benefit to the areas in which it is staged and this year, with the format and procedure of the league established, we are A Strong Challenge from Grove hoping to achieve some "spin off' in the Milton Keynes and Stour­ bridge areas with a series ofexhibit­ The Grove Table Tennis Club of Market Drayton, who are strong favourites to take the Leeds Men's ions and coaching sessions for British League, are making a major attempt to do the double by signing England No. I Alison Gordon, women in conjunction with the who played for the women's champions, Linda Farrow, last season. local league.

Alison will make her debut for World of Sport have retained the venu~ for the conclusion of this Come and join us her new club when the first rounds services of Britain's two leading de­ year's expanded league of 30 club As ladies ta ble tennis comes to of the Leeds Women's British fensive girls, English Champion, teams from all parts of the United the fore, the Women's committee League are played at Bletchley Lisa Lomas and England No. 4 Kingdom. are issuing a Special Invitation to Leisure Centre, Milton Keynes, on Andrea Holt, and in addition they former players... why not join the New Clubs 12/13 May. Alison's inclusion in will rely this year on England No. I party? Arrange with your friends to the Grove team whose squad also This year the League will be come along to Bletchley or cadet, Nicola Deaton, and the organised in a five division pyramid includes England No.3 Fiona Elliot championship may depend on Stourbridge and support the Leeds and No.5 Jill Harris ensures that and will welcome several new clubs, Women's British League. We shall Nicola's rapid rate ofimprovement. including Bayer of Bradford rep­ Grove must stand an excellent Other teams in the Premier be delighted to put together an resented by Sylvia Broadbent, chance of achieving their ambition. Division are Roses, who have a attractive package for you to The first champions, Linda Joanne Keighley and Caroline include special rates at the hotels strong squad of Northern girls, Bentley. Sally Marling and her Farrow, managed by Julian Jablon, and the opportunity to join in with including the former international, sister Samantha will be playing for are keeping their No. I squad under the social aspects of the Women in Joy Dean, Western Belles led by the new team from Hull and we are wraps for the present time. Last England No.7, Carol Giles and the Table Tennis weekend as well as also delighted to learn that a team watching the exciting play. from the British Sports Ass0ciation for the Disabled led by Jand Swann For further information contact: of County Durham will compete for Mrs. Jose Ransome, "Conifers", the first time in the British League. Church Lane, Ormesby, Middlesbrough, Cleveland Promotion/Development Campaign TS7 9AU, Tel. 0642 322223 It has been the Women's Comm­ ittee's hope that this high level of

Top right: Wendy Cunningham and Councillor Maurice Howell. Chairman of the Milton Keynes Recreation Committee with the Sunderland Echo team. winners of the Third Division. Bottom right: Jill Hammersley Parker. Captain of the England Women's team. made a special presentation to the Team of the Weekend, Cuestling from Hastings. (Photographs courtesy Charlie Wooding of the Milton Keynes Mirror)

Top left: Jose Ransome presented the Butterfly Bowl to the first League Champions. Linda Farrow of London. Bottom left: Wendy Cunningham. The Public Relations Manager for the Leeds Permanent Building Society with the World of Sport Team of Chesterfield who took second place. year they brought in two impressive Graham Spicer Club led by Jane French internationals to boost their Barella and supported by good all­ strength and as Julian is keen to round strength. establish his new London club Brand New Venue amongst the top in the country, it The Leeds Women's British will be interesting to see who he League championship on 9/ 10June signs for this season's matches. will climax in the second weekend Another club with strong designs of play which will be hosted in the on the championship after finishing brand new luxurious Crystal a close second last year are the Leisure Centre in Stourbridge, Chesterfield Club, World of Sport, West Midlands. This will be a fitting

12 Sweden - the Opposition Australia's No.4 Lady Table Tennis JILL PARKER has coofmned arrangements for another Women's International series, this time against the much Player returns home to Wolverton improved Swedish Women's team. The match dates will be and the Agora Centre september II, 12 and 13 and anyone interested in sponsoring the series or staging a match is invited to contact Jenny Hughes. the E.T.T.A. Events Manager. WOLVERTON'S Agora Centre and its main sports and leisure hall is to be the new table tennis base for the former The first series against West Germany last October created good interest and attracted excellent audiences who really appreciated the Australian No.4 ranked Lady player - 24 year old Nikki high standard of play by the girls on both tcams. The event also Cowley, who as Nikki Hamilton, enjoyed a very successful generated useful press coveraae in the national press and ETIA cadet and junior career in the sport before emigrating 'down News. under' in 1983. It would also be appreciated ifa local organiser could participate Nikki, born in Wolverton and husband Steve, a Commonwealth in .. women's promotional $lid development project for the level table tennis coach, have returned to Milton Keynes so that s\U'l'0II1lding area in schools, sports centres, shopping centres, etc. Nikki can stake her claim for a top British ladies ranking. The couple were introduced to the excellent facilities at the Agora through Alternative Promotion, who are themselves based in the Bayer boost for Women building, a company run by Brian Ashton, himself no stranger to the BAYER UK have been sponsoring the men's team in the very highest levels in table tennis, having run 'the extremely successful Sealink Milton Keynes Club in 1979/80 - winners of Leeds British League for nearly three years, and they are now English table tennis's first ever National Premier League. extending their interest to a Bradford women's team. He said "Since moving my Company into the Agora last June, I The Bradford team comprises Joanne Keighley, Sylvia Broadbent have always considered the main sports hall under-utilised for the and Caroline Bentley at the moment, and they will play five matches purpose for which it was built. Bringing Nikki and Steve here is the on each weekend, so it is possible one or more players could be first step in developing it to its full sports and leisure potential, all added. with the fullest co-operation of the centre's management". Simon Dawe, who plays for Bayer in the Bradford League has had Said Nikki, "I'm only too pleased to be able to train in such sur­ much to do with the sponsorship provided by the company. roundings. The Agora is also an excellent matchplay facility, and Bayer are a German firm whose business is unconnected with being based here does give me every chance of reaching a very high sport, but they have some talented sportsmen in their ranks. In the ranking position in England". Seoul Olympics they collected one gold, two silver and six bronze The presence of top table tennis players at the Agora will also medals for West Germany in various events. serve to aUract other local players to the Centre, a move that is being Since 1987 Bayer have provided the platform for the men's team to carefully planned by Alternative Promotion in order to provide play against the top players in the country, and Michael O'Driscoll Wolverton with a very strong table tennis club in the very near in particular has benefited from the experience. Now the women are future. to get a similar opportunity.

The Bayer line-up Caroline Bentley, Joanne Keighley and Sylvia Broadbent (Photo courtesy: Yorkshire Evening Post)

13 Yorkshire set for return to Premier by DOUG MOSS Lincs put up a good fight against Yorkshire. Suzanne Airey and Cheryl Buttery won their singles and Dave Skerratt beat Mick Stead in the 3rd game. Yorks have more or less alternated Michael O'Driscoll and Chris Oldfield in their team and no County is really capable of restricting their return to Premier Div.

SENR IA: down. Lyndon Douglas beat Simon Northants, at bottom of the table, Warwicks 9 N'berland I Jones 19 and 15 in the final event to certainly "went to town" with a 10­ Lancs 2 5 Worcs 5 earn a point for Warwick. o win over Berks 2nd. Kieron Yorks 7 Lincs 3 SENR 2B: Dabbs was a success for Northants Cambs 3 Suffolk 7 Worcs 2 0 Wilts 10 on promotion from the Junior Worcs were 3-5 down against team. Surrey 2nds played well A "whitewash" for Worcs but against Essex 3rd and stormed into Lancs 2nds. Sandra Roden (Wo) there were some close matches. Ken and Dov Katz got wins to secure the then beat Amanda Goodwin 15 and a 6-0 lead. Mike Hammond and draw. Despite Dawn Barnett and Walton lost to Trevor Lloyd at 19 in Steve Davis (Sy) won their 5 events. 21 and Trevor Washington got the the 3rd game and Steve Morton and Sally Hughes winning their 3events draw with a deuce in 3rd win over Debbie Simmonds and Maria Tay­ for Oxon the team went 4-6 under Mark Brookes both lost to Eddie lor-Woodward (Sy) lost their Keith Williams, who previously Roofe at -15 in the deciding games. to Herts. Ian Black and Morris had lost only one singles this singles to Linda Radford and Ruth Greenberg (He) won their singles season. SENR 2C: Clemenson but won the doubles at matches. Cornwall, at the foot of Hunts 3 Cambs 2 7 17in3rd. the Table, did very well at Bristol to SENR 2A: Norfolk I 10 Suffolk 2 0 beat Avon 9-1. Neil Bevan and Leics 10 Cumbria O Hunts, without a win, started well SENR 3A: Mark Bawden (Co) won their 5 Ches 5 Warwicks 2 .. 5 when Phillip Cole and Andrew Hill­ Beds 2 10 Ches 2 0 events and the Cornish girls ­ Leics gave Cumbria the "white­ yard both had wins at deuce in 3rd (conceded) Rachel Boon and Nicola Bray, won wash". The nearest the Cumbrians games. But their only other win Clwyd 8 N'thants 2 2 their singles at 18 and 19 in deciding came to taking an event was in the came whe Simon Pryke beat K. Clwyd, at the foot of the table, did games. mens doubles when Stephen Gray 6 and 15. With their 10-0 win well to beat Northants 2nd so con­ JUNR 2A: Temple/Roger Stewart lost to over Suffolk 2nds the Norfolk team vincingly. Clive Parry, Philip Jones Leics 2 Clwyd 8 Keith Fellows/Maurice Newman go to the top of the Table with a I and Dave Norris won their 6singles Lanes 3 6 Derbys 2 .4 19, -15, -16. Warwicks 2ndsdid well set average lead over Herts. events. Ches 2 6 Leics 4 on their visit to Ellesmere Port to SENR 2D: SENR 3B: Clwyd 7 Warwicks 2 .. 3 get a draw against Cheshire. The N'thants I 10 Berks 2 0 Hants 2 4 Glam 6 Clwyd 8 Ches 2 visitors went into a 2-0 lead but slip­ Surrey 2 7 Essex 3 3 Herts 2 6 Devon 3 4 Clwyd 2 3 Warwicks 2 .. 7 ped back and were eventually 4-5 Kent 5 Oxon 5 Glamorgan also did well on their THis period of matches was excel­ visit to Southampton to retain their lent for Clwyd 1st team. They had 3 unbeaten record. Mark Bleakley good wins, including defeats of won his 2 singles for Hants. A vital Cheshire and Warwickshire 2nds, factor for Glamorgan was Mark the top 2 teams in the Table. As a Simon's and Warwick Armstrong's result Clwyd now take the lead. doubles win at deuce in 3rd game. Clwyd started the season with a 9-1 Herts 2nd take over at the top of the defeat at the hands of Ches. 2nds table with their win over Devon but the 5 players representing 3rd. Herts won both doubles events Clwyd in that match have not since although, as often happens, the appeared in their team! Spencer ladies - Carolyn Seaholme and Harris, Susan Lees and Natasha Maria Williams (He) - lost their Williams (Cw) were undefeated in singles events 2 straight to Helen these recent matches. Wright and D. Kratochvila. JUNR 2B: JUNR IA: Herts 2 6 Berks 2 4 Lincs ...... 2 Yorks 2 .....8 N'thants 2 0 Worcs 10 Wilts I Glos 9 Yorks 2nds continue unbeaten. They went into a 5-0 lead over Herts continue their unbeaten re­ Lines. James Stroud and Sally cord with another 6-4 win. Duncan Johnson improved the situation Taylor was again to the fore with 2 with wins over Andrew Nicholls singles wins and the doubles with and Debbie Newman. Just 3 events Robert Barrasso. Worcs beat went into a deciding game and these Northants 2nds 10-0 but it was a were won by Yorks. much closer contest than the score suggests with 6 events going to a JUNR IB: decider, including Tom Rowe (Np) Avon I Cornwall 9 losing to Lee Horton at -24 in the Berks 5 Middx 5 3rd game. The Worcs/Herts match Oxon .4 Herts 6 on 3 March will be absolutely vital Surrey 9 Sussex I in deciding the championship. With Middlesex dropping a point JUNR 2D: to Berks, and Herts getting a 6-4 Norfolk I 10 Norfolk 2 0 win against Oxon, the Herts team Suffolk I 7 Surrey 3 3 take over the lead in this Division. Suffolk I 7 Surrey 2 3 Martin Adams played a significant Middlesex 2 7 Kent 2 3 part against Middlesex by winning Sussex 2 1 Essex 3 9 his 3 events. The Middlesex team Suffolk 2 5 Surrey 3 5 Chris Oldfield - a major factor in Yorkshire's drive for promotion. was 3-5 down but Sara Williams Suffolk 2 0 Surrey 2 10

14 Suffolk 1st got 2 good wins against wash" with a -16, 14, 10 win over the Surrey teams and go to top of Graham Hughes. the Table. Essex 3 also had a good VETS 2C: 9-1 win over Sussex 2. The Essex Bucks 2 6 N'hants 3 team is I point adrift of Suffolk and Surrey 3 6 Wilts 2 3 have already played the leaders and Their win over Northants, and won 9-1! It seems Essex 3 will not be with Middlesex 2nd being without a able to catch the Suffolk 1st team. match, takes Bucks 2nds to the top There were certainly some close of the Table. Peter Leckie (Bu) was matches in the Suffolk l/Surrey 2 match. Graham Watts (Sk) lost to the only unbeaten singles player in this match. Ron Langheim and Stephen Crouch 20, -22, -21 and, in Mike Pearson were involved in all the following event Suzanne Sponsors of Burdette beat Claire Ashley -12, 20, the 6 events won by Surrey against Wilts 2nds. 20! Alan Cooke VETS 20: VETS lA: the England No.1 Worcs 1 Lines 8 Somerset 3 Dorset 6 Warwicks 5 yorks.,., . .,4 Hants I 6 Herts 2 3 Essex 2 7 Norfolk 2 Dorset continue unbeaten and Lanes I 7 Ches 2 2 look well set for promotion. Against Somerset Mike Toole (Do) Lines got an 8-1 win over Worcs, lost his first singles of the season ­ soar away at the top of the Table to John Crabtree. Joyce Coop (Do) and are well set for return to Prem­ is unbeaten in singles and doubles. ier Division. There were some close Graham Lynch and Ken Giles matches - Matt Sheader (Li.No.l) played well for Hants to win their 4 beat Mervyn Wood 21 and 20 and singles and combined to take the Roy Norton at 19 in the 3rd game! doubles. All the events versus Herts Warwicks made a bad start to the were won in straight games. season but have now won their last VETS 3A: 2 matches. Pat McCabe (Wa) won N'thants 2 .4 Beds 2 5 his 2singles and Ann Lloyd did very Herts 4 5 Hunts 2 .4 well to beat Carol Judson 17, -12, 17. It was a hard fought match be­ Hunts 2nds, without a win, visited Pneumatically tween Essex 2/Norfolk. At 3-2 Barnet and were unlucky to come Essex won the next 4 events but away pointless. Sid Burgess (Hu) Operated Valves did well to win his 2 singles and to there were 5 deuce games and all Pneumatically were close in the 3rd game. take the doubles with Brian Spittle­ house. In the deciding event Alan operated angle seat Kirsop (Hu) lost to Derek Caulder­ valves, gate valves, 2­ VETS IB: 21,14, -18. Beds 2nds win at North­ way and 3-way ball Middx 4 Wilts 5 ampton was down to Dave Randall valves in brass and Surrey 2 5 Sussex 2 4 and Doug Folds who won their 4 stainless steel. Sizes Glos .4 Kent 2 5 singles and combined to win the G3/a" to 4"single and Oxon 5 Berks 4 doubles. double acting. All hard fought matches in this VETS 3B: Division and all finished at a 5-4 Sussex 4 3 Hants 2 6 match score. The top 2 teams ­ Hants 2nds have won all their Wilts and Kent 2 - both got wins. matches and are champions of the Terry Bruce (Wi) was in fine form Division. Bob Cox and Ray Lush against Middlesex winning his 3 were responsible for 5 of the Hants events comfortably in straight wins. Bob Cox, in fact, went games. Keith Clark was the most through the season unbeaten in successful Kent player also getting 3 singles. wins. John Calcutt (Sy) had similar success and, in the final event against Sussex 2, he beat John Mill­ Ball Valves ward 15, -16, 15. Lever operated ball VETS 2A: valves in brass, Lines 2 2 Lanes 2 7 stainless steel, carbon Ches 3 3 N'berland 6 steel and cast iron. Full Lanes 2 keep up their unbeaten bore, sizes G1/e" to 6" record. Yorks 3, their nearest rivals, are also unbeaten but did not have a match. The teams meet in the last match of the season. N'berland got Just part of our range of valves a good win over Ches. 3. Fred Short and pneumatic components. (Nd) won his singles and doubles. League tables as at IIth March 1990 Fully illustrated catalogue and The mixed doubles was hard fought with Maurice Cheek/Pauline Long SENIORS price list available on request. beating Terry Donlon/Eileen Ed­ Premier Division P W Pts wards -19, 21, 21! Lancashire 3 3 6 Automatic Valve Systems Ltd., Middlesex 1 3 6 Thomas Industrial Park, VETS 2B: Derbyshire 3 I 2 Watling Street, Hunts I 2 Essex 3 7 Devonshire 3 I 2 Leics 8 Beds . ., 1 Nuneaton, Essex 3 I 2 Warwickshire CV11 6BQ Essex 3 are another unbeaten team Leicestershire 3 I 2 and look well set to win this Div­ Tel: 0203 374114 Surrey 3 I 2 Telex: 317307 (AVS G) ision. Leics were in good form and Berkshire 3 I 2 took the first 8 events against Beds. Fax: 0203 347520 Jim Woolliscroft saved the "white­

15 t ty Champi

Division lA Devonshire 3rd 7 3 Division 2A P W Pts REMINDER: All outstanding Yorkshire 2nd 3 3 6 Dorset 7 3 Lancashire 2nd 4 4 8 matches have to be played by no Durham 4 2 5 Cornwall 2nd 8 3 Yorkshire 3rd 4 4 8 later than APRIL 14th. Essex 2nd 5 2 5 Division 2D Northumberland 5 3 6 Lancashire 2nd 4 2 4 Essex 3rd 9 7 15 Cheshire 3rd 4 I 2 Lincolnshire 4 2 4 Lincolnshire 2nd 3 0 0 Division lA P W Pts Suffolk 1st 8 7 14 Northumberland 3 2 4 Clwyd 4 0 0 Yorkshire 4 Middlesex 2nd 6 5 10 6 10 Nottinghamshire 5 0 0 Warwickshire 4 9 Norfolk 1st 7 4 9 Division 28 6 Northamptonshire withdrawn. Suffolk 6 4 8 Surrey 2nd 8 4 8 Essex 3rd 4 4 8 record deleted Lancashire 2nd 6 2 7 Kent 2nd 7 3 7 Leicestershire 4 3 6 Northumberland 6 2 6 Division 18 Norfolk 2nd 7 2 4 Huntingdonshire 4 2 4 Worcestershire 6 I 5 Hertfordshire 6 4 10 Suffolk 2nd 5 I 3 Norfolk 2nd 4 I 2 Cambridgeshire 6 1 3 Surrey 6 4 10 Sussex 2nd 7 0 I Nottinghamshire 4 I 2 Lincolnshire 6 0 0 Middlesex 6 3 9 Surrey 3rd 8 0 I 8edfordshire 4 I 2 Berkshire 6 2 7 VETERANS Division 2C Division 18 I 4 Oxfordshire 6 Middlesex 2nd 4 4 8 Sussex 6 5 II I 3 Premier Division Sussex 6 Surrey 3rd 4 3 6 Avon 6 5 II I 3 Cheshire 7 6 12 Cornwall 6 Buckinghamshire 2nd 5 3 6 Essex 2nd 6 3 7 Avon 6 0 2 Yorkshire 7 5 10 Devonshire 2nd 7 3 6 Essex 7 5 10 Northamptonshire 5 2 4 Kent 6 3 6 Division 2A Kent 7 4 8 Wiltshire 2nd 4 I 2 12 Middlesex 2nd 6 3 6 Clwyd 1st 7 6 Sussex 7 4 8 Herefordshire 4 0 0 12 Hampshire 6 0 2 Warwickshire 2nd 7 6 Surrey 7 2 4 Division 2D 4 8 Cornwall 7 0 1 Lancashire 3rd 6 Hertfordshire 7 1 2 Dorset 4 4 8 Cheshire 1st 5 3 6 Buckinghamshire 7 I 2 Hampshire 5 4 8 Division 2A Cheshire 2nd 6 2 5 Leicestershire 2nd 4 3 6 Division lA Berkshire 2nd 4 2 4 Derbyshire 2nd 6 I 3 Sussex 3rd 4 I 2 Cheshire 3 2 5 Leicestershire 6 I 2 Lincolnshire 6 6 12 Yorkshire 2nd 2 Hertfordshire 2nd 4 I 2 3 5 Clwyd 2nd 5 0 0 Lancashire 6 3 6 Nottinghamshire 4 I 3 Norfolk 6 3 6 Somerset 5 I 2 Warwickshire 2nd 4 I 3 Division 2B Worcestershire 6 3 6 Division 3A Cumbria 4 0 0 Worcestershire 6 5 10 Warwickshire 6 3 6 Berkshire 3rd 5 5 10 Gloucestershire 5 4 8 Division 28 Cheshire 2nd 6 2 4 Hertfordshire 3rd 4 3 6 Hertfordshire 2nd 5 4 8 Essex 2nd 6 2 4 Hertfordshire 4th 4 2 4 Wiltshire 5 4 8 Buckinghamshire 5 2 4 4 7 Yorkshire 2nd 6 2 4 Northamptonshire 2nd 4 I 2 Gloucestershire 3 Berkshire 2nd 5 2 4 Somerset 4 2 5 Division 18 Huntingdonshire 2nd 4 1 2 Wiltshire 5 0 I 8edfordshire 2nd 5 I 2 Dorset 4 I 4 Northamptonshire 2nd 5 0 I Wiltshire 6 5 10 Avon 2nd 5 I 2 Berkshire 6 4 8 Division 38 Worcestershire 2nd 4 0 0 Division 2C P W Pts Kent 2nd 6 4 8 Hampshire 2nd 4 4 8 Glamorgan 8 8 16 Middlesex 5 3 6 Dorset 2nd 3 2 4 Division 2C Somerset 7 5 11 Norfolk 4 2 6 Sussex 2nd 5 2 4 Sussex 4th 4 2 4 Devonshire 2nd 6 5 10 Surrey 2nd 6 2 4 Berkshire 4th 4 1 2 Hertfordshire 4 3 6 Hampshire 1st 7 4 9 Bedfordshire 3 2 5 Oxfordshire 6 2 4 Wiltshire 3rd 3 0 0 Gwent 7 2 5 Gloucestershire 6 I 2 Cambridgeshire 2nd 4 2 5 Hampshire 2nd 7 2 4 Suffolk 2nd 3 0 0 Huntingdonshire 4 0 0 Division 2D John Prean, the Chairman of 4 Sussex 2nd 5 9 the English Table Tennis Assoc­ Table Tennis Top Trio Essex 3rd 6 3 7 iation, has been re-elected to his Surrey 2nd 5 3 7 post unopposed, as have Oxfordshire 5 2 4 Deputy Chairman Alan Returned Unopposed Berkshire 2nd 5 2 4 Ransome and Treasurer Peter Northamptonshire 5 1 3 Hillier. Kent 2nd 5 0 2 Since his election in 1986 Division 3A John Prean and his manage­ Staffordshire 4 4 8 ment team have engineered a Bedfordshire 2nd 4 3 6 remarkable turn around in the ELECTION of CHAIRMAN, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN Durham 4 3 6 sport's fortunes. and TREASURER for SEASON 1990/91 Cheshire 2nd 5 2 4 Taking over a near bankrupt Clwyd 4 I 2 governing body they improved Northamptonshire 2nd 5 0 0 its finances to such a degree that I hereby give notice that there will be no ballot in the Division 38 a £100,000 fund to be used for elections for the above Offices. Glamorgan 6 5 10 developing table tennis partic­ Buckinghamshire 5 4 8 ipation at local league level was Anthony J. H. Wickens recently created. Hampshire 2nd 5 4 8 Returning Officer Hertfordshire 2nd 6 4 8 Table tennis, under the new Devonshire 3rd 6 2 4 administration, has prospered Dorset 2nd 6 I 2 at all levels and over 20 hours of Cornwall 2nd 6 0 0 national television coverage of top events in the past two years RESULTS OF THE ELECTIONS are as follows: JUNIORS is fuelling increasing grass roots Premier Division participation. CHAIRMAN: J. PREAN (opposed) ELECTED Lancashire 7 7 14 All three chief officers of the DEPUTY Essex 7 6 12 ETTA are elected annually. CHAIRMAN: A.E. RANSOME (unopposed) ELECTED Yorkshire 7 5 10 With no other nominations TREASURER: P.H.M. HILLIER (unopposed) ELECTED Devonshire 7 3 7 being received by the 15th Kent 7 3 6 February deadline, Prean, Anthony J. H. Wickens 7 t 3 and Hillier are Bedfordshire Ransome Returning Officer Derbyshire 7 1 2 returned unopposed. Warwickshire 7 I 2

16 Wilt hi e Five Star Scintillating Shovv by Des by LAURIE SELBY

QUIETLY-SPOKEN Des Douglas let his bat do the talking in the Wiltshire Burmah Petrol Five Star Tournament. The message it rapped out was: Don't write me off yet. The 34 year-old, whose perch at the top of English table tennis has been rocked by players such as Carl Prean and Chen Xinhua, found the touch and inspiration to beat both a~ he picked up the £500 top prize.

Even the modest Douglas Wiltshire's best performance Satchell won the Burmah magnificently and gave both the could not hide the pleasure his came predictably from Kevin trophy for the best performance spectators and the sponsors, win gave him. "This is the fifth Satchell. Satchell, ranked 15th in by a Wiltshire player and the Burmah Petrol, a superb show". final' have been in recently and England, went through two women's trophies were shared by Trophies were presented by the only one' have won" he said. rounds before being eclipsed by Brenda Lee and Claire Hunter. Bob Craven-Jones, managing '" really enjoyed this one", and Chen 21-12,21-11. The tournament, at the Link director of Burmah Petrol, and well he might for he played Satchell partnered Douglas in Centre, Swindon, was the first his wife Eileen and John Prean, superbly to beat Prean and Chen. the doubles but that man Chen Five Star organised by the Wilt­ chairman of the English Table Douglas gave Swindon the best Tennis Association. table tennis ever seen in the town as he first ousted top seeded Carl Prean, in the semi final in a three game thriller. He continued his stunning performance in the final against Chen from China, the former world number four who RESULTS has now settled in this country and is hoping to qualify to play for England. Mens singles: Semi Finals It was a match to remember D. Douglas bt C. Prean 22, -II, with the great defensive wall of 15 China manned by Chen being Chen Xinhua bt N. Mason 19, 13 pierced by the thunderbolt fore­ Final hands of Douglas. Douglas bt Chen 20, 19 Chen, who whetted the appetite of millions ofTY viewers Women's singles: with his superb display in the Semi Finals English open, took an early lead Lisa Lomas bt Andrea Holt -18, before Douglas raced to 19-15. 16, 12 Chen, seeded two, is a cheerful Fiona Elliot bt Alison Gordon entertainer and even when he -17, 17, 16 pulled up to lead 20-19 only to Final serve a fault he still had a smile on Lomas bt Elliot 14, 17 his face. But Douglas had the last laugh with a scintillating forehand to clinch the game. Class 2 Singles: Semi Finals Douglas forged a 19-16 lead in A. Creed bt A. Eden 12, 14 the second, but Chen, whose M. Owens bt G. Clarke 12, 20 serve gave Douglas a lot of Final trouble, caught up to 19-20 before Creed bt Owens 18, -16, 16 another rapier forehand gave Douglas the titk Talking about the tournament, Mens Doubles: Douglas said: "It is a nice set up Semi Finals and the standard is almost as Chen Xinhua/M. Syed bt C. Old­ field/M. O'Driscoll 18, 13 strong as the English Closed." D. Douglas/K. Satchell bt S. Gib­ Top seed Alison Gordon went son/B. Billington 19, 13 out in the semi-finals and Lisa Final Lomas took full advantage to win Chen/Syed bt Douglas/Satchell the women's singles, her clever 15, 13 and athletic defensive game - at times she knocked over the Womens Doubles: barriers around the court to Plenty to smile about... Desmond Douglas celebrates his victory with Semi Finals retrieve the ball - bamboozled Kevin Satchell and Brenda Lee who won trophies for the best Andrea Holt/Alison Gordon bt Fiona Elliot. performances by Wiltshire players. Jill Harris/Janet Smith 19, 17 Both losing semi-finalists had Lisa Lomas/Fiona Elliot bt the consolation of winning the Joanne Shaw/Juliet Houghton 19, women's doubles. Gordon and put paid to a title for the Wiltshire shire TTA. Organiser Bill Willson 13 Andrea Holt teamed up to defeat player when he and Matthew said: "We never had one com­ Final Lomas and Elliot in straight Syed won the final in straight plaint and everything went off Holt/Gordon bt Lomas/Elliot 14, games. games. well. The players performed 14

17 This superb picture showing the England Ladies team of Fiona Elliot (top left) Jill Parker - Captain (top right). Lisa Lomas and Alison Gordon (Picture courtesy Express & Star. Wolverhampton)

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18 AFTER five years in Table Tennis exile because of injury, former Table Tennis Veteran makes striking Silvertown and District League Veteran champion Micky Briggs come-back on Isle of Dogs swept all contenders aside to become the Isle of Dogs number one in both the Mens and Veterans ranking tournament for 1989. Micky's unorthodox style, The picture shows Micky coupled with his 'twiddling' skills, receiving the DAILY TELE- bemused his younger opponents, GRAPH SHIELD from the West who have been constrained to Ferry Printer's General Manager develop new techniques in order to Graham Webb who sponsored the take the occasional game from this event. seasoned Veteran. Micky's late The Printing Company keeps a registration with the George Green keen eye on the youngsters progress 'A' team has inspired a new impetus and encourages them with generous among his colleagues who are sponsorship. fighting to keep in the top three of the League.

A Fare Cop ~TremyDe, pa8t~ of the ETTA and e:urreat~ ~ of LitIeihall National Sports Centre. had aD UDforwaate expencnce durins his visit to the Leeds EnJtisb Open mManchester. ~ ff08\ J~ intO' .

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19 JOHN PREAN ON ENGLAND'S RELEGATION FROM EUROPE'S SUPER LEAGUE Paradise Lost!

AS I remarked, after we lost 4-3 to Holland, a week is a long time in table tennis (not only politics!). A year, however, proved a very short time. It seemed only yesterday that we gained those two breathtaking victories against Austria and Belgium or, if you like, Ding Yi and Saive. Today we contemplate another season in the Second Division, which we insist on calling the 'First'. A thrilling victory in Cornwall against Czechoslovakia had given us every chance of survival. All we had to do was to beat the Germans in Bexleyheath on March 6th. We did not manage this, losing 4-3 for the third time this season.

Douglas' Indian Summer benches emptied to near-zero at the doubles, but mainly asa social exer­ dreadful spectacle. Have legislators It has to be said that the ever­ recent admirable Burmah Wiltshire cise at the end of the evening. Most forgotten that quite recently green Des was our hero. 35 next 5 Star when the doubles were played league matches had been settled by doubles in World Championships season, he is having a real Indian and this despite the presence of then and the doubles were for re­ and other major events were played summer, often playing as well as Chen Xinhua and Matthew Syed. I laxed fun. Currently international to 'best of 5'. This was reduced to ever, beating the years as well as his think Des was also involved - so it theories to develop doubles more 'best of 3' in the fullness of time opponents. He gave us the .best of was hardly a cast of no-hopers. and more as part of team events I precisely because the spectator starts, with a 16 and 21 victory Only a handful of spectators view with disdain. I might be more value was poor. What short mem­ against Steffen Fetzner, Germany's remained. enthusiastic if we had a team like ories our sport has! Suffice to say rising though still inconsistent star. Those who blame Don Parker for Rosskopf and Fetzner, who are that I view the inclusion of doubles Carl Prean, not at his best after ill­ not developing world beating quite superb. Why this is so I may in proposed Swaythling Cup ness, lost a strange match to Jorg doubles partnerships therefore ig­ perhaps develop in a future article. formats with horror. I readily admit Rosskopf -13, 8, -7. The German nore part of our national character However, their excellence is of a our own poor record, but as a was in scintillating form, hitting which seems turned off by doubles, quite brutal kind, best likened to spectator I find doubles a good some 'impossible' balls. Grubba which became a minority sport Mike Tyson before other diversions opportunity for a coffee break in was dispatched by a similar 3rd within a minority sport. robbed him of his awesome invinci­ the course of a long day. It is not the game score recently. To lose both doubles in the Euro­ bility. By way of proof I offer the stage on which I like to See my Double Trouble pean League means courting following statistics: The average Waldners and Lindhs. I confess that Alison Gordon had beaten Olga disaster. Being 2-0 down as a result number of balls per rally in the I enjoyed playing doubles, but Nemes in 5 remarkable games in the means that you have to win the second game of R. & F vs Des and . mainly as a social and fun activity. Dortmund World Championships. remaining 5 singles 4-1, which is Skylet was 2.8 (yes, less than three!) I Sad though it may be, top table This time she managed only two hardly an inviting or realistic pros­ 35 points were played. The longest tennis is more serious. 13's - unlucky indeed. Don Parker pect. absorbed 5 balls. Even the third ball had intended to field Lisa Lomas rallies were not (on average) fully Back to the Singles against Nemes' relative weakness Are Doubles a good idea? played out! The Germans quite Having lost the match (4-1 against defensive players, bui Lisa When I was an active and enthus­ clinically played the percentages. down), we produced our brightest was ill during the night. We shall iastic player, I certainly enjoyed my They are superb, but it was a most moments. Des came back from the never know whether Lisa could have repeated earlier successes against the great Olga. The virus was too strong for Lisa, who was bitterly disappointed. Our doubles weakness con­ tinued. With RosskopfiFetzner al­ most unbeatable, we tried Des and Skylet Andrew, two left handers, never an ideal combination. How­ ever, they had done well in the Olympics and we hoped that they might disturb the world champions' rhythm with sheer unorthodoxy. It did not work, but nothing else would have done either. The score­ line. of 12 and 14 tells the story. Neither were the 'Mixed' a better scene, ending in defeat by 13 and 9. We fielded Alison and Skylet yet again, but no evidence was offered that they are a good pair. We paid for years of neglect of this art and, of course, for not taking it seriously for so long. I myself do not find it the most enthralling of events, but in the European League it decides matches and provides the best of explanations why we lose so often in the best company. The art of doubles... Neither do I regard men's doub­ les as something I feel deep compul­ sion to see, a view shared by most of RosskoPf in scintillating form at Bexleyheath (Photo courtesy Mike Loveder) my countrymen. I noted how the

20 2

dead to trounce Rosskopf (game Changes are now contemplated More politics... were a wonderful and knowledge­ and 16-19 was the deficit). No praise in the European League to 'force' I read somewhere that my own able bunch. Perhaps next time we could be too high. Carl also found countries to play their best teams! A opposition to the inclusion of for­ shall provide the victory they the going tough against Fetzner, a knock-out or group system is eign nationals in England Teams is deserve. recent victor against Xie Saike, but thought most likely. 1 can only say due to my fear that Carl will lose his battled through 20, -9 and 18. It was that this strikes me as a rather lame place to Chen Xinhua, although good to see so many spectators and indirect way. English Football Carl has defeated the Chinese star remain when the match was dead. deals with such transgressions more on each of the three occasions they RESULTS Three singles out of four should competently. Teams which field met and, presumably, despite the really have been enough to give us substandard teams are levied heavy record quoted above. One cannot EUROPEAN LEAGUE the match, but it was not. Again, fines. In European Table Tennis the be surprised if our players go Super Division: our doubles weakness put the wrong-doers are being rewarded by abroad or feel depressed about the England 3, West Germany 4. match totally beyond our grasp. a changed format! situation at home if such are the D. Douglas (Warwicks) bt S Where do we go from here? We sentiments to which they are so Fetzner 21-16, 23-21; C. Prean won only four of fourteen doubles regularly exposed. I have to record (loW) lost to J Rosskopf 13-21, (Gordon and Prean against Sweden also the sense of betrayal felt by 21-8, 7-21; Miss A Gordon The Inquest and Poland, Cook and Prean some younger players which they (Berks) lost to Miss 0 Nemes 13­ So what went wrong? As I have against Sweden, Andrew and Prean have expressed to me. A number 21,13-21; Douglas/S Andrew said, we lost three matches 4-3 and against France). We only won two have asked what their chances are (Essex) lost to Rosskopf/Fetzner won two more. It was absurd that out of seven ladies' singles. How­ of playing in Germany and else­ 12-21, 14-21; Gordonl Andrew we should go down on a record like ever, with our ladies ranked at No. where. Such is the chaos and con­ lost to Miss N Struse/Rosskopf that, though it was a season in 17 and 18 in Europe, obviously at fusion caused by the attempt of 13-21, 9-21; Douglas bt Rosskopf which there were many strange this time other countries have beller some to overturn Management 13-21,21-19,21-17; Prean bt Fetz­ results. It was also a season of which players. I kept hearing that Alan decisions via National Council, in ner 22-20, 9-21, 21-18. some countries should not be Cooke should have been replaced effect to include foreign nationals in proud, fielding sub-standard teams by Des Douglas sooner. This has England Teams. So well has this in selected matches. This was not the benefit of hindsight and over­ campaign been orchestrated that it only unfair to the team against looks that it was Alan who played may well succeed. 1have been asked whom they had fielded their best an immense part in our promotion, whether I can continue (though side, often it was unfair on spec­ also that Des previously lost a lot of only just re-elected) under such cir­ tators who had come to see the best, vital matches in the survival and cumstances. I have said that I shall Yorkshire Junior only to be presented with the worst. promotion matches. Des was, of honour the promise to serve Open I cannot proclaim a day of course, quite brilliant in the two another year, but it will be likely to national mourning, since salvation matches in which he eventually be my last under those circum­ Championships was in our own hands, but it is played. stances. There was much talk about hardly a good day for table tennis I make no apologies for leaving all this before and after the match, PLEASE note that due to a when 2,000 people turn up expect­ Carl to the last. Apart from beingin and I feel you should have the full printing ERROR, the date of ing to see Grubba and Kucharski every winning doubles we DID picture. eligibility for the Under 12 only to see two unknowns, which is manage, he won 9 out of 12 of his Back to Bexley: My warm con­ events has been incorrectly something that happened to the singles. Only Gatien won more (II gratulations yet again to Graham stated on the ENTRY FORMS. German organisers. It is sad when out of 14). Don Parker felt that, if Sopp and his team for a wonderful, It should, of course, READ colleagues treat each other with his overall performance had been well organised evening. The gate aft~r 30th June 1977. such disrespect and such lack of matched we would have been close was 700 - perhaps a few more concern for each others' well being. to the No. I spot. would have been nice, but the 700

Left: A superb action shot of Carl Prean. Right: Steffan Fetzner lost in singles to both Prean and Douglas. (Photos courtesy Mike Loveder)

21 Chen in class of his own at Waking by MICHAEL GREEN

WOKING Leisure Centre provided the setting for the South of England Three Star, which attracted a truly international field of nearly 300. Surrey spectators turned out in supply of the Butterfly equipment. force to see whether the top seed Time and personalities move on. and, hopefully, brand new Eng­ Tournament organiser Don Beesley lishman Chen Xinhua could live up will be sorely misssed. It does seem to the grandiose praise in the pro­ to me that someone in the hierarchy gramme of S.T.T.A. President Ron has not consulted enough about the Crayden. allocation of "Five Star" status. Unfortunately for the tour­ For those of us retiring from the nament as a spectacle, I can readily tournament committee, best wishes confirm that Chen was, quite to those remaining and any new­ simply, in a different class to every­ comers who will ensure that this one else. He romped home without fine event remains as part of the apparently exerting himself and did English table tennis calendar. not lose a set in the process. The most anyone achieved was John RESULTS Holland's (Dy) fifteen points in the second set of his defeat by Chell. Mens Quarter Finals The final itself was eagerly antic­ Chen Xinhua (Cr) bt Steve Ward ipated. Second seed and defending (Wal) 21-10, 21-11 champion Nicky Mason had made Matthew Syed (Bk) bt Chris it through the bottom half and we Oldfield (Y) 21-7, 21-12 all hoped he could extend Chen Graham Sandley (Mi) bt Chris somehow. As it turned out, he Rogers (Le) 21-6, 25-27, 21-18 couldn't. Chen allowed Mason a Nicky Mason (Sy) bt John Souter few attacking moments but only to (Mi) 21-16, 21-13 illustrate his own impressive defen­ Mens Semi-finals sive qualities. A one-sided final if Chen bt Syed 21-14, 21-14 ever there was one. Mason bt Sandley 21-14, 21-5 Mason himself had struggled ear­ Final lier against an inspired Craig Bake­ Chen bt Mason 21-8, 21-13 well (St) who lost out in the third set 21-18. Womens Semi-Finals John Hilton had an impressive Alison Gordon (Bk) bt Teresa tournament. He triumphed over Moore (Sx) 21-12, 21-9 Connie Warren in the Vets final, Lisa Lomas (Bd) bt Andrea Holt Connie having removed top seed (La) 21-18, 21-17 Henry Buist earlier on. In the main Final event, John's guile and experience Gordon bt Lomas 21-14, 21-10 attacked the confidence of fourth Mens Doubles Final seed Bradley Billington to such an Steve Dorking (E)/David Hannah extent that the young man from (Sco) bt Richard Darnell (E)­ Derbyshire lost out to the old man IAndrew Eden (La) 21-11, 21-18 from Lancashire. Graham Sandley eventually Womens Doubles Final stopped Hilton's progress. Only Alison Gordon (Bk)1Andrea Holt just though. The Middlesex man is (La) bt Julie Billington (Dy)!Ali­ playing with his old enthusiasm for son Gower (E) 21-16, 21-18 the game and it was good to see him Restricted Class 2 reaching the semi-final. Paul Ranford (K) bt Damian HoI­ The ladies singles event produced land (E) 21-17, 22-20 few surprises. However, Linda Veterans Radford (E) had an excellent win John Hilton (La) bt Connie War­ over fourth seed Jill Harris (St) and ren (Sy) 21-16, 21-15 Teresa Moore (Sx) will have been pleased with her performance only losing out to the eventual winner Top: Chen Xinhua, Mens Singles and top seed Alison Gordon in the Champion 1990. semi-final. Centre: Alison Gordon. Women's The tourament's finances were Singles Champion 1990, with the new trophy donated by Challenge Awards assisted by Vic Odden's of London ~ho of North Cheam. Presenting the Bridge are specialist camera trophy David Greenfield, a partner in suppliers, and also by Carpenter & Carpenter & Co. (Solicitors) Co a firm of Wallington solicitors. Bottom: Nicky Mason, Runner-up Noel Carpenter is an ETTA Club Men's Singles with Noel Carpenter oj Coach with Wallington Crusaders Carpenter & Co (Solicitors) who (A Christian Youth Organisation). sponsored the Mens Singles Event. Clive Oakman negotiated the (Photos courtesy Mike Loveder)

22 Hectic Time for Kevin SKILLS AWARD SCHEME REVISION KEVIN Beadsley, who created quite a stir twelve months ago when he took two titles at the Yorkshire 2 Star Graded Championships and progressed well in the Mens Singles, again left his A revision of the current Dunlop Skills Award Scheme to mark on this season's event at the Huddersfield Sports Centre when he reached the finals of all make them simpler, more three events open to him. attractive and of wider use is in the early stages of consultation This time, however, the strain Ladies Singles: Class 3 Singles: between the ETTA and ESTTA. told - he was on court almost con­ Joanne Shaw (Y) bt Samantha Beadsley bt Chris Ford (La) A novice or rookie award is tinually for well over three hours in Marling (Y) 9, 14 Tony Bottomley (Y) bt Paul likely to be introduced. Anyone the later stages of the tournament Joanna Roberts (Y) bt Alison Wood (Ng) 17, -20, 18 who would like to have an input - coming away with only one title, Gower (E) 10, -19, 13 Beadsley bt Bottomley 18, 12 the Class 3 in which he beat Tony on the revision is invited to write Shaw bt Roberts 9, 12 Class 4 Singles: Bottomley in an all-Halifax final. to Diccon Gray, National Class 2 Singles: Horst Baermann (E) bt Billy In the Class 2 he went down to the Development Officer at the Colin Wilson (Mi) bt Matt Shead­ Russell (La) Middlesex County man Colin Wil­ ETTA Office. er (Li) 13, 10 son who, despite losing the first Tim Dyson (Y) bt Sally Marling Beadsley bt Paul Moore (Li) 10, 20 game 9-21, went on to avenge the (Y) 10, 14 Wilson bt Beadsley -9, 17, 19 Baermann bt Dyson -22, 19, 23 earlier straight sets defeat in the Mens Singles, and Beadsley then conceded the major final to Chris Oldfield, who had had an un­ troubled passage through the bottom half. Oldfield was seeded at 2 behind holder Michael O'Driscoll, but the top seed was called to report to Bath on Saturday afternoon to prepare for Ormesby's Leeds British League encounter with Bathwick Tyres the following day and had to withdraw. Elsewhere in the Mens Singles, joint third seeds Tony Taylor and John Holland fell to Wilson (Round I) and Andrew Eden (Round 2) respectively, with the Lancashire teenager making the semi-final before going down to --1990 DAYES: 30th July. Aug 4th/Aug 5th· Aug 10th --­ Oldfield. Only hiccup in the Ladies Singles was the defeat of Carol Hewett, ranked 30, by Yorkshire's teenager Samantha Marling, but the top two seeds, Joanne Shaw and Joanna Roberts lined up in the final with the verdict going comfortably the way of the former. There was an abundance ofinter­ esting play in the three Graded events, with the Class 4 Singles pro­ ducing a thrilling three set final between local man Tim Dyson and Horst Baermann, a German who has played at a high level in his own country, and is presently working in Essex. Each player held the advantage in turn with Baermann finally edging home at 23 in the decider, but, with the object of this category of tourn­ ament being to provide a full day's enjoyable match play, with all com­ petitors involved in plenty of 1990 COACHES • Top Coaches.· Good class accommodation and games, the overall measure of meals in fabulous surroundings.• large modern success must be the answer to the ALAN RANSOME • BOB WILEY • sports hall.• 32 Butterfly tables.• Seminars and question 'Was it a worthwhile day's ALAN COOKE • CHEN XINHUA • video.• Tournaments.• Social Evenings.• Robot.• table tennis?' Bat Testing.• First class organisation.• Excellent JOHN BROE • ALISON GORDON value.• Plus beautiful Durham Castle and City.

RESULTS FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE THE BEST ---­

Mens Singles: Chris Oldfield (Y) bt Andrew Eden (La) 16,9 Kevin Beadsley (Y) bt Mick Stead (Y) 9, 19 Oldfield w/o Beadsley

23 The Role of the Coach by JILL PARKER IN MODERN table tennis, the coach is someone who wears many different hats. Manager, mentor and motivator, psychologist and physiologist, teacher and trainer, diplomat and van driver. The coach can be many things but above all the main aim should be to raise the general standard ofperformance at all levels and to encourage the talented player to reach full potential. It may well be that in fulfilling this aim, the coach must act in one or more of the parts listed above. For someone who is coaching at a grass-roots level and is involved with the same group of players, the role of the coach changes according to how the players develop. Perhaps the best way to look at the involvement ofthe coach in this development is to take the hypo­ thetical situation where the complete novice progressed through to international standard. We will assume for sake of argument that the same coach has stuck by the player throughout. The Beginner that the coach simply has a retriever Tactics are now an important concentrate entirely on the game At this stage the coach is the teacher on his hands. In the long run this factor and the coach must be able to ahead. Officials, sponsors, press and demonstrator, showing how will not be good enough to get to the examine the opponents game and and photographers are dealt with the four basic shots are played and top. The coach is now almost ex­ discuss this with the player. In parti­ by the coach who now plays the part grooving in a sound technique. c1usively involved with the player as cular, attention should be given to of Manager and diplomat, taking There is little involvement in com­ a competitor. He is teaching him the service and receive, which ser­ any unnecessary pressure off the petition so tactics and matchplay how to compete effectively. vices are the most suitable and player. are not important. Simple things Six to Seven Years where and how best to return the At the end of the day a well bal­ like explaining the rules of the By now, the player is representing ball. anced, mature individual should game, how to serve correctly and the County and is pushing up the There is always a danger, how­ emerge, both a promising table which bat to use are all instances national ranking list, perhaps vying ever, that players can become too tennis player and a sociable person. where the coach's knowledge and for a place in the national squad. reliant on the coach for advice so it The coach should not have been experience are important. The player should be correctly is no good if they are always turning party to breeding a table tennis Two to Three Years aroused for a match, not too ner­ during a match to the coach seeking moron who knows the game and By now, our protege is beginning to vous and not too confident. For the inspiration. You never see nothing else. The sociological de­ master the more advanced shots. purposes oCthis discussion we have Desmond Douglas or myself doing velopment should leave ample The coach might not be a suffic­ assumed the same player! coach that. While on the table it is for the room for schoolwork and other in­ iently good enough player to pract­ relationship throughout and as you players to get themselves out of terests. After all, it is very few ice with and it is impprtant that he is know, this is very rare. The player difficult situations. The coach then players who make it to the top, so aware of his own limitations in this will frequently come across many should beware of the mentally weak there has to be something to fall department. Better players are coaches as I have in my playing players. back on. brought in to practice with and the career. It is for the coach to spend a There should always be encour­ In Conclusion coach begins to adopt more of a long time getting to know the agement when they have lost, Coaching is a vast subject and could background role but still ironing player's personality and mind. On assuming of course there has been make a book in itself. Unfortunat­ out faults as and when they emerge. England Junior Training Camps, I one hundred per cent effort. Dis­ ely, we cannot explore in detail all The player is probably competing in spend days getting to know the cussions on what went wrong can the arguments and angles in this the local league and entering the players. This is important because it usually wait until emotions have small chapter. The English Table occasional tournament. It is for the can sometimes be dangerous if you returned to normal. Only in very Tennis Association runs a first class coach to encourage the correct misjudge a player's character. For rare instances would I reprimand a coaching awards scheme and any­ approach to the game, ensuring that example, it may appear at first sight player after a match and this is in­ one who fancies their chances in-this the player gets into the habit of that a player is too relaxed when in variably when they have not tried. field of the game only has to get in warming up properly. Respect for fact the opposite may be the case By now our player is quite a cele­ touch with them for further details. the umpire and for the opposition and the condition is one of extreme brity with all the attendant press­ You might want to consider these along with good table manners are anxiety. To say 'this match is vital' ures of being a top class athlete. It is final few points before you do, qualities which the coach should could be disastrous. More for the coach to see that it stops that though. Do not go into it thinking instil in the player. appropriate would be words of way by helping to deflect all these that coaching will become a vehicle At this stage in competition, encouragement, along the lines of outside influences. The coach's role for your own aspirations or desire winning is not always important. It 'you've nothing to lose, so do your is now one of allowing the player to for prestige and fame. By their very is a period where basic experience is best'. nature, coaches are secondary to acquired. If the player is beaten the player as the critic is to the simply because the opponent has in­ artist, and that is how it should be. telligently exploited a fundamental Unlike football, coaches are fairly weekness, then the coach should be anonymous albeit important fig­ able to spot this and work on the ures. So, please do not think you deficiency. can become a Brian Clough. Three to Four Years Coaching is not exclusively about By now a style of play should be finding worldbeaters but about emerging and it is important that raising the general standard thr­ the coach should appreciate this oughout the game. A lot of coaches and be aware of the player's natural I have come across are very wary of inclinations. We must be wary of releasing their players to work with producing stereotyped players. All other coaches. What they are doing the top players are stylists of one is stifling the players' developments form or another and I cannot help by preventing them benefiting from but feel that the age of the all­ different practice or new rounder is finished. approaches. Two heads are better The coach as a teacher of stroke than one, so try notlo hang on the play has almost totally diminished. backs of the players and be pre­ Now it is motivation that is impor­ pared to see them go their own way, tant, ensuring effort and appli­ hopefully to the top. They will cation in the player and an attitude remember you if they are good of playing to win and not, playing enough to get there. not to lose. There is a subtle diff­ Extract from 'Top-Class Table erence the former is the positive way Tennis' by Jill and Don Parker. while playing not to lose can mean Jill in action for England. Now out of print.

24 ICo~Dti_-l ,I

Finally a word for the real heroes provided the runners-up in the of these two tournaments, namely women's, mixed and junior The Big Me BERKSHIRE the organisers, Mike and John doubles, junior boys, under-14 and Bob Adams Stickland for Bracknell, and John veteran singles. BURTON.QN-TRENT is 'the Freeman and Robin Lockwood for settiq for the Easter WeddiD& Reading, plus of course their var­ Major results: afRay Harrison aad Vi Wrilht. Mens singles: Jonathan Lowes BOTH Bracknell and Reading have ious helpers. Well done and thanks! Key ItIld Vi ate a wry popular (Barrow) bt Tim Pachul (Barrow) held their Closed Championships couple ill T.T. CIircIeI aDd lIIl 22-20, 22-20 during February although Brack­ tbeir many f'rieJldI. eapeciaJIy in Semi-finals: Lowes bt Ian Reed nell, realising that the Leeds Youth Burton and DertJ,Ibire. lead (Barrow) 16-21,21-13,21-17; Cup Regional Finals were to take them belt wiIha fOr IDUI1 Pachul bt Kevin Hodgson (Bar­ place on the same day as their event, ltappy yea'I tOptber. CUMBRIA row) 21-15,21-19 thoughtfully rearranged their Jun­ Not only do our pIa,el'l feat­ Women's singles: Caroline Watt ior events for a later date in March. Gordon Brown die top mitJdlp.lO" (Barrow) bt Julie McLean (Car­ ure in The name that will appear most our c:bainaaD. Geed lid .. lisle) 19-21,21-12,25-23 times in the 1990 Bracknell record WHEN it comes to persuading Good ...... to you tIodL Men's doubles: Pachul and Lowes will be Ian Schwartz, who won the women players to stand in for the bt Roger Stewart & Jimmy Cum­ COMMIl'TIlB M,BMBi!Rs Division 1/2, Veterans, and Mixed County team, Cumbria seem to be mings (Carlisle) 29-27,21-15 Doubles (with Ruth Champion) thin on the ground. Number two, Women's doubles: McLean & and was runner-up in the Mens Karen Backhouse (Barrow) cried Joanne Burgess (Carlisle) bt Watt Doubles with Paul Savins, having off for the trip to Leicester on Feb­ & Beta Edwards (Barrow) 21-15, been beaten in that event by Chris ruary 17 with the result that the GLOUCESTERSHIRE 15-21,21-17 Forrest and Malcolm Hayes. Paul home team were given a walk-over Mixed Doubles: (round robin): Alf Pepperd also regained the Men's singles and in the women's doubles, and one Stewart and McLean bt Watt & Amanda Westwood defeated singles. Out of eight women seeded Neil Yardley (Barrow). FOR quite a few years now both Maureen Allchurch in the Ladies for the Cumbria Closed in March, Junior boys' singles: Hodgson bt Stroud and Gloucester Closed Singles. Maureen, whilst having a the county could find only captain Nic Hill (Barrow) 21-16,19-21, Championships have been held on very good tournament, was dist­ Julie McLean able to turn out in a 21-19 the same day, this has purely been inctly unlucky to be the losing final­ 10-0 whitewash for Leicestershire 2nd. Only two sets went to three Junior girls' singles: Watt (only done for financial reasons - i.e. the ist in three events, including the one entry) availability of tables (after the Cots­ Ladies Doubles which was won by games. Number two Mark Temple took number one Mark Il1ings­ Under-14 singles: Hodgson bt wold Junior Tournament). Sylvia Spielberg and Pam Law. The Watt 21-15, 21-17 Whilst agreeing that the afore­ Division 3/4 contest was won by worth to a decider, while Mark's brother Stephen, Cumbria's num­ Junior doubles (round robin): said reasons are perhaps a sound Cedric Dias. Martin Adams re­ Hodgson & Watt bt Andrew Page venture, I do nevertheless hear rum­ tained his Premier Division and ber one man, and the evergreen Roger Stewart took the first game & Hill (Barrow) bles of discontent coming from Ken Fellingham Trophies. The Veteran singles: Neil Honeyman players who are registered and play Hardbat was, as usual, fiercely con­ against Keith Fellows and Maurice (Barrow) bt John Proudfoot (Bar­ 10 both mentioned Leagues me­ tested with Chris Forrest the ultim­ Newman. Leicestershire names first: Mark row) 21-18, 21-14 thinks perhaps that these ru:nbles ate winner. I am sure Chris will not might surface at AGM's to be held resent a mention of Paul Ellis, who Il1ingsworth bt Mark Temple 22-20, he was perhaps a little fortunate to 21-23,21-12, bt Stephen Temple 21­ beat in the semi final. Finally the 12, 22-20. Maurice Newman bt Handicap brought about a situat­ Stephen Temple 21-14, 21-13; bt ion which is not supposed to hap­ Roger Stewart 21-17, 21-10. Keith pen, namely an all Premier division Fellows bt Roger Stewart 21-17, 21­ THE NEW final which was ultimately won by 15; bt Mark Temple 21-9, 21-16. Steve Dorrell. Fellows and Newman bt Stephen On to the Scottish Provident Temple and Roger Stewart 19-21, ETTA TIE Reading Championships with a few 21-15, 21-16. Julie Potts bt Julie The new, redesigned ETTA familiar names coming up, or more McLean 21-13, 21-15. Jane Heath members' tie is now available. accurately one particular one, w.o. Potts and Heath w.o. It is attractively woven with the Congratulations to Parkview namely Schwartz. (Didn't they get Association emblem in gold on into the column last month?) The School, Barrow, on getting four teams, at boys and girls under 13 a navy background enhanced same Ian won the Mixed Doubles with a fine blue stripe. with niece Gemma, who cleaned up and boys and girls under 16, to the on almost everything else, including finals of the Dunlop National "The designer has done an the u-13 and u-15 girls, the Ladies Schools Championships at Matlock excellentjob. I shall be in March. Doubles with Nicola Cracknell delighted to wearthis tie on all (winner of the u-17 girls), and was Barrow have been doing very well in the Lancashire and Cheshire occasions, not merely those only narrowly defeated in the connected with table tennis. Ladies Singles by the relatively un­ League second division and by the known (up to now) Gillian Gallo­ time you read this may well have Excellent quality and very way, who deservedly also won the clinched promotion to the first. attractive,"}ohnPrean, ETTA Chronicle Trophy for best perform­ Chairman. ance. Martin Adams retained the u­ Cumbria Closed This stylish tie is available at 17 singles and doubles (with Marc Championships £4.95 including p&p. Priddle) and also took the £75 prize for the Mens Singles (new suit for BARROW players almost dom­ SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY Dad?). Michael Childs (the losing inated the Cumbria Closed Table OFFER TO READERS OF Mens finalist) won the Mens Tennis Championships at Millom TABLE TENNIS NEWS: Doubles with Alan Dines, rivals Recreation Centre. Ben Johnson and Marcus Horth Jonathan Lowes took the men's Only £3.95 eQch inc p&p if accompanied took the u-13 and u-15 boys respect­ singles, Caroline Watt the women's by a copy of this advertisement. ively, and Marcus also grabbed the and junior girls, Lowes and Ti~ Send your cheque or postal order to: Division 2 title. Dave Wise took the Pachul the men's doubles, Kevin Veterans and the wily Brian Hall­ Hodgson the boys' and under-14 iday the Senior Veterans. The other singles, Hodgson and Watt thejun­ Divisional titles went to Steve Ever­ lor doubles and Neil Honeyman the ard (I), Mark Winter(Youth and4), veteran singles. Mike Cunningham (5) and Roland All four men's singles semi-final­ Marslin (6). ists were from Barrow, which also

25 at the end of the season. Perhaps some Stroud & Gloucester players do have a genuine grievance - ifso, HAMPSHIRE then they should pursue them at the David Cosway appropriate time. Always a tower of strength over THE Young Hampshire 'B' team's the years where any form of organ­ excellent run of wins came to an end isation or administration is re­ with a narrow 4-6 defeat to Glam­ quired, former County Chairman organ. Mark Bleakley won two and Jack Reeves last year at the Cots­ Jeff Giles and Kathy Ridgard one wold Junior managed to raise each. The Veteran 'A' team, still in £213.00 for the Soviet Armenian with a chance of promotion, had a disaster fund, Jack received a letter 6-3 win over Hertford with Graham of thanks for his efforts from Com­ Lynch and Ken Giles winning two rade Zamyatin the USSR Ambass­ and Ken Burton one. The 'B' Vet­ ador. erans team kept their unbeaten Still fired with enthusiasm to sup­ record with a 6-3 win over Sussex port worthy causes - this year at 'B' and are now champions of Div­ the Cotswold Tournament Jack ision 3 'B'. Ray Lush and Bob Cox again ran a rame in aid of "The all­ won their two singles and Maurie England Mentally Handicapped Shave one. The Veterans are having Table Tennis team, who will repres­ a very good season marred only by ent England at the "European Spec­ the wranglings between players and ial Olympics" at Strathclyde be­ officials over the selection and tween 20th & 27th of July this year. rankings. What a pity when veteran Andy Ely I am informed that at the time of table tennis more than any other writing, just over £ 130.00 has act­ level is at such a high ebb. ually been raised, but the rame will of it, but came back to hold a match lacks in other competitions. A re­ still continue to run for several Southampton Closed point at 20/19 before going down markable record in view ofhis relat­ months yet, and that all four Few surprises in the early rounds 24/26. The other Semi was an ively low ranking. He lost nine sets Leagues in the County will be of the Men's Singles. In the quarter equally see-saw affair. Shetler, who in the first half of the Southampton approached to help support this finals holder Terry Bruce (Snows) last held the title in 1984, lost the Premier Division. very worthy cause of the mentally had a convincing win over Alan first convincingly to County The Wornens Singles was a disas­ handicapped. Charles (Wadhams) 9 and 15, whilst champion Bleakley at 14 and trailed trous event with both Sarah Hamm­ A nail-biting situation confronts Chris Shetler (Snows) was taken to 13/17 in the second only to win the ond and Sarah Turner opting out of the Cheltenham T.T. Association, a third game by Mark Thorne next 8 points and the game. Shetler their home tournament in favour of for well over a decade a series of (Snows) before winning 14, -19, 9. however ran out of steam in the computer points at Bournemouth. hard-working editors have kept the Mark Bleakley (Sholing) repeated third losing at 10. The Final went to This gave seventeen year old Tina local media well informed through his Hampshire Closed win over Jeff a third game but did not produce Caws the opportunity of winning the columns of their Newsletter Giles (Snows) and Andy Ely· the good rallies of the Semi's and her first Senior title with a con­ "Net and Edge", now it appears (Alpha) made up the quartet by was a somewhat scrappy affair. vincing 8 and 8 win over Meg that N. & E. is struggling and per­ beating Richard Morgan (4 T's)-20, Andy Ely just did enough to beat Stapenhill. She gained her second haps even in its death throes. 16 and 14. The Semi's, pIayed on the Bleakley -14,15 and 17 and win his title' when she joined Jeff Giles in In the very last copy published, staged Finals night, provided some fourth title in five years. His return the Mixed to beat David Dobson the front page caption read as fol­ good entertainment for a surpris­ of the lethal "Bleakley serve" was a and Caroline Cook 7 and 10. The lows - "WANTED DEAD OR ingly large crowd. Bruce lost the major factor in his win. Andy Mens Doubles final was really a ALIVE - AN EDITOR". Well a first game at 14 to Ely but scraped always saves his best table tennis for match of errors. Chris Shetler and dead un aint much good Chelton­ through the second at 19. Again at this event and seems to find the Jeff Giles waltzed through the first ians, but I'm sure that .there are 16/19 in the third Bruce looked out motivation his game sometimes game at 11, led Andrew Ely and plenty of live uns still left around ­ it only requires just one to get up from his/her backside and do some­ thing - easy said isn't it? Played on· seven tables at St. Benedicts School, Arle Road, Cheltenham, the annual County Championships involving 38 of the best U14's & U12's in the County was a great success, ages ofparticip­ ants ranged from 8 to 14, and there were five entries from Cirencester the County's latest affiliated League. RESULTS Boys U14 Singles: Peter Hayward (Stroud) bt Martin Cheung (Ciren) 15, 16 Girls U14 Singles: Michelle Hogarth bt Kerry Hogarth (both vlos) -16, 12, 17 Boys Ul2 Singles: Jamie Day (Glos) bt Arron Mort­ imer (Chelt) 13, -15, 18 Girls Ul2 Singles: Michelle tlogarth bt Kerry Hogarth (both Glos) 13, 19 U14 Open Doubles: P. HaywardIK. Hogarth bt M. Cheung!A. Smith 16, 20 The Hon Referee was David Cosway (Chairman of the Southampton T. T.A.) presenting the Womens Singles trophy to Tina Caws. Mr. Peter Cruwys of Cheltenham.

26 Hants continued ­ Adeyfield's 1st team of Glen reigning champion, had fought Wilkes, Rob Liquorish and Ian back from a 10-3 deficit to level the Tony Catt 16/9 in the second, only Black, marched stylishly into the KENT final leg at 13-13, but Dignum went to lose at 19. In the third Shetler/­ other semi final, beating Warren on to win 21-16. Giles led 17/13, were caught at 18 Adrian Hall & Sports 9-D. Brian Etherington Mark Brown took the Men's each but just held on to win at 19 Adeyfield's opponents are St. Singles titles for the third successive when Ely missed an easy kill. An Neots 'B', who had a walkover at year after comfortably beating interesting Veterans Final with FOLLOWING last month's Senior the expense of DeHavilland of Hat­ Chris Ross 21-11, 21-12. "new" veteran, Terry Bruce, being County Championships, the Select­ field. Martin Hewett's block and coun­ unable to read Graham Lynch's tion Committee have issued the foll­ ter-hitting saw him overcome Miles game to lose the first at 18, having owing Senior Ranking List: Willey's loop and smash in an excit­ match point against him in the Men ing Junior Boy's final 21-14,21-19. second before scraping through at I. A. Cunningham 24/22 but sweeping his opponent 2. A. Dodd RESULTS aside at 9 in the third. Martin 3. P. Rainford Mens Singles: Mark Brown bt Cheffey had a convincing win over 4. J. Kennedy Chris Ross 21-11, 21-12 Lee Rosamond in the Junior Final. 5. B. Mileham Women's Singles: Margaret Dig­ The much better entry, apart HUNTS 6. G. Spencer num bt Alison Pearson 22-20 20­ from the Womens and Juniors and David Deller 7. P. Cox 22,21-16 ' the very encouraging attendan~e for 8. D. Dodd Junior Boys' Singles: Martin Hew­ the Finals night, which I hope will 9. M. Brown itt bt Miles Willey 21-14, 21-19 make referee/tournament secretary THE Huntingdonshire County 10. I. Girdler Junior Girls' Singles: Carly Riggs Brian Lamerton decide to give it Tournament was held at St. Neots bt Crystal Hall 21-14, 21-14 another season before retiring. Table Tennis Centre. Philip Cole Wamens Men's Doubles: Mark Brown & was again the outstanding player I. J. Houghton Chris Ross bt Gordon Harris & winning the mens singles, sharing 2. L. Popklewicz Dennis McConkey 21-15, 21-16 both the mens mixed doubles event. 3. J. Lawrence Women's Doubles: Julie Robb & HERTS Cole defeated Simon Pryke in the 4. T. Stewart Gloria Dowding bt Margaret Dig­ final, won the mens doubles with 5. J. Mersh num and Bernadette O'Gorman John Wood Alan Smith and the mixed with 6. K. May 16-21,21-14,21-13 Barbara Pace. The latter took the 7. J. Thorn Mixed Doubles: Paul Woollven & BARNET Veteran team rosetrium­ ladies singles defeating Diane Gutt­ 8. M. Dignum Alison Pearson bt Mike Porter & phantly to take the Hertfordshire eridge at the final stage. Tracey 9. L. Hollingeworth Margaret Dignum 21-23, 22-20, Inter-League trophy, at the Barnet Slater and Chris Albon won the 10. J. Beadle 21-12 Table Tennis Centre, last February. ladies doubles. Eddie Haslop did a Veteran Men's Singles: Ted Tyde­ After two weekends of knockout The golden oldie trio of Brian Houdini act in the veterans final man bt Dennis McConkey 12-21, play, the Maidstone League once Gale, Terry Wilson and Derek Hol­ taking the last eight points in a row 21-19,21-17 again staged their finals at the Lark­ den, saw off the opposition in style, against Jim Sizer to lift the crown. Veteran's Women's Singles: Mar­ The Paul Charlton Memorial field Club. This proves a very succ­ beating St. Albans 6-1, Hemel garet Dignum bt June Woollven 21­ essful formula with over 150 spec­ Hempstead 1st team 6-1, and Hert­ Trophy for players under 21 saw a tators watching the evening's per­ 17,21-18 ford 7-D, on the second Sunoay of good win for Andrew Hillyard. The formances. Would League Officials through­ the competition. Tournament was again well organ­ Margaret Dignum, in the best out the county please let me have Barnet's only hiccup was when ised by Gordon Cockram. final of the evening, gained revenge relevant information from their Heme! Hempstead 2nd team, the The County Junior tournament over Alison Pearson to take the areas. Adrian Hall - Home 0732­ surprise package of the tournament will be held at the same venue on Women's Singles title. Pearson, the 844756, Office 0634-687141. finishing 3rd in the table just one Saturday April 7th. point behind the winners, beat them 4-3 on the first Sunday. This season's runners-up are Watford who themselves, were beaten 4-3 by Barnet. The leading percentages, by play­ ers having played 50% or more games were; Dave Seaholme (Wat­ ford) 100%, Derek Holden (Barnet) 83%, Graham Jeynes (Hemel Hempstead 2nd) 80%, Keith Hart­ ridge (Welwyn and Hatfield) and Dave Wackrill (Hemel Hempstead 1st) 78%. Meanwhile, the real big surprise of the month was when St. Neots 'A' team of Mick and Sandra Har­ per and Keith Samuels, were knock­ ed out ofthe Herts and Beds Cup, in the Quarter Finals by Bedford Modern, 5-3. St. Neots, who were this year's favourites to retain their trophy, were beaten by the combined talents of Graham McKim and Andy Trott, the stars of Bedford Modern's unexpected win, and morally assisted by Paul Birch. Bedford Modern's opponents in the semi finals are Adeyfield 'B', who beat Kents of Luton 9-0. Shining brightly for Adeyfield from Hemel Hempstead were Graham Witchalls, and Jerry and Barnet, the victorious Hertfordshire inter-League Champions, (left to right) Brian Gale, Terry Wilson and Derek Robert Barrasso. Holden. (Photo: Courtesy John F.A. Wood) ,

27 I"'~., .,t' 4­ '-'UDlitia ­

No such defeats for Paul Hutch­ Three teams are vying for the On Sunday 6th May, a seminar ings and Keith Williams as well as Vets 1st Division title the current entitled "Peak Performance" on LANCASHIRE Brenda Buoey, a trio of Liverpud­ leaders being Warrington, closely Psychology in Sport will be held at George RYates lians. followed by Preston and Stockport, Edison Youth Table Tennis Club at Lanes & Cheshire beating Wirral 5-0 in the semi-final Homsey. Times 10 am to 4 pm CONGRATULATIONS are in of the Norman Cook Memorial approximately. The cost for the day League order for Lancashire's top junior Trophy. Bolton now await the will be £6 per person and light re­ side who, at Pontesbury over the STOCKPORT are still going strong result of the Glossop/Liverpool freshments and lunch will be avail­ weekend of March 3/4, won the in Division I of the Lancs & Chesh­ semi to have knowledge of their able at reasonable prices. I know Junior Premier Division title of the ire League and brought off their final opponents. this has become quite a big thing in Leeds County Championships. fifth consecutive win in beating countries that take sport very 6-4 wins over Devon, Essex, Blackpool 6-4 at the seaside. Three seriously and anyone who is inter­ Yorkshire and Derbyshire did the wins for Derek Schofield, two for ested should send a stamped trick after wins over Warwickshire, Roger Hampson and a solo for addressed envelope asking for Kent and Bedfordshire, back in Brian Kean did the trick against two further information to Reg Rockall, November at St. Neots. for Dave Bunting, one for Martin 85 Coleridge Road, Homsey, Take a bow Andrew Eden, How­ Ireland and the doubles won by MIDDLESEX London N8 8EG (Telephone 01-341 ard Whewell, Darren Howarth, Bunting and Barry Crook against 9081). Maria Thornley and Karen Rich­ Hampson and Kean at a time when Iris Moss Finally just a reminder to come ardson who brought about this Red this supreme veteran was recharg­ and support YOUR team in the Rose success, not forgetting Tamar ing his batteries before recording WHAT is the matter with Middle­ Challenge match against Lanca­ Connolly who, in only being called his treble with a final 16-5 win over sex players? With a minimum of shire. It will be taking place on Sat­ on once, lent valuable support from Crook. 1400 registered players, we have got urday 21st April at Ashford Table the bench and one must not forget A home match against Maccles­ 55 entries for the Middlesex Senior Tennis Club, commencing at 2.30 the n.p.c. Stuart Sneyd whose week­ field and an away fixture at Bolton Closed Championships. We have p.m. end away from his native Oldham now stand between Stockport's changed the venue and no-one can was not one to forget. accession to the throne now likely complain about the playing condit­ Now it is a question of looking to be vacated by Liverpool. Not so ions at Ashford with 5 tables; found forward to a double when the senior Liverpool's ladies who, in beating a date which only clashes with the NORFOLK Macclesfield 8-2 have retained their team resume their programme at County Championships and Ray Hogg Stantonbury over the weekend of title thanks to Justine Thomas, Middlesex team players would have March 24125, having held pole pos­ Brenda Buoey and Paula French. been excused from playing on the ition at the first encounters back in Oldham juniors had their fond Saturday; and still you don't enter. CHEN for England - after that January. dreams of retaining their first div­ Why? I know that the venue is on photo on front cover of issue 188 of Not to be overlooked are the per­ ision title well and truly shattered the periphery of the County area, him and family he cannot fail to get when beaten at home 8-2 by Pres­ formances of Lancashire's second but the distance you have to travel is the vote if it comes to that. Best senior team in Division IA wherein, ton, whose title seems now to be minimal compared with the other photo I have seen on front cover in to date, they have won 2, drawn 3 theirs. Maria Thornley had a field Counties, some of whom get entries many an edition. and only lost once in six matches. day at Oldham's Cardinal Street four times the size of ours. And al­ We held the regional Leeds Jun­ Playing in Liverpool on March 3 with wins over Chris Campbell, though I occasionally get the ior at Long Stratton in February ­ they sped to a 7"() lead to eventually Matthew Coombe and Karen Rich­ reported murmur through a overall a very interesting day with win 8-2 against Cambridgeshire ardson as well as partnering Ron Committee member, you will not virtlJally no tantrums from the whose Mick Harper and Yvette Pennington to a doubles success. even tell me why you don't enter. If parents and referee Barry Weston Hooks stopped the rot in beating Pennington lost only to Coombe in you don't tell me what is wrong, the escaped uninjured. Umpiring and Graham Clarke and Amanda singles while Rod Manwaring got Committee cannot put it right so watching the up and coming talent Goodwin. the better of Miss Richardson. PLEASE WRITE TO ME. The of the Cadets particularly makes me result of this is that the event will be realise that the standard is constant­ played on Sunday 4th March (we ly improving and several of these won't need the Saturday). I will in­ lads and lasses are going to make clude the results in next month's their mark on the game. Should we notes. help to run this event next year I am On a happier note, Middlesex sure there are going to be some new Juniors did not do too badly in the names amongst the winners. I must London Regional Leeds Youth compliment the Peniel Academy on Cup, appearing in the following the discipline of their players both semi-finals and finals. In the Cadet on and off the table - but even Boys Singles, Richard Hyacinth their girls were not past a few tears beat Simeon Zeffert in the S-F and on occasion. Norwich Foxwood then lost to Darren Blake (Surrey) British League team travelled to in the Final. In the Junior Girls Liverpool for a vital match and lost Singles, Sara Williams beat Esme 7-1. Could lack of sleep the night Kollasz in the S-F and then lost to before and/or lack of top class Linda Radford (Essex) in the Final. practise be anything to do with it? In the Junior Boys Doubles, David Their previous match home to Baker and Doz Katz lost to J. Blake Ormesby was eagerly awaited and and J. Blasco (Surrey) in one S-F the room was ready, the meal pre­ and Richard Hyacinth playing with pared and even the Umpires had Gary Tendler (Essex) lost to the brushed their jackets when a phone eventual winners Paul Carlon and call was made to all saying that Darren Blake in the other. The Jun­ Ormesby couldn't get to Norwich. ior Girls Doubles was won by Esme When I got my call the time was Kottasz and Joanne Jablon who when they should have already been beat Linda Radford and Sara Wil­ here for practise. Now I hear that liams in the Final. The Restricted the match has to be played on April Junior Boys Singles was won by 29th. One law for the rich and one James Sprackling who beat David law for the poor! Gerry Cockburn Dyer (Surrey) and the Restricted who runs our two Junior teams is Cadet Boys Singles winner was worried that next season he may Rakesh Subharwal when he beat only manage one team, although we Andrew Taylor (Essex).Well done, I have plenty of boys coming through Kent No.1 - Andy Cunningham (Photo: Courtesy Mike Loveder) all of you. girls are thin on the ground, and if

28 Norfolk continued - Earlier McKim, conceding points oned campaigner Paul took the Cumnor Housee U II and U13' to all opponents, had already prov­ honours. Other highlights of a Norbury Manor Girls U16 and ~s I have he:rrd one of them is only ed hi~se~f the top player ofthe day memorable day's play were Tom Whitgift U16's. mterested 10 playing in home by wmnmg the Premier Division Stapleton's great win over John matches that is not on. Our Veter­ Handicap, and later, partnered by Moloney, his narrow defeat at the ans (withQut Mick Broughton who Edmonds, he took his sixth doubles hands of Andy Trott, Derek was resting for the trip to Liver­ title in seven years, when the joint Muggleton's stamina sapping six­ pool) took on Essex 2, and although top seeds outclassed Andy Trott teen matches culminating in a losing 7-2 felt that they had done and Steve Brown, who had Mystery Doubles success with event enough to warrant a closer score. A narrowly outpointed Chris Hand­ specialist Peter Ainsworth, and Ian magnificent match played in the shaw and Richard Elliott at the ~aldock, unseeded this year, prov­ usual veteran manner. No SUSSEX semi-final stage. 109 his point with a fine win in the complaints about the table area, but McKim's only failure on the day popular Consolation Singles. John Woodford the rest of the facilities leave a lot to was his inability to inspire his wife be desired. Joanne and big brother Scott to Just in time to catch this edition­ ADRIAN MOORE lifted the all­ further success, but elsewhere in 'he our 1st vets team beat Lancs 6-3 to Sussex crown for the fourth time at tournament it was a real family dispel any problems we had about SURREY Southwick Leisure Centre on affair, with the mother and daugh­ relegation. All players shared in the March 4 with an impressive victory ter combination of Muriel and Terry Vance win but I think Edna Fletcher and over the holder Ritchie Venner who Kristina Cox paving the way. coul~ Mabel Neary must get the 'man of Surrey Closed Championships not cope with the very new It was Kristina who came out on Domc table and was defeated in the the match' award for their Ladies CONGRATULAnONS to Hazel top in the Ladies Singles, which she final 16, 18. singles. Our 2nd team lost 6-3 at Earl on reaching the final of the won for the second year in success­ No doubt Donic tables are good Bedford but did enough with 3 ladies doubles whilst giving her new ion, with mother Muriel again the - there must be thousands being games to ensure their survival in baby her regular feeds. Surprises of beaten finalist. Then in the doubles used 10 Germany - but according Div.2. the tournament were Dipan Shah the Cox pair teamed up to account to Harry Venner, "Brand new age .17 (newly arrived from Kenya) for Helen Watts and Ann Wool­ tables should not be used in tourna­ oust109 Derek Holman in the Mens ston. The Mixed Doubles again ments, you can never be sure of the and reaching the doubles Final. found the Cox contingent at the bounce". Watching the match quite Brian Simmonds beat Frank Hams NORTHANTS final stage, with Muriel this time close to the table, on three occas­ on his way to the vets Final. A good getting the upper hand in tandem ions Ritchie seemed totally puzzled Dennis Millman turnout from Wandsworth, with Richard Elliott, with Kristina by the bounce, but Adrian ignored Croydon and Thames Valley GRAEME MCKIM lived danger­ and Steve Brown having to be the strange happenings on the table Leagues. ously before completing his eighth content with second best. Kristina surface and threw caution aside to successive Men's Singles victory at had the last word however when she RESULTS win deservedly. the Kettering Closed Tournament. mastered her handicap to add the Mens Singles: Paul Carter bt Janet Smith, poised possibly to First Division singles. Since he first entered the event in Simon Philipsz take over the Scottish No. I female Another family to enjoy some 1982, McKim has never tasted de­ Women's: Jane Barella bt Debbie spot from Sarah Hurry, secured a success was the Atkinsons from feat in more than'fifty matches, but Simmonds convincing win over Teresa Moore Thrapston, although most of this there were times on this occasion Vets: Derek Holman bt Brian England No. 17, in the final of th~ was due to father Geoff, who after when he wore his crown in precar­ Simmonds; Restricted Anthony womens singles. Mc~im ious fashion. taking close in the singles, Fitzgerald bt John Calcutt The revolutionary new format Warning signals were first in could .do little wrong, ending up Mens Doubles: John Calcutt/Dave provided some rather large prob­ With hiS fifth Veterans Singles title evidence when he was fully extend­ Crowley bt Anthony Fitzgerald/­ lems for the organisers on the day, ed by Geoff Atkinson as early as the in the last six years, when he edged Dipan Shah although the maximum entry of 72 out County No.2 Mick Edwards. second round, and then he went Ladies DOUbles: Jane Barella/­ players overall was achieved - the Dennis Millman had won the first perilously close to defeat when Rachel Forster bt Hazel Earl/­ main object of giving all players at ever Veterans event' in the 1970 facing Ian Hawes in the semi-final. Jenny Nolan least SIX games during the twelve Hawes, who has never won the title season, but after being an Edwards Mixed Doubles: Ray Munn/Jane hours play. despite four appearances in th~ victim at the semi-final stage, he Barella bt Brian & Debbie Sim­ If the schedule had allowed an was prevented from becoming the fmal, came within a hairsbreadth of monds extra hour for happenings that al­ first winner of the Veterans ways threaten administrators (like a fifth, when after a pulsating en­ Vets Premier Weekend counter, he held two match points Doubles, when partnered by his the partial fail ure of the public add­ After the first weekend the team at 20-18 in the final end. McKim's conqueror, they had to admit defeat ress system) all would have been had a hard task ahead ofthem when nerve held,. and his continuous to Atkinson and Tournament Org­ well, but gradually other sports ­ they fa::~d to win any of their 3 attacking paid rich dividends as he aniser Phil Slade, who enjoyed badminton and volleyball crowded matches. So at the 2nd weekend took four points in a row to ensure a some notable wins on his excursions in on the table tennis, but in the end, they had to beat both the other final 'confrontation with Andy from the tournament desk. all was well. Referee Dennis Reed bottom teams of Berks & Herts. Edmonds, who with McKim an Stephen Atkinson did get in on explained the problemsto the play­ They beat Bucks and had an unex­ absentee, had already taken both the act in the Junior Doubles when ers at presentation time and most pected win against Cheshire thus the County Closed and the North­ he and Matthew Rowe wore down importantly, lessons were learned managing to stay up by the skin of ampton League's men's titles. some stern opposition from Tom for next year's tournament. their teeth. The final was a game of two Stapleton and Andrew Lingley, No system will suit everyone at halves, yet three ends, for Edmonds while on this occasion elder brother Thames Valley League Div I. this type of one-day county event. flourished in the early stages against Neil had to be content with eli­ For the first time sincejoining the The section who did not appreciat~ a McKim lacking in motivation minating one of the top seeds TVTTL Spelthorne sit proudly on the men, women, juniors and vet­ when facing. his team-mate .and Richard Elliott. top. of the Division. Unfortunately erans all playing each other in the doubles partner for the frrst time in At the junior end of the scale the Ashford are 4 matches behind and groups, were the lesser lights two years. Edmonds took the first Thomas and Watts families ;ook appear the likely winners. Elm­ amongst the ladies. The stronger with ease, but there were few spec­ the eye, with the three sons ofAllun bri~ge beat Spicer 4 in the big rele­ four players reached the semi-finals tators who didn't anticipate the Thomas and the son and daughter gatIon battle with Peter Kassner of the womens event, but the re­ usual resurgence ofpower from Mc­ of Richard Watts featuring in the and Graham Bateman winning 3. mainder felt they had a raw deal. Kim, who must now rank as thf: best later stages of several events, with Nell Charles still has 100% with A Next time, perhaps some adjust­ player to have developed within the Paul Thomas successful in the Shepherd on 94.4%. In Div 2 Rose­ ments can be made. county boundaries. His supporters, Under 13 Singles, and Helen Watts, hill 2 lead closely followed by MMB Scotland also influenced the and there were many, were not to be wh~ had a most rewarding day, I & Molesey I. Leading the aver­ men's singles - Ian Mclean, No.4 disappointed, for as by divine right takmg the Under 15 event. ages is Lorraine Garbet, but she is North of the Border, defeated Alan KcKim moved up a gear, took th~ The Watts name was also to the being chased by R. Evans & A. Cole -28, 7, 14 to reach the semi­ game by storm and raced through fore as winner of the Second Divis­ McMillan. Schools affiliations are finals but Ritchie Venner had to the remaining ends for yet another ion Handicap, but this time there up to 51 and the Schools through to fight hard to beat the canny Scot 13, superb triumph. was no family connection, as seas- the National Team Finals are -16, 15.

30 ahead of Birmingham Juniors (3/5 Thorns TIC played their part in adding the Veterans title to the pts) with M. Jordan and G. Wood­ a superb British League match with major Singles and Doubles WARWICKSHIRE ward each achieving 100% to date. Colley Toyota on Feb 17th, finally honours, and Ellen taking a share in Alan Healey losing 5-3 to the DIV 3W leaders, the Mixed Doubles. seven sets going to a third game. Colley must have settled for a draw Results BIRMINGHAM Veterans Nat when Mark Brookes led Lee MS: Malcolm Corking (North­ ional League Championships team WORCESTERSHIRE Thomas by a game and 20-16 in the allerton), runner up - Mark won their way through to the Mid­ Dave Roden 2nd in the final set, but Thomas Horsfield (Selby); land zone final at Malvern on 2nd fought back magnificently to win, a LS: Ellen Meddings (Harrogate), February with a 9-0 defeat of Staff­ victory which earned him the "Man Lorraine Smith (Northallerton) ord. They recorded a splendid 7-2 LATEST round of matches in the of the Match" award. Thorns MD: Corking/Steve Cooper win to gain a place in,the last eight Leeds County Championships remaining home match is against (Northallerton), Keith Bell/Nigel of the competition, organised by the resulted in one win, one draw and Grove IV on May 13th. Pennock (Harrogate) Veterans English Table Tennis two defeats for our four County LD: Meddings/Sara Philipson Society (VETIS). teams. The Senior Ists, w'ho badly (Selby), Adele Lobley (York)/­ With three county championship needed a win in their fight to avoid Debbie Newman (Selby) division one players as their team, relegation from Div lA, were held XD: Gareth Jones (Selby)/Med­ Birmingham Vets were clear fav­ to a draw by Lancs 2nds in Liver­ YORKSHIRE dings, Cooper/Lobley ourites, but Malvern made them pool. Malcolm Green, Trevor Rea Balmford YS: Corking, Vic Smith (Harro­ fight all the way. Home No. I Brian Washington, Eric Hardman and gate) Thompson beat Mervyn Wood and Sandra Roden won one set each, IT was a sad and subdued return to JBS: Jones, Craig Smith (Selby). lost only narrowly to Birmingham with Green and Washington win­ table tennis after the Christmas Vet's No. I Ray Dixon. When team­ ning the Mens Doubles, Washing­ Going one better to claim four break at Bradford, overshadowed titles was Cleeve Judson, who took mate Neville Meredith recovered ton beat Keith Williams 23-21 in the by the news of the death of Paul from 9-19 to defeat Neil Wheatley, deciding game of the final set to time away from his duties as a pris­ Roebuck in a car accident. Paul, on officer at Wakefield to visit making the match score 4-2, raising earn the draw for Worcs. who played for Ajax E in Division the home supporters' hopes. How­ H.M.P. Lindholme, near Don­ The Senior 2nds were thrashed 8, was driving with two of his Ajax ever, the Birmingham players caster, where the Yorkshire & 10-0 at Worcester by a Kevin Sat­ colleagues as passengers, and rallied - each recording a comfort­ Humberside Regional Champion­ chell inspired Wiltshire, but the Andrew Town is still seriously ill in able straight sets win to clinch a Juniors kept their promotion hopes ships of the Civil Service Sports Halifax Royal Infirmary, whilst Ian Council were held. quarter-final home tie against West very much alive with a 10-0 defeat Drinkwater was fortunate to escape Cleeve took the Men's and Wiltshire. of Northants 2nds at Wellingboro', with minor injuries. Warwickshire Junior 'A', having Veteran's Singles and both despite six sets needing a deciding The County's sympathies go to gained promotion to the Junior Doubles, the Men's with Craig Mil­ game. Carrie Hunt joined regulars Paul's family, friends and col­ Premier Division during 89/90 ner (Northallerton) and the Mixed Lee Horton, Jason Thompson, leagues, along with best wishes to season - were seriously depleted Craig Ward and Paula Hughes, and with Helen Shields (Bradford). Andrew for a full and speedy Helen was pipped in the Ladies final by the absence of experienced celebrated her first match for the recovery. players, due to age limit (ie. by Jean Newton from Sheffield, County with a 13 and 12 win over On a busy weekend in North Rajinder Singh, Alison Ledwitch while beaten Men's finalist was Helen Watts. Yorkshire, the Regional Round of and Kate Ryan. Leeds VAT inspector Brian Kinsey. Unfortunately, the Veterans last the Leeds Youth Cup (report else­ The first Junior Premier weekend Leed~ was the first League to take chance of promotion seems to have where) was followed by the North was held at St. Neots Table Tennis advantage of the new status of Chen ended for this year following the 8-1 Yorkshire Closed Championships Club, on 25/26 November against Xinhua, now, in his own words, an home defeat by the strong Lincoln­ in the same venue at Selby High Lancs, Essex and Yorkshire, these honorary Yorkshireman, when they shire team. With No. I Ray Dixon School. being the strongest teams in the unfit, John Stafford made a rare invited the fOrmer Chinese internat­ division. All the Warwickshire appearance for the County. Janet Malcolm Corking and Ellen ional to take charge of a coaching players gave a good account of Hunt beat Connie Moran, and Roy Meddings, ranked nationally at No. session for the city's promising themselves, although well beaten. Norton pushed Matt Sheader to 19 I in the Veteran and Junior lists youngsters. Special mention for Matthew in the third, but Lincs were too respectively, dominated the event. Thanks to generous sponsorship Jordan of Kenilworth, who took strong for Worcs on the day. Each took three titles, with Corking from Clark's Brewery, the Leeds the (then) Junior number one Grant Solder of Essex to three games,.with all the young players gaining inval­ uable experience. Match Results: v Lancashire 0-10; v Essex 1-9 v Yorkshire 1-9 The second week-end match in March at Pontesbury should pro­ duce better individual perform­ ances against Devonshire, Kent, Bedfordshire and Derbyshire - al­ though we do not expect to keep our place in the Premier Division. For any Coventry exiles: The Coventry and DTIA will be holding their annual Dinner Dance and Presentation Evening at the Sphinx Club, Siddeley Avenue, Coventry, on Friday 18th May. In Division I ofthe Coventry and District League, the powerful Phoenix Club lead the table. Phoenix (13/125 pts) lead from Phoenix Angles (13/108 pts). M. Randle (100%) and A. Pilgrim (97.2%) both of Phoenix are leading the individual averages. In the West Midlands League (Junior- Division Left to right: Organiser Richard Scruton, three times winners Mal Corking and Ellen Meddings, and Eric Hill at one) Coventry Juniors (3/6 pts) are the North Yorkshire Closed Championships. '

31 Yorkshire continued- Tom Lister from Keighley, play­ arranged the fixtures so that all will First Division ing for Spartans and just four wins be in suspense until the last day of Kingfisher B 9 6 3 52 29 18 League were able to mount an in­ from his previous 24 outings, pro­ the season APRIL 1st (Am I to Burnham 8 5 3 41 31 15 tensive five hour session in the club­ duced the shock when he toppled believe the results when I receive Merton 8 6 2 33 39 12 room at Farnley Park High School. the County man in a close, but them!) Amity Gen B 8 3 5 34 38 II Twenty juniors between the ages straight sets game. OLOP 7 3 4 27 36 8 Cippenham B I 7 29 43 of 10 and 16 were involved, and Northallerton's gallop in Veteran Premier Division 8 8 Chen's enthusiasm, knowledge and Division I of the Yorkshire League Cippenham A 8 8 049 23 18 Ladies Division work-rate impressed not only his came to an abrupt halt when the Kingfisher A 8 6 2 44 28 16 Kingfisher 6 6 o 26 4 16 pupils, but also Assistant Coaching side crashed to successive defeats Amity Gen. A 8 3 5 38 34 13 Cippenham 6 5 I 26 4 15 Secretary Peter Thompson, instru­ away to Sheffield and then to un­ Purbrook 8 4 4 34 38 10 OLOP 7 3 4 II 24 7 mental in setting up the session, and beaten Wakefield on their own Pyestock 8 2 6 34 38 10 Aldershot 6 I 5 10 20 6 all the local coaches who gave of table. Malcolm Corking was Isle of Wight 8 I 7 17 55 5 Isle of Wight 7 I 6 7 28 4 their time to assist. Let us hope that responsible for both the North Peter's comment - "This exercise Yorkshire team's successes at Shef­ was magnificent it should be the field, but was on the wrong end of forerunner of many more through­ the result in the battle of the giants Clwyd Regional out the County" - comes to against Cleeve Judson in the Wake­ fruition. field match. Some consolation Back to Bradford, where County came for Northallerton in the Report man Mick Stead, unbeaten for Her­ National Vets Championship when mits A in Division I since March 87 an 8-1 win over Northumberland THE Clwyd county finals of the CIS Insurance Welsh Schools when he fell to Mick Emmerson, took them into the quarter finals Table Tennis Championship were held at the Groves Sports saw his winning run of 95 League and lined up a long journeydown to Centre, Wrexham on Friday, 23rd February with over 20 contest­ matches brought to an end from an the South coast where Brighton will ants taking part. The competition for boys and girls aged 11-14 and unexpected quarter. provide the opposition. 15-18 started in December with nearly 500 entries from all over Wales. A new category has been introduced for beginners this year to encourage new entrants. South West Regional Report Winners from the Clwyd finals go The Leeds County Championships forward to the national finals to be Season 1989-90 held at the National Sports Centre, by ALF PEPPERD MATCHES played at Castell Alun Cardiff, in May. Sports Centre, Hope nr. Wrexham HEARTY congratulations to Peter Hancock and his merry men This is the third year of the event, on Saturday 17th February 1990. (and perhaps a few Ladies as well), upon their superb organisation sponsored by the Co-operative In­ of the Czechoslovakia v England Super Division European match sururance Society and organised by Senior Division 3A at Bude in February. the Table Tennis Association of Clwyd 8 Northants 2 .. 2 Wales. In the championship final An estimated 700 spectators at the "England v Federal West Junior Division 2A turned up, who says that funny rub­ Germany Womens International" last year, the girls' junior champion Clwyd 7 Warwicks 2 .. 3 was Natasha Williams from Pres­ bers have completely destroyed last October at Cirencester has now Clwyd 8 Cheshire 2 tatyn. spectator attendance? Perhaps T.T. been purchased by the Cirencester Cwyd 2 3 Warwicks 2 .. 7 , enthusiasts are not quite as abund­ League, and further more is in­ Certificates were presented to all C1wyd Seniors with Clive Parry players by Mr. Ken Roberts, man­ ant now as days in the immediate stalled at Deer Park School presum­ and Dave Morris both winning ager of CIS's Wrexham office. post war area, but nevertheless - if ably - for practice nights and their two singles and Phil Jones (I). The winners of the Clwyd county there is a well presented match on Final's Night, the latter will take Alison Evans took her singles finals of the CIS INSURANCE these days, one can usually expect a place on Sunday 8th of April. and partnered Christine Watkins in WELSH SCHOOLS TABLE considerable proportion of interest It is gratifying to know that the ladies doubles to beat North­ TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP were: from the really keen table tennis should another International per­ amptonshire. supporter. haps be staged in Cirencester, all the Clwyd Juniors with two matches Ken .Bridle, Cirencester's Chair­ lighting equipment would be on Boys under 18: to play won their first one 7-3 man informs me that all the rather hand, with the Association's experienced against Warwickshire with Spencer expensive lighting equipment used approval of course. Darren Bagnall Harris winning his two sets. Welsh Prestatyn High School International player Natasha novice Williams took her singles and James Smethurst teamed up with Susan Lees to take Southern Region Connah's Quay High the girls doubles. Darren Dagnall won one singles and with Spencer took their doubles and Susan Lees by BRIAN P. LAMERTON Boys under 14: took her singles to make it 7-3. experienced BERKSHIRE emerged as the most successful county when the Martin Hopwood Clwyd in their second match ver­ Southern Region Youth Cup was played at Southampton's Red­ Darland High School sus Cheshire again came through with some excellent Table Tennis bridge Sports Centre on 11 th Feb. winning 5 Gold, 4 Silver and 4 novice with again Spencer Harris two Danny Harris Bronze awards from the 12 events and with Martin Adams (Junior singles wins, with both Clwyd girls Pen y Gelli Junior Boys) and Gemma Schwartz (Cadet Girls) taking 2 of the 4 Natasha Williams and Susan Lees positions on offer for the Grand Final. Others winning through to winning their singles. Andrew the last hurdle were Dawn Barnett, Oxford (Junior Girls), James Girls under 18: Jones and Darren Dagnall one each Mason, Bucks (Cadet Boys). experienced and the girls again took their Susan Lees doubles. Hampshire provid~d the winners well in control all was finished in Darling High School in 3 of the 4 class 2 events - Clare reasonable time, the Islanders were C1wyd 2nds against Warwick­ novice Woodham (Junior Girls); Kevin catching the last ferry before the shire went down 3-7 after they had Natalie Hughes Macken (Cadet Boys) and Heidi storm brought everything to a halt. fought hard with Meinir Davies and Prestatyn High School Wheaton (Cadet Girls). Ben John­ With at most 2 matches to go Martin Hopwood both winning one son of Berkshire was the Class 2 neither the top nor bottom singles each. Paul Robertson and Junior Boys winner whilst doubles positions of any of the three region­ Girls under 14: Martin Hopwood took their winners were Boys: Gavin Yates & al leagues has been decided; King­ experienced doubles to make the score respect­ Martin Haycock (Oxford) & Girls: fishers surprise double defeat, nine Natasha Williams able at 3-7. Lisa Crick & Nicola Cracknell love by Pyestock in the Premier and Prestastyn High School Match/Referee: Mr. Roy (Berkshire). 5-4 by Merton in the First really novice Williams; County Umpires: Mrs. Total entries exceeded 70 but opening things up. Match secretary Delyth Davies Perta Williams, Mr. C.T. Bayliss, with Barry Yates'and Mick Strode Graham Trimming has cleverly Ysgol Terrig, Treuddyn Mr. T. A. Harris.

32 T. T. in Newham All standards are catered for from opportunity to take action shots of Son: Why should I? beginners to established players. our leading players. A prestigious Dad: Because if you don't you Balls and bats are provided, but event I thought, which may see won't grow up big and strong like Some years ago I used to run a table please have suitable footwear as some of the best conditions. How your dad. tennis group at a large Newham outdoor shoes are not permitted. disappointed I was! The venue was Son: Don't care. Comprehensive. As I was a full­ no doubt adequate for playing in, Cost is 75p. each session for chil­ Dad: Well, how are you going to time coach in Newham schools I but for publicity/photographic dren. play for Manchester United like had no difficulty in obtaining num­ purposes I was horrified! The lay­ Adults £ 1.50. you told me yesterday? bers for this club, which was held out made it impossible to take any Son: I've decided to knit socks every Sunday morning. (In the Hope to see you there, pictures from the side of the court instead. school I started an II year old Sky­ Yours sincerely, which meant that players were a Dad: All right. But machines can let Andrew and, from my Sunday Len Hoffman. long way away. The level oflighting knit better than you, they can't morning group a tiny Grant (Tel: 01-599-7330) could only be described as bleak. It play football. Solder). cost me a agreat deal of money to Son: Anyway, you're not big and However, in their "wi~dom" this travel to Clacton for a collection of strong; you sit slumped in front Sunday morning group was axed by very grainy photographs. The light­ of the telly watching rubbish, the local authority in 1981 as an Great Expectations ing available forced me to push the drinking beer and smoking those economy measure. I retired about film to 25000 ASA! So I end with a horrible fags of yours. THE February 1990 issue of TTN the same time although I've contin­ plea - please pay more attention to Dad: Look, I'm getting cross now. ued coaching part-time at different included a fascinating selection of lighting levels if you want to capit­ I'll be late for work if you don't clubs. Recently, it was decided to re­ photographs which brightened up alise on publicity opportunities. get a move on. vive the Sunday morning sessions, the magazine considerably. Pages MIKE LOVEDER Son: Shan't... this time run by Leisure instead of 22 & 23 illustrated what can be 63 Durfey House, Edmund St. (Whack) Education. Without my contact achieved with the benefit of tele­ Camberwell, London SE5 with the schools - I used to coach vision lighting, whilst pages 12 & I3 Daddy? illustrated what can be done with at eleven different schools a week Breakfast Serial of Son: What did you do when YOU both in school time and after school the use of a flash gun. The pictures were young? groups - I have struggled to get at the top of page 31 show what can Shredded Dreams Dad: I fought for years to become players and unless there is an im­ be expected from the level of light­ (A futuristic tale) a great English table tennis player provement, this new venture will ing normally available. son. But they brought in players As table tennis progresses in a have to close. I have access to eight (A play in one Act - by Rubberneck) from the other countries. tables, athough fOllr is the most I forward direction I hope that there Characters: Son: Why did they do that, have had to use. So, to anyone and will be an increase in the attention Daddy? Dad, once a famous Engllsh Table everyone in Newham, East London paid to levels of lighting by the var­ Dad: Don't know, son. - come and join us. ious organisers. Relatively few of Tennis Player our domestic events attract any Son, not following in his father's footsteps. * * * * photographers because the lighting is simply not good enough. I still Table Tennis Dad: Now come along son, eat believe in the view that good photo­ your breakfast. Betcha can't eat Chen for Englandl The Club has just opened in Eastlea graphs will make for better public­ three! When the Chairman and the Pres­ Community Schools Sports Hall, ity. A good picture will always en­ Son: Yes I can, but I don't want ident write to leagues. arguing Hilda Road, Newham, London E. hance an article in a newspaper, be . to... against Chen Xinhua being selected The club is held every Sunday it national or local. Dad: If wishes were horses, son, for England, they exert a powerful morning at 10.30 to 12.50. It is open I attended the Stiga Top 12 at beggars would ride. It's not persuasive influence, but they do for all ages of children and adults Clacton earlier this season with always a case of doing what we not represent (most) informed opin­ are welcome. some great expectations of a good want to in life. ion.

Carl Prean made good use of his trip to Bude. where he helped England beat Czechoslovakia. On the return journey he was a guest of Rescue Co­ Ordination Centre Plymouth where he presented his Table Tennis Colours to Senior Aireraftsman Stephen Buck. Strike Command and rising star of Welsh Table Tennis. From left to right: Group Captain D. Mellin. Senior R A F Officer Plymouth. Carl Prean. E T T A Chairman John Prean. Stephen Buck. Squadron Leader I.S. Chillas. Deputy Officer Commanding Rescue Co-Ordinating Centre Plymouth. Air Vice Marshall J. Morris CBE. Air Officer Commanding Scotland & Northern Ireland.

33 Chen's skills, style and charisma missed. It will certainly not last for­ Since then the former world interest; I occasionally sell Dun­ will be great assets for the England ever so we should make the most of champion Guo Yuahua (1981 and lop/Slazenger squash, tennis and team's fortunes, for spectators, for it while we can. We probably won'!, 83) is reported in earnest discus­ badminton rackets through my publicity, for marketing table get another chance like this one and sions with Belgium. Li Yuxiang, member's sports club. That choice tennis. no-one is suggesting that we should Chinese national champion (1976) is merely a personal one... just as I Chen a "discouragement" to replace all our leading players with is reported as qualifying for Swit­ choose to play table tennis with a promising youngsters?! Hardly, 'foreigners'. Chen Xinhua is a win­ zerland. Austria seems to be win­ Butterfly bat, preferably on a rathe'r, an inspiration and example, ner and thousands love him for it. ning the race to field two Chinese, Jaques table over a Dunlop net with someone to emulate. But his play­ So we should not let racial prejudice as Quian Quianli is set to join Ding TSP/Nittaku balls. ing career for England would be or pride stand in the way of contin­ Vi. The ITT F is rumoured to be likely to be short, and he would not ued forward progress for our sport. contemplating a 5 year residential Market Competition have to be selected for every occas­ MIKE LOVEDER qualification period. A lot of horses In trade it can be argued that the ion. His presence would create, not will have bolted when that partic­ unrestricted freedom to cross nat­ limit, opportunities for developing ular stable door has been shut. The ional barriers is advantageous - it home bred stars of the future. Chinese Association may not look introduces new products and cata­ Perhaps I.TT.F. rules should be on these trends unfavourably, as lyses sluggish domestic industries toughened up. Meanwhile, the No to Chen Chinese players are obliged to pay a and markets. E.TT.A. should work to the rules I have been following the contro­ substantial part of their earnings to I do not believe those principles as they are and not as they ought to versy about Chen Xinhua and his the Chinese Association, providing apply to the rights of citizenship for be. The I.TTF. two year residen­ playing for the English national useful foreign earnings. human beings - except in extreme tial rules mean that Chen is eligible team closely, and in my opinion The German Magazine, DTS, circumstances such as war, political for England from May. Chen has Johnny Leach and John Prean are noting these movements, asks persecution or flight from natural genuine reasons for living in Eng­ correct in their arguments, al­ whether a Chinese European disasters like flooding or drought. land and has already made a consid­ though the latter one doesn't do Champion will be good for our Additionally, where parents have erable contribution, particularly enough justice to the case. image, indeed how this is to be ex­ chosen to spend their child's for­ through coaching, to English table As a foreign student in this coun­ plained to journalists and members mative years in a country different tennis. Why shoot ourselves in the try, and myself being married to a of the wider public. One might add to that of their origin, it seems foot by unilaterally putting further foreigner, I still believe in holding how this will look on TV. It may, of reasonable to grant those such as barriers in his way? up the principle of citizenship re­ course, be a final between two Chi­ Desmond Douglas and Carl Prean In the unlikely event that hordes quirement for anyone representing nese and, given a little time, a team the opportunity to represent the of world class players flood to Eng­ a national team. I am originally final between two teams of three country whose language and cul­ land to spend two years oftheir car­ from Finland, and as a student in Chinese each in the clothing of two ture they have unquestionably eers outside of international play so the United States I learnt about var­ European Countries. So fast are absorbed within their thinking and that they can qualify to represent ious occasions where disputes took things moving that this cannot be conduct. this country, then Donald Parker place between an American nat­ more than a couple of European If I may be blunt to the point of still does not have to select them. As ional and his national team member Championships away. insensitivity, this is not an issue of part of selection policy he might from an Asian country, partly We already experienced a semi­ skin colour; Ivor Montagu - the well question how genuine they are because of a language problem. final in the Ladies Team Event in founder father of this great sport­ ("mercenaries"?) and whether they Also, it seemed to be quite difficult Dortmund in which both Hong might have agreed. Few can doubt have contributed/will contribute to for some Americans to accept the Kong and (less surprisingly) China that Douglas and Prean have (like English Table Tennis. Would their fact that the Asian players have be­ were represented by two Chinese Chen has for China) served their inclusion be to the· greater good? come a permanent part of Amer­ ladies. Amidst discussions whether country with dignity and to the Chen's will be. Chen for England! ican table tennis. This may very well the service throw should be 6" (or limit of their considerable abilities. And Carl Prean to continue to happen in England as well, and 5V2") or whether referees should be The issue is one of values, and represent England too, though he thereby it is reasonable to wait for issued with gloss-meters, a much recognition of the contribution that plays mostly in Germany. But he Chen to receive his British citizen­ greater danger appears to have been sport (with its philosophical trinity must be in the England ranking list ship and passport, as well as get overlooked - of a sport that looks of: the judgemental Referee, over­ (as Chen will have to be). By all completely adjusted to the English ridiculous and unsaleable, as seeing the antics of Man as foolish means offer suggestions on how to customs and language. Neverthe­ nations chase perceived success not players, conducting themselves in a make the list fairer/more accurate, less, I believe there is something as a result of their own efforts but Spirit of friendship and sportsman­ including possibly taking that the ETTA could do for Chen. by 'signing' Chinese players who ship) plays in the psychological and Bundesliga results into account, but There may be some ways to pull a often earn their real living in a third social stability of societies through­ do not drop out. few strings and speed up the process country. out the world. KEN MUHR of naturalisation of Chen, espec­ Mickey Mouse, thou shouldst be Constraints 23 York Road, Stony Stratford ially since he is married to an Eng­ living at this hour when' all these The dreams of competitive Milton Keynes, MKI I IBJ lish lady. This should not be too stirring contests will be played out beings are constrained by barriers; much to do, and it will give assur­ before empty benches to decide they act as a brake against unbrid­ ances to Chen that he is indeed which nation has signed the best led ambition and greed and estab­ accepted to become an essential Chinese! A true contest ofskill, a lish targets against which to assess part of British table tennis, not as a feast of irrelevance. progress. resident but as a citizen. JOHN PREAN So first one aspires for recog­ Pro Chen JUHA SUOTMAA nition within the family, then age As we look to the 1990's I say do not 109 Brookhill Road, group, school, club,league, county, shut out one of the most talented Woolwich, London SEI8 6RZ country and for a privileged few, and pleasant personalities living in Open letter to the English the world. Many at the times of their triumphs point skywards or this country. Keep an open mind. Table Tennis Association He has been faithful to us for a sink to their knees in thanks for the couple of years so let us return the PERHAPS I might be allowed to fortune of circumstances that have compliment. One man does not contribute a little to the debate on brought them to their ultimate goal, make a team. English born players whether Chen Xinhua should be before exchanging a gesture of mut­ International News or ual respect. need not be pushed out of our team "Mickey Mouse, thou permitted to play for England. but they must surely be interested in First I must declare my interests, The role of the constraining cri­ being part of a winning team and shouldst be living at this for my credentials are lowly com­ teria is essential to stability: banana the possible injection of cash spon­ hour!" pared to many who have served the republics confer awards and citiz­ sorship that could be generated. (with apologies to Milton) sport longer than I! enship cheaply, the world views Players are frequently complaining I have no political axe to grind them accordingly. that there is not enough money in FURTHER news of activity in the (readers of Table Tennis News past Tragic consequences table tennis in this country. Here is Chinese transfer market has will recall that the current chairman And if we prostitute the con­ a chance to move towards solving reached us. Earlier items were John Prean was treated no differ­ ditions of those criteria for the sake that problem. Chen Xinhua pro­ related in my article in the March ently to any other contributor). of short-term gain, are the benefits vides a golden opportunity not to be issue. I have but a small vested trade worth the sacrifice? County and

34 CI..sifieci

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Mailbox& league table tennis associations Governments decide No one doubts Chen's desire nor of the minimum ITTF eligibility might think not and, in athletics, sincerity to become a full British cit­ guidelines. Any international sporting or­ the Zola Budd fiasco served that ganisation can set down izen and proudly represent his Challenge sport (and Britain) shabbily. MINIMUM standards of eligib­ adopted country. Few would not But I invite you to reflect whether Perhaps we might explore what ility before a player can move welcome him with due recognition a sport is best played to the letter or should be the distinction between for his delightful skill and conduct from one country to another in the spririt of its rules. Are the rules the eligibility conditions for team order that the credibility of its and many, quite reasonably, believe always right anyway; the frailty of competitions and those for indiv­ that he would be an attractive asset team competitions are preserved. human oversight allows abber­ iduals... to the English team as he is already But the national associations ations. DO NOT HAVE TO COMPLY for the English table tennis scene. For ponder whether the recent Open for Individuals But even with conferred citizen­ with this arbitrarily agreed stan­ revolutions in Romania and East The World Singles' Table Tennis ship I believe that a Chen, whose dard. Equality of value and Germany occurred because the cit­ Championships should be the commitment and allegiance have achievement in national repres­ izens obeyed the orders of the sol­ premier Open tournament: Chen already been honoured by selection can play, as he did (or should have entation between different sports diers to disperse. Or whether they dictates that the parameters for another country, should not be stood in the streets of Bucharest done) in the recent Leeds English allowed to represent the country of accepted by these associations and said "we are Romanians too Open at Manchester as a non-nom­ adoption unless extreme circum­ should be those that the govern­ and we want to be free'. inated player choosing to describe stances prevailed at the time of ment of their respective countries The extreme may seem far re­ himself either as a 'stateless citizen' transfer. determines as the qualification moved from sport but I invite you or under his current status as a Chi­ Did Ivan Lendl and Martina for citizenship. to consider whether, in a society nese subject. Navratilova defect to the USA be­ The use of 'affiliated Asso­ built upon the Christian concept of cause of threat to their own life or at freedom of choice, the sports­ ciation' as a label is misleading and Any person should not, there­ a time of war-like conflict? I suggest grounds, the free media, and the implies an aspect of player control fore, be allowed to represent Eng­ rather that it was a decision of courts are not the battlefields where and permission by member Asso­ land until deemed by the British choice and expediency based upon conflict can occur with no loss of ciations which is contrary to the government to have earned the an increasing dislike of their native life. internationally agreed principles benefits of citizenship of our coun­ political system and the constraints Boris Becker, realising this, once and spirit of free trade. try. it placed upon their freedom and said, "I just lost a tennis match. Were Chen to win, the world To vote otherwise is to ignore the earning capacity. That's all, nobody died". National­ would marvel at his skills and no values of team competitions that Yet still the roots of national ism taken to fanatical extreme can doubt his adopted country of resid­ many parents strive for years to identity run deep and if you want to be a great evil. In sport, it can be a ence would be proud to bask in the instil within their sons and see a Swede, Chinaman and Fren­ source of inspiration. reflected glory of his victory. daughters: a pride in playing not chman representing England, then But for team championships the just for themselves but for others a Russian, Japanese and a Pole two ROBERT OLDFIELD principles are different. and beyond. years later, vote to take advantage Table Tennis Player

35 the Leeds National Championships - SAT/SUN/MON 5/6/7TH MAY 1990 at Oldham Sports Centre, Lord Street, Oldham, Lanes Tel: 061 6784090 From 9.00am Sat: Veteran and Qualifying Events From 9.00am Sun: Early rounds of Main Events including Mixed Doubles Final From 10.00am Mon: Semi Finals - Early afternoon: Finals Ticket Prices: sat £1.00; Sun £3.00; Mon £3.00 ~ Rover Ticket: £5.00 Children & OAP's: Half Price Please note that one free child ticket will be given with every adult ticket sold upon request For further information contact ETIA Office Tel: 0424 722525 the Leeds Youth Cup National Finals ~ MONDAY 28TH MAY 1990 at The Queen Mother Sports Centre. Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1EL Tel: 01 798 2125

the Leeds English Junior Open - FRI/SAT/SUN 1/2/3RD JUNE 1990 ~ at The Spa Royal Hall, South Marine Drive, Bridlington, East Yorkshire Tel: 0262 678255 Qualifying Events: Fri commencing 12.30pm - Competition Proper: Sat commencing 9,00am International Team Event: Sun commencing 9.00am. Further info. contact ETIA Office Tel: 0424 722525

The Fourth National Under 11 Championships Sunday 29th April 1990 At Mansfield Leisure Centre, Chesterfield Road South, Mansfield, Notts Tel: 0623 646081 Organlser: Rob Sinclair, c/o ETTA Office. Tel: 0424 722525 the Leeds Women's British League the Leeds Women's British League FIRST WEEKEND sat/Sun 12/13th May 1990 SECOND WEEKEND - Sat/Sun 9/10th June 1990 Bletchley Leisure Centre,Milton Keynes Crystal Leisure Centre, Bell Street, For further information contact: I~ Stourbridge,W.Midlands 0384 442543 ~ Mike Lewis 0272 730788 ~ For info: Mike Lewis Tel: 0272 730788 ~ the Leeds National Team Finals ­ SUNDAY 20th MAY 1990 ~ St. Neots T.T. Club, Rivermead. The Common, St, Neots, Combs. Commencing 11.o0am _.___• Moming session: Ormesby Cup, Gainsford Cup, Hammersley Cup, J, Leech Cup - Afternoon session: Willmott Cup, Rosebowl Cup, Bromfield Trophy, Carter Cup. For information contact ETIA Otlice Tel: 0424 722525 British League Premier Division ­ Top of the Table Fixtures on Sunday 29th April 1990 - 2.30pm -Grove I v Bathwick Tyres I ~ at The Grove SchooL Stafford Street. Market Drayton, Shropshire Tel: 0630 652121 ESSEX 3 STAR YORKSHIRE JUNIOR SELECT Sat/Sun 14/15th April 1990 Sat/Sun 21 st/22nd April 1990 at the Brentwood Centre, Doddinghurst Road, at Northbridge Leisure Centre. Northbridge, Halifax Brentwood, Essex (Tel: 0277 229621) (Tel: 0422341527) Organiser: Dick Roffe (Tel: 04024 72341) Organiser: Rea Balmford 0482 821279 BRISTOL 2 STAR SENIOR OPEN BRISTOL 2 STAR JUNIOR OPEN saturday 28th April 1990 Sunday 29th April 1990 at the Thornbury Leisure' Centre, Alveston Hill, at the Thornbury Leisure Centre, Alveston Hill Thornbury, Bristol. Tel: 0454 418222 Thornbury, Bristol Tel: 0454 418222 Organiser: Peter sandford Tel: 0272 569381 Organiser: Peter Sandford Tel: 0272 569381

West Midlands Junior 2 Star - SAT/SUN 19/20TH MAY 1990 at The Grove SchooL Market Drayton. Shropshire Organiser: Contact for information Geoff Twiss Tel: 063 081 678 Dunlop English Schools Individual Championships Saturday 28th April 1990 at Mansfield Leisure Centre, Chesterfield Road South, Mansfield, Notts, Tel: 0623 646081 Organiser: Paul Birch Tel: 0234 41988

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