-.I!I~ I'~ IJ.:. \'.'~ 1~",~1 ~ I : . -.....•.... 2 Market Street, Blyth. Tel. 01670 351435. Official Travel Agents. "'~.LE ~ ...EIIIIIS N I MA :E-RV·IC-F: 91A Ashford Road, Eastboume, IIEWWS Tel. 01323 430036. Official Printers ~"''''II llES SMITH TROPHIES AND ENGRAVING E~"'R~ Stroud, Gloucestershire Tel. 01453 886686 The Official Magazine of the Official Trophy Suppliers E.nglish Table Tennis Association Issue No.295 90 Martins Lane, Northampton, NN4 6Dj Sept/Oct 2003 Tel: 01604 762711 • Suppliers of exciting & innovative teaching & coaching aids Publisher English Table Tennis Association Ltd., Queensbury House, 111111 IUIII 11111 Havelock Road, Hastings, Rauter House, 1 Sybron Way, Millbrook East Sussex TN34 IHF Business Park, Jarvis Brook, TN6 3DZ Telephone: 01424 722525 Fax: 01424 422103 Tel 0870 8483001 email Events: [email protected] email Administration: 8USINESS SUPPLIES I.!MITED Acorn House, Forstal Road, [email protected] Aylesford, Kent ME20 7AF Web Site: www.etta.co.uk Tel 01622 882233 Editor & Photographer John EA. Wood 37 Duporth Road, Charlestown, .Interflora: St.Austell, Cornwall PL25 3NU say it With flowers' Telephone/Fax: 01726 77527 email: [email protected] County Notes Lindsay Shipp , ETTA Headquarters, Hastings 3 Broadway, Broad St. Birmingham B15 1BQ Tel: 0121 6988000 Fax: 0121 625 9000 Advertisements Richard Yule ETTA Headquarters, Hastings Hribar Subscription & Distribution Table Tennis TV NOTES Robert Sinclair joola Equipment & balls for all ETTA Headquarters, Hastings ETTA Senior, junior & Cadet Nationals 2000·2005 around the coiu 27 Subscription Rates junior/Cadet Ranking Trials 2003·2005 UK - £20, Europe - £32, Rest of the World - £37 " ButterflYe Printer England Team clothing 2000·2004 FRONT COVER MAIN PHOTOGRAPH Printed in the UK by Grand Prix 2000·2005 Nima Print & Design Services, juniorNetsiWomens British League 2000·2005 GEORGINA WALKER WHO WAS THE STAR OFTHE 91 a Ashford Road, Eastbourne, SINGLES EVENT, ATTHE EUROPEAN YOUTHS East Sussex BN21 3TE I:II:INII: Telephone: 01323 430036 Ball Supplier British League 2002·2004 Donie Equipment Unsolicited articles are welcome for possible publication but the ETTA National U101111l2113 Championships The ETTA would like to ~ English Table Tennis Association will accept no responsibility for 2003·2005 thank the following ~ ETIA National Team Finals 2003·2005 the return of manuscripts and/or photographs. organisations for their Whilst every effort is taken to ensure that reports and facts support are correct at the time of going to press no responsibility will be accepted by the ETTA should errors be published. either for errors Schilelkrot or matters arising as a result. Ball Supplier. Grand Prix 2000·2003 ~'- The views expressed in Table Tennis News are those of the juniorNetsiWomens Brit. League 2000·2003 o • Hribar contributors and are not necessarily official ETTA policy. Similarly junior/Cadet National League 2002·2003 \T' - IiiiiIP! Table Tennis TTN accepts advertisements in good faith. but cannot accept responsibility for the goods or services described in SPORT r:fUffim Em'BP 'IButterfly advertisements. If you have any queries. these should be addressed directly to the advertiser. ENGLAND &® l:IaN~r:: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be LOTTERY FUNDED 1001A reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means. Ball Supplier Jarvis Sports electronic or mechanical including photocopying. recording or any County Championships 2002·2005 information storage or retrieval system without the prior written consent of the publisher.

We ask all members ofthe association to support the above companies who are in turn supporting table tennis. •s CHATTERBOX compiled by John Wood

NEW ETTA CHAIRMAN ALEX MURDOCH is pictured at The Crucible when 8atskills PETER AUSTON presented a cheque to the ETTA for £500.

The award has been given to Paul past two years where he has also MBE FOR PAUL for his many years of service to the involved himself in community community in Bedford where he is a service as a Parish Councillor, HOOLEY past Mayor, Magistrate, Tax member of the Village Hall IN this year's Birthday Honours list Commissioner' School Governor and Committee and founding and Her Majesty the Queen graciously where he continues to be involved running the Mursley, Swanbourne appointed Paul Hooley, to be a with numerous charities and other and Little Horwood Table Tennis Member of the Order of the British voluntary causes. Club which has already attracted Empire (MBE). Paul has lived in Mursley for the nearly 100 local players. He is also well known in Milton Keynes, Buckingham, Bedford and Norwich. wider table tennis circles. Mark is a player with 25 years experience of local league table MARK DARE tennis in and around the Hertfordshire area and has also APPOINTED represented Hertfordshire at county level. For the past few years he has ETTARDO FOR concentrated more on the development and coaching side of THE EASTERN Table Tennis. Mark says "I am looking forward to REGION the challenge ahead and meeting and We are please to advise that Mark working with players, coaches and Dare has been appointed ETTA administrators at Clubs and Leagues Development Officer for the Eastern within the Eastern Region". Region. He took up his position on Mark can be reached on 07971 14th July 2003 and is based at 075598 or bye-mail Thorpe St Andrew High School in [email protected]. PLEASE IIOWE WOULD 'COUNTY NOTES' CORRESPONDANTS PLEASE CONTINUE TO SEND YOUR COPY AND PHOTOGRAPHS TO LINDSAY SHIPP AT HASTINGS HEAD OFFICE

• STRAIGHT TALK by Alex Murdoch

has been established to cover training for the Sport England six nominated You will see a profile of the ETTA Management team on the players and we shall be expanding our base of coaching etc for many more next page with photos so you can recognise the faces behind potential players via newly established Performance Centres. the names. They are: llUP Martin Clark. Hon.Treasurer I await the outcome of how this change in scoring will impact the Mike Johns. Deputy Chairman & Vice Chairman Selection membership this season when leagues complete and return their registration John Dignum. Vice Chairman Administration forms. Despite efforts to reduce the possibility of mass disaffiliation I am sure Jim Beckley. Vice Chairman Public Relations we shall see some small reduction in our affiliated players base. Peter Bradley. Vice Chairman Competitions Sandra Deaton Vice Cha.irman Marketing COMMITTEE STRUCTURE Phil Goulding. Vice Cha.irman Development The first Management meeting of the new team took place in August and Gail McCulloch Vice Chairman Teaching and Training initial changes were made to the committee structure. This has meant a Di Jermyn. Vice Chairman without Departmental consolidation and reduction in these committees of over 20%. This will not Responsibility. impact our goals for the sport but is part of our modernisation process in line with my stated election aims and with a long-term process of modernisation required of National Governing Bodies by Sport England. WE are at the start of a new era for table tennis and if we AROUND THE CLUBS AND LEAGUES all work together we shall secure table tennis in the I have macle many visits during the last two months to leagues, clubs and minds and hearts of people in England and generate a tournaments. Talking to the players, officials and parents continues to help better start for those young people who are our future. Management in their role of communications to the membership and new This being my first article for the magazine as Chairnlan, I hope the ideas and inputs are regularly expressed. following information is of interest and use to you. RANKING SYSTEM TABLE TENNIS NEWS Full details will be included in TIN this year and the data sent out to the You will see in this first issue some changes in particular the front cover and membership. the pages are all of the same quality. During the coming issues we shall be upgrading and modernising the layout adding more articles which will give THE FUTURE you an insight into the ETTA organisation and features from players, coaches With plans in place and future initiatives being reviewed the road ahead is and local club and league officials. getting clearer. The proposed longer term improvements in TTN, a new We are reviewing also the costing of the magazine, the free issue procedure structure of Performance Centres being set up around the country, change in and an incentive programme to clubs and leagues to increase its circulation. the Ranking list, regular newsletter's are set to improve communications. We hope that by the end of the season you will like all the changes and TIN Participation at events by our top players, modernisation of our organisation, will become the house magazine of our sport in England. modified and improved regional strategy and changes in our membership John Wood the Editor and Jim Beckley Vice Chairman Public Relations are structure, are in the pipeline. more than happy to listen to any suggestions and ideas you have, and look Improvements in our Coaching procedures, development incentives, closer forward to your articles and letters. links with the schools organisation, more specialised sports colleges playing Please help us all by getting your friends to subscribe to the magazine TI, all of these and others will help our sport and make it more player friendly. CHAIRMAN'S NEWSLETTER We have a 4-year development plan to generate for Sport England before The first one was set out in September if you did not receive a copy and want the end of this year. This will be our sports first plan since 1997 and future to be on the mailing list please contact the office. funding is dependant upon it. Sport England indicate that despite us not meeting the required levels in CONTINENTAL MASTERS AT THE World Class Perfornlance nor reaching the levels required from our own income generation we still have an opportunity to get more funding from CRUCIBLE April 2004 albeit it is likely to be at lower levels than in the past. I do understand that the event took place two months ago but we have run a You can be assured that the plan will be presented on time and encompass feature on it in this issue as it was so successful and those of ypu who missed all the needs and areas of table tennis in England. We shall of course it on television will at least get some background. continue to lobby the governmental bodies for our sport to be recognised as making a significant contribution to "Sport for All" in England and that our WEBSITE sport covers all aspects of the various governmental policies in this regard. Details regarding its implementation and operation will be available in the Our goal and strategy will be to START players in the sport. Help them to very near future. STAY playing Table Tennis and to ensure that England SUCCEED internationally. ACADEMY Please get in touch with me if you have any questions. We have had to make a decision to close the Academy. This was made due to financial constraints and our inability to care for the young players located at Alex Murdoch, ETTA Chairman Nottingham within the Government guidelines on childcare. Aprogranlnle SRAIGHT TALK - 2

My greatest interest is in developing 'grass roots' Table Tennis. It is very important to the future of Table Tennis: •That as many people as possible are offered the opportunity to participate in the sport at whatever level they choose within their capabilities. • That all players have the opportunity to become affiliated to the ETTA and gain access to a developing package of benefits. •That there is an increase in the number of volunteers in all roles within the sport and that they are provided with greater support and increased opportunities to Pictured above are (I. to r.) MARTIN CLARK Hon. Treasurer, ALEX develop their skills and qualifications. MURDOCH Chairman, and MIKE. JOHNS Deputy Chairman & •That where possible present facilities Vice Chairman Selection are improved and new facilities are watch and play against them. We also divisions. This would help to free some developed within the Premiere Club have to spread our net wider. The dates in an already crowded calendar. I model to achieve wider participation in Academy catered for only a very small would also like to standardise the rules & Table Tennis at every level. number of players. By setting up High regulations for all the British Leagues so •That the Development Department Performance Centres throughout the that they are competing in the same way. staff have an essential part to play in country nlore promising player's will I know that it is difficult to get new teams helping and supporting individuals, clubs have the opportunity to reach their full into these leagues and I must try to find and leagues in all aspects of their potential and hopefully this will ways to overcome this problem. I hope development. JOHN DIGNUM . Vice Chairman encourage more of thenl to stay in the that you will give nle the tinle to achieve •That financial self sufficiency and Administration game when they leave the junior ranks. this. Your ideas on these and any other sustainability becomes a goal for all [ HAVB worked to promote table tennis JIM BECKLEY· Vice Chairman competition matters would be aspects of the Table Tennis community in various ways for the last 40 years at Public Relations appreciated. and especially the ETTA. local, national and international level. I SANDRA DEATON· Vice Chairman have served on club and town Marketing committees for most of those years and more recently have been involved in ErrAcommittees and assisting in the running of national and international events. For the last 6 years and currently, [ chair our league district development group and firmly believe that the future of our and many other sports, is clearly and sinlply down to 'recruiting' young people to play, officiate and administer the sport. GAIL McCULLOCH . Vice Chairman Table Tennis also is in urgent need of a COMMUNICATION is the lifeblood of any Teaching & Training young national 'hero', in the mould of a organisation including the ETTA. But its a MY aim is to get more people qualified as David Beckham, Paula Radcliffe, Jonathan massive job to keep in touch with 30,000 THE Marketing and Sponsorship coaches, unlpires, referee's and Edwards or even our own Chester members. League table tennis is where Department is responsible for a number tournament org'lnisers. Coaching is close Barnes. most of us start playing and will probably of facets of the Association .The main to my heart and with Styn Kyst Hansen Although my role as Vice Chairman finish, the grass roots of our sport is that work involves the introduction and spending a good percentage of his time (Administration) may seem to be a important. So over the next few months organisation of all the events held improving the knowledge and technique background role, I place huge my colleagues and I will be putting plans throughout the calendar.The of our coaches throughout the country, I importance on running the ETTA's affairs together to make sure the vast majority establishment of these events involves can see a bright future. in an efficient, timely and cost effective of the membership is kept better the sourcing of venues,finance,officials, I also want to make sure that the manner and I will be working closely with informed. volunteers and the coordination of all the education of our volunteers is not used my colleagues to achieve that and PETER BRADLEY· Vice Chairman organisation.The Department also has as a profit making exercise and that those hopefully 'make a difference'. However, I Competitions this level of responsibility for all taking qualifications are charged fairly. also hope to assist and influence my International events run in this Country. colleagues in the development of our Another major facet of this Department is sport, to increase participation at all to source any possible sponsorship which levels and to raise the profile with can be introduced into the Association in Government, Education, Sport England to enhance, development and and other bodies, to ensure adequate performance at all levels. support and funding for table tennis in This is along side the continual work the 21St century. undertaken to introduce new MIKE JOHNS· Vice Chairman promotional events that will be of Selection spectacular interest to the media in to lift I have been elected to the position of the overall profile of the sport. Vice Chairman of Selection at a very Phil Goulding. Vice Chairman difficult time. With severe budget cuts to Development our World Class Performance progranlme IT will take time for me to get to grips it proved necessary to close down the with the requirements of all the DIJERMYN academy. In spite of this set back I still committees but, hopefully, we can all "I discovered table tennis at the age of have a very positive view of the future. work together to make our sport even thirty and, in my second year playing, I would like to see the national team more attractive to the players. You will became secretary of my local league, back were it was 15 years ago - in the notice a change in the Ranking Scheme progressing via County administration, to world's top 5, with our leading players during the coming season starting early National administration in 1997. vying for medals at international events. in the New Year. Iwould like to bring My aim for our sport in the near future To do this I believe we have to about a change in the County is to see individual affiliation for ALL encourage our top players to play Championship format. Several divisions players, with benefits for all in return. We regularly in this country, giving those now play over 2 or 3weekends and I must raise more revenue ourselves to coming up the opportunity to both would like to see this extended to all survive." LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - I

Alan Ransome in keeping alive and TWO ASIDE developing English table tennis were not adequately recognised, I equally LEAGUES feel that we must give our full I WAS interested in John Prean's support to the new team of Alex recent comments (under Isle of Murdoch in giving their best for our Wight news) that two a side leagues sport. were the way to halt the decline in No one is indispensable, and media­ membership but that it would be wise the ETTA will get by without me difficult to get existing players to (as Information Officer). For the agree. time being John Woodford will In 1997 Leamington League got continue to provide in the Daily over this problem by introducing a Telegraph the only regular national two a side league alongside the news coverage Oust who will take his existing three a side. Both leagues place when he retires?), while the start at 7.15pm but because two a multi-talented Matthew Syed will side matches are only five sets they hopefully go on producing high finish at around 9pm. In that time a profile features for The Times, as player will have played two singles well as being the force behind and a doubles, as opposed to three occasional and hugely successful singles and perhaps a doubles in BBC televised events such as the three a side. Ocean International Masters - let us Our experience is that there is pray he stays loyal to table tennis! considerable demand for two a side But that is almost the limit of table tennis. In its first season this national exposure we can realistically was just a single six team division but expect. The new Vice Chairman for it has grown steadily to 22 two a side Public Relations, Jin1 Beckley, a teams for the coming season. Over media professional but in table the same period Leamington has tennis a volunteer, will struggle to increased from 48 to 54 teams make much impact nationally when I, overall. with more time, had great difficulty In its first season the two a side improving coverage, although league was made up almost entirely indirectly I did have a bigger of juniors. However the number of influence than most people realise. adults has gradually increased to However, it is possible to control around 50%. About a third of the two and improve our internal publicity. a side teams are wholly adult, a third Where my absence might be most be wholly junior and a third mixed. noticed will probably be in (the lack Originally some of the two a side 00 tournament reports, in part in teams were made up of players who Table Tennis News (though John had transferred from three a side. Woodford and John Wood contribute However players joining now are copy), but more significantly, on the generally new to table tennis. After a website(s). But if readers could couple of seasons some two a side accept reports that don't claim to be players transfer to three a side but entirely neutral or objective, then I this is because the standard in three think this problem could be partly a side is higher at present rather than addressed by asking participating any dissatisfaction with the two a players, parents or coaches to write side format. them. Of course such articles will Interestingly one of the first be written from specific perspectives, youngsters to join the two a side but provided the scribes at least try league was Kelly Sibley who now to be fair, such offerings will be plays for England. Kelly was then much better than nothing, whilst the about nine and I doubt it would have writing might actually be improved been feasible for her to join the three by the passion and insight of a side league which sometimes went involvement. Players deserve on till after 11pm on a weekday recognition for their successes (and I evening. am pleased that as a photographer Estyn Williams John Wood is to attend more Gen. Sec. Leamington &Dist. ITA events). Good luck to all with the NO ONE IS responsibility for taking table tennis INDISPENSABLE forward. Whilst I feel that the efforts of the Ken Muhr previous ETTA management led by Hawkhurst, Kent S LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - 2

even more "pressure points", Tucked away in hundreds of away?? CLEAN SLATE concentration. excitement, good lV, attics and lumber-rooms all over The Performance Director Steen CONGRATUlATIONS to the and shorter evenings? Would it then the country, there must be any Kyst Hanson has said "We now have membership on voting in 11 up as bring to heel those who may by then number of ancient rackets of the strongest Cadetl.Junior Squad universal. I favoured 21 up but think be the subject of the "compliments" vellum, parchment, cork, plain than we have had for the last 20-25 it vital that we have one scoring of being the "selfish, backward wood and sandpapered; and of all years. This has been proven by the system for various reasons; not the looking" advocates of an out-dated kinds of Victorian and Edwardian youngsters winning tournaments least being elimination of wasteful "II-up' ? accessories, such as balls, nets, abroad over the last 12 months. This talking shops on the subject. Don't laugh! The new invigorated score cards, match results, is also testament to sheer hard work Hopefully, deaffiliation threats will and acclaimed cricket matches souvenir programmes, and devotion to the Sport, which has be more perceived than real. introduced this season are now 20 photographs of bygone stars and been carried out by players and Whatever the short term losses the overs "slogathons" and lasting for teams, trophies, even - possibly­ coaching staff involved at new ETTA administration will start less time than a table tennis match. complete tables. Nottingham. with a clean slate, can get on with ]ohnKnock As a founder member of the However, we are told by Sport their manifesto pledge of identifying Tonbridge, Kent I.T.T.F., the E.T.T.A. has left it England the youngsters are being who and how many are members rather late, but an effort to set up a judged on Senior Performances over and set about improving matters. DEPLORES llup permanent museum at the H.Q. of the last few years. We feel this is Afew suggestions (hopefully not too THE League wishes to advise tnat at the Association should be made totally unjustified as the Senior batty!): our AGM held on Friday 11th July now. Modern equipment will players were not products of the 1. Review the contents of the 2003, the following motion: "This naturally be included in the Academy. When the programme impressive looking Premier Club meeting deplores the action of the display, since what we regard as started at the Academy it was not Folder. Ours had scarcely seen light ETTA in bringing forward the motion modern today will all too soon be going to be a "Short Term Project". of day since receipt so we had a which has resulted in removing the regarded as antique. Reason being, the age group small club sub-committee look at it option to play to 21-Up" These words (here slightly involved ranged from 11 years recently, it appeared to be unrealistic The motion received the support of adapted) were written by C. Corti­ upwards. As stated, previously, now so we filed it again. We have Premier all members present with one Woodcock for Table Tennis in we are competing and obtaining Club Advanced status by the way. abstention. December 1949, over half a results with the best in Europe, However, my personal view is that it MingMajoe century ago. What has been which confirn1s we have a Squad of could be simplified and turned into Hon. Sec. Tonbridge &Dist. TTL achieved since? youngsters equal to anyone in the something really useful, member Gerald Gurney world. friendly, non elitist and hopefully DISAPPOINTED Colchester, Essex How do we tell these children that universally acceptable. HAVING started playing the because of lack of money (Which 2. Review role of Regional wonderful game of Table Tennis THE LETTER could be n1ade available), they no Development Officers. They appear since 1990 and run the Dawlish Club longer have a chance to fulfil their to be low paid for a vital job. An every Tuesday since then, I am most BELOW WAS dreams? incentivised package geared to high disappointed that the powers that be After the last Olympics, which earnings but dependent upon how have now decided to play the game SENT ON THE proved very successful, Mr Tony Blair many new ETTA members are signed of llup. It is supposed that the made a statement that funds would up may be an answer to attract the decision regarding this was taken in 28th]UNE 2003 be available to develop talented right type of committed applicant order to possibly show more table URGENT! sporting youngsters. We feel totally (this is not to undermine the work tennis on lV. However, this has not FOR THE ATTENTION OF disappointed and disillusioned that carried out by current RDO's of happened and only short shots of RICHARD CABORN SPORTS these youngsters can be be cut off in course). any games played are shown, if at all. MINISTER DEPARTMENT OF the middle of their Programme and 3. If there is going to be a reduction In my opinion the game as a MEDIA &SPORT 2-4 COCKSPUR School Life. in central grant funding for the sport, challenging and one of skill and STREET, LONDON SWIY 5DH HOW CAN THIS BE JUSTIFIED?? in addition to 2 above, perhaps an in competitiveness has been totally Dear Sir, We now have 7 days before they depth look see at local authorities spoilt. With 11 up it feels as though I AM writing on behalf of the depart to Novi Sad, Yugoslavia to sports and leisure budgets may be a one is changing positions all the talented youngsters who live at a take part in the European part answer, Our Club has recently time, particularly in the doubles, and Table Tennis Academy at the Championships. Some of which done this and as a result joined the is over before it has begun. It is National Water Sports Centre in come back for 5 days and go the local Sports Council and I am now on disappointing to say the least, with Nottingham. Some of these Paris to take part in the Youth the committee and we will try to there being no possibility of the children have been living there Olympics.Where do they go upon ensure we get our fair share for T.T. ordinary player being able to between 2 -4 years and have given their return?? The perspective of the suggestions persuade the powers that be to up their friends and home life to PLEASE CAN YOU HELP?? is to encourage a thrust from and change back. Sorry, I think you have dedicate themselves to their Sport. I look forward to an immediate encouragement to grass roots level done the game a grave dis-service, They have now been told by response due to the urgency of the which is my understanding of a possibly lost many loyal long-term Sport England the funding has matter. major objective of the new ETTA players and not even helped the been cut by 70%. It was originally Yours in Sport, administration. Good luck. game to return to a position of £600,000 only to have it reduced Lynn Bolitho David C.Humble. Chairman popularity which I consider it should now to £160,000. Obviously the Leamington Spa, Warwickshire Mossford Table Tennis Club have. It is such a beneficial game for Academy can no longer exist on Editor's Note: Thankyou for giving health as well as social contact for this budget. us permission to publish your letter FURTHER both sexes. Last month the Government Lynn. Hopefully TTN will publish the Val Eaves (Mrs) announced that it would give Sports Minister, Richard Caborn's PROPOSALS Dawlish, Devon London's bid to host the 2012 expected reply. NOW that the 2003 ETTA AGM has Olympics Games "It's whole passed - by a majorit 63% to 37% ­ MUSEUM PIECES hearted backing". These children the proposals to delete the option to IT is suggested that the E.T.T.A. who are the English National local Leagues to play "21-up", will it should attempt to assemble a Team, should be the ones being be time next year to consider further collection of museum pieces of table given the opportunity to compete proposals in order to continue tennis equipment, dating right back for these medals. How can they bringing the game forward ? to the ping-pong, flim flam and prove themselves when the Would a reduction to "7-up" bring gossima era of the 1890s. Academy is now being taken 46th EUROPEAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 46th European Youth up throughout the five days of the Championships held in Novi Sad. team events. Partisan groups of July 2003. supporters and players roared, applauded and chanted for their own THE FOURTEEN English players particular team, acconlpanied by who competed in the 46th drums, hooters, whistles and rattles European Youth Championships to create a cauldron of noise that in Novi Sad, Serbia and inspired some players, whilst Montenegro, during July, will seeming to inhibit others. With as have returned with a range of many as twenty matches taking place emotions.Some will be at the same time, focus and disappointed with their concentration were put to the test. performances, some will feel England were to have many chances, that there were some promising many opportunities to achieve more, signs for the future, whilst a few but the story is one of possibilities will be encouraged by some lost in tight situations. On the good individual results. completion of the team events, Hopefully, they will all have a England's overall position of positive reaction to do what is thirteenth was an improvement on necessary to get better, writes the previous year, but there is still Peter Charters. clearly a long way to go. The European Youth The JUNIOR BOYS' TEAM, starting Championships is about future in the second category, comfortably international prospects. Medal won their group with straight wins winning is one good guide to over Macedonia, Cyprus, Bosnia and chances of future international Norway. Unfortunately, one loss to success. In Novi Sad, England never Spain then put England straight back came close to a medal, but there into playing off for a best possible were moments when our players position of seventeenth. England had gave the English supporters their chances against Spain - Bryn something to shout about. Anumber Drinkhalliost to Marc Duran, Craig of the players lacked consistency of Bryant was two games up, against performance. The England number Garcia, before losing the remaining one Cadet girl, Kelly Sibley, gave us three games 9-11,8-11 and 8-11. more to shout about than most, Peter Cleminson kept his team in the clearly showing her ability to respond Centre, Vojvodina, where a number show courts, were used in one arena, to the challenge and to the of major international events, with plenty of elevated seating for atmosphere of the occasion. The including World and European spectators on two sides. After a Championships were held in the Championships have been staged. relatively quiet start, the atmosphere excellent Sports Hall and Business Twenty eight tables, including four previously mentioned gradually built

tie with a three straight win over EIIGLAIID WEANS Francisco Martin, before Duran clinched it for Spain with a victory JUNIOR BOYS CADET BOYS over Craig. Greg Baker Paul Drinkhall Athree one win over Belarus was Adam Bleakely Bradley Evans followed by a disappointing zero Craig Bryant Darius Knight three loss to Slovenia, with Bryn Peter Cleminson Tim Yarnall going closest for England, before Bryn Drinkhall CADET GIRLS losing 9-11 in the fifth against Janez JUNIOR GIRLS Kelly Sibley Tomse. This put England in the Abigail Embling Lauren Spink position of finishing twenty-first at joanna Parker best, which they achieved with two straight wins over Estonia and Georgina Walker Greece. TEAM COACHES: Steen Kyst All of the English Junior boys ended Hansen, jiaYi Liu,Alan Cooke and up with a plus factor of wins to losses Sally Shutt. and only two matches were lost. However, once out of the top sixteen NOVI SAD

team places in one year, the system contrast, started in the top category Georgina Walker lost her first Martina Smistikova, also in used makes it very difficult (although and were thrown into three very encounter 14-16 in the fifth to Lenka four. Georgina and Joanna recorded possible) to get back into a medal tough matches which were all lost. Harabaszova, having been two games one win each against Sweden, but winning chance at the following They did, however, win the crucial to one up. Joanna Parker then lost to this was not enough. Two of the championships. The match against match which keeps the team in the the eventual singles gold medalist, three losses were again in the fifth Spain was the crucial loss. top flight next year. Iveta Vacenovska in four, before deciding game. The junior girls The JUNIOR GIRlS' TEAM, by Against the Czech Republic, Abigail Embling went down to continued to suffer deciding game defeats, when all three losses in the one-three reverse to Slovakia were in the fifth game. At the end of the group matches, England needed a victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina to stay in the top sixteen places, which they achieved with a three one win. Zero three losses to Romania and Hungary, however, put England out of medal contention. Joanna then struck twice in England's three two win over the Ukraine, leaving her team in a playoff for thirteenth or fourteenth position against Israel. At zero two down, Abigail came to the table and although having played well in patches and at times losing by the narrowest of margins, she had not recorded a single victory. At 9-2 up in the fifth against Michal Argaman, it looked as though Abigail was going to break her duck and get her just rewards for sticking to the task.At 9-9, it seemed as though England were going to have to settle for fourteenth place, but Abigail held her nerve to record her first victory 11-9 in the deciding game. This inspired both Georgina and Joanna to take their reverse singles for a three two team victory and thirteenth place. I 46th EUROPEAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS

ENGLAND CADET BOYS TEAM: That jumped back to the top sixteen, (I.to.r) BRADLEY EVANS, Stavros Tsouderos of Cyprus in the DARIUS KNIGHT, PAUL DRINKHALL and TIM YARNALL, first round. In the junior girls singles, Abigail The CADET BOYS' TEAM managed to their category one status, but as losses followed which put England recorded confidence-restoring wins to make that jump from category two with the Junior girls, had a difficult out of the team medal places in Novi in rounds one and two before going into the top level which augurs well start to the campaign. Lauren Spink Sad. A one three reverse to the home out to a good Russian girl in round for next year. Having moved started the ball rolling against side, Serbia - England winning the three. Joanna was eliminated in comfortably past Moldova with Tim Slovakia with an 11-8 fifth game win doubles - and a zero three loss to round two, leaving Georgina to ~y Yarnall and Paul Drinkhall doing the over Sona Hudecova. Kelly Sibley put France, left the Cadet girls team with the flag, until she in turn went out to singles damage, then Armenia and England two ahead and then things a potential top place of thirteenth. one of the Rohr twins from Germany Lithuania with Darius Knight taking started to go wrong. Kelly and This they achieved with two three in'the fourth round. Georgina's over from Tim, England then had to Lauren lost the doubles and then the one wins over their first group Victor, Meike Rohr, was to leave Novi face Poland. Aresult here would put reverse singles to lose the match two opponents, Croatia and Spain In Sad with three gold medals - team, England into the top sixteen, a loss games to three. Aone three loss to these two matches, Kelly remained girls and mixed doubles. and they would go back to the Spain, with Kelly providing the one, unbeaten in Singles, whilst Lauren Bradley Evans went out of the cadet second level. Paul and Darius had left England with a result needed got a very much deserved win over boys singles in round two to a good remained undefeated in the doubles, against Croatia to avoid a relegation Carmen Solichero of Spain, Hungarian, Attila Vajda. Paul lost to a run which they continued against play-off match. Lauren narrowly went overcoming disappointment by her the Russian, Ramil Moutygullin, in Poland and a win each for both boys down 8-11 in the fifth to Sanja perseverance. the third round, whilst Darius again gave England the result needed. Paukovic before Kelly struck back The team coaches - Steen Kyst beat David Zombori, whom he had Against Russia, these two young with a three straight win over Marela Hansen, Jia Yi Liu, Alan Cooke and defeated in the team event. Tim players gave everything to stay in the Djurak. The doubles was always Sally Shutt did a great job in what is fought back from love two down medal hunt. They again took the going to be crucial to the team result the most tiring of major events in against Nadav Rakocz of Israel to doubles and Paul beat Artem and having been two games up Kelly terms of schedule and responsibility. reach round four. Outochkin, but the extra win needed and Lauren lost it 12-14 in the fifth. Steen led the party and as with the Neither Tim nor Darius survived to remained elusive. Russia went on to Kelly took her second of the match organisation and preparation of the round five, Tim going out to a Czech win bronze. Two losses followed, to with a win over Paukovic, but Lauren players for these championships, whilst Darius exited to a Croatian. Hungary and Slovakia, the boys found the occasion too much, losing nothing was left to chance. He The cadet girls singles event saw losing the doubles in both matches. out in straight games to Djurak. travelled to Novi Sad twenty four Lauren lose out in round two to England returned to winning ways From the second match on, Kelly, hours before the main party to make Pavlina Rezna of Slovakia. Afrer the for their final encounter against as the more experienced sure that everything was in place. team event results, much was Belarus, winning three one with a international player and holding the Ben Chell, sports psychologist, anticipated of Kelly. She duly doubles win plus a pair from Paul. England number one status, was not joined the party to provide help for powered her way to round three, The team finished in fifteenth place. only accepting the responsibility of the players in their mental where she can1e up against the Next year, starting in category one, her position but at tin1es seemed to preparation. highly fancied Elizabeta Samara of the undoubted talents of Paul and relish it. In the crucial category play­ INDMDUAL EVENTS Romania. Samara already had a gold Darius (who each have another two off match against Luxembourg, All the singles events in Novi Sad medal in her pocket from her years as cadets) with, hopefully, Lauren lost her first outing in five. were the best of seven games. performance in the team event final other young promising players Kelly steadied the ship with a singles The first two rounds of the junior and had been included in the challenging for places,the England win followed by a doubles victory boys singles sawall of England's European team to play Asia. Kelly's Cadet Boys team will attack medals and finished the job with her second representatives out. four one win over the Romanian girl with greater confidence. individual result to keep England in Peter Cleminson was the only player must rate as the best singles The CADET GIRLS' TEAM hung on the top category for next year. Two to win a match in the singles, beating performance by an English player • NOVI SAD

Novi Sad. To reach round five, Kelly matches in the [adet Boys had to overcome the strong Dutch Consolation before a Russian girl Sandra Leijten and again Kelly stopped his run. Paul Drinkhall went triumphed four one to reach the last all the way to the semi-finals before sixteen. Her loss to Marharita losing to the eventual winner from Pesotskaya of the Ukraine - 6-11 in Belgium. the seventh game having been 3-2 up Germany were the most successful -was a big disappointment to her, nation in Novi Sad, winning a medal but by her overt fighting spirit, she in each of the four team events had enthused the English supporters. including gold in junior girls and The first two rounds of the junior cadet boys. The Boris Becker look­ doubles saw most of the English alike, Christian Suss, whose hair pairings eliminated. In the girls almost matched the colour of his doubles, Joanna Parker was yellow German national team shirt, partnered by another defender, the took the junior boys singles title, Ukranian Ganna Baponova, and they with the cadet boys title going to won two rounds before falling to a defender Ruwen Filus. The junior Swedish pair. Georgina and Abigail girls and mixed doubles titles also also went out in round three, this went to Germany. time to Hungarians. In the mixed, The exuberant and outwardly Bryn and Joanna made the third enthusiastic Iveta Vacenovska from round before succumbing to a Czech the Czech Republic was a joy to team. watch on her way to the girls singles In the cadet doubles, Paul and gold medal. Her desire to win and Darius went beyond round three in her uninhibited competitiveness at the boys event, but lost to a French times drove her to victory, when put GEORGINA WALKER flew the flag for England in the Girls Singles, pair in round four. Paul and Lauren under pressure. reaching round four went out in round three of the If the cadet boys is any sort of mixed, having beaten a Bosnian pair indicator, defenders may be on their in the previous round. It took the way back. At one point in the team top combination of Ukranian boy event, with six tables in use, four Zhmudenko and Spanish girl Dvorak countries (Germany, Sweden, France ROLL OF HONOUR to oust the English pair in five and Slovakia) all had a defensive games. Darius and Kelly fought their player performing - all four won! GOLD MEDAL WINNERS way to round five, where they were Filus from Germany not only won beaten by another two country duo, the singles gold medal, but played JUNIORS Freitas of Portugal and Dodean of his part in the winning of the team Romania. gold. BOYS TEAM: SWEDEN Craig Bryant went to round four of The Championship's referee was BOYS SINGLES- . the Consolation Junior Boys singles our own Richard Scruton, so BOYS DOUBLES~HRIST'AN SUSS (GER) and Bryn Drinkhall to round three, predictably things went smoothJy. both falling to Czech opposition. Margot Fraser and Wilf Rhodes were (CZE) & LOIC BOBiLL~E~AS KONECNY Joanna Parker's Consolation run was a credit to England in their umpires' GIRLS TEAM: GERMA (FRA) , ended by a Romanian in round three chair. GIRLS SINGL NY and Bradley Evans won three (CZE) ES: IVETA VALCENOVSKA GIRLS DOUBL (GER) ES: GABY & MEIKE ROHR MIXED DOUBL MEIKE ROHR (GE~S: CHRISTIAN SUSS & CADETS Bo YS TEAM: GERMANY BOYS SINGLES­ BOYS DOUBLE- ~UWEN FILUS (GER) (CZE) & MARCO ~R;~~N SCHWARZER GIRLS TEAM- ROM (POR) GIRLS SING - ANIA GIRLS DOU;~~~IN 1I (HUN) & ElIZABETA SAMA-:;AlIA DVORAK (SPA) MIXES DOUB (ROM) BOLTRUSHKO LES: DMITRY & MARIA VIKTORCHYK (BLR)

I EUROPEAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS by Peter Charters

'I want to get better, I can get England were won by Carl with Nicky better and I am going to do Mason in the boys doubles and Lisa everything possible to get with Jean Parker in girls doubles. better.' But it wasn't only about Carl and Lisa although they were clearly our star IN 1983 I attended the European performers. Playing in his very first Youth Championships in Malmo European Youth Championships Sweden. On that occasion I which incidentally was his last as he went as coach to the girls team was in his final year as a junior, Alan and was also chairman of the Cooke recorded eleven wins as then English selection against thre~ loses in the top committee and Vice Chairman of category for England in the team the Association with event. This was a major contribution responsibilities for not only to their final position and showed selection but for coaching, what can be done by a young, writes Peter Charters. inexperienced player who responds In Malmo the party was led by the to the challenge. His character and Junior Coach Donald Parker who his competitive spirit at international took charge of the boys teams. level first seen in Malmo has held Twenty years later in 2003, I him in good stead as an England experienced my next European senior player and now as a coach. Youth Championships in Novi Sad, Jean's invaluable Eontribution in the Serbia and Montenegro. Junior Girls resulted in her winning The European Youth gold in the girls doubles and silver ip. Championships is an excellent even,t;. the team. In the Cadet Boys Andrew for both players and coaches and . (not Matthew) Syed and Jimmy gives the latter a view of the Stokes finished in the high position developmental stage of young as a team due to solid singles international players through cadet performances and excellent doubles level to junior. For me as a coach results. In the 5th/6th play-off the European Youth Championships Anclrew beat yet another player who is the most informative event in achieved great things later, Zoran Table Tennis; it is where you can Primorac. In the Cadet Girls Jill witness a crucial stage of the player Powis had nine wins to two losses in as they move towards a senior the team event, 'including a victory international career. I recommend over Otila Badescu, the individual any coach to take the opportunity to gold medalist. spend time at a European Youth Agreater number of countries were Championships in the future. PETERS CHARTERS' PROPOSED represented in Novi Sad than in In Novi Sad in 2003 the results of Malmo. In the Junior Boys there was English players, although slightly up PRESENTATION FORTHE ETTA an increase from 24 to 41 ,Junior on the previous year could not be TEACHING & TRAINING CONFERENCE Girls 25 to 37, Cadet Boys from 20 to considered satisfactory. In Moscow AT LILLESHALL, SEPTEMBER 2003 39 and Cadet Girls 20 to 36. The in 2002 there had been a slight growth of 'new' countries in Europe improvement over the previous improved. The introduction of star to beat our own Carl Prean in and perhaps a spread of the sports campaign so there is some progress academy's or some kind of the final and it needs to be popularity makes for tougher being made. In 1983 England centralised coaching and training remembered that Carl was just out of competition. returned fronl Malmo with two gold, venue has brought the performance the cadet age group having won Let's have a constructive look at the two silver, and two bronze medals. level to a higher standard. There are cadet individual gold the previous interim twenty years and ask England teams finished in fifth few, if any, easy matches now; year. He went on to earn junior ourselves are there lessons to be position for the Junior Boys, second certainly this applies to the top 28 individual silver and then gold over learnt. Why in 1983 were England so for the Junior Girls, fifth for the sides in each of the four age and the next two years. In Malmo Carl successful? I believe that these Cadet Boys and eleventh for the gender groups. This is significant beat a certain Jorgen Persson, a lessons may be considered under Cadet Girls. and needs to be born in mind when future world champion, in the semi­ two headings. There are aspects In Novi Sad the Junior Boys finished looking carefully at the results, finals. Waldner had beaten another over which we in Table Tennis have in twenty-first position, the Junior particularly the team results. At the player who went on to greater little or no control and others where Girls in thirteenth, the Cadet Boys in top end however the standard of things, Andrei Mazunov in the other solutions may be in our own hands fifteenth and the Cadet Girls in players in Malmo could never be semi-final. to resolve. thirteenth position so the described as weak. The Junior Boys Olga Nemes of Romania was the I would like to introduce some comparison of results is stark. There event for example was won by a girls champion having beaten our questions for discussion under the is no doubt in my mind that other player who is popularly regarded as own Lisa Lonlas (nee Belinger) in the first heading which may be worthy of countries in Europe previously the greatest player of all time -Jan­ semi-final. Lisa beat Nemes in the consideration. The youth c!:Ilture in thought of as minnows have greatly ave Waldner. It took the Swedish team event. The two golds for this country has most certainly ETTA TEACHING &TRAINING CONFERENCE, LILLESHALL undergone change over the last the players for these championships. principles but finding new ways of Do the best players compete against twenty years. Is the lack of a In 1983 Alan Cooke for example had achieving them. Before him each other often enough and is there competitive spirit in our schools, played in one senior tournament in Desmond Douglas, fantastic player a link between this and the ranking particularly primary schools, an Israel, one foreign junior tournan1ent that he was could not be described policy used? issue? Do we produce fewer and the English Junior Open before as a player who emerged from a 'The Masters Event' is the ideal type children who respond positively to he went to Malmo. There had been coaching manual. Also our former of competition needed for our top the challenge of competition? Are a two week training camp at Lilleshall European Champion John Hilton and players. parents more indulgent with their at which some of our senior players our top player in recent years Does much of our domestic children? In an age when parents are provided practice for the players. Matthew Syed again were and are full competition encourage negative bombarded with media advice on Apart from this, he and Nicky Mason of flair and invention. Earlier still Jill play? caring for their child, are they spent six weeks practising in a Parker (nee Hammersley) was our Is the fear of losing overriding the concerned over the time and the chicken hut in Preston. At night most successful ever lady player with desire to win? Lately I have seen effort required of a young sleeping on the floor underneath the a game built around solid defence players using long(ish) pimples in sportsperson to achieve success at table. What commitment! In 2003 and lightening back-hand attack. Of what seems to be an effort to the highest level. Parents are no most of the players who went to Novi course we have had what I call emulate Carl Prean; but they use the more caring now than they were Sad had vastly superior preparation conventional top spin attack players equipment with a negative, spoiling then but they are certainly more in terms of international competitive who have done outstandingly well in tactic. Carl was the most positive of aware of dangers both physically and experience and training at an England shirt at senior level ­ players, he would not have become a emotionally. Is guiding their child to Nottingham with world class Chinese Alan Cooke, Carol Moore (nee world class player by relying on his being independent just too risky? sparring partners. Steen Kyst Knight) and Karen Witt for example. opponents unforced errors. Are they too ready to make excuses Hansen the Performance Director is These are all individual stylists in Some may point to. the fact that in when the going on the road to one of those people who makes their own right and all winners of 1983 the colour of the two sides of success gets tough. Is it always things happen. He organised the international, individual titles but out rubber could be the same. In the someone else's fault? As with primary preparation of the team for Novi Sad of the first group of players can be start of the '84 season the rule schools can they no longer lose? in such a way as leaving little or seen something different. Maybe we change regarding different colours Does this produce players who nothing to chance. The coaching need to coach with more imagination came into being. Both Carl and Lisa cannot accept responsibility for their staff that he took to Novi Sad were of and confidence in our ability to used combination bats in Malmo own actions and will this result in the top quality and the preparation produce players who, whilst using black rubber both sides. That players who lack the mental strength in terms of hotel and practice conforming to the principles of summer was thought by some to that is required to reach the top level facilities were as good as anyone positive winning Table Tennis, mark the end of the 'funny bats'. in any sport? Does this also produce could expect. develop their game with flair and Carl got into his stride quickly players and parents and even The preparation for Malmo was as inventiveness. winning silver in '84 and the top coaches who demand immediate good as finance would allow but Don Within Table Tennis we need to prize in The European Youth rather than deferred gratification? Do Parker's budget was restricted and have a system of recruiting talented Championships in '85. By the end of we lose players because success is a therefore opportunities were limited. youngsters and identifying them the decade Lisa had won individual lengthy process? There seems to be The class of '83 would have given the early. We then need to provide the bronze and silver at The European a growth in the more recreational little finger of their non-playing hand facilities, the coaching, the training, Senior Championships. approach to Table Tennis, which is to have experienced what their the tompetitive structure and the Funding, or lack of it, from national fine except that this attitude to our counterparts, twenty years later, were motivational factors to give the government is of course an issue. In sport does not produce international given in preparation for the ambitious ones amongst them every many ways the funding issue can be players. Championships. chance of success. Atalent taken under the heading that we as Maybe we are selecting from fewer In all sports it is the best prepared identification system has been put in coaches can do little about. players. There are so many other performer who achieves most often. place. Sponsorship is the life-blood of most interests and distractions today, even 'If you fail to prepare you prepare to Do we lack the facilities that our sports; can we do more to help some of those that take up our sport faiL' Therefore, I most certainly rivals enjoy? In Germany, for ourselves in this respect? I note with find difficulty with commitment and would not advocate a return to the example the most successful country interest a rise in the number of later the single mindedness needed preparation style of '83 but you can in Novi Sad they have the a big club occasions that parents are asked to to achieve international success. provide every facility, every structure to envy. They have finance training activities and the Apart from boys and girls football, opportunity for players but still need regional training financed by regional apparent increase in the number of other sports in this country seem to youngsters with the will, the drive government and they have four paid coaches. be suffering similar problems. There and the ambition to take advantage Table Tennis boarding schools as The rise ofVETTS Table Tennis are clearly young ambitious of it. well as national training camps. over the last twenty years, whilst sportspersons in Table Tennis with Another link with Malmo in '83 was Young players can progress through good for some may in its self have parents who provide all the practical the presence there of a young any or all of these facilities to reach been detrimental to the junior game. and tough emotional support Danish coach called Steen Kyst the top. So many other European Some of those players who past their necessary. But are they in the same Hansen. This was before he formed countries now have academy's or peak would previously have fed back quantity as 1983? the academy in Denmark in 1990 some form of centralised training their time, energy and expertise into Is the toughness being drained out where a four year programme venue (I counted twenty countries in helping the next generation. Now of our sporting children? Are coaches produced the winning junior team Novi Sad). Without the big club they have other priorities, their now afraid to admonish or even for Denmark in the European Youth structure or a regular (twice weekly) competitive career has been criticise youngsters for fear of Championships in 1994. regional training system, England extended. upsetting them or worse still be Maybe we need to look at ourselves need a national training centre. The Having looked at differences over accused of verbal abuse of children? the coaches. Do we allow players to big issue for young players in the the last twenty years and asked Culture changes such as these are develop using their natural flair or early eighties was the lack of the questions, I hope Table Tennis can something we in Table Tennis can do are we teaching them to conform to quality AND quantity of practice. look forward in a positive and little or nothing about. a specific style. My reason for raising National training camps filled some constructive manner. With the So what can we do about Factors this is when looking back to '83 Carl of the void but more often the blame culture in which we now live under the second heading that falls and Lisa were talented individuals players travelled the country to stay the temptation may be to throw mud maybe within the control of Table with positive games who could not with, and practice with sparring at some particular individual or Tennis. Firstly let me discount what be said to conform to a standard partners. groups and then step back in the I am sure some will consider a coached style of play. Carl in Does the current ranking scheme belief that pointing the finger of possibility for the results in Novi Sad particular was an innovator help or hinder the talented young blame will solve anything. To quote - namely the lack of preparation of conforming to point winning players and their coaches? Winston Churchill (twice) 'If the • I EUROPEAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS

of European and World Table Tennis IF they have the attitude to fight their way there AND if they are given every chance by us as an association. We have other prospects; as with Carl and Lisa in '83 strong back up is needed. More players are needed who have the potential to push and even overtake these talents of the moment. Competition for the England shirts will ensure that the strongest players mentally, technically and physically will emerge. We need players whose ALAN COOKE. reaction to not being selected is 'I'll show then they are wrong' and work present sits in judgement on the past hard to prove it. Do some of our it will lose the future', and then more youngsters give up too easily? directly, 'Criticism is easy, Remember Cookie in '83! In his last achievement difficult'. year as aJunior - under 17 then ­ Because there is no chance in the his first European Youth foreseeable future of England having Championships and he proved to be a system parallel to that of Germany, made of the stuff for a long and it is up to us, the coaches at all levels successful Table Tennis career. May with the help of supportive parents be he suffered from hungry fighter to make the difference. Of course syndrome. we need the full backing and Do we need to re-focus on encouragement of the administrators excellence? Do we need to but it is us at the sharp end. streamline our efforts to find young On the bright side England have ­ talent and then concentrate our in my and most observers opinion ­ efforts on those who have a chance? at least three outstanding young To me it seems that we must find prospects. Paul Drinkhall, Darius our own way, compensating for any Knight and Gavin Evans (and after shortcomings in our culture and our Novi Sad I would add Kelly Sibley to Table Tennis system. We are able to that list) have the talent to put improve and we must not feel that England back into the higher reaches the challenge is too great. OPPOR,.Utll,.y A,. ,.EES SPOR,.

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TEES SPORT Zetland Place, Middlesbrough TS I I HJ Email: [email protected] THE NATIONAL SCENE by Mike Johns

SOME six years ago the ETTA, and Gavin Evans (Notts.). These with funding of £1.2 million players, who were all part of the from the Lottery via Sport Academy last year, have now moved England, set up the National back home and Steen is working on Academy at Holme Pierpont, individual training programmes for Nottingham. Initial reactions each of them. from the table tennis community We have renegotiated our deal with were mixed. Some were Holme Pierpont, saving thousands of completely against the idea, pounds and regular training camps feeling it was too much money for these players will be held there. being spent on so few players. They will also be involved in a Others, like me, were supportive reduced programme of overseas of the concept, but virtually all tournaments and training camps. questioned the suitability of the Staff costs have also been cut with Water Sports Centre to house Steen taking a dual role as Technical our academy. Not only was the Director which encompasses both hall too small for the full squads high performance and the training of but there was no suitable place coaches. Jill is to spend her time to mn and the proximity of so administrating both high much water to a number of very performance and Teaching and young players was also a worry. Training Department. Jia Yi Liu has Add to which the cost was far been retained as a national coach. too high in comparison to other National Training Centres, writes Mike Johns. To trigger the funding from Sport England the ETTA submitted a plan promising future success at various major events. Unfortunately for us ALEX PE.RRY who won the opening Grand Prix of the season, is this was unachievable, and in one of the E.ngland internationals who has signed the agreement subsequent years our funding was ONE of my biggest concerns to play in at least three tournaments cut. Last year we received funding of when the National Academy £650,000 for our junior development started was that there was no 12 centres throughout the country overseas how can the number 9 squad. Again we failed to deliver, stmcture below academy level to within the next 2 years. The first improve? which resulted in this year's grant develop other players. No centres are likely to be in After consultation with Steen Kyst being reduced to £160,000. matter how good the coaches Sunderland, Halifax, Halton, Hansen, all of last seasons squad This was one of the major problems were at the academy if they were Nottingham, Banbury and South players, who wish to represent facing Alex, Martin and myself when not getting good quality players London. England this season have been asked we were appointed as officers of the coming through to them they to sign an agreement by which they association. We undoubtedly have a could not produce champions. will play in a minin1um of 3 Grand great deal of young talent coming During the 70's and 80's many of Prixes, The National Championships through and we did our utmost to our top players came up through and, if we are able to resurrect it, the keep a reduced form of the Academy regional Centres of Excellence and National Top Twelve. If they fail to running. Unfortunately, in the end starting in the next few months we IT IS impossible to argue against do so, they will not play for England. we were beaten by new child care will be launching a similar concept. the fact that our senior results At the time of writing the following regulations which were impossible Titled "ETTA High Class Performance are the worst in living memory. players have signed the agreement: for us to conform to. Centre's" these will be under the It would be easy to blame the Matt Syed, Andrew Baggaley, Gareth control of Steen Kyst Hansen, who players but they have done their Herbert, Alex Perry, Terry Young, Where do we go will select the coaches and set the best. I believe it is the system Andrew Rushton, Bryn Drinkhall, basic training programme. Players that has let us down. Peter Cleminson, Georgina Walker, from here? who are currently in England squads If we look at the past, all our world Joanna Parker, Kelly Sibley and Helen Over the course of the summer will receive a direct invitation to their class players, from Johnny Leach to Lower. Steen Kyst Hansen (Acting nearest centre. An appraisal day will Matt Syed, developed through a This should help strengthen this Performance Director), Jill Parker be held at each centre, when any strong English tournament system. seasons Grand Prix Series. (WCP Administrator), Alex and I, junior can attend (subject to space) For some years now our leading We will also be increasing the prize worked on a contingency plan for and Steen and the centre coach will players have been allowed to play for money in the British League in the use should we be unable to continue offer the remaining places to players England without making any hope that the clubs will be able to the Academy. The grant to be who impress then1 on that day. commitment to play in the country entice some of the top players to received from Sport England is to be Each centre will run two, 2 hour they represent. I find it amazing that play for them. This will also give spent on 6 to 8 players. Steen has sessions per week, with each player one of our top players has never table tennis enthusiasts further selected a squad of 6 with 2 more paying £5 per session. Additional played in a senior open tournament opportunities to watch our top players to be added later in the year. training days may be held at in this country. For our promising players in action. The 6 selected are: Georgina Walker weekends with some of the more young players to become world class (Notts.), Joanna Parker (Surrey), promising players being invited to they need the opportunity to watch Mike]ohns Kelly Sibley (Warks.), Darius Knight England training camps. and play against today's leading (Surrey), Paul Drinkhall (Cleveland) It is our intention to set up at least players. If the top 8 players only play • I OBITUARY

tennis was an ideal tool with which Alan Sherwood, to realise the social and community benefits that can be provided by Visionary and sport. And he was determined to realise his ambition of creating an Table Tennis institution that could effectively put his vision for the sport into practise. Benefactor, Driven by Alan and Michael de Giorgio, the project, started in tragically died on October last year, has now grown into a registered charity supporting 25th August. 18 clubs in socially deprived communities across the capital. With Tribute by the endorsement of the Prime Minister and with partnerships Matthew Sved including the police, TTK AlAN SHERWOOD ttrst emailed Greenhouse has brought table tennis me on 10 September 2001 in to hundreds of youngsters, in the response to an article in The process enhancing educational Times. We had never met before. attainment and fighting crime. The He said he had some ideas that Directors of TTK Greenhouse are could help table tennis, a sport already formulating plans for an he had played in the era of inter-club competition that will be Leach and Bergmann. My held in his memory. expectations were not high. But Alan had a wonderfully close when he died almost two years relationship with his family and our later, he had transformed the thoughts and prayers are with them sport in this country beyond at .this time. recognition. I hope that Alan recognised the And this was primarily because of esteem in whiGh he was held by all his personal qualities. Alan was a man who knew him. I believe he did. We of towering integrity. He dealt with will forever cherish his memory. others with courtesy and respect, and with an overarching desire to foster a spirit of inclusiveness and Alan Sherwood's teamwork. His presence at meetings was a guarantee of their Legacy effectiveness. It was not long before he had become one of my closest by Michael de and most trusted friends. I shall never forget his example. Giorgio of TTK Alan Sherwood, Visionary and Table Tennis Benefactor Greenhouse "Increasing the number of sporting But more than anything else, Alan tennis and which paved the way for opportunities available to young was a man of action. His the acclaimed Ocean International people is important to me. The achievements in the small period of Continental Masters at The Crucible. Government is putting more money his involvement with the sport are If the sport can continue the good into sport and PE within schools but breathtaking. By helping to initiate work and complete the painstaking we cannot drive that cultural change and then financing the process of transforming itself into a alone. We need coaches, clubs and Commonwealth Masters event at major sport, Alan's intervention will volunteers too. TTK is a great way to Wembley, he brought table tennis come to be seen as the moment that harness those talented coaches and back to terrestrial television when it arrested the sports long-tern1 media ensure they have the money, seemed that the sport was about to decline. equipment and support they need to disappear from view forever. Alan But it is Table Tennis for Kids, now do even more for young people." was intimately involved in aJ.] aspects called TrK Greenhouse Tony Blair, March 2003 of the organisation and presentation (www.ttkgreenhouse.org TTK Greenhouse is an entirely new of the competition, one which was ) project that is enhancing the DUAN YONG JUN winner of pivotal in transforming the attitude that will forever remain his greatest aspirations and life-chances of young the Commonwealth Masters of BBC executives towards table legacy. Alan recognised that table kids from deprived areas. I OBITUARY

Sport has the potential to improve schools are enthused and have like to expand on this and are health, raise educational standards, reported improved behaviour and looking for suitable schools and table Tribute by Alex fight crime and build strong academic work. tennis coaches that can help us communities. Table tennis is an ideal Each school's business studies class achieve our goals. We are creating a Murdoch, ETTA tool with which to realise this will have the opportunity to ladder system in each school and the potential: it is a game with an undertake a multi-media project, ain1 is to encourage the top ten Chairman engaging combination of strategy with the support of TTK young people on the ladder at each Although I have only been Chairman and speed, and many tables can be Greenhouse examining the impact of school to come together on a regular for a short time I believe it is very accomn10dated in a relatively small their table tennis club upon the basis to challenge the other in1portant for the ETTA to express amount of space, providing sporting students and their community. participants from the other schools their gratitude, but with great opportunities for the many rather TTK Greenhouse has recruited participating with TTK sadness, to Alan's family for the than the few. some of the most talented and Greenhouse schools to play for the immense contribution he made to TTK Greenhouse is operating by enthusiastic people from within the Alan Sherwood Cup. our sport. forging links between clubs, coaches sport together with experts from the The project is expanding rapidly I have had the opportunity to meet and schools. Talented coaches with voluntary sector and the media. It is and we would like very much to have with those involved in the TTK strong leadership skills have been backed by the English Table Tennis input from all. The website is located Greenhouse project, which was identified and are creating vibrant, Association and Matthew Syed, the on www.ttkgreenhouse.org and Alan's brainchild, and have been sustainable clubs in schools located English table tennis number one. regular updates concerning the impressed with the dedication and in areas of of economic deprivation. It is with great sadness that we will project will be made. We would very efforts made to bring table tennis to Well equipped, local table tennis have to undertake this project much encourage your feedback in hundreds of young people from clubs provide positive direction for without Alan's invaluable advice but order to help us build an deprived communities. talented and enthusiastic youngsters, we are determined to build organisation that Alan would have It is a concept that needs and will and budgets are being used to son1ething that he would have been been proud of. receive our continued support and finance weekend trips to proud of. To date we are operating Please either contact me, Michael involvement, not just for the social competitions to enhance in 18 schools providing after school de Giorgio, on 020 7243 6280 or aspects but in the expansion of participation and commitment. and holiday programmes. We would Greg Jarvis on 020 7603 8844 people playing our sport in England. Ranking lists have been utilised to This project will be included in our inspire progress. Leadership courses, future Development plans and I am with the opportunity to obtain CCPR sure expanded by the charity into approved coaching certificates are other fields and areas. providing a much-needed boost in Without Alan's dedication, expertise self-esteem for the 15 and 16 year and vision this project would not olds. have started and he will be Akey objective for TTK remembered for this within table Greenhouse is to use sport as a tool tennis circles long after my time as to improve educational attainment. your Chairman. In the existing schemes, results have On behalf of the ETTA membership exceeded our expectations. The our thoughts go out to Alan's family at this time. His work will never be forgotten.

• I THE CITY OF LIVERPOOL OPEN

ALEX PERRY unleashed his lethal backhand and forehand attack to win the City of Liverpool Open at the Liverpool Tennis Centre, the curtain-raising event of the new season. His fmal victim after stopping Irish No.1 Jason Sugrue in the semi-fmals was Bradley Billington from Derbyshire. Billington who won this toumament last year, made his mark in the semi-fmals when he outgunned the No.2 seed Ryan Jenkins. 6, 10, -2, -13, 4, writes John Woodford. In the final, Perry, 28,originally from Devon but now of Nottingham, breezed home 4,6,7. The Welsh No.1, who won five GP titles last season did not reach his very best form. This showed when he only beat the improving Peter Cleminson (Essex) 3-1 in the quarters. Further proof that Perry is starting the campaign with confidence came when he won the new (experimental) "Star singles" event, stopping Ryan Jenkins 7, -6, 7, 7 in the final. Spectators eyebrows were raised by the score when they noted who was to be the NO.2 womens seed ­ Feiming Tong from Taipei. The sceptics said "She won't turn up" as she has been absent on a couple of past, as she cannot be not far away occasions at GP events over the past from playing in veterans events. two seasons. In the semi-finals she took out But Feiming is a world-class player. Helen Lower who was playing well 8, I can recall watching her reach the 6, 3. In the final Feiming lost quite a world singles quarter-finals in Japan few points against the excellent not too long ago. defences employed by Marketa At Liverpool, (she is resident mainly Myskova from Devon and the Czech in Fareham (Hampshire) and plays in Republic, who was beaten 8, 9, 4. the French national league) she won Feiming's strength is in her very the womens singles and the Star speedy backhand and forehand event. attack. This makes her easily the She is not quite as sharp as in the strongest woman player in Britain at this time -and she is intending to play in a number of GP events including Paignton and Crawley. Paul Drinkall (Cleveland) was possibly the youngest ever winner of the Under-21 mens singles with a final victory 10 in the fifth against Liam Thomas from Wales. Wales did however score in the Under-21 womens singles - Naomi Owen brought down Louise Durrant (Nons) 8, 6 -11 ,8 in a brilliant final. The entry was in excess of 260 with over 30 tables. These tournaments A BUTTERFLY GRAND PRIX TOURNAMENT

continue to receive record entries, Ireland got a look-in from Michelle except for womens veterans - the McGreevy when she overpowered entry that included the chairman's Sarah Noutch, a late entry from wife Val Murdoch was down to five. Yorkshire, 8, -8, 5,8, in the wornens This was played as a round robin band one final. group that ended with Brenda Buoey • Liverpool officials now have the (Lancashire) winning the event with record for the best turnout of her 8,7,8 victory over Judy Morley. bluecoat umpires - 13 on the first from Gloucestershire. day, 16 on the Sunday. The veterans mens singles that This makes the whole thing look included the ETTA chair Alex more professional. When players are Murdoch was won by Ian Girdler umpiring, they are not in fact doing (Essex) with an extraordinary win that, they are scoring. over Dave Godbold The Liverpool League maintained (Northumberland) in the final. their excellent reputation for Girdler looked a certain loser in the organisation -the main team was first half of the last game -at least five Arthur Garnett, Don Davies, Ken points in arrears -but the wily Armson MBE and Steve Welch. Northumberlander let Girdley off the The timing and scheduling at hook - Girdler triumphed 12, -7,5,8, Liverpool was excellent - 7.30 pm. 9. finish on the Saturday and and 7pm The Band 1mens winner was Craig on Sunday. Full marks to Liverpool Gasgoyne (Notts) with a 6 in the officials and their helpers. fourth success over the young Durham prospect David Meads who according to coach Keith Wilson, is destined for stardom. • s 21 BRITISH LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION by Steve Kerns

Last years Champions London although Stephen Horsfield stole the Progress I and l-unners-up BATTS CLIVE show with a truly outstanding victory Team Peniel I both made CARTHY over Jason Sugrue at 11-9 in the fifth unbeaten starts to the inaugural game. Dave Godbold also came close weekend of British League JAGS a p to pulling off a sensational win; just Premier division matches against missing out at 11-9 in the decider (played at BATTS in Harlow) by Darlingto against Darren Blake. BATTS raced taking eight points out of eight. when he b into a 5-1 lead against Barnet before However it wasn't a good Ritchie Ven Niall Cameron brought some degree weekend for last season's third of respectability to proceedings by placers Seasiders who weren't at in beating Craig Bryant and Anthony full strength and lost all four of Corbin ended the show with a 3-1 their matches and already you victory over Neil Charles. Darlington have to say that is impossible to always had the upperhand against a imagine anyone other than below par Seasiders and doubles for Progress or Peniel realistically Matt Kenny and Michael Marsden challenging for the title, writes ensured they took the match 6-2. Steve Kerns. Last years division One (North) Players who made their mark Champions Derwent excelled in included last years overall British round three with their 5-3 victory League Player of the Season John over last years Division One (South) Holland (eight wins out of eight), winners Horsham. Dave Godbold and perhaps inevitably the Progress (ranked a relatively lowly no. 92 trio of Marco Essomba (seven nationally) produced a performance victories in eight starts), Darren far above that level as he beat both Blake (unbeaten in his eight Adrian Moore and Peter Bartram and matches) and Leeroy Pye (only one his team-mates chipped in with a win defeat in his eight games). However apiece for a very well earned victory. the form of two of the divisions Andrew Horsfield beat Adrian Moore younger players proved to be quite 11-9, in the decider, brother Stephen exceptional and Craig Bryant scored an excellent 3-1 win over (Peniel's new signing) and 15 year­ Dominic Hall an,d Richard Smith old Tim Yarnell (Barnet) really sealed the victory with a 3-1 success caught the eye. Both players are over Hall. London Progress showed already highly ranked (Craig at No.13 their class in disposing of Barnet as in England) and Tim at No.17 and on playing in France. Highlights for him out how they emerged with a point. Tim Yarnell sensationally beat both this showing both will be eyeing the included terrific wins over Abdul Darlington will certainly feel they Marco Essomba and Jason Sugrue yet form of those players ranked above Wuraola and Greg Baker. were"robbed". The scorelines in all Progress still won the match them with keen interest. Tim's seven In the first round of matches four of JAGs wins tell their own story comfortably 6-2. BATTS's 5-3 victory wins out of eight included a double Progress breezed past Horsham 8-0. Tommy Cutler beating Matt Kenny over Darlington hides the fact that over Progress's Marco Essomba Two great efforts -Adrian Moores 11-9 in the decider, Clive Carthy they had already moved into a 5-1 (Marcos' only loss of the weekend) 11-8 in the deciding set defeat edging out Eddie Smith 11-9 in the lead before Eddie Smith beat Peter and Jason Sugrue and an 11-9 in the against Jason Sugrue and a 11-6 in fifth, Jerome Jonah securing a superb Cleminson 3-2 and Michael Marsden deciding set victory over Peter the fifth end loss against Marco 11-9 in the deciding set victory over saw offJustin Goodall 3-1 to bring Cleminson (Peniel). His only defeat Essomba being enough to earn him Ritchie Venner and with the score at some degree of respectability to the came at the hands of Peniel Captain the Man-of-the-Match Award. BATTS 4-3 to Darlington Clive Carthy match score. JAGS on the other hand John Holland. Craig has already Team Peniel were also relatively earning JAGS their point by beating had to endure a nerve-racking last shown that he is going to be a great untroubled racing home 7-1 against Michael Marsden 12-10 in the set before John Dennison saw off Ian signing and his seven wins took in a Derwent I. Simon Noutch, another decider. Amatch of the highest Girdler at 11-8 in the fifth end to seal variety of styles (Darlington's Ritchie player who always seems to raise his drama. their 5-3 victory. Dennison's superb Venner being a 3-0 victim whereas game against higher-ranked The big surprise in the second win allied to a double success for the more flamboyant Michael opposition doing very well to get the round of matches was Horsham's Clive Carthy (who beat both Girdler Marsden only pelished at 13-11 in better of Chris Jamieson. Seasiders superb 5-3 victory over JAGS, even and Kevin Dolder) and single wins the fifth end). He also saw off the were given an early warning that it more so after JAG's epic performance for Tommy Cutler and Abdul JAGS duo of Abdul Wuraola and Clive wasn't going to be their weekend as in the morning. Steve Beerling's Wuraola leaving a luckless Seasiders Carthy. His only loss was at the they missed out 5-3 against Barnet, double set Horsham on their way without a point. hands of Barnet's new signing Niall Tim Yarnell's two victories ensuring and two excellent wins for Andy Round four proved no better for Cameron. The other player who that Barnet stayed on top. The final Walker over Jerome Jonah and Clive Seasiders as they succumbed 5-3 excelled was Horsham's new signing match in this round -JAGS versus Cathy reinforced what was an against Horsham I. Steve Beerling's 21 year-old Steve Beerling, an Darlington produced an absolute excellent Horsham team double gave the Sussex side the England top 10 Junior son1e four or "corker" andJAGS will have to performance. Progress were never ascendancy and singles wins for so years ago who has enjoyed a spell concede that they really cannot work troubled in beating Derwent 7-1 Adrian Moore, Peter Bartram and oppe Lon n Pro MARCO ESSOMBA had a very good weekend, despite losing to Bal1'net's Tim. Yarnell

Andy Walker meant they eventually Currently ranked no. 62 nationally took the match. "Big John" Rankin Marsden could be one to watch over showed up well with a surprisingly the course of the season. Finally convincing 3-0 win over Andy Walker Barnet scored their second win of and he only went down 11-9 in the the weekend as [hey saw off Derwent decider against Beerling. Kevin 5-3. Barnet's Niall Cameron took the Dolder's "Yellow card" summed up Player-of -the-Match Award for his his sides frustration Dolder actually two wins against Simon Noutch and won both of his singles - 3-1 versus David Godbold although Stephen Moore and 3-1 against Bartram! Horsfield must surely have had an Peniel excelled to beat old rivals equally good claim to the Award as JAGS 6-2 (to whom they had actually he scored two superb wins over lost twice last year). John Holland, Nicky McKoy and Costas Craig Bryant and Justin Goodall were Papantoniou. all on top form and all stayed The next round of matches will take undefeated to complete an place over the weekend of 23/24 outstanding performance. Progress November 2003 at Wellow House stayed top by virtue of having a School, Newark. You can expect better sets average and they looked some fireworks in round seven when in "good nick" as they disposed of London Progress face BAITS Team Darlington 7-1. Jason Sugrue set the Peniel and it is also fair to expect tone in the first match with a 3-0 improved showings from Seasiders demolition of Matt Kenny and his who will be hopeful of adding side never looked back from there. Johnathon Taylor and John Hilton to Darlington's single win was a good their line-up, and from Darlington one as the improving Michael who have Andrew Wilkinson and Marsden excelled by beating Leeroy Michael James still to call on. Pye 9,-8,10,8,9 in the last match.

The British League Official Ball I:IDA/II: 3 Star ·ITTF approved available from

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Brian Halliday reflects on the 100 CLUB CRUISE 2003 THIS YEAR'S 100 Club outing followed the example of a couple of years ago. Again we were all canal bound, but this time with a marked difference. An extended, and somewhat fraught, Annual General Meeting concluded at an advanced hour, which left our intrepid canal cruisers little time to prepare for the rigours of the waterways. Therefore the coach left Milton Keynes to journey to the marina, where the boat was moored, a little late. Don't ask me about the route, where we went, or what boatyard we went from. I know Milton Keynes is supposed to be designed on a grid system but its directions remain one of life's mysteries. To follow signs out into the neighbouring wilds was beyond me. Anyway it was a jolly pretty route to wherever we went. Our cruise was just perfect. Roomy, comfortable boat.A quite wonderful meal.Totally English with excellent fish and chips. Copious draughts of wine and beer. Even coffee and After Eight mints added a thoughtful and appreciative touch to the whole proceedings. Of course it is the passengers that make a cruise, and this time we got a truly exceptional lot, right from our brilliant orga.niser Doreen Stannard, to the old Chairman's wife through to the new Chairman's wife, and the old "new" Chairman. Shame there was no haggis for the Chief Executive, but you can't provide everything. Sincere thanks to Doreen for all tHe work and effort she put in to make this such a happy and memorable event. Can't wa.it for next year. Manchester Ship Canal (or will it be'Suez?) here we come. Pictured left enjoying themselves are new ETTA Chairman ALEX MURDOCH and his wife VAL. Bottom left is JOSE RANSOME receiving a presentation as the retiring 100 Club Chairman. Bottom right are, Editor ofTTN JOHN WOOD, ETTA General Secretary ROB SINCLAIR, KEN MUHR and BRIAN HALLIDAY 100 CLUB CRUISE FACT FILE

~~ C~~~~~d !:P~s~~~~~rPw~ere we all piled on the "Chiltern Princess" a.nd chugged along to the Red Lion, Marsworth, where the fish and chips caught up with us. While cruising between the Tring & Wilstone Reservoirs and Waterfowl Reserves, a presentation was made to the 100 Club retiring Chairman Jose Ransome. It was then time to turn around and head back, accompanied by a spectacular sunset, to the wa.iting coach. OCEAN INTERNATIONAL CONTINENTAL MASTERS at The Crucible

STAGED in a cauldron of near­ 100 Fahrenheit, a full house of 900 fans survived the blistering heat at the aptly-named Cmcible at Sheffield, cheering on the six world-class men who like me had only experienced such conditions in the tropics, writes John Woodford in Sheffield. All six men lived up to the Masters title. Almost predictably, but not quite, Timo Boll lived up to his label of World No.1 Earlier this year he was nursing an injury. He won the world cup but lost in Courmayeur at the Europeans and at the World's in Paris. Having watched him in Italy and France, I had the feeling that he might bounce back. He did just that. His first two matches both went to five - he only survived 9 in the fifth against the excellent all-rounder Having watched Matthew play on stunning attacking shots that had the Colin Deaton was going to be M.C Chen Weixing in the first round and many occasions in recent years I can German perplexed. But Boll is the but he had a heart attack before the triumphed by the same fifth game recall two other matches in which he coolest of customers -a left-handed match. His place was ably taken at score against our own Matthew Syed. reached world top-twenty standard ­ two-winged attack that is a joy to very short notice by Richard Yule, Boll said "I had a lot of problems against Jorgen Persson and more watch. assisted by Jill Parker. Don Parker with Matthew's spin, I had to work recently against a young Russian As he is only 22, he has every and Tony Gubba were the main very' hard. Syed: He calls me the player at Cheltenham in the chance of not being dogged by commentators for BBC Television. wall, I call him the rock. Further Boll European League. persistent injuries. I shall be looking Many fans will Have watched the quotes -I am very happy to win This time it was another standing forward to his clash with the Asians, hour-long coverage on Grandstand against Vladimir - if I do not risk ovation - at times his returns had the especially the Chinese on the world on the following day. anything, I have no chance. Athens German floundering. And, as circuit and at the world teams One (other) BBC commentator said could be my year". promised Syed came in with championships in Doha, Qatar. that all six men would be appearing Jan-Ove Waldner, arguably the in Athens - incorrect of course, world's most talented player, but at Matthew as has to try to qualify in 37, well past his best. He is still great Luxembourg in November. but the huge banner in the crowd The five foreign players were that read "Waldner is the greatest" transported with girl-friends in the could have been "Waldner WAS the biggest stretch limousine I have ever greatest". seen from London and back Vladimir Samsonov seems to remain immediately after the match to a top cool even in the sweltering heat ; he London hotel. defeated Waldner 3-1 and then Can this event happen again ?It is Kreanger in the--~~mis 3-2. In the fifth entirely up to the BBC according to game against the former Romanian Matthew Syed. Samsonov was way down throughout Verdict: It was a great night. Whether the game - time-out was at 9-8 to it could happen again - it depends on Kreanga, but Samsonov, always more you fans - please drop a line to the steady and controlled, was lucky to BBC Grandstand saying how much scrape home 13 in the fifth. you appreciate the return of table Unfortunately, the final was tennis to terrestrial screens. something of an anti-climax -The This is a serious request - only Belarus man was beaten 9, -7 9, 7. needs a paragraph - fans only usually But the fans clearly enjoyed the night write to the media with complaints, - an event created by Matthew Syed so sports editors get the impression with lots of help from Paul Andrews, that table tennis fans do not care if managing director of the sponsors ­ their sport is covered or not. Ocean International Communications of Brighton. COUNTY NOTES - A look around the country

some time, then promptly announced BEDFORDSHIRE her retirement after just over two years in by Derek Willis favour of girls' football! How I detest FOR the new season Luton &District footie's all-pervading influence on League have decided to split the top modern society. division. The new premier division will The event was held at the magnificent play each over four times, as will division Dome centre in Doncaster, which is very one. co accessible. Next year I see it is scheduled This will be experimental and shall be for King's Lynn. Please no! I am sure it reviewed. is a splendid place, but it is the very devil The Bedford League will have five to get to. divisions for the new season, with Incidentally, I see Anglo-German girl division one champions Bedford Modern Sabine Winter, who twice had straight 'A' defending the title. games wins against an opponent with The following are the Bedfordshire over 1,400 ranking points, has been given County Ranking lists: a ranking of 23 points by the computer ­ SENIOR MEN choose your own expletives! 1 KEVIN COPPERWHEAT Sportbreak Junior/Cadet and Senior 2 ROBERT DYNES Tournaments 3 HAMISH YEUNG Enclosed are the results of these 2-star 4 CHRIS STONE events held on the 2nd/3rd August. 5 TIM TERNENT From these you will see there was no 6 DAVID HALL women's event because of insufficient 7 RICHARD STEELE entries. The junior and cadet girls were 8 DAVID HYDE also thin on the ground, with none of 9 JOHN ALSOP Cheshire's many girl players entered. 10 PAUL BIRCH Come on ladies, especially those in the 11 BRIAN MAYFIELD Wirral; support your local tournaments or 12 NIGEL ANSTEE there will be no local tournaments to 13 GRAHAM COOK support. These Knutsford events are 14 HARVEY CROSS well-run in a good venue next to 15 MARTIN VERDON magnificent Tatton Park, and there is 16 DEREK WILLIS easy motorway access. 17 ALEX MURDOCH In the N.W. Youth Cup hopefully 18 CHRIS WILSON reported elsewhere, there was a notable SENIOR WOMEN lack of entries from Cumbria. 1 SANDRA HARPER European Veterans 2 VAL MURDOCH Players who go back thirty years or so 3 ANITA COPPERWHEAT (not me - I'm far too young!), will 4 SARAH HUDSON remember Diane Johnson. Well, she's 5 ROSIE INZANI back, and in fairytale fashion took the 6 KATHERINE BUTLER Consolation Gold in the ladies' 0-60s. 7 GILLIAN SHOULER John Hilton took Bronze in the 0-50 The ranking lists for Veterans and men's singles, and also the doubles, Juniors will appear in the next issue. partnered by - wait for it - Nigel BEDFORDSHIRE: Pictured above is CHRIS STONE (left) receiving Eckersley! BERKSHIRE The extensive coverage of Veterans' byJohn Cunningham the Luton & District Singles trophy from ETTA Chairman ALEX MURDOCH (Chris beat Harvey Cross in the final) events in these notes has been entirely Bob matches brother Geoff the result of me ferreting around. This is Bob Davis, one of Reading's top players not really as it should be, so if you want received the Reading Chronicle Cup from to continue to see your tales of derring­ Captain, Nick Savage at the Army do reported in black and white (or pink, Technical Foundation College in yellow, green, blue or grey), then give Arborfield. me a ring on 0161 494 1623. Bob who is in charge of the "Basic Skills Finally, may I express my appreciation Centre" at the college earned his award of Ken Muhr's efforts for "TTN", and wish for his outstanding performances in the him every success in whatever he turns Reading Closed Championships. His his pen to. brother Geoff won the sanle annual Sportbreak Open Championships, award in the 1992-93 season. Knutsford, 2nd/3rd August 2003 Junior Boys' Singles: 1st - Phil Robinson CHESHIRE (Durham) 2nd - Matthew Dodds (South by Alan Blears Yorkshire) National U-I0s/lls/12s/13s Junior Girls' Singles: 1st - Frances THREE Stockport girls enjoyed a Potjewyd (Somerset) 2nd - Rebecca Yip successful weekend in Doncaster. (Lancashire) Cadet Boys' Singles: 1st - Matthew Dodds (South Yorkshire) 2nd - Alex Watson - Lazowski (Staffordshire) County Notes is for the BERKSHIRE: Pictured above is BOB DAVIES (right) receiving the Cadet Girls' Singles: 1st - Frances publicity of county activities. Reading Chronicle Cup from Captain, NICK SAVAGE Potjewyd (Somerset) 2nd - Kirsty Owen The accu racy of what is (Yorkshire) published is the responsibility Partnered by her Derbyshire pal Emma trying her hand, feet and bottom at the Men's Singles of the county associations as Vickers, Caroline Hallows was the centre's ice rink! Super Group: 1st - Kevin Beadsley the editor cannot possibly surprise winner of the U-13 doubles, and Emma Kelly had played only twice in (Yorkshire) 2nd - Keith Williams know the 'facts' may be semi-finalist in the singles. the previous six weeks, but reached the (Lancashire) incorrect. Copy containing Jenny Dinsdale reached the last eight of semi-final of the U-12s losing to eventual Group 1: 1st - Matthew Dodds (South libellous or personally abusive the U-lls, before losing 13-11 in the winner, Rachel Jamieson. Yorkshire) 2nd - John Weatherby matter or 'political' comment fourth game to the no.1 seed, and was Emma, described by someone who (Cheshire) will not be published. semi-finalist in the U-12 doubles with her knows about these things as one of the Group 2: 1st - Keith Weatherby club team-mate Emma Kelly - this after greatest natural talents to appear for (Cheshire) 2nd - Mike Boyce (Cleveland) COUNTY NOTES -2 Cornwall's The Intermediate Cup final was won by have a special meeting to vote for the MARTHA Metherill's Shirley Luckhurst, Chris representative. I put the wrong date for TRAVIS Stevens and Kevan Borlase, beating Myler our meeting by one day. It was pointed has 5-3, where Meverill's Kevan Borlase beat out to me by Tony Wickens, the ETTA become David Plumb 3-0 to take the title. Returning Officer." Clarice had been the the ETTA St.Ives Table Tennis Club must have only county nomination for the role. National created some sort of record, with three At the county annual meeting in the Under 10 of their teams reaching the finals. Salutation Hotel, Ambleside, all officials Girls Congratulations to Martha Travis from were re-elected: President: Bob Gale; Champion, StJust in Cornwall who won the National Chairman: Keith Mallinson; Vice­ in her first UI0 girls at the UI0,11,12 &13 Nationals Chairman: Clarice Rose; Secretary: Peter year of held at Doncaster this year. Rushton; Treasurer: Richard Johnstone; playing This is a fantastic achievement by Match Secretary: Steve Dixon; Press table Martha because she only started playing Secretary: Gordon Brown; Coaching tennis last season. Her proud coach Neville Secretary: Mike Yardley; Umpires Reed is over the moon at rapid rise to Secretary: Peter Rushton; Auditor: Ron the top, and hopes that she continues Rigg. improving all the way to senior age Finally, Keith Mallinson's last word on group. 11 and up: "It was not done for the Anote for your diaries: this season's players. It was done to suit TV and it has Cornwall County Closed chan1pionships not worked. Coverage has been mostly will held on the weekend of 6th-7th on Sky. 5 per cent of the population have March 2004. Sky, which means the other 95 per cent CUMBRIA don't see it." by Gordon Brown DERBYSHIRE ONE of the strongest leagues in the by Colin Deaton country were on the brink of being DERBYSHIRE'S long serving secretary, removed from the ETTA because players Les Allwood, achieved the incredible were not comfortable with the 11 points milestone earlier this year of 25 years of and up ruling. service to the Derbyshire Table Tennis Traditionalists in the four-division Association. Barrow League, which has boasted His 25 years of loyalty and guidance to several of the country's high ranking our gan1e commenced on the 12th July junior players, have never been happy 1978. with the International Federation's He has many roles, he also plays, is departure from 21 and up two years ago. current secretary of the Derby and In line with ETTA instructions, Barrow District League and for the last 7 years he started playing 11 and up at the has fulfiled the task of being a con1n1encen1ent of the introductory tournament umpire. season, but halfway through, by popular One cannot imagine a Derbyshire team demand, they reverted to 21 and up, without Les being somehow involved, which continued throughout last season. either transporting, the players, scoring But the ETTA stepped in and told or cornering our young players. Barrow they could not affiliate unless In the last 5years he deservedly was they made a decision to play 11 and up presented with the E.T.T.A. Maurice this season. Hence a special Barrow Goldstein Award and also received the League meeting in Park View Table distinction of beiflg presented with the Tennis Centre at which those present Leslie Forest Memorial Trophy, for his voted two to one "reluctantly" to go work in the National County along with 11 and up. Championships. Keith Mallinson was in the ernbarrassing Aged 54, he actually started playing our position of being Chairman of both the game at school when he was 15, CORNWALL: Winners of the Intermediate Team Knock-out Cup Cumbria County Association and the although he has never risen to great Metherill TTC, pictured with their trophies are CHRIS STEVENS, Barrow League. "We reluctantly decided heights as a player, his contribution to SHIRLEY LUCKHURST and KEVAN BORLASE to go to 11 and up. If we had not we our game in Derbyshire is second to would have been kicked out of the none. Roger Vardon for his past duties as ETTA," said Keith, who had just been In his spare time he enjoys cricket, CORNWALL Cornwall's General Secretary, his place elected to his second year as County drama and gardening and he regularly by]ohn Wood has been taken by Tim Bowler. Chairman. attends United Reform Church, but few WELCOME to a new season where the The Tamar Cup match between Devon Chairman of Barrow League for eight can deny that his number one love is 11up scoring season has now become and Cornwall ended as a draw, but due years, Keith said it would have been a Table Tennis. law, but for us in Cornwall it is not a the fact that Devon were the holders disaster for the County Association had His current posts with the Derbyshire problem because we have already been from last year, they retained the cup. Barrow dropped out, as the county Association is Secretary, Treasurer and using this system. Early in the summer the Cornwall would then have been left with one none playing captain, not forgetting Welcome is in order to our new arrivals County Team Knock-out Cup affiliated league, Kendal. He doubted being the Secretary of the growing Derby John and Di Jermyn, who n10ved to competition came to it's conclusion, whether the County Association could and District League. London Apprentice from Hertfordshire at when the finals took place at Tregorrick have carried on. Les, a Librarian at the Learning Centre, the end of August this year. John, who is Table Tennis Centre in St.Austell. It would have been a double blow on Heanor, said "He hopes Derbyshire table an International Referee, has agreed to The Class 2 final was won by St.Ives 'B' top of an unwitting error that has led to tennis will continue on the up and up". be Cornwall's representative on the ETTA when they defeated their fellow club the county not being represented It is thanks to people like Les Allwood National Council.Di is is part of the new team St.Ives 'C' 5-1, where player of the individually on the ETTA this season. that our game in Derbyshire is so popular ETTA Management Committee, as a vice­ match was David Smith, who beat his dad Vice-Chairman, Clarice Rose has done and it goes without saying that we in chairman without departmental 11-8 in the 5th. the job for many seasons, but this time Derbyshire are proud of our 'Mr Table responsibilty The Senior Knock-out Cup was won by round County Secretary, Peter Rushton Tennis'. On behalf of all table tennis personnel Peoples Palace 'A' who beat St.Ives 'A' unwittingly gave the wrong date on the The Derby League is to increase in in Cornwall I would like to express our 5-4. Included in the St.Ives team was the form he sent to the ETTA for the meeting teams this year and has transferred a lot good wishes to John and Di, hoping that legendary John Basset. arranged to select the representative. of its league activities played at the their relocation to our part of the world This nail-biting final went to the wire, Said Peter "I filled in the form Mackworth Centre to Littleover School will be a successful and happy. with Peoples Palace's Bob House taking incorrectly. It was an administrative error (12 tables). On behalf of the county I wish to thank the honours when he beat Mike Fisher. -a basic human error. The county has to Also this season they are to employ a 12 COUNTY NOTES - 3 team format system as opposed to a 10 league table for last season is as follows:­ Orchestras and Choirs, Dyslexia Groups, The format was the very old fashioned team system in the past. Team P W Pts Drama Groups, Scouts, even individual one, yet again, of mixed teams, consisting Their pride and joy, Emma Vickers, Ivybridge 'A' 18 15 116 London Marathon competitors. of four men's singles, only one ladies' continues to shine and develop and is, Tamarside 'A' 18 16 III Colin Sherrin and John Mansfield from singles, but mixed and ladies' doubles. It without question, an outstanding young Tamarside 'B' 18 12 101 the Romford League explained "Whilst remains unclear why the men's and prospect, already having gained Ivybridge 'B' 18 11 96 the "Awards for All" Grant we received ladies' team events cannot be staged international selection in events abroad, Yealmpstone Farm 18 11 93 helped the Romford League launch the separately. Bermuda, who arrived with recently playing in Luxembourg. Tamarside 'C' 18 9 79 Havering TT Coaching School the Jack only two men, might have agreed. The Derby 4Star Junior is again to be Ivybridge 'D' 18 5 56 Petchey Award has been a key factor in Our team (Lucy Pointer, Jo Hurt, Roger featured and this is now quite established Ivybridge 'C' 18 5 49 allowing the Club to develop and also Hookey, Alex Rorke, Danny Burns, Carl as one of the top events in our junior Coombe Dean 18 3 44 retain the interest of its young members. Prean) retained the team title, eventually game. Stoke Damerel 18 3 41 It has enabled us to replace damaged or defeating Guernsey 4-0 in the final. All Chesterfield, after their performance of Congratulations to Ivybridge 'A' on worn-out equipment and also to the other matches were played to a finish 3 players in the quarter finals of the retaining the League Trophy. purchase new equipment such as a and all seven ties had to be concluded, England national U10 Chanlpionships at After the League programme was training Robot. The generous monthly but not apparently the final. Lucy and Jo Doncaster, continue to improve. completed the Individual and Doubles Award of £ 200 has proved to be an won the mixed where our opponents Their squad of Staveley youngsters are Championships took place at the excellent way of encouraging members to might have felt hopeful and Lucy, Danny amongst the best in Britain and regular Plymouth League HQ. Results were as work hard and the fact that it represents and Carl did the rest. Gotland were not one-to-one sessions with Nicola Deaton follows:­ the hard work they have put in and not as strong as usual. and Alex Perry will keep them sharp with Under 14 Singles: Champion - Richard just that they are the best players has Carl and Lucy won their respective their technique continuing along the Marshall (yealmpstone Farm) Runner-up enabled us to reward a variety of boys singles titles and Carl and Danny also the right lines. - Elliot Goss (yealmpstone Farm) and girls aged between 9 and 15". The men's doubles. Danny got to the semi­ I went along to the first grand Prix of Over 14 Singles: Chanlpion - John Romford League have already received final for the first time in which he met the season in Liverpool and the number Cooksley (Ivybridge) Runner-up­ two years of funding - 24 lots of £ 200, Carl. Only the ladies' doubles title eluded of players participating from Chesterfield Nathaniel Hunt (Ivybridge) not an insignificant amount by any us. Lucy and Carl also won the mixed. was quite exceptional. Open Doubles: Champions - Alex standards. Put into perspective, we won 5 out of Player/Coach, Steve Young won the Steell.John Cooksley Runners-up­ Essex Veteran County players Neil the 10 gold won by the Island in ALL Band 5 Singles, whilst Pat Thorley, now Richard Marshall/Elliot Goss Brierley and Dave Wright expand "Many sports and so our standing locally happily fit again, won the Band 2 singles. The Leading Player Award went to Chris small Clubs, and this is especially true of remained high and the publicity was Pat last month qualified as a Level 2 Warn (Tamarside) and the Sporting Table Tennis find it really hard to make excellent. Sadly, we may never see its like Coach and will represent South Yorkshire Trophy went to Brantley Rogers ends meet. At BATTS we aim to put on again. in the Veterans classes of the National (yealmpstone Farm). quality events but can rarely charge the The next event, in 2005, will be in the Championships. National Junior League, Plymouth participants enough to cover our costs. Shetlands, where there will be an Alex Perry, now based in Chesterfield, as This League which has been a success for Our application for support received a accom,modation problem and there was time goes along will take quite a the past 2 years will run for 2003/2004 positive response from Andrew further disappointment for the Isle of permanent part in the Chesterfield local with John Smith as Organiser assisted by Billington, Finance Director of the Jack Wight, as our bid for 2007 failed, Rhodes game and will be a big asset to the John Vincent. Petchey Foundation and within 24 hours being the selected venue. youngsters around the Chesterfield area. Carter Cup we heard that would be receiving £750 These set-backs apart, the staging of the He was in top fornl at Liverpool, It was a great boost for table tennis in towards the cost of setting up a series of table tennis event left much, perhaps winning the Men's singles in a very Plymouth when the Beacon Electrical Friday night Coaching sessions. With everything to be desired. The Guernsey convincing style, playing with more top Plymouth and District League's junior former English Veteran Champion Clive Association had provided an excellent spin. The Commonwealth Gold Medallist team of Chris Brown, Jacob Kodicek and Carthy taking charge these sessions have venue, which played and looked great is chasing more gold at the next Darren Reed won the National Carter proved very successf"ul. We have the with five tables on view. Unfortunately, Commonwealth event in Australia is Cup in the League's Centenary Year. All potential to receive £ 4,150 by the end of the powers that-be had decided to have 2006. three boys play for Inter-city in Division I our first 12 month period and support nine tables in the hall, which spoilt Finally, I would like to say thanks to all of the Local League. will continue as long as we stick to the eve'rything. The lighting was no longer those friends and colleagues who sent so terms of our scheme. We have used this right and conditions inevitably varied many cards and letters of get well soon ESSEX money to develop top-class coaching, from table to table. The reason, as far as wishes to me following my admission to by Steve Kerns purchase our own printed T-shirts and to one can gather, was officialdom's idea or hospital with illness. Jack Petchey Foundation upgrade our range of equipment". illusion that table tennis players like to It was a huge disappointment to me for THE most generous benefactor to Essex Clubs are also eligible to receive a play till they drop. Everything was this admission to happen on the eve of Table Tennis in the last three/four years "Leadership Award". BATTS were arranged in groups and played nlainly to the Continental Masters in Sheffield is as far as we know not even a player. successful in their application and "best of 7" and even seeds were not where I was to compare the event. Nevertheless the name "Jack Petchey" is Harlow League President Bill Rosendale excused from the groups. Even the three Everyone enjoyed the Masters event and becoming increasingly well known in proudly picked up their £1,000 Award doubles events were played in groups I was so sorry not to be there. I hope Essex circles. recently at a first-class Gala presentation and so resulted a veritable marathon of a there will be a back up event. The Jack Petchey Foundation is a Grant ceremony in May at the London tournament, but the conventional making Trust that gave away £ 3.2m in Planetarium. The Romford League were marathon is over in 2.5 hours (less if you DEVONSHIRE 2002 to worthwhile undertakings that also successful in obtaining a Leadership are Paula Ratcliffe) and in one day. The by John Vincent support projects that work with young Award and Romford & DTTL Vice­ table tennis marathon here took 6 days THIS will be my last report as Devonshire people; no strings attached. Sounds too Chairman John Mansfield was the proud of about 10 hours each. There was no Coaching Officer and Press good to be true? In West Essex and East recipient of their £1,000 Award at their time to see other sports or to meet the Representative although I will still be London literally hundreds of own Presentation Evening. They will use athletes of other sports which once made involved with the Junior First Team. I organisations have benefited and these funds to pay for a series of top­ this such tremendous fun. Our own have had a long innings and enjoyed pleasingly Table Tennis has been class Coaching sessions led by former players, without exception, were tired for every moment of it. Now is the time for amongst the beneficiaries with the international player Grant Solder. at least a week afterwards. Who thought new blood to take over to keep the Romford & DTLL and BATTS both all this up I have no idea, but our sport County flag flying high. I would like to receiving sizeable grants over the last ISLE OF WIGHT was done no favours and whether we thank our Committee for their full three years. byJohn Prean shall want to come again next time must support over many years and the players Jack Petchey was born in 1925 in the OUR team returned in triumph from the be in real doubt after all that. Our sport and coaches that have brought so much East End of London and from a modest Island Games of 2003. The event (for the seems to have an uncanny knack of success for our County teams. Ken background he started in Car hire and world's smaller islands) continues to gain shooting itself in the foot and this tinle Denton the new Devonshire Chairman went on to make his fortune with Car numbers and momentum with more the wounds really hurt. presented me with a wonderful brandy dealerships and Property development. sports and competitors every two years. Locally, indications are that we shall glass inscribed "With our thanks" which The Trust was formed in 1999 with the The teams lined up in table tennis were have more teams than last season, the now has pride of place next to nlY ETTA ainl of developing the potential within Saarema (Estonia), Bermuda, Rhodes first fruit of our coaching scheme which "Contribution to Coaching" Award. young people and to help young people (Greece), Isle of Man, Shetland Islands, has brought a lot of youngsters into the The Beacon Electrical Plymouth Schools playa full part in society. Organisations Jersey, Guernsey, Aland (Finland), sport and some older ones back. We shall League run by Dave Brenton has from just about every walk in life have Gotland (Sweden), Greenland, Faroe try a new system in our bottom division completed its fifth year and is expected received funding - just about every sport Islands, Orkney, who were divided into which is designed to produce shorter to run again in 2003/2004. The final imaginable, out-of-school projects, two groups of six and seven respectively. evenings. The old system of nine singles •s COUNTY NOTES - 4 and one doubles will remain, but each surprise winner of the won1ens singles Bolton, Runners up Warrington. Division clashes with the first week end. Good match will only consist of three games when she defeated Cherith Graham 3-1 Four: Winners Barrow, Runners up news is that Mark and Lindsey Dare have and each game will count towards the in the final. She had overcome no. I seed Tameside "B". Division Five: Winners moved to Norfolk from Herts and already end result which might be 30-0 or 15 all. Alice Howard in a semi-final cliff-hanger Kendal, Runners up East Lancashire "A". Mark has organised some Junior This might knock a third off the duration which went the full distance. The Division Six: Winners Tameside "C", coaching sessions and Lindsey has been and so produce the desired 10 o'clock outstanding performance of the day Runners up Kendal "A". practising with Mary Sawyer. finish which parents of younger players came from 14 year old Phillip Wilkinson Dennis Smith Trophy At time of writing the various leagues find just about acceptable. from Manchester who took second seed Mighty Liverpool took on minnows are still coming to terms with 11 up­ The passage of this proposal through Paul Hutchings to the deciding game in Lytham St.Annes with the latter receiving some are revolting and some have our AGM was by no means smooth, other the opening round of the mens singles. seven start. All due credit to Lytham, they accepted - the crunch will come on players clinging to the late nights which Results:- Mens Singles: Kevin Dolder bt battled hard and did their league proud registration night. they saw as a good night out. However, John Rankin 7, 9, 4. Womens Singles: but were really no match for Nationally I must say a word for Ken Muhr whose as all the new players will begin in the Tamar Seymour bt Cherith Graham 8, ­ ranked players the likes of Hutchings and "few words" in his insert made the Table botton1 division, perhaps a fair 11,8,4. Veteran Singles: John Rankin bt Williams. The match ended with a 5-1 Tennis News worthwhile - I hope compromise was reached. No doubt the Paul Hutchings 9,7, -10, 9. Junior Boys scoreline in favour of Liverpool. Keith something like that will continue. saga will continue next year. The sad Singles: Adam Bleakley bt Siful Khan 6, 2, (the lorry) Bailey was Lytham's sole Meanwhile could details of the draw truth that our sport is doomed unless we -9, 2. Junior Girls Singles: Winner Cherith winner, beating Ahmed Thabet in straight and results of the various competitions attract new players seen1S largely ignored. Graham Runner up Hayley Wilkinson games. The trophies were presented by such as Willmott, Rose Bowl, Carter etc I have seen our teams drop from 78 to (R/R). Mens Doubles: HutchingslRankin Mrs Pat Smith assisted by Stan Parr. be printed. Not having access to the the 29 of last season. It is not only our bt Chris FordlDavid Griffith -6? 12, 10, 7. Norman Cook Memorial Trophy internet or e-n1ail, I could only find out national scene that is in urgent need of Mens Banded Singles: Peter Taylor bt Halton and Bolton took part in one of results from the Management Committee reform. The problems are more deep­ Tom Bray -7, 3, 5, 1. the best finals seen in recent years. John Report. seated and far more enterprising and Preston Closed Championships Hilton appeared for Bolton and as usual reforming attitudes will have to prevail at Paul Shirley (brother ofJill Shirley) provided the crowd with some wonderful NORTHAMPTONSHlRE local level, if the decline in the fortunes became the new Preston Open Singles entertainn1ent. Ironically, it was his by Dennis Millman of English Table Tennis is to be reversed. Champion when he defeated Andy Lebutt match against Halton's Mal McEvoy that FORTUNATELY, or otherwise, the copy in a closely fought final. Defending was the key to the result. McEvoy went date for the first issue of Table Tennis LANCASHIRE champion, Barry Crook, was beaten at for some big shots and took the pressure News always appears to coincide with the by Tony Meredith the quarter final stage by the much points in a straight games victory over typical heatwave, but this year a superb I CANNOT report on county activities as I improved Adam Linton. Another former the ex European Champion all be it with presentation of our sport at the Crucible have received zilch in that field. Preston champion, Tony Rigby, also went out at five points start. The match ended with overshadowed an exceptional summer secretary, Gerry Stokes has sent me a the same stage to finalist Andy Lebutt. It the score at 5-4 in favour of Halton after and prepared us for a new season in report on their championships and that was Shirley's second title - he won the son1e brilliant table tennis from both which hopefully local efforts will in some will be detailed below. The season has event in 1989. In the veterans final, teams. The trophies were presented by small way live up to the exceptional fare ended and we are now in limbo -land as however, Shirley was beaten in straight Stan Parr, former secretary of the League. already provided. far as the plans of the National games by holder Barry Crook Results:­ Preparations for the campaign ahead are Association are concerned. I understand, Open Singles: Paul Shirley bt Andy Lebutt LEICESTERSHIRE already well advanced but now is the however, that the new regime has plans 17, 14. Veteran Singles: Barry Crook bt by Derek Butt time to take stock of the closing events to make some significant changes. There Paul Shirley 12, 18. Junior Singles: David WELL its big changes at the top of the of 2002-2003. is talk of the "centres for excellence" Marshall bt Robert Parker 9, -13, 19. Mens Leicestershire Table Tennis Association Richard Elliott ended the season on a being reinstated which would give more Doubles: Paul RobinsonlDean Walmsley Comn1ittee with the new Chairman, high note, particularly in Kettering where opportunity to the rank and file juniors. I bt Crooklfony Rigby 19, -18, 19. Roger Canton at the helm, and a new he completed the 'grand slam' of men's believe the ranking scheme will be Lancashire & Cheshire League Secretary in Bob Craven-Griffiths. singles champion, top of the Premier changed dramatically - doing away with The mens divisions joined the juniors in Hinckley's Andy Gatherer is the new Division averages and no. 1 on the losses and categorising the points. This the weekend format of play and a Vice-Chairman. Many thanks to the Ket~ering ranking list. might encourage players to play rather resounding success was the outcome. outgoing Chairman, Tony Lillicrapp who His fine form, complemented by than sitting at home for fear of losing The mens premier division was played at has done a good job over the past eleven consistent displays from Mark Nannery points. Athree-tiered membership the Hilton Centre on both occasions. The years. Also to Gordon Sanders who took and Steve Silk, with skipper Steve Brown scheme is also a possibility and in the standard of play was of the highest over the Secretary's job at a difficult time. astutely pulling the strings gave Higham longer term could prove to be a fairer quality and the atmosphere was electric. Some good news from the Leicester Band a sixth successive Premier title and and simpler system than the existing Liverpool proved to be that bit stronger Table Tennis League is that there will be for good measure Higham also added the ones. than the rest and maintained their the same number of six divisions as last Evening Telegraph Trophy. The StigaJunior Grand Prix was unbeaten record. Bolton could, possibly, season, and teams are almost at the same Elliott's final accolade came when he completed in March after seven have changed things in the second level as well. Lets hope that we have a became the first singles champion to tournaments and congratulations go to weekend had John Hilton and Louis good number on the playing side. receive his trophy at the hands of the Richard Moss of York and Stacey Beastall Rosenthal been available. As it was, Mid­ The Elbow Tankard (Summer League) incoming ETTA Chairman Alex Murdoch from Nottingham who were the overall Cheshire did enough to take the runners has proved to be very popular again this who presented the season's awards, winners, netting £700 in prize money up spot. Ellesmere Port ran away with sun1mer with sixteen teams participating, when he and his wife Val were guests of between them. In the senior British division one with the loss of only nine with four teams in four groups. We have honour at Kettering's Annual League Seasiders first team had a brilliant sets and Tameside will join them in the now reached the quarter final stages and DinnerlDance and Prize Presentation first season in the premier division, premier division next season. some very interesting matches are in attended by more than 150 enthusiasts. finishing in third place and qualifying for Newcomers, Liverpool "A" were prospect. Teams reaching the quarter SAS Thrapston, with Ken Philipson well the Nancy Evans Cup (European Club champions in division two with a battle finals are Park Keepers (Knighton Park), to the fore in his first season, were Knockout). They were also named as the royal for second place between Preston Casualties (Syston Casuals), Electric Premier runners-up, with Corby Athird. British League overall "team of the "A" and Bury "A" and the former Shoes (Leicester Electricity), Mercenfeld Fourth placed Kettering Town A, best season". Blackpool TTC were the worthy snatching the honours by just one set. Hasbeens (Markfield), Ironmen (Sileby served by former Norfolk no. 1John winners of division three north with Wirral dominated the junior premier Cons), Fairfield Fliers (Elequip), Villagers Fuller and skipper Mike Hawes, Steve Dixon winning the "player of the division with both their teams in first and 2nd (Great Glen) and finally Birstall. compensated for comparative failure by season" award for that division. Seasiders second positions. Manchester were Sorry, no news from either Hinckley or winning the GRP Designs Trophy with vets second team won division five in the champions of division one with an Loughborough. Fuller (-2) and Hawes (-2) beaten only by Veterans British League - the tean1 unbeaten record and the loss of only six Harborough Academy's Karl Tressler included left-handed penholder Martin sets. Wigan grabbed second place over NORFOLK (+7) who won all three singles and a Clark who is the new ETTA treasurer. Southport "A" by a single set. Results of by RayHogg doubles in a 6-5 defeat. The closest call Lancashire Closed Championships other divisions:- Ladies Division: Winners WE have the fixtures and our various came when Robert Williams (-1), eased Kevin Dolder retained his mens singles Wirral, Runners up Liverpool. Veterans captains are now already sorting out through against Poorna Chaudhuri (+7) crown in great style when he defeated Premier Division: Winners Liverpool, travel arrangements as all matches are 11, 12, -9, -5, 10. John Rankin in straight games in the Runners up Tameside. Division One: some way from this County. Also to Rothborough A(Kevin Shield, Alan final. He had disposed of Paul Hutchings Winners Liverpool Business Houses, ascertain the interest and availability of Brisley, Martin Watts and Gareth Lewis (quarter final) and Adan1 Bleakley (semi­ Runners up Blackpool. Division Two: those who are willing to travel. I hear took the First Division title, Oundle final) without dropping a single game. Winners East Lancashire, Runners up that some of our top veterans have Pumas Oulian Marshall, John Gaskin, Tamar Seymour (nee Connolly) was the Rochdale. Division Three: Winners already booked an exotic holiday which Gemi Bailey and Steve Mansfield) the COUNTY NOTES - 5

Second, with 76 years young Denis Rolfe Corinthians (Brian Philip, Graham Brown league. Parker won the cadets boys beating leading Alex Eales and Phil Dixon to and Peter Tait) eventually contested an This was an individual affair, not teams, Adam Ciotowski in a five game final while victory in the Third, to celebrate three exciting Team Handicap Knockout Cup the two main winners were Stefan the under 13 boys event went to York's years of sponsorship for the league by Final, which was won 5-4 by Newton. Bonnafous in Division ~and Mark Smith James Parker who beat Scarborough's Burton Latimer Baptist Church. Unfortunately, because no weeks free of in Division 2. Ben Kaye with Edward Fanbley of Third Division Harborough Imps (Mark League Matches could be allocated this The first female league chair in Sussex Ryedale beating Ryedale team mate Jack Pearson, Ann Woolston and Mark Collins) season due to the number of League as far as I can recall, has been taken up Moody in the boys under 11 event. beat Rothborough Aby three points to teams entered, this competition could by Diana Kirkwood at Hastings. There are The strength of cadet and under in the take the Shirley Everard Points Cup, not finish until late June, and I wonder if also very few female league secretaries girls section of Scarborough was reflected while Thrapston Ospreys (Ian Sclater, this will put off more teams from round. Brighton cannot find one, male or in the three remaining junior events as all Geoff Atkinson and Gordon Provan) entering in the future. Not everyone female - Hastings again, now have Rose the finalists were from the home tow. proved too wily for Corby Ein the wants to play winter competitions in the Rainton in the secretarial hot seat for the The cadets girls singles and the under Borough Trophy. summer! second year. 13 event finals were both contested by The Kettering Town Anniversary Award The Northumbria League Wilmott Cup Meanwhile, Sussex are preparing for the the same two players as Rebecca George for Sportsmanship - voted for by all the men's representative side reached the county championships with ten teams. beat Gemma Deeley in both finals but teams in the league - was won for the second round of this competition but Ritchie Venner, although continuing with Deeley took the under 11 event with a second year in succession by a had to withdraw at that stage due to Darlington in the British League, will lead final win over Alex Lee. Rothborough Bside comprising Helen injuries and unavailability of suitable the Sussex challenge in the senior 5th European Veterans Watts, Ivor Jones, Cathy Fleming and standard players. The Alec Brook Trophy premier division where Sussex are strong Championships - Courmayer, Italy, Pete Sturges, while young Sam Piranty, veterans' team ofJohn Williamson, in the womens matches having Rose 23/28 June 2003 who also gained promotion to the Malcolm Lusk and Geoff Salter reached Rainton and Sally Weston available. There were a number of Yorkshire Premier Division with Burton Baptist A the semi-final of their competition but medallists at the recent European was the third recipient of the Player of were eliminated at that stage by Norwich. YORKSHIRE Veterans Chan1pionships, including two the Tournament Award. The juniors played in regional leagues at by Barry Snowden gold medal winners. Richard Elliott also finished on top of Northfield School, and are progressing Hull YPI players take top honours in Pride of place went to Sandra Rider of the Motaquip Premier Division averages satisfactorily, although apart from David Yorkshire Chanlpionships Leeds who partnered by Diane Pierce of in a Wellingborough League sponsored Graham, are still finding the transition to THE Yorkshire Closed Table Tennis Kent stormed to the gold medal in the by CT Autoparts, with Damian Carr, John County level difficult. Championships were recently held at women's over 50 doubles while Warren and Martin Gordon successful in The Sun1mer League season has almost Scarborough Graham Table Tennis Wakefield's Les D'arcy also picked up Divisions 1, 2 and 3 respectively. been completed at the time of writing. Centre and were supported my local gold in the men's over 80 singles and However, Elliott's success ended there Current leaders are: Division 1- North company McCain. added a second gold in the over 80's for though he reached the final of the Shields YMCA "A", Division 2- St. Jude'S, The mens singles title changed hands at doubles being partnered by John singles he was narrowly beaten by David Division 3- Whitehouse Lane "A", last weekends Yorkshire Table Tennis Husbands. Gatiss, and it was the Milton Keynes Division 4- Saints. Championships but still ren1ained in the Geoff Brooke from Huddersfield picked player who had the final say in the The Winter League season was due to family as Simon James replaced his up two bronze medals as he was a losing Premier Division title race. commence on Monday 15th September. brother Michael as winner of the blue semi-finalist in the men's over 70's Westfield B Oohn Fuller, Mike Hawes, Also from the same date, the centre at ribbon event. singles and partnered by Derek Schofield Ian Yarnall, Barry Long, Dennis Millman) College Street will close and all teams The Jan1es brothers from Bridlington also bowed out in the men's over 70's had led throughout the season having and equipment will move to more faced each other in the semi final and it doubles at the semi final stage. accounted for O.G's in December, but in modern and impressive facilities at was third seed Simon who got one over Bradford's Helen Shields also picked up the return match David Gatiss, Dave Benfield School. Each evening should be his top seeded brother Michael 3 games a bronze medal when she partnered Jan Murphy and Paul Gatiss turned the tables available for either matches or practice, to one and faced second seed Xystus's Dunning in the women's over 40's to win 8-2, and with Gatiss again starring depending on the number of teams Keith Beadsley in the final. Beadsley had doubles and after a thrilling run in the against Thrapston A, Westfield were entered for League play. The date for the beaten Simon Noutch of Leeds in over 60's consolation, Keighley's David beaten by six points. Closed Tournament will be 15th February another semi-final of attacking excellence Adams was also halted at the semis. Elsewhere, Gene Brown and Steve 2004. that was won by the Bradford player also National Team Championships Adams earned Wanderers Bthe Apec Finally, on a sad note, it was regretted 3-1. Bradford Ladies Veterans team were Braking Division 1 title, Westfield D to have to report the deaths in successive The final was won by James 3 games to crowned National Champions for the fifth Oohn Warren, David Long and Morris weeks during late July of former League nil against the tiring veteran Beadsley time when they won the Pat Archdale Freeman) ended on top of Division 2, stalwarts, Frank Gillespie of South who had earlier taken the veterans Cup following the final round robin stage while Arthur Adams, Rex Laughton and Shields and Colin Gibson (age 69) of singles title to become the first ever in Liverpool. Cheryl Laughton ensured that Wanderers Hebburn. Both men will be sadly missed Yorkshire man to take junior, senior and Bradford faced three matches in a day Gfinished in pole position in NGK Plugs and our sympathies are extended to their veterans singles titles during his career. and began with a 5-2 win over High Division 3. families. May they rest in peace. In the veterans event Beadsley won Wycombe, Helen Shields winning three Ahappy and successful season to you without dropping a game easily winning with Sandra Rider and Louvain Smith all. SUSSEX his group before comfortable victories adding one each. byJohn Woodford. over Andi Petersons of Wakefield, Xystus Liverpool came next and a 5-3 victory NORTHUMBERLAND THE Horsham club's top team, newly club mate Barry Snowden of Halifax and was achieved courtesy of two wins each by Pauline Long promoted to the premier division of the Bradford's Richard Priestley in the final. from Shields and Rider and one from I would like to start my first TT News British League opened the Sussex season The ladies singles was won by Sandra Carol Judson. Report of the new season by personally winning four valuable points at Harlow at Rider of Leeds who beat Hulls Tanya The final match was against North thanking Aubrey Drapkin's office staff for the starting session of four matches. The Waller in the final and Rider made it a Herts, who had also won their first two assisting with the typing of my report for standard of play in the premier division double celebration by also taking the matches, so it was winner takes all in the last few years, as I am not currently in has lifted to a point with the addition of ladies doubles when partnered by what turned out to be a see-saw possession of a word processor, fax or young players like Peter Cleminson and Amanda Bell the Leeds pairing beat the encounter. computer. However, as Aubrey is now Greg Baker. Former England No.4 Leeds/ Hull combination of Sarah Noutch Bradford began well as Judson and enjoying what we hope will be a long and Dominic Hall failed to score for Horsham and Waller. Shields put them two up but North Herts happy retirement, this facility is no in his three matches but Horsham's The final senior event was the mens inspired by Sandra Harper who won longer available, and I am grateful to our points were clinched by six victories for doubles which was retained by the James three took a 4-3 lead. Treasurer, Brian Pierce, for volunteering their new man Stephen Beerling, whose brothers who beat Xystus veterans Rider levelled the match with victory to take over this arrangement. Many victims included Abdul Wuraola and Beadsley and Snowden in a five game over Lindsey Dare which meant the final thanks. Jerome Jonah. Scoring in support of final set of the day would decide the outcome News left over from last season which Beerling were Adrian Moore. The junior events were held on the and after a nervous start Judson was too late to be included in the Peter Bartram and Andy Walker. In the Sunday and with the disappointment of overcame Val Murdoch in four games to Junel.July issue - Birtley "A" were final match against Seasiders, Bartram the non arrival of boys singles top seed give Bradford the cup. confirmed as winners of the Northumbria and Walker both beat Ian Girdler. Simon Noutch the junior boys event was Bradford junior girls had to be content League Premier Division, with North Rory Scott, the dynamic chemistry comfortably won by York's Richard Moss with the runners up spot in the Shields YMCA "A" as runners-up. student at Brighton University floods who beat cadet Chris Parker of Leeds in Bromfield Trophy as despite an unbeaten Two Division 3 teams, Newton "E" Sussex computers with E-Mails when he the final while the junior girls event went effort from Nicola White they had to (Peter Brewis, John Elliott and Phil is away from the Bunsen burners. He to Amanda Bell of Leeds who beat Tanya settle for second spot behind last years Spottiswood) and Crarnlington organised the University's summer Waller of Hull in a thrilling five gamer. winners Darlington. II GRASS ROOTS

THE weekend Of 25th & 26th As I mentioned earlier, the July 2003 was the date for the club is working very hard to first ever summer camp at the provide coaching and Ashford Table Tennis Centre, encourage all age groups to Middlesex. Some twenty play table tennis. With the help members of the club enjoyed a of Graham Outrim, the club's hard but very rewarding coaching officer, many schools weekend of top coaching from in the local area have been two ex England players visited to supply tables and Desmond Douglas and Nicky instigate coaching and links Jarvis, writes Roland Mclellan. with the club. The centre is The course was organised by currently reviewing plans for Sharon Mitchell and is just part an extension to the premises of the clubs current which would enable it to offer programme to provide a greater playing programme. coaching to all standards of Although the Ashford Centre players from beginners to is a regular venue for Nicky it county level. The players who has been some years since Des attended the camp were visited the club, I believe the encouraged to improve their England training sessions in stroke technique, ball control, 1984 was the last time he service skills and to analyse graced the playing area. The Shropshire chairman Geoff Bristow presents an award to their own performance. The weekend was rounded off with Shrewsbury Table Tennis legend Motto Jones to commemorate his a trip to a local restaurant 50 years of former county demonstrations performed by service-- the captain has held where much earned food and numerous positions on the Association committee but after five Desmond and Nicky were also decades of dedicated service has decided to stand down and a highlight to the many club drink was taken and players enjoy a well earned retirement!! The committee have made Motto members who turned up just dreamed of using their new a life vice Chairman as a sign of appreciation for all of his hard to view the two coaches at found skills. work. work.

/OC:T A LOOK AROUND THE REGIONS

THE Alan Cooke Master Class, organised by Sportbreak, which was held at the Potters Leisure Resort at Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk, during the summer, was once again a great success. Alan Cooke was ably assisted by Nicky Mason Pictured right are coaches and course attendants

TABLE TENNIS in Cleveland upgrading to specialist received a major boost during standard. the summer with the opening The Club has introduced a of a new 12-table centre for full playing programme and has the Ormesby Club, writes Alan entered into agreements to Ransome. provide coaching to 12 local Ladies Singles finalists Louvain Smith (left) and Sandra Rider Ormesby have benefited from schools on a regular basis. the availability of a redundant Included in the programme at HALIFAX YEIS A GREAI SUCCESS sports hall at the nearby St. the Club are extensive THE inaugural Halifax Summer Open Veterans Tournan1ent took place over Anthony's School on Cargo coaching sessions at three the weekend of the 16th and 17th August at Halifax Table Tennis Centre and Fleet Lane in Middlesbrough, levels, participation, advanced whilst there were a number of home county successes the majority of the which is less than half a mile and excellence. The centre will prize money was whisked away to Merseyside and the North East. from Ormesby High Street. also be used for regular senior The Halifax event was quickly put together to replace the York Summer The school closed over a year coaching and league matches Veterans tournament, which was postponed this year, and was the brain child ago and main building was plu.s the Junior League on of tournament organiser Barry Snowden. upgraded into a conference Saturday mornings. A series of The event attracted 66 competitors from various parts of the country, with centre by Middlesbrough tournaments ,are also being the men being divided into eight groups of seven and the ladies playing in Borough Council, leaving the initiated at the weekends. In two groups of five. The highest nationally ranked player in the men's section sports hall redundant. The the daytime the Club is being was England No.10 Keith Williams from Liverpool, and it was the popular Ormesby Club is now using used by local schools, senior scouser who eventually emerged triumphant, in a thrilling final. the hall on a full time basis groups and there will be an In the men's singles, top-seed Keith Williams remained undefeated but was under a licence agreement. extensive coaching programme made to work hard in a close five gan1e encounter with fellow Lancastrian A small grant was awarded to throughout all school holidays, Keith Lee. Local stalwart Alan Dickinson was also put to the sword. the Club by the Clevela.nd the first of which included 30 The remaining top three seeds, Durham's Tony Gelder, Northumbria's Community Foundation to full days for the excellence Dave Godbold and Surrey's Dave Harding, all progressed without dropping a facilitate essential cleaning, squad during the recent set along with fifth seed Dave Robson, also of Durham. repairs to the lighting, heating summer holidays. The final was a mouth watering clash between two players of equal ability and to convert one of the Although the new centre is a with dynamic attacking style's to match and it more than lived up to changing rooms into a canteen big improvement in all respects expectations. Both players threw caution to the wind and entertained the and kitchen. Club members on the facilities that the Club spectators to a thriller. Godbold got the better of the opening attacking gave much of their time during has enjoyed in the past, the exchanges to take the first 11-8, but the top-seed stormed back to win the the summer period to paint Club is applying for grant aid next two 11-9 11-8. Things looked grim for Godbold when Williams got off to the centre throughout and support to build new entrance, a flyer in the fourth but the gritty Godbold stuck to his guns and got the make many other general social facilities, direct access better of some fierce loop-to-Ioop exchanges to claw back his opponent and improvements. The main hall is from the main road and a car pinch the game 11-9. Unfortunately for Godbold, Williams got an un­ large enough for 12 tables with park. Eventually the Club returnable net at 10-all in the 5th and took immediate advantage by securing up to 15 for coaching. The expects to extend the playing the next point and along with it the Championship. floor is very good but the facilities into a second hall. The ladies singles turned out to be an all Yorkshire affair as Louvain Smith lighting requires further of Ripo~ reached centre stage by virtue of a three-game semi-final victory o~er Shlrley Gelder 11-6 11-8 11-4. Smith was joined in the final by Sandra PLEASE NOTE Rider of Leeds, who beat her doubles partner Janet Brown after a first game reversal 9-11 11-9 11-4 11-8. Would correspondents to 'County Notes' The final proved to be an extremely close tussle and unexpectedly it was please continue to send their copy to Sn1ith who took home the winners cheque after a gutsy performance to Lindsay Shipp at Hastings defeat her higher ranked opponent in straight games, achieving her first-ever win against her higher ranked Yorkshire rival. • Senior Men (104) 88 HORSFiElD, Stephen (YS.) 3208 *** (86) 74 DAWSON, Marjorie (E.) 2775 ** (10) 7 CHAPMAN, Gemma (BK.) 3323 (30) 15 O'SULLIVAN, Emily (DY.) 840 * Pas Name Rating Flag (106) 89 RANKIN, john (LA.) 3205 * (87) 75 MUDGE, Kim (E.) 2760 * (12) 8 WHITE, Nicola (Y.) 3249 (34) 16 CRAWFORD, Helen (CU.) 704 (2) I SYED, Matthew (Bk) (SY.) 4857 (105) 90 GASCOYNE, Craig (NG.) 3205 ** (89) 76 NOLAN, Terri-Anne (CH.) 2748 * (II) 9 WILSON, Naomi (SO.) 3242 (33) 17 WHITEHORN, joy (00.) 702 ** (I) 2 BAG GALEY, Andrew (BU.) 4844 (107) 91 CLAYTON, Tony (00.) 3204 *** (90) 77 BURGESS, Suzanne (CH.) 2741 * (15) 10 WILSON, Claire (DU.) 2939 (38) 18 LOVE, Felicity (E.) 640 **** (3) 3 HERBERT, Gareth (BK.) 4834 (109) 92 HALEY, Terry (SY.) 3201 * (92) 78 KNIGHTlEY, Gillian (BK.) 2735 ** (16) II WElL, Emma (E.) 2839 (39) 19 FURNIVAL, Stacey (SX.) 596 * (4) 4 PERRY, Alex (DV.) 4728 *** (112) 93 MEADS, David (DU.) 3196 (93) 79 BROWN, Sarah (E.) 2733 ** (17) 12 DENNETT, Elizabeth (CH.) 2810 * (40) 20 WILKINSON, Hayley (LA.) 574 * (5) 5 COOKE, Alan (DY.) 4712 **** (III) 94 DABBS, Kieron (NP.) 3175 *** (94) 80 JUDSON, Carol (Y.) 2723 * (18) 13 LANGFORD, Clare (CH.) 2783 *** (43) 21 GREENER, Rachel (DU.) 543 * (6) 6 YOUNG, Terry (BK.) 4650 **** (113) 95 WELSMAN, Dave (NP.) 3162 ** (96) 81 SPARKES, Aimee (SK.) 2714 *** (19) 14 BROWN, Sarah (E.) 2733 ** (44) 22 POTjEWYD, Frances (SO.) 484 * (8) 7 RUSHTON, Andrew (LA.) 4474 (114) 96 BUTLER, Mark (00.) 3159* (95) 82 ECKERSLEY, Carol (SX.) 2714 ** (20) 15 WANG, Sarra (E.) 2576 * (45) 23 PINNEll, Emily (ST.) 479 ** (9) 8 BILLINGTON, Bradley (DY.) 4470 *** (116) 97 ROCKALl, Simon (BU.) 31441*** (98) 83 BROOKS, Diane (ST.) 2700** (22) 16 HOWARD, Clara (CH.) 2461 * (46) 24 TAYLOR, Amy (BU.) 429 ** (II) 9 EDEN, Andrew (LA.) 4342 *** (117) 98 MAj ITH lA, Mayur (SX.) 3142 * (99) 84 REID, Lynda (WO.) 2698** (21) 17 YARN LEY, Gemma (K.) 2452 (48) 25 STANLEY, Rebecca (DY.) 419 1* (15) 10 BRYANT, Craig (DV.) 4088 (118) 99 PHILIPSI, Simon (Sy) (K.) 3137 *** (100) 85 TODD, Nicole (E.) 2694 *** (23) 18 WALLER, Tanya (Y.) 2358 *** (14) II HOLLAND, john(Dy) (E.) 4009 ** (119) 100 I.IGHTOWLER, Richard (Y.) 3135 *** (101) 86 GRAHAM, Sylvia (LA.) 2689 * (24) 19 SENEVIRATNE, Anusha (K.) 2317 ** Under I3 Boys (21) 12 DRINKHALL, Bryn (CV.) 3992 (102) 87 STEEl, Pauline (SX.) 2687 ** (25) 20 SHUTT, Heather (Y.) 2298 * Pas Name Rating Flag (17) 13 CLEMINSON, Peter (E.) 3950 Senior Women (103) 88 BENTLEY, Ruth (NG.) 2685 ** (27) 21 TUCKER, Emily (BU.) 2258 *** (3) I EVANS, Gavin (NG.) 2692 * (19) 14 YARNALl, Tim (NP.) 3941 Pas Name Rating Flag (104) 89 HOOKER, Muriel (BU.) 2681 * (29) 22 PERKS, Sarah (NG.) 2078 (9) 2 EVANS, Myles (NG.) 1409 * (20) 15 KENNY, Mathew (Y.) 3890 ** (2) I WALKER, Georgina (NG.) 4059 (105) 90 WILLIAMS, jackie (K.) 2675 * (32) 23 RADFORD, lisa (DV.) 1988 (II) 3 DORAN, Christopher (NP.) 1237 * (25) 16 KNIGHT, Darius (SY.) 3867 (5) 2 PARKER, joanna (SY.) 3971 (106) 91 MITCHElL, Sharon (BK.) 2674 ** (33) 24 MEADS, joanne (DU.) 1967 * (13) 4 CHAN, Wing Yung (SY.) 1122 * (26) 17 DRINKHALl, Paul (CV.) 3866 (4) 3 SIBLEY, Kelly (WA.) 3954 (108) 92 BARELLA, jane (SY.) 26561*** (35) 25 DONNElLY, Stephanie (CV.) 1862 * (15) 5 MUDIE, Stewart (1.1.) 964 (23) 18 TAYlOR, jonathan (LA.) 3858 ** (3) 4 LOWER, Helen (ST.) 3945 (109) 93 POGMORE, Helen (WO.) 2655 ** (38) 26 REES, Bethany (E.) 1784 ** (14) 6 DEVILLE, Billy (E.) 875 * (24) 19 BLAKE, Darren (SY.) 3850 5 IARlYCKA, Marina (BK.) 3850 * (110) 94 BUTCHER, Pamela (K.) 2651 ** (43) 27 VICKERS, Emma (DY.) 1746 (16) 7 KEARNEY, Alex (AV.) 716 (33) 20 EVANS, Bradley (Bu) (NG.) 3839 (6) 6 HOLT, Andrea (LA.) 3826 **** (114) 95 GRAY, Victoria (SK.) 2620*** (39) 28 HEARD, Gemma (E.) 1690 ** (17) 8 MAYBANKS, William (HE.) 714 (30) 21 BAKER, Gregory (ST.) 3827 (7) 7 EMBI.ING, Abigail (E.) 3789 (118) 96 DARK, Shirley (SO.) 2586 ** (40) 29 I.IGHTOWLER, Katie (Y.) 1640 * (19) 9 WARE, Mathew (00.) 652 (27) 22 SLADDEN, Cris (E.) 3800 *** (9) 8 STEWARD, Kate (SO.) 3712 * (119) 97 LOCKE, Gill (E.) 2584 **** (42) 30 PARKER, Hayley (CH.) 1570 ** (20) 10 MCBEAlH, David (HA.) 638 (28) 23 HAMMOND, Eric (MI.) 3796 *** (10) 9 OWOLABI, Kubrat (MI.) 3652 **** (121) 98 STRAWSON, jane (ll.) 2579 *** (45) 31 SKEGGS, Kelly (E.) 1457 ** (29) 24 VENNER, Ritchie (SX.) 3793 ** (12) 10 BAWDEN, Natalie (E.) 3627 ** (122) 99 WANG, Sarra (E.) 2576 * (46) 32 FARQUHAR, Melanie (BK.) 1430 * Under 13 Girls (31) 25 HILTON, john (CH.) 3786 ** (17) II SPINK, Lauren (NK.) 3583 (123) 100 ROBERTS, Hannah (LA.) 2569 *** (47) 33 ROGERS, Gina (SX.) 1422 *** Pas Name Rating Flag (32) 26 WURAOLA, Abdul (SY.) 3761 * (13) 12 DURRANT, Louise (NG.) 3500 ** (50) 34 LAYFIELD, jordyn (CH.) 1409 (3) I VICKERS, Emma (DY.) 1746 (34) 27 JAMES, Michael (Y.) 3744 ** (14) 13 SPRINGTHORPE, Lauren (ll.) 3486 * Junior Boys (48) 35 SMITH, Sally (DV.) 1398 * (7) 2 JAMIESON, Rachel (E.) 1058* (35) 28 BLEAKLEY, Adam (LA.) 3721 (15) 14 SHEPHERD, Karen (CH.) 3480 ** Pas Name Rating Flag (49) 36 HALLOWS, Caroline (CH.) 1368 (12) 3 MACKEN, jessica (E.) 413 * (36) 29 GOODALl, justin (K.) 3689** (16) 15 CLARK, Sally (Y.) 3460 **** (2) I BRYANT, Craig (DV.) 4088 (51) 37 BYRON, Sophie (CH.) 1325 * (13) 4 RULE, Katie (BU.) 322 * (37) 30 WHITING, Paul (DV.) 3688 ** (18) 16 THORNTON, Lindsey (LA.) 3434 *** (4) 2 YARNALl, Tim (NP.) 3941 (54) 38 TWEEDY, Rebecca (BU.) 1295 * (14) 5 CALLCUT, Charlotte (E.) 315 * (38) 31 PYE, Leeroy (NK.) 3680 **** (19) 17 SMITH, Karen (LE.) 3388 *** (6) 3 KNIGHT, Darius (SY.) 3867 (56) 39 PILGRIM, Rachel (WA.) 1239* (16) 6 KELLY, Emma (CH.) 286 * (39) 32 DOLDER, Kevin (LA.) 3668 * (21) 18 CHAPMAN, Gemma (BK.) 3323 (8) 4 DRINKHALl, Paul (CV.) 3866 (57) 40 STRINGER, jodie (K.) 1215 ** (18) 7 TRAVIS, Martha (CO.) 241 * (40) 33 CHARLES, Neil (MI.) 3633 ** (22) 19 DUNNING, jan (WO.) 3287 ** (7) 5 EVANS, Bradley (Bu) (NG.) 3839 (58) 41 BAYLISS, Sarah (NG.) 1212 ** (22) 8 FULLER, Mary (Y.) 203 * (41) 34 MOORE, Adrian (K.) 3630 *** (23) 20 WESTON, Sally (SX.) 3284 *** (9) 6 BAKER, Gregory (ST.) 3827 (59) 42 PINNEll, Amanda (ST.) 1156 *** (25) 9 WALTER, Beth (NP.) 136 1* (42) 35 SMITH, Eddie (NO.) 3625 ** (24) 21 PEERS, Clare (CH.) 3275 * (10) 7 BLEAKLEY, Adam (LA.) 3721 (60) 43 STEEPLES, Susie (ll.) 1150** (26) 10 AIREY, Charlotte (NG.) 136 * (43) 36 ROGERS, Chris (LE.) 3604 ** (25) 22 HARRIS, jill (ST.) 3269 *** (II) 8 DENNY, Stephen (Y.) 3521 (62) 44 L1NZ, Caroline (Bu) (SY.) 1081 * (44) 37 MARSHALl, Peter (Y.) 3597 *** (29) 23 WHITE, Nicola (Y.) 3249 (12) 9 GREGORY, Christopher (SP.) 3442 ** (63) 45 SMITH, Kendall (WO.) 1065 *** Veteran Men (45) 38 CHAN, Michael (SY.) 3581 *** (28) 24 WILSON, Naomi (SO.) 3242 (14) 10 MARPLES, Shaun (DY.) 3378 * (64) 46 HOWE, Claire (SO.) 1063 ** Pas Name Rating Flag (46) 39 JOHNS, Brian (CH.) 3551 ** (26) 25 SHORT, Elaine (DV.) 3237 ** (16) II MEADS, David (DU.) 3196 (65) 47 JAMIESON, Rachel (E.) 1058 * (I) I HILTON, john (CH.) 3786 ** (47) 40 NEIL, Lee (NG.) 3551 * (27) 26 COHEN, Michele (AV.) 3233 ** (17) 12 BROWN, Christopher (CO.) 2948 (66) 48 BIELEC, Sylvana (BK.) 1057 * 2 WHITING, Paul (DV.) 3688** (48) 41 WILKINSON, Andrew (NO.) 3533 ** (30) 27 KEAST, Lesley (ll.) 3226 *** (18) 13 NOUTCH, Simon (Y.) 2853 *** (68) 49 RIPLEY, Lisa (NG.) 954 *:* (2) 3 ROGERS, Chris (LE.) 3604 ** (50) 42 PAPANTONIOU, Costas (MI.) 3522 ** (32) 28 ROBERTS, joanna (Y.) 3223 *** (19) 14 LEIGHTON, Andrew (DU.) 2836 ** (69) 50 SHEPHERD, Nicola (Y.) 947 * (3) 4 JOHNS, Brian (CH.) 3551 ** (49) 43 DENNY, Stephen (Y.) 3521 (33) 29 YARDY, Hannah (E.) 3167 **** (20) 15 LALLY, Keiran (E.) 2720 ** (4) 5 PAPANTONIOU, Costas (MI.) 3522 ** (51) 44 SMITH, Mark Richard (Y.) 3511 *** (34) 30 RAINTON, Rosemary (SX.) 3158 ** (21) 16 EVANS, Gavin (NG.) 2692 * Cadet Boys (5) 6 KENNEDY, joe (K) (E.) 3508 ** (52) 45 KENNEDY, joe (K) (E.) 3508 ** (35) 31 HARPER, Sandra (BD.) 3156* (22) 17 MOSS, Richard (Y.) 2663 ** Pas Name Rating Flag (6) 7 ECKERSLEY, Nigel (SX.) 3494 ** (53) 46 ECKERSLEY, Nigel (SX.) 3494 ** (37) 32 BRISTOW, Angie (K.) 3132 * (25) 18 HAYES, David (BU.) 2647 (2) I KNIGHT, Darius (SY.) 3867 (7) 8 BARR, David (BK.) 3489*** (54) 47 BARR, David (BK.) 3489 *** (38) 33 HOWARD, Alice (CH.) 3127 * (26) 19 PAGE, Tom (CH.) 2569 ** (4) 2 DRINKHALl, Paul (CV.) 3866 (8) 9 HUTCHINGS, Paul (LA.) 3480* (55) 48 TENDLER, Gary (E.) 3482 ** (40) 34 BALDI, Andrea(Ys) (Y.) 3119*** (27) 20 CARTWRIGHT, Neil (00.) 2564 ** (3) 3 EVANS, Bradley (Bu) (NG.) 3839 (9) 10 WILLIAMS, Keith (LA.) 3454 * (56) 49 HUTCHINGS, Paul (LA.) 3480 * (41) 35 RUOCCO, Shelley (E.) 3118 * (28) 21 HARLEY, john (K.) 2561 ** (5) 4 MEADS, David (DU.) 3196 (10) II BROWN, Mark (K.) 3389 *** (58) 50 CUTlER, Tom (MI.) 3457 ** (42) 36 MORLEY, judy (GS.) 3099 ** (30) 22 KODICEK, jacob (CO.) 2449* (6) 5 EVANS, Gavin (NG.) 2692 * (II) 12 BARTRAM, Peter (SX.) 3352 ** (59) 51 WllI.lAMS, Keith (LA.) 3454 * (44) 37 MALTBY, Margaret (NP.) 3060 ** (32) 23 LEMON, Robert (SY.) 2410 ** (II) 6 REED, Daniel (CV.) 2226 ** 13 MCLEAN, Ian (NK.) 3325 **** (61) 52 GREGORY, Christopher (SP.) 3442 ** (45) 38 WANG, Lucy (E.) 3043 *** (35) 24 ARMSTRONG, Marc (MI.) 2290 (9) 7 REES, Daniel (E.) 2221 (12) 14 GANNON, David (LE.) 3305 *** (67) 53 HORNER, Daniel (CH.) 3427 (46) 39 PEARCE, Diane (K.) 3038 ** (37) 25 HALLING, Tony (E.) 2242 *** (15) 8 LEWIS, Christopher (SY.) 2020 ** (13) 15 BEADSLEY, Kevin (Y.) 3305 *** (63) 54 MARSDEN, Michael (DU.) 3416 ** (47) 40 SHiElDS, Helen (Y.) 3035 * (39) 26 REED, Daniel (CV.) 2226 ** (16) 9 BARLOW, Ben (YS.) 1963 * (14) 16 ROMANO, Mark (K.) 3296 *** (64) 55 GREEN, Mark (NG.) 3405 * (49) 41 BUOEY, Brenda (LA.) 3016 * (34) 27 REES, Daniel (E.) 2221 (17) 10 NICHOLLS, Damien (SP.) 1931 (15) 17 GElDER, Tony (DU.) 3294 ** (65) 56 BROWN, Mark (K.) 3389 *** (50) 42 LLOYD, Gemma (CH.) 3011 * (40) 28 MILTON, james (BU.) 2213 * (18) II REED, Darren (CO.) 1826 * (16) 18 HARVEY, Dave (GS.) 3293 * (66) 57 ADAMS, Martin (BK.) 3388 * (51) 43 DURHAM, jane (CV.) 2993 ** (41) 29 MOORE, Paul (SY.) 2210 ** (19) 12 ROBINSON, Dorian (SY.) 1717 * (17) 19 JOHNS, Mike (CH.) 3280 *** (68) 58 WHITEMAN, james (DV.) 3379 ** (52) 44 SIMPSON, Linda (Y.) 2987 *** (42) 30 ROBERTS, Stephen (YS.) 2198 ** (20) 13 BARNES, Lee (SK.) 1618 ** (18) 20 HARDING, David (SY.) 3278* (69) 59 MARPLES, Shaun (DY.) 3378 * (53) 45 HURREll, Rebecca (MI.) 2978 **** (43) 31 SHARp, Evan (SY.) 2180 *** (21) 14 SIMPSON, Mark (DU.) 1593 * (20) 21 ADEMAKINWA, Ayoade (E.) 3263 * (72) 60 JAMIESON, Christopher (E.) 3352 ** (54) 46 HORSNEll, Sarah (MI.) 2953 ** (45) 32 WOODHEAD, Andrew (Y.) 2143 ** (29) 15 DODOS, Matthew (YS) 1430 (21) 22 SHORT, Mike (DV.) 3255 ** (71) 61 BARTRAM, Peter (SX.) 3352 ** (56) 47 BAWDEN, Marilyn (E.) 2950 ** (46) 33 FROST, Adam (DY.) 2118 ** (26) 16 EVANS, Myles (NG.) 1409* 23 GODBOLD, David (DU.) 3243 *** (73) 62 ZUROWSKI, Darek (MI.) 3338 * (57) 48 INGHAM, Katy (CH.) 2943 **** (49) 34 WESLEY, Richard (NG.) 2065 * (27) 17 HURDLEY, joseph (SP.) 1379* (22) 24 FORO, Christopher (LA.) 3242 * (75) 63 HORSFiElD, Andrew (Ys) (Y.) 3323 *** (62) 49 WILSON, Claire (DU.) 2939 (56) 35 YEUNG, Hamish (BD.) 2062 (31) 18 DORAN, Christopher (NP.) 1237 * (23) 25 GILES, Paul (CO.) 3221 ** (76) 64 ATKINSON, David (CA.) 3319 *** (55) 50 BROWN, Grace (E.) 2930 (50) 36 CANNON, Samuel (MI.) 2031 *** (32) 19 JOHNSON, Paul (ll.) 1132 * (77) 65 MCKOY, Nick (MI.) 3317 **** (60) 51 RIDER, Sandra (Y.) 2927 * (51) 37 LEWIS, Christopher (SY.) 2020 ** (33) 20 CHAN, Wing Yung (SY.) 1122 * Veteran Women (78) 66 BAILEY, Steven (CV.) 3315 ** (59) 52 GRAHAM, Cherith (LA.) 2927 (52) 38 BARLOW, Ben (YS.) 1963 * (34) 21 SKIPP, Nicholas (CV.) 1086 ** Pas Name Rating Flag (79) 67 CORBIN, Anthony (HE.) 3314 ** (61) 53 DEARING, Emily (Y.) 2918*** (53) 39 PANG, Dickson (NP.) 1956 ** (37) 22 HARVEY, Michael (GS.) 1017 * (I) I SMITH, Karen (LE.) 3388 *** (82) 68 BEADSLEY, Kevin (Y.) 3305 *** (63) 54 HARRISON, jennifer (E.) 2901 ** (55) 40 NICHOLLS, Damien (SP.) 1931 (54) 23 MUDIE, Stewart (1.1.) 964 (2) 2 DUNNING, jan (WO.) 3287 ** (81) 69 GANNON, David (LE.) 3305 *** (64) 55 KING, Sheila (SX.) 2894 ** (58) 41 ROBERTSON, Shaun (SY.) 1882 ** (42) 24 POYNER, Simon (DV.) 908 ** 3 HARRIS, jill (ST.) 3269 *** (83) 70 ROMANO, Mark (K.) 3296 *** (65) 56 SCHOFiElD, Doreen (CH.) 2879 ** (59) 42 REED, Darren (CO.) 1826 * (44) 25 DEVILLE, Billy (E.) 875 * (3) 4 SHORT, Elaine (DV.) 3237 ** (86) 71 GElDER, Tony (DU.) 3294 ** (66) 57 PERRY, Penny (DV.) 2877 ** (60) 43 WHITEHORN, james (DO.) 1749 ** 5 KEAST, Lesley (ll.) 3226 *** (87) 72 HARVEY, Dave (GS.) 3293* (67) 58 SEYMOUR, Tamar (OX.) 2864 *** (62) 44 ROBINSON, Dorian (SY.) 1717 * Cadet Girls (4) 6 HARPER, Sandra (BD.) 3156 * (88) 73 JOHNS, Mike (CH.) 3280 *** (68) 59 BENNETT, Teresa (SX.) 2854 ** (66) 45 BARNES, Lee (SK.) 1618 ** Pas Name Rating Flag (5) 7 MORLEY, judy (GS.) 3099** (89) 74 FESEHATSION, Daniel (MI.) 3280 * (69) 60 COGGON, Sara (HE.) 2845 * (67) 46 SIMPSON, Mark (DU.) 1593 * (2) I SPRINGTHORPE, Lauren (ll.) 3486* (6) 8 MALTBY, Margaret (NP.) 3060 ** (90) 75 HARDING, David (SY.) 3278 * (74) 61 WEll, Emma (E.) 2839 (68) 47 DEWHURST, Paul (E.) 1587 ** (4) 2 WANG, Sarra (E.) 2576 * 9 WANG, Lucy (E.) 3043 *** (91) 76 WALSH, jimmy (HE.) 3274 *** (70) 62 SORRENTINO, Annabelle (CH.) 2836 * (69) 48 CRAWFORD, jonathan (CU.) 1575 * (II) 3 VICKERS, Emma (DY.) 1746 (7) 10 PEARCE, Diane (K.) 3038** (92) 77 ADEMAKINWA, Ayoade (E.) 3263 * (71) 63 SHALER, Eileen (LE.) 2834 ** (70) 49 GRADWElL, Andrew (SP.) 1558 *** (10) 4 PARKER, Hayley (CH.) 1570** (8) II SHIELDS, Helen (Y.) 3035 * (94) 78 SHORT, Mike (DV.) 3255 ** (72) 64 CHEESMAN, Zoe (Y.) 2829 ** (71) 50 LEOW, Adam (SY.) 1554 * (13) 5 FARQUHAR, Melanie (BK.) 1430 * (9) 12 BUOEY, Brenda (LA.) 3016 * (95) 79 JONAH, jerome (K.) 3252 ** (75) 65 DARE, lindsey (HE.) 2819 * (16) 6 LAYFIELD, jordyn (CH.) 1409 (10) 13 DURHAM, jane (CV.) 2993 ** (96) 80 HALl, Dominic (K.) 3243 *** (76) 66 FLOWERDAY, Anne (E.) 2811 *** Junior Girls (15) 7 HALLOWS, Caroline (CH.) 1368 (II) 14 SIMPSON, Linda (Y.) 2987*** (97) 81 GODBOLD, David (DU.) 3243 *** (77) 67 DENNETT, Elizabeth (CH.) 2810 * Pas Name Rating Flag (17) 8 BYRON, Sophie (CH.) 1325 * (12) 15 BAWDEN, Marilyn (E.) 2950** (98) 82 FORO, Christopher (LA.) 3242* (78) 68 ROBINSON, Suzanne (GS.) 2808 ** (4) 1 PARKER, joanna (SY.) 3971 (18) 9 TWEEDY, Rebecca (BU.) 1295 * (13) 16 RIDER, Sandra (Y.) 2927 * (108) 83 ROSENTHAl, Louis (CH.) 3224 (80) 69 BROWN, janet (OX.) 2796 * (3) 2 SIBLEY, Kelly (WA.) 3954 (19) 10 PILGRIM, Rachel (WA.) 1239* (14) 17 HARRISON, jennifer (E.) 2901 ** (100) 84 MEREDITH, Darryl (LA.) 32221**** (81) 70 STEDMAN, Sarah (SX.) 2791 ** (5) 3 EMBlING, Abigail (E.) 3789 (25) II JAMIESON, Rachel (E.) 1058* (15) 18 KING, Sheila (SX.) 2894 ** (101) 85 GILES, Paul (CO.) 3221 ** (84) 71 LANGFORD, Clare (CH.) 2783 *** (9) 4 SPINK, Lauren (NK.) 3583 (26) 12 BIElEC, Sylvana (BK.) 1057 * (16) 19 SCHOFiElD, Doreen (CH.) 2879** (102) 86 GREEN, Alex (ll.) 3214 ** (83) 72 DIGNlIM, Margaret (WO.) 2783 *** (7) 5 SPRINGTHORPE, Lauren (ll.) 3486 * (28) 13 DENNETT, Fiona (CH.) 877 * (17) 20 PERRY, Penny (DV.) 2877 ** (103) 87 CARTHY, Clive (E.) 3213* (85) 73 GELDER, Shirley (DU.) 2778 ** (8) 6 SHEPHERD, Karen (CH.) 3480 ** (29) 14 DUNMALl, Chloe (K.) 865 ** (18) 21 SHALER, Eileen (LE.) 2834 ** 2003 TRADE PAGE

BUTTERFLY offer a shoe to suit all This gives the FX similar speed and players. Butterfly have launched three spin characteristics to the original new pairs of shoes for the coming Bryce but is easier to control and more season, adding to the popular Gets suitable for most players. In terms of model, as used by many of the leading performance, Bryce heads the list as it players. has the hardest and the fastest rubber Top of the Butterfly range is still the and is used by players like Werner Gets model. Many of England's leading Schlager and Kalinikos Kreanga. The players prefer the Gets shoe due to its FX is second in terms of speed with performance friendly features, which but extra control. The Cermet is the include a soft rubber sole for excellent middle rubber which has been grip. Lightweight and soft, the Gets developed to have more control than are recommended by Matthew Syed the Bryce but more power than the who says "This shoe is light, durable Catapult. Catapult is the slowest of the and comfortable with outstanding Hi Tension range and is suitable for support and grip. I wear them for all players who like to enjoy the Hi my matches." The Gets shoe sells for Tension effect but with considerably £66.99 per pair and weighs 340 grams more control. per shoe. Current catalogue prices Top of the range amongst the new Bryce £29.99, FX £29.99, models is the Radial Crosscourt. The Cernlet £28.99, Catapult £25.99 sole is extremely grippy, there is For further information, contact excellent support for the ankle and Matthew Stanforth at Tees Sport or special inlays in the design provide email [email protected]. optimal support for the foot, combination of balsa, limba and particularly when moving sideways. DVD There is a good dampening system Reflex Sports, the company that works DRNEUBAUER carbon. Thin and compressed limba within the heel for extra shock closely with the ITTF to produce was selected to maximise the blades absorption. The sole is made from videos of nlajor championships, have HIGH effect. It is the same dimensions as three parts, the middle of which is just launched their official film of the the 'High Technology' but only 1cm hard to provide extra protection. World Championships in Paris which, TECHNOLOGY thick. England Champion, Alan Cooke, has for the first time, is currently only The result is that the ball is being tested the new Radial Crosscourt and available on DVD. BlADE slowed down and returned short reports that the shoes are very The Championships, which took Simply amazing revolutionary and when blocking, but the ball can be comfortable to play in, give good place between 19 and 25 May in Bercy, eye catching styling - the massive accelerated easily with reverse or support and have vent holes which let are covered in three 200 minute DVD design matches its special short pimple rubbers. The kinetic the air circulate so that the feet can disks. characteristics. The blade is oversize, system is incorporated in only the breathe. The Crosscourt is available Disk Acovers the first, second and measuring 16.3cm x 17cm x 1.5cm, lower half of the blade, which for £49.99 per pair and weighs 390 third rounds. Disk Bcovers more but is light being constructed of permits outstanding control without grams per shoe. action from the last 16 and two of the Balsa, the innovative kinetic involving a decrease in speed. The Radial Optimo is a strong shoe quarter finals, including the memorable technology is placed exclusively in BlADE TEST with an extra cushioned soft sole and match between Samsonov and Kreanga the lower half of the blade and when First impression of the 'High optimum shock absorbing capacity. as well as the quarter final between combined with additional balsa plys, Technology' blade was, that it looked The thick sole protects the feet, knees Wang Liqin and Schlager. Disk C a special glueing technique and very big and fat, but once in the hand it and legs and helps to avoid the includes the remaining two quarter thin limba wood outer layers, it felt so light and comfortable. In fact a possibility of long term injury. finals, both semi finals and the final produces outstanding control and Specially recommended for younger between Schlager and]oo Se Huyuk of joy to play with. players. The Optimo is available for Korea. the ability to accelerate the ball. The rubbers used were Dr. The handle is also made of balsa £39.99 per pair and weighs 380 grams The price of each DVD is £29.99 but Neubauer's 'Super Block' long per shoe. the set of three can be bought for and enables the impulses to reach pimples in red on the backhand and The Radial Classic is a very light shoe £79.99. the hand in an optimal way, 1.5mm 'Leopard' short pimples in with a continuous EVA inner sole For further information, contact providing wonderful feeling. The black. These are the same rubbers as which is designed to help you feel the Matthew Stanforth at Tees Sport or blade produces a very short flight tested in ]unel.July issue, but on floor through the sole. Alight inlay email [email protected]. path. these blades they were a stabilises the arch of your foot. Ideal BUTTERFLY E-NEWS The blade was initially designed to outstanding, obviously designed for for players who like a thin sole to help Butterfly have launched a new email assist long pimple combination users this blade, if you are a blocker and them feel the floor surface. Feels good magazine, Butterfly News, which is a and allows you to disturb your attack minded. This blade proved to play in. The Classic is available for monthly newsletter with infornlation opponent with fast pushing, equally effective adding power to £29.99 per pair and weighs 275 grams about the Butterfly players and Material wobbling balls and at the same time reversed spin rubbers. per shoe. Talk which gives you the latest allows acceleration and control with The 'Kinetic' blade was used with For further information, contact information on new products. the reverse side. The bonus of this Dr. Neubauer 'The Wall' long Matthew Stanforth at Tees Sport or Included are articles from successful new blade is that it can be used pimples in red on the backhand, and email [email protected]. coaches and players who will provide equally successfully by traditional a variety of reverse spin rubbers in advice for improving training, including reversed rubber players seeking black, from O.5mm to 2mm, on the BRYCE FX the Expert Tip feature. maximum control but combined with forehand. These various Butterfly have launched their fourth Hi To receive your copy of Butterfly power. Tension rubber in four years, Bryce FX. News and details of special offers and combinations proved a delight to The Bryce FX has the same hard other information relevant to the UK, play with, and will suit the rubber sheet as Bryce but with a softer sign up for your free copy by email to DRNEUBAUER defender/allrounder. sponge which is able to generate more [email protected]. The 'Kinetic' is slightly heavier than effect from the glue. KINETIC BlADE the 'I-ligh Technology, probably due Designed for the long pimple player, the the layer of carbon. I""----_M_O_R_E._P_RO_D_U_C_T_N_E._W_S_N_E.X_T_M_O_N_T_H_~ a kinetic 5 ply blade comprising a OBITUARIES

Table Tennis News as he had strong had the best juniors in Europe, the views on many issues and cared about men were fourth in the world and the development of table tennis. He had more than twice as many players worked with publicity and public participated in the game than today. relations and this experience was put to This was a time when I first met Roy good use writing an article in the local at Crystal Palace. He was a good paper every week. He always managed to coach, solid, reliable, did his praise and give credit to young players. homework, knew his stuff, a superb He has touched the lives of many team man. That never changed. I people and will be greatly missed was impressed, so were the participants. Shortly afterwards, I invited Roy to direct the Oxford School of Sport with me, and then began an unbroken 25 JIMMY LANGAN once said he didn't want year friendship. Roy invited me to to live past 40. He did, by 15 years, but Kent and I soon discovered it didn't the Dubliner's unexpected passing this matter whether working at local has robbed Irish sport of one of it's participant level, county, national or legendary, most lovable, characters. international level, Roy was equally Jimmy was a star in the sepia tinted days comfortable. of the '60s and '70s when table tennis Roy had some classics: we were once enjoyed a greater media profile. A at a table tennis tournament and all the teenage sensation, he was Irish, number adults were jumping about playing one for a decade, possessing a unique every point from the sideline. Roy back-hand push stroke which troubled remarked - "If I had a gun I would the world's best. shoot all the parents, then I would As for other 'strokes', Jimmy had few shoot all the coaches and simply let peers. As thousands of German fans the kid's get on with it" - (his queued to see local hero Ebe Scholer observation of the benefits of freeing play in the final of the World children from the negative influence of Championships in Munich in 1969, adults) so true, even today. opportunistic Jimmy spotted an opening. In the mid 80's Roy was made Head From a toilet window inside the arena, Coach for the prestigious Centre of Jimmy handed out his player pass to fans Excellence at St. Brides in London. below with the order return it to him in Roy now working with the the '100' with a few marks of gratitude in professionals: Sky Andrews, Colin tow. Jimmy quickly amassed a small Wilson, Kenny Jackson, Dave Barr, fortune as tens of fans gained admittance. Graham Sandley, some of England's He could lose a few bob too. Once he finest. Roy took it in his stride, he was and sparring partner Tommy Caffrey never on an ego trip. In fact Roy was were cleaned out at Windsor races en just as happy working with the snotty route to a tournament in Brighton. nose beginner as he was the full time The pair only had enough for the England International. Areal coach. standard train fare and when the During the happy 80's, Roy and his conductor demanded a 'Brighton Belle' wife Margaret fulfilled a lifetime's supplement of £1.50, Jimmy burst into a ambition when they purchased and rendition of 'I can't get no satisfaction' to moved to Sea Ctest Hotel in defuse the situation. Clifftonville. Irish number one for a decade, Roy began to spread his table tennis unbeaten in European League doubles Wings, we worked together in with Caffrey for two and a half years, he Switzerland on an international probably enjoyed his finest hour at the excellence programme, he also ran worlds in Munich where he led world LE.S BRIDGE.S is pictured coaching his grandson Jack courses in Guernsey. Later in the 80's nurnber two, Kono ofJapan, 10-4 in the Roy became internationally recognised, final set. as he became an I.T.T.F. coach rHE death of Les Bridges in May was Chilton has produced 36 England ranked Sensing a shock, play stopped conducting courses for coaches in Iran, a sad loss to table tennis and all who players since 1981, including Melanie completely, 1V cameras closed in and Dominica, Nepal, Uganda, and Cyprus, knew him. Les had a strong belief in Carey and Phil Payne. In 1985 the JImmy felt the heat, losing out 25-23. "I to name but a few countries. God and life after death so his Bridgwater girls were junior champions saw money," he recalled. Throughout the 90's Roy continued funeral was a special occasion to of England and in 1986 the school Jimmy's entrepreneurial skills shone as to work tirelessly as Chairman and celebrate his life and his great became England U16 champions. He was he made a success of his furniture Coach for the local Thanet League, and contribution to the table tennis always there for the players, on training business, complete with the cheeky Sea Crest Hotel continued to be a base community. The church was full. nights, organising tournaments, driving catchphrase 'I can get it for you for many successful training camps Les started coaching in East London in players all over England for tournaments wholesale' . local, regional and national. the 1950's. He coached at a club in Essex and supporting the whole South West How good a player was he? Caffrey felt Acouple of years ago Roy was which produced Bobby Stevens -England region. he could have made the world's top 20, awarded a lifetime Service Award at the No.1, Jean McCree -England No.4 and He worked hard to get Primary schools but becoming a slave to sport was never annual coach of the year awards. I Yvonne Baker - England NO.8 involved in Table Tennis and organised a runner for Jimmy, such was his zest for cannot think of a more deserving In 1961 he moved to Reading He many after school clubs. He obtained life. nomination. In the weeks following started a coaching scheme and raised two grants to get 11 tables into schools. Roy's death there were scores of money for development from table Encouraging the ETTA to set up a phone calls, e-mail's and letters from as tennis reporting. This foundation paved method of recognising the achievements far away as New Zealand, the the way later for some top England of younger players was a great concern of Caribbean and from the I.T.T.F. ranked players, Alison Gordon and his. He had just recently started an under headquarters in Switzerland, Matthew Syed. 9 tournament which he hoped would be From the oration at Roy's funeral expressing their loss and our loss. Les moved to Bridgwater, Somerset modelled around the country. He did a George Martin was often considered the Acoach's coach. And a friend who in1971. He started coaching in schools, great job at encouraging adults to get 5th Beatle. If that is the case then surely has touched and enriched my life. and established the Chilton Table Tennis involved in youth table tennis. Roy Pugh would be considered as the 5th I am a better person for having known Club at Chilton Comprehensive on three Les was a member of the ETTA National National Coach. This was Roy nearly 25 Roy. nights a week. His Premier Club at Council and a regular contributor to years ago, when English Table Tennis • 2003 TABLE TENNIS NEWS 2003/2004 SEASON COpy DATES ISSUE COpy DATES SEPTlOCT 2003 15th AUGUST 2003 NOVEMBER 2003 Ist OCTOBER 2003 DECEMBER 2003 Ist NOVEMBER 2003 jAN.lFEB.2004 Ist JANUARY 2004 MARCH 2004 Ist FEBRUARY 2004 APRIL 2004 Ist MARCH 2004 MAY 2004 Ist APRI L 2004 JUNE/jULY 2004 15th MAY 2004 www.etta.co.uk

2003