Champ Paul has Wright stuff
05 March 2010
AFTER an exciting week of competitive individual table tennis, the Annual Lowestoft Championships culminated in an electrifying finals evening and a new Men's Singles Champion.
Paul Wright Jnr played in his first Men's Singles final for three years against reigning champion Martin Peek. The first set was a prime example of defending and attacking excellence as Wright took and maintained an early lead to complete the set 21-18. Peek however found focus in the second set and reversed the tables on Wright. Through a combination of deftly serves and counter attacking, Peek pulled out an 8-15 lead. Wright remained positive smashing ball after ball only to find them expertly returned and than smashed straight back again as reigning champion kept the edge all the way through this second set to win 18-21. In the deciding set Peek once again used his experience to stretch out a substantial lead, and with the scores now at a massive 3-14 Wright needed to find some considerable willpower to get back into this match. But point by point Wright edged closer to overcome this 11 point deficit and forced the match to a climatic 20-20 deuce. Now back in the driving seat Wright kept Peek on the defensive taking the next two clear points, the set 22-20, and the match to become Lowestoft's new Men's champion.
There were apologies for nets and edges in the Ladies Singles final, but it was Paula Newrick's determination and skill rather than just luck that found ten times winner Debra Faulkner five points adrift and with work to do in the first set. But Faulkner fought back and completed the set 21-17. The second set followed a similar pattern but again the reigning Ladies Champion found the edge when it matter and completed the win 21-19 to maintain her dominance on Ladies table tennis in Lowestoft.
Rapid fire action in the Men's Doubles saw the current champions, Martin Peek and Ernie George, use all the angles to stay one step ahead over the father and son pairing of Paul Wright Snr and Paul Wright Jnr.
In the Primary Singles David Willgoss remained steady and controlled to take the first set. But Colin Fortescue selected his shots carefully and broke away in the second set. In the deciding set Willgoss decided to change tactics and we saw some rare attacking play from this consummate defender, but unfortunately it didn't pay off and Fortescue completed the win.
Faulkner and George were in action again in the Mixed Doubles. Despite a stealing the second set Paula Newrick and Terry Shetliffe found their opponents spin serving and fast attacking pace a little too much and the champions maintained their title for another year.
In the Youth Singles there was smashing and counter smashing play from two talented young men. Ollie Bailey and Ryan Grimmer pitted themselves against each other in breath taking fast paced action. But it was Bailey who eked out the lead in both sets and took the title in two straight.
Barney Garrod used his cracking backhand to force a deciding set in the over 50's final. But it was the current champion Ernie George who remained in control and retained the title for a further year.
Terry Shetliffe found himself up against his league teammate David Willgoss in the Division Two Singles final. Shetliffe used his powerful looping forward to force the game against the excellent defending of Willgoss and come through as Division Two champion.
In the Handicap Singles Gary Warnes was awarded a six-point start against Kevin Jones. Jones pulled back this deficit in the first set by the time they reached 16 points but Warnes remained focus to win the first set. In the second Jones won back the initial six points early but again Warnes found the strength of character to forge ahead and win the handicap competition.
All championship results for the full week are listed below.
For further information on league table tennis in Lowestoft or coaching sessions please contact Alan Peek on 01502 589895.
Championship Results
Men'
| s Singles | | Paul Wright Jnr | | Martin Peek | |
| Ladies Singles | | Debra Faulkner | | Paula Newrick | |
Veterans 40+
| Singles | Ernie George | | Paul Wright Jr. | |
Veterans 50+
| Singles | Ernie George | | Barney Garrod | |
Veterans 60+
| Singles | Barney Garrod | | Ray Lee | |
Veterans 70+
| Singles | Ray Lee | | | David Willgoss | |
| Youth Singles | | Ollie Bailey | | Ryan Grimmer | |
Boy'
| s Singles | | Ollie Bailey | | Luke Glaysher | |
| Girls Singles | | Charlotte Mildenhall | Lauren Jones | |
| Cadet Singles | | Ryan Edwards | | Jed Knights | |
| Primary Singles | | Colin Fortescue | | David Willgoss | |
| Division Two Singles | Terry Shettliffe | | David Willgoss | |
Men'
| s Doubles | | Martin Peek/Ernie George | Paul Wright Sr./Paul Wright Jr. | |
| Ladies Doubles | Debra Faulkner/Charlotte Mildenhall | Jackie Fortescue/Sophie Baker | |
| Mixed Doubles | Debra Faulkner/Ernie George | | Paula Newrick/Terry Shetliffe | |
| Primary Doubles | Malcolm Vasey/Albert Cadmore | David Willgoss/Bob Quantrill | |
Division Two Doubles Malcolm Vasey/
| Albert Cadmore | Josh Baxter/Derek Humpheys | |
| 11 up Singles | | Paul Wright Jr. | | Charles Goddard | |
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