C.n~.n~s CHATTERBOX ~im Iris Moss wins Queen's Jubilee Award 04 .~ ~ ...... •.... 2 Market Street, Blyth. Tel. 01670 351435. Official Travel Agents. FROM THE CHAIR "'~BLE Cadet Gold in Portuguese Open 05 ...E .....S N I M A ~ "E~S 91A Ashford Road, Eastboume, POSTBAG Tel. 01323 430036. Official Printers ~ letters to the Editor ...... lIES SMITH 07 TROPHIES AND ENGRAVING E~"'R~ Stroud, Gloucestershire Tel. 01453 886686 The Official Magazine of the Official Trophy Suppliers COVER STORY E.nglish Table Tennis Association Jenkin's skill &support pays off 10 Issue No.290 90 Martins Lane, Northampton, NN4 60j Jan/Feb 2003 Tel: 01604 762711 • Suppliers of exciting & innovative teaching & coaching aids Publisher ELECTION SPECIAL English Table Tennis Association Ltd., Queensbury House, Imll mill 11m Election for the EllA Chairmanship 12 Havelock Road, Hastings, Rauter House, 1 Sybron Way, Millbrook East Sussex TN34 IHF Business Park, Jarvis Brook, TN6 30Z Telephone: 01424 722525 Fax: 01424 422103 Tel 0870 8483001 email Events: WESTERN OPEN AT BATH [email protected] email Administration: BUSINESS SUPPLlFHi LIMITED Welsh Chinese clean-up at Bath Acorn House, Forstal Road, 18 [email protected] Aylesford, Kent ME20 7AF Web Site: www.etta.co.uk Tel 01622 882233 Editor & Photographer John EA. Wood .Interflora: YORK GARDENS EXPERIENCE 37 Duporth Road, Charlestown, say it with flowers' 20 St.Austell, Cornwall PL25 3NU Brian Halliday re-visits his grass roots Telephone/Fax: 01726 77527 game Mobile: 07786 444878 (ltI1R email: [email protected] , Tong Hall, Tong Lane, Tong Village, Editor of TTN Extra West Yorkshire B04 ORR Tel 0113 2879669 ITTF PRO TOUR FINALS Ken Muhr limo Boll & top Chinese beaten ETTA Headquarters, Hastings 25 Advertisements Richard Yule ETTA Headquarters, Hastings TTN EXTRA Subscription & Distribution Robert Sinclair ETTA Headquarters, Hastings 3 Broadway, Broad St. Birmingham B15 IBQ Asupplement including 'County Notes', Tel: 0121 698 8000 Fax: 0121 625 9000 Subscription Rates 'Results' and much more. UK - £20, Europe - £32, Hribar Rest of the World - £37 Table Tennis Printer joola Equipment & balls for all FRONT COVER MAIN PHOTOGRAPH Printed in the UK by ETTA National Toumaments 2000·2003 Nima Print & Design Services, RYAN JENKINS 91 a Ashford Road, Eastbourne, " ButterFly® picture by U at the Game East Sussex BN21 3TE England Team clothing 2000·2004 Telephone: 01323 430036 Grand Prix 2000·2003 juniorNets;Womens British League 2000·2003 The ETTA would like to ~ Unsolicited articles are welcome for possible publication but the ~ English Table Tennis Association will accept no responsibility for thank the following the return of manuscripts and/or photographs. DI:INIt: organisations for their Whilst every effort is taken to ensure that reports and facts Ball Supplier support are correct at the time of going to press no responsibility will be British League 2002·2004 accepted by the ETTA should errors be published, either for errors or matters arising as a result. The views expressed in Table Tennis News are those of the Schilclkrol ~~~~~ contributors and are not necessarily official ETTA policy. Similarly Ball Supplier. Grand Prix 2000·2003 {T} • dP TIN accepts advertisements in good faith, but cannot accept juniorNets;Womens Brit. League 2000·2003 responsibility for the goods or services described in junior/Cadet National League 2002·2003 SPORT 'IButterfly advertisements. If you have any queries, these should be addressed l:rtttJtM IilTSP directly to the advertiser. E!!r~~~f All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be ~ 1001. I:II:INII: reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, Ball Supplier Jarvis Sports electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any County Championships 2002·2005 information storage or retrieval system without the prior written consent of the publisher. We ask all members ofthe association to support the above companies who are in turn supporting table tennis. CHA,.,.ERBOX compiled by John Wood

Pictured above (by Ted Sepple, for Sport England), from left to right, Alan Keen MP (hosting the event), Lord Brian Davies (presenting the awards), Iris Moss, and Don Palmer (Chairman of the Federation). Comnlittee Menlber, Secretary & Treasurer (for 53 years!) and Table Tennis News County Notes Correspondent MIDDLESEX'S IRIS MOSS, 83, ETTA Vice President and Treasurer was one of 12 Queen's Jubilee London Regional Committee Award winners at an Awards Treasurer English Paraplegics Sports Ceremony held by the London Association. An organiser, including The table was constructed by Federation of Sport and of umpires, at Paraplegics national & teachers in Mombasa who found Recreation, in the Strangers international championships instructions for the game in a book. Dining Room of the House of Organiser, including of umpires, at The first prize at the tournanlent Commons on Thursday, 28th 1948 and 1954 World Championships was a bucket, which might not sound November. This award follows a special Lifetime much, but in Kenya the blind aren't The Queen's Jubilee Award is the of Service Award to wheelchair sport considered as people who can top Award of a series, which includes and table tennis, which she received contribute much. So to be able to Bronze Awards for 10 years service, from the British Wheelchair Sports take something home to their Silver for 20 years service and Gold Foundation last year, for the years of families is a big thing. for 30 years service. service (now 45) she has given to The 12 Queen's Jubilee Award disabled sport since first becoming COLOURED & winners come from 12 different involved at Stoke Mandeville in 1957. JOHN VINCENT aspects of sport in London, and STRIPED BALLS between them had amassed over 600 JOHN VINCENT Evening Herald and Plymouth IN the current edition of Table years of voluntary service. Plymouth coach John Vincent, who Advisory Sports Council. Tennis Illustrated there is an artical The citation for Iris Moss was: 'For earlier this year won the ETTA's, by Michael J. Scott, on proposals for voluntary services to Table Tennis for 'Contribution to Coaching Award', PRIZES NEEDED coloured balls to be patterned and 56 years in Greater London'. Among has been awarded 'Life Long Service The ETTA are looking striped, to be introduced into our other responsibilities, she has been: to Sport', for over 25 years coaching for prizes for the raffle at the game. Not another change in the Club Secretary & Civil Service TT and assisting children, at the National Championships in Sheffield rules I hear you groan! League Committee member Plymouth Sport Personality of the at the end of the month. If anyone Because of the introduction of the Middlesex TT Association - Executive Year Awards 2002, supported by the would like to donate prizes, these 11up scoring system, visibility of the would be most appreciated. Anyone ball is now much more important interested could contact Robert than it was under the old scoring Sinclair at the ETTA office. system of 21up. Multi-coloured balls with a pattern SHOWDOWN it is argued, will allow spectators as PLAYING sport poses obvious well as players the opportunity to THE NEW ADDRESS & difficulties for the blind and partially readily detect the relative degree of TELEPHONE NUMBER OF sighted people, but this has not spin and make the game more JOHN WOOD prevented the growth of understandable. international competitions where Your comments would be most EDITOR OFTABLE TENNIS NEWS participants display astonishing skills. welcome - plus your deSigns. 37 DUPORTH ROAD, Teenagers at the Kenyan Games for the Blind and Partially Sighted play NATIONALS CHARLESTOWN, ST.AUSTELL, 'Showdown', a fast-paced cross WILL Matthew Syed regain his CORNWALL PL25 3NU between table tennis and pool, with national mens singles title at Telephone: 01726 77527 the ball (containing a bell) Sheffield on Sunday 2nd March, ricocheting off the sides and the which he lost last year? Be there. mobile & email remain the same table top until a player scores a goal in the holes at either end. 3 FRO" ,.HE CHAIR by Alan Ransome

Alan Ransome OBE, Chairman of the ETTA

the introduction of table tennis into schools and the links between the schools and our club and league network. There is no doubt that the ETTA's Development programmes, THE ENGlAND Junior and Cadet PAUL DRINKHALL (left) who including Premier Club, are squads enjoyed their most partnered DARIUS KNIGHT absolutely in line with the policy of successful international open (below) to win the Boys Cadet the government in tackling the tournament to date at the Team Gold at the Portuguese fitness and health of children at Portuguese Youth Open in December school and with the Government's Championships in Tavira in inclusion and community policies. December. We also discussed the World Class Darius Knight and Paul Drinkhall programme and the recent successes won the Cadet Boys (under 15) team of our leading youngsters, both in event defeating France.3-0, Europe and China, as well as the Portugal B 3-1, Norway 3-1, English Institute of Sport facility in Germany 3-1 and, in the final, Sheffield which has table tennis as Portugal A3-2. The Cadet girls team one of its main designated sports. of Abigail Embling and Joanna Parker Richard Caborn is the MP for won the silver medal, whilst the Sheffield and the EIS building falls Junior girls team of Georgina Walker within his constituency. We and Kate Steward won the bronze in expressed our full support for the their event. These are the best set of BOA's plans to bring the Olympic results that we have received in a Games to London in 2012. major youth championship for several years. RICHARD The boys who won the Cadet team, Paul Drinkhall and Darius Knight, are SCRUTON currently in China for over a month with the ETTA's Chinese born coach, SELECTED FOR Lui Jai Yi. The boys will be training in Xia Men before finishing their stay ATHENS with a competition in Bejing.. Richard Scruton, who was selected with schools and by the ETTA to be the Referee at the MORE provides appropriated Commonwealth Games in support and pathways for Manchester and for several English FUNDING identifying and developing Open events, has been awarded the talented individuals as well as most prestigious refereeing FOR CENTRES meeting the needs of the local RICHARD appointment in the sport, to be Table tennis has been included as communities. The programme is also CABORN,MP Referee at the Olympic Games in one of 16 sports to benefit from an intended to increase club the Minister Athens in 2004. Congratulations allocation of funds from Her membership amongst young people for Sport Richard! Majesty's Treasury specifically to and support the development of In addition to his roles in England, promote the capital funding of sports quality assured junior sections. The Richard has significant international clubs in England. This funding from attracting of club members from MEETINGWITH experience, in particular with the the Capital Modernisation fund, and women, ethnic groups and people European Youth championships the DCMS is to be awarded in three with disabilities is also encouraged. THE MINISTER where he has been effectively the equal amounts over the next three All of this falls totally in line with the THE CHIEF Executive, Richard Yule, resident Referee in recent years. years. Although the majority of the ETTA's Premier Club programme. I the Commercial Manager, Brian fund has been allocated to four am, therefore, optimistic that a Spicer, and myself attended the NATIONAL sports, football, tennis, rugby union number of table tennis clubs Department of Media, Culture and and cricket, table tennis has been throughout the country will be able Sport on Tuesday 14 January for a CHAMPIONSHIPS invited to submit local schemes to to obtain significant funding for meeting with Richard Caborn, M.P. The English National Championships bid for the funding. building new and expanding their the Minister of Sport. will take place in Sheffield on 28 The aims of the programme are to club premises. Amongst matters discussed were February, 1 and 2 March with a new create a sustainable and Further information can be the ETTA's Development format with the intention of financially viable sports club obtained from Paul Baker via the programmes where we are working improving the look of the infrastructure in England that links ETTA office in Hastings. very closely with Sport England with Championships and providing better 3 FROM ,.HE CHAIR - 2

viewing for spectators. The event table tennis by John Reed at the has been extended to three days. On Millom School and represented Saturday, 1st March play will be on Millom in ESTTA and ETTA only 12 tables at the Ponds Forge competitions for several years, played Centre and this will allow extensive a key role in the arrangements for seating to be used in the main hall. the evening. With 18 tables in the past spectator accommodation was severely limited. EUROPEAN On Sunday play will take place for the majority of the day on just two CHAMPIONSHIPS tables with show court seating for spectators. IN ITALY The Championships are being The European Chan1pionships to be supported by Sheffield City Council. held in Courmayeur, Italy, from 25 Further information can be obtained March until 6 April, are being from the Tournament Director, covered by EuroSport. The Richard Yule at the ETTA office in championships are divided into two Hastings. sections with the finals of the Women's Team event scheduled for JOHN REED JOHN RE.E.D (left) pictured above when he received the Northern 31 March and the Men's for 1April. Region Sports Award from Steve Ovett The individual events - quarter finals APPRECIATED retiring Chairman for 25 years and force behind the establishment of and semi-finals will be covered on 5 Jose and Iwere pleased to attend a Barrow Table Tennis Centre. the popular Barrow centre which was April and the finals on 6 April. surprise evening to mark the The highlight of the evening was a established almost ten years ago with Ticket prices vary from 10 Euros per retirement ofJohn Reed who has fun exhibition by Brian Keene, John assistance from the Foundation for day during the team event to 60 made an outstanding contribution to Hilton, Phil Bowen and Terry Young, Sports and the Arts, Sport England, Euros for the last three days. Further table tennis in Curnbria, Barrow and including fancy dress outfits and Barrow Council and the ETTA. information and ticket application Millom as a volunteer in many frying pan bats that produced lots of The evening was attended by many forms can be obtained from Robert different capacities over the last 40 laughter and fun for the 200 plus special guests including John and Sinclair at the ETTA office in years. The evening was billed as the people who attended. Margaret Arnold, President of the Hastings. opening of the final section of the John Reed is very well known ESTTA, Clarice Rose the National Barrow Table Tennis Centre with the throughout schools table tennis for Councillor for Cumbria, and Colin MIKE WATTS completion of the building of his Millom School table tennis club Davison, Chairman and National additional changing and social which was a major feature in English Councillor for Cleveland and AWARD facilities. Schools events for two decades. In Northern Region Chairman. Diccon Hilda Watts, the wife of the late Mike Presentations were made to John by his capacity as Chairman of the Gray the ETTA Director of Watts, and her family in memory of Barrow Table Tennis League as Barrow League, John was the driving Development who was introduced to Mike's involvement in table tennis have presented two trophies to the Association. Mike Watts made a lifelong contribution to table tennis at the highest level, as both a volunteer at national and local level and as a valued men1ber of the ETTA staff. Mike was also a pioneer in the establishment of the VETTS Society. The Mike Watts Achievement Awards will be presented to the boy I~aly and girl who have made the greatest European Championships In improvement in the rating list points TV coverage on Eurosport is planned for: between 1st August and 31st July in each season. The award recipients 31 March 3.30 - 6.00 pm must be eligible to play for England I April 3.00 - 5.30 pm at junior level and unless special circumstances applied, no youngster 5 April 7.30 - 9.30 pm in the top five at the end of the 6 April I I.00 am ­I2.00 noon season would be considered. The winners for the season 7 April 3.00 - 5.00 pm 2001/2002 are: Girl-: ClARE WILSON TV coverage on Eurosport ;s also planned for: of Durham, who achieved a rise of 1375 points and rose fron1 60 to 26 on the list. Boy: -ALEX GREEN of World Championships In Paris Lincolnshire with an improven1ent of The provisional times of the coverage are as follows: 1275 points and from 44 to 15th on the list. 21 May 4.30 - 6.00 pm Alan Ransome, a.B.E 22 May 1.30 - 2.1 5 pm and 4.30 - 5.1 5 pm and 5.1 5 - 6.00 pm ETTA Chairman 23 May 4.30 - 6.00 pm 24 May 5.30 - 7.00 pm 25 May 4.30 - 5.30 pm LE77ERS 7. 7HE EDI7.R

toes. At election times candidates will 65% FOR 21up advance their claims, both real and HAVING retained 21up for the 2001/2 imagined, and point to each other's season, every Newbury & District shortcomings. That is how democracy registered member was given the works. opportunity to vote for the retention of After that, the sport should unite in 21 up or switch to 11up for the 2002/3 order to overcome our undoubted season. problems, the main one perhaps the drift Over 80% responded and resulted in of members out of the Association, so 65% voting for 21 up, 21% in favour of weakening the local leagues, which I 11up and 14% advising that they had no continue to see as the base and bedrock preference. of the ETTA. This season the Newbury League have It is one of the failures of the present an increase of three additional teams, administration that the sport is so though two of these are via our junior divided. The ability to take criticism was coaching set up, which is now showing lost long ago. Too many good people real benefits. have been kicked out of office where For the record, unless 11up is made they did a good job. mandatory, Newbury will again give all The battle faced by n1inor sports (which registered players the opportunity to is what we are now) is relentless and vote for their preference prior to the success will not be achieved by a sport 2003/4 season. that is split right down the middle. That Bruce McKenzie is why many advocate change and a new General Secretary, chairman who can unite the sport. Newbury & District ITA John Prean E1TA Chairman, 1986-91 NOT TRUE Brian Halliday (Vice chairman, PETER BRADLEY, whom I do not know, Public Relations) comments on John refers to "the decimation of the coaching Prean's letter: and development at ground level, in my "John Prean was good enough to send time as chairman, whilst sitting very me a copy of the above letter prior to firrrlly on the fence in the current contest publication. The reason he did so was for the ETTA Chairmanship. At least I because of his personal misconceptions have made my views known, having regarding perceived censorship. Wrong decided that a place on the fence is not again John, but we won't travel over this for me. particular minefield yet again. It is not clear how events of 1987 have I seem to be in a unique position at this any relevance in this matter. However all time in that I serve on committees under decisions in respect of the coaching both Alex and Alan. My persona] views scheme were taken by management will not influence my role as guardian of which was unanimous in the fair play. The magazine must be fair to recommendations to the sport's National both camps, and I feel it is part of my job Council in which of 40 or more people to ensure that any mis-information present only four voted against our contained in correspondence should be proposals. Alan Ransome was a member challenged in order that the electorate of both bodies and he fully supported can make up their minds as to facts. the decisions at that time. Chairmen are usually made the In business such decisions might be scapegoats for policy decisions and Peter made by one man, but in a democratic Bradley's point about the decimation of body like the ETTA the chairman has no the coaching scheme under John Prean such powers. To attribute to me the sole bears examination. There is a school of "blame" for things some did not like is thought that considers it led the way to simplistic as well as foolish. However, it indifferent international results which suited the purpose of a few people to have taken many years to rectify. make me the scapegoat.The purpose of There seems to be a constant harping raising such matters some 15 years later on, by a disenchanted minority, about a escapes me. divided sport which is nonsense. Of No mention is made of the any course all sports have ongoing problems, constructive things that were done in and in our own area it is National Council order to improve the coaching scheme of that are facing up to them. National the time, the people that were brought in Council are the parliament of our sport. part-time or as volunteers. it is sad, of They set the agenda. They give the sport course, that Peter advances theories the impetus to go forward. To imply that which are not only wrong but unfair to they have condoned division is the excellent people on my team. We left ridiculous. If, as Mr Prean suggests, there the coaching department in better shape, is division, then he may be well advised not the reverse. At top level we achieved to examine his own conscience." very strong results in respect of our National Teams. TOTAL IMAGE I do support Peter's wish for a united I AM constantly reading in TT News, and sport, but it takes two to tango, let alone elsewhere, the Prean v Ransome in step to avoid treading on each other's continued on page 8 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR talents - "The Titanic's going down, let's continuedfrom page 7 talk about re-arranging the deckchairs." Cynical? Yes! (The definition of a cynic confrontation and frankly I am getting is a person who smells flowers and looks rather bored with it. for a coffin). Table Tennis suffers with something David Lomas much broader than who is Chairman of Croydon, Surrey the ETTA, it suffers with an inferiority complex. The sport is looked upon by MISLEADING the overall public as a recreational activity THE CHALLENGERS to the top positions of the ETTA at and what we badly need is someone who STATEMENTS this year's elections namely, Alex Murdoch (Chairman), can pron10te the TOTAL image. I believe DESPITE various statements that the Mike Johns (Deputy Chairman) and Martin Clark that person to be Matthew Syed. ETTA's policy was to be unbiased in the (Treasurer) look forward to the forthcoming campaign Matthew has wonderful administration run up to the election you failed to and hope that it will be fought on the issues with all skills and practical ability. Apart from include my press release in the last issue parties bringing to the attention of the membership the being our most productive player for and also the ETTA information office only years, he is able to present the sport at emailed Alan's information to the press. real status of the ETTA in a frank and open way. the highest level. Matthew was able to I brought these matters to the attention We also have the full backing of our individual Associations organise the highly successful Wembley of Richard Yule, which he agreed was and many others beside. event, at which I was present, and I, like wrong, and my press release was sent out We are proud to be members of the ever growing and everybody there, thoroughly enjoyed it. separately which was ok but the impact financially sound Veterans English Table Tennis Society along Table Tennis can be a major player in the and exposure was lost and I consider that with Alan, Barry and Tony's wife and some 800 plus more spectator arena, if it is promoted well and certain members of the present sufficient funds can be raised. management have used their positions members. The part VETTS takes in Table Tennis throughout We all know that we must try and keep unfairly to push my opponents claim for England under the Chairmanship of Alex and Martin's control our younger, talented players who many, re-election. of the finances is unquestioned. when they reach the age when money This, added to the continued What is the future of our funding from Sport England, which counts, go and try other avenues. Surely, misleading information about the status Alan impresses upon us as being a major factor in his so called as the World's fourth largest economy, of the ETTA, only confirms my belief and success criteria and what were our medals achievements in the we can find the necessary finance to keep many others that it is "Atime for a them in the sport. Several of the poorer change" in the Management, comparable Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships European countries produce players, organization, strategies, emphasis and during his time in office? male and female, who stay in Table attitude of our national body. No one denies that more people are participating in our Tennis and become International Class. I TTN is meant to be the member's Open Tournaments and Grand Prix's. Thanks must be given to know that money in these other magaZine but continues to be the Mike Johns, for the Grand Prix circuit was his brainchild when countries is not such an important issue political and propaganda arm of the he was ETTA National Events Manager. as the UK, but I, like many other people, present Management with misleading want to see England at the top as we staten1ents and articles, let me comment If more people are playing our sport than at any time in the were in the hard bat era. on just two instances. recent past and £9m has been invested, why does the ETTA's Brian Theaker The statement from Alan about his own published figures show a decline in affiliated membership Christchurch, Dorset financial priorities and strategies differs from 41000 in 1996 to 30000 in 2002? Alan I am sure will quote from those in his last election manifesto the statistics from the Premier Club reports but we are FACTS ARE SACRED when he stated, " My policy would be to comparing regular grass roots players who are affiliated to the "COMMENT is free, but facts are sacred" run a balanced budget and maintain the wrote the editor of the then Manchester value of the reserves". ETTA through their Leagues and Counties, which shows a true Guardian, C.P.Scott - who, incidentally His policy has failed, we have lost over and factual comparison. edited the paper for 57 years! £200.000 and our useable reserves have We are proud of the successes of our new home grown talent May I be permitted, therefore, to draw declined from £420,000 to £180,000. and hope that in the near future these players and others will readers' attentions to some errors in the Last years audit~d accounts show a loss get England back into the European and World Elite from our "Courtside" feature, written by John of £51.900 and the year before a loss of present lowest ever level since the late 1920's, which so far has Woodford. £4312 and this year the Treasurer has In the November, 2002 issue of TTN he budgeted for a loss of £3573. taken 5years and Millions of Pounds of funding. wrote "The World team championships The issues at stake are the ETTA's Ifwe had been in office for nearly 12 years and stated that" due to be held 2004 in Doha, Qatar, have substantial losses and massive decline in We have both a proven track record of progress and been moved backwards from the end of reserves, which have occurred during his achievement", but had continued financial losses, massive April to March 1st." Shouldn't this be long term in office and his response, costly increases in bureaucracy, lowest level of international brought forwards? does nothing to alleviate or address these performance, declining membership, limited media exposure Then in the December edition in his concerns. interview with John Prean, Mr Woodford 2002 ANOTHER YEAR OF PROGRESS and insignificant sponsorship, it would have to be said with" refers to Shane Warne as "the world's top It is good news that we have up and tongue in cheek" or from some spin doctors not from our off-spinner". I had fondly imagined that coming players, lets hope that this will heart. Shane Warne was, and is, a leg-spinner! materialise into success at the next Junior The ETTA does many good things but our·motivation and Ask Mike Gatting! World and European Championships, it is criticism stems from a firm belief that there is a better way And a real howler in his December sorely needed. I am concerned about the forward for the sport we love. This has to come from a New "Courtside" column he refers to "claims apparent lack of focus on our senior of libel and deformation"! Shouldn't players who are needed to complement Team for the ETTA with new radical policies, fundan1ental this be defamation? and support our juniors in the years changes in strategy and direction whose intent is to work on Shall we put these errors down to the ahead. behalf of the membership in an open and up front way. word-processor? No mention is made of our progress in It is your National Body, you elect the Officers and "If you don't like the message, shoot 2002 to stop the decline in our Management Team and the ETTA will be, when we are elected, the messenger" should apply to son1e of membership, which has decreased from run on behalf and for all it's n1embers. the scribes in TTN. 50,000 to 30.000 players over the last I do not wish to become embroiled in decade. Our n1anifesto will be circulated in January and should you the forthcoming elections, but I get the I have, as mentioned earlier, been require a copy please contact. impression from reading some articles in limited to space and this letter should the magaZine that the sport has never not be regarded as an election address Alex Murdoch by been in a healthier state. Is this really the but a small response to the last issue. I Phone. 01462-671191 case? Development Officers are in expect TTN will include further coverage Fax. 01462-480310 or abundance, lottery and other grants from my opponent so I will be behind on vastly outweigh affiliations and so on, but exposure once again. Email [email protected] is membership increasing, I ask? Copies of our manifesto will have been I prefer a quote favoured by a previous circulated before this issue, so you will at chairman, well known for his literary continued on page 14 COYER .WORY - NEWWOWNABBEY GRAN. PRIX OPEN

RYAN JENKINS, the Welsh The losing womens singles semi­ winner of ten British Grand Prix finalists were Tara Fusco (Dublin) tournaments is on course to losing to Na Liu and popular Jing Yi establish new records ifhe can Gao falling in five to Barbara Kiss. win two of the remaining five Two comments on the Belfast events ending at Cheltenham, Chinese ladies - some said Na Liu writes John Woodford. would have done well playing in the After winning in Belfast on January mens events and what a superb Irish 4 with a final round victory 8, 6, 7 accent attained by Jing who looks over Gavin Rumgay he said "I have to after Chinese players and other fit in twenty weekend matches for Chinese outside the sport in Ulster. my German club. I am hoping to win The tournament ran smoothly with a couple more on this circuit before Mick Strode and Harvey Webb over the end of the season." from the mainland. The Ulstermen England's high-ranked players who who did so much to help the grand cannot afford to play in the British prix run smoothly were Gilbert Grand Prix tournaments may be Graham (the chairman) Alan Strong aware that on occasions Ryan has (director of coaching), Malcolm Guy spent nights in airport lounges in (secretary), Alex Parke, (treasurer, order to play on the circuit, where transport) and tournament organiser his regular appearances have earned Vincent O'Regan. him a substantial cash reward. The Ulster stalwart who appeared The Jenkins-Rumgay final saw the to do more umpiring than the others Welsh player confirm his class - his ability to absorb all-out attackers by standing a pace or two back according to the speed of the shot and then counter-hitting with quality top-spin. However, Gavin Rumgay is making steady progress -he was victorious in the final of the Under­ 21's, winning, 7, 8,6 over the Dublin based Chinese Na Ning who played well but did not possess the class shown by Jenkins. Chinese and French players were prominent in Belfast. Jason Sugrue, he lost 9, 8, -9, 9 to Clive Carthy the Irish No.1 disappointed himself (Essex), that was the shock of the and his supporters when he went whole tournament. down 15, 5, 10 to Frenchman Thierry Na Liu, the Chinese teenager living Tran in the quarters. Jason said "I in Belfast won the Under-21 womens seem to get winning leads and then event and retained the womens losing in the late stages of my singles crown with a reasonably matches." comfortable 5, 10, 9 victory over Another surprise was the defeat of Barbara Kiss, who was looking for the Scottish No.2 Stewart Crawford ­ her second grand prix victory. Butterfly. •• E,.,.. BU,.,.ERFLY EYE.,.

CLIVE CART winner ofth Mens VA'''A.''',..r Singles

was Billie McCormick - he umpired Men's band 3 singles: Kenny Lindsay around 40 matches. (Scotland) bt Ashley Nicholls This tournament is juggling with (Shropshire) 7-11, 11-9, 13-11, 9-11, dates for 2004. The early January 11-6. date is a non-starter. It needs a better Men's band 4 singles: Phillip Wallace entry from England in numbers and (Ireland) bt Peter Graham (Ireland) it really needs to run on Saturday 7-11,11-3,7-11,11-8, 11-6. and Sunday, not Friday which seems Men's band 5 singles: Ray Jordan to rule out a number of players who (Kent) bt Philip Doherty (Ireland) work on that day. 11-9,11-13,8-11,11-8,11-7. Finals results: Men's band 6 singles: Rory Scott Open men's singles (from semi­ (Ireland) bt Josh Cooper (Ireland) finals): Ryan Jenkins (Wales) bt 11-7,9-11,11-9,11-7. Thierry Tran (France) 4-11, 11-7, Women's band 1 singl~s: Jing Yi Gao 11-8,12-10. Gavin Rumgay (Ireland) bt Laura Run1gay (Scotland) (Scotland) bt Christophe Chausse 11-4, 11-6, 11-6. (France) 7-11,11-4,6-11,11-2,11-5. Women's band 2 singles: Winner ­ Final: Ryan Jenkins (Wales) bt Gavin Laura Rumgay (Scotland), runner-up Rumgay (Scotland) 11-8, 11-6 11-7. - Sabrina Conway (Ireland). Open women's singles (from semi­ Women's band 3 singles: Sabrina finals): Na Liu (Ireland) bt Tara Fusco Conway (Ireland) bt Rebecca Russell (Ireland) 11-4, 11-7, 11-4. Barbara (Scotland) 11-9, 11-7, 13-11. Kiss (Hertfordshire) bt Jing Yi Gao Under 21 men's singles: Gavin (Ireland) 12-10, 11-8 7-11, 5-11, 11-5. Rumgay (Scotland) bt Na Ning Final: Na Liu (Ireland) bt Barbara Kiss (Ireland) 11-7, 11-8, 11-6. (Herfordshire) 11-5,12-10,11-9. Under 21 women's singles: Na Liu Men's band 1 singles: Na Ning (Ireland) bt Gillian Edwards (Ireland) bt Christophe Chausse (Scotland) 11-6, 11-3, 11-4. (France) 11-7, 11-8, 11-4. Veteran men's singles: Clive Carthy Men's band 2 singles: James (Essex) bt Keiran Burke (Ireland) 11­ Sprackling (Middlesex) bt Norman 7,9-11,8-11,11-3,11-8. Nabney (Ireland) 3-11, 12-10, 7-11, 11-7,11-4. ELEC,.IOII SPECIAL

England. I also know all of the key people in UK Sport, the CCPR, the British Olympic Association and the Commonwealth Games Federation. I am equally well known in international table tennis circles. I am good friends with ITTF President Adham Sharara, and his wife Mariann Brian Halliday Oomonkos who at one time practised at the Ormesby Club. I interviews both have close contacts with the President of the Swaythling Club, Oi candidates for the forth Scholer (formerly Rowe), who coached me at Butlins, and her coming election for the husband, Ebby who I played against for Ormesby in the European Club position of ETTA Cup. I have a good working Chairman relationship with all the key people and when we have a problem or need some support, this is a big Chairman of the ETTA in 1991. It was help. a big disappointment and a tough BR: What are your views on the decision but I recognised that if I Academy, and the current coaching were to do a good job as ETTA structure? Chairman, I would need to dedicate AR: I am of the strong opinion that if all of my table tennis time to the we are to compete successfully at task. I have been Chairman of the international level we need to have Commonwealth Table Tennis an Academy, a central training venue Federation since 1993. The job with highly qualified coaches where became vacant and I was asked to our players can practice every day. ALAN stand. I took it on for two reasons, China has gone down this route for RANSOME that I wanted to have table tennis many years and now n1any of our included in the Commonwealth competitors in Europe have BRIAN HALLIDAY. How long have England. Games and wanted to ensure that academies, helping their very you been involved in Table Tennis, I have always received a lot of the Commonwealth championships talented players from a young age. It and how did it start for you? support, first from my parents and ran every two years. These have been is almost impossible to become a AlAN RANSOME: It all started when I then since 1977 from Jose. I have achieved. Jose helps me agreat deal world class player today unless you was 10 playing at home. We took a been fortunate throughout to attract in this role. I am one of the have the support of top coaches and holiday at Butlins and I received a strong team to help at club, league European representatives on the practice locally where you can play coaching from Johnny Leach's and county level as well as within the ITTF Board of Directors. se~eral hours a day against players of coaches in the News of the World ETTA. Without this support all the BH: Do you have any business the right standard. There are only a scheme. I was selected as "Boy of the achievements would have been experience that would be ofbenefit small number Qf places in England, Week" and this led into local table impossible. to the ETTA? other than at Nottingham, that can tennis and forming my own club in a BH: When did you start to become AR: I have been in business ever provide anything approaching this. It chicken hut in the garden. This involved in administration? since I started work and, therefore, I is the same throughout the whole of became the Ormesby Club. AR: Very early on. I was Secretary of am very used to managing people, Europe today, that's why France, BH: Can yon tell me about your the Ormesby club at 13, and formed finance, sales and marketing Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, table tennis career? Any successes a summer league when I was 14. I programmes, etc. Much of my Spain and several other countries along the way? was on the Middlesbrough League business is in sport including table have chosen the academy route. AR: I was very keen on cricket, committee at 17 and a member of tennis and whilst the latter has the To support the Academy we need football, and tennis, but along came National Council at 19. I think the obvious restrictions, it does give me to have a much better and more table tennis and I dropped the other interest in administration came from a great insight into the wider sports comprehensive network of coaching three. I eventually became a junior my father who was the Secretary of business world. Many of the skills squads such as Peniel, Cippenham international, followed by senior the Middlesbrough Wednesday that I have learned and developed in and Ormesby, throughout the international honours . Following a Football League and Middlesbrough business are very useful to the country. We need more coaches of a dispute between the team Mid Week Cricket League. He used Association as the problems that we high standard and creating this will management with Denis Neale and to run his own clubs in both sports face are often to do with running a be a priority if I am elected for a Chester Barnes I played in the and was a Referee (soccer) and an business as well as running the sport. further term. So far as the grass roots Commonwealth Championships in Umpire at cricket. I am fortunate to have a strong team are concerned, we have an excellent Singapore and again in Cardiff, BH: What positions have you held in around me in Middlesbrough, several development programme in place followed by the World the past, and what positions do you of whom have a table tennis and we need more coaches at local Championships in Japan. I became hold now? background, and this gives me the level to support and enhance it. heavily involved in promoting the AR: Locally I was founder/secretary of opportunity to spend so much time BH: The membership has expressed Ormesby Club and we became Ormesby - now Chairman. I was away from the office on ETTA the view that ''grass roots" table English Champions 10 times in a Chairman of the Middlesbrough matters. tennis is ofparamount importance. row. My favourite moment came League for almost 20 years and am BH: What contacts do you have that How do yon intend to address their when Ormesby won the European now President. I was founder would be helpful to future progress concerns? Cup in 1972 with Nicky Jarvis, Denis secretary of the Cleveland ofthe Association? AR: First of all I agree that grass roots Neale, Trevor Taylor and myself as Association in 1974 until 1991 and AR: I know most people who matter are of paramount importance and captain. I took much pride in since then President. I was Regional in sports administration in this that is why we have invested so coaching players such as Nicky and Chairman in the North from 1973 country from the Minister down and heavily in local development. There Carol Moore and several others who until 1991 . I relinquished all of these I have numerous contacts at both is much more local development went from being local kids to play for positions when I was elected as national and regional level in Sport now that there was a decade ago. But ELEC71•• SPECIAL it is a slow process. Many local leagues and clubs who adopted our approach to development and our programmes are reaping the benefits. We have spread our development culture into many areas, but there is much more to do. Our links with the Youth Sports Trust have ensured that table tennis in schools is increasing at "I have agreed to this a pace and we invite all leagues and interview and answer the clubs to play their part in linking with the schools in their areas to attract list of questions you gave new members. Many benefits can me despite the fact that 1 accrue from this. In some areas it is know you are a staunch possible to use the school facilities in the evenings and at weekends on a supporter of my opponent very reasonable basis. Our Premier at the election. Club programme encourages this and we would like more leagues and clubs 1agreed because we are to join. The best answer of all, both table tennis however, is to have more specialist enthusiasts, members of facilities. We have increased the number from approximately 10 to 50 VETTS, fellow committee over the last decade and I can see members and despite the clearly that the opportunity is there for this to really gather pace over the fact we disagree on policies next couple of years. for the future of our sport BH: What plans do you have to we both want to do our best increase particzpation in table tennis? for the membership." AR: Participation is already increasing but much more needs to be done. I would like to see more leagues and BRiAN HALLIDAY. How long have AM: Like many people in our sport structure? clubs who are ready to embrace you been involved in Table Tennis, later in life, although I played in a AM: Provided we have the manpower development. The two growth areas and how did you start. local league, family and work and financial resources to cover the are schools and over 35's, parents ALEX MURDOCH: I have been commitments gave very little time to needs of our potential stars and the coming back to the sport right involved one way or the other with help in administration. I was elected membership as a whole an academy through to retired people. We have the sport for over 40 years and first as a committee member at my local must help our sport. Over the years plans to create more publicity both started playing at a youth club. When league AGM in 1987 and have been vast amounts of funding has been through television coverage and I started an apprenticeship in 1960 I involved in administration in a sp~nt in this area and our national newspapers. joined the company Sports and committed way ever since. international status has still declined. BH: How would you answer the Social Club playing League Table BH: What positions have you held in Our strategies 'lnd policies relating to statement "it is time for change"? Tennis, Football and Cricket for my the past? this area must be reviewed to make AR. Brian, I agree completely it is company soon after. AM: Local league committee any future academy or performance always time for change. I also believe BH: Can you tell us about your table member, County regional rep, criteria work for and on behalf of our it is very important to have the best tennis career, any successes along County match secretary, League membership, with a much wider net and most effective team to manage the way? development officer, VETTS Deputy to find potential young talent and the Association. There have been a lot AM: My table tennis career has always Chairman, Coaching committee and support them. of changes which have been well been at grass roots level playing in Liaison officer for new sports centre. I am personally not a believer in outside the control of the Etta. You local leagues and representative BH: What positions do you hold taking very young people away from know Youth Clubs, YMCA's, Works matches, although at the age of 47 now? their home in the pursuit of table Clubs, Church Clubs have all but I represented my county for the first AM: Local league committee member tennis particularly when their future disappeared. We are helping our time, which for me was a major and match secretary, VETTS is determined by inconsistent members to be able to cope with achievement. When I was young I Chairman, County Treasurer and funding. these changes, create new facilities as always wanted to play in goal as a Secretary, County National I do not consider we use our well as expanding and improving professional footballer but as you can Councillor and Team Captain. homegrown coaches to the full existing ones to take the place of the see a small man with glasses is BH: Do you have any business extent of their capabilities or help to ones that have closed. Generally the limited in this field. Table Tennis is experience that would be ofbenefit give a future role for our experienced new facilities are of a higher quality not like any other sport; size, shape, to the ETTA? senior players in support of our and this in itself helps to recruit more gender, age and disability do not AM: I worked for many years both younger talent. people. Although there has been a preclude you from the enjoyment or home and abroad for large USA We must expand our base further in great deal of change over the last 11 participation. based Semiconductor Companies the recruitment of potential talent via years, no one recognises more than I My major Table Tennis success was covering Marketing, Design, Sales, a better regional system. Young do that there is a need for further meeting my wife Val at a table tennis Management and Adnlinistration. people develop at different ages and change, for the better. We know what match and together with our family Involved in large contract we must not let them slip through needs to be done and have the best we have played the sport whenever negotiations with many multinational the net because of age. team in place to embrace and deliver we can. Everyone who plays a sport companies. Run with my wife Val an Many people have told me that they it. It is for the members to say looks at success based upon their independent sales business via the believe the costs incurred while whether they wish to give us the ability and any judgement of success Internet so I have a good working going through the programme of mandate to make those changes, but is what as individuals we believe is an knowledge of finance, nlanagement becoming a coach is expensive and it if they do, we will make sure they achievement. and administration. needs reviewing. happen. BH: When did you start to become BH: What are you views on the I believe too much red tape and involved in administration? Academy, and the current coaching continued on page 14 I ELEC,.IOM $PECIAL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR continuedfrom page 8 continuedfrom page 13 better, more interesting, up to date least have an opportunity to read about problems. Alex conveniently fails to and user friendly. our ideas for the future of our sport and mention about the massive money motivation applies to our if you require a copy please contact me. reduction in works team, youth clubs, coaching strategy, when the key During my visit to leagues and counties I have raised the articles in Our website www.harwoodltd.co.uk will etc which have had such a dramatic issue is to get more people playing be up and running and updated. affect on sport. Iplayedfor many years and to improve the level of our play. the Times, which Matthew did about During all my discussions around the in the London Business Houses League BH: The membership has expressed the club in London run by Gideon. I country it has been heartening and (all Financial Institutions, the view that ''grass roots" table would say that over 90% of the reassuring at the continued interest and Government Departments, and tennis is ofparamount importance. members were not even aware of it enthusiasm that members have for Table Businesses). We had 21 mens divisions How do you intend to address their and were interested in hearing more Tennis, but it is important to note that and 5 ladies divisions. after 12 years you have the chance, at The league no longer exists. Examples concerns? about the successes. It is our responsibility to tell last, to change the focus and strategies of such as this have caused the reduction AM: I regard the Local League, the ETTA for the better. Who knows which we are now to addressing with the County and Club structure as the members about our real achievements and support them with when the opportunity will come again? I ETTA's comprehensive development backbone of Table Tennis this is urge the membership to make their programme. where the grass roots of the sport new ideas, better communications decision in favour of Martin Clark, Mike It seems easy for those that seek election start and without them the sport will and improved media exposure will Johns and me. The future or our great to take every opportunity of dwindle even further. generate interest in participation of sport is in your hands. rubbishing the management record. It is I believe we send the administrators our sport.. I am sending with this letter a copy of not so easy to tackle all the problems too much paperwork, we need to BH: How would you answer the our response to Alan's Circular, which I andfind solutions that are to the benefit hope will be included. ofthe sport. keep them informed but in a more statement "it is time for a change"? AM: I do not believe in any Alex Murdoch positive and constructive way. The Letchworth, Herts CONGRATUIATIONS grass roots must feel they are part of democratic organisation or society that the incumbent management or Brian Halliday is Vice Chairman I WOULD like to congratulate yourselves the national body and working Public Relations. His Department and Steve Kerns in particular for the together in the goal of expanding ruling party can be focused on the includes responsibility for improvement to the ETTA website's and improving our sport. problems facing them or the Table Tennis News and the Web British League coverage. Many grass roots members feel that strategies to overcon1e them for 12 Site. The following is a personal You may remember a couple of years the ETTA is a different world and years. statement: There are a number of ago I complained about this in a letter to they have been neglected. It is It is a natural instinct to become points in Alex,s letter that require the magaZine. stale and complacent, new blood and clarification. Since the beginning of last season Steve therefore important to improve It is just not true to imply that the has posted a series of excellent reports communications with them. During ideas are needed to revitalise interest and for all to look at what we are magazine has political and propaganda covering all the divisions. my many visits across England I have andb~swwar~aparticu~r doing and take stock. Any challenge It is comprehensive, shows humour and been amazed at the enthusiasm and candidate, in fact I have emphasised understanding and I feel is an essential interest members have in all areas of always brings out new ideas. that a moderate and fair approach was element to the ETTA's publicity. table tennis. It is critical that we use New people with different ideas are to be the policy at this time. Sorry Alex In addition to press coverage, websites this enthusiasm for helping each essential when any organisation is in you have the facts wrong. In the three are the main way the mass of players will other. Ifa league, for example, decline, the ETTA is not just a issues before the current one, 36.5 become informed about what has national body of a great sport but a column inches were given over to Mr happened, and all efforts should be comes up with a successful idea why Murdoch and his supporters, Mr continued in this direction. don't we pass this message around business and should be treated as such. Ifa football team or say BT are Ransome had 9 column inches. (This has It would also be good to update the via the net or your own magazine so been checked independently). I expect tables and lists of results QUICKER in the others can be aware of the potential not performing you must change the leadership, review what you are that the Chairman,s Notes will be quoted future. in their own leagues. as 'propaganda', however similar Thanks to Keith Ponting, Steve and Without an increased focus on grass doing from top to bottom and magazines have a Chairman's those who listened to my criticism and roots we will never improve our top change things which you consider Column where it is accepted that set this up. ' level or international position, it is are better for the future. No one can comment on the present andfuture is Best wishes and Happy New Year imperative that we expand our roots guarantee that all these changes will given. It is nothing to do with Graham Carter or the tree will never grow. be the right ones but history is on electioneering and everything to do with Secretary, Horsham Table Tennis Club keeping the membership abreast ofwhat Press officer, Crawley &Horsham BH: What plans do you have to the side of those who implement "a time for a change". is going on. League increase participation in table The reason that the Press Release was Sports editor, Crawley Observer tennis? Thanks Brian for the opportunity to included was an attempt to address AM: Closer links must be established the balance between the candidates, SMILE & BE HAPPy between Leagues and Premier Clubs answer your questions, which I have even then the words allocated to Mr IT SADDENS me to keep reading in our to increase our membership and kept to a minimum due to space Murdoch and Mr Prean outweighed his magaZine the continual bickering awareness of our sport. limitations, these are just typed out opposition by two to one. of some of our most "respected" We must focus on schools and by me without notes so they will I was also concerned that a 'Press administrators. It seems to me that they come out as a taped interview but Release' from Alex hadfound its way are not enjoying what they are doing. I universities and support the onto the web site without my knowledge. have always thought as a volunteer organisations that represent them in less the banter I am sure we would have generated between us. I would have had no problem in that once I stopped enjoying what I was a more practical and effective way. sanctioning it, but it might have been doing in my spare time I would pack it Look back at some of the older I have not answered them as a political campaign speech and little polite to go through the proper channels in. I consider myself as a grass roots methods for individuals finding table and not the back door. person although I have been involved in tennis, such as holiday camps and reference has been made about my I am no financial expert, however I see T.T. for over forty years both as a player youth organisations. concerns for the sport or my no mention in Alex's letter ofthe and administrator, representing Sussex Improved development and opponent, it comes from my heart millions ofpounds that have been over 70 times at veteran level.and as an coaching strategies, which must not and my love of table tennis, but the invested in our sport over the last administrator at local and county level. I only get younger people starting but membership can be assured that decade, for the benefit ofour members. have been Chairman of Sussex for eight Perhaps reference should be made to the years. It is my experience that a smile and remaining in our sport. Generate when I am elected I will do ever thing in n1Y power to work together Treasurer who clearly advised National a willingness to see the other persons interest, excitement and exposure of Councillors at a recent meeting that point of view can work wonders and table tennis to bring back the many with them in the best interest of table tennis, nothing will be hidden there was no 'dire financial situation' allows everyone to at least agree to members who have left us. for the Association, information that disagree. I have even had disagreements Our image to the outside world from them and I shall be available to had misled both the members and the with my county colleague John Woodford needs improvement and in today's listen, hear their views and not walk world at large to the sports detriment. our well known press guru but I am sure technological society the Internet is a away from any difficult decisions I have no problem with the quote about John would agree that we can still laugh key area to get us noticed. We need a which may have to be made in the decline in membership. All sports, about it and I count John as one of my plan to make our website look everyone's interest. apart from Soccer, are facing similar T.T. friends. The game needs people with I • a smile on their face at this difficult representative for my local league, I was management members always looking expect that your members do not like the period in our history, I am sure that asked to vote on the adoption of the for ways to reduce spending as well as travelling involved although it is alright table tennis has a brighter future if we accounts that were not accompanied staffat Hastings for that matter. for us to carry out these journeys. We can get back to enjoying what we with the notice of the AGM. Having outlined the governing body's would add that we find the statements in do.There are many wonderful volunteers Furthermore, a proxy form that should role and how management carefully this article by Mr Dosher about his own out there working their socks off and also have accompanied the notice was monitor this on the financial side, 1turn performances quite laughable. Self praise enjoying it ,lets hope that some of our not included. As I was abroad prior to to Martin's comments of"continuing is quite worthless and I am surprised that senior people can remember when they the release of the proxy, sent only 7 days deficits'~ "draining ofresources" and the n1agazine saw fit to publish such also were happy and perhaps they can before the meeting, I was prevented from "solvency". Emotive words, used 1am spurious comments. rekindle that feeling that they must have exercising my prerogative. sure to alarm people, but which in truth In fact Mr Dosher would be better once had. I have no reason to question Barry have no foundation ifyou are aware of advised to send his competition material Smile and be happy it should be fun, life Grainger's comn1itment or ability. I'm the care that 1and the rest ofthe out much earlier, it is usually a last is not a rehearsal, This is it,don't waste it. sure that he will have done his utmost to management team take in considering minute job in second hand envelopes and Keith Jackson illustrate to the Chairman and the the Association's financial position. causes us to feel something of an Life Member S.C.TTA. Management team the folly of incurring Coupled with Martin's erroneous afterthought. Perhaps he is too busy Chairman S. C. TTA. high running costs that is inevitable when comment that 'the new incorporated reporting his own activities! little or no restriction is imposed on the body showed an unprecedented deficit One further point for you to consider is SUCCESS OR creation of ever more new committees. of£51,900', the financial side ofhis letter that should the ETTA make 11 up scoring The strength of any organisation stems makes no allowance for the nature of compulsory we shall ask our members to FAILURE? not only from its management structure the Association as shown by its objects. withdraw from that body and I feel sure IT IS natural during any type of election but also significantly from its financial His comments appear to spell 'doom that our membership of the Suffolk TTA to emphasise one's own performance, base. We are ever getting closer to a and gloom', which is totally false. will end automatically at that point. We views, opinions and ideals, whilst desperate financial situation, but the 1will not try to convince you that are indeed already fed up with Mr criticising or undern1ining one's continuing policy of ignoring the position everything is rosy -our need of Ransome's extraordinary claims that the opponents. This type of spin can be is a dangerous strategy to follow. My commercial sponsorship, being actively game is thriving under his leadership and clearly seen in political arenas and I limited knowledge of Brian Skinner, sought by a commercial manager, is wonder just what value he injects into the suppose it would be naive to expect Finance Officer and Richard Yule, Chief high, but we are far from, in Martin's sport. Ever rising membership fees and a anything different in table tennis circles. Executive Officer, does make similar words, "being unable to operate velY limited service are very hard to Having said that, I believe that TT News reading to that of Alan's, their dedication effectively" is again totally untrue as justify. , being the media by which interested should not be undermined, but life at people with a working knowledge ofthe Mr Dosher's comments re-inforce our members can keep abreast of events Hastings must be difficult administering Association will attest. In addition, the view that many table tennis administrators should not only be impartial in election the policies that in the long term will loss he states of£51,900 was actually are living in cloud cuckoo land. matters, but also seen to be impartial. It bring about the Association's demise. incurred in the six months to 30 Malcolm R. Vasey is quite clear that Alan Ransome in his As the election draws ever nearer, I'm September 2001, whilst we were still an General Sec. Lowestoft &District ITL address "From The Chair" has been sure that the members will be subjected unincorporated body. The result ofthe allowed to use a page of his colun1n to to n10re of the spin I referred to above. company (shown on page 4B ofthe 11 UP further his re-election opportunities. May I ask through your columns that accounts) was a defiCit of£629 for the FOLLOWING the overwhelming vote by Furthermore, another page has been those appointed by their leagues and six months to 31 March 2002. Martin has the ITTF for II-up, the ETTA decided to dedicated to his press release (that has counties as well as the Management looked at page 3 (I) ofthe accounts and allow leagues the option of retaining also appeared on the ETTA web site), tean1, use their votes wisely, but above all took the figure for the whole twelve 2I-up and last season n1any leagues whilst Alex Murdoch's own initial press use them, apathy gets none of us months. An explanation ofthe reasons decided to do just that. All tournaments, release, whilst available, appears to have anywhere. for the loss over the year 2001/2 are county matches and British League been totally overlooked. Such clear bias Martin Clark explained in the website article. Needless events, however, were of course made 11­ cannot be allowed to pass without Bromsgrove, Redditch League to say, we were intent on making a up and this proved highly successful. comment, if this kind of favouritism is General Secretary &Treasurer profit in this financial year and 1am All'owing this option for leagues has apparent it makes one wonder how far in REPLY TO MARTIN CLARK'S LETTER pleased to be able to predict aprofit not unfortunately produced a great deal of the "establishment" Alan's influence has (Financial aspects) by BARRY less than £10,000 for the current dissension and in' many cases bitter penetrated. Full marks to Alan - who GRANGER, THE ETTA TREASURER: financial year. Martin's comments are argument between members which is wouldn't take advantage of the situation 1am replying to Martin Clark's letter as obviously made with very little detailed hardly to the benefit of our sport. when your tenure of office is under briefly as possible for Table Tennis News, knowledge ofthe Association'sfinances, There is a theory that it is the older threat. and afuller comment will be posted on are totally misleading and which need players, the veterans, who oppose II-up When Alex Murdoch invited me to the election website alanransome. info to be corrected. but this theory was well and truly become one of his "running mates", I was Firstly 1think 1should explain that the Let's hope that he will make a lot more den10lished by the record entry for the delighted to accept his offer to be EITA is a governing body for the sport of effort to understand the figures should recent World Veteran Championships nominated for the post of Treasurer. table tennis, NOT a company formed he ever be elected Treasurer ofour held in Lucerne, in which more than 2700 The continuing deficits in the ETTA predominantly to make a profit, but to Association. entrants took part, the vast majority of accounts has to be of concern, I do not govern and invest in the future ofthe whom did so at their own expense. accept Alan's summary dismissal of the sport. DETRIMENTAL I understand that in Europe we are an position by stating that his priorities have Martin has 1feel looked at the accounts THE Executive Committee of this League almost infinitesimal minority not been in other areas. I will leave it to in isolation without considering what / have asked me to write to you universally using the II-up scoring others to debate the success or failure in have said above and with a view that concerning detrimental comments made system. Surely it is time for the ETTA to his development and progress of the the company trades in the accepted by Andrew Dosher about Lowestoft make II-up mandatory. The present sport, as he claims. However, in financial commercial sense. We are 1agree a 'big players in the above publication. option discourages the better players terms, the directors of ETTA Limited business', with a turnover ofover J1.5 (November 2002 issue). from taking part in league play if their have a responsibility to the members to million and as such have to bear that in His statement that players do not attend local league retains 2I-up. The two ensure that the Company remains mind and all the financial and other Suffolk County Tournaments despite his scoring systems produce significantly solvent. Continuing deficits will, without implications that has for the Association. generous offer to pick them up at a different games which does not help if question, drain the ETTA of its resources The directors and management railway station and then transport them players have to constantly switch between without which will result in it being committee members consider the to the venue is not an offer that Mr the two. unable to operate effectively. finances ofthe company at every Dosher has ever communicated to me Finally, there is little doubt that Last years accounts, the first being management meeting, with reports from nor can any other member of our youngsters much prefer II-up and the presented to the members of the new me; and 1consider this on an even more Comn1ittee recall such an offer being best way of increasing our falling numbers incorporated body, showed an regular basis. Where at any point there made. We do feel very isolated in this must be to encourage the younger unprecedented deficit of £51,900. Only are any concerns over the financial part of the county where no County element into leagues. the transfer of the previously dedicated situation, current orfuture, we discuss meetings ever occur and like our Ron Etheridge Building Reserve and the introduction of what action we need to take and, just as colleagues in Beccles we do wonder what Beckenham, Kent cash balances from the Regions into the important, the timing ofthat action. the benefits of County membership are. Income &Expenditure Account Balance Martin 1feel is implying that there is a We are aware of the Inter-Town matches MISINFORMATION had enabled it to be shown as a blatant disregard for the Association's and the National Junior League but why I HAVB received copies of the recent cun1ulative surplus on the Balance Sheet future, which is absolutely untrue. In do none of your events and meetings correspondence and other material at the year-end. As the voting fact, just the opposite with all take place in the North of the County? I continued on page 16 • 2 3 I LETTERS TO THE EDITOR coni;inued

continuedfrom page 15 Dolly Harmer St.Marks club, Walthamstow. Leighton Buzzard Eventually the club, from our clubroom pertaining to the national officer under a railway arch, produced seven elections. KENSHOEN internationals: Bobby Stevens, Ivor Jones, I congratulate Alan Ransome on the AS YOU know, our company is running Bobby Raybold, Peter Smith, Jean Page • NICOLA DEATON concise responses to the misinformation "Super Circuit" here in Japan with your (McCree), Yvonne Baker and Shelagh and Alex Perry, now scurrilously reported in a magazine that is famous table tennis player, Mattew Syed, Hession. Also there was a second string of happily engaged are now doing table tennis a disservice. a regular player in this event. county players, like Alan Payne -who was practicing hard as a As someone who was closely involved We are broadcasting all of matches of good enough to beat Harry Venner in an mixed doubles (table until n1Y retirement as Sport England's Super Circuit through Japanese Open tournament, on one occasion. Communication Satellite called SKY My point is to the question of how much Tennis) pair starting at Regional Director some six years ago, and Warwick University indeed my current close interest in Perfec1V! and you can also watch same coaching success is due to creating a the sport, I have come across few sports contents FREE through broadband climate which motivates players (as we where they were top­ that can justifiably boast the internet. (Free of charge at the moment) hope Premier clubs will do today) and seeded and won the excellent management team that the Our program is broadcast through how much is due to highly organised British Universities ETTA currently enjoys. internet by using of Peer to Peer system. coaching? mixed championship last May I wish Alan and his team a very Ikuya Sekine I believe that the St.Marks players were month. successful 2003, with the hope that the Kenshoen company, Japan not coached much at all, as they They are also getting n1errlbership has the good sense to Keith Jackson developed. They got good by watching into the groove for the recognise he dedication and expertise of Life Member & Chairman .s. c. TTA. and playing at Open tournaments and working very hard. English Championships at the current team when it comes to the Sheffield's Ponds Forge vote. COLOUR PUZZLE Bobby Stevens, Bobby Raybold, Yvonne Cyril Villiers THE letter from Keith Lesser in the and the others spent one hot August Stadium, where again President -LeedsJudean Club November issue - Colour Puzzle -allows holiday playing all day at St.Marks and they will be top-seeded. President -Leeds League discussion of the links between the player were still going strong when the rest of us Nicola will also be Life Member - Yorkshire ITA and organiser. Aplayer enters a arrived in the evening. bidding for her sixth Vice President -English Schools tournament and signs that he will abide by Alot of their success was based on an womens Singles English ChiefExecutive SportsAid (yorkshiore & the conditions set out in the entry form. instinctive development of their own crown - the record is Humberside) He knows that he has to wear a number at natural ability. held on seven wins by Jill all times when playing, that he must not I coached Bobby Raybold for a few weeks have adverts on his clothing that are when he first started. He blasted away Parker from 1973 to l~S~n~A!!R~~t~~ outside the regulations and is aware of the with his very fast forehand -one on - three 1981. Her daughter Katy best coach ever as I do not have E-mail difference to clothing primary colours off! I said slow down use more topspin. is not far away, perhaps, myself nor access to it. when using yellow or white balls. All these One on - three off was the response. from starting to chase Undoubtedly, I would vote for Jack in1pact upon the organiser whose role is to When it became three on and one off, I her mother's record. Carrington: stage a well run tournament without encouraged him to continue. • NICOLA DEATON He had inspirational charisma. financial loss. Atournament usually needs He became one of the most feared is once again England He related to all kinds and conditions of a sponsor who likes to see his name hitters in Essex - in time punching holes in No.1, after three months people. brought to the fore and likes to be in the great Richard Bergmann, which few at No.2, the 26 years old He made it fun, while at the same time associated with a well run event. A could do. sponsor or would be sponsor will have Les Bridges five times national encouraging playing the game as a sport, champion, displaces 18 with expertise relevant to his tin1e. reservations over whether his money is Bridgwater, Somerset By insisting on correct dress, he gained being well spent when regulations are BARNET CENTRE years old Katy Parker at respect to it too. openly flouted. As an aside the sponsor the top of the new I would also like to comment on other would be appalled if, by staying to the end FLUSH WITH womens ranking list. aspects of coaching in November TTN. of a tournament, he saw the piles of • WENDY BURBUSH Much of my coaching with the under 13s rubbish left behind on both days. S C (nee Woodhead), was done in our garage where each week Of course the player must expect some U CESS England's only ever there were 20+ children and one table. consistency across similar standard AN adapted 'Toilet Facility' was needed at woman world mixed Therefore, watching perforce became part tournaments and the referee should advise the centre for which funding would be both official and player if any relaxation required from outside the normal revenue doubles cha.mpion, has of the training (though they were died. unaware of it). It did produce good from ITTF/ETTA regulations is permissible. income. An application was made for quality local league players, some county The timing notice sent to all players before £3,400, to 'Awards for All' and was granted Wendy, who at five feet juniors and of course my own Hugh (now a tournament could be the vehicle for this in full. The facility is located to the right of eleven inches tall, was an deceased), Paul &Sam. advice. the main entrance door (old clerical all round athlete skilled While I don't agree that coaches need be And what of alcohol adverts? The ITF office). in tennis and basketball, nearer the age of their students, I do regulation states that there shall be no Although we are very pleased with the Wendy, although a good think they should be in outlook. advertisements on players clothing for successful outcome for us at Barnet, I table tennis player, was One strategy I found useful was to have tobacco products, alcohol drinks or think that publicity would be welcomed by not in 1938 strong frequent mini-competitions with the harmful drugs. As Colin Clemett recently the donors, and also it might be an remarked -why should anyone seriously encouragement to other venues or enough to make the winning scores different e.g. 7, 13, or 17 England team. Yet with etc. Thus they learnt to exert pressure to consider advertising heroin or cocaine? enterprises that any application stands a win from the very start of games (I'd Even before the November edition of TIN, good chance of success. the famous Hungarian, found this extra effort had often been left BUSA had agreed to highlight this Chris Budden, the Centre Chairman, has Laszlo Bellak, she formed too late). restriction at their tournament. started a Youth Section which has its own a winning mixed doubles I myself was very shy in youth. I lacked Mike Payne funding. Adedicated coach, Gergely combination at the confidence. Yet I was not a good loser. Allestree, Derbyshire Urban, has been appointed and seems to World Championships in I'd start off trying hard not to look silly be working wonders with the youngsters. Wembley, initiating attack and only ever aimed to reach a final. That 50 YEARS AGO He is also available for Adult coaching with her fine topspin, is why I have so few winning trophies BRIAN HALLIDAY'S interesting article on through the centre. 0208 4497845, after coaches and his mention ofJack 7.30pn1. which Bellak followed up compared to runners-up. This fault (?) with kills.At 19 all in the should be recognised and confidence Carrington and Bobby Stevens cast my Doug Tomset, although suffering from assisted. But I wonder if this is a reason mind back some 50 years. the 'Ravages of Time', still manages to fifth game of the fi nal one plays better when not expected to Jack Carrington was coaching in East carry on in his same old fashioned way. against the Czech title win, and sometin1es surprises then1selves London at the Albion Club. He was our Good for him! defenders, Bohumil Vana by winning. only national coach and was well known Ron Boucher and Miss V.Votrubcova, it I'm not travelling to tournaments through his involvement with Johnny New Barnet, Herts. was Woodhead who hit anymore (I'm 83 and have always suffered Leach (was there ever a more stylish two consecutive winners travl sickness), though I still practise player?) to lift the cup. weekly and am a reserve league Bobby Stevens and myself provided very player.Best wishes, basic coaching to newcomers at the I TABLE TENNIS NEWS EXTRA Issue No. 290 JanuarylFebruary 2003

Editorial

Taylor's 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My of Nottingham study. Katie Parker is First we said goodbye with thanks to Cry', about the harsh experience of the rising star, and although she has regional development officer Philip black people living in the American recently been ranked England no. 1, she Irwin-Brown, who had done good South during the 1930s' Depression: has not yet proved herself at home: it work in the South West, and then, just the hard lives and poverty, the deep may be too soon for her to take the before Christmas, to London dynamo racism and racial segregation, the trophy this time. On the other hand and original thinker, Jon Kaufman, strength of the family and value given she may demonstrate burning ambition who, rather like Tony Benn leaving the by black people to education, the and prove me wrong! For so long the House of Commons to return to real tragedies, etc. Mildred Taylor's own nearly woman, has the time and best politics, left the employ of the ETTA so family had lived in Mississippi since opportunity passed for the tenacious that he could get stuck into (London slavery, and she informed by relatives Helen Lower? Former champion Progress) table tennis (as well as own stories and histories in writing this Andrea Holt, who Nicola played so bravely returning to teaching). Not deeply moving novel. To my shame, I well to overcome last season, is a real leaving but changing her job title is confess that it was not until (1980) I danger and like Cooke, seems 'up' for Hastings based Judy Rogers, now read the notes supporting the book, that taking the singles title one more time. ETTA National Equity Officer. It I appreciated with horror what the Also, it would be wonderful for the was pleasing to leanl from an ITTF 'Strange Fruit' of Billie Holiday's great English game if England youngsters, Newsletter (World Junior Commission, song were! ('Black bodies swingin' in Joanna Parker, Georgina Walker or Spring 2003) that our former the Southern breeze/Strange fruit Kate Steward could make the Performance Director, Soren Ahlen, is hangin' from the poplar trees' .) necessary breakthrough. But I plump making good progress as head coach for Deaton. If not Deaton, it will be for the new TT centre in Koping, a Holt, and then Katie Parker, depending small city an hour's drive from In a National Championships st nd on the draw. Stockholm in his native Sweden: (Sheffield, 1 /2 March) too close to call, I, in my personal capacity, with great uncertainty (and not yet having Sports are still nervously anticipating "We have an unbelievable chance to seen the draw determining who might their future World Class funding for build a sound and stable centre meet and knockout who) put my money elite athletes,' in the light of declining operation here in Koping. The city is on Andrew Baggaley and Nicola Lottery ticket sales. St~ve Cram, the 100% behind the centre and is ready to Deaton to retain their titles. Although former world mile and 1500 record solve problems. Looking at the overall I have always appreciated his abilities, holder, member of the sports Lottery situation I have to say that a centre in Baggaley's success last year took me panel (quoted in The Independent of 2nd Sweden is exactly what we wanted. by surprise. Who in England could December), favours funding only those We have started to rebuild step-by-step you confidently back against Andrew? sports that have "a realistic opportunity our national team programmes. There Will our only world star defender, to yield success at world and Olympic are several talented players in this Matthew Syed, still have the level. We need to target where we can country, and our goal now is to get motivation and the variety to break up win medals in major championships. I them together as a group and start Baggaley's game? Can Gareth really don't think we can continue to working hard". Herbert, with all of his spins, flair and fund 40 sports. My view is that it's deception, maintain the necessary better to have 15 well-funded On the voluntary side, congratulations consistency and pressure? Can Alex programmes that bear results, rather to Iris Moss, presented in the House of Perry (now studying at Nottingham than 25-30 which have a little funding Commons with the Queen's Jubilee University) apply enough sustained to little effect. Unfortunately, there are Award 'For voluntary services to Table sharpness to force him off the table? a lot applications - well researched Tennis for 56 years in Greater London', Can Alan Cooke, despite all of his applications that would previously have and to Plymouth coach John Vincent, control, variety, physical fitness and been suitable - which we are not going awarded 'Life Long Service to Local experience, win enough points to beat to be able to say yes to." Sport', for over 25 years' coaching and him? But of course anyone of the assisting children, at the Plymouth former champions, Syed, Perry and If he is right, and he reflects quite a Sport Personality of the Year Awards Cooke (said to be training hard and the widely held point of view, then the 2002. dark horse for the championships) question for us is, will table tennis be could do so again, and perhaps it is amongst the chosen 15? Probably yes, Whilst thinking about personalities in Herbert's tum to become Champ. but our position is weakened because table tennis, I often reflect on how little we have no chance of medals now (and we know about them outside of the If Nicola has the desire, I believe she the ETTA never has argued that we sport. 19 year old national champion, has the necessary toughness to be would have, in the short term). With Andrew Baggaley, was the subject of women's champion for the 6th time, outstanding young talents like Paul the Player Profile in the December even if she, like Alex Perry Drinkhall and Darius Knight, we may TTN, and what struck me was his (congratulations on their engagement) well have possibilities to win major s~y choice o'f favourite book, Mildred is currently consumed with University medals in 9/10 years' time, but will the Lottery keep faith with table (leading player) Interviews, Fun Zone, tennis for that long? the Coach, the Umpire, the Ken Muhr Administrator and the Provinces. There Will the Lottery take into account the ETTA Infornlation Officer were articles of interest to a wide range degree of difficulty in winning of people. If you look on the top left of medals between sports? - In table the 'Coach Corner' page, you can see tennis there are some 300 million E-mail: an action film clip of what looks like a regular players and 188 (ITTF) [email protected] young Nicky Jarvis forehand looping! affiliated national associations with many countries apart from China taking Increase in traffic - www.ittf.com the sport very seriously, whereas England/Britain tends to do best in The ITTF's website, www.ittf.com.is sports and disciplines in which not Asian Table Tennis Union Website attracting more and more table tennis many people or countries in the world fans around the world. compete, and often also A new website www.attu.org provides The last measurement taken on disciplines/sports in which it may be a lot of information on Asian table December 31 2002 indicates that the possible for an athlete to reach a peak tennis structures and competition. If traffic has increased by more than in say two years as opposed to say 15 you click on photographs of top Asian 100% since 30 September 2002 in years for table tennis. Might some players, it professes to offer their number of page-views per month. In sports be Lottery funded just because profiles, but so far only Korean and December 2002, the site had 2,325,402 they are traditional or high status in Taiwan player profiles are provided page-views (1,068,866 in Septeluber England, despite having no realistic (nothing on Chinese or Japanese). 2002). medal prospects? In other words, is However, this site is potentially a The number of individual users has there a level playing field in which valuable resource. steadily increased from 123,000 in broader, contextual factors will be September 2002 to 181,000 users in the taken into account, or are the gaining of month of December 2002. medals all that counts? Of course the Kenshoen Super Circuit, Japan, by Lottery Sports Fund will have to make Ikuya Sekine KNOW THE GAME SERIES: difficult decisions on World Class Table Tennis (3rd Edition) book funding, and if table tennis continues to Our company is nlnning the 'Kenshoen review by Ken Muhr be supported (and we have a good Super Circuit" here in Japan with your case), other well deserving sports will famous table tennis player, Matthew This small (48 page) book has been feel aggrieved at being left out. Syed, and other top world stars such as produced in collaboration with the Vladimir Samsanov, Chiang Peng­ ETIA, with a revised text provided by Regarding sources of funding, Lung, Jean-Michel Saive, Kalinikos ETIA Director of Teaching & research commissioned by the Sports Kreanga, Jorg Rosskopf, Jean-Philippe Training, Peter Hirst. Sponsorship Advisory Service has Gatien, Zoran Primorac, Kim Taek Soo, It is attractively produced and found that sports sponsorship is Jorgen Persson, and Koji Matsushita, illustrated, and covers a lot of ground in increasingly difficult for 'middle­ etc. so few pages,' from equipment, spin, ranking sports' to find. Sponsors We are broadcasting all matches of grip and bat angles, through to stroke continue to be attracted to the top ten the Super Circuit through the Japanese play, service and tactics,' and ending sports (only) and 'Many sports are Communication Satellite called SKY with quite a lot on warm ups/cool unable to attract sponsors because they PerfecTV! and you can also watch the down, scoring, practice routines, fun cannot get television coverage'. No same contents FREE through games, programme planning, awards surprise there! However, community broadband internet. (Free of charge at scheme (covering the planned new based activity and women's sport the moment.) skills awards including Polybat tests for provide opportunities for sponsorship. Our programme is broadcast through disabled players) and a section on internet by using the 'Peer to Peer' coaching disabled people. Peter's In the light of evidence such as that system, although the pictures are not so logical coaching methods are clearly 65% of children participate in less than good at the moment. Please publicise imprinted in the text, e.g. in the two hours of PE per week (Sports these facts in your country. stages/processes through which a player Marketing Surveys), and that Please go to the website goes in producing any shot: perception, governments of impressive sporting http://www.sc­ decision, action. nations like Australia and France spend tabletennis.com/english/index.html Know the Game Table Tennis is very respectively £2-73 and £5-65 per head and to watch the action, click on the well organised and easy to follow, with on sport, whereas here the equivalent orange-coloured button of SKY a helpful index at the back. As well as sum is a paltry 88p, there is strong PerfecTV! Table Tennis Channel. being useful to people starting to play argument for more exchequer Editor's note: the website itself is and improve at table tennis, it will be a funding of sport. Roger Draper, the worth a visit. valuable basic revision/reference point new Chairman of Sport England, also for teachers and coaches. I just believes that sport has to "present more Irish Table Tennis Association wonder whether the sheer breadth of robust evidence to the Government as Website information might have detracted from to why it is helpful with issues such as providing possibly a little more health, social inclusiveness and crime On going into the website of our explanation and illustration on how to prevention". However, sceptically I neighbours, www.ttireland.com. in perform basic strokes, such as topspin suspect that a bigger (sports funding) order to check for records on the drives. cake would still mean the richer sports Newtownabbey Butterfly Grand Prix, I Anyway, at only £4-99 it is excellent getting the larger slice! (KM) confess to being most impressed value - you can't really go wrong! with how well it was organised, with Published by A&C Black, London Ken Muhr separate well serviced sections for: (www.acblack.com). ISBN 0 7136 Tournament entries downloads (mainly 60058 tournament result), Updates, the Player ETTA NATIONAL TRAINING e-mail [email protected] of the short and the 'mid-field' game. CENTRE, HOLME PIERREPONT, Dsually the power strokes, the loops, NOTTINGHAM TEACHER/SPORTS LEADER & drives and smashes are quite strong and LEVEL 2 COURSE well developed, but it appears that 2 practical weekend courses:­ youngsters ignore the value of the short This course is being held on Saturday and linking play. Yet it is in fact March 15/16 15/22/29 March 2003 1.00pm - 5.00pm expertise in just these areas which will Technical & Psychological at Collegiate HS Sports College, VIDA allow thenl to get their strengths in Sports Centre, Blackpool Old Road, during the game. March 22/23 Blackpool, Lancs. The tutor is Gail In almost all cases players are Tactical & Physical McCulloch - ETTA Level 4 Coach and predictable and safe in pushing play -­ ETTA Tutor/Assessor. The Assessor is they take the ball at 'peak' or relatively The two weekends will look to be advised. late and give the opponent time to think specifically at the process of HOW to and to play. In addition they often do develop players technically, tactically, For more information please contact very little with the ball, just return psychologically and physically for a Martin Ireland, ETTA NW Regional safely. By playing in this way they harsh competitive environment and to Development Officer, 18 St Luke's don't obtain any advantage from 'mid­ help prepare thenl for entry into Road, Blackpool, Lancs FY42EJ. field' play, rather they allow the play to national programmes. Tel: M 07973 411559 or e-mail: drift into a control situation where both [email protected] they and their opponents have an equal Who is it for? chance to break out and win the point. MIDLAND COURSES It is vital to retain the initiative in The courses are designed for 'Modem over-the-table play. In this way you Day' coaches working in a club Chris Newton, ETTA Midlands can create many opportunities to get in situation and are developing young Development Officer has organised a and open up the play. How many players on the tournament circuit. This coach course on 15th/16th March at players consider the point that there are course is suitable for clubs that have Draycott and Long Eaton TTC, Derby basically 4 different ways to push -­ 'Awards for All' grants. and is in the process of organising a with control, speed, spin or deception? course in Stoke before the end of In addition there are all the various Tutors March and a course in Bridgnorth, timing points from very early to very Peter A. Hirst, Director of Teaching Shropshire but has no dates yet. late. Just think, if you combine the and Training different methods of pushing with a Mark Bawden, ETTA Sports For further information please contact variety of timing points, you increase Psychologist Chris on 01782 236930, M the options enormously! Steen Hansen, Performance Director 07904115138 or e-mail on Quite often at top level players take (for a small part) [email protected] the ball early so that they allow the opponent as little time as possible. Cost Joe Mansano, Trinidad and Tobago However, they use variation in the Each weekend £90 total £180 includes Table Tennis Coach racket angle at contact to create lesser meals and accommodation for Saturday or greater spin. The opponent then nights. Joe Mansano, a coach in Port-of-Spain faces a fast return with very much and at the Patna River Estate Table backspin or almost none and has Times Tennis Club, has requested information limited time to react. Top players are Assemble Saturday morning 10am on coaching, table work, physical also good at varying length with the Disperse Sunday afternoon 4pm training programmes, etc to improve his same stroke movement. The half-long students, and himself as a coach. If you serve can be dropped back very short or Course is limited to 20 people per feel you can help him, Joe can be pushed back long and fast, but both weekend. First come first served! contacted at: 30 Ibis Drive River Estate, from the same early timing point. Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago, However, it is not only early timing Closing date: 24 February 2003 West Indies. that you can use to good effect. Many players overlook the value of very late For an application form, contact timed strokes, which can in fact be just Michelle Holton (Teaching and as effective and deceptive. Consider Training Administrator), ETTA, the scenario where you come in to push Queensbury House, Third Floor, the ball at a late timing point and just Havelock Road, Hastings, East Sussex roll the wrist instead and play an TN341HF. Tel: 01424431222 or attacking shot. Both early and late e-mail [email protected] timed strokes can be difficult to 'read' as the player has a variety of options LEVEL 3 COACHING COURSE and can change from one to the other almost instantaneously. This course is being held on Friday, With the older type of push stroke, th th th Saturday and Sunday 27 , 28 and 29 Joe Mansano with his students pictured with much use of the wrist and the ball June and 5th July 2003 at Lilleshall above. taken closer to the body, it was a little National Sports Centre. harder to create time and room to open 'TIMING OVER THE TABLE' by on the next ball and to achieve enough For further information contact Rowden Fullen, the Yorkshireman back-swing to engineer good spin. This Michelle Holton (Teaching and coaching in Sweden type of push was also often played from Training Administrator), ETTA, a low stance, so if the opponent were to Queensbury House, Third Floor, When you watch many of our young hit the next ball hard, not only was it Havelock Road, Hastings, East Sussex stars performing on the table, one of the necessary to move to the ball but also to TN34 IHF. Tel: 01424431222 or first things you notice is the inadequacy come up into a counter-hitting position. It is obviously of particular A new resource on the Sports I hope you will find the time to look importance to consider the technique England Website: Addressing the at this and will find it a useful involved in executing early timed push Health Agenda resource." strokes and consider this in the light of how you play the stroke, where the There is increasing evidence on the LIEBHERR WORLD INDIVIDUAL racket finishes and how your execution (positive) link between exercise and CHAMPIONSHIPS, PARIS of this individual stroke will affect the good health. For exanlple Monday 19th to Sunday 25th May next shot you will play. (Independent, 19th October 2002), new The most common modern technique research suggests that people who take Full details are available on the official is to take the ball well in front of the regular exercise can reduce their risk of website, www.mondialping.com body, with little or no use of the wrist. cancer by as much as 50%. Tickets are not available to the Instead the stroke is executed from the 'Academics' at the University of general public until the beginning of elbow and the primary input is from the Bristol found physical activity February. They will then be sold by forearm. The stance is relatively upright significantly reduced the risk of bowel TICKETNET, www.ticketnet.fr. and subsequent movement in any cancer and may help prevent breast, According to the website, many of the direction quite simple. If you consider prostate, lung and eudiometrical cancer. best tickets have already been sold out. this action in some detail, you may well It also aided recovery from cancer. arrive at the conclusion that there are a With the benefits of exercise LIEBHERR EUROPEAN number of advantages. (including playing table tennis) in CHAMPIONSHIPS, 2003 Less use of the wrist gives rather mind, readers are advised of a new more control in early ball play, without resource on the Sport England website, The Italian Table Tennis Federation lessening the amount of spin you can as explained by the (recently departed) invites you to the 24th European Table feed into the shot. It is also possible to Chief Executive of Sport England, Tennis Championships, sponsored by use a very fast action with this type of David Moffett, below (though I would Liebherr, which will be held from 29th stroke, which makes it difficult for the point out that I could not open several March to 6th April 2003 in opponent to 'read' the amount of spin of the pages on it. KM): Courmayeur. About 23 tables will be and the length. But most important of located inside the FonIm, the all as the stroke is taken well in front of "A new resource that is now on our marvellous sport stadium just in front the body and finishes in a central website that we hope will be useful to of the majestic Mont Blanc. position from a relatively upright you. stance, it is very simple to switch on the As you are no doubt aware, we have The following events will be played: attack. Because you switch on to the recently changed our nussion statement Event 1: Men's Team attack from a forward position and the such that we now see our role in (Holder: Sweden) arm is drawn back quickly, not only do fostering a healthier nation as key to Event 2: Women's Team you have space to play the shot but also what we do. As a consequence we (Holder: Romania) you have good elastic energy input believe that:­ Event 3: Men's Singles which you can use in the stroke. • interacting with health (Holder: Boll Timo, professionals, Germany) 2ND WORLD WAR TABLE TENNIS • raising the importance of Event 4: Women's Singles MATCHES (Bergmann, Barna et al) physical activity due to its (Holder: Ni Xia Lian, Souvenir Programme by Neil impact on the nation's Luxembourg) , Hutchinson health, and Event 5: Men's Doubles • refocusing our work on the (Holder: Fejer-Konnerth I have a table tennis programme I health arena Zoltan Boll Timo, would like to sell. I am a collector of is all part of our core business. Germany) golf memorabilia and came across this We are also aware that many of us Event 6: Women's Doubles at a fair. I would like it to go to from a sports development background (Holder: Boros Tamara, someone who would appreciate it, best are unfamiliar with the structures, Croatia - Steff Mihaela, offer can have it! people, and policies found within the Romania) It is called: HRH The Duke of health sector, and that attempting to Event 7: Mixed Doubles Gloucester's Red Cross and St John connect with health partners without (Holder: Blaszczyk Lucjan, Fund, Table Tennis Matches, Souvenir this understanding is both daunting and Poland - Ni Xia Lian, Programme. It is not dated but is difficult. Luxembourg) clearly from the 2nd World War, and Consequently we have placed a was for fund raising. new resource on our website at For further information telephone: It is signed by four of the players: http://www.sportengland.org/activecom ++390636857759 or fax on Richard Bergmann, Viktor Barna, Miss munities/programmes/health.htm which ++39063204714 or e-mail Blackbourn and Miss Brook. not only makes the case for sport and [email protected] (website: It is in very good condition with only leisure professionals to widen their www.tteur02003.net minor wear. remit to include health issues, but also Contact: Neil Hutchinson. E-mail: provides useful background TOP PLAYERS COMMENT ON neilhutchl @hotmail.com information on the health services and NEW SERVICE - Most players see relevant policies and plans. Our no difference by Ian Marshall (ITTF Stickers Collection intentions are that this part of our Press Release, Sunday, October 20, website will grow to include other 2002) I'm looking for stickers for my useful resources such as 'convincer collection. Could you help me to find documents', case studies of health and At the recent German Open in anymore please? My address is: activity projects, information about the Magdeburg players and coaches were Mr Etienne Gilles LEAP projects and useful web links, invited to give their views on the recent 38 Rue Des Erables etc. alterations made to the service rule. The 74800 La Roche Sur Foron reactions were varied with a distinct France feeling that if the free arm was withdrawn, then officials would accept think a great deal has changed; many Chen WEIXING (AUT): Previously I the service as meeting the new rules; players still tum their body to hide the could hide the service with my left arm however it would appear that it is ball and just simply withdraw the free and win points directly fronl the important that umpires address rules arm. Umpires in major tournaments service, now I have to rely much more that have existed for several years, with don't want to make mistakes and on winning points in the rally or by throwing the ball back on to the racket perhaps are reluctant to call fault on a playing a strong first attacking stroke. the moment common complaint. player's service. It's disappointing that some players still throw the ball Richard PRAUSE (GER) - Coach: I GUO Yue (CHN): Not nluch difference backwards on to the racket; the reverse wonder if some players have made any really, I've not had to make any big service is certainly not as effective if changes at all to their service action, it's changes to my service, only minor the ball is thrown vertically and visible important that the umpires react and ones. to the opponent at all times. I think this that serve is clearly visible and not service may well die out. thrown backwards. LI Xiaoxia (CHN): The quality of my service is not as good as before, the Krisztina TOTH (HUN) It looks like Vladimir SAMSONOV (BLR): I've not receiver can return the service more nothing has changed; players serve had to make any changes, I was told my effectively which sometimes means that fairly at the start of the match but when service action was fair before the rule my first attacking stroke after the it's close some revert to the old style change and at the German Open I could service is not as good as before. and either leave the free arm in the have no complaints. We must be same position as before or move it patient, everything takes time, players NIU Jianfeng (CHN): I haven't had to away at the very last split second. Some have to adjust and umpires have to make many changes to my service players still seem to throw the ball come to terms with the new rule. action, so for me it's virtually the same backwards. as before. WORLD CORPORATE GAMES ­ Ferenc PAZSY (HUN) It's not much lTnexpected Result! By Mark CHANG Gao Jun (USA) For me no different than previously. It's Fiddian (CRM Business Analyst) difference at all, I still play the same sometimes a case of fighting fire with way. fire; your opponent does a service and Friends, colleagues and other interested you can't see the point of contact, he's parties, an unexpected result. Having Michael MAZE (DEN): The main not faulted so you do the same. We just returned from the World Corporate problem at the moment is that some must stop players throwing the ball Games' held in Seville between 8-10 players still throw the ball backwards back on to the racket. November, where I was representing when they serve. We need to make sure IBM UK LTD in the men's (30-39 age) that all umpires are consistent with the Mihaela STEFF (ROM): It's not as big table tennis singles, I am very pleased interpretation of the rules and that any a change as I expected; it has taken me to share the news that I won my event rules that are introduced regarding the some time to get the feeling of and therefore have been presented with service are simple and easy to follow. changing my service action. I expected a gold medal (see photograph below). the changes would be much greater. Petra LOVAS (HUN): No real difference; all that happens is that most Eva JELER (GER) - Coach: The players use the same service action but difference is minimal, too many players withdraw their non playing arm away haven't changed and they still adopt the from the ball; some nlove the playing old style of serving. Perhaps we should arm away later that others. insist that the service is in front of the body at all times. We must encourage Tamara BOROS (CRO): I practised for skill whilst also giving the receiver a three months in the summer so that my fair chance to see the ball in order to forehand service action met the make a good return. requirements of the new rules. However, I still think that some players Andrzej GRUBBA (POL): I really don't The background: the Corporate Games don't follow the new rules; sometimes I see any difference, it's quite hosts stage regional, national and can't see the ball and there are players disappointing, I think it's difficult for worldwide multi-sport festivals, which who remove their free arm at the very the umpires but I think we have come are open to participants from last possible split second. to a time when we need professional businesses, institutions and umpires for the ITTF Pro Tour and organisations of every size and type. Neven CEGNAR (CRO) - Coach: The other major world events. I think the The games have been held in every frustrating part is that when a player very best players follow the new rule continent except Antarctica. reverts to the old service action and but it's those who are a level below who My introduction was via an IBM hides the ball, no-one seenlS to say seem to fall short. colleague, who introduced me to The anything. I know the umpires are UK & Ireland Corporate Games, which volunteers and give their time freely but Kalinikos KREANGA (GRE): Against were held in June (Norwich 28-30 perhaps it's time to consider the Timo Boll at the German Open the new June) this year, -all winners creation of an elite group of umpires ITLle meant that I could see the spin on automatically qualifying for entry into who officiate at the major events. the ball better and I could attack more the World Corporate Games. Timo BOLL (GER) I think the problem often when receiving service. The events: Seville hosted 112 is not necessarily the free arm hiding organisations who, in the main, the ball but the ball being thrown back Werner SCHLAGER (AUT): There are sponsored approximately 1,500 athletes on to the racket. I think that's the main some services that I'm no longer to take part in the 228 events in Seville. area on which the officials need to allowed to use so that reduces the Further information can be obtained concentrate. effectiveness of my play when I'm from http://www.corporate-games.com serving. Shall I see you at next year's UK & Balazs NAGY (HUN) - Coach I don't Ireland Corporate Games, which are being held in Newcastle/Gateshead on Steve Munson (left), winner of the Men's Band 2: Stephen Preston (Mi) 20-22 June 2oo3? Men's Band 1 pictured with Gavin bt Ian Schwartz (Bk) 10, 8, 11 Further information (KM): Having West, runner-up. Men's Band 3: David Langer (Sy) bt looked on the Corporate Games David Hilbeck (Nk) 11, 7, 8 website, I think I can deduce that other Band 2 was remarkable in that all four WS: 1. Anusha Seneviratne (K); 2. English/British (based) winners were: finalists for the championship and Melanie Farquhar (Bk) Men's Open Singles - Jonathan Cowan, consolation events came out of one Men's Band 1 Cons: Geoff Grange Accenture; Men's 40-49 Singles - Mats preliminary group. At the group stage (Mi) bt Steve Giles (Sy) -10, 5, 9, 9 Olsson, Potters Leisure Resort; Men's Ian Schwartz (Reading) and Steve Men's Band 2 Cons: Brian Savage 50+ Singles Dennis Robinson, Preston (Middx) finished with two wins (Dy) bt Gordon Chapman (Sy) -6, 9, 8, Mayfield TIC; Men's Open Doubles ­ and a defeat each, while Brian Savage 8 Barry Yarnley (with Jon Wright*?), (Derbys) and Gordon Chapman Men's Band 3 Cons: Adam Kelly (Mi) Craegmoor Healthcare; Men's 40+ (Surrey) won once each. In the finals bt Andy Spiers (Sy) 6, 5, -8, 15 Doubles - Mats Olsson (with Russell the results were repeated with Preston King* or Trevor Bunn*?), Potters beating Schwartz in the main event and CIRENCESTER 1 STAR UIIIU13 Leisure Resort; Mixed 40+ Doubles ­ Savage beating Chapman in the held at Deer Park TTC, Cirencester Clive Banham (with Jane Cumnor*?), consolation. The semi-finalists in the on 1st December 2002 by Ken Bridle West London Mental Health Trust. main event were Phil Slade (Northants) *Only one name given on website. and Dave Adamson (Glos). Results:­ However, those marked* were the David Hilbeck travelled from Norfolk partners of the winners in the UK to play in his first tournament for many Girls Under 11 Corporate Games. years, and it proved worthwhile as he Martha Travis (Co) beat Kate Matthews progressed into the final with a 11-9 (Wal) 11-7, 14-16, 10-12, 11-5, 11-7. CIPPENHAM BANDED 2 STAR fifth game win over Chris Walton Consolation OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS held on (Middx). However, in the final, he was Laura McLeod (Dv) beat Vicky Smith 8th December 2002 by Graham unable to cope with the younger and (Dv) 11-2, 13-11, 11-9. Trimming faster David Langer (Surrey) who won Boys Under 11 three-straight. The other semi-finalist Oscar Selfridge (E) 2 Andrew Lee (E) 3 Players from four different counties was Bracknell's Clive Banham. In the Lloyd Jamieson (Do) won the four events at the Cippenham consolation Cippenham's Andy Spiers Girls Under 13 Banded 2-Star Open Championships on progressed through to the final but lost Rachel Jamieson (E) 2 Laura Yarnley 8th Decerrlber. While the Women's 17-15 in the fourth game to Adam (K) Singles was played as a round robin, Kelly (Middx). Consolation the men's event was split into three Kent's junior Anusha Seneviratne Martha Travis (Co) 2 Sarah Russo (Sx) sections, each a "band" defined by the came out on top of a six-player round­ Boys Under 13 players' national ranking positions. robin for the Women's Singles, beating Billy Deville (E) 2 Oscar Selfridge (E) This ensured competitive table tennis all five of her opponents. The interest Consolation for all the pmticipants with no easy laid in who would be runner-up as three Alex Banks (Av) 2 Jason Viola (Wi) matches for the top players. players tied with three wins each. The Plate Bucks county player Steve Munson, countback resulted in Cippenham's Lloyd Jamieson (Do) 2 Lloyd Gregory from Aylesbury, won Men's Band 1. cadet Melanie Farquhar being awarded (Av) The second seed was stretched to five the runner-up position with Sharon games in his preliminary round group Mitchell (Reading) third and Diane STIGA BLACKPOOL JUNIOR 4 by Dorset junior player Neil Cartwright Melville (Middx) fourth. STAR SELECT held 11th _12th and was then taken to four in his January 2003 by Tony Meredith quarter-final by the young Lithuanian Vytas Rabakas, currently living in Once again, Blackpool & District Table Essex. By this time Munson had found Tennis League can look back on a very his best form and his final two games successful staging of the Stiga were both won three-straight. Ian Blackpool Junior 4 Star Select. 160 Packford (Oxon) was his semi-final plus competitors enjoyed a very victim followed by Gavin West in the smoothly run event with both days final. The final was full of good fast­ finishing ahead of the scheduled flowing rallies in which the Essex finishing time. player West blocked Munson's attack The Junior Boys' Singles attracted superbly but was ultimately unable to five of the top ten England ranked take a game. West had a superb 11-9 in Anusha Seneviratne (right), winner of players. The top four seeds arrived in the fifth victory in his semi over fourth the Women's Singles pictured with the semi-final positions but not without seed Steve Davis (Surrey) and beat Neil Melanie Farquhar, runner-up. some cliff-hanger matches. Fourth seed Cartwright (Dorset) by the same score Peter Cleminson from Essex came back one round earlier. The tournament was organised and from 2 games to I down to clinch refereed by Graham Trimming. A victory over Lincoln's Alex Green, and disappointing aspect of the event was Stafford's Greg Baker did a similar job that 13 of the 72 (including 5 of the 11 on Lancashire's Adam Bleakley. Baker women) failed to appear on the day then defeated Devon's Craig Bryant in without prior notice. another five gamer to reach the final. As expected the Chinese no. I seed Kou Results:­ Lei made short work of Baker at the final stage. Kou went through the entire Men's Band 1: Steve Munson (Bu) bt event with the loss of just one single Gavin West (E) 6, 11,7 game. Perks of Nottingham in straight games. Under 21 Women's Singles: Zhao Perks had excelled herself in the semi­ Shuang (China) bt Natalie Bawden final when she took out the no.2 seed, (Essex) 11-3, 11-5, 11-4. Lauren Springthorpe. Men's Band 1 Singles: Abdul Wuraola (Surrey) bt Clive Carthy (Essex) 11-9, Results:- 12-10,11-7. Men's Band 2 Singles: Shaun Marples Kou Lei (CHN) bt Greg Baker (Dv) (Derbyshire) bt Tomas Svensson 5,9,2 (Middlesex) 11-9,6-11,11-9,12-10. Zhao Shuang (CHN) bt Lauren Men's Band 3 Singles: Mark Daniels Springthorpe (Li) 8,-7,-5,9,6 (Wales) bt Kenny Lindsay (Scotland) Daniel Reed (Cv) bt Stephen Roberts 11-4, 11-5, 11-8. Kou Lei, the winner of the Junior Boys' (Ys) 7,-12,-7,6,8 Men's Band 4 Singles: William Singles Jenny Galloway (SCQ) bt Sarah Perks Cooney (Devon) bt Craig Howieson (Ng) -6,8,9,-5,9 (Scotland) 9-11, 11-8, 14-12, 11-8. The non-arrival of no. 2 seed Joanna Kou Lei (CHN) Bradley Evans (Bu) bt Men's Band 5 Singles: Antony Parker, who was on international duty Adam Bleakley (La) Chris Gregory Whelan (Cheshire) bt Craig Howieson in Austria, left a gap at the bottom of (Sp) 5,4,8 (Scotland) 11-9, 11-4,11-7. the Junior Girls' Singles draw. Zhao Shuang (CHN) Heather Shutt (Y) Men's Band 6 Singles: John Clark Lincoln's Lauren Springthorpe took up bt Kelly Sibley (Wa) Karen Shepherd (Yorkshire) bt John Clarke (Sussex) 11­ the challenge and made her way to the (Ch) 8,10,8 4,13-11,11-7. final via a straight games win over Bradley Evans (Bu) bt David Meads Women's Band 1 Singles: Rose Heather Shutt (Yorkshire). No.1 seed (Du) 6,7,5 Rainton (Sussex) bt Gemma Chapman Zhao Shuang comfortably beat Kelly Kelly Sibley (Wa) bt Sarah Perks (Ng) (Sussex) 8-11,11-8,6-11,11-6,11-4. Sibley in the semi-final but things were 9,5,8 Women's Band 2 Singles: Catherine somewhat different in the final. Matthew Dodds (Ys) bt Chris Close Eakins (Essex) bt Grace Brown (Essex) Springthorpe, who had previously won (Du) 8,5,-8,-9,10 11-5,11-8,11-9. the U-13 event, came within two points Nikki Pilgrim (Wa) bt Susie Steeples Women's Band 3 Singles: Jennie of victory. Zhao was 2 games to 1 (Li) 9,-8,8,-2,10 Whealy (Essex) bt Jodie Stringer down but managed to scrape the fourth Ben Barlow (Y) Matthew Dodds (Ys) (Kent) 7-11,11-3,11-6,11-7. 11-9 and eventually ran out winner in bt Graig Howieson (SCQ) Scott the deciding game. Johnston (SCQ) -3,-8,10,3,8 The Cadet Boys' Singles produced Kelly Sibley (Wa) Heather Shutt (Y) bt some more than interesting encounters. Emma Vickers (Dy) Caroline Hallows Cumbria's Jonathan Crawford excelled (Ch) 5,-6,2,6 COUNTY NOTES in reaching the semi-final with a Gavin Evans (Bu) bt Graig Howieson straight games victory over Danny Rees (SCQ) -8,7,4,8 from Essex. and Lancashire's Tom Lauren Springthorpe (Li) bt Jordyn - A IOQk around the Bray did well to reach the quarters after Layfield (Ch) 5,5,-8,3 disposing of Sam Cannon (Essex) 7 in Country the fifth. Match of the day was the OCEAN INTERNATIONAL semi-final that featured nine year old SUSSEX OPEN BUTTERFLY Issue No. 290 Gavin Evans (the U-13 winner from GRAND PRIX, HORSHAM Buckinghamshire) and David Meads of 9/10 November 2002 JanuarylFebruary 2003 Durham. Meads had match point at 10­ 9 in the fourth only for Evans to come Finals results (for the record): Qpen back and level at 2 all. Evans led 7-3 in singles results from semi-finals: the decider and it looked all over but BERKSHIRE by John Cunningham Meads took the next five points and Men's Singles: Alan Cooke went on to take the game and match 11­ (Derbyshire) bt Terry Young For a second successive year, our Lady 9. Meads' successful run came to an (Berkshire) 11-8, 11-5, 11-4. Liu Song of Peace and IMPACT has been abrupt end in the final where he was (Argentina) bt Gareth Herbert awarded the Times Trophy for Service outclassed by No.1 seed Bradley Evans. (Berkshire) 12-14, 12-10, 11-7, 11-9. to Sport and the Community by Final: Liu Song (Argentina) bt Alan Wokingham District Sports Council. Cooke (Derbyshire) 11-7, 11-7, 11-4. Commonwealth gold medal winners Women's Singles: Xu Jie (China) bt from table tennis, Matthew Syed, Naomi Qwen (Wales) 12-10, 11-6, 11­ Gareth Herbert and Terry Young, also 8. Zhao Shuang (China) bt Louise received special awards. Matthew Durrant (Nottinghamshire) 11-2, 11-7, attended the presentation and was one 11-5. of two guest speakers. The England Final: Xu Jie (China) bt Zhao Shuang international and former parliamentary (China) 12-10, 11-6, 11-8. candidate for Wokingham took the Veteran Men's Singles: Andrzej opportunity to publicly thank all the Grubba (Poland) bt Leszek Kucharski parents, friends and coaches who give (Poland) 11-9, 12-10, 11-7. up so much time to support young Bradley Evans (right), the winner ofthe Veteran Women's Singles: Judy sportsmen and women. Cadet Boys' Singles pictured with Morley (Gloucestershire) bt Sheila "For every person who wins a gold Gavin Evans King (Sussex) 11-6, 6-11, 11-6, 11-6. medal there are probably six people Under 21 Men's Singles: Kou Lie who have helped them to achieve their Kelly Sibley from Warwickshire was a (China) bt Peter Cleminson (Essex) 11­ aim," said Syed. comfortable winner of the Cadet Girls' 5, 11-8, 10-12, 12-10. event when she overpowered Sarah He also told the youngsters not to count-back situations. The tournament Danny Russell, Jon Taylor, Hayley neglect their education while pursuing a was once again played on a group basis Parker and Jordyn Layfield. career in sport. providing plenty of games. The "There comes a time when you will eventual winner Martin Adams was Knutsford 2 Star U-12/15 need to have something to fall back on rarely troubled on his way to the final once your sporting career is over and it where he was a convincing winner over These results just missed the last is far better to have qualifications," he Tim Heaps. edition, but the achievements of three said. The Ladies Singles brought some Stockport youngsters should not be IMPACT players Lisa Calcutt and very close matches with three group overlooked, as between them they won Stephen Ayres received the awards on winners fighting it out in a three way five trophies. Ten year old Jake Barratt behalf of Gareth and Terry who were final. The resulting group between was runner-up to the Wirral's Mitchell playing table tennis abroad. Jackie Lovell, Sharon Mitchell and Lisa Barker in the Boys U-12, and also took Bosley provided the spectators with the Best Performance Award. Emma some epic and nail biting matches, the Kelly was Girls U-12 winner, and was final placings were Jackie Lovell first, runner-up to Caroline Hallows in the Lisa Bosley second and Sharon Cadet Girls after a tense fifth game Mitchell third. decider. The Ladies Doubles, the smallest of the entries was nevertheless well fought N.W. Regional Trials with Sharon Mitchell and Denise Rolfe running out winners. These were in some ways Finally the Mixed Doubles, always a disappointing, as the Cadet and Junior fun event and a bit of a leveller, was Girls' events were a re-run of the well fought with Bob Davis and Lisa Cheshire trials, with a few changes in Representatives of IMPACT Coaching Bosley, Hari Gehlot and Melanie personnel. Where were the lasses from and Players receive the Times Award Farquahar, Dave Streak and Denise Lancashire and CUlubria? for Service to Sport and the Community Rolfe, along with eventual winners Also the Cadet Boys' event was from the guest speaker, Peter Hull Graham Outrim and Sharon Mitchell marred by some poor behaviour, though MBE, at the Wokingham Sports Council providing some sparkling table tennis. not it seems from anyone south of the presentation. Pictured from left to All in all a good tournament, well run Mersey, which necessitated a rebuke right are Dave Calcutt, Bill Ayres, by Sylvia Bnlton, if a little short on from the organisers. Offenders should Stephen Ayres, Lisa Calcutt, Lee numbers. note that such behaviour reflects badly Calcutt and Alan Dines (IMPACT not only on themselves, but also on Coach and Director) their parents and coaches, and brings Results:­ the game into disrepute. Closed Championships On a similar theme, is it too much to December 2002 Veteran Singles ask that youngsters who are invited to a W Tim Heaps 11, 11, 9, 11 regional training day, or their parents, The tournament started with the RU Dave Streak 7,8,11,6 should reply to the invitation, even if Veteran Singles (over 40s). There was Mixed Doubles they cannot attend? a small, but very good quality entry, W G Outrim & S Mitchell 12,11,11 played in a group format firstly in RU B Davis & L Bosley 10,7,6 Karen Shepherd groups of fours, then in groups of three, Men's Doubles finally in single games. W G Outrim & H Gehlot 11, 11, 11 As her coach until her journey into the The tournament provided some RU MAdams & A Bruton 8, 9, 7 wilderness, led by people now excellent matches, Broadmoor's Clive Ladies Doubles departed, I retain a strong interest in Banham having a particularly good W S Mitchell & D Rolfe 11, 11,6, 11 this young lady, and following a season tournament. Kingfisher's Peter Bennett RU DWeller & L Bosley 4,7,11,4 in semi-retirement it is great to see her also acquitted himself well, but the big Ladies Singles performing so well again. Confidence guns eventually found themselves in W J Lovell 11,4, 11, 11 restored, in the Western Open Grand pole position. The county's no. 2 Tin1 RU L Bosley 6,11,4,5 Prix in Bath she reached the last eight Heaps contested the final with no. 4 Men's Singles of the Women's Singles, with a win Dave Streak, Tim coming out the W MAdams 11, 11, 11 against Welsh international Naomi winner. Third were Bob Davis and RU T Heaps 4, 5, 6 Owen, before falling 18-16 in the fourth-new veteran Bob Sym. fourth game to Barbara Kiss. Sunday started with the Men's CHESHIRE by Alan Blears In the U-21 's she was semi-finalist, Doubles, quantity was once again losing a hard-fought match to long-term overridden by quality with some very Belated congratulations to the Cheshire rival Abigail Elubling. Congratulations good pairings, some being pulled from teams in the Junior County to Karen, those now coaching her and the hat. Scratch pairing Phil Prady and Championship. After wins against her ever-supportive family. Clive Banham opened their account by Sussex, Essex and Buckinghamshire taking out top senior Mark Banks and the first team top the Premier Division. Cricket, Music and Table Tennis his partner Ranlish Gehlot. They Danny Horner and Karen Shepherd eventually went out to another scratch lead the way with 100% records, but We hear little of players' success in pairing of Martin Adams and Allan Tom Page, Neil Powell and Liz Dennett other fields, so allow me briefly to Bruton; in the other half of the draw top all made significant contributions. mention two examples from Stockport. pair Graham Outrim and Hari Gehlot The second team are in third place in George Yardley is now on the books fought their way to the final where they Division 2A after wins against of Derbyshire C.C.C. Will he follow in made no mistakes against Adams and Lancashire 2nd and Worcestershire, and grandad Norman's footsteps and one Bruton. draws against Shropshire and South day be captain of England? The Men's Singles brought some very Yorkshire. Well done Aaron Beech, Clarinetist Adam Slater has been close matches resulting in a number of selected for the National Youth Orchestra. Both have little time now to under the guidance of Neil Houghton, annual Derby 4 Star Junior Select practise table tennis, but intend to have impressed having a good balance. Tournament, the Derby League continue "pinging the pong" whenever Tributes have been paid to a stalwart operates a series of schools possible. Their efforts in Division 1 of in the Matlock area community. Stan tournaments which is ideal for the the N.J.L. North West area show both Taylor recently died after playing in the beginner and improver. This, I feel, are still forces to be reckoned with. Matlock & District League for well gives them an ideal opportunity to view over 50 years. Stan made his name by the local talent they have. At the last A Happy Fairly New Year to my winning several team and individual event, young Laurie Blatherwick readers (all three of you)! events. Those who played alongside excelled in the U-11 events winning Mr Taylor say he will be remembered both the Girls and Mixed U-11 events. CUMBRIA by Gordon Brown for his achievements away from the She also performed well in the U-13 table as well as those on it. Tony Boys. Tournaments such as these need John Reed has retired as Chairman of Gregory, the current Matlock League to be featured in other areas of the Barrow Table Tennis Centre and at an Chairman, who worked with Stan for county. exhibition match there, was presented many years, said "He was a great friend Finally, I close my notes on two very with a glass decanter by Barrow League to the table tennis fraternity." In 1972 pleasing aspects. Chairman Keith Mallinson. Stan took over the league's newsletter First of all, the news that Chesterfield The occasion was attended by ETTA "LOVE ALL", all of which he printed and Matlock League player and official, Chairman Alan Ransome; English himself and then distributed it to all the Pat Thorley, has now been given the Schools ETTA President John Arnold; teams. Stan Taylor's contribution to thumbs up to resume training again. Northern Region Chairman Colin Matlock table tennis was significant The normally dedicated Pat was forced Davidson, and Cumbria's ETTA and this gentleman will be remembered out of the game for a period of six Council member Clarisse Rose. and never forgotten. Meanwhile the months. Pat plays in Division 1 in The exhibition match involved John Matlock League continues to flourish. Chesterfield and Matlock and was a Hilton, the 1980 European Champion, The training with youngsters continues regular for the South Yorkshire two of his friends, Brian Keen and Paul to develop and their veterans are to play veterans team. How good it will be to Bowen, and sixth ranked English player in the Alec Brook Trophy competition. see her back in action, confusing Terry Young. One of the high spots to start the New opponents with her long pimple game. Reed, who has been in the game for Year for the Chesterfield & District Secondly, our current English 5 times more than 40 years, was given a League is the number of young players champion Nicola Deaton has tremendous ovation by the 130 people who are now in the higher spots of the announced her engagement to the present. He encouraged the sport as a ETTA rankings. Shaun Marples and Commonwealth gold medallist Alex teacher at Millom School before William Cooney are their top two Perry. Nicola is studying for a retirement fronl a local primary school, junior players, but they have a galaxy psychology degree at Nottingham and was Chairman of Barrow League of young talent in their cadet age group. University and is currently in her for more than 20 years. Alan Fullwood is their top cadet player second year. Alex too is studying at The centre's acting Chairman, Roger with Daniel Palmer, Daniel Lawman Nottingham University taking law and Harris, also a school teacher who has and Chris Daffin all showing in the top management. The couple plan to marry done a lot to encourage table tennis in 200 cadets. Featured in these rankings when they have both completed their local schools, said "it was just one of for the first time is 12 year old Jade studies in about 15 months' time. Both those nights that went well. It was Lawman who looks a real good Nicola and Alex were English triple really good". prospect. champions in 1999, which included In terms of standard and membership, winning the mixed doubles titles. the Staveley Club continues to Congratulations are extended to both of dominate the East Midlands at club them. level. This club, with 16 teams in the local league, has now developed into DEVONSHIRE by John Vincent being one of the biggest clubs in the United Kingdom and is STILL The Recruit and Prosper 2002 Regional GROWING. It is no surprise that this Conference in Taunton on Sunday 8th club has won the award for the last two December 2002 was well attended and years as the EAST MIDLANDS CLUB a huge success. 8 members from the OF THE YEAR. Nicola Deaton is the Plymouth Premier Clubs were present President of the club with Sandra including Laurie Harrison, Secretary of Keith Mallinson (left), Chairman of the Deaton, the new ETTA Vice-Chairman, the Plymouth and District League Barrow and District Table Tennis taking the role of Secretary. This which will be celebrating its centenary League, presents a glass decanter to season so far they top the East on 30th May 2003 with a dinner and John Reed, who has retired as Midlands Cadet League and are presentation of trophies evening at the Chairman after being involved in the unbeaten in the National Junior League. Holiday Inn on Plymouth Hoe. sport for more than 40 years (courtesy The aspect that is creating a real buzz is ofthe North West Evening Mail) the discovery of 8 year old Lucy County Junior Teams Davidson. Lucy is a real 'pocket DERBYSHIRE by Colin Deaton rocket' and claims she is going to be Devon 2 are to be congratulated on better than Nicola Deaton. winning all their matches in Division A National County Championship Derby is going ahead with its junior 3C of the County Championships. winning double looks in store with both school coaching programmes in Devon 1 have made a good start in Derbyshire teams at cadet and junior schools. Two Level 2 coaches, Ada Division lB with a 7-3 win over Kent level. Derbyshire's first introduction Murphy and Mick Swale, are operating and 8-2 victory over Gwent. Devon 3 with a cadet team sees us in a table midday and after school sessions at and 4 teams are giving talented young topping position, whilst our juniors several inner city schools, including players an opportunity to sample need a little extra shove and they too Hardwick and Pear Tree School. Apart county competition. could win the division. Both teams, from promoting and organising the Seniors Barbara Savage both also performed Scott, the Mixed Doubles with Maria well. Taylor-Woodford and also successfully Devonshire 1 in the Premier Division Bournemouth top the table after the defended the Men's Doubles title with found the going tough with a draw first round of matches in the Junior Jeremy Wilson. against South Yorkshire and two Hampshire Table Tennis League. The In the final the duo beat Charlie defeats. Marketa Myskova was team of Neil Cartwright, James Childs and last year's singles champion brilliant winning all her 6 matches Whitehorn, Mark Grimley and Joy Victor Imiseev 21-19, 21-15. It also whilst team members James Whiteman, Whitehorn beat Basingstoke and proved to be a successful day for Kevin Buddell and Chris Brown won Bournemouth B 10-0 in both their Wilshere's son, Glenn, who won the U­ games. Devonshire 2 in Division 2B fixtures. Southampton and Portsmouth 23 title with a 21-19, 21-15 win against have a strong team built around Tony are also still unbeaten after playing out Aldershot's Acton Zhang. Barbara Sweet, Jane Swabey and Helen a hard-fought 5-5 draw. Portsmouth B Savage, from Aldershot, was victorious LaInbert. After being nlnners-up last top Division 2 on points difference who in a close Women's Singles final with a year they are now determined to are led by unbeaten Nick Faithful. The 19-21, 21-17, 21-17 win against become champions this season. Andover team of Jonathon Wright, Taylor-Woodford. Savage took her Devonshire 3 have been formed to give Shaun Carver, Lee Stretch and Stacey second title after she teamed up with the county juniors a taste of senior Humphrey also performed well with an Sandra Simpson to beat Taylor­ action. 8-2 win over Winchester. Woodford and Mary Barron in the The Southampton Table Tennis doubles final. In the Veteran Ladies Veterans League looks set to be a close battle Singles Jacki Rice narrowly beat after several teams strengthened their Portsmouth evergreen Mary Barron 21­ The first team of Paul Giles, Mike teams in the closed season. Defending 16, 22-20 in a hard-fought final. Short, Graham May and Elaine Short champions Snows A line up with the have had 4 wins all with the score 6-3. same team and look certain to come LEICESTERSHIRE by Derek Butt Their aim is to win promotion to under severe pressure from Waterside Division 1 for next year when they will and Generation II. Waterside are In the Leicestershire League Division 1, be joined by Paul Whiting. boosted by the signings of Butler and two teams Leicester Electricity Dredge alongside Southampton (previously Rushey Mead) and School Team Event County champion Christos Hannides, while Knighton Park 1 are still unbeaten and Champions Generation have drafted in multi­ boast 100% records in 8 matches; what county champion Graham Toole to join a thriller is in prospect when these two Boys:­ current senior champion Victor Imiseev meet. The works side playing for the Under 11 - Yealmpstone Farm C.P ­ and veteran champion Miki Sinanan. past Rushey Mead championship team Plymouth Alpha also look much stronger with will be pushed by the Park squad, the Under 13 - Exmouth C.C. Portsmouth's Rod McMullan teaming result for this one will be hard to Under 16 - Ivybridge Sports College up with Alex Rourke and Danny predict. At the bottom of the table are

Under 19 - Bideford College Lucking. G. E. Sports without a win and look to I Hampshire hosted a popular night of have a mountain to climb if they are to Girls:­ international table tennis recently, but avoid the drop. In Division 2 Under 11 - S1. Peters R.C Primary ­ England lost 3-1 to Norway in their Thringstone have now got the services Plymouth European League Division 1 match. of Maulice Newman and will no doubt Under 13 - Exmouth C.C. More than 500 fans packed into the make them favourites for the title, and Under 16 - Exmouth C.C. Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth to will probably find Electricity 2nds who Under 19 - None see Gareth Herbert win England's only are in second place pushing for a game against Geir Andre Erlandsen. promotion spot also. National Trials Qualifiers Graham Toole has crowned his table In the cup competitions all is tennis comeback by lifting the progressing well and no surprises from Junior Boys:­ Hampshire title for an amazing eighth the results in so far. The Rose Johnson Chris Brown, Shaun Gibbs, Darren time. The Fareham-based player has Challenge Bowl, a handicap Reed and Daniel Mayhew been out of the game for several years, competition consisting of 4 players per Junior Girls:­ but returned to take the title for the first team put on by the Leicestershire ITA, Helen Parton and Sally Smith time since 1995. Toole, who is now 38, has had a good entry this season with Cadet Boys:­ coasted into the semi-final where he 18 teams participating from Leicester Darren Reed and Simon Poyner was matched against last year's finalist and Hinckley. One match already Cadet Girls:­ Tony Reynolds. Reynolds, from played in this event saw Leicester Sally Smith Basingstoke, held his own early on but Electricity beat Caterpillar 1 (Hinckley) narrowly lost a close first set 22-20. in a close match at Caterpillar. It HAMPSHIRE by Jeremy Wilson With Toole's big forehand topspin would be nice to see some teams from gradually finding its range with greater Loughborough in this very good event Hampshire have made a slow start in consistency, he cruised through the and meet some different faces. their bid to regain their place in second 21-14. News from the Hinckley League; we

Division 1 of the County In the final he played Chris Wilshere, see that they are also finding the trend I Championships, despite heroics from who had come through an all of nUlnbers flagging although they still :

Lee Dredge. The team went down 6-4 Southampton semi-final 21-17, 22-20 have 2 divisions, but with just 7 teams I to Surrey and could only draw 5-5 with against city champion Christos in each playing up to 21. The early:

Buckinghamshire and a strong Sussex Hannides. But Toole's cool big-match leaders in Calor Gas Division 1 are the I side, which included Peter Bartram, temperament eventually helped him to champions Goons, having lost just one: Andy Walker and Paul Barry. Team a straight sets final win 21-17, 21-14. match in 5 outings so far. Hinckley: captain Butler picked up singles against Amazingly, it proved to be Wilshere's Meths in third place are the only sidel both Surrey and Sussex, but Dredge led only defeat of a hectic day. He went on left with a 100% record, and the tip (not: the way with 5 wins out of 6 during the to win the Veteran Singles title after mine) for the Championship isl day. Maria Taylor-Woodward and wins against Mikki Sinanan and Mark Hinckley Meths. We shall see. At the:

I bottom the early strugglers are Stoney even though it was Yorkshire Sixths, Latest positions:- PWDLPTS Stanton having lost all 4 of their the end product was still a win for the fixtures. In Terrivision Division 2, 'White Rose.' Corby Town A 11 9 1 1 88 Barlestone are the leaders and looking Lincolnshire were even more Higham Band 10 10 0 0 86 very strong. Market Bosworth in impressive with only a mixed doubles SAS Thrapston 11 8 0 3 81 second place a few points behind will shared between Cox and Ian Sclater Kettering Town A 11 9 0 2 77 be pushing the leaders, both are still on escaping their talented clutches. Braybrooke A 10 6 1 3 66 a 100% record. Kettering continue to remain In Loughborough there are 2 unbeaten in the Midland League, with Sponsorship pays! This season the divisions of 8 teams and also playing the A side winning 8-2 against Kettering League is sponsored by up to 21, 2 players to a team and Nottingham C and then following up Burton Latimer Baptist Church and in playing 4 singles and 2 doubles. I am with all 10 points against Dudley. Ken the second week of December the press afraid I have no further news at hand Philipson and Geoff Atkinson were officer's report was able to include, from here. unbeaten in all 6 encounters with 'With one week to go to the halfway Sclater, who lost once against Notts, stage of the campaign, Burton Baptist NORFOLK by Ray Hogg replaced by Shaw for the match with sides sit on top of Divisions 1,2 and 3.' Dudley. It went on to add, 'However getting Just got and read Table Tennis News Mike Hawes and Gerald Finney both there may have proved an easier task for November and found in -there more hit hat-tricks for the B team when than staying there' but not if a information about this county that I can Birmingham C were beaten 7-3, but it November headline is to be believed. obtain locally, such as John Fuller was newcomer John Fuller who won 'Baptist trio leave their rivals without a playing for Kettering after many years the day against Kidderminster B with 3 prayer.' layoff. John was from Great Yarmouth singles and then a double shared with and was top man for years in the Hawes, who also won twice. NORTHUMBERLANDbyPauli~ Yarmouth and Norwich Leagues and Fuller, who last played some 24 years Long also local and county championships. ago when he was Norfolk no. 1, If he finds his form he will be very returned to table tennis at the start of The county veterans team, newly difficult to beat. Then in the Suffolk the season after playing squash and promoted to the Premier Division, notes Andrew Dosher says about tennis in the intervening period and is found it hard going in their first series travelling 50 miles to a match. Last now beginning to find his true form, as of matches at Ashford over the season Paul Cicchelli and Lee Balaam the potential Wellingborough League weekend of 26th_27th October. 'Benny along with Martin Gray from Premier Division champions Old Robertson' was unable to play because Cambridgeshire all played in Norwich Grammarians recently discovered. of work commitments, which meant regularly and won our Premier Playing for Westfield B in the final Malcolm Lusk had to move up to the Division. Paul and Martin played in all match of the first half, Fuller's hat-trick no. 1 position and Jimmy Scope was 117 games and won 114 of them. I also included wins over Chris Gibbons and brought in as a replacement to join note that Norwich Foxwood is still in Dave Murphy, and he finished on a Geoff Salter, Rob Dodds and Christine the British League, not that anyone in high note, when he and Hawes came Robinson, who was making her debut Norwich is aware of this as no from behind to take the match winning at this level.' Despite several close indication is given in the local press doubles. games and an encouragiqg first match that matches are or -have been played. I Fuller deservedly made the Evening for Christine, they lost 0-9 to both think we owe it to their sponsor to Telegraph headlines which read, Cheshire and Kent and 2-7 to publicise the progress of the team be it 'Fuller's boys go top as O.G.s lose Yorkshire, with Malcolm and Geoff good or bad. I personally find it unbeaten tag.' Gratifying perhaps but each winning a singles. practically impossible to obtain results the insertion of the word 'old' wouldn't The senior team of Eddie Smith, of county matches played so far this go amiss, when the report also included Andrew Wilkinson, Dave Godbold, season. the phrase, 'Dennis Millman chipped in Caron Guthrie and Pauline Long ­ with a vital win.' replacing the injured Karen Henry ­ NORTHAMPTONSIDRE by Dennis played all their matches over the Mlliman Latest placings:- PWDLPTS weekend of 16th-17th November using two tables for each match at Halton On the veteran scene Northants Firsts Westfield B 9 8 1 0 65 Table Tennis Club, Widnes. They made the comeback of the season when Old Grammarians A 8 7 0 1 63 narrowly failed to regain promotion to trailing Staffs 4-1, they took the last 4 Chesterwell A 9 4 2 3 52 Division lA when finishing as runners­ singles to scrape home by the odd game Higham Band A 952250 up to eventual champions Cheshire, to in 9. Thrapston A 741246 whom they lost 4-6 to record their only Clem Little, on her first appearance defeat. They beat Cleveland 7-3, after injury, made no mistake to win in Gibbons and Fuller also feature in the Cumbria 8-2, Derbyshire 8-2, straight games against Shirley Boone, upper reaches of Kettering's Premier Warwickshire 7-3, Warwickshire II 9-1, but for her male colleagues it was a Division, with Braybrooke's Gibbons and were awarded a 10-0 walkover sterner task as Gary Webb, Chris getting the better of Kettering Town's against Leicestershire who were unable Gibbons and Steve Silk (for the second Fuller when the teams met earlier in the to field a team on the second day. time) had to go the full distance before season. Andrew led the way with 11 wins out getting the better of the opposition. Gibbons was in such good form that of a possible 12 singles actually played, There was no repeat performance he remained undefeated for 9 matches and Eddie and Dave won 10 each. For against Worcestershire Seconds with until Braybrooke encountered SAS the women, Caron won 7 and Pauline 3, single successes from Gary Webb and Thrapston, whereupon he lost in quick and both were awarded another singles Gordon Shaw the only reward. succession to Ken Philipson, Steve when Cleveland were unable to field a Mike Hawes forgot Yorkshire sides West and Ian Sclater as the Islip based second female player. Looking back are invincible when faced by Northants, side boosted its title hopes. over this experience of playing all the as he won twice to add to a Muriel Cox matches over one weekend, it appeared success on a rare appearance. However that while a lot of players seemed to be in favour, I personally felt that because (Saturday/Sunday 29th_30th March at being voted Male Coach of the Year at we were usually either playing or Eldon Square Leisure Centre, the ETTA's Presentation Dinner which scoring, there was no opportunity to Newcastle). was held at Lilleshall. enjoy or appreciate the match to an Reports on the progress of the impression of devaluation and "getting Northumbria League and Team SHROPSHIRE by Terry Ridgway it over with." Handicap Knockout Cup Competition will be held over until the next issue of Both county veteran sides are fighting Rankings:­ Table Tennis News owing to lack of for promotion in Division 4C, but with space. the Wiltshire and Dorset teams up there Senior Men battling for the top spots, good wins are 1, Eddie Smith; 2, Andrew Wilkinson; NOTTINGHAMSHIRE by Mike required in the remaining three games. 3, Dave Godbold; 4, Ian "Benny" Tunningley Shropshire's second squad helped their Robertson; 5, Malcolm Lusk; 6, Geoff cause with a 6-3 win over the first team Salter; 7, Steve Penman; 8, Keith It is nice to see clubs and teams are (Dave Elkin, Chris Tarr and Wendy Patterson; 9, Gary Sangster; 10, Chris moving with the times and creating Baggott unbeaten !). It looks like the Thorp; 11, Rob Dodds; 12, Jimmy websites for interested parties to trophies could go all the way to the Scope; 13, Alan Matthewson. browse through. This form of final series of games in May. Senior Women information is one of the quickest ways 1, Caron Guthrie; 2, Karen Henry; 3, to obtain the latest news you Christine Robinson; 4, Pauline Long; 5, require. We have two leagues in our Linda Pinkham. county who currently enjoy these Veteran Men facilities, both Worksop and now 1, Ian "Benny" Robertson; 2, Malcolm Mansfield include regular updates for Lusk; 3, Geoff Salter; 4, Rob Dodds; 5, members to browse through. Their Jimmy Scope; 6, Bob Atwell; 7, Rob addresses are www.wdtt1.fsnet.co.uk Appleby; 8, John Donnelly; 9, Mark and www.mansfieldtabletennis.co.uk. Kimberley. Mansfield have a new venture this Veteran Women season with excellent facilities to 1, Christine Robinson; 2, Pauline Long; extend into functioning as a table tennis 3, Lily Aust. club. The Summit Centre in Kirkby in Shropshire's second squad in the Ashfield already has two teams using it English County Veterans The Northumbria League representative as their venue. There is space Championship (from left) Chris Tarr, side of Eddie Smith, Michael Marsden for three practice tables as well as room Terry Ridgway, Rod France, Dave and Chris Thorp won both their group to play a league match. The venue Elkin, Wendy Baggott matches at Huddersfield by 5-2 to enjoys changing room and bar facilities advance to the next round of the and runs on a Thursday evening for Wilmott Cup nlen' s team competition. a nominal charge of £2. The league Contrary to my report in the November obtained Lottery funding for four new issue of TT News, the league do NOT tables and other equipment at the have a team in the Carter Cup junior Centre. boys competition, preferring to Mansfield's Dean Brookes maintained concentrate on their county matches his form of last season, when he won and regional leagues. The cadet squad the leagues first trophy of the season, of Adam McCormack, Fan Cheng, after winning the Autumn Cup by Kevin Watson and Ben Thomson have defeating Gareth Godber in three already played in the first round of their straight sets. On the league front early league and won 3 out of 4 matches. pacesetters Fringe are joined by Shropshire's first team pictured at The new Northumberland Schools Ravenshead All Stars as main Shifnal's Idsall Centre (from left) League has commenced with two sets challengers for the title, while in Malcolm Langford, Jane Bevan, Rob of fixtures played at Ashington Sports Division 2 Black Bull look the team to Mansfield, Mike Dudley College and West Gate Community beat. School. Ashington'A' and John In the Worksop League the surprise Telford League Spence 'B' are leaders of group A, and leaders of Division 1 are Manton M.W. Ashington 'B' and John Spence 'A' are "B" who won promotion from Division Idsall A and Albrighton B are the only at the top of group B. Michael 2 last season. They have played six two unbeaten sides in the top division Marsden is full-time coach at games under the newly introduced and hold the top positions. Last Ashington, while Andrew Wilkinson bonus points rule while other teams season's champions Albrighton A find continues to coach at John Spence have yet to appreciate its value. Extra themselves pushed down to third place School, North Shields. points are gained by teams fulfilling and have a lot of work to do to retain At the other end of the age scale, their fixture on the correct date, playing the title. Broseley (with new signing Pauline Long won the Women's 0-60 with three players and sending in their Rob Davies in fine form!) and Consolation Singles at her first attempt scorecard on time. In Division 2 the Industrial Bearings make up the in the Eastern Masters Veteran strongest team is one of the youngest chasing pack, surprising to see Tournament at Grimsby, defeating Joan ever to top the league. Rhodesia T.T.C. Bridgnorth A in bottom but one Cook (Essex) in the final, while include up and coming position! Leading averages go to Malcolm Lusk reached the quarter­ youngsters Matthew Dodds, Sarah county no. I Tony Ackeroyd with top finals of the Men's 0-40 Singles event. Perks and Damien Piper, all of whom veterans Malcolm Langford, John Dates have finally been agreed for both are rapidly improving with coaching Holding and Dave Elkin following. the Northurrlberland Closed and playing in various national Lilleshall A have an impressive 8 out of Tournament (Sunday 16th February at tournaments. 8 wins to lead Division 2, but four sides the new Sporting Club of Cramlington) The League wish to congratulate are chasing the runner-up spot as and the Newcastle Grand Prix through this column Mick Vesey, on Mathesons A, Owens T.V, Bridgnorth D and Albrighton C all attempt to close The matches against Devon 2 and 3 Cadet League, and things are looking the gap. Abbey B, C and D still lead were both lost 4-6 with Devon fielding good for the future.. Sheffield Juniors Division 3, but Mathesons C are the the same team in both gan1es! are represented by the Castle and only unbeaten side with matches in Abbeydale Clubs, and are challenging hand. Somerset 5 Hereford 5 hard in both competitions. Scorpions (S. Joel 1, D. Shrutt 1, A. Rumary 0, N. are also involved in Junior British Shrewsbury League Wilson 2, W. Pryce 1) League, the Premier team event in TT. Somerset 4 Devon 2 6 The teams are top in the boys 3a and Two clubs dominate the Premier (S. Joel 1, A. Rumary 1, P. Tillotson 1, girls are mid table of 3. Teams are: Division with Pontesbury A, Band C N. Wilson 1, C. Cowell 0) National Cadet League: Peter Morgan, and Cricket Club A, Band C making Somerset 4 Devon 3 6 Stephen Arliss, Joe Dunn, Robert Swift. up the top six positions. As with the (S. Joel 1, A. Rumary 1, P. Tillotson 0, National Junior League: Peter Morgan, last two seasons Cricket Club A are still N. Wilson 2, C. Cowell 0) Stephen Arliss, Liam Carson. Junior unbeaten and with matches in hand will British League: Stephen Roberts, Ben probably put in a late run and retain the Having lost the services of Jerry Barlow, Daniel Hudson. Girls: Nicola championship. Division 1 looks tight Musselwhite this season the Vets A Shepherd, Emily Robinson, Helen and could go to any of five sides. team will be pleased with two wins in Reynolds. Rotherham's Ben Barlow is Hospitals B look favourites and are still two matches, while the Vets B side also improving with every shot, proved unbeaten. Top player averages at the remain unbeaten after two encounters recently by his victory in the Lancs. 3* halfway stage in the Premier go to as well. in Accrington. A special mention must Alister Corfield, Nigel Holding, Paul go to Joe Dunn (Scorpions) who has Corfield and Rob Mansfield. Somerset A 5 Middlesex 2 4 received sponsorship from American (B. Reeves 2, J. Crabtree 0, G. Green 1, multi-national Company 3M, and is Division 1 S. Dark 1, mixed doubles 1) currently training with the National Somerset A 5 Herts 2 4 V12 squad at Lilleshall National Sports Tight battle for the title as Myddle, (B. Reeves 2, 1. Crabtree 0, G. Green 1, Centre, and Nottingham TT Academy. V nison B and Hospitals B open up a S. Dark 1, mixed doubles 1) The Barnsley TT Development Group gap at the top. Shrewsbury's Midland Somerset B 5 Devon 3 4 led by Brain Heathcote, is working League sides are experiencing mixed (M. Crook 0, A. Stone 1, B. Bnlton 2, tirelessly to promote and improve the fortunes as the A side have not won yet W. Pryce 0, both doubles) sport in the area. I have been involved in Division 1, but the second team have Somerset B 8 Sussex 4 1 in the work and know the effort Brian won 2 out of 2 in Division 2 with (G. Green 2, A. Stone 2, M. Withyman has put in will bear fruit in the near captain John Holding unbeaten. 2, W. Pryce 1, mixed doubles 1) future. Somerset C 2 Dorset 3 7 The county teams are having mixed SOMERSET by Martin Rumary (A. Maidment 0, A. Seward 0, S. Lewis fortunes, but are doing well considering 1, A. Sandford 0, mixed doubles 1) all were promoted over recent seasons. The qualifying rounds of the National Somerset C 2 Devon 4 7 The juniors are in Division 2a and are th Junior Ranking Trials were a great (A. Maidment 1, M. Tarr 1, S. Lewis 0, 5 . The seniors are playing their first th success for the county's cadet girls. A. Sandford 0) season in the Premier and are also 5 ; Having got through the preliminaries Somerset C 1 Shropshire 1 8 the highpoint so far was a well-earned at St. Austell the quartet of Carly (A. Maidment 0, A. Seward 0, S. Lewis draw against Yorkshire. The Veterans Roper, Claire Howe, Frances Potjewyd 0, A. Sandford 1) are currently top of 2a with 3 wins, and Alex Johnson then all made the Somerset C 6 Shropshire 2 3 losing only to Warwickshire so far. I'm final five at the next stage at (A. Maidment 2, A. Seward 1, S. Lewis still waiting for reports for county Cirencester and all will play at the 1, A. Sandford 0, both doubles) teams, but hope to give more in-depth Nationals. Claire and Carly also information in subsequent articles. The qualified for the junior finals as did Finally, congratulations go to our two Hallam coaching session on Sundays at John Hughes in the junior boys. top junior girls who both represented Hillsborough has recently started; it The county junior team also made a England teams this year. Kate Steward, runs from 9.15 to 11.00 for seniors, the great start in Division 2B having been of course, represented her country at junior session is 11.15 till 1.00. Both promoted last year. They started with a the Commonwealth Games in sessions cost £3. In the South Yorkshire convincing 8-2 win over Berkshire then Manchester and Naomi Wilson played Schools Team Championships, the a draw with Surrey 2 and back to for England schools at Cardiff. winners were V 11 boys and girls: Dore winning ways against Surrey 3. Primary School, V13 boys: Meadow SOUTH YORKSHIRE by Alan Head Secondary School, V.16 boys: Somerset - 8 Berkshire - 2 (J. Hughes 2, Dunn Myers Grove, V16 Girls: City School. G. Duddridge 2, M. Jenkins 2, C. Howe All the Schools were from Sheffield 1, C. Roper 1) The first half of the season has seen the and Doncaster and the success of the Somerset - 5 Surrey 2 - 5 (J. Hughes 1, big clubs dominating our local leagues event goes down to Sheffield Schools G. Duddridge 0, M. Jenkins 0, C. Howe once again. At Xmas, Stocksbridge Co-ordinator Phil Wright and South 2, C. Roper 2) lead Barnsley Division 1 and are also Yorks Schools Officer Jim Kenny. Somerset - 7 Surrey 3 - 3 (J. Hughes 1, top of Hallam (Sheff) Division 1, the The new Rotherham Scorpions web G. Duddridge 0, M. Jenkins 2, C. Howe Castle 'B' team are currently hard on address is www.scorpionttc.net . I need 2, C. Roper 2) their heels, only one win behind. The more information about new clubs or Rotherham Scorpions Club are leading coaching ventures, as they happen. We The seniors have not got off to too good Rotherham Division 1, they are being have a great county; let's crow about it! a start with one draw and two losses. pushed hard by the London and Alan Dunn: (01709)324548 e-mail: Away to Hereford they were without Scandinavian Metals Club. The [email protected] Christine Cowell, but Wendy Pryce Rotherham Scorpions Club is yet again stepped into the breach and took a vital dominating the county as far as juniors win to go with two from Naomi Wilson are concerned, sitting on top of both and one apiece from Joel and Strutt. National Junior League and National WARWICKSHIRE by Caroline given Leamington a more useful four Williams points.) On the last Sunday of the year, Warwickshire Closed Leamington played both Coventry sides in the Midland Junior League, resulting in 7-3 and 8-2 wins. Against the The Warwickshire Closed Coventry B team Leanrington won 8-2, Championships will be staged on Matthew Cooper taking his three and Sunday 5 January at Warwick just after the doubles with Edward Freeman, who the closing date of this article. Full added a brace as did Richard Grover, results will have to wait until the next Rachel Pilgrim replying for Coventry magazine. B. Leamington did almost as well Joe Dunn at Lilleshall National Sports against the Coventry A team winning 7­ Centre County Matches 3. Matthew Cooper again took the maximum plus the doubles. This time SUSSEX by John Woodford Warwickshire juniors playing in he was pmtnered by Richard Grover who contributed a singles and there was Division lA of the County The Sussex second team are the first Championships have found the going also an Edward Freeman brace. Paul side to win gold medals this season. hard. On the first day in November at Nicholls won 2 and Robert Pilgrim 1 With a strong team of Andy Walker, Grantham, the squad of 4 boys and 3 for Coventry A. Peter Bartram, Terry Haley, Sheila girls went down 6-4 to a strong squad King and Sarah Stedman, they travelled from Lancashire, drew 5-5 against a WORCESTERSHIRE by Martin to New Malden overpowering weaker Lincolnshire and then were Clark Oxfordshire 6-4 and Buckinghamshire swamped 9-1 by Derbyshire and with 8-2. the same score to Nottinghamshire. Lee Mark Fiddian from Droitwich, That was in Division 2, but those five Bradford (Birmingham), David Bissell representing IBM UK Ltd., surpassed players are a team with no passengers (Birmingham) and Matthew Cooper all expectations to take gold in the 30­ and should give a good account of (Leamington) gained victories in the 39 years old category at the World themselves next season in the high Lancashire match. Coventry's Nicki Corporate Games held in Seville, division. and Rachel Pilgrim both picked up two Spain, in November, beating another Crawley retained the Sussex Inter­ good wins when they played against Englishman Barry Yarnley from Dover League Championships, senior and Lincolnshire, plus one from Lee in the final. veterans titles at the Six Villages He qualified for the Games after Bradford. Nicki Pilgrim was the lone Centre, Fontwell. Ritchie Venner, now voice for Warwickshire against winning the lTK and Ireland Corporate residing in Hastings, played for Derbyshire and Leamington's Games in July and he will defend that Crawley with Terry Haley in the all too Stephanie Hawkins did well to get one title in Gateshead later this year. frequent absence through injuries being against Nottinghamshire. suffered by the county champion, County Ju;nior Championships Mayur Majithia. Barrie Gilbe11 and Fawsi Yousif had Wilmott Cup Disappointment There was a surprise I;esult in this little trouble in winning the veterans season's championships held at event for Crawley. Leamington men's team had an Christopher Whitehead School where Hastings now have two strong unfortunate experience in November 42 boys and 13 girls took part. women's and girls teams - both were when they travelled to Trowbridge in Tom McDermott (Kidderminster), the triumphant at Fontwell - Sheila King Wiltshire to play two other teams in the title holder and no. 1 junior boy was and Rose Rainton for the seniors, Lisa first round of the national team Wilmott beaten in the semi-final by 4th seed Standen and Stacey Funlival for the Cup - and came third! The trio of Mark Robelt Hatherly (Kidderminster) in 5 juniors. Woolerton, Jon Williams and Mark games. In the other semi, Matthew The All-Sussex Championships, Jackson were unlucky and disappointed Hutton (Dudley) no. 3 seed beat Joe senior, veterans and juniors, will also to lose to both Plymouth and West Higgs (Malvern) in 3 close games. In take place at Fontwell shortly. Ritchie Wiltshire, and so Leamington will not the final the unflappable Hutton beat Venner, despite a dip in recent form, progress to the next round. Against Hatherly 7, -10, 8 and 5 to take the title will be the top men's seed. Andy Plymouth, Spa had been 4-3 up but for the first time. Walker took him to 11-8 in the fifth eventually lost 5-4, having the No surprise in the junior girls with recently at the inter-league event. horrendous experience of losing both Kendall Smith (Kidderminster), the title Gary Wilson, Luke Bridge and Gina the last two games 12/10 in the fifth. holder and no. 1 seed beating Emma Rogers are still at the top of our junior The strongest side West Wiltshire beat Williams (Worcester) in the final. 13 ranks, but only the "giant" Wilson Leamington 5-2. year old Williams had won through her turned up for the Inter-League event. group by beating Stephanie Beswick, In the British League, Division 1, Lynsey Garbutt and Leanne Sully. Midland League News Horsham are leading the table with In the cadet boys Ben Salisbury Reading. The clash between these two (Malvern) overcame Jack Higgs In Division 1 of the Midland League rivals will take place shortly. Can (Malvern) in a nail biting final that the Leamington men's squad played th Horsham afford to go up if they have went to the wire in the 5 . their first match this season away the chance? The cadet girls final saw Williams against Oxford - and won it 7-3. Ron lose out to Hannah Garbutt (Dudley). Vose swept up his three, Phil Paine and Garbutt went 2 up, only to be pegged Earl Sweeney two each to give the team back in the next 2, however, she finally three points under the new scoring overcame last year's winner 11-8 to system in the Midland League. take the title. (Unfortunately 8-2 or better would have The Boys' Doubles was taken by Joe Higgs and Anthony Wiseman (Malvern) winning in 4 games against followed by victories by Mike Meredith Bradford Fastbats A were in top spot Matthew Hutton and Matthew Lang and Mytton to level the match. All but successive defeats against Tog 24 (Malvern). rested on yours truly Martin Clark in and Bramley have pushed them back Kendall Smith and Eleanor Lasota the final set which was won 3 straight into 3rd place. retained their Girls' Doubles title, (no sweat). At the other end of the league Thorn beating sisters Rachel and Katie Sellick Park School for the deaf playing in the (Evesham). County Championships Senior 2nds league for the first time have yet to County Association President Vera manage a point but have made many Royal presented the trophies. Sadly, despite Mark Brooks' efforts, friends with their attitude. Despite the team has withdrawn from the finding league table tennis tough going, County Championships Veterans' championships due to lack of they applaud their opponents and bring Ists availability of players particularly with an enthusiastic and enjoyable approach a shortage of ladies. Mark has been to the game. In what many considered to be less than frustrated in his attempts, partly caused ideal conditions at the Woodfield club by players being tied due to them being Halifax League in Wolverhampton, we had a called on by the senior first team. satisfactory weekend in terms of A new team are at the top of the results. Veterans' British League Halifax 1st Division this season but the The first match against Lancashire players are all familiar faces to this go­ 2nds resulted in a 6-3 victory with Eric Having performed most admirably ahead league as Elland Rugby Club A Hardman providing the backbone with throughout the weekend, it should not lead the top division at the halfway 2 sets and being ably backed up by Ray go unnoticed that Mike Meredith was stage, having won all their eleven Dixon, Roy Norton and Janet l-Iunt. awarded 'man of the weekend' at Stoke matches. The second match by contrast ended in November. He was the mainstay in Making a welcome return to Halifax in defeat by the same score against the Seasiders team of Keith Powell is county senior second team skipper South Yorkshire, Janet again playing (Yorkshire), John Fannin Simon Pugh who has an impressive her part in the singles and mixed (Gloucestershire) and Martin Clark unbeaten 21 sets record. Pugh is well doubles with Norton. Our only other (Worcestershire) who finished top of supported by Halifax representative success came again from Hardman. the division at this halfway stage. players Gilly Broadbent, Ian Tweedale On the Sunday we got off to a good and Gary Foster. start again by beating Bedfordshire 6-3. Golden Jubilee Dinner The rugby club are already 8 sets A sterling start saw Ken Walton clear of second place Grasshoppers coming in at no. 1 to win the first set Over 50 people celebrated our 50th who have played one match more and and followed by victories by Norton anniversary at the Holt Fleet Hotel have already lost 4 of their 12 starts and Hardman. Further wins in the where many players and officials (some and, despite the inclusion of veteran men's doubles gave us a 4-1 lead and from the inauguration) enjoyed a most stalwarts Alan Dickinson, Paul victory was secured with Walton and enjoyable and memorable evening. Stannsfield and Alan Carter in their Norton in the last 2 singles. Beryl Shammmon not only organised ranks, it is hard to see how the The final match of the weekend was the event, as she had so done for the Grasshoppers 'can now catch the high against neighbours Warwickshire. silver anniversary, she also made the flying Elland. After 5 sets we had fallen 1-4 behind celebratory cake and was presented On the Friday after Christmas the with only Walton in the opening set with a bouquet of flowers for her Halifax & District Table Tennis recording a win. Lynda Reid started outstanding efforts. Photographs of Association held their annual mystery the comeback and was followed by past and present players were on doubles at the impressive Halifax Table another victory by Walton, however, display and a scrapbook of press Tennis Centre. despite Hardman's win in the final set, releases was circulated amongst those It was the 21 st successive staging of we lost 4-5 largely due to losses in 2 present. this popular post Christmas event close doubles sets. which attracted an inlpressive entry of Much criticism was levied by many YORKSHIRE by Barry Snowden 34 local league players for this event players and supporters from all where partners are drawn out of a hat. participating counties in respect of the White Rose Affairs The only proviso is that no Division 1 heating, lighting and floor in what is Bradford League player may partner another top supposed to be a purpose built venue divisional player. under ETTA specification. In the Bradford League it's good to see Grasshoppers player Bob Sanderson From my own perspective it was former county player Mick Stead back and Halifax TTC B player Shaun disappointing to note that apart from in action on a more regular basis. Mick Forbes from the 3rd Division took this our own county providing three official had had operations on both his knees season's event with a hard fought final umpires over the weekend, the only and his appearances for the last two success over Alan Veal from HBOS other blue coat came from Lancashire. seasons have been few and far between. and Steve Caulfield from Division 4 In the first half of the season Mick team Halifax Central 22-2021-18. County Championships Veterans' has lead his side Tog 24 to the top of 2nds Division 1 by winning all his 18 sets, Dennis Norburn including a vital maximum in the defeat Our second match of the campaign saw of Bradford Fastbats A who were It is with deep regret that I report the Nick Mytton enter the fray against unbeaten prior to the meeting. death of one of the stalwarts of the Leicestershire 2nds. This turned out to Tog 24 have now dropped just one Yorkshire game as Dennis Norburn be a nail biting match that started point while defending champions died suddenly at his home on Saturday dismally with us falling 1-4 down. Only Bramley are two points behind and are 7th December 2002. Mytton had taken his singles and losing clearly missing the services of county Dennis will be remembered as a both doubles put us in a precarious senior second team skipper Simon Pugh Yorkshire County player and former position. Dorothy Macfarlane won in 5 who is not playing in Bradford this Halifax and York champion, and nlany to put us back in the match and was term. of his table tennis colleagues joined / friends and family to say goodbye to insults. Try to tailor your letter for the Club featured on Meridian Television Dennis at Park Wood Crematorium on (particular) paper. South and the half page (with photo) Friday 13th December, which was one Sunday Telegraph (Simon Hart, 1st day before what would have been his Don't be tempted to go beyond the December) feature on Darius Knight, 72nd birthday. deadline: you'll be too late. Please with big mentions of the National I myself were amongst a dozen or so include your name, address and Training Centre, coach Gideon Ashison that could not get a seat and stood at the daytime telephone number. We don't and Darius's colleague and arch rival, back of the chapel, such was the publish unsigned letters, however Paul Drinkhall. Currently, I am popularity of the likeable Norburn who succinct, but if you want us to withhold getting more media enquiries on Paul in recent years had devoted much of his your name and address please supply and Darius than for any other table time to the development of the junior them anyway so we can verify your tennis issue, and we can anticipate players in the town. letter. E-mailers should insert 'letter further coverage on thenl on TV and in Most weekends he could be found to the Editor' in the subject field.' the press. Also look out for a BBC providing his own taxi service to many TV broadcast on writer Howard of the town's up and coming youngsters I will publish BBC 'golden rules' on Jacobson and table tennis. or being non-playing captain offering relating to broadcasters next month. advice and knowledge to his charges. Other snippets: The December John Woodford continues to provide University of Nottingham Newsletter MUHR'S MEMO: Information the only national newspaper day-to-day announced Nicola Deaton's invite to Officer Messages from Ken Muhr table tennis news service in his The 10 Downing Street to meet the Prime Daily Telegraph copy, covering such Minister, Tony Blair (Alan Ransome I feel I do not do enough in this column issues as Katy Parker topping the and Matthew Syed also attended), to help local press officers, so before I England ranking Ii st, various and her engagement to University get to table tennis in the national media, international matches and tournaments and England table tennis colleague, here is a bit of (edited) advice from the (including Darius Knight & Paul Alex Perry. Then the January Observer (Stephen Pritchard, 3.2.02) Drinkhall winning the cadet boys' Newsletter majored on the Master of about getting letters published in that team event and Abigail Embling & Research graduation of Chinese particular newspaper, although the Joanna Parker coming runners-up in superstar (and British Member of principles apply generally: the cadet girls at the Portuguese Parliament equivalent) Deng Yaping, Youth Open), and the ETTA who 'enjoys the kind of fame in China 'Here are some simple rules: Chairman Election (I will say no more that in Britain is reserved for sporting about the latter, except that you can superstars like David Beckham'. As 1. Don't start your letter 'So,'. find out about the candidates on their well as being the main news (with 2. Follow the guidelines set out respective websites: photo) item, Yaping's graduation was every week on the letters www.alanransome.info and the (only) subject of the Newsletter page. [email protected]). Some front cover. Apparently around 400 3. Be brief. It takes time for us of John's Press Association copy (as million viewers watched the event to read several hundred well as some of my own press releases) courtesy of ~hina Central TV. communications. Try to keep has appeared in other national papers, the length of your letter to a e.g. I have seen Butterfly Grand Prix In December, the (AII1erican) Tennis maximum of 300 words. results in The Times and The Guardian, Channel (www.thetennischannel.com) Most (letters published) are and there have also been occasional announced that it had secured the between 100 and 200 words; 'shorts' in the Daily Mail. broadcast rights to 15 major some are as short as 35 international IT tournaments words. A long letter will However, I think the most significant sanctioned by the ITTF, in a deal with inevitably have to be cut and national coverage in the period has Tabletennisvideos.com, the U.S. runs the risk of becoming emanated around Matthew Syed, or television rights holder of ITTF events, unbalanced, even after careful Darius Knight & Paul Drinkhall, or who will produce 15 tournaments in 60 editing. both. Matthew has had several or 90 minute blocks for broadcast on 4. Stick to the point. features on major sporting issues, such The Tennis Channel. 5. Be legible. Obviously typed as drug testing, taking a stand against letters and e-mails are easy to President Mugabe's Zimbabwe, and Stop Press! A Guardian feature by read but. ..our letters' editor discrimination of gay athletes (a whole Sophie Parkin (29.1.03) on sex in old sometimes feels like a page this, which elicited an enormous age, 'Growing old disgracefully', says pharmacist faced with scores readership response), referenced partly that, 'Another friend's 78-year-old of illegible prescriptions. from his table tennis experience, mother and twin sister share their 55­ 6. Avoid green ink. published in The Times. As we go to year-old table tennis coach'! Who is press, The Times has just published a the coach?! It is worth noting that the letters that purely table tennis article of his on stand most chance of success are those Timo Boll, which I shall detail in the that take an issue forward. Those that next edition. Matthew has also been merely disagree with a point in the live interviewed about the (London) paper or complain and carp without Table Tennis for Kids Project on substance to their argumeht usually get TalkSport UK, done a live interview on short shrift; those that throw new light BBC Asian network breakfast on a subject are the ones that fight to programme, and appeared for over an get in the paper. hour on Radio 5 Live's sports panel on the 'Sport on 5' programme on 6th Don't be "afraid to be passionate; we January. thrive on vigorous argument - and a touch of deft humour never does any Matthew was behind getting Peter 'harm -' but avoid the temptation to hurl Charters and the (Reading) Kingfisher WIL,.SHIRE CELEBRA,.E GOLDE. A ••IYERSARY lOSt-tOOt

Mrs Peggy Lee was truly delighted to accept the medal for Brenda from Aubrey Simons. Kevin Satchell in acknowledging the I "100 appearance" medals on behalf of the recipients paid an eloquent tribute to TWO distinguished Guests of all who had helped his personal Honour, Alan Ransome, OBE and development in the game from school Aubrey Simons were welcomed by days and looked forward to his entry to John Ford as Chairman of the the ranks. Kevin is of course a player of event's organising committee. inter-national stature and at his peak was Alan Ransome endorsed the status of ranked NO.8 in England. He appeared this event in Wiltshire and spoke of the against Finland, Russia, Germany (twice) changes in the game in recent years like and in Commonwealth events. He is the switch to the 11up scoring system actively involved in top level coaching and the increased ball size. He observed inclusive of work with the Scottish that there was a worldwide majority in National team. favour of changes intended to counter Noel Sewell paid an appropriate tribute the effects of speed glue and to enable to the memory of late officers of the spectators to "see the game properly". county association. Their names and Whilst the larger ball had been widely their distinctions were recalled with accepted the new scoring system Alan pride, gratitude-and affection. People like acknowledged had met resistance but Don Hillier and Kathleen Waters made this could well become mandatory. major contributions whilst David Alan Ransome and Aubrey Simons Ketheroe and John Neech were the shared the presentation of medals to original Chairman & Secretary and served seven of nine players who had made at for some years from 1952. least 100 appearances for Wiltshire. The The county Senior team marked the recipients were Gwen Hazell, Sylvia 50th milestone with three wins in County Morse, Eddie Roofe and Basil Thompson Championship matches with the team all of Swindon, Terry Bruce and Bill enormously strengthened with the Moulding both of Salisbury and Kevin appearance of Kevin Satchell supported Satchell of West Wilts. Alan Duke and ORGANISING COMMITTEE & DISTINGUISHED GUESTS: (I.to r) so ably by Eddie Roofe, Tim 0' Mahoney, Brenda Lee Baldwin were the additional (backrow): AUBREY SIMONS, NOEL SEWELL, JOSE & ALAN Michele Cohen and Brenda Baldwin, all qualifiers but were absent umpiring at a RANSOME, ROY HAZELL (frontrow): JOHN FORD, SUE STONE in good form. big event in the Midlands. However and ROY CHAPMAN

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3 I WESWERN OPEN GRAN. PRIX a. BAWN

THIS toumament easily retained Hungary. its fme reputation as the the Some time has elapsed since we most popular on the circuit with heard of a player throwing a game in its entry of 312 players, his group in order to get into the eventually pared down to around other half of the draw. This 300, writes John Woodford. happened in Bath... Wang Ran calmly All it needs to scoop all the honours lost -3, -6, -2 to Chris Brown of is to find a sponsor (like the Sussex Cornwall in order to avoid playing Open GP) to allow the top mens against his Chinese team-mate. When singles prize to be lifted from the Ryan Owen did the same thing in £250 to £1,000. Kings Lynn two seasons back, he was Not many players world-wide get warned by the Welsh TTA. But the cash hand-outs from their national warning came as a specific complaint bodies. That certainly applies to made by the Norfolk coach involved. England, so the top players have to Footnote: The organisation in Bath go where they stand a good chance was excellent as in the past. There of earning money. were around eight bluecoat umpires This cash-chase is even more important now that we have two new 'camps' of Chinese players one in Cardiff and one at Market Drayton. Chinese players have won the major battles in the last two Grand Prix tournaments - Sussex and now in Bath. The Welsh Association with their attached Chinese squad and Ian Marshall at the Grove club would point out that it is a new advantage to be able to play against talented The last game sawall play on other Chinese without having to join a club tables stopped as each man lost his on the continent. match-points. Both finalists Feng and Wang, One round earlier, the quarter-final benefited from the absence of any battle royal, also almost stopped all really strong players based at other playas Wang (Wales) Nottingham, such as Alex Perry, overpowered the young Lei Kou Bradley Billington, Alan Cooke, (Shropshire) 11, -11, -7, 8, 7. Gareth Herbert and Terry Young. Those two matches provided Had any two of those five been brilliant watching for the fans, well present, the Chinese players might worth making the journey to Bath. well have been beaten, although In the final at was Feng from the both finalists are strong players like Welsh attached-squad who so many we see from China. triumphed 8, -10, 4, 5over Wang. Glancing at the mens singles quarter-final line-up Feng v ENGAGEMENT Cleminson, james v Bryant, Drinkhall Nicola Deaton made a welcome v Charles, Dolder v Harvey and in the appearance in Bath, shortly after her ·Bu..•t·•• te.rflV• top half: jenkins v Denny, Gertsen v engagement to Alex Perry was 'for Urban, Sugrue v Wang, Campos vLei. announced. She played with power Several of the local players in the and precision stopping Barbara Kiss last sixteen must have wondered (Hungary) in the semi-finals 9, 10,9 how they got there. There were but in the final our Derbyshire star superb matches late on. Ryan was defeated 4, 8, 7 by jie Xu from jenkins, winner of six grand prix Cardiff. events squandered four match points jie plays in the Bundesliga womens before losing in a classic all­ top division for Badriburg and her aggression semi-final with Wang who best win so far in Europe was over went through 8, -7, 8,5, 15. Kristina Toth, the world No.24 from I in attendance - now an essential part Women's band 1singles: MarIos de of a Grand Prix, especially on the Smet (Holland) bt Gemma Chapman second day. Play ended promptly on (Bucks) 11-4,11-7,12-10. both days and around 250 people Women's band 2 singles: Stella Davis KOU LEI the watched the main finals around tea­ (Gloucs) btJane Dickens (Warks) 11­ Mens U21 time on the Sunday. 8, 11-5,9-11,11-2. winner Women's band 3singles: Jane Easley THE BANDS (Staffs) bt Diane Melville (Middx) 11­ STEVE HALL the Welsh veteran 4, 11-4, 11-6. coach and "funny-rubber" man is Under 21 men's singles: Kou Lei proving a difficult opponent. In a (China) bt Peter Cleminson (Essex). classic Band 1 final he overpowered Under 21 women's singles: Shuang Ireland's Eoin Byrne at 11 in the Zhao (China) bt Abigail Embling fourth. (Essex) In the Band 2 final Ireland also lost Veteran men's singles: Clive Carthy when John Bowe was outgunned by (Essex) bt John Rankin (Lanes) Stephen Denny (Yorkshire) 6 in the Veteran women's singles: Jane fourth. Durham (Cleveland) bt Judy Morley Band 3 final opponents came from (Gloucs) the south as Adam Laws (Surrey) defeated Tony Halling (Essex) 9 also the fourth. THE OTHER VIEW Tony Halling, 15 from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex reached two finals. In Band 3 by Ken Muhr he knocked out the Lithuanian Vytas Nell Houghton requested that if I Rybakus but lost in the final to Adam write a report, I should mention Laws of Surrey. that despite the provision of The womens Band 1winner was a cardboard bins by himself, Dutch lady Marlos de Smet, a close disappointingly, some players final. Rankin had put out the year old Lithuanian Vytas Rybakus 11­ friend of Ryan Jenkins. She defeated still deposited their rubbish on second seed, Welsh international 9,12-10,7-11,11-7 in a match full of Gemma Chapman (Bucks) 4, 7, 10. the floor. Done it! Steve Hall, 5-11,11-5,11-9,7-11,11-4 attractive and imprOVised attacking Thirteen year old Stella Davis In a repeat of the Ocean in the semi-finals. Cleveland's Jane play, he then fell in the final, 10-12, (Gloucester) No.9 on the England International Sussex Open final 3 Durham, who has dominated the 2-11,11-7,9-11 to Adam Laws cadet list lifted the won1ens Band 2 weeks earlier, 17 year old England tournament circuit this season, was a (Surrey). 12 year-old Daniel Reed title with a win at 2 in the fourth junior no.5, Peter Cleminson (Essex), comfortable winner of the women's (Cleveland) created a stir when he against Jane Dickens of took the precocious 15 year old veteran Singles, with wins over Sheila reached the final of the men's band 5 WaIWickshire. Banbury based Chinese, Kou Lie, King (Sussex) in the semis and Judy singles via 16 year old Jon I-Iughes Open singles results (from semi­ seeded 1, to 5 pulsating games in the Morley (Gloucestshire), 11-7, 11-5, (Wellington, Somerset), 4-11,11-9,3­ fmals): men's under 21 singles final, before 11-6 in the final. Morley had come 11,11-1,11-8, but in the final he Men's singles: Wang Ran (China) bt succumbing 11-9, 11-8,7-11,8-11, through an epic 7-11, 4-11,11-7,11­ found the 22 year old Venezuelan Ryan Jenkins (Wales) 11-8,7-11, 11-8, 5-11. It was the closest challenge 6, 14-12 encounter with Penny Perry international Rafael Campos a bit too 5-11,17-15. Tang Jiang Feng (China) Kou Lei, from Beijing, has been given (Exeter, Devon). strong, going down 10-12, 5-11,9-11. bt Kevin Dolder (Lanes) 12-14, 11-6, by any England junior so far. After YOUNGSTERS DO WELL IN Campos is currently based in Bath 11-8,11-6. defeating second seed Craig Bryant BANDED SINGLES while on an English Language course. Final: Tang Jiang Feng (China) bt (Devon) in the quarters, in the semi­ Two English youngsters, Stella Davis In a men's band 1 singles event Wang Ran (China) 11-8, 10-12, 11-4, finals Cleminson had won a (Gloucestershire) and Tony Halling dominated by Wales and Ireland after 11-5. marathon clash with Ireland's Eoin (Essex) did well to take two titles in several of the seeds had been Women's singles: Nicola Deaton Byrne 9-11,6-11,19-17,11-9,11-6, the banded singles events dominated knocked out early, Welsh veteran (Derbys) bt Barbara Kiss (Herts) while Kou had a straight gan1es by foreign players, at the Western Steve Hall overcame Ireland's Eoin 11-9,12-10,11-9. Jie Xu (China) bt success over Stephen Gertson Open Butterfly Grand (supported by Byrne 10-12, 11-5, 14-12, 13-11 in a Shuang Zhao (China) 11-8,11-3,9-11, (Wales) .. Bath & North East Somerset hard fought battle, the losing semi­ 11-9. 16 year old Zhao Shuang, also from Council), played at the Bath Sport & finalists being respectively Steve Final: Jie Xu (China) bt Nicola Beijing but also currently based in Leisure Centre on 30th Gertson (Wales) and Damien Lynch Deaton (Derbys) 11-4, 11-8, 11-7. Oxfordshire, was a fairly comfortable November/1st December, with the (Ireland). The women's band 1 Men's band 1 singles: Steve Hall winner of the women's under 21 biggest ever entry of 318 players. singles was lifted by 22 year old (Wales) bt Eoin Byrne (ireland) 10­ singles, putting out 14 year old Welsh Stella Davis from Gloucester, only Dutch girl Marlos de Smet, who had 12,11-5,14-12,13-11. starlet Naomi Owen, 4-11,11-3,13­ 13 and ranked no.9 in the England too much weight of shot for Gemma Men's band 2 singles: Stephen 11, 11-3 in the semi-finals, before cadet ranking list, took the women's Chapman (Buckinghamshire), Denny (Yorks) bt John Bowe having a slightly tougher time (11-9, band 2 singles with a 11-8,11-5, 9-11, triumphing 11-4,11-7,12-10. (ireland) 12-10, 11-8,4-11,11-6. 11-9,9-11, 11-5) against England 11-2 win over Jane Dickens Gemma, England junior ranked 10, Men's band 3 singles: Adam Laws national cadet champion Abigail (Warwickshire). In the semi-finals, had narrowly put out her close rival, (Surrey) bt Tony Halling (Essex) 12­ Embling (Essex), who plays a similar the right-handed attacker had put Lauren Spink (Norfolk), 14 and 10,11-2,7-11,11-9. heavy two wing topspin game to out her left-handed Gloucestershire junior ranked no.9, 8-11, 7-11,11-9, Men's band 4singles: Tony Halling herself. Embling had put out Karen colleague from Stroud, 23 year old 11-7, 11-7 in the semi-finals. The 16 (Essex) bt Les Richmond (Lanes) 11­ Shepherd (Cheshire) in her semi­ Marianne Willsher in straight games. year old England junior no.15, 7,11-3,11-6. final. 15 year old Tony Halling (Leigh-on­ Stephen Denny (yorkshire), aged 16, Men's band 5 singles: Rafael Campos Former national veteran champion Sea, Essex), reached two finals. In overcan1e Ireland's John Bowe 12-10, (Venezuela) bt Daniel Reed Clive Carthy (Essex) triumphed in the men's band 4 singles the fluent 11-8,4-11,11-6 in the men's band 2 (Cleveland) 12-10, 11-5, 11-9. the veteran men's singles, via Dave attacker defeated Lancashire's Les final. Men's band 6singles: Brian Britton Harvey (Gloucestershire) in the semi­ Richmond, 11-7,11-3,11-6. And in (Cleveland) bt Antony Whelan finals and John Rankin (Lancashire), the men's band 3 singles, after (Cheshire) 7-11, 11-9, 13-11, 11-8. 11-7, 11-13, 8-11, 11-6, 11-7, in the knocking out his Essex colleague,13 I Brian Halliday re-Yisii:s his IIrass rooi:s

Jon De Groot THE Southend League lost one of it's greatest stalwarts when Jon De Groot died after a valiant fight against Leukaemia. When Jon first learned he had the dreadful decease 2years ago, he fought it off and was back playing in the league within 6 months. He never lost his sense of humour or his determination and on visits to the hospital we found him in track suit and on the treadrrlill. Sadly the illness returned suddenly a few weeks ago and this time there was no let off; we shall all miss Jon greatly. Jon arrived in Southend in the early 80s when his company "The Royal Insurance Company" relocated his department to London from Manchester. His loves were his Family, Table Tennis and Manchester United and he did a lot of charity fund raising before he fell ill. Jon joined the Invicta Table Tennis Club and gained a place in their first team. FOR SOMEONE who graduated but this club had produced a player local kids to learn to play sport is His team ofJeff Edwards, John Hill, from 1940s and 50s boys clubs of marvellous potential. Darius paramount at this club. I could Dave Sibley and Jon was a regular yo to the London table tennis scene Knight has already had a whole not help but compare my own yo team in the 80s and early 90s, winning the first Division one year of the 1960s and 70s, I thought wealth of publicity, but sometin1es involvement with the London scene and getting relegated from the it about time to re-visit my roots, 'potential' makes fools of us all. all those years ago. Then it was all Premier the next; too good for writes Brian Halliday Still here was an opportunity too about small clubs dedicated to Division 1but not quite up to Where to start? Where were all good to miss. I decided that a visit to success at league level. Then the Premier standard. They were always those clubs I had known so well all the club that had nurtured his talent game was 'middle class' a hard team to play against, Jon in those years ago? I had played in a was essential and might, at the same with not much thought given to the particular. In recent years his team number of leagues in London where time, put some old ghosts to rest. future of the game especially in inner colleagues included John Golding, the variety and nature of the clubs The York Gardens club is situated city and deprived areas. John Lott, Maurice Cornish, Talbot was astonishing. We went regularly in Wandsworth, and although the Sue, Tom, and their coaches, ably Wiseman and Colin Chatfield. Invicta Chairman Norman Creagor said Jon to, among others, banks, insurance signs to the Community Centre are assisted by ex RDO Jon Kaufman will be missed so very much by all offices, diamond merchants, numerous I defy anyone not to get have brought a new vision to members of Invicta, who will all have embassies, tobacco companies, lost in the surrounding estate the club and encouraged a sense of fond memories of him. breweries (always good of high rise blocks of flats, and one purpose in their senior and junior Jon was a man who believed in refreshments!), paint factories, bus way dead ends. After about a dozen members. giving something back to the sport depots, and numerous Civil Service enquires I tracked down the The four tables do not cater he loved and he became Captain of outfits. It was all so easy in those Community Centre and was warmly adequately for their needs, and it did Invicta A and General Secretary of days at, say, the Ministry of welcomed by both Sue Adamson and look as if the problem would be the Club. He also served on Defence and just report to Reception Tom Draper. resolved when a ten table venue Southend's Management Committee until work commitments intervened. and say 'Table Tennis' to get in with The place was bUZZing. Four tables became available at Southfields. The He was always ready to help. Jon no security interrogation whatsoever. with general play and coaching for massive publicity surrounding Darius regularly entered our Championships We even played a match underneath juniors, with youngsters waiting to Knight and his coach and mentor with great enthusiasm and again was Waterloo Bridge - broken windows take their turn to play. I watched Gideon Ashison led to him setting up always qUick to lend a hand in the and a Force 8 gale. Heady days. Tom playing his consistent hard bat a separate and dedicated facility. organisation of the Event and 2years The demise of those old traditional defence against a young lad who was Gideon, whose expert coaching ago he devised a software clubs and the structures that looping and driving with enviable talents had been honed in a shed Programme to speed everything up. embraced them are regretted by consistency. Good coaches have all in Tom Draper's back garden, was He was one of my Clients in so many older players. The London the patience in the world and that now able 'to do his own thing'. The London when with the "Royal Ins. Co" and again he was a pleasure to Business Houses League in 1960 had knack of being able to feed exactly committee at York Gardens, to their deal with providing you did the job 21 mens and 5ladies divisions, and the right ball to the pupil. Tom has credit, have no problem with that, up to the standard he required. He the Central London League was not it. but they do want their own place had a great sense of humour, sharp far behind. The Americanised Sue explained that on most nights with more tables. The Council are at times but always well meant. revolution which poured a whole they had about 23 players but sympathetic and present rent is Jon's Funeral was held in new culture at financial institutions sometimes it was absolutely reasonable, but land in this area is at November, at the Jewish Cemetery in and their ilk, killed off not only packed. The membership comes a premium. Southend and it was attended by a those clubs which had become part mainly from the York Gardens estate What can be done? This really is a large group of friends and family and of so many players lives, but also and it may be a significant factor in special case, and the E.T.T.A. is both Invicta and the Southend League were represented; it was eventually those leagues as well. their success story that very few actively investigating alternative clear how much he was loved by It was now profit at all costs at the parents bring their offspring along ­ venues for this progressive club. everyone. expense of a saner and altogether the kids just turn up because they Matt Syed has taken time out from Jon will be very much missed and more pleasant way of life. like the atmosphere and they like his busy playing schedule to help set our thoughts are with his wife Carol, Therefore it was with some playing. The lack of parental up 'Table Tennis for Kids'. More his children and family and his many trepidation that the visit to York involvement throws more work on about this new and exciting initiative friends. Gardens was planned. I had heard a Sue and Tom and his wife, in due course -but in the meantime, Ken Field, Chairman lot about them from numerous nevertheless the club seems to where is there a better place to on behalfofthe Southend &District people. Most clubs have some claim thrive on pressure situations. launch this than York Gardens? Table Tennis League to fan1e, however transitory, The concept of encouraging the BRI,.ISH LEAGUE

THE SEVENTH British League 4-4 when two fifth set doubles wins for Premier division matches produced the Progress pairs -Gretschell/faju arguably the most eye-catching Agunbiade and Sladden/Essomba results of the season to date, writes eventually proved decisive. The inform Steve Kerns. Peter Cleminson had another day to Progress came mightily close to losing remember, beating Taju 11-9 in the for the first time, BATTS' John Holland decider (only Taju's second defeat of the produced a performance of stunning season) and then Tomek Gretschell3-1. dimensions against the Champions-elect, Neil Charles added a great win over Taju Eddie Smith became the first player to in his last match but Cris Sladden's beat Jonathan Taylor and the second victory, a 3-0 success over Chris unpredictable JAGS side produced a Jamieson ensured that Progress took the masterful performance to trounce game 8-6. Not surprisingly John Holland Wellow House 12-2. Even the gallant took the Player-of-the Match plaudits. DML Plymouth side who have yet to "Team of the Season" Seasiders are now score a point fared better, although their a clear second after yet another good 8-6 defeat against Barnet does hide the performance; a 9-5 away win over fact that they were 8-3 down at one stage. Darlington 1. With Johnathan Taylor's You have to start with the Champions unbeaten record being destroyed 3-0 by a and the all-conquering London Progress rampant Eddie Smith the Seasiders team made it seven wins out of seven; victory owed everything to team-work as but this round of matches produced their all four of their players -Taylor, Kevin first real "contest" of the season. BATTS Dolder; Paul Hutchins and John Rankin Team Peniel were left with mixed won twice. Dolder set the ball rolling emotions after losing 8-6; genuine with his opening 11-9 in the fifth set pleasure at having played so well tinged victory over Eddie Smith but he in turn with the disappointment that inevitably missed out 13-11 in the decider against accompanies a match where you have John Hilton. The ageless Hilton couldn't played really well but have still ended up contain Taylor but added a second win losing. When BATTS heard that Jason with a 3-2 success over John Rankin. Sugrue wasn't playing their spirits must Michael Marsden did well to beat John have been raised quite considerably Rankin 11-7 in the deciding fifth end but although when they heard that Marco he made little impact against the Essomba was his replacement it is orthodox attacking Dolder who was a doubtful if they were so delighted!. comfortable 3-0 winner on this occasion. Rather like substituting Beckham for In an afternoon of excellent Keane (or even Phil Neville !) if you performances it was Eddie Smith who believe the hype surrounding a minor was selected as the Player-of-the-Match. football match played over the same JAGS, surely the most inconsistent team weekend! in this division (their results have already John Holland played quite magnificently included a superb 10-4 victory over to take his three singles and it is doubtful BATTS Team Peniel and a horrendous 12­ if anyone will be able to produce a better 2 defeat against Seasiders) chose this performance anywhere in the British week to really put it together. Facing a League this season. In successive full-strength Wellow House team they matches John beat Cris Sladden, Marco were obviously well aware that victory Essomba and finally Tomek Gretschell all would give Wellow House fresh heart 3-1. Matches were shared all the way to that they can avoid relegation.

The British League Official Ball

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IT IS encouraging to see that the Shepherd by two games to love, but two recently formed sections Karen powered back to take the last have increased nlenlbership three games. since their inception last season, Surrey were entertaining Sussex nlost noticeably the Cadet and proved to be rather generous section where a whole new hosts as Sussex thrashed them 8/2, division has been formed, writes love, next up was Mike Johns against final set. Kent put Northumberland but Surrey were just a little unlucky, Stan Clarke. Keith Williams who took the first two to the sword 9/0, Di. Pearce was Robert Lemon having won the first We now have three divisions in the games before Mike powered back to named as player of the match when set against Luke Bridge was section loosely based geographically level the set at 2/2, but it was to no she recovered from being two games desperately unlucky to loose against with a southern division, a central, or avail as Keith comfortably won the down against Christine Robinson to Gary Wilson in his second set having midlands, division and a northern fifth 11/3 to put Lancashire 2/0 up in win the next three. Lancashire won the first two games only for division, the winners of the three the match. Brian Johns then beat continued their good start with a 9/0 Gary to level at two games all and divisions will play each other to John Rankin to peg back the drubbing of Middlesex, although win the deciding game 17/15 and establish an overall winner towards Lancastrians only for Keith and three sets needed all five games to Jessica Trimmelliost to Gina Rogers the end of the season, probably at Brenda Buoey to restore the lead by produce a winner. The Sunday 12/14 in the fifth after being 2games Grantham during the final Premier winning the mixed doubles, the dawned with Kent, Yorkshire and to 1 up at one stage. division weekend. The next step will Johns family secured the next set Lancashire all undefeated, Kent faced Lincolnshire overcame Essex 7/3, be to establish a promotion and when Mike and Brian beat John and Sussex and maintained their record, player of the match for the relegation system for the Cadets Paul in the men's doubles only for but only just, John Burleton beating Lincolnshire team was Alex Green although this may well cause Brenda to easily beat Doreen Barrie Gilbert in the final set of the with two wins, the second against problems with travelling for such Schofield to take the match score to match to ensure victory 5/4. the dangerous Vytas Rybakas. young players. The "Over 60" section 4/2 in favour of the "Red Rose". John Yorkshire where pared against Meanwhile Glamorgan, who won the has also seen an increase in teams, Hilton then beat Keith Williams in a Middlesex and achieved a very good championship last season, found up to nine teams from the five who tight five game set before Paul 6/3 victory despite Malcolm Corking themselves held to a draw by competed last season. Hutchings crowned an immaculate conceding both of his sets due to Yorkshire, who after six sets were All three of the Premier divisions debut by beating Brian Johns to injury. Lancashire continued their holding a 4/2 lead only for the Welsh have completed their first round of secure the win at 5/3. In the final set run of good form beating a curiously team to gallop into a 5/4 lead, which fixtures over the past couple of Mike Johns comfortably beat John under performing Surrey side 7/2. left Stephen Denny to face Aled Rhys weeks, although I do not have the Rankin, but by then Lancashire were Surrey, with Ian Girdler, Dave Howell in the final set and in a tight score sheets for the Senior Premier celebrating their win over the old WeIsman Dave Harding and Margaret struggle Stephen ran out the winner at this time. The first to play were the enemy. At the same session Sussex Maltby should not be struggling in by three games to one denying the Veterans on the weekend of 26/27th disposed of Middlesex 6/3 and Kent this way, having lost all of their Welsh a victory. October at the Ashford club. The first beat Surrey by the same score, matches and won only six sets from The second round of matches round of matches paired Cheshire Yorkshire thrashed Northumberland twenty-seven. Cheshire meanwhile produced four outstanding wins as against Lancashire, a real "Derby" 7/2, Keith Roger winning both of his rounded off their weekend in fine Glamorgan thrashed match, Lancashire welcomed sets in three straight. In the evening style thrashing the luckless Buckinghamshire 8/2, Yorkshire debutant Paul Hutchings into the round of matches Cheshire put their Northumberland 9/0. battered Lincolnshire 9/1 and Essex Veteran ranks and he was earlier defeat behind them and So at the halfway stage Lancashire inflicted the same score on immediately thrown in at the deep thoroughly trounced Surrey 8/1, are in top spot, level on points with Surrey, however the best result of end when in the opening set he was Yorkshire just scrapped home 5/4 Kent and Yorkshire but with a the morning was the 1% win by matched against John Hilton, no against Sussex when Malcolm superior sets difference, whilst Cheshire against the luckless Sussex. contest! Paul winning three games to Corking piped Nick Standen in the Cheshire wait in the wings to see With Danny Horner, Tom Page, Neil what happens in the second round Powell, Karen Shepherd and of matches when the top three must Elizabeth Dennett the Cheshire play each other. squad is a formidable line-up and will take some beating. The final round of matches {~~tlr2~ or}~~~~~~R produced the first draws of the played at Cippenham on 2/3rd weekend between Surrey and November and in the first set of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, matches Cheshire really went for Glamorgan finally found their true the" Jugular" when they whipped form when they inflicted a 9/1 defeat Buckinghamshire 8/2, although on Sussex, but Cheshire ensured they did run into some resistance they would stay top of the heap when in the first set Gavin Evans beat when they brushed aside Essex 7/3 Tom Page, but Cheshire won the to maintain their 100% record, next three sets before Gemma Glamorgan finished in second place Chapman beat Elizabeth Denning to and it seems certain that the result of make the match score 3/2 to the match between these two will Cheshire but that was to be the last determine the final destination of the stumbling block before the championship. Buckinghamshire and youngsters from the North West Surrey are in the two bottom places wrapped up the match, mind you and need to improve their Gemma Chapman almost had a performances if they are to avoid the double when she led Karen drop into the first division. SENIORS Shropshire II 18 Buckinghamshire 10 26 PREMIER P W D L F A Pts South Yorkshre II 19 Hampshire 7 II Essex 3 3 0 0 25 5 6 Worcestershire 15 25 8erkshire 1st II 25 Glamorgan 3 2 0 I 16 14 4 lancashire Ind 14 16 Avon 3 15 Sussex 3 I I I 15 15 3 Norfolk 4 9 30 DIVISION 2A Middlesex 3 I I I 15 15 3 DIVISION 28 South Yorkshire 20 16 Surrey 3 I I I 12 18 3 Somerset 20 10 Essex 2nd 16 II South Yorkshire 3 0 2 I 14 16 2 Kent 2nd 17 13 Warwickshire 20 16 Yorkshire 3 0 2 I 12 18 2 Surrey 2nd 21 19 Worcestenhire 19 17 Devonshire 3 0 I 2 II 19 I Buckingham 3rd 21 19 Bedfordshire 13 14 DIVISION IA Dorset II 8 Essex 3rd 13 14 leicestershire 31 9 Oxfordshire 19 II lancashire 2nd 5 I 16 29 Yorkshire 2nd 28 i2 Berkshire II 19 Norfolk 2nd have withdrawn lancashire 26 14 Surrey 3rd 9 II DIVISION 28 Worcestershire 23 17 DIVISION 3A Devonshire 12 6 Essex 2nd 19 II Hertfordshire 16 4 Somerset 10 8 Nottinghamshire II 28 Bedfordshire 1st IS S Hertfordshire 2nd 13 5 Durham II 29 Suffok 14 6 Kent 3rd II 7 Cambridgeshire 10 30 Huntingdonshire 10 10 Wiltshire 10 8 DIVISION 18 Norfolk 2nd 8 22 Hampshire 2nd 8 10 Kent 1st 38 12 10 8edfordshire 2nd 12 18 Middlesex 2nd 7 II Wiltshire 27 13 6 Cambridgeshire 5 35 Buckingham 2nd I 17 Middlesex 2nd 26 24 5 DIVISION 38 DIVISION 3A Gloucestershire 23 17 4 Conwy Worcestershire 2nd 3 16 II Berkshire 19 21 4 Durham 2nd Yorkshire 4th 3 15 12 Hertfordshire 18 32 4 Northampton 2nd No Hatches Played Yet Cheshire 3rd 3 15 12 Glamorgan 2nd 17 23 3 Northumberland Yorkshire 3rd 3 14 13 Kent 2nd 12 38 0 Nottingham 2nd Clwyd 2 9 9 DIVISION 2A Nottingham 3rd Northarnptonshire 3 II 16 Cheshire 55 15 14 Warwicke 2nd leicestershire 2nd 2 8 10 Northumberland 53 17 12 DIVISION 3C Staffordshire 3 II 16 Cleveland 41 29 10 Devonshire 2nd 28 2 DIVISION 38 Warwickshire 1st 39 31 8 Herefordshire i9 II Nottinghamdhire 16 2 Derbyshire 32 38 5 Devonshire 3rd 12 8 Kent 4th 14 4 Cumbria 7 29 41 5 Cornwall 1st 12 8 Essex 4th II 7 Warwickshire 2nd 7 18 52 2 Avon 6 14 Hertfordshire 3rd II 16 leicestershire 2nd 7 13 57 0 Devonshire 4th 3 17 Yorkshire 5th 7 II DIVISION 28 Cornwall 2nd 0 10 Norfolk 3rd 6 12 Avon 8 2 DIVISION 3D Middlesex 4th 7 20 Cornwall 1st 8 2 Gloucestershire 3 II 9 DIVISION 3C Devonshire 3rd 6 4 Sussex 2nd 3 20 10 Surrey 3rd 23 4 Devonshire 2nd 6 4 Wiltshire 3 20 10 Berkshire 2nd 10 7 Somerset 13 17 Middlesex 2nd 3 14 16 Middlesex 3rd 19 8 Herefordshire 7 13 Essex 3rd 3 12 18 Sussex Ind 17 10 Cornwall 2nd I 0 0 2 8 Sussex 3rd 3 12 18 Herefordshire 1st 9 18 Worcestershire 2nd have Withdrawn 8uckingham 4th 3 10 20 Gloucester 2nd 7 II DIVISION 2C Gwent 2nd 3 II 19 Oxfordshire 2nd 3 24 Suffolk 1st 30 10 CADETS Hampshire 4th 2 I 17 lincolnshire 28 12 DIVISION IA DIVISION 3D Bedfordshire S 29 21 Cheshire Devonshire 2nd 3 19 8 Hertfordshire 2nd 4 23 17 Cleveland Berkshire 3rd 3 17 10 Northamptonshire 4 19 21 Durham No Hatches Played Yet Glamorgan 3 18 9 Suffolk 2nd 4 II 29 lancashire Gloucestershire 1st 3 15 12 Norfolk 5 10 40 South Yorkshire Sussex 3rd 3 II 16 DIVISION 2D Yorkshire Surrey 4th 3 10 17 Sussex 2nd 4 27 13 DIVISIONI8 Warwickshire 2nd 3 , 9 18 Oxfordshire I 7 3 Derbyshire 25 5 Hampshire 3rd 3 9 18 8uckinghamshire 2 10 10 Northamptonshire 22 8 DIVISION 4A Hampshire 3 14 16 lincolnshire 21 9 Hertfordshire 2nd I 9 0 Surrey 2nd 3 14 16 Suffolk 18 II lincolnshire I I I 2 Isle of Wight 3 II 19 Glamorgan 4 16 Yorkshire 6th 3 14 13 Berkshire 2nd 2 7 13 Worcestershire 0 30 Northtmptone 2nd 2 8 10 JUNIORS DIVISION IC Hertfordshire 6th 3 10 17 PREMIER DIVISION Sussex 1st 25 15 Nottinghame 2nd 2 I 5 13 Cheshire 3 3 15 5 Surrey 1st 20 10 Durham 2nd have withdrawn Glamorgan 3 2 II 8 Somerset 16 14 DIVISION 48 Yorkshire 3 I 19 II Gloucestershire 16 14 Cambridgeshire 22 5 lincolnshire 3 I 13 17 Sussex 2nd 16 14 Bedfordshire 2nd 17 10 Essex 3 I I 5 15 Surrey 2nd II 29 Hertfordshire 5th 15 12 Sussex 3 I 9 21 Berkshire 4 16 24 Berkshire 4th 15 12 Buckinghamshire 3 0 9 21 VETERANS Hertfordshire 7th 10 17 Surrey 3 0 8 22 PREMIER P W L F A Pts Huntingdonshire 5 13 DIVISION IA lancashire 3 3 0 21 6 6 Oxfordshire 3rd 6 21 Derbyshire 33 7 Kent 3 3 0 20 7 6 DIVISION 4C Nottinghamshire 32 8 Berkshire 3 3 0 18 9 6 Wiltshire 2nd 18 9 Cleveland 21 19 Cheshire 3 2 I 21 6 4 Shropshire 1st 23 13 Yorkhire 2nd 10 20 Sussex 3 I 2 14 13 2 Shropshire 2nd 19 8 Cumbria 17 13 Surrey 3 0 3 6 21 0 Dorset 3rd 18 9 lancashire 16 24 Middlesex 3 0 3 6 21 0 Dewnshin 4th II 16 Warwickshire II 29 Northumberland 3 0 3 2 25 0 Somerset 3rd II 25 liincolnshire 2nd 4 10 30 DIVISION IA Dewnshin 5th 7 II DIVISION 18 Essex 4 29 7 Henfordshin 3rd 2 I 17 Middlesex 17 3 Cheshire 2nd 4 26 10 DIVISION 4D Devonshire 15 5 Hertfordshire 4 24 12 Wiltshire 3rd 2 15 3 Buckingham 2nd 12 8 Oxfordshire 4 17 19 Somerset 2nd 2 13 5 Kent II 9 Norfolk 4 15 21 Devonshire 3rd 2 II 7 Glamorgan 2nd 9 II leicestershire 4 15 21 Sussex 4th 2 9 9 Essex 2nd 8 12 Yorkshin 2nd 4 15 21 8erkshire 5th 3 8 19 Gwent 6 14 Durham 4 3 33 Cornwall I 4 5 Hampshire 2 2 18 DIVISION 18 Herefordshire 2nd 2 3 15 DIVISION 2A Surrey 2nd 27 9 OVER 60's Durham 1st 4 28 12 Kent 2nd 22 14 Berkshire Essex Worcestershire Northamptonshire 4 27 13 Dorset 1st 17 I Cheshire Middlesex Yorkshire Cheshire 2nd 4 24 16 Dorset 2nd II 7 Dorset Surrey No Hatches Played Yet •J 2 FAMOUS PEOPLE WHO PLAYED ,.ABLE ,.EMMIS by Hen Muhr

HM THE QUEEN used to play Kaufman, Official Historian of Leyton table tennis a little, a fact Orient FC, who is writing book on referred to in Dave Hewitts the club, I discovered that 69 year hilarious account (December old former Essex and 46 times TTN Extra) of when Andrew England international, Bobby Stevens Eden met up with Her Majesty. (the national champion in 1963), had Actually, table tennis was a bit of played footbaU for Walthamstow a family tradition. That Boys and Youth tean1S and for the distinguished former editor of South of England Youth Team, and Table Tennis, Leslie Woollard, trained at Leyton Orient and West said in his 1952 book (revised in Ham. He also played football for 1975), also called Table Tennis, RAP Maintenance Command while in writes Ken Muhr. the forces. At one stage Bobby had His late Majesty, King George VI been torn between playing football was an enthusiast and used to play or table tennis, as matches kept regularly and well in Buckingham clashing on Saturdays, but two Palace before the war, when he also cartilage operations in late 1954 had a table installed at Balmoral for made the decision for him! the then Princess Elizabeth. Bobby comes from a very sporting Film star Leonardo DiCaprio is an family: his father had played football enthusiastic player, as confirmed for Tottenham Hotspur and his again by The Guardian interview brother Wally had played left wing (29.11.02) conducted by Marshall behind me.Beyond the politeness of needing to win. And I emerged the for Clapton Orient. He has two Sella: "At the end of the day, theres our practice volleys, he has no victor P.S.When the shadow Home nephews, Ray Stevens and Darren always sports. At Chateau Marmount mercy; this is the sports equivalent of Secretary, Michael Howard, played a Hall, both of whom have been there is a ping-pong table, and one of his on-set spurts, and he has similar game of table tennis with national badminton champions, and DiCapriro is unable to resist a no intention of failing. So he wins Anne, he did the decent thing. He his,sisters have played tennis and challenge.We hit the table, and it one for the Gipper. The five points I lost." table tennis for Essex soon becomes clear that this is going manage are mainly by virtue of his I noted in the Jan/Feb 2003 Table Unfortunately, Bobby has been out of to be a sound pummelling. At first, own net-shots. Working off nervous Tennis Illustrated an old (early circulation for the last 5-6 years as his he taps through a few friendly energy seems to offer him release." 1960s?) photograph of the Beatles wife has Alzheimer's disease, but volleys, trying to be civil. But as the Doreen Stannard spotted this item posing over a table tennis table before that he was doing some table game begins, he's smashing the ball under the appaling headline, Was I holding bats, but by the look of their tennis coaching. savagely and with expert spin, wrong not to Pong? in the Daily grips they were not much of players! Of course footballers often are occasionally shouting gleeful Mirror of 14th December, 2002, in Where did editor Ian Marshall get proficient table tennis players. phrases.More than a few times, the James Whitakers column: "After this picture from? Andrew Pearce from Burton on Trent Nepalese elephant etched on his T­ Sunday lunch at the Cotswolds home VETTS Editor Brian Halliday has supplied a (Birmingham) Sunday shirt becomes little more than a blur, of Anne Robinson, she challenged included a piece on a possibly Mercury (24.11.02) article, World as he slams the ball so hard that it me to a game of table tennis. We famous person in the January 2003 Cup Ding-Dong Was Settled With gets lost in the ivy of the brick wall were both competitive animals, edition, but we can't check, because Game Of Ping Pong saying how both the writer of the piece and the Swedens Olof Mellberg (Aston Villa) subject are unknown! The unnamed and Freddie Ljungberg (Arsenal) ALAN COOKE & NICOLA DEATON player encountered in Toulon, was ended their pre-World Cup said to be a former junior champion, disagreement which started with a and looked middle-aged with the fight in May while Sweden were AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE build of Arthur Lowe. He claimed he training in Japan, by playing a game was an orchestra conductor and was of table tennis! Monday August 4th to Friday August 8th in town for a concert, before moving Brian Halliday alerted me to the and/or along the Riviera to team up with Daily Telegraph column (30.11.02) Monday August 11th to Friday August 15th Quincy Jones for a jazz festival near by Robert Philip on the late, great Participants £339 per week St Tropez, where his good friend, sporting all-rounder, Max Woosnam Gerard Depardieu, would be joining (who represented England at both Non-participants £21 0 per week tennis and football), whose daughter, Cost includes all meals and accommodation them. His name was on the posters outside the hall and I have sighted Denise Patterson, was quoted as For further information contact: saying, "In addition to his other NICOLA on 01246 570805 or 07881 624330 his nan1e on a fair share of old films since. Anyway, he pulverised the achievements, he could beat us all at or table tennis using a kitchen-knife as a ALAN on 01246 855834 or 07887 586615 writer and company at table tennis. Has anyone any ideas who he is/was? bat." Following an enquiry from Neil IlfifF WORLD PRO IfOUR FINALS in Sweden

HIGHLY-RATED Chinese players ­ Ma Lin and Wang Hao and even the European champion and world cup holder Timo Boll bit the dust at the World Pro-Circuit fmals played over four days Erikdalshallen stadium in Stockholm, December 12-15, writes John Woodford. No British players on view of course, but plenty of quality play to watch including the final rounds of the World Junior Circuit which under ITTF guidance is now established and we assume will be 'bolted' onto the senior world pro finals in future. The Swedish TTA tried hard to emulate previous finals but the ASTAR IN THE absence of Jan-Ove Waldner, halved the potential crowd. Semi-finals day ASCENDENCY saw just under one thousand fans CHUAN CHIH-YUAN from Taiwan present, but had Waldner been a twenty year old shakehands involved in the later rounds it would grip player, who trained in have been standing room only. Beijing, won the Mens Singles Waldner had sustained a broken happen. Also, he said that being a Hao, who brought down Ma Lin, 11 title, writes Geoff Taylor. ankle after falling down some steps single, without family comittments, in the, seventh game taking his fifth Chuan, who has not won any in a Stockholm restaurant. he wanted to continue his match point. But the mens singles tournaments on the Pro Tour in Whether he will be fit for the involvement with sport and of winner was Chuan Chih-Yuan from 2002, won the $38,000 US first prize European championships in course, in table tennis after his Taipei. In the final he beat Kalinikos with a victory over Kalinikos Kreanga Courmeyer in March is anyone's competitive days are over. Kreang-. (Greece) at 6 in the of Greece, in the final. guess. seventh. Kreang. -, Bashy at times He has a game based on control At a media gathering, once again he IMPRESSED but also devastating, went on to and placement, rather than sheer said he hoped to carry onto the next The player who impressed me in Copenhagen where he won the power. His fighting spirit is good and Olympics in Athens, but it may not Stockholm was the 19-year-old Wang Pondus Cup. Matthew Syed played in his mental toughness reveals that he the Danish super-cup, losing 4-2 in is a star in the ascendency. the quarter-finals to Denmark's Kong Linghui, Jean Michel Saive and Michael Maze. Wang Hao were his victims en-route As usual, Chinese women to the final. dominated the Stockholm scene. This was a very good event for Zhang Yining defeated Guo Vue 10 in spectators; matches of note included the sixth game of the final. The most in the first round wins by Wang Hao notable young girl in Stockholm was over Vladimir Samsonov. the new Hungarian star Georgina Subsequently the young Chinese Pota - one to watch for the future. player beat Ma Lin before losing to • For the many who have never the eventual winner. been to Stockholm it is one of the Wang Liqin defeated Ryu Seung most beautiful capital cities of Min, before losing to Timo Boll, who Europe. My fellow travellers Barry struggled due to a hip injury, losing Granger, Geoff Taylor (Croydon) and to Kreanga. I managed to squeeze in a delightful Younger players dominated the waterborne tour of the city which is semi-finals, three 21 year olds and built amongst a thousand islands. Kreanga now 30. FINALS: The only technical changes were Mens singles: Chuan Chih-Yuan the new services by the Chinese and (Taiwan) b K. Kreanga (Greece) 9, 7 ­ a major improvement on their part, 9, -10, 1-11,6. unleashing 'backhands' off of the Womens singles: Zhang Yinang other side of penhold bats, with a (China) b Guo Yue (China), 9, -5, 13, power and consistancy previously 2, -3,10. unseen. Senior Men (107) 88 ROOFE, Eddie (WI.) 3137 (75) 74 KNIGHTlEY, Gillian (BK.) 2785 * (8) 7 WHITE, Nicola (Y.) 3279* (16) 15 SMITH, Sally (DV.) 1175 Pas Name Rtg FIg (98) 89 COX, Philip (K.) 3133 (77) 75 DEARING, Emily (Y.) 2780 *** (9) 8 CHAPMAN, Gemma (BK.) 3231 (15) 16 STEEPLES, Susie (ll.) 1100 (I) I SYED, Matthew (Bk) (SY.) 4842 *** (116) 90 KERRY, Trevor (NG.) 3129 (79) 76 GARLICK, Helen (K.) 2766 ** (12) 9 SPINK, Lauren (NK.) 3189 * (/8) 17 BIElEC, Sylvana (BK.) 1034 (2) 2 HERBERT, Gareth (BK.) 4761 * (101) 91 WElSMAN, Dave (NP.) 3129 (78) 77 MUDGE, Kim (E.) 2766 (II) 10 SHEPHERD, Karen (CH.) 3157 (20) 18 PILGRIM, Nikki (WA.) 1033 (3) 3 PERRY, Alex (DV.) 4732 * (102) 92 WIGNAll, Andy (ll.) 3128 * (87) 78 FlOWERDAY, Anne (E.) 2764 (13) II WILSON, Naomi (SO.) 3056 (23) 19 VICKERS, Emma (DY.) 1029 (5) 4 COOKE, Alan (DY.) 4663 ** (103) 93 LIGHTOWLER, Richard (Y.) 3121 (74) 79 GElDER, Shirley (DU.) 2763 (14) 12 GRAHAM, Cherith (LA.) 2835 (17) 20 BYRON, Sophie (CH.) 1027 (6) 5 YOUNG, Terry (BK.) 4622 ** (104) 94 FORD, Christopher (LA.) 3121** (88) 80 STEDMAN, Sarah (SX.) 2758 (15) 13 DENNETT, Elizabeth (CH.) 2795 (22) 21 LAYFiElD, jordyn (CH.) 1008 (7) 6 PREAN, Carl (IW.) 4552 (105) 95 PAYNE, Phil (SO.) 3115*** (81) 81 VICKERS, jane (DY.) 2755 **** (16) 14 BROWN, Sarah (E.) 2754 (19) 22 HALL, jessica (LA.) 975 (8) 7 RUSHTON, Andrew (LA.) 4473 * 96 DABBS, Kieron (NP.) 3109 (85) 82 BROWN, Sarah (E.) 2754 (17) 15 LANGFORD, Clare (CH.) 2618 (21) 23 I.INZ, Caroline (SY.) 960 (9) 8 BllI.INGTON, Bradley (DY.) 4463 ** (127) 97 SPRACKI.ING, james (MI.) 3097 (84) 83 HALES, Linda (DO.) 2750 * (18) 16 YARN LEY, Gemma (K.) 2600 * (25) 24 PILGRIM, Rachel (WA.) 929 (II) 9 EDEN, Andrew (LA.) 4332 (108) 98 CAMPBEl~ Selwyn (SY.) 3088 * (86) 84 WHITE, jean (1.1.) 2740 ** (19) 17 WElL, Emma (E.) 2467 (24) 25 HALLOWS, Caroline (CH.) 884 (13) 10 BARHAM, Dale (CA.) 4202 *** (110) 99 WALKER, Andy (Sl) 3071 (89) 85 SPARKES, Aimee (SK.) 2713 (20) 18 WILSON, Claire (DU.) 2466 (15) II HOLLAND, john(Dy) (E.) 4008 (III) 100 ROMANO, Mark (K.) 3069 (90) 86 TODD, Nicole (E.) 2706 (21) 19 HOWARD, Clara (CH.) 2323* Under 13 Boys (16) 12 KENNY, Mathew (Y.) 4006 *** (92) 87 STEWART, Tina (K.) 2703 (27) 20 SHUTT, Heather (Y.) 2218 Pas Name Rtg FIg (18) 13 SLADDEN, Cris (E.) 3917* Senior Women (91) 88 SEAHOLME, Sarah (HE.) 2702 (23) 21 CRAVEN·GRIFFITHS, Kelly (LE.) 2216 * (I) I DRINKHAL~ Paul (CV.) 3263 (19) 14 DRINKHAL~ Bryn (CV.) 3856 Pas Name Rtg FIg (93) 89 BENTlEY, Ruth (NG.) 2691 (22) 22 BElL, Amanda (Y.) 2211 (2) 2 KNIGHT, Darius (SY.) 3086 (21) 15 TAYlOR, jonathan (LA.) 3846 (2) 1 DEATON, Nicola (DY.) 4026 * (94) 90 STITCH, julie (CU.) 2680 * (24) 23 TUCKER, Emily (BU.) 2180 (3) 3 EVANS, Gavin (NG.) 1514 (23) 16 BAKER, Gregory (ST.) 3827 (I) 2 PARKER, Katy (LA.) 4020 (95) 91 GRAHAM, Sylvia (LA.) 2678 *** (25) 24 HUBBARD, joanne (K.) 2145 (4) 4 REED, Darren (CO.) 997 ** (22) 17 HAMMOND, Eric (MI.) 3823 ** (7) 3 PARKER, joanna (SY.) 3869 (96) 92 WILLIAMS, jackie (K.) 26651* (26) 25 WALLER, Tanya (Y.) 2119 * (5) 5 NICHOLLS, Damien (SP.) 974 (25) 18 ClEMINSON, Peter (E.) 3770 (5) 4 WALKER, Georgina (NG.) 3847 (98) 93 JUDSON, Carol (Y.) 2664 * (28) 26 SENEVIRATNE, Anusha (K.) 2003 (9) 6 SIMPSON, Mark (DU.) 808 (26) 19 BRYANT, Craig (DV.) 3765 (6) 5 STEWARD, Kate (SO.) 3831 (97) 94 REID, Lynda (WO.) 2663 (29) 27 WANG, Sarra (E.) 1982 * (7) 7 EVANS, Myles (NG.) 741 (27) 20 JAMES, Michael (Y.) 3714 * (8) 6 MARCH, Linda (HE.) 3746 *** (100) 95 BROWN, janet (OX.) 2658 (30) 28 PARTON, Helen (DV.) 1884 (6) 8 JOHNSON, Paul (ll.) 714 (29) 21 DOLDER, Kevin (LA.) 3684 (II) 7 EMBlING, Abigail (E.) 3613 (101) 96 BARElLA, jane (SY.) 26561*** (36) 29 PERKS, Sarah (NG.) 1867 (8) 9 ROBINSON, Dorian (SY.) 698 * (30) 22 WURAOLA, Abdul (SY.) 3668 (12) 8 BAWDEN, Natalie (E.) 3583 * (102) 97 SMITH, Nicola (Y.) 2643 *** (3/) 30 DAVIS, Stella (GS.) 1862 * (10) 10 DODDS, Matthew (YS) 593 (32) 23 MOORE, Adrian (K.) 3660 (13) 9 DURRANT, Louise (NG.) 3508 * (103) 98 BROWN, Grace (E.) 2626 (32) 31 BARRETT, Michelle (DV.) 1852 (12) II MUDIE, Stewart (ll.) 536 ** (34) 24 KNIGHT, Darius (SY.) 3654 (15) 10 SIBLEY, Kelly (WA.) 3396 (99) 99 LANGFORD, Clare (CH.) 2618 (33) 32 BALDI, Rachel(Ys) (Y.) 1851 * (13) 12 DORAN, Christopher (NP.) 522 (33) 25 GOODALL, justin (K.) 3653 **** (14) II SPRINGTHORPE, Lauren (ll.) 3372 100 JOHNSON, Susan (BK.) 2617 (34) 33 VAjDI, Christina (SY.) 1834 (14) 13 DEVILLE, Billy (E.) 506 * (31) 26 SMITH, Eddie (ND.) 3650 (16) 12 SMITH, Karen (LE.) 3363 * (35) 34 RADFORD, Lisa (DV.) 1775 (15) 14 CHAN, Wing Yung (SY.) 457 (36) 27 ROGERS, Chris (LE.) 3644 (18) 13 WHITE, Nicola (Y.) 3279 * Junior Boys (37) 35 DONNElLY, Stephanie (CV.) 1714 (16) 15 LANGFORD, Matthew (CH.) 443 (35) 28 CHAN, Michael (SY.) 3619 * (19) 14 NEWNS, Clare (CH.) 3258 * Pas Name Rtg FIg (38) 36 MEADS, joanne (DU.) 1628 (37) 29 HILTON, john (CH.) 3615 (20) 15 KEAST, Lesley (1.1.) 3253* (2) I BARHAM, Dale (CA.) 4202 *** (40) 37 HEARD, Gemma (E.) 1617 Under 13 Girls (44) 30 CHARLES, Neil (MI.) 3609 (22) 16 COHEN, Michele (AV.) 3246 (3) 2 DRINKHAL~ Bryn (CV.) 3856 (39) 38 REES, Bethany (E.) 1555 Pas Name Rtg FIg (38) 31 MARSHAL~ Peter (Y.) 3606 * (21) 17 ROBERTS, joanna (Y.) 3236 **** (4) 3 BAKER, Gregory (Sf.) 3827 (43) 39 BOSLEY, Lisa (BK.) 1519 (I) I SPRINGTHORPE, Lauren (ll.) 3372 (39) 32 VENNER, Ritchie (SX.) 3599* (24) 18 CHAPMAN, Gemma (BK.) 3231 (5) 4 ClEMINSON, Peter (E.) 3770 (41) 40 STRINGER, jodie (K.) 1517 * (2) 2 WANG, Sarra (E.) 1982 * (57) 33 DRINKHAL~ Paul (CV.) 3565 (23) 19 HARRIS, jill (Sf.) 3227* (6) 5 BRYANT, Craig (DV.) 3765 (42) 41 ROGERS, Gina (SX.) 1475 ** (4) 3 VICKERS, Emma (DY.) 1029 (41) 34 NEIL, Lee (NG.) 3564 (25) 20 WESTON, Sally (SX.) 3223 (7) 6 KNIGHT, Darius (SY.) 3654 (44) 42 LIGHTOWLER, Katie (Y.) 1435 ** (3) 4 LAYFiElD, jordyn (CH.) 1008 (43) 35 WHITING, Paul (DV.) 3561 (26) 21 HARPER, Sandra (BD.) 3212 * (10) 7 DRINKHALL, Paul (CV.) 3565 (45) 43 PARKER, Hayley (CH.) 1418 * (6) 5 PILGRIM, Rachel (WA.) 929 (48) 36 CARTHY, Clive (E.) 3545 (29) 22 SPINK, Lauren (NK.) 3189 * (9) 8 YARNAL~ Tim (NP.) 3504 (46) 44 ClEMINSON, jessica (E.) 1360 ** (5) 6 HALLOWS, Caroline (CH.) 884 (45) 37 WILKINSON, Andrew (ND.) 3542 (30) 23 SPARKES, Rebecca (SK.) 3189 **** (12) 9 GREGORY, Christopher (SP.) 3490 (47) 45 SKEGGS, Kelly (E.) 1345 * (8) 7 JAMIESON, Rachel (E.) 701 (52) 38 PAPANTONIOU, Costas (MI.) 3538 (32) 24 SHORT, Elaine (DV.) 3185 (8) 10 BLEAKLEY, Adam (LA.) 3387 (48) 46 PARNElL, Francesca (BU.) 1327 (9) 8 DENNETT, Fiona (CH.) 693 (42) 39 BARR, David (BK.) 3520 (28) 25 SHEPHERD, Karen (CH.) 3157 (II) II HORNER, Daniel (CH.) 3372* (49) 47 GASSON, Faye (CU.) 1290 ** (7) 9 GREENER, Rachel (DU.) 628 (46) 40 ECKERSLEY, Nigel (SX.) 3510 ** (31) 26 LOCKWOOD, Karen (CH.) 3145 **** (15) 12 GREEN, Alex (ll.) 3056 (51) 48 TWEEDY, Rebecca (BU.) 1282 (10) 10 WHITEHORN, joy (DO.) 519 (56) 41 JOHNS, Brian (CH.) 3505 (33) 27 NARENDRAN, Aparna (MI.) 3143 * (13) 13 MARPLES, Shaun (DY.) 3054 (50) 49 FARQUHAR, Melanie (BK.) 1248 (II) II TAYlOR, Amy (BU.) 415 (60) 42 YARNAL~ Tim (NP.) 3504 (34) 28 YARDY, Hannah (E.) 3140 **** (14) 14 NOUTCH, Simon (Y.) 2977 (56) 50 BENTlEY, Leanne (E.) 1193 (12) 12 YARNLEY, Laura (K.) 232 * (49) 43 HUTCHINGS, Paul (LA.) 3502 (35) 29 RUOCCO, Shelley (E.) 3121 *** (17) 15 EVANS, Bradley (Bu) (NG.) 2922 (13) 13 MACKEN, jessica (E.) 216 (47) 44 CUTlER, Tom (MI.) 3497 * (39) 30 BUOEY, Brenda (LA.) 3117 (16) 16 DENNY, Stephen (Y.) 2898 Cadet Boys (14) 14 HAYtS, Catherine (BU.) 198 (75) 45 GREGORY, Christopher (SP.) 3490 (36) 31 RAINTON, Rosemary (SX.) 3105 (19) 17 BROWN, Christopher (CO.) 2784 Pas Name Rtg FIg (17) 15 KElLY, Emma (CH.) 189 (51) 46 BROWN, Mark (K.) 3461 (37) 32 BLOOR, Trudie (SP.) 3097 **** (18) 18 MOSS, Richard (Y.) 2686 (I) I KNIGHT, Darius (SY.) 3654 (53) 47 SMITH, Mark Richard (Y.) 3454 (38) 33 BONGERS, jose (Sf.) 3091 * (21) 19 LALLY, Keiran (E.) 2614 (3) 2 DRINKHAL~ Paul (CV.) 3565 Veteran Men (55) 48 KENNEDY, joe (K) (E.) 3451 (40) 34 HOWARD, Alice (CH.) 3085 (22) 20 CARTWRIGHT, Neil (DO.) 2482 * (2) 3 YARNALL, Tim (NP.) 3504 Pas Name Rtg FIg (61) 49 WILLIAMS, Keith (LA.) 3435 (41) 35 BALDI, Andrea(Ys) (Y.) 3077 * (32) 21 NICHOLLS, Ashley (SP.) 2373 (4) 4 EVANS, Bradley (Bu) (NG.) 2922 (I) I ROGERS, Chris (LE.) 3644 (62) 50 SATCHElL, Kevin (WI.) 3421 (42) 36 ASHISON, Glenda (SY.) 3075 *** (23) 22 HARLEY, john (K.) 2341 (8) 5 HAYES, David (BU.) 2294 (2) 2 HILTON, john (CH.) 3615 (59) 51 GREEN, Mark (NG.) 3398 (43) 37 SHiElDS, Helen (Y.) 3075 (26) 23 LEMON, Robert (SY.) 2326 (6) 6 EVANS, Gavin (NG.) 2276 (5) 3 CARTHY, Clive (E.) 3545 (50) 52 BLEAKLEY, Adam (LA.) 3387 38 HURLING, Emma (HE.) 3058 (24) 24 PANG, Dannel (NP.) 2319 (7) 7 SHAHLAEI, Harry (GS.) 2270 * (8) 4 PAPANTONIOU, Costas (MI.) 3538 (65) 53 JONAH, jerome (K.) 3383 (44) 39 WILSON, Naomi (SO.) 3056 (27) 25 STAINES, Matthew (E.) 2301 (12) 8 MEADS, David (DU.) 2178 (3) 5 BARR, David (BK.) 3520 (67) 54 TENDLER, Gary (E.) 3380 (45) 40 WANG, Lucy (E.) 3040 * (29) 26 HAYES, David (BU.) 2294 (9) 9 REES, Daniel (E.) 2174 (4) 6 ECKERSLEY, Nigel (SX.) 3510 ** (64) 55 HORNER, Daniel (CH.) 3372* (46) 41 DURHAM, jane (CV.) 3038 * (25) 27 EVANS, Gavin (NG.) 2276 (10) 10 CANNON, Samuel (MI.) 2087 (10) 7 JOHNS, Brian (CH.) 3505 (58) 56 GANNON, David (LE.) 3365 42 LAMBERT, Helen (DV.) 3017 (28) 28 SHAHLAEI, Harry (GS.) 2270* (II) II MILTON, james (BU.) 1980 (6) 8 HUTCHINGS, Paul (LA.) 3502 (66) 57 BARTRAM, Peter (SX.) 3362 (47) 43 SIMPSON, Linda (Y.) 3000 (30) 29 PEEBLES, Robin (NG.) 2253 ** (16) 12 BARLOW, Ben (YS.) 1744 (7) 9 BROWN, Mark (K.) 3461 (68) 58 GRIFFIN, Darren (GS.) 3352 (48) 44 HURREl~ Rebecca (MI.) 2991 * (33) 30 MOORE, Paul (SY.) 2233 * (14) 13 REED, Daniel (CV.) 1698 (9) 10 KENNEDY, joe (K) (E.) 3451 (63) 59 POliNTNEY, Robert (SY.) 3348 (49) 45 LLOYD, Gemma (CH.) 2984 * (34) 31 HALLING, Tony (E.) 2194 * (13) 14 LEWIS, Christopher (SY.) 1628 * (12) II WILLIAMS, Keith (LA.) 3435 (69) 60 MCKOY, Nick (MI.) 3347 * (51) 46 MORLEY, judy (GS.) 2963 (46) 32 MEADS, David (DU.) 2178 (15) 15 ROBINSON, Dorian (SY.) 1515 * (II) 12 GANNON, David (LE.) 3365 (71) 61 RANKIN, john (LA.) 3345 (55) 47 PEARCE, Diane (K.) 2956 (31) 33 REES, Daniel (E.) 2174 (17) 16 CRAWFORD, jonathan (CU.) 1513 (13) 13 BARTRAM, Peter (SX.) 3362 (70) 62 lIlFORD, Richard (HA.) 33391**** (56) 48 RIDER, Sandra (Y.) 2955 (36) 34 POWEl~ Neil (CH.) 2174 (18) 17 REED, Darren (CO.) 1379 * (14) 14 RANKIN, john (LA.) 3345 (81) 63 MARSDEN, Michael (DU.) 3332 (50) 49 BAWDEN, Marilyn (E.) 2945 (35) 35 COONEY, William (DY.) 2138 (20) 18 NICHOLLS, Damien (SP.) 1370 (17) 15 BEADSLEY, Kevin (Y.) 3260 ** (84) 64 HALL, Dominic (K.) 3327 (53) 50 MALTBY, Margaret (NP.) 2942 (37) 36 GIBBS, Shaun (DV.) 2127 (19) 19 LEOW, Adam (SY.) 1279 (22) 16 GElDER, Tony (DU.) 3259 (74) 65 JAMIESON, Christopher (E.) 3318 (54) 51 INGHAM, Katy (CH.) 2941 * (38) 37 SHARP, Evan (SY.) 2121* (21) 20 EVANS, Myles (NG.) 1257 (15) 17 HARVEY, Dave (GS.) 3238 (73) 66 ATKINSON, David (CA.) 3312 * (57) 52 SILBURN, Nicola (Y.) 2932 **** (42) 38 KODICEK, jacob (CO.) 2101 (22) 21 BRAY, Thomas (LA.) 1195 (18) 18 HARDING, David (SY.) 3231 (77) 67 HORSFiElD, Andrew (Ys) (Y.) 3309 (52) 53 SEYMOUR, Tamar (OX.) 2909 (40) 39 LEIGHTON, Andrew (DU.) 2100 (28) 22 HURDLEY, joseph (SP.) 1134 (20) 19 SHORT, Mike (DV.) 3226 (76) 68 CORBIN, Anthony (HE.) 3298 (62) 54 MARLING, Samantha (MI.) 2906 (39) 40 CANNON, Samuel (MI.) 2087 (26) 23 NICHOLLS, Russell (SP.) 1124 (21) 20 CLAYTON, Tony (DO.) 3216 * (80) 69 BEADS LEY, Kevin (Y.) 3260 ** (58) 55 COGGON, Sara (HE.) 2898 * (41) 41 ARMSTRONG, Marc (MI.) 2071 (25) 24 SIMPSON, Mark (DU.) 1091 (91) 70 GElDER, Tony (DU.) 3259 (59) 56 PERRY, Lucy (DV.) 2897 * (48) 42 WOODHEAD, Andrew (Y.) 2026 (23) 25 FULLWOOD, Allan (DY.) 1026 Veteran Women (83) 71 ROSENTHA~ Louis (CH.) 3249 ** (61) 57 BRISTOW, Angie (K.) 2895 (45) 43 MILTON, james (BU.) 1980 Pas Name Rtg FIg (78) 72 HARVEY, Dave (GS.) 3238 (60) 58 ROBINSON, Suzanne (GS.) 2872 (43) 44 BROOKS, Warren (BU.) 1966 * Cadet Girls (I) I SMITH, Karen (LE.) 3363 * (85) 73 HARDING, David (SY.) 3231 (63) 59 PERRY, Penny (DV.) 2872 (44) 45 ROGERSON, Shaun (ll.) 1931 ** Pos Name Rtg Fig (2) 2 HARPER, Sandra (BD.) 3212 * (88) 74 WHITEMAN, james (DV.) 3227 (65) 60 KING, Sheila (SX.) 2854 (52) 46 WESLEY, Richard (NG.) 1883 (2) I SIBLEY, Kelly (WA.) 3396 (3) 3 SHORT, Elaine (DV.) 3185 (89) 75 SHORT, Mike (DV.) 3226 (67) 61 SHALER, Eileen (LE.) 2849 (51) 47 PANG, Dickson (NP.) 1873 (I) 2 SPRINGTHORPE, Lauren (1.1.) 3372 (4) 4 BUOEY, Brenda (LA.) 3117 (90) 76 CLAYTON, Tony (DO.) 3216 * (72) 62 GRAHAM, Cherith (LA.) 2835 (47) 48 YEUNG, Hamish (BD.) 1869 * (3) 3 SPINK, Lauren (NK.) 3189 * (5) 5 SHiElDS, Helen (Y.) 3075 (87) 77 JOHNS, Mike (CH.) 3212 (66) 63 SCHOFiElD, Doreen (CH.) 2828 * (50) 49 BRADFORD, Leigh (WA.) 1789 (4) 4 YARN LEY, Gemma (K.) 2600 * (6) 6 DURHAM, jane (CV.) 3038 * (97) 78 PHllIPSZ, Simon (Sy) (K.) 3202 (68) 64 VAjDI, Carmen (SY.) 2825 ** (49) 50 PAGE, Tom (CH.) 1772 (5) 5 SHUTT, Heather (Y.) 2218 (7) 7 SIMPSON, Linda (Y.) 3000 (99) 79 GODBOLD, David (DU.) 3200 (71) 65 DAWSON, Marjorie (E.) 2824 (6) 6 SENEVIRATNE, Anusha (K.) 2003 (9) 8 MORLEY, judy (GS.) 2963 (93) 80 GASCOYNE, Craig (NG.) 3189* 66 SWABEY, jane (DV.) 2818 junior Girls (7) 7 WANG, Sarra (E.) 1982 * (12) 9 PEARCE, Diane (K.) 2956 (94) 81 LOGSDON, Philip (NK.) 3187 **** (80) 67 HORSNEl~ Sarah (MI.) 2812 Pas Name Rtg FIg (9) 8 PERKS, Sarah (NG.) 1867 (10) 10 RIDER, Sandra (Y.) 2955 (92) 82 SMITH, Richard A (Y.) 3179 (70) 68 DIGNUM, Margaret (WO.) 2810 * (4) I PARKER, joanna (SY.) 3869 (8) 9 DAVIS, Stella (GS.) 1862 * (8) II BAWDEN, Marilyn (E.) 2945 (82) 83 BARATY, Eli (MI.) 3176 (64) 69 HARRISON, jennifer (E.) 2797 (2) 2 WALKER, Georgina (NG.) 3847 (10) 10 STRINGER, jodie (K.) 1517 * (II) 12 MAllBY, Margaret (NP.) 2942 (95) 84 ADAMS, Martin (BK.) 3175* (73) 70 SORRENTINO, Annabelle (CH.) 2795 **** (3) 3 STEWARD, Kate (SO.) 3831 (II) II PARKER, Hayley (CH.) 1418 * (13) 13 PERRY, Penny (DV.) 2872 (106) 85 BAILEY, Steven (CV.) 3170 (76) 71 DENNETT, Elizabeth (CH.) 2795 (5) 4 EMBlING, Abigail (E.) 3613 (12) 12 SKEGGS, Kelly (E.) 1345 * (15) 14 KING, Sheila (SX.) 2854 (112) 86 BUILER, Mark (DO.) 3165 (69) 72 BURGESS, Suzanne (CH.) 2791 (7) 5 SIBLEY, Kelly (WA.) 3396 (14) 13 TWEEDY, Rebecca (BU.) 1282 (17) 15 SHALER, Eileen (LE.) 2849 (86) 87 WALSH, jimmy (HE.) 3160 (83) 73 CRICK, Lisa (BK.) 2787 (6) 6 SPRINGTHORPE, Lauren (1.1.) 3372 (13) 14 FARQUHAR, Melanie (BK.) 1248 (16) 16 SCHOFiElD, Doreen (CH.) 2828 * • GEOFF GRANGE • BLUE BISHOPS••• A CD reYliew

WE publish below a review, with apologies to Geoff for the delay, of the Blue Bishops CD, 'Deep'. Geoff Grange, the vocalist and harmonica player, has worked with many leading musicians, including former Rolling Stone, Bill Wyman. However, originally from Hartlepool, he will be better known [n table tennis circles as the Acton and Middlesex veteran, who has a vicious, off-spin forehand loop, combined with a backhand block and lob. Geoff asserts, from their bouts on the table tennis table, that Bill Wyman is quite a good player. Can readers guess the identity of another table tennis personality, the reviewer, 'White Rabbit'?

was immediately impressed with their Relf, the guitar and vocals of Rory in cheek tracks, and one masterly "Deep" the second musicianship. I am equally pleased to Gallagher, the virtuosity of Leo Kottke, acoustic guitar duet from Simon Burrett say that having listened to them I did a and the whole of the Cyril Davis Chicago who is joined by ex Jethro Tull's Martin album from the Blue little research and found they are all All Stars! Barre - fantastic stuff - more please. The "over 21" and have individually been Whilst all of those comparisons are album closes with Dylan's "Highway 61" Bishops around some of the best in the highly complimentary, I ought to say that played with some gusto by the band, and CD Review by White Rabbit business. during my second and third plays the made me think they are probably a As an aging rocker Ioften fight shy of "Deep" would have been called comparisons faded and the BB's started superb "live" act - I n1ust try and catch new bands. "Plenty of good ones then, Rhythm & Blues when I was young, but to stand up in their own right. them one day. very few now", I hear myself saying and today's culture seems to ascribe The album opens with the BB's version Overall the album is excellent and even it's even worse when I hear my words something else entirely to that of "Stop Breaking Down" written by stands comparison with the masters of echoing my parents, "Do you call that descriptor, but it is the Blues with a Robert Johnson which is a good solid the genre, ''The Blues Band", whose music?" ! hard rockin edge and will appeal to opener featuring a strong vocal from lead every release is in my music collection. So it was with a little trepidation that I both rock and blues fans. singer Geoff Grange. Tracks 2- 11 are all Will "Deep" join them? It just might! agreed to listen to the second album by a During my first listening I kept compositions written by members of band I had not heard of, the Blue listening for other influences and duly band and run the whole way from rock to Gigs information: Tel. 01297551244. Bishops, but I am pleased to say that I heard the blueswailing harp of Keith pure blues, with a couple of very tongue

••• ••• Grantham College

J 2 3 KEM NUHR in-eerYiews -ehe legendary AMDRZEJ GRUBBA

ANDRZEJ GRUBBA interviewed by but it was quite a tough match. So Ken Muhr at the Ocean International directly after that I had to play another Sussex Open Butterfly GP, Christ's one, and I was leading against the College School, Horsham on 10th Chinese 2-0 and decided to survive November 2002. somehow, but I did not do enough to Poland's Andrzej Grubba, now a veteran win another game. Definitely, I lost 2-3 ­ (he is 44), is one of the all-time greats of well, he was better! table tennis. Renowned for his KM: You were 7-4 up in the fifth game backhand topspin 'loop', spectacular and missed a big kill, so you could have balloon defence and elegant all-round been 8-4 up. control, Grubba was for many years in AG: In the fifth?! I don't remember. I the world top ten (he reached no.3), did my best and couldn't have presented winning the World Cup singles in 1988, myself stronger. the European Top 12 in 1985, and KM: Historically, I hear you could have reaching the World championships been a left-hander. Your coach in singles semi-finals (losing to the eventual Poland encouraged you to be a right­ world champion, Swede Jan-Ove hander. Is that true? Waldner) in 1989. AG: Part of it. When I was in school, we certified left-handers, it was better if you KEN MUHR: How do you feel about used your right because lefthanders, playing in England again? 'have no future', and, 'it looks bad'. Now ANDRZEJ GRUBBA: It is fine. I was here more kids play left-handed. I was playing about 5years ago for the World handball for another couple of years with Championships in Manchester and it was my left hand for school level. I can still not very successful (for me). But any play table tennis with my left hand but I time I am here, not only because of have had no opportunity today, because I sport, I like England, I like this country have tried to take this competition and any possibility to be here again is seriously. I hope there will be n10re fine. space in the veterans (and he did KM: I can remember speaking to you at produce some left-hand shots in the vets the coaching course at the European final). But originally I was left-handed, Championships in Prague, and earlier Championships, in Birmingham in 1994. but playing table tennis with my right. on, you looked much the best player. we were told we had to get to the semi­ AG: That is quite another story. We KM: Do you wish you hadplayed left­ But then you lost to Jacques Secretin in finals or we had to win the competition. (Poland) had another coach and for a handed? the team event and I can't remember Otherwise, there would be problems while we had problems with each other. AG: If you are left-handed, play with your who you lost to in the Singles, and it was with money for another competition. I played only a few matches - his left, definitely. But I don't see any big a surprise, because people were So It was quite a strange system, quite a conception was not to let me play, even difference if you are right or left-handed. expecting you to win. stupid systen1. In fact a killing system, if I was definitely still the nO.1 in Poland. There have been many great players AG: I lost to Persson in the semi-finals, because we had to concentrate on And I couldn't accept it, because it was in playing with the left, playing with the and Persson was definitely the best competitions that were not the most a European Championships, which right, penholders, choppers or whatever. player. He beat Leszek (Kucharski) in important ones. This is a story for a really should be something different, not a No, no difference. the final. good book, for those who have doubts regular tournament. So that is why I KM: John Prean, Carl's father, thinks KM: I should have remembered that. I why we did not win what we should have told him directly that he was not you are the greatest, but a lot ofpeople won money on Persson! won. The Communist system with all its competent to be a chief of the men's might consider, rather like our Desmond AG: The European Championships are organisation and pressures, was a big team. We finished the championships Douglas, that although you have had a another story. First of all, you play in two part of our victories, but it is gone and I with a very bad atmosphere altogether. lot ofsuccess, you never quite achieved competitions. Myself and Leszek had to don't want to talk any more about it. At the end he had to ask me to play, what you might have done -not world win all our matches to win the team At the beginning I remember visiting because he was afraid the team would fall champion, not European champion. event. It was very stressful and we are England, when I was absolutely dead down. So I played in only two matches, Done very well, but not won the absolute not machines. At that time you had to against anti-spin, John Hilton or Dougie which we won 4-0 against the Czechs and key events. Is that fair? play all your Singles, three singles each Johnson. I was many times visiting just to Holland, which helped us stay in the first AG: I would say I am happy with my match, so when you finished your match play against them or people like them, category. We lost all the other matches career and with what I achieved. Here is you were really throwing up from because I couldn't recognise the without me - no, it was a little bit of an answer: maybe I was too early happy tiredness. Within a couple of hours you difference in the rubbers - at that time scandal! with all of this. Sometimes you have got had to play another match. So when the the rubbers could be the same colours KM: You can't feel all that happy, but to have that something (clicks fingers) men's team competition was gone, you both sides - so I really did not know how how do you feel about how you played you cannot describe. I wanted to have, had no power left for the individual to play against them. The funny thing today? too often, too much fun. I remember event. Why we lost always, or mostly, to was that when I finally understood much AG: It was okay. I don't want to several matches, important matches, Sweden, was because they could play of it, they changed the colours, to two apologise, because I think I did a good where one or two balls I tried to play for with two different teams. If Persson was different colours! So all my experiences job. I lost to a better player (14 year old the spectators, which cost me the victory. not there, there was still Bengtsson, were useless! Kou Lei) and the only problem was last Also, 1984 was n1Y great year, I won 3 Lindh, Appelgren, Waldner. They had six KM: You playa very attractive game, week because I had a gripe problem with European Championship medals: losing players and could play with two different and Matthew Syed has said that yourself, my stomach and couldn't practise finals singles, losing finals doubles, and teams, still beating others. They could Secretin and Appelgren are the players normally. But I played quite okay today. losing finals team. I remelnber the next conserve power. he loved watching more than anyone KM: You seemed to have the control but four years until I won the World Cup, it KM: The fact that you two came up at else. You all have good ball control, maybe you were not quite positive was very difficult to win. It was like that, the same time was nothing to do with the play away from the table, and play good enough until the fifth game against Kou somewhere in the back of my head, I still Polish system, it was just chance was it? all-round stuff. But what do you think Lei. had bad memories from Moscow. It was AG: We were always fighting to get a visa about the future ofthe game? Has that AG: Too short a break between matches! always close, I didn't know what to do, I to realize our plans. When we went for kind ofattractive, open game got any The match before I had played against a was losing my confidence. international con1petition, there was Welsh player (Steve Hall), winning 3-0, KM: I saw you at the 1986 European always one cheaper visa for a team, but continued on page 29 chance in the future? How do you feel to look for the best opportunities to the game is developing now? learn son1ething, sitting in the corner AG: First of all, the only change, from my watching the better players. point of view, should have been to make KM: Was that the same for both you and a serious rule with the service. All the Leszek Kucharski? other changes, I was from the beginning AG: It was for a while - I taught him opposed to. I know that it was 50/50, playing backhand and he tried to teach with some people saying 11 points is me playing forehand! But I think he was better, some people saying 21 points is more talented because my backhand is better. My point of view is that we killed definitely better than n1Y forehand at our tradition, and the tradition is not times! That's it: the important thing is something you can buy in the that table tennis is not only something supermarket. We had to work for it very you do during training and then you go hard. We had over a 100 years history, home and forget about it. Table tennis and suddenly we just produce a new must be some kind of a religion, you go sport. Same racket, bigger ball. Why, I home and you consider, 'what did I do ask? Also, this change with the colour of right, what did I do wrong, in which the table. I am still against it somehow direction do I have to go, what do I have but I have to accept this, because I am to improve first? I have to improve still in table tennis. But I am quite sure everything, but what do I want to it was not the most important thing we improve first to give me another one or should have done, and especially not in two points?' And from what I see now, such a short amount of time. Within two the younger generation finish their job in years we changed nearly everything in the hall. It's 6pm, 'Okay guys, thanks', table tennis. and their brain is already at home, on KM: So for the service, you feel we should their girlfriend or disco. We also had go further? girlfriends and also had our disco AG: Definitely. But referees: here is the sometimes, we had our fun, but at problem, they don't care so much. As different tin1es Oohn Clarke then long as we have no professional referees, interrupted Andrzej's flow). you can forget about the development of KM: What do you do in table tennis now? the service to make it right. Wherever AG: I sell Butterfly equipment. I work in you are, England, Germany, Poland, the Germany as a co-ordinator or chief problem is exactly the same. The rule is trainer of an Olympic table tennis centre, clear now, but what is clear if you pay no in TTC Grenzaeo. Actually in the club respect to it? I have been to the where I have worked for the last 12 years, German Open and was very, very and until the end of last season I was disappointed with the referees. They do chief coach at the club as well. We won not react, even if you make serves that the German Championships, and in our really are not allowed. training group was a team which won the KM: Would the service be okay if it was German women's Bundesliga, so both adhered to, or do you think it should be were champions from my group! taken further? There was talk about KM: You don't play much now? throwing up the ball higher, but that AG: It was too tiring and it was hard to would be quite afundamental change. combine coaching an Olympic Centre, to Do you think that they are just not coach the women, to coach the first tean1 policing it properly? from Grenzaeo, so I had to reduce my AG: In a couple of years we could make activities. Now I have a little bit more it like this: you can make service only time for coming up here and playing my from forehand or backhand, but you exhibitions, and in the middle of August I have to stay parallel to the table, you was coaching the World team against cannot hide anything. Otherwise there China. We lost unfortunately, although will still be problems: there will always be we won four (sets) against the best in positions to hide the ball. There are so China, but to be the coach of Timo Boll, many good ideas, but to realise these Samsonov, Walder, Saive and Kim Taek ideas is much more important. Soo was an honour. Two weeks ago I KM: Who do you look up to as players? played my exhibition with Fetzner at the AG: From my style development, I was Swiss Open Tennis in Basle, in the watching many years ago, Stellen central court, Sunday, 3-30pm, 70 Bengtsson, how he moves and how he minutes live television on the first applies himself to matches. I tried to channel in Swizerland, which it seems to copy or take direction from the playing me was a very good promotion for table intelligence of Secretin. I always wanted tennis. So now I have more time for to have a forehand like]onyer or travelling. Klampar, and backhand like Gergely, I enjoy table tennis now much more because table tennis is an individual sport than before and I think this is my and it is part of your individuality to put 'victory', because I see so many players, different things into your game. especially from Asia, who after 15-20 KM: Did you develop your own years of practising drop out of table backhand loop -you had one ofthe best tennis. It has always been fun (for me) in the world at the time? to play table tennis, but now more than AG: That (influence) was from]onyer. ever, even to practise. To put on shorts There were many people, like Mazunov, and shirt and play an exhibition - two who could playa very good backhand, weeks ago I played with Fetzner, three and Gergely, who in a different way was weeks ago I played with Persson, next great as well. But you have to find your week I play with Hakansson in Poland ­ own cornbination from different styles, to well, it's great! put into your game. I was a bit unlucky because basically I really had no coach, and you had to coach yourself, you had E TABLE TENNIS NEWS COpy DATES ISSUE COpy DATES SEPT/OCT 2002 1st AUGUST 2002 NOVEMBER 2002 1st OCTOBER 2002 DECEMBER 2002 1st NOVEMBER 2002 JAN.lFEB.2003 1st JANUARY 2003 MARCH 2003 1st FEBRUARY 2003 APRIL 2003 1st MARCH 2003 MAY 2003 1st APRIL 2003 JUNE/JULY 2003 1st MAY 2003 www.etta.co.uk