In the Main Event, it was decided to do away with seedings and the draw threw up some interesting group matches. Biting the dust in the first round were such greats as Clive, Brian, Phil (who was determined to buck the trend by continuing to wear his non PTTC long sleeved T-shirt) and one of the pre-tournament favourites Louis McLeod! One youngster gone at least - maybe the old guys had a chance after all!
Proceeding to the Quarter final stage were Greig (-12), Iain (-9), James (-2), Vikas (-2), Rudolph (+1), Craig (+4), Sonny (+5) and Millie (+5).
The first quarter final saw teammates Craig and Millie lock horns. Although Craig is challenging for the title of our most pleasant club member, trying to oust James from the position he has held for the last 6 years, there was certainly no love lost in his match against 15 year old Millie. 40 years her senior he tried to use every trick in the book, including nearly falling over to detract her, but all failed as he slumped to a 3-0 defeat.
Rudolph v James looked like being a tight match and James was disappointed to lose out in 4 ends. Meanwhile Vikas took on Iain and in an entertaining match, Iain looked as if he maybe lost interest at 2-1 down and starting 7-0 down in the 4th. He's too cool to get involved in a pushing match - he went for his shots against the rugged style of Vikas - unfortunately for Iain his shots frequently misfired!
The final quarter final saw tennager Sonny take on the slightly older Greig - 17-0 in a race to 23 - Sonny certainly knows how to be vocal on the table - a trait his opponent lacks!! An entertaining match with a medical timeout for Greig after the first end (cramp - just like real athletes get! - thanks to Avril for keeping our President upright!) but Greig battled through the pain to record the victory!
The first semi-final saw Millie prove how far she has improved as she coped with Rudolph's tricky serves and awkward style to progress comfortably in straight sets to the final. In the other semi a 10 point advantage for Vikas wasn't quite enough as he lost out in 4 sets to Greig.
So the final that really sums up handicap events - an experienced, lethargic and dogged player with a nightmare handicap against a talented, vibrant, mobile youngster with no fear! 17-0 to 23. Not to worry though Greig's spinny serves would guarantee him some easy points - bang take that return says Millie - 1st set over in a flash. Greig then pushed his way to 21-21 in the second set before somehow losing that as well and despite his tactics of trying to talk his way to the third set, Millie proved just too strong. A popular winner and well deserved.
In the doubles event, battling though the groups to the semi final stage were Greig & Long Sleeved Phil, "Mr Scrabble Man" Krzyzszszsztoff & Millie, Craig & Iain and Rudolph & Stuart. It wasn't to be double glory for Millie on this occasion (let down by her partner we're told) as they succumbed to Greig and Phil in the first semi. They were joined in the final by Craig and Iain who won their semi in straight sets. The final was best of 3 and saw Craig and Iain win the first set 11-2. Greig and Phil then won the 2nd remarkably by the same scoreline before they secured the decider by 11 points to 6. Phil was over the moon having nursed his partner through to a trophy.
In the Junior event, Hannah defeated Joe in straight sets to win an unopened box of chocolates - Tom is still looking for whoever opened the second place prize and put some wrappers back in the box - they're currently being sent away for DNA testing - the smart money says it was Clive who was seen in the corner of the hall chewing something and looking sheepish!!
As for the Sandpaper Bat Event - well would you believe it - we didn't have enough time - this Thursday will see the conclusion of that Event!
A terrific day and thanks to Tom and Brian for their work beforehand in organising the Tournament, to Tom for his running of the event on the day and to Avril and friend for their work in making sure we were all heartily fed at lunchtime!
The 2017/18 season will be upon us before we know it!!!