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.

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

WinnersRunners Up

Men's Singles Paul Wright JnrMartin Peek

Ladies SinglesDebra FaulknerPaula Newrick

Veterans 40+ SinglesErnie GeorgePaul Wright Jr.

Veterans 50+ Singles Ernie GeorgeBarney Garrod

Veterans 60+ SinglesBarney Garrod Ray Lee

Veterans 70+ SinglesRay LeeDavid Willgoss

Youth SinglesOllie BaileyRyan Grimmer

Boy's Singles Ollie BaileyLuke Glaysher

Girls SinglesCharlotte MildenhallLauren Jones

Cadet SinglesRyan EdwardsJed Knights

Primary SinglesColin FortescueDavid Willgoss

Division Two SinglesTerry ShettliffeDavid Willgoss

Men's DoublesMartin Peek/Ernie George Paul Wright Sr./Paul Wright Jr.

Ladies DoublesDebra Faulkner/Charlotte MildenhallJackie Fortescue/Sophie Baker

Mixed DoublesDebra Faulkner/Ernie GeorgePaula Newrick/Terry Shetliffe

Primary DoublesMalcolm Vasey/Albert CadmoreDavid Willgoss/Bob Quantrill

Division Two Doubles Malcolm Vasey/Albert CadmoreJosh Baxter/Derek Humpheys

11 up SinglesPaul Wright Jr.Charles Goddard

Championships Handicap Gary WarnesKevin Jones