Follow That! THE NEWS that England's men had crowned a successful season with a bronze medal in the European Championships followed by another in the World Team Cup proves that our sport is really on the march at top level. In both championships it took the World and European Champions, Sweden, to beat us. England also won the Hungarian Open Gold Medal and it took China at full power to put them out of the Leeds English Open at the Semi-Final stage. No wonder Donald Parker has been quoted throughout the season as saying that this is the best team he has ever managed, the best for a decade. Off Court Success The good times have continued to roll off court as well as on. The Leeds English Open in Manchester was a marketing triumph, with a brand new format and presentational style which has set the trend throughout the World. Now the promoters of the World Cup, World Championships and many other events are starting to use the coloured vinyl flooring, blue tables and specially constructed centre courts which have been pioneered in England over the past three years. BBC TV executives were delighted with the format at Manchester and screened over 90 minutes of prime coverage on Grandstand, including a sensational Women's victory by Mika Hoshino and a dramatic performance by the new Englishman, Chen Xinhua. We also appeared on BBC for a further two hours with the Leeds Mastersand the USSR Tour, a good total. The press too have broken all records for coverage of the sport. Admittedly a good deal behind the Chen issue, but this has spawned larger space everywhere. Of course there have been some downs. England's women have not yet matched the men's success but hard work is being put in by the women's committee to generate female enthusiasm at all levels. The loss of the Leeds sponsorship, after three amazingly successful years, also hurt. But if there is any justice the sterling efforts being made to find a replacement will bear fruit. So overall 1989/90 must be rated a Grade 'A' success.

The Year of the Member But all this success and activity is wasted if we don't achieve our main ambition by using the publicity positively, to attract more and more players to Table Tennis. So it was particularly refreshing to report that in 1990/91 the ETTA will be pouring £100,000 into development schemes created by local leagues to recruit new members. Only three years after being technically bankrupt, finances have improved to such a degree that much of the surplus generated by John Prean's team this season is being returned directly to where it will do the most good, the grass roots of the sport. What is now needed are hard initiatives from the leagues to use this tremendous opportunity to bring in new players. The growth of play and enthusiasm in the veterans area is heartening to see, but unless we replace the 'missing generation' ofplayers the sport will surely die. So why don't you act as a prompter of action in your league. Direct some effort to schools, youngsters, women, leisure centres - where we really need growth. Finance is available. Ideas are bursting from the ETTA Development department. Last season was just the ammunition for future growth. Let's go for it! TED WALLBUTON In this issue

European News 2 - 6 The official• magazine of The Chairman writes 7 - 9 the English Table Tennis Spot the Ball - competition result 8 Association. Published ETTA Computer Ranking Scheme 10/11 eight times a year. Personality Piece - Desmond Douglas 12 Editor The Leeds National Championships 15 - 20 ALAN PICKARD The Leeds British League 21 - 23 Women in Table Tennis 24 - 26 Advertisements: JIM BECKLEY The Leeds County Championships 27 - 30 Sports PR, PO Box 8, Sponsors see the Light 31 Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Regional News 32 Cheshire SK8 7RG The Maurice Goldstein Trophy 33 Tel: 061 4884002 Sun Life Bristol 2 Star 34/35 Subscriptions and Irish Junior Open 36 distribution: Farewell to Friends 37 Bethan Davies, ETTA, Third Floor, Barclays Essex 3 Star Open 38/39 Queensbury House, Havelock Rd., The Grove Table Tennis Club 40 Hastings TN34 IHF. "lTOP PRESS - TSP World Team Cup 40 Tel: 0424 722525 Grass Roots 41/42 COpy DATE Yorkshire Junior Select 43 Sept I Schools 44/45 Issue 192, ~ct 1990 Mail box 46 - 48

Table Tennis ~ ~~ws accepts advertisements Events '.' 48 in good faith, but cannot accept respon­ sibility for the goods or services described in advertisements. If you have any queries, these should be made directly to the advertiser. COVER FIONA ELLIOT captured the elusive triple of titles: Singles, Women's Doubles and Pril)ted by: Mixed Doubles at the Leeds National Championships, the first time it has been done * BIDNALLS PRINTERS PICTURE since Karenza 'Mathews in 1972. (Picture: John F. A. Wood) Unit 28a Peddars Lane Beccles, Suffolk Big Apple in Gothenburg by GEORGE R. YATES

SWEDEN'S Mikael Appelgren won an unprecedented third European men's singles title when, in Gothenburg's Scandinavium, he retained his crown - won in Paris in 1988 - with a final win over Andrzej Grubba of Poland. In the counterpart women's event Daniela Guergueltcheva of Bulgaria was also a popular winner when she took over the title, not defended by Fliura Bulatova of the Soviet Union, with a final victory over Yong Tu, a Chinese Swiss resident.

Undoubtedly the best doubles F.R.Germany, Dmitrij Mazunov of round 19 and 21 for a tremendous and were beaten by Gunnel Borg­ pairings in Europe, if not the world, the USSR and I1ija Lupulescu and Win. strom and Lotta Erlman of the host battled out the men's doubles final Primorac of Yugoslavia. Prean and Andrew were taken association. with Yugoslavia's I1ija Lupulescu Evergreen Desmond Douglas out in the last sixteen by the Skylet and Fiona figured as the and Zoran Primorac beating the collected the scalps of such fine Mazunov brothers. Top seed in the only English pair in the mixed reigning world champions, Steffen players as Haldan, Loukov, the two men's singles was Jan-Ove Waldner doubles and progressed to the last Fetzner and Jorg Rosskopf of the Manunovs and all while Andrew, but the reigning world champion sixteen before losing to Gatien and Federal Republic of Germany. vacating the bench for the first time fell to Gatien in a captivating Wang Xiaoming, the eventual Hungary's Csilla Batorfi and against Yugoslavia in the final quarter-final tie with the French­ winners. Andrea joined forces with Gabriella Wirth survived an match, accounting for Zoran man coming back from a 0-2 deficit Siobodan Grucic of Yugoslavia and opening game deficit in the Kalinic and Lupulescu. to win the next three 14,24 and 20! their stay was short lived being women's doubles final to beat the On the distaff side Lisa distin­ Fascinating stuff to be sure. beaten by Jaroslaw Kolodziejczyk Soviet Union's Irina Palina and guished herself in beating Alessia Jorgen Persson, seeded No.2, fell and Anna Januszyk of Poland. Yelena Timina while in the mixed Arisi of Italy, Renata Kasalova of . at his first hurdle when beaten by It was good to have players from doubles final Jean-Philippe Gatien Czechoslovakia, Otilia Badescu of Norway's Chinese immigrant Wang four different countries contesting and Wang Xiaoming of France ran Romania and Olga Nemes of Yansheng over five while Andrew, the semi-finals in both the men's up the tricolour with a win over F.R.Germany! England's fourth man lost to and women's singles with Sweden, Jean-Michel Saive of Belgium part­ Cooke was undoubtedly our star Sandor Varga of Hungary after an Appelgren apart, not so dominant nered by Miss Wirth. man in the men's singles reaching the initial win over Gennaro Di Napoli as hitherto although winning the of Italy. men's team title and the prestigious Sweden Again quarter-finals in beating Euan Walker of Scotland, Massimo Andrea Holt was England's first men's singles. In the team events Sweden Costantini of Italy, Jean-Michel faller in the women's singles losing No doubting the splendour ofthe retained their men's title with a final Saive of Belgium and Andrei to the Czech, Alena Safarova, but in Scandinavium arena with seating 5-2 win over F.R.Germany and Mazunov of the USSR hefore falling the next round it was total demise for 12,000 spectators but only Hungary jumped up from their to the eventual winner Appelgren who for Alison, beaten by Gerdie Keen boasting some 4,000 as the previous sixth position obtained in remained unbeaten throughout the of the Netherlands, Lisa beaten by maximum attendance. Could it be France by a final 3-0 success against championships. Otilia Badescu of Romania and that Swedish successes have become Czechoslovakia in the ladies' event. all t60 predictable? Cooke in Quarters Fiona by Csilla Batorfi of Hungary. What then of England's two In the doubles Alison and However, a well organised cham­ quartets in the team events? Well Cookie, in partnership with Andrea had a good win over Yong pionships with remarkable tele­ the men fell one rung down the Douglas, also reached the quarters Tu of Switzerland partnered by vision coverage, at least by English ladder exchanging silver, as won in in the men's doubles where they Emily Noor of the Netherlands, but standards, and which is so vital in Paris, for bronze in Gothenburg. were surprisingly beaten by thereafter proved no match for obtaining sponsorship. Next stop in With wins over the Netherlands, Sweden's Peter Karlsson and Jasna Fazlic and Gordana Perkucin two year's time - Stuttgart. Be Bulgaria, Poland and the Soviet Thomas von Scheele after seeing off of Yugoslavia. Lisa and Fiona had prepared! Union in the first stage our only Gatien and Grubba in the previous one visit to the table in this event defeat was against the Federal Continued on page 4 Republic of Germany which proved a disaster for Carl Prean as he was thrice beaten by Steffen Fetzner, Georg-Zsolt Bohm and Jorg Ross­ kopf! But it was Carl, overall who hlid the best results winning ten of the 14 sets he contested as against nine wins for Alan Cooke, seven for Desmond Douglas and a brace for Skylet Andrew when he took over from Des in the final match against Yugoslavia for position three or four. Not so good for the women how­ ever who slipped from No.8 to No.9 with Lisa Lomas proving the best with Alison Gordon and Andrea Holt sharing four wins as against Lisa's six, while Fiona Elliot had nought to show for her labours. Efforts worthy of praise in the team events were the victories of Prean against Paul Haldan of the Netherlands, Andrei Mazunov of the Soviet Union and Zoran Primorac of Yugoslavia. Cooke dis­ tinguished himself in beating Mariano Loukov of Bulgaria, Jorg Rosskopf and Steffen Fetzner of Sweden's Mens Team - Champions of Europe (Photo courtesy of Brian Webstel)

2 17th pean eba

Continued from page 2 v Czechoslovakia (lost 1-3) Lomas b R. Kasalova -13, 11,20; Elliot I A. Safarova -14, -19; A. Holt/Lomas I Kasalova/ ENGLISH TEAM Safarova -19, -16; RESULTS Lomas I Safarova -15, -17. v Romania (lost 2-3) Gordon I E. Ciosu -20, 13, -18; MEN Lomas b O. Badescu 16, 18; Holt/Lomas b Badescu/ v Netherlands (won 5-0) M.Lunescu 14, -19, 8; D. Douglas b T. Keen II, 7; Gordon I Badescu -15, -19; C. Prean b P. Haldan II, -15,12; Lomas I Ciosu -17, -20. A. Cooke b D. Heister 13, 13; Douglas b Haldan 18, 16; v F.R.Germany (lost 2-3) Cooke b Kean -18, 16, 13. Lomas b N.Struse 15,19; Holt I O.Nemes -14, 7, -16; v Bulgaria (won 5-1) Elliot/Lomas I Nemes/K.Nolten Douglas I I.Stoianov -19, -12; -19, -17; Prean b G.Ormanov 8, II; Lomas b Nemes 18, 19; Cooke b M. Loukov 9, 17; Holt I Struse -14, -18. Prean b Stoianov 13, -17, 20; Douglas b Loukov 9, 19; STAGE 2 Cooke b Ormanov 16, -14, 15. v Poland (won 3-0) Lomas b A.Januszyk 16, 8; v Poland (won 5-0) Gordon b D.Djaczynska 8, 12; Douglas b P. Skierski -21, 22, 20; Elliot/Lomas b Djaczynska/ Prean b J. Kolodziejczyk-18, 7, II; A. Mikijaniec 14, 17. Cooke b P. Molenda 15, 17; Prean b Skierski II, 16; STAGE 3 Douglas b Molenda -20, 19, 16. v Sweden (won 3-2) Holt b P. Petterson 17,8; v F.R.Germany (lost 2-5) Elliot I L. Erlman 19, -12, -18; Douglas I G-Z Bohm -18, -21; Holt/Lomas b M. Svensson/ Cooke b J. Rosskopf 10, 14; Petterson -20, 15, 11; Prean I S. Fetzner -14, -19; Elliot I Petterson -16, 9, -11; Douglas I Rosskopf -13, -11; Holt b Erlman 17, 14. Prean I Bohm 19, -14, -19; Cooke b Fetzner -16, II, 19; P W L Prean I Rosskopf 19, -16, -15 Lomas 8 6 2 Gordon 5 2 3 v U.S.S.R. (won 5-1) Holt 4 2 2 Douglas b D.Mazunov 11, 18; Elliot 4 4 Cooke b S. Vardanyan 13, 16; o Elliot/Lomas 4 2 2 Prean b A. Mazunov 16, -15, 16; Holt/Lomas 3 2 1 Cooke I D. Mazunov 24, -16, -17; Douglas b A. Mazunov 16,9; The European Mixed Doubles champions from France. Wang Xiaoming Prean b Vardanyan 21, -20, 7. and Jean Philippe Gatien (Photo courtesy of B.D. George) STAGE 2 v Sweden (lost 1-5) Douglas I M. Appelgren -18, -13; Prean b J. Persson 13, -23, 16; Cooke I J-O Waldner -16, -20; Prean I Appelgren -13, -19; Douglas I Waldner -13, -15; Cooke I Persson -22, -24. STAGE 3 v Yugoslavia (won 5-1) Cooke b I. Lupulescu 21, 14; S. Andrew b Z. Kalinic 19, 11; Prean b Z. Primorac -19, 20, II; Andrew b Lupulescu -12, 20, 21; Cooke I Primorac -12, -II; Prean b Kalinic 13, -18, 16.

P W L Prean 14 10 4 Cooke 13 9 4 Douglas 12 7 5 Andrew 2 2 o

WOMEN v Yugoslavia (lost 0-3) A. Gordon I G. Perkucin -14,15,-15; F. Elliot I J. Fazlic -16, -24; Elliot/L. Lomas I Fazlic/Perkucin 15, -19, -10 v Italy (won 3-0) Gordon b C. Semenza 12, 18; Lomas b A. Arisi 20, 14; Elliot/Lomas b Arisi/Semenza -20, 14, 6. The Hungarian Ladies Team with Coach delighted with their "golden" performance (Photo courtesy of Brian Webster)

4 Final: TEAM FINALS Guergueltcheva b Yong Tu -17, 15, 18, 16. FINAL PLACINGS MEN (Previous positions in brackets) Sweden 5 F.R.Germany 2 Men's Doubles: Quarter-Finals: M. Appelgren b S. Fetzner 19, 17; S. Fetzner (FRG)/Rosskopf b D. MEN WOMEN J. Persson b J. Rosskopf -16, 12, 15; Palmi (AUT)/E. Schetinin (URS) 1 SWEDEN (I) I HUNGARY (6) J-O Waldner I G-Z Biihm 12,7; 2 F.R.Germany (6) 2 Czechoslovakia (2) -22, 14, -18; P. Karlsson/T. von Scheele 3 England (2) 3 Yugoslavia (4) Appelgren b Rosskopf 17,13; (SWE) b A. Cooke/D. Douglas 4 Yugoslavia (7) 4 Netherlands (3) Waldner I Fetzner 14, -14, -15; (ENG) 13, 19; 5 France (9) 5 Romania (9) Persson b Biihm 15, -22, 19; I. Lupulescu/Z. Primorac b Z. 6 Hungary (4) 6 U.S.S.R. (I) Waldner b Rosskopf 18, -21, 18. Kalinic (YUG)/L. Kucharski 7 U.S.S.R. (3) 7 France (7) WOMEN (POL) -21, 6, 15; 8 Netherlands (13) 8 F.R.Germany (5) Hungary 3 Czechoslovakia 0 A. Mazunov/D. Mazunov (URS) 9 Austria (14) 9 England (8) G. Wirth b- A. Safarova 10, 20; b Appelgren/Waldner 18, -15, 16; 10 Czechoslovakia (5) 10 Sweden (13) C. Batorfi b R. Kasalova -15,21, 8; Semi Finals: II Bulgaria (10) II Italy (14) Batorfi/Wirth b M. Hrachova/ Fetzner/Rosskopf b Karlsson/von 12 Poland (8) 12 Poland (10) Kasalova 20,17. Scheele 7, 19; Lupulescu/Primorac b 13 Belgium (12) 13 Bulgaria (II) INDIVIDUAL EVENTS Mazunov/Mazunov 16, 15. 14 Denmark (19) 14 Belgium (15) Men's Singles: Round 4 Final: 15 Turkey (15) 15 Denmark (12) J-O Waldner (SWE) b G-Z Biihm Lupulescu/Primorac b 16 Italy (17) 16 Austria (19) (FRG) 17, 12, -18, 16; Fetzner/Rosskopf 20, 20. 17 Romania (II) 17 Luxembourg (-) J-P Gatien (FRA) b Z.Primorac 18 Finland (16) 18 Finland (16) Women's Doubles: Quarter Finals: (YUG) -16, -20, 8, 20, 13; 19 Norway (20) 19 Greece (22) Batorfi/Wirth b Kloppenburg­ P. Haldan (HOL) b P. Franz (FRG) 20 Spain (25) 20 Spain (17) Hooman/B. Vriesekoop (HOL) -14, 18, -19, 19, 19; 21 Ireland (26) 21 Norway (18) 17, 19; A. Grubba (POL) b D. Mazunov 22 Switzerland (18) 22 Switzerland (20) G. Melnik/V. Popova (URS) b G. (URS) 19, 10, -17,16; 23 Germany DR (-) Borgstriim/L. Erlman (SWE) 14, 23 Wales (21) M. Appelgren (SWE) b G. Wrana 24 Turkey (24) 18; 24 Scotland (22) (SWE) -18, 19, 10, -20, 19; 25 Scotland (21) E. Coubat (FRA)/Wang 25 Luxembourg (23) A. Cooke (ENG) b A. Mazunov 26 Wales (26) Xiaoming b 26 Germany DR (-) (URS) 15, -21, 9, 18; 27 Isle of Man (-) Badescu/Guergueltcheva -15, 16, J. Rosskopf (FRG) b I. Lupulescu 27 Greece (24) 17; (YUG) -20, 15, 13, -18, 26; 28 Portugal (-) I. Palina (URS)/Timina b J. Wang Yansheng (NOR) b Ding Yi 29 Isle of Man (-) Fazlic/G. Perkucin (YUG) 19, 18. (AUT) II, 13, 14. Semi Finals Quarter-finals: Batorfi/Wirth b Melnik/Popova Gatien b Waldner -13, -20, 14, 19,20; 24,20; Grubba b Haldan 15, 20, 9; Palina/Timina b Coubat/Wang Xiaoming 10, 13. EUROPEAN LEAGUE Appelgren b Cooke 19, 15, -18, 13; Rosskopf b Wang Yansheng Final Final Tables ­ Season 1989/90 Batorfi/Wirth b Palina/Timina -13,21, 18, 18. SUPER DIVISION -15, 18, 16 Semi-finals: P W L F A Pts Grubba b Gatien 17, -19, 14, 18; Mixed Doubles: Quarter Finals France 7 5 2 31 18 5 Appelgren b Rosskopf -12, 17, -19, Fetzner/Nemes b F.R. Germany 7 5 2 31 18 5 13, 16. Lupulescu/Fazlic 10, 13; Netherlands 7 4 3 23 26 4 Final: J-P.Saive (BEL)/Wirth b T. Janci Sweden 7 3 4 25 24 3 Appelgren b Grubba 15,-15,14,19. (TCH)/Kasalova 15,4; Poland 7 3 4 19 30 3 Ding Yi/Guergueltcheva b Yugoslavia 7 3 4 23 Women's Singles: Round 4 26 3 Franz/Nolten 7, 13; Czechoslovakia 7 3 4 23 G. Keen (HOL) b O. Nemes (FRG) 26 3 Gatien/Wang Xiaoming b D. England 7 2 5 21 28 2 20, 19, -12, 18; Mazunov/Melnik 17, -14, 15. G. Wirth (HUN) bE. Ciosu (ROM) DIVISION 1 13,8, -17, 13; Semi Finals Belgium 7 6 I 33 16 6 M. Kloppenburg-Hooman (HOL) Saive/Wirth b Fetzner/Nemes 10, Hungary 7 6 I 37 12 6 b A. Safarova (TCH) 15, 17, II; 14; Austria 7 5 2 36 13 5 D. Guergueltcheva (BUL) b Gatien/Wang Xiaoming b Ding Bulgaria 7 4 3 25 24 4 E. Urban (HUN) 18, -20, 13, II; Yi/Guergueltcheva 12, -17, 15. Turkey 7 3 4 17 32 3 M. Hrachova (TCH) b Wang Final Italy 7 i 5 25 24 2 Xiaoming (FRA) 14, 20, 20; Gatien/Wang Xiaoming b Finland 7 I 6 9 40 I O. Badescu (ROM) bY. Timina Saive/Wirth 13,23 Denmark 7 I 6 14 35 I (URS) 18, II, 19; DIVISION 2 Yong Tu (SUI) b K. Nolten (FRG) Spain 7 7 0 46 3 7 15, -16, -12, 19, 16; Switzerland 7 6 I 32 17 6 C. Batorfi (HUN) bE. Noor(HOL) Norway 7 5 2 28 21 5 14, 12, -17, II. Luxembourg 7 3 4 23 26 3 Quarter-finals; Ireland 7 3 4 21 28 3 Wirth b Keen -11,13,16, -21, 20; Scotland 7 2 5 21 28 2 Guergueltcheva b Kloppenburg- Wales 7 2 5 13 36 2 Hooman 15, -20, 10, 16; Greece 7 0 7 12 37 0 Badescu b Hrachova -17,15,13,19;· DIVISION 3 Yong Tu b Batorfi 16, 15, 19. Portugal 5 5 0 34 I 5 Semi-finals: Malta 5 4 I 21 14 4 Guergueltcheva b Wirth Liechtenstein 5 3 2 16 19 3 19, -19, 17, 16; Isle of Man 5 2 3 15 20 2 Yong Tu b Badescu -18, 18, Jersey 5 I 4 II 24 I -12, 14, 12. Guernsey 5 0 5 8 27 0

~ EUROPEAN TABLE TENNIS UNION E.T.T.U. May 1990 EUROPEAN LEAGUE FIXTURES 1990/91 Ranking Lists SUPER DIVISION MEN I APPElGREN Mikael (SWE) GROUP A GROUP B 2 WALDNER Jan-Ove (SWE) 11th Sept 1990 Yugoslavia v France Poland v Fed. Germany 3 GRUBBA Andrzej (POL) Netherlands v Belgium Sweden v Czechoslovakia 4 PERSSON Jorgen (SWE) 5 ROSSKOPF Jorg (FRG) 9th Oct 1990 Belgium v France Fed. Germany v 6 GATIEN Jean-Philippe (FRA) Czechoslovakia 7 LINDH Erik (SWE) Yugoslavia v Netherlands Poland v Sweden 8 PRIMORAC Zoran (YUG) 13th Nov 1990 France v Netherlands Czechoslovakia v Poland 9 SAlVE Jean-Michel (BEL) Belgium v Yugoslavia Fed. Germany v Sweden 10 LUPULESKU Ilija (YUG) 18th Dec 1990 AI at home to B2 II MAZUNOV Andrei (URS) BI at home to A2 12 BOHM Georg-Zsolt (FRG) A3 at home to B4 13 PREAN Carl (ENG) B3 at home to A4 14 DING YI (AUT) 15 MAZUNOV Dmitrij (URS) 15th Jan 1991 B2 at home to Al 16 HALDAN Paul (HOl) A2 at home to BI 17 COOKE Alan (Eng) B4 at home to A3 18 KUCHARSKI leszek (POL) A4 at home to B3 19 WANG YANSHENG (NOR) 5th Feb 1991 Winner of BI/A2 at home to winner of AI/B2 20 DOUGLAS Desmond (ENG) Winner of B31A4 at home to winner of A3/B4 Other English Loser of BI/A2 at home to loser of AIIB2 29 ANDREW Skylet (ENG) Loser of B31A4 at home to loser of A3/B4 WOMEN 12th Mar 1991 Positions 1-2 (final): I GUERGUElTCHEVA Winner of A I/B2 at home to winner of B11A2 Daniela (BUL) Positions 3-4: 2 WIRTH Gabriella (HUN) Loser of A IIB2 at home to loser of BIIA2 3 BATORFI Csilla (HUN) 4 TU YONG (SUI) Positions 5-6: 5 NEMES Olga (FRG) Winner of A3/B4 at home to winner of B31A4 6 BADESCU Otilia (ROM) Positions 7-8 (Relegation): 7 WANG XIAOMING (FRA) Loser of A3/B4 at home to loser of B31 A4 8 HOOMAN Mirjam (HOl) 9 SAFAROVA Alena (TCH) 10 POPOVA Valentina (URS) STIGA GRAND PRIX POINTS 1989/90 II HRACHOVA Marie (TCH) 12 KASAlOVA Renata (TCH) Total 13 FAZLIC Jasna (YUG) 675 PERSSON, Jorgen (SWE) 340 KORBEL, Petr (TCH) 14 URBAN Edit (HUN) 630 GATIEN, Jean-Philippe(FRA) 325 MAZUNOV, Andrei (URS) 15 SVENSSON Marie (SWE) 505 SAlVE, Jean-Michel (BEL) 320 PRIMORAC, Zoran (YUG) 16 PALINA Irina (URS) 490 LUPULESCU, lIija (YUG) 300 LI GUN SANG (PRK) 17 VRIESEKOOP 475 PREAN, Carl (ENG) 300 WALDNER, Jan-Ove (SWE) Bettine (HOl) 415 MAZUNOV, Dimitri (URS) 300 YU SHENTONG (CHN) 18 PERKUCIN Gordana (YUG) 405 GRUBBA, Andzej (POL) 295 YOO NAM KYU (KOR) 19 LOMAS Lisa (ENG) 405 LINDH, Erik (SWE) 250 KARLSSON, Peter (SWE) 20 TIMINA Elena (URS) 360 APPELGREN, Mikael (SWE) 245 CHEN ZHIBIN (CHN) Other English 350 MATSUSHITA, Kohji (JPN) 240 BENGTSSON, Ulf (SWE) 22 Gordon Alison (ENG) 350 ROSSKOPF, Jorg (FRG) 225 CHEN XINHUA (ENG) 32 ELLIOT Fiona (ENG) 43 HOLT Andrea (ENG)

EUROPEAN CLUB CUP OF CHAMPIONS FINAL ME ATSV Saarbriicken (FRG) 3 UTT Levallois (FRA) 5 A. Podpinka bt lo Chuen Tsung 18, 15; Xie Saike bt J. Secretin 5, 8; P. Engel I J-P. Gatien -13, -12; Xie Saike bt lo Chuen Tsung 14, 15; Podpinka I Gatien -17,19, -13; Engel I Secretin 15, -22, -18; Xie Saike I Gatien -10, 18, -17; Engel I Lo Chuen Tsung -22, 19, -17 WOMEN Trade Unions Moscow (URS) 3 Statisztika Budapest (HUN) 5 Y. Timina I G. Wirth -17, -12; I. Palina bt Z. Olah II, 16; R. Timofeeva I K. Nagy -13, -II; Palina bt Wirth -8, 22, 17; Timina I Nagy 14, -8, -10; Timofeeva I Olah -19, -19; Palina bt Nagy 19, -19, 9; Timofeeva I Wirth -20, -17.

6 Gothenburg and Other Topics

ALMOST the outstanding impression one took home from Gothenburg was how long it had all been. It is a theme to which I have often returned. When I wrote about our endless mara­ thons at home and abroad in my days as the father and coach of our leading junior, some attributed my views and fatigue to having to catch the last boat home to the Isle of Wight, which I frequently missed. (The next one departed at 3 in the morning!) However, now that I can take a more detached stance, unaffected by such considerations, the sheer length ofwhat we serve to the public remains indigestible.

Association (E.T.T.U.) rather more reluctance to join in. We welcome German League and he has become "Let my People Go" inspired remedies are sought. One the innovation. an 'instant' Norwegian. Numerous I am reminded of the Comedian ,can either reduce the number of players are "eligible". In Germany Mort Sahl commenting on the film matches or one can shorten the alone I can count at least three 'Exodus'. To change his text a little, matches themselves. The three Eligibility - A Chinese European former Chinese World Champions the Gothenburg offerings were very against three system (all play all, at Championship soon? as well as a number of players of long, even if you like table tennis, any rate, if the match is played to a similar class. The eligibility rules, if We already have a Chinese Euro­ and, like him, I was tempted to total conclusion) has stood the test one could so describe them, were so pean Champion (Wang Xiao Ming march into the arena and cry "Let of time and seems eminently fair. laughable as to be meaningless. The - Mixed Doubles) and we nearly my People go!!" Consider, dear Why not then shorten the matches only thing that was even weaker was had a Chinese European Ladies reader, that a 5-0 result might pro­ themselves? This is precisely what the will to enforce them. I therefore Champion as well (Tu Yong ­ duce a three hour match, that the the E.T.T.U. will do and in the applaud President Kapetanic's Switzerland). Two top European Final between Sweden and Ger­ forthcoming European Youth strong and statesmanlike lead in seeds were eliminated early in the many, which ended 5-2, took four Championships the Team Events overcoming what had threatened to tournament, Persson by Wang hours and that a match (1st round) will be played to 16 (not 21), but become an embarassing farce. Junsun and Lindh by Creanga. The between Sweden and South Korea scoring will begin at 5 all, so that the latter could be seen in the European (in Dortmund) had taken six hours 21 up system is preserved. Experi­ Continued over page Youth Championships as recently before Sweden chalked up a 5-4 vic­ ments will take place in respect of II as last July and there he represented tory. Consider, too that two such, up, in which case scoring will Rumania. The former plays in the matches are played by each team commence at 10 all. Purists will each day for th ree days. again protest, but many will not mourn the end of playing to 21, since so many matches are effective­ A victory recipe ly over long before that point is One could not fail to notice that reached. I lose count of the mem­ THE NEW players who had missed the team bers who have told me that the late event had individual events far nights, endemic in local leagues, above their station. The Swede were what finally brought about ETTA TIE Vrana, ranked perhaps No.8 in his their retirement. Parents tell me The new, redesigned ETIA country, all but beat Appelgren, the that they will not let their children members' tie is now available. ultimate hero of the Champion­ play in our local leagues for the ships, the Russian No. 4 Dvorak same reason. They are not prepared It is attractively woven with the bundled out Desmond Douglas, the to send their off-spring to school Association emblem in gold on German No.4 Franz did the same washed and worn out by a late table a navy background enhanced to Carl Prean, the Greek Rumanian tennis night. The case for shorter with a fine blue stripe. Creanga eliminated Eric Lindh and matches is now overwhelming - at the Norwegian Chinese Wang Jun­ all levels. In England this may yet "The designer has done an sun disposed of the favourite and prove another cause for 'contro­ exceUentjob.l shall be No. 2 seed Jorgen Persson. Both versy' (as nearly everything seems delighted to wearthis tie on all ladies' finalists had light team to be), but abroad the problem has occasions, not merely those events, in the case of the Chinese been seen and solutions are sought. connected with table tennis. Swiss Tu Yong none at all. One ExceUent quality and very could see exhausted player after ex­ attractive," John Prean, EITA hausted player fall as the tourna­ A New European Women's League Chairman. ment progressed. Some argue that this is a test of endurance as well as It seems certain that there will be This stylish tie is available at skill. I cannot really join their a European League for Women. I £4.95 including p&p. ranks, since the former can be tested see this as a locomotive which will in the London Marathon. In Table help to pull the Women's Game SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY into a brighter future, providing Tennis I like to see players able to OFFER TO READERS OF exercise their talents without prior opportunities and publicity for this TABLE TENNIS NEWS: drain. activity. I am proud that the E.T.T.A. has played a leading part Only £3.95 eoch inc p&p if accompanied in bringing this about. I think that by a copy ofthis advertisement. the present structure of the Euro­ Preaching to the Converted? pean League gives women a poor Send your cheque or postal order to: All that is now widely recognised, deal. The new set-up will provide a not least in I.T.T.F. circles and the challenge and great opportunities. ENGLISH TABLE TENNIS ASSOClAnON new Swaythling Cup format (4 sin­ Crowds will not be won overnight QUEENSBURY HOUSE, HAVELOCK ROAD, HASTINGS, gles, I doubles) is the result, unfort­ and the beginnings will be hard. EAST SUSSEX TNH IHF. TELEPHONE: (0424) 722525 unately a widely despised one in Some nations, with financial situa­ Europe. Within the European tions less strong than ours. felt some

7 Six Years! you have broken ranks, can you Attitudes of 50 years ago... Chex Xinhua - the aftermath blame smaller countries, if they do The scheduling was dreadfully I could only view the National The outcome was an overwhelm­ so? You have a good team. They ing vote for a qualifying period of 6 old fashioned. The semi-finals of Council vote by 23 votes to 14 with have not." the team event were played at the great sorrow, having fought so hard years in respect of players changing I had no answer. countries. That does not mean that same time and play on all 16 tables on this issue. In one afternoon we they cannot play for clubs or in hardly added to the festivity of the lost the respect of most of Europe open tournaments, but it does mean occasion and the importance of the and offended China, the most im­ that they cannot play for a new The playing side matches. The singles semi-finals, portant table tennis nation, and the country for six years in the Euro­ Since this is fully covered else­ both men and women, were similar­ most influential, on earth. China pean League or Championships. where by George Yates, a few lines Iy played simultaneously and quite had not given permission for us to There was loud applause when the will suffice. Appelgren was, of early in the morning at that! Must select Chen Xinhua. Under I.T.T.F. result of the vote was announced course, quite magnificent, drawing we really be surprised if people rules we can ignore the Chinese and and there could be no doubt what on vast resources of will power and don't come to our big e'verits? The go against their wishes. They had most of our European colleagues stamina. He went through the team march ofthe sport into the 20th cen­ asked us not to select Chen before felt. Europe will try, through its event unbeaten before he took the tury seems to be taking a very long July, the date of the I.T.T.F. Coun­ delegates, to bring the I.T.T.F. in singles title. An epic performance. time. So many attitudes seem root­ cil Meeting. We had staged many line, when that body's National Guergueltcheva was a worthy ed in another era, whilst our com­ enjoyable, profitable England vs Council meets in July. One must winner of the ladies' event, seeing petitors, in the shape of other China matches, which gave the hope that Europe will succeed. It is off the Swiss Chinese challenge. sports, understand the needs of game and its image a big boost. One the I.T.T.F's failure to deal with One noted how weak her opponent modern marketing. Some nations, wonders whether there will be this long standing and accelerating was against persistent top spin, but for instance Germany and Holland, more. problem which is responsible for she was not in the top slice of Chin­ have made a lot of progress and we The Management Committee the present mess. ese ladies. Germany had two former have, till now, stood in the forefront had twice voted that only British Already I have received messages world champions "eligible" (Cao, of innovation and reform. citizens should play for England. of deep concern from Europe that Tong Ling), but did not elect to play Despite detecting an earnest de­ Despite leading the sport from we (through our National Council) either. sire for change, all too often I have near-bankruptcy to its present chose to be guided by the I.T.T.F's I thought our men's 3rd place in seen good ideas rejected by coun­ sound position, despite all that has rather lax and clearly inadequate 2 the team event a noble effort. tries with limited finances and vis­ been achieved, Councillors, who year rule (which is almost certain to (Douglas 7-5, Cooke 9-4 and Prean ion and so a great deal is reduced to meet 4 times each year, over-turned be changed in July) rather than the 10-4 were the victory/defeat ratios). the lowest common denominator. the Management Committee, the European (E.T.T.U.) 6 year rule. I We had no chance against Sweden There is also the bureaucratic fac­ Association's Chairman and Treas­ cannot describe the disappointment this time (unlike Paris, where we tion which seeks to drown every­ urer. Again one noted how little in­ felt that England, which gave the did). We crashed 5-1, Prean's vic­ thing in paper and creates confus­ terest was shown, for instance, in sport to the world, failed to support tory against Persson giving us our ion out of order. Despite all that I the Sport's new £100,000 Develop­ President Kapetanic, who has been only point. We had chances against see a great deal of modern and pro­ ment Fund and how much in the a good friend to English Table Germany, though losing 5-2. gressive thinking in many of Eur­ matter of a citizen of another coun­ Tennis, the E.T.T.U. Executive, Cooke's two were our highlight. I ope's countries. The tragedy is that try playing for England. Press agit­ which includes our own George felt our opponents were fitter and our own influence will be near zero ation and media hype and, above Yates and a very large majority of returned service better. The former after the breaking of ranks in the all, commercial interests prevailed. European countries. "Could you was invaluable in the slow condit­ Chen Xinhua eligibility issue. The Players, who have served us well, not have waited till July?" I have ions which prolonged rallies. Spec­ work of three years has been un­ feel betrayed and let down. Theyare been asked. "If the LT.T.F. still tator figures were desperately dis­ done by National Council's vote of too proud to say this in public for stuck to its outdated 2 year rule, appointing. Perhaps they looked 21 April. fear of being seen worried about then there might have been some worse than they were in the large. their England places, but they have justification in your decision. Now splendid arena.

SPOT BRADLEY'S BALL the Result

So that's where the ball was in last month's mystery competition! From a sackful of entries the winning solution was submitted by: R Green 19 Torcross Road Ruislip Middlesex Mr Green estimated that the ball was in the crook of Bradley's elbow. about 12 inches away from the actual position. but that was a better estimate than any other. So a Donic Tracksuit. compliments of Fast Bat House is winging its way to Ruislip. Congratulations Mr Green. It is encouraging to see that even the best players have their 'Whoops' moments too. The only question now remaining is who has the best reactions. Bradley or ace snapper Mike Loveder who captured the magic moment. Thanks to Mike and all entrants.

8 said it to me. Officials, all over the country, and this includes our Pres­ ident Johnny Leach, the finest ambassador the country has ever had, and our Treasurer Peter Hillier have conveyed to Council their deep unease about this decision. The sport has been torn apart. There were minor and unpleasant undercurrents. These could be traced to some of those who had served the sport so badly before my time. One has nothing against Chen himself. A very full programme always was open to him. Why we could not wait till he was in posses­ sion of British citizenship I shall never know. The decision itself will make little difference now, since Europe has acted as it did. Few opportunities will now exist. The other decision by Council, to petition the E.T.T.U. Executive to Though I am in good health and but prepared to work for the allow Chen to play in European Joola Trophy for Batorfi and vigour, standin~ down will present E.T.T.A. for nothing. events has no chance of success. Do Gatien: Left to right - Michael me with no problems when the time These are a few of the issues our Bachtler MD of Joola. Jean we really think that Europe will comes. If a strong alternative members will have to consider. The Philippe Gatien. Csilla Batorfi and allow our Chinese to play at once, emerges, I shall need little encour­ wrong move will return us to the ice whilst imposing a 6 year qualific­ Mihovil Kapetanic ETTA President age from which the sport has recent­ (Photo: Hans Jazyk) agement. However, the job specific­ ation on everyone else's? It was the ations are demanding. I cannot see ly emerged and which so many have one final stroke of absurdity of the 1991, the date of our A.G.M. Some how Deputy Chairman Ransome already forgotten. most depressing afternoon I can months before that I shall have to can succeed me, not least because of Have a good summer. recall in the history of English Table decide whether to continue. Our his p9werful commercial interests, Tennis. members will also think about this. but also because the post of chair­ They will then decide whether to be man is now so demanding that it re­ guided by media hype or the evid­ quires the full time attention of the My own position... ence of our sound balance sheets holder of that office. Even then the When I made the decision to offer and what we have put into the post requires someone able to com­ myself for re-election last game. They will decide whether I mand a very high salary elsewhere, December, I promised my members have done a good job or not. I will that I would serve my full term. I continue to stand for what I think is shall do this. That term lasts till July right.

EUROPEAN LEAGUE

1990/91

The ETIU have introduced a new format for the European League next season. This will involve group play, finishing with cross over semi-finals and finals to decide each division.

ENGLAND will feature in DMSION ONE. The only home group match will be in the week prior to 13th OCtober versus SPAIN.

If sua:essful in the groups England may also have home playoff matches later in the seaon.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN STAGING AN INTERNATIONAL IN YOUR AREA? IF SO CONTACf:

Jt!tlllJHugIws, EmrIs MfIIIlI/!P" English Table Tennis AssocUIIiDn, Qu«nsbury HOUSt, HllJleIock 1lDtul, HASTINGS, East Susser TN34 INF.

9 Compu :er Ranking Sell... The ETTA Computer Ranking Scheme 1990/91

The following was presented to the National Council on 21 st April 1990 by England Team Manager Don Parker and approved at that time. With European Junior and Cadet Ranking lists based almost exclusively on the previous seasons and unexpected win tables, THE E.T.T.A. enters its tenth season of Computer Ranking. This European Youth Championships it however, friendly matches have will be the first season that the ranking scheme will be totally was felt the same situation could been devalued in terms of handled in terms of input and administration within the E.T.T.A. not apply for the Juniors. Juniors weighting. Once a player moves out offices. While this extra work will obviously incur costs, the and Cadets who just miss out on of the European Top 50 he will join selection are at a serious situation will lead to fewer mistakes and the reaction of the players the next English list one point above disadvantage, however, players is that they are quite prepared to support this scheme with the the highest player not ranked in the who do represent their country and necessary finance. European Top 50. This system win deserve some recognition. It reduces the 'dummying' problem The most significant change for that all interntional competitions, was therefore decided to include which, being subjective, is a the Seniors is that the Top 50 on the with the exception of the English overseas international tournaments constant source of aggravation. European Ranking List will over­ Open, will not count for English on the BONUS POINTS scheme Hopefully, the top England players ride the English Ranking List. In Ranking Points as results will count with set points for wins in the team will be motivated by achieving a other words, whenever a new towards European Ranking. events and for reaching the various European ranking, while the English Ranking list is released, any Domestic tournaments with Inter­ stages of the tournament. players just out of England con­ English players on the current national Team events and friendly For the start of the season, all tention will not be disadvantaged as European Top 50 list will be ranked matches will count as per the points gained at the end of the a result ofrivals picking up points at correspondingly. This then means 1989/90 season using the expected 1989/90 season have been divided foreign tournaments. by two, except those for the cadets which have been divided by three.

EXPECTED WIN TABLE POINTS DIFFERENCE POINTS GAIN I to 20 8 21 to 50 7 51 to 90 6 91 to 140 5 x The Weighting 141 to 200 4 Factor 201 to 270 3 271 to 350 2 • SPECIAL OFFER • 351 & over I UNEXPECTED WIN TABLE the Leeds Permanent Building Society POINTS DIFFERENCE POINTS GAIN Ito 20 9 NEARLYNEW 21 to 50 10 51 to 90 II 91 to 140 12 x The Weighting TOURNAMENI'SURROUNDS 141 to 200 13 Factor 201 to 270 14 271 to 350 15 Less than half normal retail price 351 & over 16 When players are level on points at the time of playing a match, one point AT £12.00 each, inclusive of VAT will be awarded to the winner to make the result an expected win.

Minimum Order Accepted Junior and Cadet 5 Surrounds or more WEIGHTING FACTORS 2 Star Open Tournaments x I Senior All County Championships 2 Star Tournament xl Send your cheque or postal order including £1.50 postage and packing per matches X 2 surround to: All County Championships & International Events ­ British League matches X 2 Category C X 2 Friendly International English Table Tennis AssociDIion, Friendly International Matches X 2 Matches X 2 Queensbury House, Havelock Road, 3 Star Open Tournaments X 4 Select Open Tournaments HASTINGS, Televised Friendly International 0Sta0 X4 East Sussex TN341HF. Matches x 4 National Ranking Trials (knock­ out or cross-over stages) X 4 English Top 12 (knock-out or cross-over stages) X 5 Junior 5 Star X 5 Five Star Open Tournaments English Top Twelve (knock-out x5 or cross-over stages) X 5 English National English National Championships x6 Championships X 6 English Open X7 English Junior Open X 7

10 Veterans Junior International Events ­ Equality Junior Tournaments £1.00 2 Star Open Tournaments X I Category A, Where two or more players are level per player European Junior Top 12 on points, ranking will be relative to Senior Tournaments £1.50 All County Championships X 2 (k.o.stages) their previous positions. per player 3 Star Open Tournaments X 4 Winner - 400pts Veteran Tournaments £ 1.50 Foreign Players (including those per player National Veterans Society Runner-up - 200pts from Home Countries). Dummy Tournaments X 4 Losing Semi-Finalist - 100pts positions, as determined by the British League Registration Losing Quarter-Finalist - 50pts £20.00 per team 5 Star Open Tournaments X 5 National Team Manager, will be County Registration £ 12.00 Last 16 - 25 pts allocated on the computer lists as English National per team English National appropriate. Championships X 6 Championships,S Star Opens Junior Foreign Tournaments The tournament computer fee will Group Events Winner - 200pts Players playing bonifide foreign be added to the existing E.T.T.A. Points per win will be awarded as Runner-up - 100pts national tournaments at their own levy so making one overall amount follows: Losing Semi-Finalist - 50pts expense where an England Team is to be added to the respective entry Final Regional Junior & Cadet Losing Quarter-Finalist - 25pts also competing will have their fee. This will apply to all Ranking Trials - 3 points/win tournaments except one star and Senior Top 12 (k.o. stages) results included. National Junior & Cadet Ran­ those which opt out ofthe computer king Trials - 10 points/win Junior & Cadet Top 12 Domestic Tournaments with ranking scheme. The fee will be pay­ (k.o. stages), National Junior & Cadet Top International Team Events able by all players entering the Twelve - 25 points/win 3 Star Open Tournaments, Any domestic tournaments with an tournament irrespective of whether 'Select' Open Tournaments, National Senior Top 12 international team event including they appear on the list or their - 25 points/win National Junior & Cadet at least two foreign teams, nationality. Players cannot opt out European Junior Top 12 Ranking Trails (k.o. stages), excluding the home countries, will as individuals. - 40 points/win Junior International Events ­ for the purpose of the team event be Category B. weighted by the ranking panel ELIGIBILITY Junior and Cadet Inter- Winner - 100pts dependant on the quality of the The decision of the ranking panel national Team Events Runner-up - 50 pts entry. will be final on questions of e1ibility Losing Semi-Finalist - 25pts of individuals to appear on Category A Tournaments Women in the British League E.T.T.A. ranking lists. - 20 points/win Losing Quarter-Finalist - 10 pts NOTE: In Top 12's only bonus Women playing in British League, Category B Tournaments Complains, Queries, Etc. points for semi-jinalists and will be given dummy positions and - 10 points/win men awarded the appropriate These should be sent in writing to: finalists in the result of a cross E.T.T.A., Queensbury House, BONUS POINTS over system. points for a win. Women will only be awarded points for wins in the Havelock Road, Hastings, East European Junior Sussex TN34 IHF Championships Junior International Events ­ Womens British League. - 800 pts, Category C Any complaints should be Winner Winner - 50 pts Junior Events at Senior Runner-up - 400pts Tournaments accompanied by a £5.00 deposit Losing Semi-Finalist - 2DOpts Runner-up - 25 pts Losing Semi-Finalist - 10 pts These will not be included. which is returnable if the complaint Losing QUarter-Finalist 100pts is valid. All suggestions, comments - 50pts 2 Star Open Tournaments, FINANCE OF SCHEME Last 16 Veterans at 2 Star Opens on policy, etc., will be considered in Last 32 - 25 pts Winner - 20 pts The scheme will be financed as the course of the annual review Runner-up - 10 pts follows: which will take place at the end of Semi-Final - 5 pts the 1990/91 season.

r ~-* YkLa 5auow- ~ YMWU6 ~tU '\ Directly affiliated to the E.T.TA First Ever Leeds Womens British Champions 1989 CLUB PREMISES: The Prudential Building. Sponsored by Linda Farrow. Sunglass Manufacturer 250 Euston Rood. London NW1 and Designer of Optical and Sunglass Frames Enquiries and correspondence to:­ 51 Calthorpe Street. London WC1X OHH Tel: 071-837 7420 Telex: 267578 Fax: 071-837 1657

Special coaching sessions by ex-world NO.4 CHEN XINHUA Sat & Sun 16/17 June - 30 June/1 July 14/15 July (Few places left - high standard players only) 6 hour course - £20 a day - 10am to 4pm; 6 tables only

Club opening times: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 7.00pm to 10.00pm Saturday and Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm

Cost: members £2 Non member~ £2.50 Coaching on Tuesdays extra £2 per hour GUESTS WELCOME TO USE PREMISES - 8 PRACTISE TABLES AVAILABLE

II Unbeaten in the European League could he vvin the World Veteran Title • 1995 by JOHN WOODFORD

IN THE thirteen years that Desmond Douglas has plied his trade as a table tennis professional he has • Some of the questions raised had many ups-and-downs but this season is ending on a high note for the man from Walsall who will be in this story were asked by 35 next July but still possesses the "magic" touches that has endeared him to crowds worldwide for Dutch journalist Bas Den many years. How long will he go on? Could he win the world veteran title in 1995? If betting were per­ Breejen mitted my money would be on him to win! For sometime I held the view that Des would help England out in the European League if the chips were down despite the fact that he retired from that competition over two years ago after losing vital games against Holland. Some said he would only return if Carl Prean or Alan Cooke were injured. When England beat Sweden in the first match of the season, it seemed as though Des could relax at home watching sport on television - his favourite pastime - whilst our young men retained our position in the Super Division. Losing match after match, usually 4-3, led to a re-think by Don Parker and into the line-up on a wet and windy night in far off Bude in North Cornwall came Desmond. It was the Czechs who found them­ selves on the rocks as Des (and Carl) squeezed a 4-3 win out ofthe team from Prague. Three weeks later, England lost the last match 4-3 against West Germany at Bexleyheath, and again Des was undefeated winning the first game against Steffan Fetzner and the penultimate game against Jorg Rosskopf, "West Germany's only big success in recent times. Just prior to Bude, at Swindon, Des put on another magical perform­ ance to lift the Burmah Wiltshire 5-star Open, defeating Carl Prean in the semis and the other "magician" Chen Xinhua in the final.

Fitness the Key Many men in their mid-thirties start to put on weight and generally slacken off in terms of fitness. Not so Desmond, practice four times a week at the Grove club at Market Drayton with Alan Cooke and other leading players has got over that problem - Alan Cooke returning from Sweden is another ingredient that has helped Des and helped Desmond Douglas - Ten rimes our Champion (Phoro courresy Mike Grove to monopolise the premier division in the Leeds British League. Loredel) When editing this magazine for nearly three seasons I only wrote one Desmond personality story. His popularity remains at such a high level as we saw at Bude and Bexleyheath that it is worth recalling a few ofthe the doves of peace flew over the Bonnington Hotel, it seems that a new facts from Desmond's past: understanding has been reached in 1990 between the top players and He started to play table tennis at the age of 11 at Birmingham YMCA the corridors of power on talking to the media. where "there was no run-back so 1 developed my c1ose-to-the-table Asked about the peaks of his career Des said "I have had several, 1 game". He was born Desmond Hugh Douglas on July 20,1955 in King­ was ranked No. 7 in the world when 1 finished third in Duisburg in ston, Jamaica, coming"to England with his parents in 1960 when he was 1987. Another peak came in Basle in 1987 when 1 won the Top-12. 1 five. played nine times in the Top-12 in Europe and reached three finals." Des is not married but has a charming girlfriend Margerita and a young family. He started his career in 1972 at the European Junior Villa Supporter Championships in Denmark. Des worked for about six years in the garage of Birmingham Buses and then studied to become a mechanic. His hobby is watching all sport on television, every sport especially He ceased, as we journalists have said, on a number of occasions football, athletics, boxing tennis and snooker. He is a supporter of "rolling under Birmingham Buses" at the same time as the 1977 World Aston Villa. Championships at the NEC in Birmingham. The 64,000 Dollar Question is once again, how long can he play at He has now won the English title ten times, nine in a row, losing to this level - beating people like Persson as he did in the World Team" Alan Cooke in 1988. In Germany he played for Dusseldorf for eight Cup? Des answers: "Now 1 am very happy, I am in good condition, 1 years and two English clubs before joining Alan Cooke at Grove, where take every season as it comes, I practice four times a week, I shall just with a "company car'" he is "very happy indeed". wait and see, I have no thoughts of retiring at this time." Footnote: Bas Breejen asked him "Holl' many coaches have you had.?" The journalist meant personal coaches. Des replied "Les Gressll'ell, Brian Burn, Peter Simpson. Donald Parker - all the England Peace Doves coaches," As far as f am all'are. Des has not been coached since Des has over the years had a number of problems with the England Birmingham YMC days - he does his O\l'll thing Il'ith a highly person­ administration, some quite serious because he is a man who says what alised. unorthodox. blocking and attacking game that has defeated so he thinks, but just recently (March 10) Des and Alan Cooke had many of the best players in Europe and may lI'ell continue 10 do so for "amiable discussions" with the ETTA Management Committee and as at least another five years. "

12 Forever Desmond Douglas Magic Spell No. 11 by JOHN WOODFORD DESMOND DOUGLAS has now become rather more than a legend! By lifting his eleventh English crown at the Leeds English National Championships at Oldham Sports Centre on May 7, a few weeks short of his 35th birthday is an achievement that puts him in a class along with the Great Names ofthe past in English table tennis - Johnny Leach, Richard Bergmann and Victor Barna.

His popularity with the crowd has not diminished over the years. The 500 crowd at Oldham on most days, were as Don Parker would say "delighted" with Des as he defeated the defending champion Alan Cooke in the semi-finals and then proving dominant to another classic five-game clash to finally beat the top-seeded Carl Prean -8, 17,17, -17,12. In both the final rounds, Douglas had his back to the wall. Against Cooke, still unhappy about the top seedings, he came from 0 - 2 down to take the third and fourth games and then led 14 - II in the decisive fifth game before the Walsall professional made a last desperate bid and came through 21 - 19. The mens singles final was a splendid battle, with the advantage swinging alternately. The Grenzau No.1 found few problems in the first game but Douglas moved into overdrive to take the next two games. Prean swept back into action with some thrilling rallies laced with deadly top-spin, that Desmond blocked and counter-hit DESMOND DOUGLAS took the English title for the 11th time and received the trophy from Steve Wild of the with some of the sharpest angles I Leeds. TOP SEED Carl Prean, who lost a dramatic five game final, looks on and waits for his time to come have seen for some time. (Photo: John FA. Wood) The fifth and final showdown between Prean and Douglas saw the It was a strange program me of - John Souter emerged as a quar­ times gets into difficulties against old campaigner blasting away, events that seem to revolve around ter-finalist at the expense of good defenders. But not on this increasing the angles of his a large number ofqualifying rounds Michael O'Driscoli who was beaten occasion. The Chesterfield profes­ attacking and blocking shots to that eventually produced 32 men 2I-19 in the fifth in a spectacular sional penetrated the Reading saunter through on the scoreboard competing in "Round I" of the battle royal, but the Middlesex youngster's defences convincingly 21 - 12. mens singles, and 16 in "Round I" No.1. posed no problems for Carl enough to win 16, 18, 15. That victory was worth coming a of the womens singles. This meant Prean who won II, 8, 21. long way to see - the first day of that the media had nothing to The second men's quarter-final the tournament was mainly quali­ report on the Saturday, therefore was the one that drew the crowds as fying rounds and veterans events, missing space available in the Nicky Mason was pitched against Prean Closed Door the second day there were no shocks Sunday papers. his great rival Skylet Andrew. Who Just a word on Mason against so we journalists had to concentrate On the Sunday, all the top seeded was going to win this one? It seems Prean in the semi-finals - Mason on the seeding controversy, but on players reached their expected that Mason performs best at home snatched the first 23-21 and actually the third day, three ofthe four semi­ places. On Monday however, with whilst Sky is more at home on the led 12-6 in the second before the finals provided shocks as Douglas the rest of the week-end sport out of continent or even in other man from the island off the Hamp­ beat Cooke, Fiona Elliot stopped the way, "orders" for space in­ continents. shire coast closed the door very pro­ Alison Gordon and Andrea Holt creased considerably in the The three games bet ween defeated (for the first time) Lisa "Mace" and "Sky" were all cliff­ fessionally, getting home 21-14 in "heavies" - The Times, Daily the fourth game. Lomas. Telegraph, The Independent and hangers, but it was the Bexhill­ The Guardian. based counter-hitter who It might be some time before there is £6,000 prize money on offer I was surprised to see the arena triumphed 22, 19, 20. again at the English National down to five tables for the last two In the bottom half Douglas Strange Schedule Championships. Douglas won days ofthe tournament. Fine for the started the first of his five-game £1,000 and £160 for winning the Apparently, the schedule was in spectators of course. The first floor duals, going through 21-11 in the mens doubles; Carl Prean netted the hands of the marketing com­ viewing gallery at the Oldham fifth against another young Eng­ £500 for getting to the final; Fiona mittee under Alan Ransome, who land hope Bradley Billington. The Sports Centre is without doubt one Elliot can hardly have believed her also took charge in Manchester at Derbyshire youngster seems to be of the best in the country. good fortune, walking away with the Open. As a result of the making progress - taking two marketing moves, a number offaces games from the legend Des Douglas cheques amounting to £840 for win­ ning all three events. seen at the English tournaments for ranks as a fine performance. many years were mising - Doug Battle Royal The fourth quarter-final Syed v Young, Doreen Stannard, Harvey Cooke was another clash that some Webb, Mike Watts to name just a However, back to the tourna­ people had travelled some way to few. ment and the men's quarter-finals watch in the belief that Alan some­ Continued overleaf

15 Fiona and Andrea move In• but quartet remains intact

FIONA ELLIOT of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire and Andrea Holt of Ramsbottom, Lancashire were the two stars that twinkled bright­ ly in the Women's Singles at Oldham. Whether the two senior players they beat - Alison Gordon (lost to Fiona) and Lisa Lomas (lost to Andrea) in the semi-finals were suffering from jet-lag after flying in from Japan only some 48 hours early is a matter of conjecture. Fit pro­ fessionals should of course be able to cope with playing in one continent and then playing as well after a 7,000 mile flight through time zones.

To Fiona, goes the honour of lift­ Both Alison Gordon and Lisa ing all three titles, the singles beat­ Lomas came under pressure in the ing Andrea in the final, the womens quarter-finals, so it is possible that doubles with Lisa Lomas and the the trip to Japan was making the mixed doubles with Skylet Andrew. road hard. Meanwhile, Joanne Fiona is the first triple women's Shaw created a shock by stopping champion since Karenza Mathews Jill Harris 25-23 in the fourth and in 1972, a magnificent feat, ajust re­ Juliet Houghton raised the hopes of ward for perseverance and not the Kent supporters to halt Caro­ getting too downhearted when not iine Buckley 21-18 in the fourth always making the England squad game. or team when only one' pair is But pressure or not, the four needed. members of the elite England squad - Gordon, Elliot, Holt and Lomas all reached the semi-finals in Regained Title straight games, as Gordon beat Shaw, Elliot stopped Houghton, Fiona regained the title she first Holt held off the petite Billington won in 1987, proving that there is and Lomas chopped out a gallant strength in depth in the England Helen Lower II, 16, 16. squad. This same point was made when Andrea knocked out Lisa -II, 20,-12, II, 19. But the England women's squad Left; FIONA ELLIOT took the remains intact, Gordon, .Lomas, singles title previously held by Lisa Elliot and Holt are our four out­ Lomas but teamed up lrith the former champion to lrin the standing but the worrying factor is \ Women's doubles. not whether Jill Parker will make a Belol...· PRIDE of Lancashire. come-back as a veteran when she Ramsbollom's Andrea Holt, 19, qualifies, but are the young players reached the final for the first time like Julie Billington coming \I'ith a first ever 'fin over the through with enough speed? holder Lisa Lomas (Photos; John F.A.Wood)

Quarter-Finals The women's qualifying rounds provided some hope for the future - Sally Marling, Nicola Deaton, Linda Radford, Debbie Toole and Kathy Goodall all came through to make up the elite last sixteen. They all lost in the battle for the quarters, Julie Billington, our brightest ray of hope got through on a' walk-over against Carol Giles who had an ankle injury and scratched.

16 CONTROVERSIAL THE DOUBLES & VETERANS EVENTS TOP SEEDINGS Three-year spell ends

RESISTING the temptation to take sides on whether Alan Cooke for SIPortsmouth last year, No.2 in Europe, finishing fifth in the European Top-12 in Hanover almost did it again, but with Fiona in such devastating form, her partner­ ship with Sky led to their victory in the final 20, 19. and finishing with a European ranking of No. 13. As expected, the womens doubles was dominated by the four England squad players. Each team carried a possible "jet-Iagger", so it was very even scoring all the way. Eventually, Lisa Lomas and Fiona Elliot capped a Powerful Attack superb display over Alison and Andrea Holt - note the scores in a real thriller of a final - -19, 19, 19. Alan's Chesterfield supporters, who apparently are not always in accord with the Derbyshire TTA, led by Martin Kinsella, launched a powerful attack on the seedings in the regional press, listing his successes as Commonweath champion, the fact that he was the holder etc. ending with a correct report that Cooke and Douglas are now required to have an ETTA official with them when talking to the media. We are all entitled to express our feelings on seedings. The decision in this case was not the hardest that Don Parker has had to face, he chose Carlon his overall record this season. The most unfortunate ending to what might have been seen as a healthy debate came when for reasons that can only be guessed at Alan Cooke was conspicuous by his absence on the winners podium when the presentations were made at the end of an exhil­ arating day.

STEPPING down from the winner's podium, looking surprised to be there at all, Desmond Douglas spared a few thoughts for the media. He said, "Winning this time was almost as good as the first one. I shall be 35 in July, it is getting harder and harder to pace my­ self, especially against the younger players such as Carl and Alan." "I felt here in Oldham that I was starting to play well. Carl is very awkward to play against. I prefer playing best of three games, my legs are starting to hurt in the best of five matches when they go on to the fifth game, as my games did in the last two rounds" he said. He concluded by saying, "In patches I am playing as well as ever. I try to pace myself carefully, but it is not easy when there is a heavy floor." The flooring was a heavy rubbery-type compound, which players A GOOD OMEN for Ihe new Swaylhling cup formal? Alan Cooke and find hard on the feet and legs compared to the more traditional Demond Douglas look Ihe men's doubles lille - a firsl ever for Alan but wood surfaces. number 10 for Desmond (Pholo: John FA. Wood)

John Hilton is the new England veterans champion, with a relatively Media Farewell to the Leeds comfortable success 19, 13 in the final against Peter Radford of Essex who THE Leeds Permanent Building Society sponsorship and the ser­ whipped out Malcolm Corking in the quarters and Derek Holman 16, -22, vices provided by Alan Pascoe Associates have been invaluable for 22 in the semi-finals. the media over the past three years. Steve Cunningham, Lucy Hilton took care of the powerful Cleve Judson in the other semi-final and his experience told once again as in the final he succeeded 19, 13 against the McCrickard, Bett\y Maitland have done a great job. How we shall brave Radford. manage without them remains to be seen. Meanwhile as Wendy My own county of Sussex would not forgive me if I did not mention a Cunningham and Steve Wild move away from the Leeds and to the remarkable victory for Robin Stace and Keith Horton in the veterans mens South, we are sure not to lose sight of them. doubles final -10, 19,20 over John Hilton and Roger Hampson!

17 Final Semi Finals Veteran RESULTS Elliot bt Holt -12, 21, II, 14 J. Holland/J. Billington bt N. Mens Singles Mason/A. Gordon 16, 10 Men's Doubles S. Andrew/F. Elliott bt C. Old­ Quarter Finals Round 1 Men's Doubles field/J. Harris 16, 13 Carl Prean bt Jimmy Stokes 9, (luarter Finals R. Stace/K. Horton bt P. Brad­ 20, 13 N. Mason/S. Andrew bt G. Sand­ Final ley/N. Stag 5, -14, 17 ley/J. Souter II, 13 S. Andrew/F. Elliott bt J. D. Schofield/M. Sheader bt J. Christopher Oldfield bt John Holland/J. Billington 20, 19 Hilton 13, 14, 12 B. Billington/S. Gibson bt Holland/W. Moran -21, 12,9 J. Hilton/R. Hampson bt B. {~~~2souter bt Glenn Baker 6, S.Dorking/J .Stokes 15, -18, 14 C. Oldfield/M. O'Driscoll bt A. Veteran Men's Singles Allison/A. Meads 13, 16 Michael O'Driscoll bt Paul Giles Eden/R. Darnell -16, 12, 13 M. Corking/So Gibbs bt R. Gun­ 14,22, -18, 13 A. Cooke/D. Douglas bt T. Tay­ Quarter Finals nion/D. Seaholme 13, 16 Skylet Andrew bt Malcolm lorlJ. Holland II, 17. Peter Radford bt Malcolm Cork­ Semi Finals ing -21,21, 16 Corking 14, 13, 15 Semi Finals R. Stace/K. Horton bt D. Scho­ Stephen Dorking bt Stephen Derek Holman bt Mat Sheader field/M. Sheader 16, 18 N. Mason/S. Andrew bt B. Bil­ 14, 15 Slater 15, -8, 6, 13 lington/S. Gibson 18, -17, II J. Hilton/R. Hampson bt M. John Holland bt Kevin Satchell 9 Cleve Judson bt Andy Meads 10, Corking/So Gibbs -IS, 17, 16 A. Cooke/D. Douglas bt C. Old­ -17, 19 13,9 ' field/M. O'Driscoll 8, -18, 16. Final Nicky Mason bt Tony Taylor 19, John Hilton bt Tony Rigby -15, Final 13, 13 R. Stace/K. Horton bt J. Hilton/ 6,18 R. Hampson -10, 19,20 A. Cooke/D. Douglas bt N. Semi Finals Desmond Douglas bt Craig Bake­ Mason/S. Andrew 15, 18. well 10, 10, 13 Radford bt Holman 16, -22, 22 Christopher Rogers bt Ritchie Hilton bt Judson 14, 15 Veteran Venner -16,16, -17,14,13 Women's Doubles Final Women's Doubles Sean Gibson bt Nigel Eckersley Quarter Finals Hilton bt Radford 19, 13 10,9, 12 L. Lomas/F. Elliott bt S. Rich­ "Quarter Finals Bradley Billington bt Mark Steph­ mond/J. Keighley 12, 10 Veteran C. Judson/P. Bassono - bye enson 10, II, 13 J. Shaw/J. Houghton bt J. J. Beadle/P. Butcher bt L. Reid/ Matthew Syed by Paul Hutchings Billington/D. Toole 16, 13. Women's Singles J. Hunt 18, -19, 18 12,14, II H. Lower/J. Harris bt T. Quarter Final M. Dignum/J. Pilford bt C. Bas­ Jonathon Taylor bt Graham Moore/S. Roden -21, 14, 19. Doreen Schofield bt Carol Judson den/G. Knightley -IS, 18, 17 Sandley 16, -23, 20, -16, 20 A. Holt/A. Gordon bt L. Rad­ 16,8 D. Schofield/C. Moran bt E. Paul Whiting bt Adrian Moore ford/L. Radford II, 12 Lesley Radford bt Gillian Knight­ Shaler/S. CarrollS, 13 -16, 16, 18, 13 Semi Finals ley 15, 14 Semi Finals Alan Cooke bt Matt Sheader 10, L. Lomas/F. Elliott bt J. Shaw/J. Margaret Dignum bt Juliet Pil­ C. Judson/P. Bassono bt J. 11,9 Houghton 14, -17,13 ford 16, 15 Beadle/P. Butcher 21, 16 Round 2 A. Holt/A. Gordon bt H. Pat Bassano bt Christine Basden D. Schofield/C. Moran bt M. Prean bt Oldfield 16, II, 15 Lower/J. Harris 14, 15. II, 15 Dignum/J. Pilford -18, 18, 13 Souter bt O'Driscoll -18, 14, 13, Final Semi Finals Final -14, 19 L. Lomas/F. Elliott bt A. Holtl Schofield bt Radford -14, 18, 20 D. Schofield/C. Moran bt C. Jud­ Andrew bt Dorking 10,21, 15 A. Gordon -19, 19, 19. Bassano bt Dignum 18, 10 son/Po Bassono -20, 17, 17 Mason bt Holland 19, 16, 14 Final Douglas bt Rogers 6, 14, 12 Bassano bt Schofield -19, 13,8. Billington bt Gibson 18, -16, II, Mixed Doubles -19, II Quarter Finals Syed bt Taylor, 13, 10, 15 J. Holland/J. Billington bt N. Leeds Permanent Building Society marked rheir exit Fom the 3 year Cooke bt Whiting 15, 8, II Eckersley/A. Holt -19,17,8 sponsorship programme covering the ,..hole of English Table Tennis ,..ith a Quarter Finals N. Mason/A. Gordon bt A. friendly and informal dinner at the Thistle hotel in Manchester. Wendy Prean bt Souter 11,8,21 Moore/T. Moore 18, 17 Cunningham made a presentation offourframed colour photographs as a Mason bt Andrew 22, 19, 20 C. Oldfield/J. Harris bt G. memento of a verr happy as ,..ell as a vel)' successful sponsorship venture Douglas bt Billington 12, -19, 9, Jones/E. Meddings 14, -20, 10 (Photograph sho\l's Leeds Public Relations Manager Wendy Cunningham -24, II S. Andrew/F. Elliott bt P. Rad­ making her presentation to (left to right) ETTA Chairman John Prean. ford/Lesley Radford 17, 16 Cooke bt Syed 16, 18, 15 Chief Executive Ted Wallbullon and England Team Manager and Director Semi Finals of Coaching Donald Parkel) Prean bt Mason -21, 14, 19, 14 Douglas bt Cooke 13, 13, -17, -14, 19 Final Douglas bt Prean -8, 17, 17, -17, 12

Women's Singles Round 1 Alison Gordon bt Sally Marling 14,7,14 Joanne Shaw bt Jill Harris 8, 23, -18,25 Juliet Houghton bt Caroline Buckley 10, 17, -16, 18 fA~~~ Elliot bt Nicola Deaton 16,

~o~d{~a Holt bt Linda Radford 9, Julie Billington bt Carol Giles ­ walkover Helen Lower bt Debb:ie Toole 10, -8, 20, 19 Lisa Lomas bt Katherine Goodall 13, II, 14 Quarter Finals Gordon bt Shaw 16, 10, 14 Elliot bt Houghton II, 13, 13 Holt bt Billington 8, 10, 18 Lomas bt Lower II, 16, 16 Semi Finals Elliot bt Gordon -20, 18, -II, 17, 15 Holt bt Lomas -II, 20, -12, 19, 19 A PICTORIAL PRESENTATION FROM THE LEEDS

18 EAGERLY AWAITING the finals are ETTA Events Manager, Jenny Hughes, ETTU Secretary George Yates and 'Scoop' Woodford of the Telegraph.

EVERGREEN John Hilton receives his Men's Veterans Singles trophy from ETTA Deputy Chairman Alan Ransome, who wasn't competing this year.

NATIONAL CHAMPION Des Douglas pictured with the Oldham & District team who did sterling work on the door. Carl Simpson (next to Des) and (left to right) John Phillips, Marjorie Riddle and Peter Aspin. ADAM PARKER chairs a top level meeting between Nicky Mason and England team manager Donald Parker.

THE BATTLE between Vets and Umpires to be first at the dinner table was invariably won by the wily tactics of the mature players. The rush was TOP TABLE TRIO. Referee John Jermyn. Umpires Controller Di Jermyn well merited. the Oldham staff served up superb lood in difficult and Deputy Referee Geoff Taylor enjoying the women's Vets final. conditions. (Photos: John F.A. Wood)

19 Left: SKYLET ANDREW assisted Fiona Elliot to her third title at the Nationals - the mixed doubles. They are seen here receiving their allwds from former holder Jill Hammersley Parker and Wendy Cunningham from the Leeds.

Beloll': WHATS THE DIFFERENCE between Nicky Mason and yoghurt? Answer, yoghurt is cultured. Sorry Nicky, couldn't resist it.

Above: SLEEPING BEAUTIES! A hard schedule at the Nationals left Liz Wilson and Dave Perry feeling completely pooped.

Right: THE ORGANISERS line up against the wall to receive their just reward. (L to R) Terry Jennings (Oldham Sports Centre), Jenny Hughes (ETTA), Peter Knowles (Manchester Olympic Bid-) plus Lucy McCrickard, Betty Maiiland and Steve Cunningham (Alan Pascoe Associates). (Photos: John F.A. Wood)

"l" British League Promoted by the English Table Tennis Association

Relegation on the Card If... by MIKE LOVEDER

ALL FOUR Premier Division matches were won 7-1 on Sunday 18th March. Ormesby beat Butterfly Cardiff, winning the first seven in straight games. Ian McLean beat Nigel Eckersley in the last game. Cardiff need to take points from Kettler in their last match to avoid relegation. Paul Whiting gained Armada 400's sole win against Kettler Sport who were being led by an in-form John Hilton. Whiting lost to Hilton but beat Adrian Moore. Grove took no chances with Ellenborough and travelled south at full strength. Colin Wilson gained the Man of the Match nomination for beating Sean Gibson at 19 in the third. In the absence ofNigel Tyler, Nicky McKoy came in at No.4 for Ellenborough and chipped in a respectable performance. Glenn Baker beat Matthew Syed at 23-21 in the third for his MoM nomination, but Bathwick Tyres I rattled off the next seven against Dulwich Rams I.

FIRST DIVISIONS Dolphins had a tough time beating Hart Launceston beating Darren Keith Rodger, Chris Bryan and Ian Britannia ACI 5-3. Dolphins led 3­ Howarth and Helen Lower. How­ Brown ensured that Seat Peter­ Susanne Airey recorded a -17, 19, 1, but then John Kitchener beat ever WHL lost 3-5 to Grove III as borough did not drop a point. Ian 19 win over Jason Bamford but Ritchie Venner. Richard Tanner Garry Knights and Howard Hawes and Steve Hanks took Bayer Bradford won the other seven beat Andy Cunningham to level the Whewell remained unbeaten on the consolation for Levi's Westfield two-straight against Ruston score. Phil Smith secured two day. with a win apiece over Jimmy Marconi Lincoln. Richard Jermyn points with a 9 & 8 win over Russell TAYLOR MADE Brewster. beat Steve Moore and Stuart King. Palmer in straight games but Chan Jolliffe Poole remain one off the A GOODE DRAW Construction lost 3-5 to MBS LIVERPOOL MARATHON bottom of Division 2 South fol­ The top of the table clash in St.Neots. At 4-3 it was left to Jimmy Helen Bardwell played a key role lowing a 2-6 loss to Rejects II. John Division 3 South between Dulwich Walsh to beat Pete Machin for his in a 6-2 win for Cambridge over Taylor carved up Jason Creasey Rams II and Gunnersbury Triangle first win of the season. Well Con­ Oldham. She beat Wayne Renton and Tony Clayton. Clive Carthy resulted in a draw. Jonathan Brad­ nected Menswear's Graeme McKim and Norman Thewlis to give Cam­ beat both Martin Hughes and John bury beat Peter Harris 20 & 19 but beat Alison Gordon 18 & 14 but bridge a 5-1 lead. Liverpool and Robinson at 18 in the third. lost -14, -11 to David Goode. Grove II won the other seven, six of Vymura International enjoyed a Concord Flash dropped another Trevor Manning lost to Goode too which went to three games. Stephen 3V2-hour marathon. The 7-1 win point, this time to Horsham -8, -19 but he beat Chris Boothby Slater beat Andy Edmonds and flattered Liverpool as they won Dolphins II. Paul Barry's hard­ -15, 14, 20. Consequently Pillinger John Burleton. West Warwickshire three consecutive games at 19 or fought two offset two from Kuburat Air Croydon scraped into second whitewashed City of Leeds with deuce in the third. Paul Hutchings Owolabi. Victory Sports Tonbridge place by one game with their 6-2 win only one game going to three. Phil beat Graham Clark -16, 17, 15 and continued their charge beating over Lambeth 4 Tops. Neville Gunn beat Mark Ward -19, 16, 10. Andrea Holt -20, 12, 19. Holt beat Ellenborough II 6-2 with Paul Miller and Carl Mingo beat Steve GOLLY COLLEY... Keith Williams -14, 16, 15 for Rainford on continuing good form. Davies, the latter did so with scores Vymura's sole win. He beat Jon Proffitt 9 & 11 but the of -15, 19, 22. Amity Generation John Payne gained the Man of BURSLEM BEATEN latter beat Neil Harris 8 & II! A late Fareham dropped a valuable point the Match nomination from Terry result from TSP Larkhall II showed to Rejects III. Trevor Canlpbell and Vance in Larkhall's match against Cheltenham Saracens pulled that they led Fellows Cranleigh 2-0. Farhat Rasul beat Ramesh Bhalla. Ashford for beating Neil Charles level with Burslem by beating them However careful team selection ­ Steve Carpenter beat Graham and Max Crimmins. Joey Kennedy 5-3. Mark Owen opened with a 19 & ie the inclusion of Damian Holland Toole 13, -17, 19 but lost to Mark beat Mike Hammond at 19 in the 19 win over Brian Johns. Burslem - saw Cranleigh go 5-2 ahead. Bleakley who also beat Jason Blake third but lost to Brian Garroway by recovered to lead 3-2 but Owen to be nominated Man of the Match. the same margin. John Bult was the levelled the score with a 19, -14, 18 ANOTHER MARATHON! star for Colley Toyota. His wins win against Eddie Wilkes. Graham Team Peniel II played Britannia over Tommy Cutler and John Den­ Slack beat Mark Evans at 19 in the Anglia Commercial II - for 3 IT WAS CLOSE nison led to Chelmsford dropping a third and Darren Griffin finished hours and 45 minutes - and won 8­ Lying second in Division 3 valuable point. Steve Ward won the off with a straight games victory O! Matthew Greenwood was Man of North, Vymura International II other two. Dave Newman beat over Paul Barnett. VPM Mazda the Match with two wins including a beat bottom-placed Blaydon YC Angie Evans and Mike Owens dealt a sizeable blow to Royal Mail -19, 20, 22 win over Ritchie Racers 7-1. But it was close! Six out comfortably. Chelmsford could Leicester dropping just one game as Nelhams. The City of Milton of eight went to three and five decide who wins this division when Phil Smith beat Mark Thomas 6,­ Keynes got the better of Brent­ games were won/lost at deuce. they meet Ashford at home on 13th 15,17. George Evans put Mazda 5-1 wood. Peter Bowler helped to keep Vymura went 4-0 up but John Hope May. Team Peniel stayed in the ahead with an 18, -14, 19 win over CMK ahead with wins over the beat Stephen Coverdale -15, 18, 22 hunt, flexing their muscles against Martin Pickles. Tony Healan was Coles, David and Martin. Colin and Ken Connor beat Phil Robson Rejects and beating them 8-0. A fairly untroubled by Martin Bowler succumbed -12,-16 to Peter 8, -20, 21. Humberside Andro beat rare duck from Gary Spencer who Simpson and Maurice Newman. Hayden but finished off the match the Tigers 5-3 at Lilleshall. But not lost -13. 18, -11 to Andrew Eden Bathwick Tyres II dealt Bir­ with a 9 & 5 win over Paul Stephens. without some resistance from (their latest trump card) and 21, -17, mingham SC a lethal blow winning Fellows Cranleigh II ensured Malcolm Langford who beat Mike -19 to Lisa Lomas. Ian Attridge 7-1, all games two-straight. Mick Gothorp Plumbing Crusaders (Lin­ Harrison 18 & 18 and Lee Robinson enjoyed one of his better days Browne took consolation in beating coln) stayed at the bottom with a 6­ 9, -17, 19. Concord Huddersfield beating Mike O'Leary and Percy Eddie Kaser 18 & 21. Gregory 2 win. Jason Tendler and Dave took a 5-0.1ead against SEE SW Collino with deuces. Horsham Bridgett fought gallantly for White Window took useful maximums. Durham. Geoff Brook and Tim

Schildkrbt distributed by Butterfly ~ TABLE TENNIS

21 Dyson did most damage for Con­ cord. Bri-Bar Byker took a 5-0 lead against Ormesby III. Chris Jones beat Dave Godbold for the final score of 1-7. Mark Christie was on form with comfortable wins over Jimmy Nicholson and Steven Cooper. COLLEY WOBBLES In contrast to Colley Toyota I the seconds came rather unstuck with­ out Penduck. Kingfisher Reading inflicted a nasty shock on Colley Toyota II beating them 6-2 after being 4-0 up. Terry Haley opened with a -21, 15, 18 win over David Buck and this was followed by Tony Duffield beating Jeremy Hobbs -16, 19,19. Wally Allanson won his two in straight games against Lee Thomas and Jonathan Allen. This result leaves AHW Comets on level points at the top and three games ahead as they beat Leckie 6-2. The two were taken by Adrian Thorp who beat Steve Cowley 19 & 18 and Keith Samuels 20 & 20. BUDE SUFFERERS Grove IV consolidated 4th position with a 5-3 win over Bude Alan Cooke - Grove I (Pharo: Mike Lovede/~ Surfers. Spencer Harris beat Andrew Bevan and John Menzel to keep his team on top. Bude's Martin FINAL LEAGUE TABLES MID MAY 1990 Rowe beat Mark Turner -16,15,25 Sout~ and Esme Stevenson finished off Premier Division Division 2 P W D F A Pts I V.Sports Tonbridge 14 10 I 72 40 21 with an II & 10 win over John 14 13 I 100 12 27 14 7 4 62 50 18 Lumley. Bathwick Tyres III fought Grove I 2 Fellows Cranleigh 14 II 2 82 30 24 14 7 3 59 53 17 off the Thorns with a 5-3 win. Ian Ormesby I 3 Ellenborough II 14 10 0 84 28 20 14 5 4 56 56 14 Johnson helped to keep Bath ahead Bathwick I 4 Concord Flash 14 7 0 46 64 14 14 4 5 57 55 13 with wins over Mark Brookes and Dulwich Rams I 5 Horsham Dols. II 14 5 I 51 61 II ,14 6 I 54 58 13 Eric Hardman. He trailed 12-17 in Ellenborough I 6 Rejects II 4 34 78 9 14 4 3 49 63 II the third against Eric Hardman Butterfly Cardiff 14 I 7 Jolliffe Poole I 38 74 7 14 I 3 39 73 5 only to come back and win 21-18. Kettler Sport 14 3 8 T.S.P. Larkhall II Armada 400 14 0 0 12 100 0 Division 3 East First Division North I Seat Peterborough 14 13 84 28 26 Grove II 14 II 3 86 26 25 2 City Milton Keynes 14 8 2 63 49 18 West Warwicks 14 10 I 71 41 21 3 Brentwood 14 7 2 64 48 16 The Final MBS St Neots 14 9 I 61 51 19 4 Fellows Cran. II 14 6 4 61 51 16 Well Connected 14 7 0 58 54 14 5 Team Peniel II 14 6 I 55 57 13 Round Up... Bayer Bradford 14 6 0 53 59 12 6 Levi's Westfield II 14 4 3 46 66 II City of Leeds 14 4 I 41 71 9 7 Britannia Anglia II 14 3 2 42 70 8 Ruston Marconi 14 2 2 42 70 6 8 GP Crus. Linc. 14 I 2 33 79 4 APRIL HIGHLIGHTS Chan Construction I 14 3 0 36 76 6 Division 3 North With Colin Wilson beating Nigel First Division South I Humberside Andro 14 13 90 22 26 Eckersley and John Broe, Ormesby Team Peniel I 14 II I 73 39 23 2 Vymura Inter'l II 14 10 69 43 21 dropped a point against Ellen- Ashford 14 10 I 68 44 21 3 Bri-Bar Blaydon 14 9 67 45 18 borough which guarantees Grove Chelmsford O.C's 14 8 3 63 49 19 4 Concorde Hudderfd 14 8 2 65 47 18 as League Champions ­ although Horsham Dolphins 14 7 I 58 54 15 5 Ormesby III 14 7 2 54 58 16 it was never really in doubt! Con- Britannia ACI I 14 4 4 55 57 12 6 S.E.E. S.W.Durham 14 2 1 39 73 5 gratulations to Grove. Butterfly Colley Toyota I 14 4 4 51 61 12 7 Blaydon Y.C.Racers 14 2 33 79 4 Cardiff put a little more pressure on Rejects I 14 4 I 44 68 9 8 Tigers Telford 14 I 2 31 81 4 Kettler Sport by beating Dulwich TSP Larkhall I 14 0 I 36 76 I Rams 7-1 somewhat unexpectedly. Division 3 South 14 10 2 80 32 22 Paul Giles was Man of the Match Division 2 Midland I Dulwich Rams II 14 10 I 69 43 21 for beating Phil Bradbury and I Grove III 14 9 I 70 42 19 2 Gunnsersby Triang. 19 14 9 2 76 36 20 Hamish Innes. 2 V.P. Mazda 14 8 3 69 43 3 Amity Gen.Fareh'm 14 8 3 73 39 19 In Division I North Phil Gunn 3 Burslem 14 8 3 61 51 19 4 Pill'r Air Croydon 14 5 42 70 10 helped West Warwickshire to a 5-3 4 Chelt'm Saracens 14 8 3 60 52 19 5 Marley Ashford 14 4 33 79 8 victory against Well Connected 5 Bathwick Tyres II 14 8 2 65 47 18 6 Lambeth 4 Tops 14 37 75 7 Menswear with wins over Mark 6 Royal M Leicester 14 2 5 49 63 9 7 Rejects III 3 14 2 31 81 5 Randle and John Burleton. St. 7 Birmingham S.c. 14 2 I 35 77 5 8 Harlesden P.c.c. Neots beat City of Leeds by the 8 W. Hart Launceston 14 I 2 39 73 4 Division 3 West same score as Stuart Palmer beat Division 2 North I Colley Toyota II 14 10 3 73 39 23 Mick Stead 24-22 in the third. Bayer I Liverpool 12 9 67 29 19 2 A.H.W. Comets 14 9 4 75 37 22 Bradford demolished Chan 2 Norwich Foxwood 12 9 66 30 18 3 Kingfisher Reading 14 7 4 64 48 18 Construction 8-0 to decide the fate 3 Ormesby II 12 8 2 64 32 18 4 Grove IV 14 5 7 63 49 17 of both these teams. Ruston Mar­ 4 Vymura Inter. 12 7 2 59 37 16 5 Bathwick Tyres III 14 7 57 55 14 coni Lincoln drew with Grove II 5' Cambridge 12 3 I 36 60 7 6 Leckie T.T.C. 14 4 I 46 66 9 and went 3-1 up when Phil Vickers 6 Chan Constr. II 12 2 26 70 4 7 Thorns T.T.C. 14 3 2 41 71 8 beat Leigh Jeffries 10 & 10. 7 Oldham 12 I 18 78 2 8 Bude Surfers 14 I 29 83 I

22 RULE BRITANNIA? Further south Britannia ACI recorded a surprise win over Chelmsford - from 1-3 down they rattled off the next four games which included a win for Phil Logs­ don over Dave Newman. Horsham Dolphins pushed the former divis­ ionalleaders into serious relegation danger with a convincing 6-2 win over Rejects and only John Taylor beat Paul Elphick and Phil Smith. TSP Larkhall lost 2-6 to Team Peniel who now edge to the top. Mike Hammond beat John Holland 20 & 12 but lost to Lisa Lomas -10 & -12. Steve Ward con­ vincingly beat Joey Kennedy and Kenny Jackson as Colley Toyota upset the Ashford applecart by taking a point. BATH II TOP VPM Mazda beat Cheltenham Saracens 8-0 in Division 2 Midland while Bathwick Tyres II flattened Burslem 7-1. Mark Evans beat Eddie Kaser for consolation. In 2 South, Victory Sports Tonbridge took top spot with a 6-2 win over Fellows Cranleigh. Jolliffe Poole beat TSP Larkhall 5-3 with Tony Clayton beating Derek Holman 15, Lisa Lomas: Backbone of Team Peniel (Photo: Mike Loveder) -26, 5. City of Milton Keynes beat STOP PRESS Seat Peterborough 5-3 with Peter Congratulations to Chen Xin­ Bowler beating Lindsay Taylor in hua on becoming Leeds British the opening game. The showdown League Player of the Year. between AHW Comets and Colley Keith Ponting takes over as Toyota II resulted in a draw with Chairman of the British League Keith Samuels and Andrew Pen­ from Mike Holt who has been duck unbeaten on the day. A key Chairman for the last three game was won by Mike Levene years. The administrators Colin against David Buck 12, -19, 22. Kerry and Peter Hancock are both being replaced by Les EX-TOURNAMENT Desmond Douglas - Grove I Wooding. (Photo: Mike Loveder) EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

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23 Above: Phil Dicks of The Sports Council. Northern Region. makes the presentation to the Ladies of Slatyford. Division 4 Winners.. Beloll': North Shields 'C Division 3 Winners - Diane Cartmell and Joanne Connelly (Photos: Jose Ransome) Contest at Seaburn by DAVID SCHOFIELD

THE second session of the Newboulds Women & Girls Northern Region League was played at the Seaburn Centre, near Sunderland, on I April 1990. There were no April Fools although there were plenty of colourful outfits on display. The league was divided into four Gosforth B ending top of the Divisions, promotion and rele­ League only to lose in the play-offs gation having been settled in the to the ladies ofSlatyford made up of first session. Play-offs for Division Iris Catchpole, Eileen Thompson 2, 3, and 4 were arranged between and Iris Henderson. the winners from the first session One of the highlights of the day and the winners from the second. was the presentation of a bouquet Phil Dicks of the Sports Council, to Jose Ransome by the players in Northern Region attended to make recognition of her splendid organis­ the draw in an extremely well sup­ ational work and thanks must go to ported raffle where the prizes had her, the sponsors, Newboulds, the been donated by Newboulds and by staff of the Seaburn Ceiltre and to the girls themselves, and to present the players themselves for making some of the trophies. A presentat­ the event such a successful and en­ ion of one ofthe attractive inscribed joyable occasion. glasses was also made to Phil Dicks in appreciation of the Sports Coun­ cil's support of the women's pro­ gramme in the' Northern Region. Caron Guthrie, as Northern Region Representative, presented the bal­ ance of the trophies. An innovation Edwina stimulates at Burton was introduced whereby the players by JOSE RANSOME were invited to nominate a 'Woman of .the Match' on the scoresheets, YET another milestone was achieved in the Women in Table Tennis Campaign on Saturday, prizes to be given to the most nom­ 17th March at Burton on Trent when we held our second seminar this one to focus primarily inated player and to the runner-up. Division I again went to North on increasing women's participation in table tennis at the local level. Shields A represented by Regina Stevens, who remained undefeated, and Caron Guthrie. Number 2 spot went to the two Lynnes - Bain­ bridge and Yarnell, from St. Gab­ riels. An upset occurred in Division 2 when Rainbow B beat their A team but Hartlepool P.e. (Shirley Car­ ruthers and Sarah Thorpe) cruised through their league matches and narrowly beat Karen Newby and Denise Wilkinson of Jarrow in the play-offs to take the title.' Shirley also came runner-up in the 'Woman of the Match' competition. A similar upset occurred in Divi­ sion 3 when Dorette Brodie and Joanne Richardson of Kader B beat their A team to win the Division but were beaten into runner-up spot in the play-offs by North Shields C, represented by Diane Cartmell and Joanne Donnelly. Joanne Richard­ son also received the winners trophy in the 'Woman ofthe Match' competition. Division 4 was entirely made of players from Gosforth and what they lacked in height they more than made up for with enthusiasm. All of the games went to form with Jill Parker (left) and'Andrea Holt (right), make a presentation of a flOll'er arrangement and signed blade to Mrs. Sophie Edgar and Louise Hewitt of Edwina Currie. M.P. for South Derbyshire.

24 AVON Back to the table tennis scene female looking trophy, proclaimed " ntermediate Singles (U21) and Bathwick I's place looks settled I'm not having that, its got titties!" A Bevan (Dude) bt THE LATEST news within Avon after a 5-3 defeat at the hands of Meanwhile back to the table M Bawden (Launceston) starts with Bath's Annual Ormesbywith Bath's Nicky Mason tennis. Apart from the Under 21 Veteran Singles Championships. The tournament losing -22 to Chen in the third. Lisa won everything she entered, J Bassett bt R Jacobs (Truro) took place at the Bath Sports Bathwick II's could get the Junior Girls Singles and Doubles Mens Doubles Centre throughout the whole week runners up spot if they cany on (with Nicola Eaglestone), Ladies J Bassett/J Williams bt of February 19th - 24th with the winning as they did against Grove Singles and Doubles with Anna R Jacobs/R Hill (Truro) finals being played on Friday. This III - 5-3. Bathwick III's lost 5-3 to Watton. This last event was Ladies Doubles was excellently run by the hard GroveN. remarkable in that the runners up, E Stevenson/P Rowe (Hols­ working organisers and with so The Junior County team Gill Knightly and Mary Stafford, worthy)bt many competitors, fmishing time gained an unexpected point against have been in the final every year R BoonIL Williams (Camborne) waswell past the10.3Opm deadline. an understrengthBerkshireside. It since 1981/82, winningit threetimes. Mixed Doubles With no less than 20 different was a hard fOUght, evenly balanced The Cadet singles events were R JacobsIB Jacobs (Truro) beat titles to be won, the entertainment match that had I Johnson (2) D won by Joanne Barratt and Ben J WilliamsIE Stevenson throughout the week kept many Anstice (1), M Bush (1) and the Johnson, who teamed up with Boys Singles newspectatorsfrom a balconyview, Boys Doubles Avon's winners. Marcus Horth for the doubles, but J Menzel (Camborne) bt N Macey intrigued with interest just as to Latest off the Press! Avon's these two lost in the Under 17 to (DUde) whata little plastic ball canbemade No. 1 lady; Michelle Cohen - whilst Martin O'Donovan and Kosh Girls Singles to do. on a skiing holiday WON another Subhan. Sid Montgomery is our new R Boon bt L Williams Skiing holiday but then lost it again Veteran Singles supremo, Pete Cadet Boys Singles Winners were: after failing to tum up to claim it Bradley and Mike Harris likewise in J Pocock (Camborne) bt Mens Singles (Williams Cup) (REASON -TOO MUCHAPREs the Veteran Doubles. Dave Wise D Menzel (Camborne) GBaldwin SKI - HE! HE!) and Clive Payne won the Mens Cadet Girls Singles Mens Singles (Chronicle Cup) DoubleswhilstMartinAdamsseems N Bray (Helston) bt GBaldwin to have won the bits I haven't S Richardson (Launceston) Ladies Singles mentioned, including the Mens U12 Boys Singles BLee Singles (final against Clive). K Worth (Launceston) bt Mens Doubles To return to my theme of the B Pocock (Camborne) month ie the ladies. Heartiest U12 Girls Singles T UoydIR Murray BERKSHIRE Mixed Doubles congratulations to the Maiden S Davis (Dude) overall winner Bob Adams G Baldwin/B Lee Erlegh Under16teamwho havejust Junior Doubles Junior Singles returned from the National Schools J MenzellN Martin (St Austell) bt SEX DISCRIMINATION reared DAnstice Team Final with a staggering third J PocockIJ Phillips (Camborne) its ugly head, or so it was alleged, at Junior Doubles place out of all the schools in the 1989190 Berkshire Closed D Anstice/P Millen England. Nicola Cracknell, Isabel Lucky Pairs Championships. Lisa Crick, Walker, Kerry and GemmaSchwartz The league situation in reigning County Under 17 Girls N BurtonlS Dork were the players and they have my Cornwall seems to be takingshape Mens Handicap Singles champion and contender for the vote for the best performance by any now with the West Cornwall Senior crown, had not been seeded NGreen group of Berkshire youngsters this League in particular approaching Ladies Team Handicap in the Gary Harding Under 21 year. the closing stages. Cornwall has event, although this honour had S BlackerlE Obdeyn three affiliated leagues spanning Veterans been accorded to 13 year old Ben the whole of its boundaries from Johnson, who, our objector R Smith Lands End to Launceston, a asserted, was much the inferior distanceofsomeninetymiles. The Avon's No.1, Paul Lewis, has player. In the event, Lisa had a current situation in the Premier golden opportunity to expose any been picked to represent Wales in Divisionof each ofthese leagues is injustice that there may have been, the European Championships in as follows: beingdueto meet Benin thesecond Gothenburg, we all wish him well, CORNWALL round. Alas, a swift departure especially as he can't regain his Jeremy Williams against fellow Maidenhead place in the local league? contender, Ian Dawson, deprived The County lsts consisting of P THE COUNTY Closed Individual NORTH CORNWALL her of the chance. After disposing Lewis,C Holley, A Creed, M Cohen Championships were held over the P Pts oflan, Ben proceeded to trounceall and H Perrott continue their weekend of March 10th and 11th at Holsworthy A 11 89 winning ways with a 7-3 win over remaining opposition including Launceston College, being very well Dunheved Martin O'Donovan and Stuart Devon 2nds and Hampshire 10-0 to organised by tireless Peter Hancock. (Launceston A) 10 61 Champion, before losing by a keep the pressure on Sussex for the The overall entry was again fairly Holsworthy B 10 56 whisker in the final. Case title. Both have dropped just 1 healthy from the male section, but Metherell B 11 45 dismissed! However, County point. unfortunately therewas only a scant BudeA 8 30 President and Trophy Secretary Before we write about entry from the females. Bude's Neil BudeB 9 28 Stan Roper was a bit naughty in Bathwick Tyres British League Bevan, the hot favourite in a number MethereUA 7 20 teams, let's have a quick mention selecting for a mixed tournament, a of events, had the misfortune of trophysurmounted bya malefigure for the table tennis stars that breaking his collar bone a few days - not much doubt in his mind. As a participated in a Swimathlon in aid prior to the Championships and LeadingAvet'ages Maidenhead man, he should have of the various charities. looks to be out of action for some N Bevan (Bude A) 100.0%; remembered that only four years Swimathlonstarssuch as Eddie time. However, as always the show M Rowe (Holsworthy A) 96.7%; Kasser, Andy Creed, Kevin ago, this self-same event was must go on and the finals of each M Gurney(Holsworthy A)92.5%; convincingly won by Sue Collier. Satchell, Elaine Carpenter and event transpired as follows: E Stevenson (Holsworthy A) Furthermore, the Ladies Singles Leesa (Tiggy) Baker all managing 75.0%; 30 lengths easy, well, all but one, a trophy (actually won by Lisa) was Mens Singles M Bawden (Dunheved A) 70.0%; similarly topped by a male figure! Mr K Satchell, who, rumour has it, J Williams (Falmouth) bt G Sussex (Holsworthy B) 64.5%; "Bet they've never stuck a woman was unable to play in the South of J Bassett (St Ives) S Pennell (Dunheved A) 63.3%; on the men's trophy" our objector England 3 Star because of cramp? Womens Singles K Rowe (Holsworthy B) 62.0% Bath's Junior champion Danny was heard to mutter. Wrong - a E Stevenson (Holsworthy) bt Ansticemanaged 150lengths on his couple ofyears ago Paul Savins, on R Boon (Camborne) being presented with a distinctly own. 1:::::::1I11::!:::::::::::::::::1:1::1:1:111!1::::::::::::::!::111:1::111:1:1::::11:::1:::::!:!:::::!:i:::::::::::::!:!::::1:':1:i1i:i:::1:11111::::!:::!::i!::~::!!::!!:!:!!I

MID CORNWAlL In contrast to the success ofthe ESSEX Chapman. Keith Buers ended his PWDL Pts senior side, the Derbyshire Junior Alan Shepherd juniors career with absolutely St Austell Siades A 1313 0 0 111 first team were relegated from the stunning victories over Philip and St Austell Siades B 11 9 0 2 80 Junior Premier. Representing I WISH to dispel the impression Gareth Jones. These wins were Siblyback A 11 8 0 3 71 Derbyshire were Jason Bamford, gained from a cursory reading of the receivedwith great acclamation by Cubert A 11 5 1 5 56 BodminA 9 51 5 56 Steven Shaw, Martin Dawson, March issue ofMiddlesex Notes that the rest ofthe team. Grant Solder Michael Davies, Simon Hall, with I have risen to a high position in their completed his last junior year in Mevegissey A 11 4 1 6 42 Nicola Deaton and Jessica Pope on rankinglist, deselVed as itmight have magnificen t style by going Roche A 11 21 8 41 the girls side. The Derbyshire side been. I think Iris Mosswas referring unbeaten though his 14singlesand Newquay AlII2 7 32 were most unfortunate to lose all of to Andrew Shepherd. in 6 out of his doubles when Newquay B 11 2 0 9 31 their 4 matches even against Averyexhausting and traumatic partnered by James Oyeltunle Bodmin B 10 1 2 7 24 Champion county Lancashire by week-endwas spent by ourjuniors at (Grant and Keith Buersmanaged the narrow 6-4 margin. Pontesbury when the Premier title to lose to the relegated Warwick WEST CORNWALL Good individual performances was decided. From our overnight pair I). P WDLPts came from Jason Bamford who is headquarters at the Lion Hotel in So we have to grit our teeth FaI.DocksA 15150 0135 out of the Juniors next season and Shrewsbury, we emerged to repel and congratulate our friends from Fal. DocksB 141301 121 yet another "malVellous" Beds by 8-2 These opponents are Lancashire in becoming cham­ St IvesA 149 14 90 performance by "our Nicola". never easy to beat, with Peter and pions and trust that they will RedruthA 14815 77 Thanks from all the players to Colin Bowler plus Caroline Buckley extend a little sympathy to our Truro A 14725 68 Les Allwood who was NPC on the in their ranks, so we were pleased to team over the narrowness of their camborneA 155 28 64 Junior weekend and was in charge get that one behind us. triumph. As toour boys and girlsit Devoran 15 5 37 59 of the team "spirit" at the Senior Ne:Jrt we faced Lancashire, and is hard to find the words adequate Helston Premier. Thanks also to umpire such was the strength of our other enough to express my admiration Godolphin A 15 4 2 9 57 camborne B 15 011430 Colin McCleen. results, although we did not know it forthem. Theireffortsthroughout Another successful derby at the time, that a 5-5 draw would the week-end were terrific and I Penzance YMCA A 13 0 0 13 18 Junior Select took place at the have given Essex the Championship. am just sorry for all of them that Moor Lane Sports Centre, Derby, In the event a fiercely fought match they did not come back to Essex as Uadingaverap: attracting entries from all four ended with Lanes agonisingly Champions. However, what do J WiI1iams (Fal Docks B) 97.6%; home countries. Nicola Deaton winners by 6-4. Darren Howarth you think ofa group who did what GReed (Fal Docks A) 95.5%; again maintained her record of beat Keith Buers 21/19 2S(}3 and they did? We decided that to M Peters (Fal Docks A) 93.3%; winning every Cadet Select then James Oyekunle by 19/2121/19 travel to Shropshire on the Friday J Bassett (St Ives ) 88.8%; tournament played this season and 21/19 and could well be adjudged night would be too expensive in N Reed (Fal Docks B) 83.3%; she is now looking for the grand man of the match, but even Darren hotel charges Whereupon Grant, M Rushton (Fal Docks A) 82.2%; slam, Nicola also powered to the was the first to admit that luck had James Chris, and Linda under­ S Lobb (Redruth A) 76.1%; girls doubles, partnered by gone his way on many big points. took t~ stage a sponsored 6 mile D Williams (Fal Docks B) 76.1%; Michelle Martin of Burton on These two losses were, however, run. Inside a couple of days they R Jacobs (Truro A) 75.0%; G Lobb (Redruth A) 71.4%; Trent. evened up by James and Grant had raised over £150.00 _ how These performances led the Solder both beating England No.1. about that? Grant's mum _Linda JMenzelJnr(cambomeA)63.1%; normally reticent Colin Deaton Andrew Eden and combining to take alsowent on the run unsponsored, R Smith (St Ives A) 61.9% into remarking tocoach Alan Lowe theboys doubles. As Grant also beat which is amazing because her "I'm telling you, she is a good Howard Whewell, we only needed speed down the straight must have player!1 Do you think she has onewin outofthethreegirls matches been worth £150.00 on its own. grown?" to achieve the draw. While Congratulations are being Further Derbyshire success Since we fielded Alison Gower handed out I must thank my DERBYSHIRE came from Dronfield's Richard and Linda Radford, ranked at 4 and coaches Phil Gower and Bob Martin Kinsella Purdywho cruised tohis first Open 6 in the England list, while the two Siadden for their part in what has Under12title. Richardisaproduct Lanes girls, Maria Thomley and been a splendid season for the of the Dronfield schools league Karen Richardson were at 7 and 44, county juniors. BY VIRTUE of a fine all round which is run by the dynamic duo of the odds against losing all three Over the same week-end our team performance in the second juniorsecondteamjettedoffto~he weekend of play in the Senior ChuckHenryandAianLowe. Well' matches must have been Premier Di\ision of the County done to all concerned. Itshould be astronomical. That Lanes won the north in Division 1 A, meetmg Championships the Derbyshire mentioned that Dronfield Junior girls doubles 18/21 21/1921/19 was Yorks II, Durham and team swept toa string of impressive School reached the final of the bearable, but that Karen could beat Northumberland Cecil Butcher result beating Surrey 8-1, Under 11 English Schools event Linda by any score, not to mention and John Garden were in charge, Lincolnshire 9-0, Devon 7-2 and going down to the boys of Cunmor by 21/15 21/19 was quite unbeliev­ and Gary Tendler, Neil Butcher, Essex 8-1. House, Croydon 6-2. able! Theterribleironyofthis result Matthew Reid, Nadine Barthee, BradleyBillington at No.1 won Finally Chesterfield have was that the following week Linda TraceyFrenchand Sarah Gardner 8-8 with John Holland at 2 winning reached the semi final stage of the beat Jill Harris, ranked No.5 in were the players. They did not 6-8 and Martin Kinsella also Wilmott Cup beating West England seniors at the south of actually win any matches, but I finishing with 6-8. On the ladies Middlesex 5-0. The Chesterfield England 3 Star. . believe that they all had a very side of Cooke, Kinsella and Still hoping for a nuracle we good time! side Julie Billington was trou~le. again~t undefeated in four singles and the Billington were never in started Sunday with a match Finally, what a good effort by mixed doubles in which she was however, the Billington in question Devonshire and duly won 8-2. ThIs our highly regarded junior third partnered by the up-and-coming was not Brad but Maurice who time Alison and Linda had no team squad in beating both Surrey youngster Alan Cooke. Who turned in a vintage performance problems, assisted by Rut.h teams 6-4 in Division 2 D. Against knows, we might give the lad a run displaying all of his spectacular Cleminson in the doubles. Cns Surrey II Ryan Savill was the lynch out in the singles next year. These defensive skills. With Bradback for Siadden replaced Keith Buers in this pin, beating both John Blasco and results catapulted Derbyshire out the summer, Chesterfield could be match, and gained some valuable Daniel Hacker, and winning the of the pack past a disappointed favourites for the titlewith thesemi. experience, but no victories! doubles, but Ben Ware, Peter Lancashire side into a creditable tobe played in Chesterfieldand the Our final match was against Warrington, Jennie Coleman and runners-up spot behind Middlesex. Final down the road in Mansfield. Yorkshire and our boys created Julie Rand gave sterling support. We are now looking forward to Good crowds are anticipated. some sort of record by winning all Surrey III were much harder another memorable battle for the seven sets. James was brilliant in opposition than expected but Paul Maurice Goldstein Trophy. beating the tough Mark Stephenson Hudson, Colin Law, Peter Whealy, Under 17 7. Frank Jones (G) Runner Up Anna Weil and Cathy Sibbald Leigh Nelmes (Stroud) bt Paul 8. Lawrence Symonds (G) Helen Davis managed to overcome them. Grinnel (Ciren) 14, 19. 9. Alan Giles (S) Mens Doubles I have just heard the sad news Leigh Nelmes bt David Malvern 10. Martin Harper (S) WI1I1Ie1'S that our Senior team was relegated (Chelt) 10, -9, 15. Bob Davis!Martin Cheung from the Premier Division on Under 14 Senior Women Runners Up March24th. I have nodetails asyet Martin Cheung (Ciren) bt Tim 1. Morita Reiko (C) RobertlPaul Grinnel but hope to include some Knot (Chelt) 17, 10. 2. Heather Tyrer (G) MixedDoubks comments next month. Martin Cheung bt Emma Parker 3. Jaquie Carver (C) WI1I1Ie1'S (Stroud) 15, 9. 4. Judy Morley (G) Paul Bird/Jane Muncer 5. Cathy Robb (C) Runners Up NewsMedio 6. Christine Williams (G) Bob/Helen Davis I reported in April's 7. Julie Hogarth (G) Under 15 GLOUCESTERSHIRE magazine perhaps rather dram­ 8. Julie Taylor (C) Wumer A1fPepperd atically that Cheltenham's news 9. Alison Cox (C) Martin Cheung letter - Net and Edge - was at the 10. Sheila Matthews (C) Runner Up time in dire trouble, fortunately Chris Lowe TIlE FINAL county report for this stalwart Veteran Stan Johnson has Junior Boys Under 17 season, perhaps a month oreven six stepped in to accept the role of 1. Raymond Powell (G) Wumer weeks to cool off and then many of Editor, Ifurther understand that he 2. Jeremy Hyatt (G) Martin Cheung us will be seriously contemplating will continue next season. 3. Neal Henry (G) Runner Up schedules for next season's events ­ Stroud's newsletter "The 4. Peter Hayward (8) Paul Grinnel ITSALLGO ISN'TIT? -well'Yes it Pointmaker" perhaps suffering 5. Leigh Nelmes (G) Handicap Singles is for some, at this year's Under 12 from lack of forthcoming news this 6. Paul Morley (G) Wumer and Under 14Championships -Les season still appears under the 7. Lawrence Simpson (G) Martin Cheung Smith, our County Chairman and excellent editorship of former 8. Richard Moore (G) Runner Up National Councillorcasuallysaid to County Chairman John BUDD. And 9. Trevor Fannin (G) Paul Boulton me - "you know Alf ifwe had more "Focus on Points", Gloucester's 10. Matthew Anderson (G) helpers, we could do lots more than most recent re-arranged newsletter Foo~: Martin Cheung shows we already do for the table tennis edited by Keith Simpson, had well lunior Girls great promise and as a 13 year old media." I am sure that Leslie's over 200 copies laid out on chairs 1. Alison Cox (C) player should be given every words equally apply to many for the Cities Final night on April 2. Caroline Stainer (S) opportunity to further develop his counties and leagues throughout 3rd. Congratulations to all these 3. Caroline Thompson (S) game through the medium of the entire country. newsletter editors, they do a great 4. Elaine Bassett (S) proper coaching. job in bringing local news to the 5. Kerry Hogarth (G) lnt8League Chompionships attention of their respective 6. Michelle Hogarth (G) Cheltenham Fmals The first inter-league leagues. 7. Helen Arnold (C) match for many years was held at 8. Lesley Dewick (G) Mens Singles Deer Park School, Cirencester County MaIdJes SemiFinal between Cheltenham, Stroud and Copy date for this report Veteran Men David Harvey (Holder) bt Cirencester, Gloucester were fully prohibits, but speculation that the 1. David Harvey (C) Lawrence Symonds 10,10 aware of this inter/town/city Senior County side of David 2. Frank Jones (G) Graham Clack bt tournament - but declined to enter. Harvey, Darren Griffin, Graham 3. Alan Giles (S) Guy Greening 7, 10 The overall result was Slack, Heather Tyrer and Cathy 4. John Fannin (G) Final decidedon thelast match ofthe day Robb play their last match of this 5. Roy Fowler (C) David Harvey bt Graham Slack 8, in the XD when Graham Slackand season against Somerset- needinga 6. Peter Wood (G) 8 Julie Taylor (Cheltenham) beat win to secure promotion to Division 7. Roy Morley (G) Veterans Singles Martin Harper and Caroline One. 8. Don Sweeney (G) David Harvey bt Peter Wood 12, Thompson (StrOUd) 13, 13. Theveterans,FrankJones, 9. R Barney (1) 10 Theoverall result in games Alan Giles, John Fannin and Sheila 10. Ray Poole (G) Ladies Singles won was: Matthews, enjoying their first Alison Cox bt season in Division 1, play their final Veteran Women Julie Taylor 16, -18, 20 Cheltenham 11 match v top of the Division 1. Judy Morley (G) Open Doubles Stroud 10 Wiltshire - if we lose then its back 2. Jean Golding (S) HarveylSteve Dox bt Cirencester 6 into the second Division next year. 3. Sheila Matthews (C) John FanninIP Wood -16, 19, 12 Meanwhile, our Juniors in Division 4. Rosalind Ross (C) The most notable results 2B face Berkshire 2nds at home, 5. Viviane Hathaway (G) on the day were those players who Raymond Powell, Jeremy Hyatt, 6. Ann Smith (G) Gloucester Old Market Printers won both their matches and they Neal Henry, Alison Cox and 10year 7. Gillian Smith (C) Finals were as follows: old Kerry Hogarth (making her Open Singles county debut), irrespective of the Code: 8=Stroud, G=Gloucester, SemiFinal Veterans outcome, will have to settle I fear C=Cheltenham Michael Owens bt Alan Giles (Stroud) bt Bob Davis for the runners-up spot. Other In conclusion, my very Darren Griffin (holder) 22, 20 (Ciren) 16, -18, 15. selected players who have graced grateful thanks to everyone who has D Harvey bt G Slack 8, 14 AlanGiles bt Mike Gray(Chelt) 11, this team this season are Caroline compiled notes and messages for me Final 17. Stainer, Caroline Thompson and to coordinate this county column D Harveybt Seniors Peter Hayward. M Owens 19, -15, 12, -17, 18 Graham Slack (Chelt) bt Charlie Cirencester Fmals Mixed Doubles Jeffries (Ciren) 17, 16. County RonJcin&,April 1990 Open Singles Judy MorleylDarren Griffin bt Graham Slack bt Martin Harper Senior Men Wumer Michael Owens/Christine (Stroud) -19,4,8. 1. Darren Griffin (G) Bob Davis Williams 12, 15 Ladies 2. David Harvey (C) Runner Up Junior U17 Singles Julie Taylor (Chelt) bt Margaret 3. Graham Slack (C) Robert Grinnel Leigh Nelmes bt Lawrence Wilson (Ciren) 12, -15, 24. 4. William Dawe (G) Ladies Singles Simpson 17, 18 Julie Taylor bt Caroline Thompson 5. Dale Saunders (G) Wumer OpenDoubks (StroUd) 10, 10. 6. Raymond Powell (G) Jane Muncer William DawelM Owens bt D GriffinID HaIVey 21, -19, 11 Information for the first time Thank you to those who have against Watford, when they only Ladies Sing/e8 from Andover. I do not know who supported me this season by won 6-1. J Morley bt C Williams 17, 26 sent the cuttings, but thank you! providing information. In a county Watford's hero was Robert The John Hanson School had a as far flungas Hampshire,producing Barrasso, who beat the county successful season with eight players this report without this help is champion from Barnets, Morris Stroud & District TrL F"maIs competing in the Hampshire impossible. Greenberg, 20 and 15. Schools Cham-pionships with their The only other occasion that .hmiorGirls No. I, Jeremy Wilson, reaching the Barnet's team cameclose to losing Final under 16 semi fmal. a game, was when Hemel caroline Stainer bt Not to be outdone, the Hempstead I's Ameer Rasheed caroline Thompson 15, -18, 16 Andover Schools girls team of took Barnet's George Sanders to Open Singles Laura Brown, Alison Griggs and HEREFORDSHIRE threesets, narrowlylosing 19inthe SemiFinal Helen Avis reached the regional third. The closest contest of the Neville Meredith Alan Giles bt finals ofthe Dunlop National Team day though, was for 2nd and 3rd Raymond Poole 20, -13, 18 competition. In the Andover places, fought out between St Martin Harper bt Closed tournament, Malcolm Albans and Watford, which was Vetts v Wdts II Rob Willsher -16, 8, 16 Cummings beat Mike Thomas in decided when the two sides met. Final theMen'sfinal. JeremyWilsonwon In fact it couldn't have been LAW REPLACEMENT John A Giles bt M Harper 15, 17 the Juniors and Martyn Wilson the closer, with St Albans just Meredith, for injured brother Veterans Singles Veterans. snatching it 4-3 when the doubles Patrick, played very well beating A Giles (holder) bt In Bournemouth, Winton 'A' partners Kevin Harber and both Ray Cordery·and Alan Duke R Poole 16, -16, 15 retain their Premier Division title Graham Livesay just edged out two straight, but captain Neville JuniorBoys from Merton. Watford's Robert Barrasso and could not help and Richard Owens Peter Hayward bt L Nelmes 17, 19 I must mention that Fareham Sarah Seaholme 20 and 20. won only one of his two, beating MixedDoubles Blue have won the Gosport and With the singles game Mike Oxley in the first game. A GilesIW Nicholls bt Fareham Premier title otherwise between st Albans' Richard Margaret Newcombe led MargaTet M Harper/C Stainer (holders) -18, KeirDonaldsonwill not continue to Anderson and Watford's Daniel Willson 18-16 in the first but was 19,21 send me the Portsmouth News Walters being the final climax, eventually beaten 19,18. This was a Doubles cuttings. He did, I gather, have when Anderson clinched the better performance and by at least Ian Pooler/Andrew Stratford bt some help from Andy Whitcherand runners up spot for St Albans, winning three games the team won Ron Barney/A Giles 19, 18 Rod McMullan. Amity Generation winning 20 in the third. more than they have during the Ladies Sing/e8 comets were runners up. Proppingupthe bottom ofthe previous four matches. Roz Ross bt C Stainer -11, 21, 15 The Portsmouth Closed Mens league table was Hemel Even though the County Vetts Singles saw Mark Wilding lose a Hempstead II, who are in fact a have lost all this year's matches ALL tight game to an in-form Andy cadet team who played with players have enjoyed themselvesand Whitcher, but Andy lost in the semi keenness and enthusiasm, even would like to thank all opponents for toBobCox. MarkBleakleywon two though they were on most an enjoyable and entertaining tight games in his semi to beat occasions out-played. HAMPSHIRE season. Graham Toole 25 and 18. Mark Hemel Hempstead II's team David Cosway During the recent Champion­ added the Portsmouth title to his of Roger Wu, Jon Whitton, ship Richard Owens won his first County singles win to establish Matthew Masters and John SO TO MY final report of the Vetts singles title when he defeated himself as the best player in the Fleming, who were beaten 7-{) season. Quitea successfulone!feel team-mate Nym Hodges who had County this Season. His fmal win every game, will live to fight with the County teams generally beaten lastyear's Champion Neville over Bob Cox was by 20 and 12. another day. getting encouraging results. In Meredith 22-20,20-22,21-18 in the Sarah Hammond had an 18 and 6 In the middle of the table their final match against Sussex the semi. Not to be outdone Neville and finalwin in the Women'sover Mary three teams of Cheshunt, North County firstteam lost 3-7. Ramesh John Meredith became Vetts Barron. Matthew Roberts contin­ Herts and Hertford all put in good Bhalla had an outstanding match, Doubles champions, beating ues to progress and won the Junior allround performances with the winning his two singles against the brother Patrickand Richard Owens title with a -22, 17, and 20 win over North Herta team of Craig Moore brothers. Mark Bleakley, in a close final. In theseniordoubles County No.1 Mark Shutler. Having Millwood, Darren Humber and brought in for Mark Wilding, won Neville this time teamed up with beaten Norman Stagg 8 and 12 in Colin Mccarthy, puttingina really the other set. The 'B' team finished Patrick losing to no. 1 seeds L the semi, Ray Lush lost in the final super effort, when they were a successful seasonwith a heavy 1-9 Franklin and Mark Owens, the of the Veterans to Bob Cox 17 and narrowly beaten 4-3by runners-up defeat to thestrong Bucks'A' team. County Men's winner. Barbara Savage won the only set 19 -the Veterans results this season St Albans. This nail-biting match and Kathy Ridgard was the only inthe countymustbe anightmare to stood at 3-3 before St Albans' playerwho extended a set to a third the selectors! Amity Generation RichardAnderson flew the flag for game. The Juniors finished with an Aces, although they dropped a his league, by beatingNorth Herts' point to Co-op Dukes for the first Colin Mccarthy, 18 and 19. 'A'versus 'B' team clash. Matthew HERTFORDSHIRE Roberts did well for the 'B' team, time in two seasons, look certain to John Wood beating Kevin Mackin to win a win the Portsmouth Division 1 title. singles and combining with Mark Snows continue to dominate Junior Inter-League 1989190 Diffey to win the doubles, but his the Southampton Premier Division THREE YOUNG gladiators of team lost 2-8. with their 'B' team currently Team PWLF APts Now a round up of the local holdingaslenderlead from their'A' Barnets Junior Inter-League team, Barnets 7 7 0 48 1 7 Morris Greenberg, George Sanders leagues. My subtle hints for team. They will be joined in the St Albans 76 1 33 166 information have led to a better Premier next season by their 'D' and Duncan Taylor, took the Watford 7 5 237 125 Hertfordshire Junior Inter-League response recently. Local press team, champions of Division 1. Cheshunt 74330 19 4 tournament by storm, when they cuttings forwarded to me at 19 Three teams still battling out North Herts 7 3 4 23 26 3 conquered the opposition, to take Rockleigh Drive, Totton, South­ the South East Hants Division 1 Hertford 7 2 5 15 34 2 the trophy, at Barnet Table Tennis ampton is the ideal way to pass on title with Alex Hawks leading from H Hempstead I 7 1 6 10 39 1 Centre in March. information. Ifthey can be sent by Cowplain Green and Amity HHempstead II 7 0 7 0 490 These three, almost invincible, about the 25th of each month, this Generation who have a game in lads, nearly white-washed the rest, gives me time to collate them and hand. winning all their games 7-{) except forward them in time for the ETTA St Cross 'A' retain the Division deadline of the end of the month. 1 title in Winchester. KENT Under 15Boys Closs 2 However, apart from ourJunior Robin Faulkner of Bury was the Adrian HalVBrlan Etherington M Hewett bt M Rowden 19, 7 teamwinning their Premier Division winneroftheJuniorboys' title, his Under 15 Girls Closs 2 title, we do have another title final victim being Jason Lee of KENT JUNIOR Closed Cham­ N Duke bt C Riggs -18,14,15 winning side in our Veterans 2nds, Nelson. Tamar Connolly of pionships were held at Lordswood Under 17Boys who, with an unblemished record, Blackpool beat Lindsay 1l10rnton Leisure Centre on 17118th March M Gunn bt S 1l10mpson -15, 17,18 conquered their Division 2A. And, of Bury to take the girls' title. 1990andalthoughclashingwith the Under 17Girls of course, there is the challenge Bolton's Bill Russell won the Sittingbourne and Ashford Closed C Riggs bt D Joseph -9, 16, 19 match against Middlesex due for veterans' singles title beating tournaments, an exceptionally high Under 17Boys Doubles April 21st. Norman1l1ewlis ofOldham in the entry was received. It was M Hewett/M Willey bt But take a bow Brian Clements, fmal, the men'sdoubles beingwon particularly good to see so many S 1l10mpson/P Duke 12, 14 Ray Ashley, Derek Watmough and by McEvoy and Paul Hutchings Under11 competitorsforbothboys Under 17 Girls Doubles Alwyn Burrough, not forgetting Bob withJackEvans andSteveStringer andgirls. IntheUnder17Boysfmal C Riggs/D Joseph bt Johnson whose team, with his ofWarrington therunners up. 1l1e Martin Gunn, in his last season, S BakerlK Ackerley 13, -22, 7 assistance on one occasion, brought singles finalists, Brenda Bucey beatSpencer1l10mpson-15,17,18 off their triumph. and Mandy Goodwin, took the after a very close semi final tussle 1l1e Ashford League Lambeth women's doubies title beating with Matthew Vardy before Building Society Closed 1Ancafhin: and Cheshire Leilgue Paula French of Liverpool and winning 21-18 in the third. Championships resulted in a men's Stockport, who have taken over the Denise Conroy of Warrington in 1l1e Under 17 girls produced a finalwhichwasa real testofskilland title role ofthe men's flI'St division of their final. Results: surprisewinnerin CarlyRiggs from tacties with scintillating rallies. the Lanes and Ches league from Men's singles Maidstone, who overcame Desiree Matthew King took the first game Liverpool, concluded their fIXtures G Clarke bt M McEvoy -12, 17, 12. Joseph from Deptford 21-19 in the 21-15, MikeJonescamebackin the by losing their only match of the Women's singles third. Special mention must be second game with close to the table season when beaten 6-4·by Bolton A Goodwin bt B Bucey 19, 18. made of Nicola Duke, who won the play to lead 18-12 before King who are destined to finish third Boy's singles Under 15 girls Class 2. 1l1is, stepped up his game to win 21-18. behind their victims and Liverpool. R Faulkner bt J Lee 9, 11. together with two titles on 1l1e men's doubles was won by the Two wins each for David Carse Girl's singles Saturday, completed a treble of left-handed pair of Dave Atherton and Ron Durose plus a singles T Connolly bt L 1l1ornton 8, 8. individual titles. and Fred Coleman against the success for Nigel Hallows and the Veterans singles Good performance too by right/left hand combination of doubles won by Carse and Hallows WRussellbtN1l1ewlis-14,15,14. Joanne Barham in the Under 15 Adrian Hall and Shev McDonald got Bolton home against a treble for Men's Doubles Girls Singles beating Nicola Duke 21-11,21-16. DarrenHowarthanda solo for Steve P HutchingslMcEvoy bt J Evans! and reversing the Under 13 final 1l1e mixed doubles defending Horsfield. S Stringer 15, 11. result. Alison Smith in the Under champions Atherton and Crystal Liverpool retained their Women's Doubles 11 Girls final beat Laura Pethers Hall had two close matches before women's first division title pipping B Buoey/AGoodwin btD Conroy/ who had beaten No.2 seed Rachel reaching the final. However, in the Oldham by one point for the P French 19,6. Woollven in the semi final deuce in final, the new pairing of Coleman championship which they won with Mr Howard Gore of the the third. Surprises too in the andJoanBeadleproved toostrong, onlyonepointdroppedwhen held to SSS Sports Group was assisted in Under 14 boys where Nickolas winning 14-21, 17-21. 1l1e ladies a draw by Warrington in their very the prize giving by LTTA officials Vardy beatCharles Chamberlain in final was a repeat of last year, but flI'St match. Well done Justine Arthur Upton, the Chairman, and a hard fought final. Glen Ritchie this time with Joan Beadle beating 1l10mas, Brenda Buoey and Paula John McKim, the Hon. Sec. played well to win the Under 13 Denise Glenister 21-12,21-12. In French. In the closed champion­ boys but was taken very close by theVeteranssinglesDave Atherton On the Junior front the first ships of the Bolton Brady League Ross Friday. proved too strong for all his divisiontitlehas beenwon by Barrow Nigel Hallows took the men's Christian1l10mpsonadded the opponents, winning his matches who, in their final match, saw off singles title for the seventh time Under 11 boys trophy to his Under two straight. In thejuniorboys final Bolton by 10-0 to afford them the andRobin Faulkner, Iam told,was 11 schools trophy in a final battle Kevin Read beat Craig Hastie 21­ titleby havinga superiorsetsaverage the men's singles winner in Bury. with Adam Beasley. 12,21-16. 49-11 to 41-19 over Preston with In the Leeds County Maidstone's Rachel Woollven Oldham last season's champions Championships, Lancashire failed ResulIs: has been selected for England finishing third. to bring off the double finishing Saturday 17th March Schools Under 11 team for the ,Stockport, with one result third in the Senior Premier Divi­ Under 11 Boys home international series in awaited, look set to retain their first sion but in the challenge match C 1l10mpson bt a Beasley 14,15 Scotlandduring April. Rachel with division veterans title, having only subsequentlythey beatMiddlesex. Under 11 Girls other Kent schools champions droppedonepointin six matchesand Still a win for the juniors in their A Smith bt L Pethers 15, 17 Christian 1l10mpson U11, Nicola that to Macclesfield. Premier Division and for Lanes Under 13 Boys Duke and Ross Friday Ul3, Carly 1l1e final of the Norman Cook Vets 2nds who have championed G Ritchie bt R Friday 24,19 Riggsand SpencerThompson U16, Memorial Trophy will be between their Division 2A. Under 13 Girls will be competing in the National Liverpool and Boltonwith the latter 1l1eAGM'sofboth theLTTA N Duke bt J Barham 14, -15,9 Schools Final at Mansfield at the trying to wrest the cup from the and the L&CTTL are scheduled Under 14 Boys end of April. Liverpudlians who, in last season's for Tuesday, May 22nd, at the NVardybtCChamberlain -13, 17, final, beat Preston. Thames Board Mills Social Club, 12 Prideofplace in this round upof Padgate, Warrington. Under 14 Girls the season must go to the Preston N Duke bt H Steers 11, -20, 19 TTA who, on Saturday, April 7th, Under 14 Boys Doubles ran the Lanes Closed Champion­ A CrowelN Vardy bt LANCASHIRE ships at the West View Centre B McCarthylJ Cheeseman -14,8,10 George Yates sponsoredfor thesecond yearbySSS Sports Group. Under 14 Girls Doubles LEICESTERSHIRE STILL NO Senior Premier Honours were spread around A SmithIH Steers bt J Barham! Tony Ullicrap N Barham 22, -19, 23 Division title for the Red Rose the county with Graham Clarke of county in the Leeds County Blackburnwinning the men's singles WITH YET another season Championships, not even runners event with a final victory over Sunday 18th March drawing to a close, Knighton Park Under 15Boys up position this season with Liverpool's Malcolm McEvoy. Ilook tohave theLeicesterLeague M Hewett bt N Welton 18,8 Middlesex retaining their title and Itwas also a Liverpool player on the Division 1 title nicelysewn up with Under 15 Girls Derbyshire pipping us for second receiving end in thewomen's singles maximum points from 15 matches J Barham bt N Duke 16, -14, 14 spot. when Mandy Goodwin of Oldham defeated Brenda Buoey. played. Knighton's Karen Smith is A last gasp win against Devon in be sadly missed by his team. days it could mean some perched at the top of the individual their final match at the last Premier At the time of writing we are playershaving to make the choice averages in this division, having Weekend saw Leicester-shire hoping that the Maurice Goldstein of what to play in. At the Norfolk dropped only two games to date. clingingon to theirPremierLeague Challenge match will take place at AGM both the Secretary Great Glen I also look to have the status by the narrowest of margins. the Barnet Table Tennis Club on (pressure of other work) and runners-up spot well within their Earlier on in the weekend 21st April 199Obutwewil1 not know Treasurer (family) are resigning. grasp whilst at the bottom Snibsten Leicestershire were whitewashed definitely until after the entries for Stepsare being taken to cover Inn with only one drawn match and by a Derbyshire side who only the Barnet Closed Championships these jobs before the meeting to fourteen defeats to show for their apparently used Alan Cooke in the are in and they know whether they save the farce of no one wanting season, will probably welcome mixed doubles, lost 3-6 to wil1 need to use the Saturday. the positions. dropping down a division next year. Berkshire, despite Dave Gannon Unfortunately the builders des­ At this AGM the number of Cavaliers A and Swithland beating Dave Barrand Karen Smith cended on the ABhford Club and teams for next season wil1 be Motors A were both unbeaten in maintaining her 100% record and demolished their kitchen, toilets and discussed. The seniors having Division 1 of the Loughborough also went down by the same changing rooms, so we had to come drawn their match with Herts will League when I last heard, although scoreline to Lancashire. away from there at the last moment. stayin Division 2which may bejust it is fair to say that this information With no disrespect intended to We are grateful to Barnet for even as well as in Division 1 our men was two months old at the time of other members of the Leicester­ considering us at such short notice, could hold their own but at the writing. shire Senior first team squad, we and hope that we will get a good moment our ladies cannot. The Certainly at the Halfway point rely heavily on the talents of Chris crowd to make all the problems juniors hope to run two teams but of the season, the Cavaliers Rogers, Dave Gannon and Karen worthwhile. with Jon Cockburn, Andrew foursome of Roger Bailey, Mike Smith and the worrying aspect Wedid manage to get ourSenior Hawes, Mark Wilson, Kathryn Meredith, Mike James and Tony about this is that, at the moment, Closed Championships played at Longbottom and Debbie Kinsey, were all unbeaten so I think there seem to be no obvious long ABhford (webeat thebuilders toit by Wickham all too old now, it is it is probably a fairly safe bet to term successors coming up through a very small margin) and although going to be difficult to fill the two predict that Cavaliers wil1 be the ourJuniorranks especial1y amongst the numbers were not great, the day girls places in the second team 1990 Division1 champions. Having theyoung ladies. Hopesome ofour was enjoyed by all concerned. The unless some drastic improvement said that, I have been known tolose youngsters prove me profoundly final results were: with the upand coming girls takes a bet on a one horse race! wrong in two or three years time! place during the summer. More recent information from A fine brace by Veteran MensSinj.es Veterans are to ask for a third Loughborough indicates that Maurice Newman failed to prevent SemiFinals team to be entered dependent on Thringstone A are heading the Yorkshire II recording a 7-3 win N Charles bt N Swift 16, 15. availabilityofvenuesandofficials­ Loughborough Echo Division II over Leicestershire in the recent N McKoy bt S Rockall 20, 21. including a captain come selector with a 100% record so far and here Leeds County Championships Final for the third team. again it is hardly surprising to note Senior Division 2A fixture. N Charles bt N McKoy 13, 18. The Norwich League that the Thringstone trio of Peter Julie Potts won Leicester­ Womena Sinj.es Readurn Cup Final went to the Williamson, Clive Hall and Bryan shire's other game in this match SemiFinals CEYMS B sidewho beat thegood Summars fill first to third places when she recorded a fine win in the S Williams bt H Williamson 12, 17. Foxwood side in an entertaining respectively in the divisional last but one game of the afternoon R Knight bt K Kottasz 18, -15, 16. finaI5-3. ABexpected Neil Pickard averages with Peter still on 100% against Cathy Johnson. Final and Mick BrOUghton gained from 26 games played. AB this is most likely my last S Williams bt R Knight 12, 11. maximums and Steve Fox beat Swithland Motors Bare epistle to Table Tennis News, may I Mens Doubles Mark Wilson in the third to gain currently at the top of the Arthur ake this opportunity of thanking Final the vital fifth win in a nine match Princes Garages Ltd Division II, everyone locally who provided me P Simmonds/N Charles bt final. again unbeaten to date. At least with results and information over W BrookmanIJ Holland 17, 17. The Norwich League annual therewill besomesatisfactionfrom the last two seasons and also my Championships took place at the within the motor trade that the thanks to the current and previous University of East Anglia on trophy for this division looks like editors for their valued assistance. Sunday 8th April with the finals going "in house"! night at the Miller Hall on the On the County scene, the NORFOLK Monday. Entries were slightly Veterans have emerged victorious down onlastseasonbut thequality from their last two Division 2B RayHogg was exceptional. Doug Bennett encounters against Bedfordshire MIDDLESEX made a· welcome return to the and Nottinghamshire, thanks in the WATCH OUT Devon. In particular Iris Moss Plymouth, what with Mike Short event and had a good run before main to the efforts of John Illiffe going out to Neil Pickard in the and Tony Kinsey who were both winning the VETIS Western WE'VE DONE it again! Our semi final. Phil Logsdon beat undefeated in both fixtures. Masters at Swindon, beating some Premierteam has managed toretain Russell King in the other semi More disappointingly though, very high ranked players in the the County Championships title for final, duly winning in straight the Juniors have lost their last two process. Roger Yates of Friends yet another year. They all played games. Andsothestagewassetfor fIXtures, both at home against Provident Norwich has moved to extremely well over the second a repeat of the1989confrontation Clwyd and Lancashire, with Philip Plymouth andwill no doubtorganise Premier weekend, with Graham of the county's two top players. Pagett and Martin Brunning being somethingthere next season. Watch Sandley keeping his 100% record in Phil won the first 21-19 but was the only Leicester players to win a out Kings Lynn as Ray Drewhas now the games he played (he had to finally vanquished, mainly due to singles game in either of the an up to date rule book so he will be concede one match in the first Pickard's clever serving and matches. Victories by the implementing the current service weekend owing toa damagedwrist). spinning game. Pickard and Leicestershire Senior second team rule and not the one applicable in But I should not really mention just Bennett won the men's doubles, in Division 2Aofthe Leeds County 1982 when he last had a book. one player; they all played well and beating Logsdon and Paul Championships over Cumbria and During the close season when their marvellous team spirit made Durrant in three and Joy Dixon Warwickshire have banished any players hang up various things for every game an all-out effort. won the ladies singles beating lingering fears or relegation but are the summer break, us officials have Len Pilditch has decided that Alison Taylor 21-17, 21-13. Mick notlikely toaffect thedestination of already started getting ready for the this will be his last season as non­ Musson stopped Mick the Divisional Championship as round of AGM's etc. Having seen playing Captain and after 23 years Broughton's recent Veterans both teams were below Leicester­ the draft calendar for next season ofthe jobwith just one short 2 year successes by beating him two shire in the table anyway. Maurice one problem already appears. That break when he went up to Newman and Keith Fellows had the is 5 of the 7 County Saturdays are straight in an entertaining final. Peterborough, it is quite under­ satisfaction of being unbeaten for followed directly by British League standable, but I am sure that he will Leicestershire in both matches. Sundays - shouldwe beaway on both SURREY this is read. Hopefully, results next WARWICKSHIRE One of the individual highlights of TenyVance issue. Alan Healy this tournament however, was the determination shown by Under 17 SmiorPremier Wedctnd l.ltnpila Comer THE ANNUAL Birmingham Girls Singles champion Joanne Surrey stay up! This was thanks to My thanks to all tbose who hav.e Closed Championshipstook placeat Groves. Joanne fought back from Nicky Mason's timely arrival for officisted for me this season and Birmingham SportS Centre, High, 17-10 down in the third set against two of the final weekend's matches bestwishes toTerry Carpenterwho Birminghamon Sunday2Sth March. runner up Angela Stych, towin this and to someexcellent doubleswins. has just sat his International event at 21-19. The same two But the main cause of our survival Umpires FDmination. Resu1J.J - FIIIIJ1.r players happened to meet again in was the display of Mike Hammond MensSingks the ladies Open event This time, inwinninghis matchesandinstilling Phil Gunn bt Barry Johnson 21-16, Angela had the final word by a tremendous team spirit. 21-13. deliveringa resounding 21-8,21-12 Ladies Singks reversal. Juniors and Veteran.f SUSSEX Sue Culbertson bt Sandra Peakman Overall, these friendly local Surrey Juniors reach the Premier John Woodford Womens Doubles Championships were well Divisionwitha fine 10-Owin in their Culbertson/Peakman bt Ann Lloyd! attended, with a fair mix of players last match. Vets 2 beat Sussex 2 5­ AS FAR as I can recall, Sussexhave J Humphrey-Middlemore 21-11, 21­ of all ages and abilities playing 4 in a relegation battle. A very never had two teams promoted in 7. through a well-organised wide exciting game with fortunes tbe senior section of the Leeds Mens Doubles range of events. fluctuating with each match. It was County Championships, so tbere Andy HarelDilip Parmar bt John Despitetwo more5-4victories, decided in thelast matchwith John aresomecongratulationsduetothe Williams/Chris Leach 21-14, 21-12. Warwickshire's Vet-erans have to Callcut winning in 3 quick hitting players of the first senior team who Mixed Doubles win their final match at Essex to be games. The Vets 3rd team beat reached the dizzy heights of the Culbertson/Gunn bt L1oydIJohnson sure of retaining their place in Wiltshire 6-3 with Ron Langheim premier division when they beat 21-12, 20-21, 21-12. Division 1. Yorkshire II and local winning his 2 singles. Hampshire 7-3 at Horsham. Veterans Singks rivals Worcestershire fell to two 'I\vo of the players, Stephen Roy Norton bt Kwok Chan 21-14, more fine all round performances. Surrey Schools andAdrian Mooreappeareda trifle 10-21. Pat McCabe's four victims included both No. l's Keith Powell Whitgift and Cumnor House both nervous when losing to Ramesh Restricted Singles ~' won national titles in the team Bhalla, the Hampshire No.1 from StuartTaylorbtArun Jogi21-15, 21­ (Yorkshire( and Ray Dixon events. Fifteen of our pupils are GuUdford, but the rest ofthe team ­ 16. (Worcs) whilst Terry Bache and going to the National Individual Ritchie Venner, Janet Smith, Restricted Singles 'B' Neil Wheatley maintained their finals. Teresa Moore kept their cool and ArunJogibt PaulDuCros21-17,21­ 'one win per match' average. all was well. 8 However, Ann Lloyd's first Croydon and District League On the other table Sussex II Restricted Singles 'C' ever defeat of highly ranked Carol Championships werealsowinning promotionwitha DoreenRobinson bt SteveSmith 21­ Judson was the match winner 10-0 lashing of lowly Oxfordshire. 18,13-21,21-17. against Yorkshire. Resu1J.J Phil Smith came inin place ofAndy Girls Under 17Singles Several of the Norfolk and MensSingla Walkerwhodid not play because he Joanne Groves bt Angela Stych 21­ Worcestershire Veterans join Martin Lowe bt Tony Fitzgerald was banned for failing to take a 17,21-23,21-19. forces to represent Birmingham in Division 2 dope test at Portsmouth last May! Girls Under 14 Singles the Midlands League and it is Simon Hurley bt Ray James Andy failed to take the test at Jenny Allen bt Helen Barney 21-13, th8nks to the in-depth strength of Division 3 the Mountbatten centre when he 21-16. thissquadthat theteam hasa 100% Walter French bt Adrian could not find the Sports Council's Girls Doubles record in Veterans Division 1 and Grimstone DopeTesting Officerto hand in his LeiBa Dingwa1VJoanne Groves bt has reached the quarterfinal ofthe lAdies Singla specimen. Andyforgotallaboutthe Angela StychlJennyAllen 21-13,21­ VETI'S National Team Com­ Lesley Popkiewicz bt Margot matter until six months later when 16. petition. To date Terry Bache, Fraser he received a letter to say that he Boys Under 17Singles Brian Belcher, Ray Dixon, Mike MixNDoub1es was banned for two years at all Gary Denny bt Sam Barney 21-17, Howell, BarryHunt, Neil Wheatley Emil EmeaJLesley Popkiewicz bt levels! 21-7. and Marvin Wood have all Russell BateslHeather Allen After a fortnight or so of Boys Under 14 Singles represented the city this season. OpmDoub1es tension, he appeared before the Chris Taylor bt Paul Whitaker 21­ Tony FltzgeraldlLee Nicholls bt ETTA's Disciplinary Committeein 14,21-19. L«ds County Championships Emil Emea/Graham Bateman London to make an appeal. After Boys Doubles PrmJieT Wedctnd 3/4Mtueh 1990 Hart Bat two and a quarter hOUrs, he Dennyffaylor bt Du Crosl Warwickshire Juniors started this Emil Emecz bt Russell Bates emerged triumphant after the Whittaker 21-17, 21-14. 'County Weekend' with a hard committee lifted the ban with fought 6-4win overDerbyshire, the JnIq Leilgue Competilions immediate effect. What a crazy 1989 MensSingleswinner Philip doubles result being critical, with Only six out of the twelve senior system that waits months before Gunn confirmed his no. 1 seeding an excellent performance from Leagues in Surrey have entered the raising a ban. for these Championships in a Kerry Morgan. However, the team men's team event and four have However,Sussexaresettofield predictablebut keenly contestedtwo were well beaten in subsequent entered the mixed team event. It a further senior team next sets win against defender Barry matches against Devon and Kent ­ has been decided not to run the September, making nine teams in Johnson, who had previously 10-0 and 9-1 respectively. Ladies or the Junior events due to all, giving further opportunities for emergedas thewinnerofan exciting As CKpected, relegation issues the lack of ladies and girls entered a steadily increasing crop ofyoung 'threeender' semi final againstSteve were decided in the last matches on orsomeonein each leaguewillingto players to play for their county, Bertie. The Ladies singles title the Sunday afternoon. Warwick­ organise the teams. although it is my personalview that similarly went to last year's winner, shire Juniors required a vital win in all divisions, no county should Sue Culbertson, who achieved a against Bedfordshire to stay in the T1ulme3 Valky Uague have more than two teams - the hard-fought straights sets victory Premier Division. Rosehill still lead Division 2 by six whole thing is diluted and devalued over the 1988 Ladies Singles Aftergame 6, the scorewas 3-3 against Bedfordshire, but War­ pointsfrom Molesey 1 and MMB 1. if counties have masses of teams. champion and last year's runner up, Lorraine Garbet leads the averages Sandra Peakman. wickshire could not sustain their followed by Archie MacMillan and In theBoys under17event, Gary momentum, eventually losing the Roy Evans. The Championships Denny was yet another 1989 holder match 7-3. have so far attracted 62 entries and to retain his title, with a convincing Although thisyoung team were will have been played by the time straight sets win over Sam Barney. relegated along with Derbyshire, the players all played to the best of Ray Dixon retained his Veteran's Stead apart, the men to take the eye time Sheffield and Leeds United their ability and with a lot ofeffort. Mens Singles title with an 8 and 14 were theleft handed Bottomley, who football star, Len Browning, with Meanwhile, the Watwickshire win over County teammate Mervyn had lost little of his skill now that he Ripley calling on Richard Junior 2nd team clinched second Wood. is no longer 'on the circuit', Hull's Whiteley, supported by Peter place in Division 2A of the County Mike Harrison, making a welcome C8mpkinand Dave Weatherhead. Championships with a thrilling 6-4 Other rcaulta: return to table tennis after a long England Junior No. 1 BUen win over Cheshire 1st team. David Mens Doubles absence,and Horsfield,who reached Meddingslines upwith RipleyStar Johnson sealed the victory with a Paul Gamer/Ray Dixon bt Jeremy thesemi finals ofboth Men's Singles B who lead Division 2, Nalgo are fine 18 in the third win over the DuffieldlEric Hardman -21, 17, 13 and Restricted Men's Singles. still undefeated inDivision 4while visitors' Mark News in the final set Ladies Doubles On the ladies side Hull and Ray Aker, the only citizen of the of the match. Sandra Roden/Sarah Stone bt Bradford shared the honours with United States playing in The squad of Ian Ferguson, Linda ReidlSue Meredith 14, 17 top seed Ruth Bray, who has now Harrogate, and probably in Steve Meddings, Joanne Groves Veteran Ladies Singles established herself in the county Yorkshire, has still to lose for (all Birmingham), Leighton Linda Reid btJanet Hunt,5,-19, 16 side, claiming the singles title and Knaresborough Social H. Matthews (Coventry), David Veteran Doubles Helen Shields - Joanne Keighley The Hull League, who Johnson (Leamington) and Susan Ray DixonlMervyn Wood bt John pairing for the doubles. increased their membership by a Clarke (Stratford on Avon) have Stafford/Ken Worton 16, 13 full division at the beginningofthe developed a fine team spirit during Consolotion Singles Winners and Runners up were: season, are not resting on their the season and all thoroughly Adrian Tottey bt Craig Ward -12, Men~EvenJS laurels, and are presently in the deserved their success. 15,15 Singles process of setting up summer Every player contributed with Presentations were made by Stead (Bottomley) 'feeder' leagues in five centres in vital wins. The strength in both guest of honour Dave Watton, the Men:r Doubles different areas of the city. Boys and Girls Doubles was also Worcester City League Chairman. Bottomley/Priestley (Bradford) It is expected that some 50-60 important. The selection policy for On the County Championship (HarrisonlMadden) players, none of whom have this team is tochooseplayerswithat scene, pride of place this month Restrkted Singles previously been involved in least two more seasons as a Junior. goes 10 the Junior Team who, Bottomley (Harrison) competitive table tennis, and most Several members of this year's following their9-1 win overHerts in Ladies Singles ofthem in theyoungerage groups, squad are even younger, so the their final match, are assured of Bray (Keighley) will come into the game and, future looks very promising. winningDivision 2B. Congratu­ Ladies Doubles hopefully, move into full League lations to Lee Horton, Jason ShieldslKeighley (cathy Johnson/ play in September. Thompson, Craig Ward, catherine Sandra Giddings (Leeds)) So could Hull be looking to a WORCESTERSHIRE Drage and Paula Hughes, and not RestrktedLadies Singles further ctpaDSion from ten to Dave Roden forgetting John Smith, NPC, carol Judson (Wakefield) (Ruth eleven divisions of 14 clubs each ­ chauffeur, coach etc. Baxted (Leeds)) just three short of the biggest ever TheSenior1st's alsoachieved a Veterans Singles total of thirteen in 1980181? FIFfEEN YEAR old Lee Horton, good result, a 5-5 draw in the local Qeeve Judson (Wakefield) (Doug from the Bromley Club, Dudley, derbywith Watwickshire. Malcolm Bartle (York)) became the youngest player for Green beat Adrian Dixon; Green At Selby, the Fastprint Selby many years to win the main event, and Trevor Washington easily beat Closed, which incorporaled the the Men's Singles, at the 38th Dixon and carl Morgan 9 and 14 in Selby Youth Championships, County Closed Tournament on Ihe Mens Doubles, and Sandra developed into a battle between the Sunday 4th March. Lee beat Roden and Mandy House won all town's top two players, talented last year's losing finalist Eric three ladies events to earn a vital teenagers Craig Smith (17) and Hardman 13-21, 21-17, 21-16 in a point in Worcestershire's fight to Gareth Jones (16). splendid match of fast attacking retain Division 1 status. Three times the pair were in table tennis, having knocked out The Veterans team played opposition with Gareth taking the Mark Hingley 16 and 18 in the semi Warwickshire Veterans at Under 17 and Under 21 Boys final. Hardman beat last year's Coventry and lost 4-5. With Roy Singles, but it was Craig who champion, Jeremy Duffield 17 and Norton notavailable, JohnStafford collected the 'big' one - the coveted 18 in the other semi final. again came into the team and Open Singles - after fighting back Horton started the day slowly, shared in a Men's Doubles success from one game down. losing his group match to Thorns' with Mervyn Wood. Janel Hunt, Another of the teenagers, Mark Brookes 18 and 13, but Ray Dixon and Wood all recorded Debbie Newman (15) claimed both qualified for the knockout stages as one singles win for Worceslershire. Junior and Intermediate Girls titles a group runner up. Among aswellas theLadies, Craig added the Horton's victims were Lewis Siket, Open Doubles with Chris Nicholls, Paul Gamer and Ken Walton, while at the other end of the scale, winnedn 1987. the pleasingfeature·was thebig entry Sandra Roden retained the YORKSHIRE of60 in theyouth events, inclUding a Ladies Singles title with a gritty Rea Balmford considerable proportion of girl display to overcome injury and the players. determined Evesham battler Linda PLAYERS FROM Bradford In the Selby League, Andy Reid. dominated the scene at the County Nicholls became the first player this Sandra hurt her shoulderwhile Closed Championships with, the season to get the better of Jones qualifying for the Mixed Doubles major challenge coming from when leaders Sturge met Selby High final earlier in the afternoon. She HUll.The wood city's County man School, who are one of the two survived two Championship points Mick Stead took the men's singles challengers . battling for second in the fmal game to win the title for title from the top seeded spot as place. a fourth consecutive time -16, 17 expected, but his passagewas by no At Harrogate, Wanderers A and 21. That wasn't the end of means an easy one as he was made look set to retain the Division 1 title Sandra's troubles, as she suffered a to work for his victory by Sean as they lead the table by 24 points further ankle injury in the Mixed Madden (Hull) - quarters, Andrew from Ripley Star A with just four Doubles final, Jeremy Duffield and Horsfield (Sheffield) - semi final matches to play. Wanderers field Sarah Stone beating Sandra and and fellow Bradfordian Tony former England No.1 Denis Neale, John Stafford 10 and 13. Bottomley at the final hurdle. County man Nick Davies and one We were delighted that Mrs. ships, but none in recent years). Edwina Currie, M.P. for South Another useful suggestion made by Derbyshire, accepted our invitation our guest speaker was that as a to give the Keynote address at what result of the change in the school proved to be a very stimulating curriculum and facilities, it might conference. be useful for people to get them­ In her speech, Mrs. Currie wel­ selves involved as school governors comed the visitors to South Derby­ and therefore be in a position to shire and established her theme by help to take decisions on activities outlining how her particular part of and the use of school facilities. the country had changed in recent Terry Gadsby asked Mrs. Currie years, from an area which relied on if table tennis was played in the coal mining pits and pottery to one House of Commons and it trans­ now proud of a variety of new in­ pired that whilst there are a whole dustries. She provided interesting host of other sporting activities at statistics on the change in social Westminster, table tennis was not trends, the workforce, leisure time, one of these. However, Mrs. Currie leisure opportunities and empha­ advised, the timing was right to sized that women now have more make the suggestion as improved time and money of their own as well gymnasium facilities were currently as a greater expectation of them­ being arranged for members. selves and their careers. Before Mrs. Currie left the gath­ Mrs. Currie confirmed our own ering, a flower arrangement and views that table tennis has tremen­ table tennis blade signed by all the dous potential as a lifetime activity delegates were presented to her by for the whole family and congratu­ Jill Parker and Andrea Holt. lated the English Table Tennis continued over page Association on their initiative in getting more women involved in the Photos from top to bollom: sport. She also commented that The Lassies from the North East: table tennis was a great deal more 1/1' Karen Newby. Caron Guthrie. important internationally than per­ Denise Wilkinson. Mary Allen and haps many people in this country Shirley Carruthers. realised. Although the sport did not Margaret and Tony Carey of figure in her statistics, she recog­ Bridgwater. Somerset and Jackie nised that it was probably a major Billington of Chesterfield. sport in many other countries. Mrs. Currie extended her best Christine and Mike Lewis of Bristol with Terry Gadsby of wishes to the women's campaign, Burton on Trent. saying that table tennis could be good for the whole family and the Tony and Pauline Steel of nation, and concluded her speech Worthing with Roy Bayliss of by wishing the seminar success on Derby. the day. Question Time During the question period which followed the morning's speeches, Mrs. Currie was asked about the 300 Group at the House of Commons and she agreed that our campaign did bear some simi­ larities to this initiative. In 1979 there were only 19 women Members of Parliament out ofthe 650 elected, the same number as there were 50 years ago. The 300 Group organ­ ised themselves and got other women together, did their own coaching in fact. Women tend to lack self confidence and need to be constantly encouraged to continue to achieve their full potential, Mrs. Currie said. As a result of the 300 Group's work, after ten years there are now 43 (44!) women Members of Parliament. However, she also cautioned that it would be wrong to leave the men out - sport is impor­ tant to everyone!

Governorship? A couple of further interesting ideas also emerged at this point, one being that table tennis could be par­ ticularly suited to some groups of women who could not get involved in other activities, i.e. Asian women. (I remember that there were some very good Indian women Beloll': Gail McCulloch of Waking. players in the 1970's in the Com­ Surrey. representing the English monwealth and World Champion­ Schols ITA.

25 10.00 p.m. and we book one bad­ everyone who has been before as minton court and use four tables. well as a press release to the local Rainbow Ladies The cost per player is 75p for adults newspapers and radio stations ad­ and 50p for junior girls. This covers vertising a "Come & Try It" night. the cost of the court, with sufficient Several of the ladies who started Table Tennis Club left over to cover the cost of the playing just for fun, often mothers by JOSE RANSOME court and one table for home of young girls and boys who were matches every fortnight. involved, have become very keen on For several years there has been a the competition and attend the First started in 1982 - Still flourishing in 1990 basic core of about six ladies who county coaching sessions. The init­ IN 1982, concerned by the lack of women and girls playing table run the club, and the numbers of iative has also added a new dimen­ tennis in the County, we obtained a grant from the Sports Council, players has varied. Currently we are sion to the Middlesbrough League, Northern Region, to cover the rental of a suitable venue for a getting 16/18 players and therefore and they have responded by adding have borrowed three tables and separate cadet and junior girls "Women's Table Tennis Action Day". The County Association hired an extra court to cater for the events to the local league tourna­ also assisted with expenses. increased interest. ment, plus a veteran Women's sing­ With lots of help from all sorts of and the Ladies have enjoyed this The play is informal. The mixture les, and re-introduced a Mixed people and organisations involved competition for about five years of mature ladies and young teenag­ doubles event. The recent tourna­ locally, including the Leagues, now. Having started at the bottom ers practice together, play doubles ment had 14 pairs who really en­ schools association, top players, of the 4th Division, they are now or singles, often with much hilarity, joyed the event. The increased fe­ and some good press, the event halfway up the division. We also and we stop for coffee and a chat male participation also added to the attracted over 50 women and girls, have three teams in the Northern halfway through. We also arrange a County Closed event. most of whom had never played Region Women's League and the social night out together at Christ­ Being involved has also encour­ before and some players who had girls have found this a most enjoy­ mas time. We have a bag of spare aged the ladies to take part in the previously left the sport. We put on able day of competition as well as bats and provide coaching for any­ local organisation. For instance, a fashion show, warm up session, meeting other ladies with the same one who wants it. Sometimes the six Brenda Stephenson, the mother of demonstration and coaching ses­ interest from other parts of the mature ladies take the six teenagers two boys who played, won the bat sion, refreshments and a raffle of region. on the table for individual practice. at the first Action Day raffle. She table tennis equipment. The local Three years ago we obtained We find that the club provides a had never played before, but took it newspaper sent their women's page sponsorship from Newboulds, a stepping stone for new players who up, enjoyed playing, and now, as editor who had a go and wrote a big local meat pie manufacturer, and may move up to higher teams, to well as looking after the club and article all about it. promoted and ran a Cleveland young players who go through to team, works as Assistant Secretary This day led to the formation of Family Tournament with the Centre of Excellence, and to for­ for the Middlesbrough League and the Cleveland Ladies TIC. Overthe Women's, Men's and Mixed Family mer players who want to get their Assistant Tournament Secretary years the group has moved facilities teams. This sponsorship has now hand in again. for the County, and does a first class depending on what was available been passed on to the Regional At the beginning of each season job. and the cost, but the club has always Women's League. we always send a notice out to been self supporting since gaining For the last three years the club help with the first grant, and has has played at the Rainbow Leisure managed to maintain a bank Centre in Coulby Newham, account so there are always some Middlesbrough, hence the name funds to fall back on. change to Rainbow Ladies to show The club entered a team in the support for the centre. The club Middlesbrough & District League meets on Tuesday nights from 8.00­ and the North East Summer League

Continued from previous page. a) To increase the participation in the sport by women and girls b) To encourage more women to I think I would be correct in say­ take up coaching and progress in ing that everyone found it a great their qualifications pleasure to have the chance to meet c) To encourage more women to Edwina Currie. She used the half become involved as organisers, hour whilst having a cup of coffee administrators and officials and on arrival to meet most of those to increase women's repres­ fifty people in attendance and entation on E.T.T.A. committees. chatted informally about her con­ It was agreed that women should stituency, was interested to hear be encouraged to establish clubs in where they had travelled from and sports and leisure centres to provide their involvement in the sport. All suitable venues for women and girls in all, I would conclude, a real coup to enjoy table tennis and that a mass to have had the opportunity of in­ participation programme for girls troducing our sport to someone as in schools should be discussed with knowledgeable and influential as the English Schools' Table Tennis Edwina Currie, M.P. Association. The next project of the Com­ ••••• mittee will be a Women's Coaching An interim report is being mailed to Conference, perhaps in conjunction National Councillors asking them with the National Coaching Foun­ to encourage their member leagues dation and the E.T.T.U. and the to consider wome.n's development Cleveland proposal to establish a in their submissions to the new Dev­ Women's Department should elopment Fund and a full report on create an awareness of the need to the Seminar including all the pres­ involve more women in the decision entations will be published later. making of the sport. The three main issues addressed at the Seminar were:

26 Middlesex Unbeaten Retain Premier Division Championship

by DOUG MOSS

Premier Division The final series at Stantonbury Leisure Centre started with Lancashire in the lead and Middlesex, the Tony Clayton (Do) was dom­ holders, also unbeaten. But, as last season, Lancashire faltered at this stage and Middlesex, never really inant and won his 3 events easily in difficulty, won all their matches and retained the title. against Somerset. Brian Reeves Lancashire first came unstuck Dorking and lost ail 4 matches and Yorkshire and the T. V. cameras won 2 singles for Somerset. Against against Berkshire, the team that are demoted after I season. Leicest­ were there! Yorks won 10-0 and Worcs, Dorset were a lady short started the weekend at the foot of ershire lost their 3 matches and, in made sure of promotion. Worcs and conceded 2 events but still got a the Table. Berkshire included the final group fought a relegation suffered the consequences because win. Tony Clayton again in fine Matthew Syed this time and Jimmy battle with Devon. Leics won 5-4 rivals Cambs surprisingly beat form and Barry Hill also won his Stokes, who was in good form. with Dave Gannon winning his 2 Lincs to the tune of 9-1. Lincs were singles - he had an entertaining Berkshire went into a 3-0 lead and singles and the team taking both I lady short and conceded 2 events. and exciting match against Steve won 7-2! Lancs 2 events were won doubles events - at 18 and 19 in the Cambs stay up - Worcs go down. Horton which he won at 17 in the by Andrea Holt, who was partnered 3rd games! This doomed Devon to 3rd game. Glos win over Somerset in the mixed by Tony Taylor. Mid­ relegation which was hard luck as SENR IB: gave them the championship and dlesex had easy wins over Essex and the team fought well although Cornwall 3 Devon 2 7 promotion to Div I. The Glos men, Devon and then met Berkshire. An losing 3 matches at 4-5. Kent .4 Middx 2. .. 6 Dave Harvey, Darren Griffin and all-round team effort brought Mid­ The full 16 results were ­ Essex 2. . .4 Avon 6 Graham Slack, had a very good dlesex a 6-3 win. In this match John Bk ..6 Le .. 3 Mi ..8 E ... I Sussex 7 Hants 3 season. They won all the doubles Souter inflicted the only defeat on and dropped only 7singles events in E ... I La ..8 La .. 2 Bk .. 7 Sussex completed a successful Matthew Syed - 15 and 17, but lost the 5 matches. Dv ..2 Mi .. 7 Sy .. 5 Dv ..4 season with a 7-3 win over Hants. to Jimmy Stokes, who was Dy .. 7 Sy .. 2 Le ..0 Dy ..9 They will be in Premier Div next SENR 2C: unbeaten over the weekend. Colin season. Janet Smith (Sx) went Suffolk 2 8 Hunts 2. Wilson came into the team and won La ..6 Le .. 3 Mi .. 6 La .. 3 through the season unbeaten in Cambs 2 4 Beds 6 a singles and partnered John Souter Bk .. 3 Mi .. 6 Dy ..8 E ... I singles and doubles and Teresa Beds 10 Suffolk 2 0 in a doubles win. Graham Sandley E .. .4 Sy .. 5 Sy .. 3 Bk ..6 Moore lost only I singles. Ritchie Norfolk 5 Herts 5 played only in the mixed doubles, Dv .. 3 Dy .. 6 Le .. 5 Dv ..4 Venner had a good season and was Beds took over the lead in the Div with Lesley Keast, which they won only beaten once. Essex 2nds were with their narrow win over Cambs - and Nigel Tyler weighed in with a depleted in their last match against 2. Beds then completed the season win over David Barr. Chen Xinhua Avon because John Dennison and with a 10-0 win over Suffolk 2 to Middlesex and Lancs met in the Richard Darnell had, the previous take the title. Julie Eames and Lisa last group of matches. Lancs plays for Yorkshire weekend, played for Essex in the Robins (Bd) went through the needed a 7-2 win if they were to take Premier Division. Avon won 6-4 season with 100% success in singles the title! Middlesex won the first 2 SENR lA: and finished level on points with and doubles. Philip Logsdon and events, which spurred on Tony N'berland 5 yorks 5 Sussex, with whom they had a Neil Pickard both recorded wins Taylor to beat John Souter 16 and Warwicks 5 Worcs 5 drawn match. Sussex had a clear over John Taylor and beat Keith 16 and win the mixed with Andrea Lancs 2 8 Cambs 2 lead on sets average. Samuels and Rob Liquorish res­ Holt. Andrea Holt won her singles Lincs 2 Suffolk 8 pectively but Trevor Bunn had an to give her a 100% in singles over Yorks 10 Worcs O SENR 2A: off-day losing both his singles and the whole series. But Middlesex Warwicks 6 Lancs 2 .4 Cumbria 2 Ches 8 the doubles partnering Pickard. went on to win 6-3 with Nigel Tyler Suffolk 6 N'berland 4 Yorks 2 7 Leics 2. . 3 .Ruth Hunter and Alison Taylor and Graham Sandley winning their Cambs 9 Lincs I Notts 5 Warwicks 2 5 won the ladies doubles but were 4 singles. Graham Sandley in fact There was a surprise for Yorks Ches .4 Yorks 2 6 well beaten in the singles. won all II singles he played. when they had to pull back from 3-5 Derbyshire played very well to down to get a draw with Northum­ Yorks 2nd came through the SENR 2D: win their 4 matches whilst dropping berland. Ian Robertson beat season dropping just I point - to Northants .. .4 Sussex 2nd 6 only 6 events. Having lost to Mid­ Michael O'Driscoll two straight Notts. They will be promoted to Essex 3 6 Kent 2 4 dlesex and Lancs in the first series it and Robertson/Mark Christie beat Div. 1. to replace their 1st team. Berks 2 0 Surrey\ 2. . 10 was most unlikely Derby could take O'Driscoll/Mick Stead in the Yorks had a good team perform­ Kent 2 10 Berks 2. .. 0 the title but they ultimately finished doubles. But Worcs softened the ance from Lee Hewitt, Nick Davies, Surrey 2 5 Northants 5 as runners-up. Alan Cooke was part blow to Yorks by making a draw Tim Dyson, Helen Shields and Sussex 2 10 Oxon O of the team but played in just 3 with Warwicks, their nearest rivals. Cathy Johnson. Helen Shields was Carol Hewett won a vital singles successful mixed doubles events Sandra Roden and Mandy House unbeaten in singles and doubles, to give Sussex their win over with Julie Billington. Bradley (Wo) won their 3 events and Mal­ with Cathy Johnson, and Cathy Northants. She beat Alison Billington played very well and was colm Green/Trevor Washington and Tim Dyson lost only one singles Boxall -18, 18, 20. Northants did unbeaten in singles in the whole of beat Carl Morgan/Adrian Dixon 9 each. Helen Shields/Cathy well in their last match to take a the 7 matches. Julie Billington was and 14 in the doubles! This led to Johnson retained their unbeaten point off Surrey 2. With the score at also in good form and had just one Yorkshire getting their strongest doubles record when beating Janet 3-3 Donna Furniss (Np) beat Maria loss - to Andrea Holt. possible team for their last match Deakin/Jill Schofield (Ch) -13,19, Taylor-Woodward -20, 19 and 19 Surrey pulled themselves out of against Worcs. Huddersfield based 20! and at 4-4 Alison Boxall (Np) beat trouble with two 5-4 wins over Chen Xinhua came into the team at Debbie Simmonds 16,-7,18. Sussex Essex and Devon. No. I and the team also included SENR 2B: 2nds completed a successful season In the Devon match Paul Giles Michael O'Driscoll and Joanne Dorset 5 Somerset 5 with a 10-0 win over axon and will beat Nicky Mason at 17 in the 3rd Shaw. The match was well staged, Worcs 2 .4 Dorset 6 replace their I st team in Div I. Sally game. Essex were without Steve there was a big crowd to support . Somerset 3 Glos 7 Weston and Carol Hewett were the

27 ? ...... ~ .--~ '-':""':~...:.. - _. . .

~. , ~ . " r;~ 1,_IJl ." • '. .: __':' " • _L· ., r·· .....,...... t~ I ~ '_' \...ur:",'-~ ,;:i' ,_},: , • • I. ..,:;_'. ti most successful Sussex players It was still not over for Lancs. JUNR IB: and lost only I singles during the winning all their singles and They met Derbyshire in their last Sussex I axon 9 season. doubles events. match, who must have caused some Cornwall .4 Surrey 6 JUNR 2C: jitters. Derbyshire fought well and SENR 3A: Herts 5 Middx 5 Glam 7 Hants 2 3 won events at 18, 19,20 and 21 in Staffs 9 Northants 2 I Avon 5 Berks 5 Cornwall 2 2 Hants 2 8 the 3rd games! With Lancs leading Ches 2 I Durham 9 Middx 8 Sussex 2 Hants I. 8 Gwent 2 5-4 Howard Whewell met Simon Beds 2 9 Clwyd I Berks 9 Herts I Dorset 2 Hants 1 8 Wall and lost the first game -19! He Clwyd 4 Staffs .. " 6 axon 5 Cornwall 5 Gwent 2 Somerset 8 just got the 2nd at 22! Howard then Durham. " . 10 Beds 2 0 Surrey 10 Avon .,.,O Devon 2 1 Glam 9 went on to take the decider 21-9 and Staffs were a player short in their Herts dropped a valuable point Devon 3 .4 Dorset.,.,., .6 Lancs were Champions. last match at Clwyd but got a 6-4 to Middlesex. It took Duncan Tay­ Cornwall 2. ,.3 Somerset 7 win. Dave Hanney (St) lost his 2 Both Essex and Yorkshire had a lor, promoted from their 2nd team, Hants I. 8 Hants 2 2 singles. Staffs went through the superior sets average over Lancs, to win the last event against Dov Devon 2 9 Devon 3 1 season unbeaten and dropped only who won the vital matches. In fact Katz 12 and 18 to secure a draw. In 8 events. Beds conceded their match Lancs won 6 of their 7 matches 6-4! the final event against Cornwall it against Durham whereas they could Devon played well over the week­ was Jason Blake beating Mark have been playing for runners-up end with a 7-3 win over Kent and Bawden 19, -18, 15 which gave 8 matches were played at Red­ position in the Div. taking 4 events off Lancs. There Surrey the win over Cornwall. This bridge, Hants. Glamorgan's 2 wins gave them the championship to SENR 3B: were some very close events in this then put Surrey level on points with emulate their Senior team's success. Glam 10 Cornwall 2 0 match - in the doubles Eden/Whe­ Herts and in contention for pro­ The Glamorgan girls - Laura Devon 3 I Glam 9 well beat Alex Perry/Greg Bridgett motion. Collier and Denise Elward -;: went Glam 10 Dorset 2 0 -21,20,20 and then Claire Pengelley Shocks came in the last round of through the season unbeaten in Bucks 8 Hants 2 2 beat Karen Richardson 19, -19, 19. matches and a big surprise when singles and doubles. Hants 2 I Bucks 9 Derbyshire and Warwicks are the Berks beat Herts 9-1! This put Herts demotees but no team went without out of the championship race. JUNR 2D: Glamorgan finished their pro­ a win. Martin Adams has been a great Suffolk 2 I Suffolk I .. .,,,9 gramme with 3 great wins and . The stars of the Junior Premier strength for Berks winning all his Kent 2 3 Norfolk I 7 became Champions at first attempt. were Grant Solder (E), Katharine singles and doubles events. Surrey, Kent 2 8 Norfolk 2.. , .. 2 But Bucks made a great effort. They Goodall and Joanna Roberts, who who had drawn matches with Herts Surrey 2. ".,4 Essex 3 .,.,6 needed a 10-0 win over Hants 2 to won all their singles matches. and Middlesex, won their last Surrey 3. . .. .4 Essex 3. . 6 draw level with Glamorgan. Bucks Solder also won all his boys doubles match 10-0 against Avon, took the Middx 2. . 7 Sussex 2. . 3 led 8-0 but then Barbara Savage events with James Oyekunle, and title and will be in Premier Div next Norfolk I. 9 Middx 2 I (Ha) beat Dawn Robbins 14 and 17. Eden/Whewell won the 5 they season. The Surrey boys Paul Norfolk 2 2 Middx 2 8 The match score was finally 9-I. played. Katharine Goodall/Sally Carter, Jason and Darren Blake Suffolk I 7 Kent 2 3 Bucks finished level with Marling and Alison Gower/Ruth and Edward Hatley, all performed Suffolk 2 I Kent 2 9 Glamorgan on 10 points but 48 Cleminson were unbeaten in well throughout the season. Sussex 2. . 6 Surrey 2. . .4 events compared with 49 for doubles. Sussex 2. . 2 Surrey 3 8 Glamorgan. JUNR 2A: Warwicks 2..6 Ches I. .4 Essex 3rd team certainly finished Derbys 2 7 C1wyd 2. . 3 their programme on a high note but JUNIOR PREMIER Leics 4 Lancs 3 6 it was not enough to win the champ­ RESULTS Ches 2 I Clwyd I. . 9 ionship. In their last match Suffolk Lanes win the La ..6 Dv .. 4 Dv.IO Wa .. O Clwyd 2. " .. 4 Leics ...... , .. 6 1st team clinched the title with a 7-3 Bd ..2E 8 Dy .. 4 K ... 6 Ches I .. ., . ,,9 Clwyd 2. " ... I win over Kent 2nd. For Kent 2nd Championship K ... 2 Y 8 Y 8 Bd ..2 Ches I ..... ,,6 Derbys 2.. " .. 4 Martin Gunn, who did not come Wa .. 6 Dy . .4 E 4 La .. 6 Warwicks 2nds fought well to get into the team until end Jan, played In the final series at Pontesbury, La ..6 Y .. .4 Dv .. 7 K ... 3 the 6-4 win over Ches I. David well. Against Suffolk he beat Yorkshire, who have dominated the K ...9 Wa .. 1 Wa ..) Bd .. 7 Johnson (Wa) clinched the final Graham Watts at 19 in 3rd game junior scene, were knocked offtheir Bd,,4 Dy .. 6 Y ...3 E ...7 event 19, -13, 18 against Mark and against the No. I- Mark Daw­ perch. They were beaten twice - by E .,.8 Dv .. 2 Dy ..4 La .. 6 News. But it was Clwyd, level on son - he won at 25 in the 3rdgame! Essex 7-3 and Lancs 6-4. In these points with Warwicks 2nd but with Suffolk's success was from an all vital matches the Yorkshire girls ­ JUNR lA: round team effort from Mark Yorks 2 8 Essex 2 2 a better sets average who took the Katharine Goodall, Joanna title. Clwyd were very well served by Dawson, Graham Watts, Adam Roberts and Sally Marling won all N'berland '" 7 Essex 2 3 Cole, Janet Scoulding and Suzanne Essex 2 5 Durham 5 Spencer Harris and Natasha their events. In fact these girls went Williams, who were unbeaten in Burdett. through the whole programme un­ Notts 0 Lincs 10 singles and doubles, and Susan Lees VETS lA: beaten! Lincs ., .. .,.6 Durham .4 . Yorks 2 10 Notts .,0 lost only I singles. Norfolk . .,.,6 Lancs.,.,., .. 3 The Essex/Lancs clash, with Warwicks 5 Worcs 4 both teams unbeaten, proved to be Yorks 2 7 Durham 3 JUNR 2B: Essex 2 5 Lincs 5 Bucks 3 Glos 7 Yorks2 6 Essex 2 3 a vital one in deciding the new Jun­ Ches 2 4 Lincs 5 ior Championship County. Wins Lancs 2 5 Yorks 2 5 Northants 2..5 Wilts 5 Lincs 8 Norfolk I came alternately until the match Durham 8 N'berland 2 Worcs 9 Herts 2 I Wores 6 Ches 2 3 score was 4-4 and, at that stage, Herts 2 9 Northants 2 I Durham came back from 3-5 Lancs .. ., 4 Yorks 2 5 Maria Thorneley (La) beat Alison Glos 7 Berks 2 3 down against Essex 2nd to get a Essex 2. . 5 Warwicks 4 Gower at 15 in the 3rd game. How­ draw, and keep their hopes of Wilts .4 Bucks 6 ward Whewell then clinched the promotion alive. Yorks 2nd drew Worcestershire had a resounding Results have been unpredictable match for Lancs with an 18 and 18 with Lancs 2nd and, as happened 9-1 win over rivals Herts 2nd to in this Div but Lincs rose above all win over Keith Buers. The Lancs when their 1st teams met, it was the make sure of the championship. other teams. Warwicks pulled girls, Maria Thorneley and Karen Yorks girls (2nd team - Debbie Herts were without their No. I themselves around since the intro­ Richardson, won their 3 events in Newman and Caroline Bentley) Duncan Taylor. The Worcs girls, duction of Pat McCabe and had 3 the match and Darren Howarth who were the key in winning their 3 Catherine Drage and Paula successive 5-4 wins. But in the last won both his singles. This still left events. Durham match versus Hughes, had 3 tough matches but Round the bottom teams, Essex 2nd Lancs to meet Yorkshire the follow­ Yorks 2nd was hard fought. Caro­ finished the season unbeaten in and Yorks 2nd, both got 5-4 wins ing morning - and they won 6-4. line Bentley (Y) beat Clare Flynn ­ singles and doubles. Jason Thomp­ and staved off relegation. Warwicks This time it was left to the boys to 21, II, 19 and Karl Horsfield beat son (Wo) also completed the season included Ralph Gunnion in their turn on the style. Darren Howarth Steven Riggins -19, 13, 18. Yorks with 100% in singles and doubles. last match of the season. Gunnion and Howard Whewell won their 4 got a vital 7-3 win and won the Glos won their last match v Berks was involved in 3 wins. Brian singles and Andrew Eden won one, championship of this Div, which I 2nd 7-3 and lost only to Herts 2nd Belcher also played his only match but lost easily to Mark Stephenson. am sure would help to compensate during the season but could not of the season. However, despite Eden and Whewell won the doubles for their I st team having lost the match Worcs sets average. Robert Gunnion's 3 wins, Essex got a 5-4 at 17 in 3rd game. Premier title. Powell played very well for Glos win. Despite Warwicks' 3 wins in

28 the 7 match programme, they were was to decide the championship. Middx 2nd had an 8-1 win over VETS 3A: relegated with Cheshire 2nd team Yorks led 4-21 But Lancs had a nearest rivals Surrey 3rd. Middx Herts 3 .4 Berks.J 5 who finished at the foot of the great fight back, took the next 3 won all their matches and took the Hunts 2 5 Beds 2 4 Table. Lincs finished unbeaten with events and the title. The Lancs men title. Middx team did not lose one Herts 4 3 Herts 3 6 14 points and the runners-up were - Brian Clements, Derek Wat­ doubles event the successful pairs N'thants 2. ..5 Hunts 2 4 Worcs with 8 points. mough and Ray Ashley ­ each lost being John SmithlTony Taylor and Berks 3 got a narrow win over only 1 singles event during the VETS 18: Norman Slifkin/Kathy Nunn. nearest rivals Herts 3 to keep their season. The Ches 3/Lincs 2 match axon 5 Glos .4 Tony Taylor also had a 100% suc­ unbeaten record and win the cham­ was hard fought with 6 events going Berks I. 6 Surrey 2. . 3 cess in singles. pionship. It was down to the last to a decider. Lincs 2nd got a 5-4 win Surrey 2 4 axon 5 event when Mike Harris (Bk), beat and a vital factor was Tom Mar­ VETS 2D: Kent 2 6 Sussex 2. . 3 George Tyler 20, -16, 17. Herts 4 land/Kath Fisher winning the Berks 2 5 Sussex 3. . 4 Middx 2 Berks I. 7 took 3 events off their 3rd team. mixed, against Lionel Royle/Karen Hants 5 Somerset 4 Glos 2 Wilts 7 Berks 2 6 Herts 2 3 Sally Bax was involved in 2 of the Tongue -16, 16, 20. wins, beating Gill White -21, 13, 16 Wiltshire's only defeat was suf­ Sussex 3 4 Dorset 5 VETS 28: and winning the mixed, with Dave fered in the first match of the Leics 7 Notts 2 Hants had a narrow win over Wilson, at 16 in 3rd game. Len season. Wilts concluded with a 7-2 Beds I. 6 Norfolk 2 3 Somerset. Ray Lush, promoted Flewers/Derek Caulder won the win over Glos to take the title and Notts 6 Beds 1 3 from Hants 2nd team, was involved mens doubles, against Keith Hart­ promotion to Premier Div. Terry Norfolk 2 1 Essex 3 8 in 3 of the wins. The score stood at ridge/George Tyler 17, -18, 23! Bruce and Bill Moulding have been Hunts 2 Leics 7 4-4 when Mike Toole beat Chris the stars of the Wilts team. This Hatton (Sx) 14 and 15 to give VETS 38: match confirmed Glos demotion Beds got their first win against Dorset the win and complete their Dorset 2 6 Sussex 4. . 3 after one season. axon had a vital Norfolk 2nd with Brian Mayfield programme unbeaten. Dorset, after Wilts 3 2 Dorset 2 7 match at Ashford T.T.e. against winning both singles and the demotion last season, will make an One team unfortunately dropped Surrey 2nd. The teams were level on doubles with Jim Wooliscroft. In immediate return to Div. I. Joyce out of this Div which left teams with points and sets average and a 5-4 the last Round ofmatches Essex 3rd Coop went through the season un­ just 4 matches. Hants 2nd were un­ win for axon saved them from team completed their programme beaten in singles and doubles. beaten. They beat their nearest riv­ relegation. Alf Davies and Nat unbeaten and champions of the als, Dorset 2nd, 5-4. Dorset 2nd bt Div. Essex lost only 1 doubles event Remarkably this is the 3rd con­ Richardson won their 4 singles. secutive season that Joyce has had Wilts 3rd in their last match with Surrey also escaped as Sussex 2nd throughout the season. Notts 6-3 Eric Buckley and Danny Allen win­ win over Beds saved them from rele­ 100% success in singles in either the were beaten 6-3 by Kent 2nd and Senior or Veterans sections. ning their 4 singles. Jean Smith join Glos. gation. The bottom 2 teams ­ Beds (Do) lost her first singles - to and Norfolk 2nd - finished level VETS 2A: Sylvia Morse (Wi) -18, 13, -19. with 2 points and identical sets aver­ Lancs 2 8 Ches 3 1 age. N'berland 1 Yorks 3 8 Ches 3 4 Lincs 2. . 5 VETS 2C: Yorks 3 .4 Lancs 2 5 Middx 2.....8 Bucks 2 1 Northants I. .3 Surrey 3 6 With both teams unbeaten the Surrey 3 1 Middx 2 8 Yorks 3/Lancs 2 match at Bradford Hereford 3 Wilts 2 6 FINAL TABLES - SEASON 1989/90

SENIORS Premier Division P W L F A Pts Middlesex 7 7 0 44 19 14 Derbyshire 7 5 2 46 17 10 Lancashire 7 5 2 37 26 10 Berkshire 7 4 3 30 33 8 Surrey 7 3 4 25 38 6 Leicestershire 7 2 5 23 40 4 Devonshire 7 1 6 28 35 2 Essex 7 1 6 19 44 2 Division lA P W D L F A Pts Yorkshire 7 5 2 0 51 19 12 Warwickshire 7 5 1 1 46 24 11 Suffolk 7 5 0 2 37 33 10 Lancashire 2nd 7 2 3 2 40 30 7 Northumberland 7 2 2 3 31 39 6 Cambridgeshire 7 2 1 4 31 39 5 Worcestershire 7 1 3 3 28 42 5 Lincolnshire 7 0 0 7 16 54 0 Division 18 Sussex 7 6 1 0 57 13 13 Avon 7 6 1 0 48 22 13 Middlesex 2nd 7 4 0 3 34 36 8 Essex 2nd 7 3 1 3 36 \34 7 Kent 7 3 0 4 33 37 6 Devonshire 2nd 7 3 0 4 32 38 6 Hampshire 7 0 2 5 20 50 2 Cornwall 7 0 1 6 20 50 1 Division 2A Yorkshire 2nd 5 4 1 0 35 15 9 Cheshire 5 3 1 1 35 15 7 Leicestershire 2nd 5 3 0 2 27 23 6 Nottinghamshire 5 1 2 2 25 25 4 Warwickshire 2nd 5 1 2 2 20 30 4 Cumbria 5 0 0 5 8 42 0 Division 28 Gloucestershire 5 4 1 0 33 17 9 Wiltshire 5 4 0 1 33 17 8 Dorset 5 2 2 1 28 22 6 Somerset 5 2 1 2 25 25 5 Tony Taylor (Lanes) - A good win over John Souter was not enough as Avon 2nd 5 1 0 4 17 33 2 Lanes went down 6 - 3 to Champions Middlesex. Worcestershire 2nd 5 0 0 5 14 36 0

29 Division 2C P W D L F A Pts Division 2D Bedfordshire 5 4 I 0 35 15 9 Suffolk 9 8 0 I 60 30 16 Norfolk 5 2 3 0 34 16 7 Essex 3rd 9 7 I I 64 26 15 Hertfordshire 5 3 I I 33 17 7 Middlesex 2nd 9 7 0 2 56 34 14 Cambridgeshire 2nd 5 2 I 2 25 25 5 Norfolk 9 6 I 2 64 26 13 Suffolk 2nd 5 I 0 4 14 36 2 Surrey 2nd 9 4 0 5 49 41 8 Huntingdonshire 5 0 0 5 9 41 0 Kent 2nd 9 3 I 5 42 48 7 Norfolk 2nd 9 3 0 6 35 55 6 Division 2D Suffolk 2nd 9 2 I 6 26 64 5 Sussex 2nd 6 5 I 0 45 15 II Surrey 3rd 9 I I 7 27 63 3 Surrey 2nd 6 3 2 I 39 21 8 (71-136) Essex 3rd 6 3 I 2 38 21 7 Sussex 2nd 9 7 27 63 3 Northamptonshire 6 I 2 3 30 30 4 (70-139) Kent 2nd 6 I 2 3 25 35 4 Oxfordshire 6 2 0 4 18 42 4 VETERANS Berkshire 2nd 6 2 0 4 14 45 4 Premier Division P W L F A Pts Cheshire 7 6 I 39 24 12 Division 3A Yorkshire 7 5 2 45 18 10 Staffordshire 5 5 0 0 42 8 10 Essex 7 5 2 41 22 10 Durham 5 4 0 I 36 14 8 Kent 7 4 3 33 30 8 Bedfordshire 2nd 5 3 0 2 27 23 6 Sussex 7 4 3 30 33 8 Cheshire 2nd 5 2 0 3 19 31 4 Surrey 7 2 5 26 37 4 Clwyd 5 I 0 4 16 36 2 Hertfordshire 7 I 6 22 41 2 Northamptpnshire 2nd 5 0 0 5 10 40 0 Buckinghamshire 7 I 6 16 47 2 Division 38 Division IA Glamorgan 6 5 0 I 49 11 10 Lincolnshire 7 7 0 48 15 14 Buckinghamshire 6 5 0 I 47 13 10 Worcestershire 7 4 3 32 31 8 Hampshire 2nd 6 4 0 2 36 24 8 Lancashire 7 3 4 32 31 6 Hertfordshire 2nd 6 4 0 2 32 28 8 Essex 2nd 7 3 4 29 34 6 Devonshire 3rd 6 2 0 4 27 33 4 Yorkshire 2nd 7 3 4 28 35 6 Dorset 2nd 6 I 0 5 11 49 2 Norfolk 7 3 4 27 36 6 Cornwall 2nd 6 0 0 6 8 52 0 Warwickshire 7 3 4 26 37 6 Cheshire 2nd 7 2 5 30 33 4 JUNIORS Division IB Premier Division Wiltshire 7 6 I 37 26 12 Lancashire 7 7 0 0 46 24 14 Berkshire 7 5 2 39 24 10 Essex 7 6 0 I 52 18 12 Kent 2nd 7 5 2 32 31 10 Yorkshire 7 5 0 2 47 23 10 Middlesex 7 4 3 40 23 8 Devonshire 7 3 I 3 40 30 7 Oxfordshire 7 3 4 28 35 6 Kent 7 3 0 4 32 38 6 Surrey 2nd 7 2 5 27 36 4 Bedfordshire 7 I I 5 28 42 3 Sussex 2nd 7 2 5 24 39 4 Derbyshire 7 I 0 6 23 47 2 Gloucestershire 7 I 6 25 38 2 Warwickshire 7 I 0 6 12 58 2 Division 2A Division IA Lancashire 2nd 5 5 0 36 9 10 Yorkshire 2nd 6 5 I 0 43 17 II Yorkshire 3rd 5 4 I 33 12 8 Durham 6 3 I 2 39 21 7 Northumberland 5 3 '2 24 21 6 Lancashire 2nd 6 3 I 2 34 26 7 Lincolnshire 2nd 5 2 3 18 27 4 Essex 2nd 6 2 2 2 32 28 6 Cheshire 3rd 5 I 4 14 31 2 Northumberland 6 3 0 3 31 29 6 Clwyd 5 0 5 10 35 0 Lincolnshire 6 2 I 3 31 29 5 Nottinghamshire 6 0 0 6 30 60 0 Division 2B Essex 3rd 5 5 0 33 12 10 Division IB Leicestershire 5 4 I 32 13 8 Surrey 7 5 2 0 48 22 12 Nottinghamshire 5 2 3 20 25 4 Middlesex 7 4 3 0 47 23 II Huntingdonshire 5 2 3 16 29 4 Hertfordshire 7 4 2 I 40 30 10 Norfolk 2nd 5 I 4 17 28 2 Berkshire 7 3 3 I 44 26 9 (42-63) Oxfordshire 7 I 3 3 35 35 5 Bedfordshire 5 4 17 28 2 Cornwall 7 I 2 4 26 44 4 (39-62) Sussex 7 I I 5 24 46 3 Avon 7 0 2 5 16 54 2 Division 2C Middlesex 2nd 5 5 0 38 7 10 Buckinghamshire 2nd 5 3 2 26 19 6 Division 2A 5 3 2 23 22 6 Clwyd 7 6 0 I 50 20 12 Surrey 3rd 5 2 3 24 21 4 Warwickshire 2nd 7 6 0 I 46 24 12 Northamptonshire 5 2 3 19 26 4 Cheshire 7 5 0 2 43 27 10 Wiltshire 2nd 5 0 5 5 40 0 Lancashire 3rd 7 4 I 2 36 34 9 Herefordshire Cheshire 2nd 7 2 2 3 34 36 6 Division 2D Leicestershire 7 2 0 5 24 46 4 Dorset 5 5 0 29 16 10 Derbyshire 2nd 7 I I 5 30 40 3 Hampshire 5 4 I 26 19 8 Clwyd 2nd 7 0 0 7 17 53 0 Berkshire 2nd 5 3 2 22 23 6 1 4 21 24 2 Division 28 Sussex 3rd 5 19 26 2 Worcestershire 6 5 0 1 48 12 10 Somerset 5 I 4 18 27 Gloucestershire 6 5 0 I 43 17 10 Hertfordshire 2nd 5 I 4 2 Hertfordshire 2nd 6 5 0 I 34 26 10 Division 3A Buckinghamshire 6 3 0 3 33 27 6 Berkshire 3rd 5 5 0 36 9 10 Berkshire 2nd 6 2 0 4 27 33 4 Hertfordshire 3rd 5 4 I 27 18 8 Wiltshire 6 0 I 5 16 44 I Hertfordshire 4th 5 2 3 20 25 4 Northamptonshire 2nd 6 0 I 5 9 51 I (54-60) 20 25 4 Division 2C Northamptonshire 2nd 5 2 3 Glamorgan 8 8 0 0 67 13 16 (46-56) Devonshire 2nd 8 7 0 I 59 21 14 Huntingdonshire 2nd 5 4 18 27 2 Hampshire 8 5 I 2 49 31 11 Bedfordshire 2nd 5 4 14 31 2 Somerset 8 5 I 2 45 35 II Division 38 Gwent 8 3 I 4 42 38 7 Hampshire 2nd 4 4 0 24 12 8 Hampshire 2nd 8 2 0 6 23 57 4 Dorset 2nd 4 3 I 23 13 6 Devonshire 3rd 8 I I 6 27 53 3 Sussex 4th 4 2 2 18 18 4 Dorset 8 I I 6 25 55 3 Berkshire 4th 4 I 3 13 23 2 Cornwall 2nd 8 I I 6 23 57 3 Wiltshire 3rd 4 0 4 12 24 0

30 Small Firm Stimulates Local Table Tennis by LES D'ARCY

SEVERAL organisations and players in the Wakefield, Castleford and Dewsbury areas are benefiting from a small, but progressive local firm's generous sponsorship. ALAN AUSTIN (Manager) and partner RICHARD AUSTERFIELD of G.B.TROPHIES are always ready to give a helping hand to those in need. England No.9, JOANNE SHAW (Commonwealth Games sponsorship) and former England No.1 Cadet DEBBIE TOOLE have also benefited from their association with the firm. Three local leagues and a number ofsmaller groups have received trophies and/or equipment to give incentive to their members. The firm is also planning to sponsor a major table tennis event in this year's Wakefield Advisory Sports Council's Festival of Sport. Players of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy two weeks of coaching, exhibitions, a coaches seminar and a Veterans' tournament. Details of the event which takes place at Thornes House High School (July 28th to August 12th) from Les D'Arcy - 0924 366420.

Left: Wakefield Festival of Sport . Table Tennis Coaching Course Beginners and Intermediates Course. with some of the advanced players who helped the coaches on the course. Sponsored by G.B. Trophies and Wakefield Coaching Trust. (Photo by kind permission of Yorkshire Weekly Newspapers Group Ltd.)

SEAT Peterborough Celebrate in Style The picture shows Julian Tee THE photograph shows SEAT Peterborough British League Team celebrating after winning Division standing touching glasses with Three East of the Leeds British League. Khasru Chowdhury with other On Sunday 25th February, they travelled to Fellows Cranleigh needing a point to take the title. They indeed won SEAT Peterborough team members 5-3 opening up an eight point gap at the top of the table with only three games remaining. looking on - Lindsay Taylor, Pete Match sponsors for the SEAT appeared in Peterborough last year Elderkin, Ken Glindon, Jason Peterborough Team were the East­ to play in an exhibition. Adams, and Kev Tory. ern Garden Indian Restaurant, who treated the team to a complete first class meal with bottles of champagne all on the house, with the compliments of Restaurant· owner Khasru Chowdhury, who has been involved in sponsoring other table tennis events locally. In the capacity of sponsoring local team manager Julian Tee, to take guests to the restaurant for free meals, not only do the team benefit from Tee's contacts regularly, but the English and Chinese National Teams benefited from a free meal at the restaurant on the first day of the Chinese Tour this year. Former World Cup Champion Chen Xinhua has also accompanied Tee to the restaurant for special dishes along with Scottish Internat­ ional John Broe when they both

31 Steve Bettison wins Avon Table Tennis Trophy EIGHTEEN year old Steve Bettison of Nailsea, has won the Men's Singles title in the Ford Farrow Avon Closed Table Tennis Championships. Steve, who was last year's runner-up, defeated fellow Nailsea club member Ian Johnson in a hard fought battle. Steve also teamed up with Gary Baldwin of Clevedon to win the Men's Doubles Title. Ian Johnson, although losing the men's singles, won the Junior Boys Singles and, with partner Stuart Beaver of Nailsea won the junior doubles. Knowle and Brislington were also well represented, with Rachel Rosewell winning both the under 12 and the under 14 girls titles; Graham Long taking home the under 12 boys title, and Barry Fudge winning the under 14 boys category. Carey Webb of New Cheltenham won the ladies singles and teamed up with Dina Sandford ofClifton to win the ladies doubles, whilst Julie Westall of Clevedon won the junior girls championship and teamed up with Gary Baldwin to win the mixed doubles title. Roy Smith of Patchway won the veterans division of the annual event, held at the Thornbury Leisure Centre and sponsored by Bristol advertising agency Ford Farrow & Partners. South West Regional News by AlF PEPPERD TAKING the first six copies of our National Magazine into full consideration that is: from October until March, here is a detailed list of County reports actually sent in and duly published. Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Avon I 0 0 I 0 0 Cornwall 0 0 I I 0 I Devon 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dorset 0 0 0 I 0 0 Steve Bettison, Men's Singles and Doubles winner, Avon Closed Table Gloucestershire I I I I I I Tennis Championships. Somerset 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wiltshire I 0 0 0 I 0 As can be seen from the above the April 1990 at Cheltenham) Ken majority are rather few and far Bridle, current Chairman of the ••••••••••••••••••• between, and two in question who Cirencester League and Bob Davis, have listed Press Officers have as yet also from Cirencester, who played I "PLAY THE GAME" • made no attempt to place their res­ such an important role as one ofthe I • pective Counties activities in our Organisers in the early stages of the I (Table Tennis) I splendid news media. season with the Womens Inter­ But still it would appear asJ have national England v Federal I • not seen any official complaints Republic of Germany staged at forthcoming regards the apparent Cirencester. : A new book by : lack of some County news - one Also thanks to all in the South has to assume that everyone is quite West Region who have either con­ I DONALD PARKER • happy, which leaves me to ask the tacted me by telephone or written. following poignant question. Does I AND DAVID HEWITT • Table Tennis News really require I I County reports coming in from I w••• remarkably well written. There is much in it • County Press Officers? w News from Mike Hawkins of the Success for I both for beginners and advanced players I Bath & District League, the I fuooP~n • Bathwick Tyres Friday night Club Sussex Sisters is still well attended - with many THREE sisters - all from the I • Juniors attending these sessions same school (Thomas Peacocke and no doubt deriving a great School, Rye) were among the I now available from: I benefit from existing T.T. facilities. 285 players competing for hon­ I • And finally, to current date of ours in the Dunlop English writing as copy date for May is I ETTA • Schools Individual Table almost here and I have not received QUEENSBURY HOUSE Tennis Championships which II I. any further news from the Region, I took place at Mansfield Leisure HAVELOCK ROAD will sign off by saying: Many thanks Centre on Saturday 28th April. I HASTINGS • indeed to the following for giving Lian Wilson (17), Natasha me BBC Radio interviews for this Wilson (16) and Claudine Wil­ I EAST SUSSEX TN34 1HF • past season - John and Carl Prean, son (13) all won through the I • Jill Hammersley Parker MBE, Jack East Sussex Schools Individual Reeves (Chief Organiser of the county qualifying champion­ : PRICE: ONLY £3.99 EACH : Cotswold Junior 2 Star), Neil ships, and younger brother, Bevan (Bude), and in anticipation Alex (II) narrowly failed to I TERMS: CASH WITH ORDER • - Kevin Satchell (who this year is make it, losing in the Under II head coach for the 4th Gloucester­ final in March. ~ ~ shire School of Sport Qth - 12th

32 Maurice Goldstein Trophy 1990 RESULTS by MIKE LOVEDER C. Wilson I S. Gibson 17-21,20­ 22 Leeds County Champions, Middlesex, played host to the runners­ M. Mitchell b N. Eckersley 21-15, 21-10 up, Lancashire, in the 1990 challenge match for the Maurice G. Sandley b 1. Taylor 21-18, 20­ Goldstein trophy at the Barnet TIC on Saturday 21 st April. 22,21-11 A. Smith I A. Holt 15-21, 14-21 C. Wilson I N. Eckersley 15-21, Instead of playing at No.3 for This result saw the Lancast­ Next year the competition should 21-18, 16-21 Middlesex, Graham Sandley found rians £500 the richer while have added interest as Yorkshire I himself in the NO.1 slot in the absence Middlesex consoled themselves make their Premier bid as the news G. Sandley S. Gibson 22-20, 16­ 21, 19-21 of John Souter who was apparently with a £250 cheque. Len Pilditch has just come in that "Chen's in, M. Mitchell I T. Taylor 19-21, 12­ under orders to drive the Grove retired from the role of captain wow!" 21 minibus, and Nigel Tyler who was for Middlesex having run the again visiting Switzerland. Clearly not county team for a couple of M.Mitchell/A.Smith I the most convenient weekend for decades. He has seen his team N.Eckerlsey/A.Holt 20-22, 17-21 Middlesex as Lesley Tyler-Keast was take the county championships G.Sandley/C.Wilson I S. also away. title on about 9 occasions and Gibson/T.Taylor 27-29, 21-18, 15­ In contrast the Lancashire team I'm sure he will wish his succes­ 21 turned out at full strength and the result sor equal success. was hardly ever in doubt although the hosts put up a good fight at the start. First at the table, before a 'crowd' of about 10 spectators, was Colin Wilson with the unenviable task of facing the Lancashire No.1 Sean Gibson. The latter won at deuce in the second game. The evergreen Mark Mitchell was dragged away from his garage to make his I I 3th appearance for Middlesex. He proved too consistent on the day for Nigel Eckersley as only 25 points were conceded by him. Graham Sandley put his county ahead in the match for the only time by taking the first game from Tony Taylor, losing the second at deuce, and then securing an irretriev­ able 14-7 lead in the third. Lancashire took the Mixed Doubles --1990 DATES: 30th July· Aug 4th/Aug 5th· Au 10th --­ as Nigel Eckersley partnered Andrea Holt while Mark Mitchell was part­ nered by his sister Angela Smith. Sean Gibson and Tony Taylor managed a surprise Mens Doubles win against Graham Sandley and his fellow left­ hander Colin Wilson. The Lancashire pair pinched the first game 29-27 but then lost the second game. However they pulled away in the third and took a 3-2 lead in the match. Andrea Holt proved herself to be too good against Angela Smith (nee Mitchell), often catching her out with her combination tactics. With the Middlesex 2-1 lead turned in to a 2-4 deficit it was left to Colin Wilson to beat Nigel Eckersley to stop the rot. From one game each Colin forged 6-1 ahead but the Northern extrovert recovered to lead 15-10 and eventually take the game, set and match. Graham Sandley battled to make the scoreline look more respect­ 1990 COACHES • Top Coaches.• Good class accommodation and able against Sean Gibson but, meals in fabulous surroundings.• large modern undeterred by the 'dead rubber' an ALAN RANSOME • BOB WILEY • sports hall. • 32 Butterfly tables.• Seminars and aggressive game of numerous rallies ALAN COOKE • CHEN XINHUA • video.· Tournaments.· Social Evenings.· Robot. • Bat Testing.• First class organisation.• Excellent was witnessed with Sean Gibson JOHN BROE • ALISON GORDON coming through the victor at 19 in the value.• Plus beautiful Durham Castle and City. third. Tony Taylor finished off any remaining Middlesex resistance coming FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE THE BEST ---­ from Mark Mitchell. Tony took the first at 19 and the second more com­ For a brochure or for further information contact: fortably for a final score of 7-2 to IP~I- Lancashire. -EE§iC §i a ZetlandCleveland Place, TS1 1MiddlesbroughHI lr c c5) 5) o Nlr Tel:~~~h(~~~=ngSe";ce) (0642) 217844/5 & 249000

33 Above: John Lewis, Promotions Bradley Officer of Sun Life Assurance, presenting the winner's cheque and medallion to Bradley Billington, Stars at Thornbury winner of the Men's Singles title,

Bradley Billington (Derbyshire) is the 1990 Mens Singles winner of the Sun Life Bristol 2 Star Table Below: Julie Langdon (left) of Sun Tennis Tournament. Bradley lives in Norwood Avenue, Chesterfield, and is an England International Life Assurance, presenting the player who is currently ranked No,6 in the country, Be caused a slight upset at Bristol when he defeated winner's cheque and medal to Nicola Meddings, Junior Girl's the No,l seed and fellow International, Matthew Syed of Reading, in the finaL After an exciting and Singles Winner. closely fought game, Bradley came out on top by 21-18, 21-16,

Jill Harris (Staffs) won the Ladies England and Women ranked not Singles when she defeated Nigerian higher than 4). Kevin Satchell of International Kubrat Owolabi. Jill, Wiltshire partnered John Holland aged 27, is an England Inter­ (Derbyshire) to runners up spot in national currently ranked No.5 in the Mens Doubles finishing behind the country. After an interesting Andrew Eden (Lanes) and partner match, Jill came out on top in Richard Darnell (Essex). straight sets, 21-13. 21-16. In the Junior events Andrew To complete a very satisfactory Eden (Lanes) defeated Raymond day's work, Jill teamed up with Powell (Glouc) 21-10, 21-18 to take Teresa Moore of Bexhill to also the Junior Boys Singles title capture the Ladies Doubles title. In The Junior Girls title went to the final they beat Jane Barella and Nicola Meddings (Staffs) who, with Sandra Roden by 21-11,18-21,21­ her table tennis playing younger 18. brother Steven, play regularly for Nearly 400 competitors took part Grove School Table Tennis Club. in this two day event held at the In an extremely close final Nicola popular Thornbury Leisure Centre. beat fellow 14 year old Caroline And there was success for local Bentley from Yorkshire 21-19,17­ players too, as Andy Creed (Avon) 21,21-12. beat Malcolm Corking, (England No.1 Veteran) in the Mixed Singles Class II Final. (Class II is restricted to Men ranked not higher than 50 in

34 ':~ ',~ ('.' --- : '," ' ' .' : :'.\ :. ',' ' ',', ',:\ ,'.

~..:,:.'\~.~...... -'\ :.~.~l"''':\ij.:'::'' . _.... \~· ..,:I:;·...... ~, ~....-'.(~~~~I)..t

Sponsors of Alan Cooke the England No. 1

Pneumatically Operated Valves Pneumatically operated angle seat valves, gate valves, 2­ way and 3-way ball valves in brass and Top: Julie Langdon (right) of Sun Life Assurance, presenting the winner's stainless steel. Sizes 3 cheque and medal to Clare Pengelly. winner of the Cadet Girl's Singles, G /a" to 4"single and Bottom: John Lewis, Promotions Officer of Sun Life Assurance, with double acting. Teresa Moore (left) and her partner. Jill Harris. winners of the Ladies Doubles,

RESULTS

Under 12 Girls Singles Class II Mixed Singles Shelly Ruocco (Essex) Andrew Creed (Avon) R-U Clare Newns (Wirral) R-U Malcolm Corking Under 12 Boys Singles (Cleveland) Vince Avery (Essex) Veterans Singles Final R-U Kevin Doyle (Sussex) John Hilton (Lanes) Ball Valves Under 14 Girls Singles R-U Malcolm Corking Lever operated ball Clare Pengelly (Devon) Womens Doubles valves in brass, R-U Lynsey Heyward (Devon) Theresa Moore (Sussex)!Jill stainless steel, carbon Under 14 Boys Singles Harris (Staffs) steel and cast iron. Full Richard Hyacinth (Middx) R-U Jane Barella (Surrey)! bore, sizes GIla" to 6" R-U James Mason (Bucks) Sandra Roden (Worcs) Under 17 Girls Singles Womens Singles Nicola Meddings (Staffs) Jill Harris (Staffs) R-U Caroline Bentley (Yorks) R-U Kubrat Owolabi (Nigeria) Just part of our range of valves Under 17 Girls Doubles Mens Doubles Lisa Crick (Berks)!Laura Andrew Eden (Lancs)!Richard and pneumatic components. Collier (Glam) Darnell (Essex) Fully illustrated catalogue and R-U Clare Pengelly (Devon)! R-U John Holland (Derbyshire)! price list available on request. Lynsey Heyward (Devon) Kevin Satchell (Wiltshire) Under 17 Boys Singles Mens Singles Automatic Valve Systems Ltd., Andrew Eden (Lanes Bradley Billington (Derbyshire) Thomas Industrial Park, R-U Raymond Powell (Glouc) R-U Matthew Syed (Berks) Watling Street, Under 17 Boys Doubles Nuneaton, Martin Adams (Berks)/Matthew Warwickshire CV11 6BQ Greenwood (Bucks) Tel: 0203 374114 R-U Andrew Eden (Lancs)!Keith Buers (Essex) Telex: 317307 (AVS G) Fax: 0203 347520 35 ~, .~\ ,:<~~ ':'::~'. ~:.' ~~~~"'~WV;:'~~';~ :'~'~::.·s~::.<~,~,~:~,:.} ·,,~\!tr~ ., .l,:j :'11~'.': . :'_"I~ ';~f''.}.J~--' '.:-'i, , d;.L~-" ~:.tr'1A('.'Il~L~~·!~1'.l!U;:I'. . ' ~~ ...,~tIJ,. '~-;.J.;!_,Ji~ _ -!'t·J. .:~~~ Forvvard Trust

Forward Trust Irish Junior Open Irish Junior Open (April 1990), English contingent by IAN JOHNSON with tournament sponsor. (Left to Right) Emese KOllasz. Duncan Taylor, Midland Bank Representat­ ive. Ian Johnson, Sarah Seaholme. THE Development Dynamos team consisting of four English players, Duncan Taylor, Sarah Sea­ Diccon Gray (Photo: Allan 1. holme, Emese Kottasz, and Ian Johnson visited Mayfield Leisure Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland McCullough) for the Irish Open.

We were under the supervision of Diccon Gray (E.T.T.A. Develop­ ment Officer), who immediately proved his worth by the excellent choice of name! We arrived at 1.00pm on Friday April 6th to be greeted with a warm welcome from the Irish contingent, then to find we were shortly to play in the team event. Both teams got off to a good start with the boys having a 5-0 win over Scotland 'B' without dropping a set, and the girls also winning 5-0 over Ulster. The girls narrowly lost their two remaining matches against Wales and Ireland 'A' to finish a creditable third place, each receiv­ ing a bronze medal. The boys lost 3­ I to Ireland 'B' in the semis after a good start from Duncan, who went 17-0 up against the Irish number 3 junior, eventually winning in the third. In the third and fourth play­ offs the boys team won 3-1 against Ireland 'A' with two wins from Ian over the Irish I and 2 juniors. Saturday commenced with the singles at 9.30, with Sarah doing well to reach the girls final, smartly disposing of the number I seed along the way, only to lose to Wales's Laura Collier in the final. Emese finished third, easily beating the Irish number 2 in the quarters. Duncan lost in the last 16 and Ian D. Duffy Homefires finished 5th after losing to the Irish number 2 in the quarters, but beat­ ing the Irish number 3 & 4juniors in Ladies Handicap the play-offs. Both doubles pairs did well to get to the semis but lost by JOHN CUNNINGHAM after two close games. Sec. O.L.O.P.T.T. The team was most impressed by the Irish hospitality and the accom­ modation provided. The playing OUR Lady of Peace Community ever in the final playoff Karen's ex­ conditions were good but the um­ Centre hosted the finals of the perience told and she overcame piring was a little indifferent at Ladies 'Bounce into Action' Table Caroline in a close contest. times! Tennis Tournament. The event was The winner received a trophy and The tournament was thoroughly sponsored by D. Duffy - Home­ cheque presented by Declan Duffy enjoyed by everyone, although we fires of Woodley, The tournament of Homefires Woodley. Caroline must admit there was not much was organised to attract new­ also received a cheque for second sleep on the last night, which was comers, and those who used to play, place and the three newcomers will "just not on" according to Steven back to table tennis. have their league registrations paid Gill from Wales!! Three newcomers reached the for the next season by the club. Many thanks to the Irish for the finals, along with local league play­ Ladies and others interested in invitation and the opportunity ers, Karen Slatford (scratch) and playing table tennis at any level are which the team considered to be an Caroline Goatley (+5). Lorraine welcome to attend practice sessions excellent experience. Williams (+ 16) Nina Doddey (+ 16) on Sundays lla.m. - 2p.m. or on and Helen Goatley (+ II) made the Friday evenings - family table ten­ seasoned players fight all the way. nis 8p.m. - 10p.m. at our Lady of Caroline Goatley came top in the Peace Community Centre, Earley, Round Robin stage with Karen Reading. Slatford just edging out the three newcomers for second place. How·

36 OBITUARY Dissolution of the A Tribute to Rod Marchant the Atherstones International Club by RON CRAYDON THE tragic death of Rod Marchant in a road accident, by LAURIE LANDRY THE names of Doris and Bob brought sadness to all who knew Atherton will mean little to the Formerly Hon Secretary of International Club him as a table tennis player and players of today, as they were of a true gentleman of the sport. SADLY the International Table Tennis Club of England has another generation and neither With his father Ken a corner­ folded up. Unfortunately, due to lack of interest, no activity ofany reached an international level of stone of both the Wellingbor­ sort has been undertaken during the past two years. play. Essentially however, they ough League and the Northants were table tennis people, those Fired by the enthusiasm of Geoff Club Trophy', presented at the Eng­ indefinable enthusiasts who give County Association, and also a Harrower and a few others, the club lish Junior Open for the Boys' National Councillor, it was not up a large part of their lives for was formed in 1964, following Team Event. In addition, since the sport they love and for the surprising that Rod made an meetings held up and down the 1974, the 'Geoff Harrower Trophy immediate impact when he first benefit of others. Sadly they are country. Geoff was the first Hon has been awarded each year (until now no longer with us, as on the played in the Wellingborough Secretary and the Chairman until 1986), to someone who has made a League at the age of thirteen. morning of Saturday, 21st his death in 1972. Brian Wright was significant contribution to Table April, Doris, the remaining His total commitment enab­ the first Treasurer and he remained Tennis. led him to obtain success wher­ partner, passed away. Her hus­ in this position right to the end and One of the Club's main activities band Bob had died six months ever he played, and he was Hon Ivor Montagu was our has been the organisation of the Northants' No.1 for six seasons, earlier from the degenerative President. 'Hard Rubber Bat Open'. This took Alzheimer's disease. The strain before moving south to gain Membership of the Club was place at the Barnet Table Tennis many further successes in the of nursing him for a I~ng pen~d open to players who had rep­ Centre a total of 16 consecutive Willesden and Medway obviously affected, Dons s resented England in a Senior or a times from 1971/72 season until Leagues. health and hastened her own Junior International match and for­ 1986/87. This was always a most Of quiet disposition, Rod death. eign internationals were also popular event. always let his bat do the talking, In table tennis circles, men­ eligible to join if they lived in Eng­ According to the rules of the and the results he achieved bear tion of the Putney Table Tennis land. At one time the Club had well Club, its remaining funds went to testimony to his tremendous Club kindles up fond memories over 150 members and even at the the English Table Tennis Assoc­ ability and his reputation as the as it was possibly the finest club end there were over 125 members. iation. Out of this money, a certain best player ever to emerge from of its kind to be found in the The main function of the Club sum went to the County Champion­ the Wellingborough scene. South of England. It was a was to further the sport of Table ships (Veterans) for purchase of a The Northants County Com­ mecca for players of varying Tennis in any way. This was done Trophy and also to the English mittee extends its deepest con­ talents; beginners came to learn, very often by playing challenge Schools Table Tennis Association dolences to Rod's wife Mary, club players came to let off matches and partaking in demon­ for the same purpose. Out of the and his family. steam and internationals came strations to the benefit of an event rest, a donation was given to the D. W. MILLMAN regularly to practice and to or to celebrate an anniversary. No Barnet Table Tennis Centre for all County Press Officer compete in week-end tourna­ charge was ever made with only their help and work with regard to ments. It was the nearest thing basic expenses expected. Help was the Hard Rubber Bat Open. The to a National Centre. It was the also given to young players to help residue, which amounts to some­ brainchild of the Athertons and A GENEROUS them gain playing experience in the thing over £300, goes to the ETTA in my opinion their abiding English Junior Open and the Eng­ Ivor Montagu Fund which is appro­ epitaph. OFFER FROM lish Junior Closed. The Club was priately for development of the In her younger days Doris LORUS also the donor of the 'International Juniors. was a regular tournament player and was particularly effective at SPORTS clubs can apply to Lorus doubles, in fact the first Open Quartz for watches as competiton mixed doubles I ever won, was prizes in return for programme For further details, please Bon Voyage, with Doris as my partner. Much publicity or perimeteradvertising at contact: Mrs. Renske Mann, PR as she liked to play, she also eVents. The watches will be consultant to Lorus Quartz, Christine! found time to work administra­ provided in advance once the Mathews & Mann Ltd., 129 tively for Surrey County and al­ promotion and competition format Portland Road, London W II FOR seventeen years Mrs ways encouraged the up and has been agreed. 4LW, telephone 071 - 727 7198 Christine Wilkes worked as coming. Recently, I had a tele­ Secretary to the General phone call from former inter­ Secretary of the ETTA at national, Peggy Piper, who told Hastings Head Office, but on 28 me that Doris had been a table March there was a tearful farewell tennis foster mother to her. She as she finally decided to call it a not only joined Peggy to her day. All the tears however were Club, but gave her practice reg­ on the faces of her colleagues, ularly and took her around the notably Albert Shipley; Christine tournament circuit. The greatest was as full of smiles as she has sacrifice she made was purpose­ been on every day of her working ly standing down from a County life. match to allow Peggy to play. Christine has decided to take an Doris was that kind ofa person. early (very early) 'retirement' to She will be fondly remem­ spend more time with husband bered by all who knew her and John who is doing the same. So a most of all by the table tennis leaving present of two luxury gar­ fraternity of the post-war den loungers, from the officers and period. staff of the ETTA, was much appreciated and will probably take a severe beating during the Wilkes' always been a great fan of Table The picture shOll'S tll'O smart. yet functionalll'atches by Loms Quartz. The prolonged travels around Europe Tennis and has promised to join the oblong ladies' lI'atch has a II'hite dialll'ith R0';lan numerals and a black with their caravan over the next few local 'Bounce into Action' scheme strap. lr costs around £24.99. The round man S lI'atch has tradmonal black Arabic figures on a II'hite dial. In belll'een the rnner and outer track are months. at the Hastings Leisure Centre, so featured the degrees of a circle. The watch has black leaf shaped hour and Christine's exceptional efficiency all connections with the sport will minute hands and a red second hand. It has a stitched tan strap and costs and cool, calm charm will be greatly not be severed. Goodbye Chris and around £26.99. (From jewellers throughout the UK) missed by all her colleagues. She has happy travelling.

37 quarters, where Sally Weston (Sussex) won a battle royal with Eastern Magic Susan Butler (Devon) deuce in the third. The Final was closely fought, with Kathy winning by some very odd scores. at Brentvvood On the Sunday where an early shock was the Round I exit of Kevin by ALAN SHEPHERD Satchell (Wilts) ranked 14, to the aforesaid Grant Solder. The remaining seeds by and large got THE International Hall at the Brentwood Centre on the evening ofApril 15th was the scene ofanother through to their appointed spots, spectacular exhibition of the skills of Chen Xinhua as he captured the Men's Singles title and the £400 leaving Chen to play Steve Dorking first prize. Matthew Syed played the supporting role and was gallant in defeat, extending the former in one semi-final and Nicky Mason World No.4 in the first game, but crushed in the second. You only have to look around at the faces in to play Matthew Syed in the other. the packed auditorium, all smiling and happy, to realise that we have in our midst a wonderful enter­ tainer. Since the dayS of our own Chester Barnes there has been nobody with the charisma of Chen in table tennis and in a short time he has become a much loved character. If the politicians of our sport decide that he cannot lead our England team once he has qualified under the I.T.T.F. residential rule, then we will be the poorer for it. Thanks to the wonderful venue available for this tournament, the generous main sponsorship of Barclays Bank, and the superb organisation by Dick Roffe and his Committee, this was a most memorable week-end. The players who took part and the many specta­ tors will no doubt marvel at the fact that Essex was nearly reduced to 2 Star status while an existing 2 Star event became a 5 Star. Unfortunat­ ely no representative of the English Table Tennis Association attended on an official basis, and it was left to our good friend Stuart Sneyd to make the long journey down from Oldham at our invitation. We were very grateful for this. The European Championship had, of course, prevented Carl, Des, Skylet and Cookie from taking part and it was only left for us to receive the information from an unofficial source i.e. not the E.T.T.A, after the draw had been made that the E.T.T.A. were sending our No.4 and 5 seeds, Bradley Billington and Chris Oldfield, to some event in Saudi Arabia. I know that the Top: Ladies Singles Winner - Carol Giles, Runner-up - Joanne Shaw. Bottom: Men's Singles Semi-Finalist ­ Chairman will say that it was one of Steve Dorking (Photos: Richard & Valerie Roffe) the world's top National Opens, but can this sort of thing really be justi­ fied when Organisers go out oftheir way to secure major sponsorships? Going back to the beginning, on Saturday, it was then that the Class 2 Singles were played. There was a huge entry in the Men's event and it was good to, see an Essex junior, Grant Solder, reach the Final, with wins over his old rival Damian Holland and the very good Avon player, Andy Creed (winner of the Wiltshire Class 2 event). His opponent in the Final was that hardy campaigner from Kent, Joe Kennedy, who ousted his County colleague Paul Rainsford in a tough semi-final. The Final itself was not without its controversial moments, but the greater experience of Joe just saw him home. In the female department the Final was contested by two juniors, Kathy Goodall from Yorkshire and Sara Williams from Middlesex. Our own Ruth Cleminson had a great win over Sue Collier (Berks) in the

38 In the Women's Singles Joanne Final Shaw (Yorks) had a big win over Joanne Shaw (Y)/Juliet NO.1 seed Jill Harris (Staffs) by a Houghton (K) bt Jill Hlfrris heart-stopping 23121 in the third. (St)/Carol Giles (Dv) -II, 14, 20 This got her into the Final where Men's Class 2 Singles she faced Carol Giles (Devon) the Semi Finals semi-final conqueror of Julie Joe Kennedy (K) bt Paul Billington (Derby), seeded No.2 Rainford (K) 20, -20, 15 The biggest cheer of the after­ Grant Solder (E) bt Andy Creed noon went up when the Veteran's (Av) 19, II Singles was won by the ever popular Henry Buist (Kent) against the Final jovial Lancastrian, John Hilton. I Joe Kennedy (K) bt Grant Solder believe that John had not lost in a 3 (E) -16, 17; 19 Star veteran's event prior to this. Women's Class 2 Singles The Men's Doubles had to be Semi Finals revamped a bit when the absence of Sara Williams (Mx) bt Ruth Bradley and Chris for the said Cleminson (E) 13, 13 reasons, and of Glenn Baker for Kathy Goodall (Y) bt Sally reasons unknown, were noted. As a Weston (Sx) 19,9 result Jimmy Stokes switched to Final play with Sean Gibson and this Kathy Goodall (Y) bt Sara scratch pair proceeded to reach the Williams (Mx) -18, 4, 17 Final, thanks to wins over Andrew Eden/Richard Darnell by -IS, IS, Veterans Singles 19 and over Paul Giles/Paul Semi Final Henry Buist (K) bt John Taylor Whiting by 10, -15, 20. The bottom Men's Singles Winner, Chen (He) 20, -19, 15 half winners were Chen/Syed, who Xinhua. Runner-up, Matthew Syed. RESULTS John Hilton (La) bt Derek got there by beating Steve Presentation by Mr. P. Ward, Holman (Sy) 16, -19, 19 Dorking/John Hilton by -22, 14, Regional Public Relations Manager 20! Mens Singles Final The Women's Doubles was a Quarter Finals Henry Buist (K) bt John Hilton more sedate affair with no matches his partner, and Jimmy Stokes/­ Chen Xinhua (Y) bt Andrew (La) -12, 13, 15 Sean Gibson, their opponents, also all that close and the No.1 seeded Cunningham (K) 10, 10 pair of Jill Harris/Carol Giles contributed to the fun. The Chair­ Steve Dorking (E) bt Ritchie reaching the Final. The No.2 seeds, man is certainly right about doubles Venner (Sx) 13, 14 however, Debbie Toole/Julie being enjoyable to .play in and Matthew Syed (Bk) bt Sean Billington lost to the unseeded watch, if this match was anything to Gibson (La) II, 15 Caroline Buckley/Joanne Roberts, go by. At one time Chen even tried Nicky Mason (Sy) bt Tony Taylor who in turn lost to Joanne Shaw/­ to con the Umpire into giving his (La) -19, 7, I I side a point in the manner of Juliet Houghton in the semi-final. Semi Finals Purkart in his exhibition matches So to the Final Session, played in Chen Xinhua (Y) bt Steve against Secretin! Despite all the the breathtaking arena specially Dorking (E) 16, II larking about Chen/Matthew constructed by Barclays Bank. All Matthew Syed (Bk) bt Nicky found time to win two straight. the surrounds were sky blue and Mason (Sy) -19, 7, II even the floor was blue - it was To sum up, this was a great Final quite startling. We started off with tournament, possibly the best ever Chen Xinhua (Y) bt Matthew the Men's Semi-Finals, firstly Chen organised in this country, and Essex Syed (Bk) 17,8 -v- Steve Dorking. For a long time have to thank all of their sponsors Steve looked like pulling off a for their generous help, Barclays Womens Singles miraculous victory, hitting a stream already mentioned, but also the Semi Finals of winners past Chen and actually Hilton Hotel Group and Butterfly Joanne Shaw (Y) bt Juliet leading 16-11. Unfortunately for (UK) Limited, without whom none Houghton (K) II, 16 Steve, Chen got a point back then of this would have been possible. Carol Giles (Dv) bt Julie and must have decided that enough Billington (Dy) 10, 19 was enough, because he proceeded Final to steamroller all over Steve, with Carol Giles (Dv) bt Joanne Shaw the result shown below. (Y) 14, -14, 18 Nicky versus Matthew was a very The ETTA was, in fact, represented Men's Doubles exciting match as it always is by Stuart Sneyd (mentioned in the Semi Finals between these two. It was in fact a article), Chris Wright, Vice-Chair­ Jimmy Stokes (Bk)/Sean Gibson repeat of last year's final, which man Competitions, both members of (La) bt Paul Giles/Paul Whiting Nicky won. This time, however, it the Management Committee and (Dv) 10, -IS, 20 was not to be, and although Nicky Development Officer Diccon Gray. Chen Xinhua (Y)/Matthew Syed just won the first game, it was President, Chairman and Deputy (Bk) bt Nicky Mason (Sy)/Joe Matthew who secured the next two. Chairman were, of course, in Goth­ Kennedy (K) 14, 15 I have described the Final earlier, enburg. Nevertheless the ETTA was represented by three well known Final but all three men's matches were members. The complaint, if that is Chen Xinhua (Y)/Matthe~ Syed great to watch, and were generously what it is, seems difficult to under­ applauded by the large crowd. stand. (Bk) bt Jimmy Stokes (Bk)/Sean Bradley Billington and Chris Old­ Gibson (La) 15, 13. The Women's Doubles Final field decided to accept the invitation Women's Doubles came next and, like most women's mentioned. That is entirely their Semi Finals doubles ended at deuce in the third. decision. It is a free country. Jill Harris (St)/Carol Giles (Dv) It could have gone either way, but Similarly, it was the decision of Essex to stage the event during the bt Jane Barella (Sy)/Sandra Joanne and Juliet were the eventual European Championships which, as Roden (Wo) -22, 12, 13 winners. stated, deprived the tournament of a Joanne Shaw (Y)/Juliet The Men's Doubles Final was number ofleading players. An altern­ Houghton (K) bt Caroline extremely entertaining as it had to ative date was deemed too late in the Buckley (Bd)/Joanne Roberts (Y) be with Chen playing, but Matthew, season. - Ed. 13,14

39 The Concorde Trophies Tournament

THE Concorde Trophies Classified Tournament held over the weekend of March 3rd and 4th proved successful lady beating c1ubmate to be a successful venture for adifferent format with the priority being on a large number of matches for Tracey Garratt to win the Class 2 all competitors. Ladies Singles and was only denied a second title in the Ladies Doubles The tournament held on a on duty proved to be the ever faith­ hurdle whilst further success came final when Leamington's duo of ful Chris Leach of Birmingham Saturday for junior players limited for the Maidstone based players as Emma Gibb and Vicky Clark saved winning the Class 4 Mixed Singles contestants to a maximum of two young Rachel Wooliven won the five match points against Marshall events but in each event players at the expense of Sheffield's Alan Consolation Event at Cadet Girls and Garratt before clinching were drawn into groups of five with Battye and beating Stockport's Bob level. victory. Moores to win the final of the Class the players finishing first ami Meanwhile on the boys side the An innovation, an enjoyable second qualifying for the knock out home club gained success as Mat­ 2 Men's Singles whilst pairing up weekend with the pressure off and with c1ubmate Simon Upson to win section and players in third and thew Brown won the Junior Boys most certainly worthy of a repeat. fourth place entering the con­ Singles conquering Leamington's the Men's Doubles. solation knock out event. The Damon Fenton at the final hurdle Meanwhile Grove's Claire Mar­ system reversed the conventional whilst an all Grove final saw the shall proved to be the most tournament where only one player talented Adrian Cadman beat qualifies in this case only one player Robert Rowson to clinch the Under is eliminated and everybody plays 12 Boys event in style. However the at least four matches per event. role of runner-up had to be the lot in RESULTS - FINALS Class II Junior Team Event The most successful junior player the remaining boys events as the Class II Men's Singles Scott Rotherham (Rotherham) & proved to be Wolverhampton's impressive Bradford boy Mark Chris Leach (Birmingham) bt Paul Smith (Harrogate) bt Sarah Brabazon who won both the Smith beat Grove's Paul Tomlinson Marcus Horth (Camberley) 11;12 Matthew Brown & Matthew girls singles and cadet girls singles with the Junior Team Event going Class II Ladies Singles Alexander (Grove) 2;1 with Grove's Tracey Garratt and the way of the White Rose duo of Claire Marshall (Grove) bt Tracey Class II Cadet Boys' Singles Wakefield's Sian Jenkins the beaten Scott Rotherham and Paul Smith Garratt (Grove) 15; 14 Mark Smith (Bradford) bt Paul finalists. However there was to be over Matthew Brown and Matthew Class III Mixed Singles Tomlinson (Grove) -12;16;17 success for Miss Jenkins in the Alexander of Grove. Alan Battye (Sheffield) bt Bob Class II Boys' Cadet Singles: Con F: Under 12 final where she accounted In the Senior Events held on Moores (Stockport) 11;7 Graham Long (Bristol) bt Danny for Kent's Ann Smith at the final Sunday the most successful player Class IV Mixed Singles Harris (Wrexham) 16;17 Chris Leach (Birmingham) bt Class II Cadet Girls' Singles Alan Battye (Sheffield) 17;22 Sarah Brabazon (Wolves) bt Sian Class II Men's Doubles Jenkins (Leeds) 6;13 Chris Leach & Simon Upson Class II Cadet Girls' Singles: Con F: STOP PRESS. STOP PRESS. (Birmingham) bt Marcus Horth Rachel Woollven (Maidstone) bt (Camberley) & Damon Fenton Kerry' Hogarth (Glouc) 18;22 England Excel in World Team Cup (Leamington) 14;12 Class II U.12 Boys Singles Class II Ladies Doubles Adrian Cadman (Grove) bt As we go to press the inaugural TSP World Team Cup has just finished Vicky Clark & Emma Gibb Robert Rowson (Grove) 19;11 in Japan, a full report will be featured in the October issue. Ted (Leamington) bt Claire Marshall Class II U.12 Boys Singles: Con F: . Wallbutton has been recording daily progress on the Table Tennis & Tracey Garratt (Grove) Jamie Day (Glouc) bt Matthew Information Line (0898-884418) and gives a short summary on the -15;16;20 Carlton (Burton) 18;20;17 action as received on the hotline from Japan. Class II Boys' Singles Class II U.12 Girls Singles England had an outstandingly successful campaign in the first ever Sian Jenkins (Leeds) bt Ann World Team Cup, sponsored by TSP, in Japan. They started play in a Matthew Brown (Grove) bt Damon Fenton (Leamington) Smith (Maids) 17;17;14 group of four at Aomori in the North of the country with the new Class II U.12 Girls Singles: Con.F: Swaythling Cup format being operated; a three man team, two men -17;15;12 Class II Boys' Singles: Con F: Michelle Hogarth (Glouc) bt Jade each playing one singles and the doubles and one man playing two Stuteley (Maidstone) 14;16 singles. Chinese Taipei and Canada were both despatched 3 - 0 to Simon Rabone (Wolves) bt Stuart ensure that England went on to the next stage but the match against McIntyre (Sheffield) 16;18 Sweden decided who headed the group and drew a runner-up from Class II Girls' Singles another. Sweden ran out 3-1 winners but not before 34 year old Sarah Brabazon (Wolves) bt Desmond Douglas had beaten Jorgen Persson 21/14, 16121, 22/20. Tracey Garratt (Grove) 15;18 The teams flew off South, 700 miles to Osaka, for the quarter­ finals where England avoided China and North Korea in the draw and faced their hosts, Japan. The match took 3V2 hours with England winning 3 - I. Chen Xinhua kept his unbeaten record in the event by overcoming Matsushita and 1979 World Champion Ono, but Ono at 35 years of age was still able to beat Alan Cooke. The new doubles pairing of Cooke and Douglas clinched victory with a win over Matsushita and Yamamoto. So England were in the semi-finals and now faced ... Sweden, yet again. This time there was no victory. Chen took a game from Waldner and the Cooke/Douglas pairing took Waldner/Appelgren to three but Desmond went down in two straight to Persson and England had to be content with a bron~e medal. Put out by Sweden as they had been in the European Championships. No disgrace to lose to the World Champions, but a disappointment nevertheless. And magic Sweden did it again. China beat off North Korea in their semi-final and went two up against Sweden but then Waldner, Appclgren and Persson turned on the power and clinched the title 3 - 2. The new playing format was claimed to be particularly suited to the Asian doubles strength, but even in Asia the Swedes dominated. Congratulations to Desmond, Alan, Xinhua, Skylet and team manager Donald Parker. It took the World Champions to beat you.

40 Rising Table-Tennis Star Receives An alternative Helping Hand . by DAVID WHITEHEAD view... by KEN MUHR WHEN talented 12 year old table tennis player Darryl Meredith found the financial cost of his England training too much, Cobden Chadwick Limited GRASS roots development has were on-hand with the answer. quite rightly been highlighted as a The Oldham-based manufacturers of printing and converting machinery priority for the ETTA. John and recent winners of the Queen's Award for Export Achievement offered Prean (March edition) has invited Darryl a £450 sponsorship deal to cover the cost of his national coaching. ideas to be put forward regarding Darryl, from Garden Suburbs in Oldham, is unofficially ranked an im­ the proposal that the ETTA's pressive No.2 in the country at under-12 level, and an official No.28 at near £100,000 annual surplus be under-14 level. ploughed back to the member­ Rated very highly by national coaches, Darryl has attended several ship in the form of devetopment training sessions at the England camp in Luton, but the accommodation grants. and travel required by the intensive programme proved to be so costly that Darryl decided to seek support from local companies. It sounds a terrific suggestion, As David Whitehead, Marketing Manager for Cobden Chadwick likely to be popular. Some laudable Limited, explained: schemes will be put forward for "We were very impressed by Darryl's performance, both at local and funding. But I am uneasy. £100,000 national level, not least because he is a highly respected player in age groups is a lot of money for the ETTA, but well above his own. He has obvious potential which we felt deserved can easily be dissipated around the encouragement". country (provided enough suitable Some of Darryl's recent achievements include being runner-up in the schemes are submitted, which is under-12 section of the National Cotswold's competition and winning the doubtful). Certain forward looking Greater Manchester schools under-13 title. localities would benefit, but not necessarily the national health of table tennis. In my (NHS) profes­ sional capacity I have been involved in allocating 'pump priming' grants which I believe have enhanced the health ofa few individuals, but have made little impact on the overall health of the population. •••••••••••••••••••• ~ * THE SUPER DEAL SALE ic :200/0 OFF EVERYTHING IN THE: : "PLAYRITE CATALOGUE" : *CALL FOR YOUR CATALOGUEic * TODAY: 081 399 7417 ic * JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF THE SAVINGS TO BE MADE... ic *ELLGARD ONLY 15.20 MARK V ONLY 14.40 VARlO ONLY 14.40ic ~LOGO L.A. ONLY 12.80 IVL OR IVS ONLY 13.40 KILLTON ONLY 16.00 ~TSP 3 STAR BALLS ONLY 8.1500l NITTAKU WALLETS ONLY 7.20ic : SAVE "POUNDS" TODAY ~ * OFFER ENDS 30TH JUNE 1990 : ******************** 41 Also, the success oflocal schemes is largely dependent on the time, en­ thusiasm and good will of the Chen in Milton Keynes people running them. If this runs out then finance given to a scheme by KEN MUHR will be largely wasted and the pro­ ject may fail. And the monitoring of FORMER Chinese champion Chen Xinhua visited Milton Keynes on Saturday 10th March, to run the schemes is not easy. A.T.C. session at Woughton Campus Leisure Centre. Starting with vigorous warm-ups, Chen concen­ - There is a danger thafmoney may trated on basic stroke technique, footwork (which he considered was the worst aspect of the English not go to areas where it is most game) and multi-ball, giving everyone of the 20 young players present his particular attention. Despite needed - where there is little or no his professed difficulty in speaking English, he had an instant rapport and no obvious difficulty in table tennis activity - as there is no-one in those areas to do the re­ communicating. At the end of the session he answered questions, with the help of his wife Jeanette. questing and organising. It may go Finally, he played an exhibition match with local star/coach John Burleton, a useful warm-up to mainly to areas that are already winning the South of England tournament at Woking the next day! nicely set-up. If the development Chen's charm, patience and enthusiasm, as well as his outstanding skills, won him many admirers in grant idea is pursued, it will be im­ Milton Keynes. He is a fantastic asset to English Table Tennis. portant that strict criteria are laid down so that most money is direct­ Chen coaches Tom Yeates (Photo courtesy: Milton Keynes Citizen) ed to well thought out schemes for priority groups and/or in priority a certain amount of help should be areas. The giving out ofgrants must given to servicinithe needs oflocal­ not become just a political ploy to ities which are already well organ­ impress that the ETTA is doing ised. On the 'cascade' principle something for the membership. much of their time would be spent However, I would seriously providing the professional back-up question whether these grants are to workers (particularly coaches the most effective way of spending and organisers) in the field, recruit­ the money. Better to fund a few ing, training, advising, supporting pilot projects only, and then dis­ and encouraging them, and under­ seminate the results (of success or taking the kind of work that part­ failure) so that there can be replic­ timers cannot (for lack of time, con­ ation elsewhere and lessons fidence or expertise) do. learned. One of these three employees The basic problem at local level is should have a specific brief for pro­ that there are too few workers, and moting female participation which throwing money at local leagues has reached crisis levels as high­ won't help much in this respect, lighted by the excellent 'Women in though it can buy equipment and Table Tennis' movement. facilities. What is needed is more Rather than giving out grants it­ workers to be brought into the self, the ETTA and its develop­ game, and more support and en­ ment/coaching officers would be couragement for those that are ac­ assisting leagues in putting together tive. My immediate thoughts are to applications for grants and direct­ propose appointing three new ing them to other agencies such as members of staff, either coaches regional/local branches of the with a development brief or devel­ Sports Council, local authorities opment officers with a coaching and sometimes local trusts, com­ brief (I won't debate here which I panies or health authorities etc. that think is preferable) at a running collectively have far more funds cost including on-costs of say available. I know that multi-agency £50,000 gross per annum. Part of matched funding is the 'in' thing at this expense would be defrayed by present but the ETTA must priorit­ income generation, and the salaries ise how it spends its limited re­ could also be included in a submis­ sources and being one of the agen­ sion to the Sports Council for a pro­ cies contributing to local projects is and maintaining the general stand­ Finally, this year may have been gramme grant. But because the staf­ not the most effective way. And if ard of County, British League and an exceptional one for ETTA for­ fing costs would be on-going, the the ETTA is so rich and benevolent tournament play - the pool of tunes. If so, it might be prudent to ETTA would have to budget for in giving away money, might not ranked players - in which the leave a small sum in reserve for a them annually. Job security and the Sports Council and potential future international players can 'rainy day'. satisfactiori~ould be essential to national sponsors be less inclined to develop. That the ETTA should be To sum up, although I consider ensure that there was not a regular direct funds its way? considering abrogating its respon­ that giving away local development loss of valuable skills, knowledge Further, I would question sibility for maintaining a national grants appears a praiseworthy idea and experience owing to staff leav­ whether all the £ 100,000 should be network of centres of excellence is a and would be of some benefit, on ing. spent on grass roots development disgrace! - particularly at a time analysis more effective ways can be Joining the commendable but - particularly at a time when the when it has a healthy surplus and in found to spend the £100,000 avail­ over-stretched Diccon Gray and re­ ETTA is apparently cutting back the "absence of a public debate on able. (A few pilot projects only lieving the Parkers to some extent, funding to centres ofexcellence, the the subject. To suggest that centres might be supported - if the ETTA the efforts of these new staff mem­ junior top twenty tournament and should be largely self sufficient and had much more money to play with bers would be targeted (but not ex­ possibly even training camps! to leave it to chance whether and I might think differently). I propose clusively) at developing and in­ Should not our gifted young play­ where they are set up (by go-ahead employing more coaching/devel­ creasing participation in areas (or ers, the stars of the future, be given local schemes perhaps with the help opment officers, maintaining/in­ sections of society) of low or no ac­ the necessary recognition, encour­ of development grants), is to deny creasing support for developing tivity. Thus their function would be agement and opportunity to flour­ opportunities to many talented 'gifted' players and possibly keep­ much more closely defined than ish and prosper at their chosen youngsters. The situation is bad ing a small sum in reserve for hard that previously for staff coaches, sport? More money should go this enough as it is. The ETTA must times. There may be other priorities with specific objectives to be way. have a national coherent strategy or such as supporting 'fringe' and achieved. They would be more pro­ Centres of excellence not only plan for developing all levels of international players. What active (initiating work) than react­ help create international players table tennis and not lea ve most of it suggestions do readers have? ive (responding to demand), though but they also assist in building up to fortuitous local arrangements.

42 - I. • ~ " I . . " . ,j.. . IJ ., , " • '. - "':'".l' .,1: ," , . t ': ."' _:

CADET EVENTS Boys Singles Yorkshire Semi-Finals Edward Hatley (Sy) bt'Darren Blake (Sy) 13, 18; Alex Perry (Dv) bt Kevin Hodg­ Junior Select son (Cu) 22, 15. Final by REA BALMFORD Hatley bt Perry 13, 18. Boys Doubles Perry/Blake bt Tal Fuchs/Ham THE last major Junior Open tournament ofthe season, the popular Yorkshire Junior Select at Halifax, Shafir (Israel) 17, 19. produced its usual quota of surprise results but, in the end, it was the 'big guns' who came through to Girls Singles take the honours. Sally Marling bt Clare Pengelly (Dv) 8, 14. Eight of the ten titles went to the As in the Junior event, the seeds JUNIOR EVENTS Girls Doubles top seeds, the only two to 'escape' took some heavy knocks in the early Boys Singles being in the two Boys Doubles rounds of the Cadet Boys singles Semi-Finals Tamar Connolly (La)/Sally Mar­ events, while on the Girls' side each with Darren Lindley, Ryan Savill, Andrew Eden (La) bt Peter ling bt Jennifer Coleman/Claire of the winners - Ellen Meddings Jonathon Cowan, Adrian Vincent Bowler (Bd) 8, 12; Rowlands (E) 7, 13. (Junior) and Sally Marling (Cadet) and Jeremy Hazlehurst all taking Gary Knights (St) bt Gareth UNDER 12 EVENTS - added a second victory when their leave in Round I and Andrew Jones (Y) 16, -14, 16. Boys Singles they shared wins in the doubles fin­ Nicholls surviving only one further Final Steven Meddings (Wa) bt Vincent als with Alison Gower and Tamar outing. Eden bt Knights 10,8. Avery (E) 14, 20. Connolly respectively. Among those coming through at Boys Doubles Girls Singles In the Junior Boys Singles no less the expense of the nominated play­ Colin Bowler (Bd)/Cris Sladden Nicola Massingham (Li) bt than five of the players in the 9-16 ers were two talented young Israe­ (E) bt Eden/Keith Buers (E) 15, Joanne Barham (K) -12,11, 17, bracket had had their interest in the lis, Han Shafir and Tal Fuchs, who 15. event ended by the close of Round 2 eventually fell to the highly ranked Girls Singles and, with neither Grand Solder (2) Hatley and Kevin Hodgson. But Ellen Meddings (Y) bt Sally Mar­ nor James Oyekunle making the form took over in the end with Hat­ ling (Y) -19, 18, 16. journey to West Yorkshire, the ley and Alex Perry getting the better Girls Doubles opportunity was there for the lesser of Darren Blake and Kevin Hodg­ Meddings/Alison Gower (E) bt lights to shine. son, the two players in the middle of Joanna Roberts (Y)/Caroline 'Giant killers' were Cris Siadden, the draw, and Hatley the winner in Buckley (Bd) 13, 13. who put out Matthew Greenwood, straight sets. Edward Hatley (Kieron Dabbs) and No such problems with the Girls Ian Johnson (Wallace Mahaffey), where the only hiccup was the dis­ all at the first time of asking, while missal of Michelle Martin by Tracy Keith Buers (Barry Forster) and Garrett and, in the absence of top Steve Coverdale (Martin Adams) seed Nicola Deaton, Sally Marling continued the mayhem in Round 2. came through the event without the First to take advantage of the de­ loss of a game to overcome Clare ETTA National Club mise of the seeds was Gareth Jones Pengelly in the final. who, after winning through his The Under 12 events brought the Championships group, took the place which should expected wins for Steve Meddings have gone to Oyekunle, came past and Nicola Massingham, but the DORIS L MOORS Howard Whewell and lined up doubles event provided plenty of Competition Secretary against No.3 seed Leigh Jeffries in problems for referee Bevan Walker the quarters. - why do players enter and then A thriller went the way of Jones walk out - usually without bother­ Ormesby Cup Results - Quarter Finals in an advantage third game, but ing to inform control? Also is the Zones 1 & 2 that was the end of the road for the undertaking signed by the player on Leeds (Yorks Bank) bt Liverpool (Colonsay) 5-2 Yorkshire boy, for the final place the entry worth the paper on which opposite Andrew Eden (who had it is written? One or two good per­ Zones 4 & 6 come through without the loss of a formances, particularly in the Guildford (Burymead) given W/0 by Kings Lynn game and never conceded more Cadet Boys Doubles - Shafir and Zones 3 & 5 than 30 points in any match) went Fuchs made the final, having over­ Willesden (Apollo) given W/O by Birmingham to Garry Knights. come Richard Tilley - Paul Tom­ (Handsworth Victoria) The boy from Burton had moved linson, who had themselves shot out smoothly into the slot allocated to Devonians Adrian Vincent ­ Zones 7 & 8 Solder as he came past first Jason Jonathan May; Meddings - Philip North Middlesex (Ellenborough) bt Plymouth Bamford in two close games and Neal applied the chop to top seeds (Underground Hair) 5-2 then Jones at 16 in the decider, but Hodgson - Siadden; and in the Semi-Finals to be played by 29.4.90 (no extensions) he proved no match for Eden, who Cadet Girls Doubles Jennifer Cole­ Leeds v Willesden ' completed his straight sets romp man - Claire Rowlands came through the event 10, 8. through the half from which Deat­ Guildford v North Middlesex The pattern was much more sim­ on - Martin han pulled out. GAINSFORD CUP ple in the Junior Girls singles with Zone Final only Sarah Creasey's tight three set Stockport (Vymura) bt Liverpool (Colonsay) 5-3 victory over 4th seed Alison Gower in the quarters disrupting the plan­ Semi-Final ned course .of the event. Willesden (Apollo) bt Thames Valley(Graham Spicer) 5-2 The other semi-final Stockport v Grantham to be played The Market Drayton twin went FOUND out to Ellen Meddings, top of the A "gold" wrist watch when by 29.4.90. draw, in three and the Harrogate clearing up after the tourna­ PS There have already been 19 walk-overs in the Ormesby lass, sharper than for some time, ment. Please contact Rea Cup competition so far, could we get through the rest of the took the title as she got the better of Balmford (0482) 821279. Sally Marling, semi-final, winner tournament without any more please? over Joanna Roberts.

43 Dunlop National School Team Championships Finals by DAVID LOMAS

HONOURS were evenly shared when the winners of the Dunlop National School Team Championship Finals, held at Lea Green, Matlock, Derbyshire, on Saturday, March 17th. were determined. LITTLE and LARGE Only one title was sucessfully de­ 6 foot 5 inches Gariba Awudu, Bedfordshire Schools Boys Under-I9 Champion towers over 4 foot 4 inches Anna fended - The Grove School, Mark­ McNarmara, Surrey Schools Girls Under-II Champion. The Tallest and the Shortest, and Oldest (19) and the et Drayton making it three wins on Youngest (9). shortly before the Dunlop English Schools Individual Championships at Mansfield on April 28th. the trot in the Girls' Under-16 (Full report and pictures in October issue of 'Table Tennis News', event, with some comfort. And the multiple challenge' of Parkview School, Barrow-in-Furn­ ness, who fielded teams in four of the eight events, resulted in only one victory - the Boys' Under-13 title - although they finished runners­ up in the other three categories. The finalists had fought their way through qualifying competitions at county, area and regional stages which began in some cases way back in October, 1989. The senior (Under-19) events provided close and exciting finishes. Bedford Modern's Boys quartet of Gariba Awud, James Mason, Marc Mere! and Simon Cox, retrieved a 1­ 3 deficit against Alsager Compre­ hensive to level at 4-4 and give them back the title they won in 1986 and 1987. Peniel Academy, Brentwood, seemingly dead and buried at 1-4 down against holders Kesteven & Grantham Girls, did even better with a tremendous team effort that gave them a winning draw when Ruth Cleminson, beat Catherine May and Jennifer Coleman edged out Catherine Challis within seconds of each other. Whitgift School, Croydon, field­ ing three ex-Cumnor House pupils in Jason Blake, Paul McNamara and Robin Shah, and former Downside player, John Blasco, won the prestigious Boys Under-16 event (for the "Leach-Carrington Trophy") at the first attempt, after a tense struggle against Parkview (Justin Brunton, Kevin Hodgson, Gareth Brunton and Nick Hill), holders of the title. But Cumnor House themselves had to be content With a well-earned victory in the Boys' Under-II event. Their Under-l3's had expected a rough ride - with three players missing on a school cricket tour of Australia - and only number one and England Cadet (Under-14) No. 4, Darren Blake, saved them from a whitewash. Coombeshead School, Newton Abbot, led by Lynsey Heyward, be­ came the first Devon Girls team winners in the 24 years of the championships when they lifted the Girls' Under-13 crown. Archbishop Cranmer CE Middle School, Leeds, were the biggest winners of the day with two 7-1 victories in the Girls' Under-II event.

44 - as yet unexplained - the Irish Girls: fielded five of their eight players Nichola Smith (Archbishop James Tastes which in England would be re­ Cranmer) garded as Under-12's! Nicola Silburn (Archbishop ENGLAND TEAMS: Cranmer) Catherine Corkill (Yarlside Success at Boys: Primary) Tony Hudson (Archbishop Cran­ Rachel Woolven (North Borough mer CE Middle, Leeds) Junior, Maidstone) Danny Fu (Yarlside Primary, Dumfries Barrow-in-Furness) James Furner (Cumnor House, by DAVID LOMAS Croydon) Stephen Clayton (Dronfield Junior)

RESULTS FROM LEA GREEN: Boys' Ul9 1. Bedford Modern School (Bedfordshire) 2. Burton Technical College (Staffordshire) 3. Alsager Comprehensive School (Cheshire) Bedford Modern 5 Burton 3 Burton 6, Alsager 2 Alsager .4 Bedford Modern 4 Girls' UI9 1. Peniel Academy, Brentwood (Essex County) 2. Kesteven & Grantham Girls School (Lincolnshire) 3. Yeovil College (Somerset) Yeovil College 2 Peniel Academy 6 Kesteven & Grantham 5 Yeovil College 3 Peniel Academy 4 Kesteven & Grantham 4 Above: England's VII Boys Team at Dumfries: I to r: Tony Hudson, Boys' UI6 James Furner. Danny Fu and Stephen Clayton. with n.p.c. Martin I. Whitgift School, Croydon (Surrey Metropolitan) Holland. Belo\\': England's VII Girls Team at Dumfries: I to r: Nicola 2. Parkview School, Barrow-in-Furness (Cumbria) Smith, Catherine Corkhill, Alison Woollven. Nicola Silburn (Photos by 3. Mary Webb School, Pontesbury (Shropshire) Marrin Holland) Mary Webb I Whitgift 7 Parkview 8 Mary Webb O Whitgift 6 Parkview 2 Girls' UI6 1. The Grove School, Market Drayton (Shrbpshire) 2. Parkview School, Barrow-in-Furness (Cumbria) 3. Maiden Erlegh School, Reading (Berkshire) Maiden Erlegh 4 Parkview 4 Parkview 2 The Grove 6 The Grove 6 Maiden Erlegh 2 Boys' UB 1. Parkview School, Barrow-in-Burness (Cumbria) 2. Brislington School, Bristol (Avon) 3. Cumnor House School, Croydon (Surrey Metropolitan) Parkview 8 Brislington 0 Brislington 6 Cumnor House 2 Cumnor House 2 Parkview 6 ENGLAND'S teams had early shocks in store for them when they Girls' UB took part in the inaugural British Primary Schools Table Tennis 1. Coombeshead School, Newton Abbot (Devon) 2. Parkview School, Barrow-in-Furness (Cumbria) Championships at Dumfries on April 7th and 8th. 3. The Grove, St. Leonards-on-Sea (East Sussex) The Girls lost their opening Cork in the final, winning21-18, 18­ Coombeshead 8 The Grove 0 match against Ireland 8-2, and the 21. 25-23. having frittered away a The Grove 2 Parkview 6 Boys also crashed out to Ireland by 10-1 lead in the final game, to scrape Parkview 4 Coombeshead 4 an amazing 9-1 scoreline. home in an exciting finale to a Boys' un Both English teams fared much splendid weekend. 1. Cumnor House, Croydon (Surrey Metropolitan) better after lunch when they won And in the Girls Final, Nicola 2. Dronfield Junior School (Derbyshire) comfortably against the Isle ofMan Smith - one of three players in the 3. Holymead Junior School (Avon) and Scotland to both finish as England line-up from the same Dronfield 4 Holymead 4 runners-up to Ireland, followed by school (Archbishop Cranmer CE Holymead 0 Cumnor House 8 Scotland and the Isle of Man in Middle School, Leeds) put up a Cumnor House 6 Dronfield 2 third and fourth spot respectively. brave fight against Michele But it was a different story in the McGreevey of Belfast but went 21­ Girls' un 1. Archbishop Cranmer CE Middle School, Leeds (West Yorkshire) Singles competitions on the 19,21-18. 2. Peniel Academy, Brentwood (Essex County) Sunday, probably as a rest11't of a 3. Woodfield Junior School, Wolverhampton (West Midlands) pep-talk from team captains Bob Whilst the Irish team captains Wood and Martin Holland. were first to acknowledge that pro­ Woodfield 3 Peniel Academy 5 England had three players in the bably the English players were not Archbishop Cranmer 7 Woodfield I Boys semi-finals. Making a the strongest that the ESTTA could Peniel Academy I Archbishop Cranmer 7 nonsence of the rankings, England have selected there was no getting Boys "Best Performance" Award: No.3, James Furner (Cumnor away from the progress that the Paul McNamara (Whitgift School, Croydon) House School, Croydon) beat the Irish have made, even though by Girls "Best Performance" Award Irish No.4, Brian Fitzgerald of some strange administrative quirk Claire Marshall (The Grove, Market Drayton) Goodbye would be the finest table tennis except pleasure. I can, to a large Imagine my consternation on dis­ player who had ever lived. In fact extent, agree with both Mr. Prean's covering what I had taken to be a with Thanks this young man is probably doomed and Mr. Leach's sentiments but childish prank was in fact a serious never to become a champion. Why! cannot help feeling that the attempt to influence the reader It is the time of the year to say Because the odds are stacked far too E.T.T.A., or at least those indivi­ against Chen and indeed Table­ goodbye with thanks to those who heavily against him. He is a duals who claim to speak for the Tennis as a whole. It seems the have served the game well. In parti­ defensive player. In his match with same, are being somewhat hypo­ ET.T.A. are adopting a suicidal cular we should be grateful to the Cooke, he consistently and critical. approach by stifling a much needed Leeds Permanent Building Society accurately returned all but the most To be specific, the same people lifeline. There is a proverb that says for their splendid sponsorship, to fiercely hit shots. Some of his re­ who do not want Chen to play for suicide is only for "the very brave Stan Lenton who produced the turns would have had the late and England when he qualifies - a and the very stupid". I detect no Computer Ranking List with little great Richard Bergmann gasping in clearly laid down and internation­ bravery in your actions. recognition and to Alan Pickard admiration. ally agreed rule - are quite happy T. SAMUEL who nobly took on the onerous task So did the lad almost win? No. to take advantage of his skills for 23 Rowan Close of producing the magazine. Did he come close? No. Did he win the development of our players Sonning Common I would like to add my own a game? No. He never looked like through coaching and practice. The Nr Reading, Berks thanks to Julian and Linda Jablon winning. Everyone knew he was Deputy Chairman is quite happy to The Chairman comments; of Linda Farrow Sunglasses for going to lose. Why? Is Cooke such have Chen playing for one of his The issue is not whether Chen sponsoring the Milton Keynes an unbeatable player? Cooke is an teams in the National League. All Xinhua is a fine player (after a Under 21 Championships, which excellent young player who can go seem quite happy to allow Chen to decade in the Chinese Team), but were again a great success despite on to better things, but why play exhibitions with Alan Cooke. whether citizens of another country the late finish. shouldn't Syed. Quite happy to have a number of should play for England. All other Unfortunately, Linda Farrow How long it is since a defensive articles about Chen in the Table E.T.T.A. activities, i.e. tourn­ feel unable to sponsor next season's player won a world title I don't Tennis News. Quite happy to have aments and leagues are freely avail­ Event, scheduled for September 8, know, but if the conditions of the Chen as one of the recognised able to him. 1990, and as the writer is currently game remain the same as they are ET.T.A. coaches who can repre­ studying for a degree with exams now, never again I should imagine. sent the E.T.T.A. when requested imminent, he has no time to find a This, as I have said before, is a great by any Assocation or League in the new sponsor. Therefore, it is most injustice, and one that should be Country. likely that he will reluctantly cancel remedied. The ET.T.A. seem quite happy League Loyalty? the 1990 competition but hopefully In the after war years of the hard to take advantage of Chen Xinhua OVER the last 5 or 6 years we in revive it for 1991. pimpled bat era, the game was in every single way possible except liford, have suffered a kind ofChen Finally, it does look like a new beautifully balanced, and great to allow him to play for his country. issue. beginning for Chen Xinhua and players of all types could win world The argument that someone like The Essex Inter League competi­ England! But whatever the titles. The superb battles of Barna Waldner might move here' for a tion was and still is weakened by outcome had been, I do agree with and Bellak, Vana and Bergmann, couple of years to qualify is many top players from local Juha Suotmaa (April Edition) that Andreadis and Hagenaur. absolute rubbish. Boroughs changing their loyalties, the ETTA should do all in can to Previous to this era, defensive Chen will be one of the greatest speed up Chen's naturalisation. players had ruled the roost, giving assets to our country's table tennis to play also in the Dagenham KEN MUHR rise to long boring matches with no and will attract huge audiences to League, but only play represen­ 23 York Road, Stony Stratford crowd appeal at all. Because of this any event, including international tatively for Dagenham at one time, Milton Keynes MKII IBJ the authorities took action, and matches, in which he plays. At a having A, B, C teams all in Division lowered the net height half an inch. time when our sport is beginning to I of the Essex Inter League. In a This worked like a charm, and to­ thrive again and receive reasonable sense the competition lost its inter An appreciation of an gether with the expedite ruling en­ television coverage we need some­ league rivalry. Many of these players lived in exciting defender sured the elimination of tedious one of Chen's skill and character games. and flamboyance in play. lifOI'd and were coached as young­ sters by local clubs. Suddenly on Although I still play competitiv­ Today the game is screaming for Surely the reaction of the crowd reaching Representative standard, ely, it is many, many years ago that I the net to be raised to the original at the English Open to Chen's semi­ they defected to represent competed in, or watched a top table level. The play would still be light­ final victory proves what the Dagenham. tennis tournament. However, when ening fast. The difference being that members think - it is them (me It was frustrating for many local Geoff Brook, a good friend of mine attackers would have to select their included) who are table tennis in leagues all experiencing the same suggested I watch this year's Eng­ kills more carefully. This of course this country. problem with their top players lish National Championships, would mean more sustained rallies, Although I am writing this from a defecting. God knows why, to play which was almost on my doorstep, which is probably good. Serve and personal standpoint I can categoric­ at neighbouring Oldham, I decided kill tactics would be more difficult, ally say that the Sheffield League, endless permutations against them­ to go over to watch Sunday's play. again this is good, and most import­ one of the biggest in the country to a selves. Who wants to watch matches What an experience it turned out to ant of all, brilliant young defenders man, want Chen for England where the top teams are all from the be. may reap the rewards their play NOW! same league? Brilliant table tennis, boring merits. Yours sincerely in sport, table tennis, sustained rallies, no There is no other ball sport that I A.S.BATTYE I am happy to say lifOI'd have rallies. Exciting young athletes giv­ know where great players of all Hon Gen Sec now rebuilt their representative furtunes and play in Division 2 of ing their all at breakneck speed. I types cannot be the best. There will Sheffield T.T.League was almost overcome by the stench be future Borg's of tennis. There the Essex Inter League. It's good to of glue, which is apparently abso­ should be future Bergmann's of see players are now returning to lutely necessary to speed up your table tennis. Re: Note from the play and represent every league as game to a maximum. I also saw near GEOFF WADSWORTH Chairman of opposed to the all in one phase. VIC ELSTON genius, and I saw the greatest injust­ 'Lamb Hey' March 30. 1990 ice ever in any sport, and I watch Spa Lane lifOI'd Match Secretary many. The near genius! Alan Linthwaite THE above item came to my atten­ 30 Belvedere Road Cooke? Alison Gordon? Oh no, not Huddersfield tion on April 1st, and as such was Leyton, London E 10 7NP they, the near genius was a young taken by me in good spirit as a The subject of players endeavour­ man by the name of Matthew Syed. "wind up". What governing body ing to move to stronger leagues/ A superb athlete, reflexes like a cat, "Using" Chen? of any sport could possibly seek to clubs has been with us a long time as footwork like a class boxer,and like prevent someone as talented as have the conflicts of loyalty on one the other top players, a burning de­ 10th March 1990 Chen Xinhua from not only playing hand and ambition on the other. sire to win. I was told this young I am writing in reply to the letters for his adopted country but more The Chen issue is different in the man is just 19 years ofage, so maybe regarding Chen Xinhua. I speak as importantly raising the standard of sense that the player, having been in a couple of years he may become someone who puts in as much time, the game and thus the enjoyment of discarded by China, will now play English Champion, and eventually if not more, than those in Hastings all those concerned with it, at for England. world champion. If he did, he yet gets precious little in return whatever level. John Prean

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MAILBOX continued If your League is sponsored, or in their particular area. With this in I. Chen Xinhua seems to be the Chen for China! seeking sponsorship, our proposed mind I suggest a meeting of all the best player currently playing in tournament can become an attrac­ regional organisers (soon). All England. He appears to have the Dear Mr.Prean, tion which enables a sponsor to those who can arrange the regional appropriate credentials to represent Having read your comments reach a wider audience within the finals should be allowed to do so. England. I have yet to speak to a regarding introducing the newly­ region and, if this initiative "lifts After this is sorted out, the only player at any level who would not arrived Chinese player into the orr', nationally. sponsorship required would be for like to see him playing for England, England team, I couldn't agree with It is expected that each League, the final, which after all could be not the least reason being that it you more in your stance to protect or sponsor, will support their held in any part of the country. should encourage players to emu­ home grown players. Champion by paying the required If the Youth Cup is in doubt next late his standard. So how about it If the policy of letting anyone entry fee to enter the "Champion of season at least look at some alter­ selectors? qualify for the National side comes Champions" Tournament plus sub­ native ways to stage it and go down 2. There have been arguments into being, what's the point of sistence and travel expenses. with a fight not with such a negative concerning Table Tennis News calling the side 'England'. Your Overall sponsorship will be notice. editorials. All I can say is that I description of us becoming a joke sought but in any event tho:: Region Yours in sport, consider T.T.N. to be a terrific national is quite correct. will create a minimum prize fund KEN LYONS magazine and well presented. Each Representing your country out of entry fees for the top four 24 Ashlands Close issue is eagerly awaited and read should be an honour all top sports­ players. Northallerton avidly. The content seems fine and men should strive for but this sort Please write back to me saying N. Yorks is broadly based with something for of proposal makes a mockery of that your League is prepared to An ETTA spokesman told Table most ,and I am extremely grateful that ambition. participate in this enterprise. Tennis News: for the opportunity of being able to More power to your elbow. LAURIE DARNELL purchase it. So please do not let us D. B. COPARD Chairman of The LEEDS Youth Cup has now have any further bickering about 5 Parkside Road ETTA Greater London Region run for three years. Hundreds of who does or did what as it seems Hounslow 103 Queenswood Avenue hours were expended in volunteer pointless. It is also good to see Hutton, Brentwood and staff time. I cannot recall a regular press in the Daily Telegraph An Open letter to all Essex CMI3 IHX single word of praise or recognition on mainly National Events, al­ league Officials in the from anyone during all that time. Sad that, when the event finally though I was unimpressed person­ Greater london & South ends, our reward is an aggressive ally by the offering concerning why East Region The Demise of the Youth letter of this kind. Chen should not play for England. It is proposed to create a Greater Cup... or not The ETTA runs the following 3. Generally, Tournament London & South-East Region Junior events at this time: Junior playing conditions are now at a After reading the April edition of high level but why is prize money so "Champion of Champions" tour­ Table Tennis News, it was good to Open, Junior National, National nament. Under II, National Under 12 Team low? O.K. we have come a long way see a revival, through youth, of the from the plastic dartboard era at . Such a tournament will en­ game in Inner London and good Championships, Junior Top 12, courage every player to enter his National Trials. Junior tourn­ the National Championships of development at grass roots with years ago and let us be thankful for own League's Closed Champion­ £100,000 being ploughed into the aments have enjoyed record entries ships knowing that there is a this season. Perhaps some credit that. task. Yes, without looking after the However, money is not a vulgar ' possibility of progressing further players of tomorrow, the end result will be given one day for the trans­ and representing their League formation of the sport which has subject and to place our sport on a will be that we will have the biggest higher perceived plane, surely prize. against other players of equal number of Vets leagues in the taken place. standard. It is envisaged that the money should match conditions. world. Nothing to stop regions running Take for example the recent first tournament will be for Senior Then I came across the most neg­ Regional Championships. We Ladies and Senior Mens Singles Essex 3 Star Open which was brill­ ative notice I have ever seen, that would welcome this. To run a iantly organised at the very prest­ Champions only. The other Cham­ national event of this nature unless a sponsor can be secured, the igious Brentwood International' pions may be included once the Youth Cup will not be staged next requires substantial resources of tournament has become esta­ Centre with no whisper of season. Could you please explain money and time. This cannot be complaint from competitors. blished. the following: done without sponsorship. The imagination of all players The finals were staged superbly, will be captured by the idea of a 1. Why put money in at grass encouraging enthusiastic support "Champion of Champions" Tourn­ roots to develop young players and splendid entertainment. But in ament. when one of the most important A "Humble" View my view the prize money at £400 for tournaments for them may be the mens singles winner, £75 each It will be just like a non-league of our Sport football club entering the F.A. Cup stopped. for the mens doubles and £200 for and reaching the 1st Round Proper. 2. Why use the word sponsor There have been many reports the ladies singles winner for Playing against First Division when sponsors would be more over the past months concerning example were not in keeping with opposition. Disposing of them and appropriate. By the above state­ Editorials, Chen Xinhua and Tour­ the event. going through every successive ment may I suggest that each region naments and I would like to com­ Round to reach the Final. should find a sponsor for the event ment as follows: COnlinued over page

47 MAILBOX Continued from page 47.

Why cannot a monetary mInI­ mum be put on 3 Star events e.g. mens singles winners £1,000. After all we are talking about rewarding the top players in the country and I feel anything less devalues their perceived status. If Counties cannot deliver prizes at these levels they should not, in my opinion, be allowed 3 Star status for their events (and I come from Essex, by the way). the Leeds No doubt areas of protest will be raised but how much would an extra £ I levy on every Essex player Women's British League produce for example. It would not be much to ask, after all our sports administration is not exactly the SECOND WEEKEND dearest in the world and such levy scarcely represents one table tennis ball per player these days. Those SATURDAY/SUNDAY 9/1Oth JUNE 1990 levied upon would at least be secure in the knowledge that the money is being recycled to players exclusiv­ Crystal Leisure Centre, Bell Street, ely with the object of raising the status and profile of the sport Stourbridge, W.Midlands generally. Tel: 0384 442543 Yours sincerely, DAVID C. HUMBLE 45 Tomswood Rd For information: Mike Lewis - Tel: 0272 730788 Chigwell, Essex IG7 5QR

no longer a requirement of playing patriotic pride in the achievements The Chairman comments: for England - but I thought I of English sportsmen and women, HOW often I have heard the phrase should put the record straight. when their ultimate standards are "a sad day" recently! I, too, have ERICA PREAN bred in say, American universities. All Sports observed the 'death wish' which Ryde, Isle of Wight My sympathies are with those who grips English Table Tennis from have their have flogged their guts out round time to time. I preferred the kinder sponsorship the tracks, swimming pools, sports satirical phrase "shooting ourselves halls and clubs of Britain, and with problems "We have let in the foot". their parents, coaches, team-mates them down" In insisting on British citizenship EVERY SPORT, with the possible and others who have given unstint­ prior to inclusion in England teams exception of athletics, in the United I agree with all that John Prean ingly of their time and money to I sought a consensus among the Kingdom is having problems and others of like mind have said help. differing views within the assoc­ finding, or keeping, sponsors, due concerning Chen and the England Dare we let them all down? iation, something I have done ever of course, to the present financial team, but sadly, I feel, they have not G. C. WILLIAMSON pursued the argument far enough. since my election. I felt the climate which has reached an appal­ P.S. Time has overtaken me. The ling state due to high interest rates, Personally, I would not consider precedent had been established in last sentence should read "We have the case of Richard Bergmann des­ high inflation and the Poll Tax. him for the England team if he let them down". pite substantial other differences in Unlike three years ago, firms are became a British citizen tomorrow, I am sick and disgusted, and will his case and Chen's. Richard was a finding it almost impossible to do for citizenship, in my view, is simply have nothing more to do with org­ refugee who escaped death (he what the Leeds Permanent Building something of a red herring. anised table tennis again. I would in would have shared the fate of 6 Society did with £500,000. Surely the England team should no way criticise anyone, from the million Jews killed by the The most ludicrous argument I be the flagship of English table chairman downwards, who did Holocaust) and who fought for this have heard put forward in recent tennis, - its organisation, its likewise, for who knows, they might country during World War 2 and months on the failure so far of the administration, its coaching and its find the time to set up an English became a British citizen. ETTA to find new sponsors, is the ultimate standards? Surely again, a Table Tennis Association and run Chen, in any event, was able to one that the emergence of Chen player who was born abroad of an England team. playa very full part, all activities of Xinhua is the reason why sponsors foreign parents, but who came to the E.T.T.A. being open to him: are not interested in table tennis. this country in time to come up Personal Note to Chairman Tournaments, County, British If his introduction to the England through our system is more entitled Dear John, League. It never was clear, and is squad is handled sensibly he will be to represent England, even if still a A sad day, It seems to me that not now, why he should, whilst a a tremendous asset to the sport in foreign national, than one born there has been a growing number of citizen of another country, replace England, so to use him as a scape­ abroad to English parents, and who people in Table Tennis at all levels English players who had served us goat so early as now, is absurd. stayed there, coming up through in recent years who seem to have a well. JOHN WOODFORD the system of a foreign country? It death-wish. Before you came, they seems to me that there are better Geoff Williamson has served the nearly achieved it, and it was one of sport with very great distinction. qualifications to play for England, the reasons why I gradually with­ (or indeed, any other country) than The sport can ill afford to lose No longer drew. This is the last straw. people of his ability and dedication. accidents of birth, or changes of Very best wishes to you both. a requirement heart and domicile, particularly, as I can only hope that we shall be able GEOFF WILLIAMSON to string everything together again in this case, after a pIayer has been a Ex Staffordshire & National MA Y I point out that Carl Prean and repair the enormous damage was born in this country. This may member of some other national Council that has been done to the sport. not be entirely clear in Rob Old­ team. Brownsfield Cottage JOHN PREAN field's otherwise admirable letler(T I feel the same about other Brownsfield Lane T News April). This apparently is sports. I do not feel a great sense of LlCHFIELD, Staffs

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