2015 News Archive

All the news from 2015

North Wales Dragon

8th November 2015

 

The first North Wales Dragon for a while was held yesterday at Trefnant Village Hall, just outside Denbigh.

Below are the winners. Congratulations to all the players and volunteers on the day.

 

U11 – winner Iago Scott

U13 – winner Tyler Jones

U15 – winner Abishek Bathula

 

 

 

 

Cardiff Dragon Results

8 November 2015

 

Congratulations to Tom Lam and Ben Lam who were winners at the recent Cardiff Dragon held at Cardiff City TTC

 

 

 

 

 

Vets 6 Nations

1st October 2015

 

 

 

Once again the Welsh Veterans went into competition against England, Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man and Guernsey this year in the Isle of Man Douglas.

This year’s elite of Welsh Veterans were represented by

Neil Wright, Lee Thomas, Mark Farrow, Regina Grech, Marilyn Morgan, Christine Watkins, Tony Collins, Steve Eades, Ray Goulding, Frank Hillier, Paul Collins, David Lloyd, Grech, Roger Thomas and Dennis Bromage.

The team did not disappoint bringing home a hatful of medals once again.

Lee Thomas, Neil Wright and Mark Farrow obtaining silver in the 40 s Men event. Regina Grech obtaining Silver in the Ladies 50 main even Event, Paul Collins obtaining silver in the 60s doubles. Tony Collins obtaining Gold in the 50s plate, Roger Thomas Silver in the 70s plate and Christine Watkins obtaining Silver in the 60s doubles and singles plate.

All our National Champions, Steve Eades, Lee Thomas and Dennis Bromage all made it to the last eight of the main event.

Other significant efforts were Lee Thomas beating Brian Wright to win the team Silver for Wales. Mark Farrow reaching the semi-finals of the 40s men’s. Neil Wright taking the eventual winner of the 40s Men Chris Clinton to a deciding set.

 

Steve Eades

Welsh Delegate

 

 

 

 

 

European Championships – Russia

1st October 2015

 

 

After a trip to a Russian hospital for some tests inbetween matches, Charlotte Carey couldn’t shake off her fever to play her best in Ekateringburg. Results are below:

 

 

Group 6
1  12:10 30/9 Table 11  XIAN Yifang FRA  vs  CAREY Charlotte WAL 11-5, 11-7, 11-4, -, -, -, – 3-0
2  12:10 30/9 Table 12  MOLNAR Monika SRB  vs  IMANOVA Maryam AZE 11-5, 11-3, 11-5, -, -, -, – 3-0
3  17:10 30/9 Table 11  XIAN Yifang FRA  vs  MOLNAR Monika SRB 11-8, 11-9, 11-4, -, -, -, – 3-0
4  17:10 30/9 Table 12  CAREY Charlotte WAL  vs  IMANOVA Maryam AZE 11-6, 11-2, 11-9, -, -, -, – 3-0
5  10:10 1/10 Table 12  MOLNAR Monika SRB  vs  CAREY Charlotte WAL 11-6, 11-7, 11-7, -, -, -, – 3-0
6  10:10 1/10 Table 11  XIAN Yifang FRA  vs  IMANOVA Maryam AZE 11-5, 11-4, 11-2, -, -, -, – 3-0

 

 

 

ITTF Para Table tennis European championships Velje, Denmark

12-17 October 2015

 

 

A very successful event!

 

Results for the Welsh contingent

Class 1 singles Robert Davies Gold, Thomas Matthews Bronze

Class 1 Team event Robert Davies and Thomas Matthews – Gold

 

Rob successfully defended both individual and team titles

 

Class 6 singles Paul Karabardak Bronze

Class 6 Team event Paul Karabardak and David Wetherill (Eng)  – Silver

 

 

Croatian Junior Open

23rd September 2015

Soffi Jenkins and Kate Roberts headed out to Croatia to compete in the ITTF junior open with coach Simon Oyler last week.

In the group stages Soffi advance through her group on count back after beating the higher seeded player Annika Lindstorm of Finland 3/1.
In the last 32 of the knockout stages Soffi lost to the number 3 seed Izabela Lupulesku of Serbia 0/4

Kate Roberts lost out in her singles group to strong opponents from Austria, Poland and Serbia.

In the team event Emily Bolton, of England, joined Soffi and Kate to create a Wales/England mixed team. They failed to advance from a very difficult group after losing out to Austria, Slovenia and hosts Croatia A.

 

 

 

 

 

Sainsbury’s School Games

7th September 2015

 

It was a tournament of near misses as both teams threatened to enter the semi finals but ended up finishing towards the bottom places.

 

The boys team won their first match 5-2 against England South East with a great win for Josh Stacey against Josh Bennett. When we faced Scotland in match 2 we had great opportunities with matchpoints in our doubles and when Callum Evans faced Chris Wheeler, but not converting them caused us the trouble we got.

 

A bad performance on Saturday morning in the 5-8 place playoff meant we had to play for 7-8th but we got the win we needed via Jac Jenkins, Callum Evans & Josh Stacey 4-1 vs England North West.

 

The girls again had bad luck at the wrong time with their very first match going to wire against eventual silver medalists England North West. When we lost this the wind came out of our sails and the recovery wasnt there against Ireland, Scotland, Midlands and North East. The star of the team was Anna Hursey with some great wins along the way.

 

The disability team of Tam Eastwood, Celland hall and Ashley Wray had battles left, right and centre to get the deserved bronze we were presented with at the medal ceremony. North East were undefeated whilst the silver was lost on countback to South East.

 

The singles went slighlty better with Tam Eastwood collecting a silver after losing his final to Billy Shilton. Celland and Ash Wray both got bronze medals whilst other Welsh players reached the last 16 of the boys/girls knockout rounds.

Callum Evans lost to Hugo Pang, and Jac Jenkins lost to Matt Leete so that was the boys all eliminated. Anna Hursey lost to eventual winner Rebecca Finn of Ireland 3/1 after taking the first set and Kate Roberts lost to Emily Bolton, also 3/1 in the last 16. Lydia John, Marc Castro & Josh Stacey just missed out on getting through the groups and Soffi Jenkins had to pull out injured after a shoulder problem in the team event.

 

So 1 silver and 3 bronze from the team was great but lots to work on

 

http://www.2015schoolgames.com/2015/results/tennis/index.php

 

 

 

 

 

 

Euominins

1st September 2015

 

The welsh team had a very successful tournament and some very encouraging results. The results were the best we have had at this tournament and all 6 players were competing well.

Boys 03
Joseph Roberts won 5 individual matches against strong European opposition. In order to make the last 32 you have to make it through 4 phases for the boys, He made it through the first 3 phases with good performances and impressive wins. Unfortunately in the 4th phase he lost a close match 3-1 which meant he would play from 33-64.  The final position was 48-64 as Joseph lost the final match.  This is his best tournament to date and finishing so high in Europe in promising for the future.

Jack O Duffy had a very strong first and second group which meant he was in the consolation event. Jack played better in the consolation but didn’t manage to win his first match.  The way he plays and his technique is very good and all he needs is more experience and confidence at this level.

Boys 04
Louie Evans made it through his first group with a very good win against a French based player. Unfortunately in phase 2 he had to play two players who finished in the top 8. He didn’t make it through the second phase but took sets off his opponents. Louie had a very successful consolation event winning 5 out of 6 matches, but narrowly missed out by one more win on a top 64 finish. Louie finished top 74 though.

Girls 03
Lauren Stacey had a very tough group and although she took sets it wasn’t enough to win a match. At phase two she lost both matches which meant being entered into the consolation event. Lauren played much better winning her first match and competing well in every other.

Girls 04
Anna Hursey had her best international result to date winning a total of 6 matches and finishing 26th in the girls 04 category. Anna made it through the first 3 phases winning most of the matches which meant a top 32 finish. In the last 32 she was unlucky to come up against 2 players that had pimples. One even had pimples both sides of the bat. Anna won her last two matches and one excellent win against a strong Italian player in which she was 7-4 down in the final set.

Lara Whitton had some very encouraging results and won 2 matches overall. She had a chance to with several other matches narrowly losing to England squad player after leading 10-7 in the 5th set. Lara also lost narrowly to a top Czech player losing in the 5th set after leading.

 

All results can be found here:

http://www.eurominichamps.com/resultats-2015/

 

Liverpool Grand Prix

24 August 2015

 

Welsh wonders earn Liverpool Grand Prix bragging rights

 

MEN’S

Ryan Jenkins captured his 52nd Grand Prix title in a dramatic opening event of the season.

The legendary Welshman put in a calm and convincing display throughout the numerous stages, saving his best performance for last with a 3-1 victory over the sensational Ryota Kawai in the final.

Jenkins’ composure was stark contrast to the competition in the hall, with shocks aplenty taking place. Gabriel Achampong’s shock 3-0 victory over Mike O’Driscoll sparked the hall into life, with a siege of surprise results coming thereafter.

The biggest upset came in the shape of Ashley Robinson, who stunned second seed Gavin Rumgay in a 3-1 display, whilst exciting youngster Ethan Walsh picked up one of his best wins yet, defeating John Murphy.

However, the eventual finalists were going about their business quietly. Jenkins overcame Gavin Maguire and Esben Larsen 3-1 before cruising to victory over Scot Chris Wheeler. That victory set up a semi-final tie with Paul McCreery, who couldn’t contain Jenkins as he went down 3-0.

Meanwhile, Kawai’s route looked challenging, but the Japanese star fought his way through big names like Chris Doran and Craig Howieson to make it to the final.

It was the final the crowd had craved for, and ultimately, it delivered. A tirade of powerful exchanges brought the best out of both players. It was Kawai who took the initiative with victory in the first end, but from there the match belonged to Jenkins. He tweaked his game, utilised his impeccable touch play and restricted his opponent to fewer openings. When the opportunity came, Jenkins pounced, and took his chances to claim the final three ends.

 

Men’s

Ryan Jenkins 3-1 Ryota Kawai

10-12, 11-3, 11-9, 11-5

 

 

 

 

WOMEN’S

Charlotte Carey’s quest to capture the Grand Prix circuit started in ideal circumstances as she reigned supreme in Liverpool.

Carey defeated third seed Gillian Edwards in the final, who showed great signs of improvement on her way to the showpiece, a fact replicated by her astonishing victory over second seed Karina Le Fevre.

Carey dropped just two games on her way to the title, coming out of her group with an immaculate record before defeating Emma Tovey 3-1 to advance to the final.

Amazingly, Edwards hardly made it out of her group after suffering a shock defeat to Sudden Death winner Kate Cheer 3-2. It meant Edwards had to win the rest of her matches, which she did… just. After a 3-1 win over Cherith Graham, she scraped her way past a valiant Soffi Jenkins and then Emma Tovey, battling to victory in the fifth set on both occasions.

It meant Edwards’ quarter-final opponent would be Megan Phillips, who suffered a shock group defeat of her own to Isobel Ashley. It was at this point that Edwards really found her groove and registered an impressive 3-1 victory over the Welshwoman.

But it was her next victory that really stood out, as Edwards played with grit and panache to defeat Le Fevre, stunning the second seed in a 3-1 victory.

Unfortunately for Edwards, she couldn’t overcome Carey. Despite being tied at 1-1, Carey’s devastating forehand proved unplayable as she went on to claim her first Grand Prix crown of the season.

 

Women’s

Charlotte Carey 3-1 Gillian Edwards

12-10, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8

 

European Youth Champs – Day 1

10th July 2015

 

Cadet Boys vs Portugal (lost 0/3)

Joshua Stacey lost 13/15, 11/13, 11/8, 7/11

Joseph Roberts lost 7/11, 8/11, 4/11

Stacey/Roberts lost 2/11, 7/11, 4/11

 

Cadet Girls vs Portugal (Lost 0/3)

Lydia John lost 3/11, 8/11, 10/12

Beth Richards lost 7/11, 5/11, 8/11

John/Richards lost 8/11, 8/11, 7/11

 

Junior Boys vs Lithuania (Lost 1/3)

Callum Evans lost 9/11, 11/5, 8//1, 9/11

Chris Griffiths lost 11/7, 11/3, 9/11, 6/11, 1/11

Ryan Oyler won 11/9, 9/11, 5/11, 11/4, 13/11

Callum Evans lost 2/11, 11/7, 6/11, 13/11, 4/11

 

European Youth Champs – Day 2

11th July 2015

 

Cadet Girls vs Bosnia (Lost 0/3)

Lydia John lost 9/11, 3/11, 6/11

Beth Richards lost 11/9, 9/11, 5/11, 2/11

John/Richards lost 11/7, 6/11, 6/11, 8/11

 

Cadet Boys vs Austria (lost 0/3)

Joshua Stacey lost 9/11, 11/7, 11/8, 9/11

Joseph Roberts lost 12/10, 11/9, 4/11, 8/11, 4/11

Stacey/Roberts lost 3/11, 9/11, 4/11

 

Junior Boys vs Belgium (Lost 0/3)

Callum Evans lost 5/11, 8/11, 7/11

Ryan Oyler lost 0/11, 7/11, 10/12

Chris Griffiths lost 12/10, 11/9, 6/11, 5/11, 8/11

 

Cadet Girls vs Slovenia (Lost 0/3)

Beth Richards lost 7/11, 3/11, 10/12

Lydia John lost 1/11, 8/11, 4/11

John/Richards lost 5/11, 9/11, 11/5, 4/11

 

Cadet Boys vs Ukraine (lost 0/3)

Joshua Stacey lost 3/11, 6/11, 11 6/11

Joseph Roberts lost 10/12, 9/11, 11/9, 7/11

Stacey/Roberts lost 11/9, 4/11, 7/11, 11/2, 5/11/9,

 

Junior Boys vs Ireland (won 3/0)

Ryan Oyler won 11/5, 10/12, 11/7, 11/7

Callum Evans won 11/8, 13/11, 7/11, 11/5

Chris Griffiths won 12/14, 11/6, 9/11, 11/8, 12/10

 

 

European Youth Champs – Day 3

12th July 2015

 

Cadet Girls vs Switzerland (Lost 2/3)

Lydia John won 10/12, 11/8, 12/10, 11/4

Beth Richards lost 11/8, 9/11, 9/11, 9/11

John/Richards lost 4/11, 6/11, 11/6, 12/14

Beth Richards won 8/11, 11/5, 7/11, 14/12, 11/5

Lydia John lost 3/11, 7/11, 6/11

 

Cadet Boys vs Switzerand (lost 1/3)

Joseph Roberts lost 7/11, 4/11, 12/10, 11/4, 5/11

Josh Stacey won 12/10, 7/11, 9/11, 11/6, 11/7

Stacey/Roberts lost 10/12, 11/7, 5/11, 11/7, 9/11

Joshua Stacey lost 2/11, 8/11, 2/11

 

Cadet Boys vs Georgia (lost 2/3)

Joshua Stacey won 11/9, 11/9, 11/6

Joseph Roberts won 11/9, 16/14, 8/11, 10/12, 12/10

Stacey/Roberts lost 8/11, 9/11, 10/12

Joshua Stacey lost 11/8, 6/11, 11/7, 4/11, 8/11

Joseph Roberts lost 11/3, 11/9, 8/11, 1/11, 10/12

 

Junior Boys vs Israel (lost 3/1)

Callum Evans lost 9/11, 7/11, 10/12

Ryan Oyler lost 11/8, 11/9, 5/11, 19/21, 5/11

Chris Griffiths won 11/6, 11/7, 11/7

Callum Evans lost 4/11, 11/13, 7/11

 

European Youth Champs – Day 4

13th July 2015

 

Cadet Girls vs Denmark (Lost 3/0)

Lydia John lost 11/5, 8/11, 7/11, 11/8, 8/11

Beth Richards lost 4/11, 5/11, 8/11

John/Richards lost 7/11, 11/5, 8/11, 6/11

 

Junior Boys vs Denmark (lost 3/0)

Chris Griffiths lost 3/11, 11/7, 7/11, 11/13

Ryan Oyler lost 9/11, 11/8, 2/11, 11/6, 7/11

Callum Evans lost 8/11, 8/11, 11/7, 10/12

 

Cadet Girls vs Ireland (Lost 3/0)

Beth Richards lost 1/11, 7/11, 6/11

Lydia John lost 9/11, 11/5, 8/11, 7/11

John/Richards lost 11/7, 11/9, 9/11, 4/11, 6/11

 

Cadet Boys vs Bulgaria (lost 2/3)

Joshua Stacey won 8/11, 8/11, 11/5, 11/6, 11/6

Joseph Roberts lost 4/11, 8/11, 3/11

Stacey/Roberts won 13/15, 11/9, 11/5, 7/11 12/10

Joshua Stacey lost 4/11, 4/11, 2/11

Joseph Roberts lost 9/11, 11/9, 11/8, 6/11, 6/11

 

European Youth Champs – Day 5

14th July 2015

 

Cadet Boys vs Armenia (won 3/1)

Joshua Stacey won 11/8, 11/9, 12/10

Joseph Roberts lost 10/12, 12/10, 9/11, 10/12

Stacey/Roberts won 11/6, 11/6, 11/9

Joshua Stacey won 11/8, 12/10, 11/8

 

Cadet Girls vs Montenegro (Lost 3/0)

Lydia John lost 1/11, 5/11, 7/11

Beth Richards lost 5/11, 11/8, 15/13, 11/13, 9/11

John/Richards lost 9/11, 1/11, 8/11

 

Junior Boys vs Holland (lost 3/2)

Ryan Oyler lost 8/11, 4/11, 11/6, 6/11

Chris Griffiths lost 6/11, 7/11, 11/8, 11/13

Callum Evans won Walk Over

Ryan Oyler won 10/12, 7/11, 11/6, 12/10, 13/11

Chris Griffiths lost 11/6, 9/11, 13/15, 4/11

 

Junior Boys vs Luxembourg (lost 3/0)

Chris Griffiths lost 11/9, 6/11, 7/11, 8/11

Callum Evans lost 3/11, 4/11, 7/11

Ryan Oyler lost 14/16, 11/8, 9/11, 6/11

 

Cadet Girls vs Latvia (Lost 3/0)

Beth Richards lost 9/11, 9/11, 12/10 9/11

Lydia John lost 911/6, 12/14, 9/11, 7/11

John/Richards lost 6/11, 6/11, 11/6, 10/12

 

Finals Places

Junior Boys – 28th

Cadet Girls – 34th

Cadet Boys – 39th

 

European Youth Champs – Day 6

15th July 2015

 

Singles Events

Joseph Roberts lost to Belarus 4/11, 4/11, 5/11, 8/11

Josh Stacey lost to Denmark 5/11, 5/11, 11/7, 10/12, 9/11

Chris Griffiths & Erica Hanson (Estonia) beat Greece 10/12, 11/6, 4/11, 11/6, 12/10

Chris Griffiths & Tom Hoffmann (Lux) lost to Greece 6/11, 9/11, 9/11

Callum Evans lost to Ukraine 8/11, 11/8, 9/11, 7/11, 7/11

Ryan Oyler lost to Denmark 9/11, 9/11, 11/7, 11/9, 7/11, 4/11

Chris Griffiths beat Iceland 11/4, 11/5, 11/6, 11/4

Joseph & Beth lost to Luxembourg 8/11, 8/11, 9/11

Josh & Lydia lost to Portugal 10/12, 7/11, 7/11

Chris Griffiths & Erica Hanson (Estonia) lost to Holland 9/11, 11/7, 6/11, 9/11

 

European Youth Champs – Day 7

16th July 2015

 

Singles Events

Chris Griffiths lost to Germany 4/11, 7/11, 6/11, 7/11

Lydia John lost to Slovenia 10/12, 8/11, 9/11, 11/9, 8/11

Beth Richards lost to Italy 3/11, 5/11, 0/11, 4/11

Ryan & Callum lost to Turkey 9/11, 8/11, 6/11

Josh & Joseph lost to Romania 11/5, 6/11, 6/11, 3/11

Beth & Lydia lost to Austria 13/11, 8/11, 8/11, 5/11

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Schools International 2015

29th June 2015

 

Having sent an inexperienced team to Perth to compete we didnt expect the Gold medals to travel back with us to Wales. Without the likes of Ryan Oyler, Beth Roberts, Callum Evans, Soffi Jenkins, Josh Stacey, Kate Roberts and Chris Griffiths it was a chance for other players to shine.

 

All the players did well and put on the shirt with pride. Highlights were Jamie-Lee Harley making it through to the Quarter finals of the U14 girls and we had success in the consolation events. Jack O’Duffy won a bronze in the U14’s, whilst Cade Short beat team mate Tommy Heydon in the final of the U16’s. Lauren Stacey also got a silver in the U14 girls competition

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gemau Cymru 2015

4th July 2015

 

Four Welsh regions, Mid, North, South East and South West today competed to become Gemau Cymru Champions 2015. The individual championship was to be decided by each players results in the team event so there was everything to play for for every player.

 

Team Event

Undefeated throughout the day and losing only 8 indivdual matches the team who had travelled the length of Wales triumphed.

 

Round One

North 9 South West 3

Mid 2    South East 10

Round Two

North 7 South East 5

Mid 4    South West 8

Round Three

North 12 Mid 0

South East 9 South West 3

 

Final Positions

Gold – North

Silver – South East

Bronze – South West

 

Individual Championship

The individual championships was hotly contested from game one with every game counting players were focused and concentrating on victory from game one. Dropping only one game throughout the 9 matches secured victory and this demonstrated the close level of play throughout the tournament with two players tying for bronze

 

Gold – Tom Jenkins, North; For 18 Against 1

Silver – Abhishek Bathula, North; For 18 Against 2

Bronze – Joseph Williams, South East & Jacob Young, South West; For 18 Against 4

 

Daniel O’Connell Welsh Indivdual, Mens Doubles and Mixed Doubles National Champion presented the medals at the end of a great days play.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Championships 2015

7 June 2015

 

 

 

RESULTS

 

Junior Boys

SF – Ryan Oyler bt Joshua Stacey 3/2; Callum Evans bt Chris Griffiths 3/1

Final – Callum Evans bt Ryan Oyler 3/1

 

 

Junior Girls

SF – Kate Roberts bt Soffi Jenkins 3/2; Beth Roberts bt Beth Richards 3/0

Final – Kate Roberts bt Beth Roberts 3/1

 

 

Disability Singles

Standing –
1 Nathan Thomas  2 Lawrence John 3 Josh Morgan 4 Paul Karabardak

 

 

Junior Doubles

Final – Ryan Oyler & Callum Evans bt Joseph Roberts & Joshua Stacey 3/1

 

Cadet Boys Singles

Final – Cade Short bt Joshua Stacey 3/0

Cadet Girls Singles

Final – Lydia John bt Beth Richards 3/1

 

U13 Boys Singles

Final – Joseph Roberts bt Louie Evans 3/0

U13 Girls Singles

1st Anna Hursey 2nd Lauren Stacey 3rd Lara Whitton 4th Grace Clements 5th Beth Richards

 

Men Singles

Semi Finals – Daniel O’Connell bt Patrick Thomas 3/2; Callum Evans bt Ryan Oyler 3/1

Final – Daniel O’Connell  bt Callum Evans 4/2

 

Women’s Singles

Semi Finals – Megan Phillips bt Angharad Phillips 3/2;

Final – Chloe Thomas bt Megan Phillips 4/2

 

Men’s Doubles

Final – Patrick Thomas & Daniel O’Connell bt Conor Edwards & Chris Griffiths 3/0

Women’s Doubles

Final – Charlotte Carey & Chloe Thomas bt Angharad Phillips & Megan Phillips 3/0

 

U21 Women singles

Final – Chloe Thomas by Charlotte Carey 3/2

U21 Men singles

Final – Ryan Oyler bt Callum Evans 3/1

 

O40 singles

Final – Lee Thomas bt Steve Hall 3/0

O50 singles

Final – Steve Eades bt Steve Hall 3/2

O60 singles

Final – Dennis Bromage bt Roger Grech 3/1

 

 

Vets Doubles

Final – Neil Wright & Steve Hall bt Lee Thomas & Mark Farrow 3/0

 

Mixed Doubles

Final – Charlotte Carey & Daniel O’Connell bt Chloe Thomas & Patrick Thomas 3/0

 

 

 

Stephen Jenkins Retires from International Duties

20th May 2015

 

 

In what has been a long and hard decision, I feel now is the right time to retire from international Table Tennis. Unfortunately, due to injury and illness I haven’t been able to train or compete for Wales since the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Therefore, although it has been a decision slightly forced by circumstance, I feel that now is the right time to finish and to finish on a high.

 

The sport has given me an amazing life and I’ve achieved far more than I ever hoped to. I am extremely proud to have competed for Wales for 23 years, and to have been a part of the men’s team since I was 14 (18 years). The sport has taken me all over the world and I’ve competed in the biggest and most prestigious events. I am most proud of winning two Commonwealth medals: something that no other national team has ever achieved. As a national team, Ryan, Adam and I also have the record for the highest world Championship finish when we were placed 29th at Osaka, Japan 2001. I was 18 at the time and ranked 405 in the world and although I had an offer to live in Germany and play full time, I decided to remain a part time player whilst working and studying full time. Therefore remaining in the national team and achieving what we did is even more rewarding and satisfying.

 

None of this would have been possible without my parents and their continued support throughout. I owe them everything. They spent thousands of pounds and hours on making me better by taking me to all the tournaments around the UK. They also sacrificed so much of their own life, giving up holidays just to support us financially. I would like to thank my wife who has been the best form of support, encouraging me and helping me achieve my goals. I cant thank enough all the coaches who have helped me through the years, especially Norman Jenkins, Alan Griffiths, Li Chao and Ryan Jenkins. I am so grateful to all the practice partners, team members, club managers, Ystrad Boys Club, Table Tennis Wales, Sport Wales and my sponsor Butterfly, Tees Sport. Finally, I would like to thank my family and friends who have always supported and encouraged me throughout. It means a huge amount to me.

 

Main Achievements:

-2 x Commonwealth Medalist ( Malaysia 2004 and Glasgow 2009)

– 1 of only 4 men in Welsh TT history to win a Commonwealth medal, become national men’s champion and WR in the top 400

– Highest ever position for a national men’s team at a World Championship, finishing 29th.

– 2 x National mens Champion (2013/2014, 2014/2015) 10 x doubles champion (9 with Ryan and 1 with Steve Ward)

– Over 20 national titles in total.

– British team Gold medalist and singles medalist on several occasions

– 2 x British League premier champion with Drumchapel Glasgow.

– Swiss league Champion 2014, runner up with German club Ochsenhausen in Div 4, 2002.

-Luxembourg Open team bronze medalist (with Ryan Jenkins)

– British Grand Prix: overall winner of Band 1(1999 – when I was 17) Doubles(1999) and u21s(1999) , 3rd overall in Mens(behind Ryan Jenkins and Alan Cooke) . Men’s finalist on more then 6 occasions.

– Last 32 of Junior European Youth Championships, last 16 doubles(with Adam Robertson)

– Last 128 of senior European Championships, last 32 of doubles.

– British Universities Singles Bronze Medalist

– Competed for Wales for 23 years (u10, u12, u14,u17, u18, and mens)

– highest Welsh ranking – Number 1 (u10, u12, u14, u17, u21 and mens) .

– highest British ranking – no 1 u12, u14. No 2 in u18, no 6 in mens

-Competed at 4 Commonwealth Games: Manchester 2002, Melbourne 2006, New
Delhi 2010, and Glasgow 2014. Also competed at several european and world championships.

– Rhondda Sports Personality of the year 2014/15

– Commonwealth Games Baton Bearer for Sport Rhondda Cynon Taff

 

 

 

 

PTT Slovenia Open

12 May 2015

 

It has been a very successful few days in Slovenia for British Disability Table Tennis and especially so for 3 young Welsh men.

Paul Karabardak secured Gold in Class 6 singles while Rob Davies and Tom Matthews secured bronze in Class 1 team event.

CONGRATULATIONS to all three………..more information about the event can be found at www.bttad.org

 

 

 

 

World Championships – China

May 2015

 

Sunday saw the Welsh Team in action on court with doubles and individual singles getting underway. Despite these being the preliminary rounds, the public seating areas were virtually full, showing the popularity of the sport in China.All our doubles hopes came to nothing, apart from Megan Phillips who paired up with Iranian Maryam Samet to take victory against a Pakistan and Nepal pairing on the show courts.

Also in action on the showcourt in the singles was Dan OConnell who took a singles victory against Baldacchino of Malta.

 

Megan Phillips continued her doubles victory with a singles win over Corrina Whitaker of Scotland in singles, and Charlotte Carey got underway in the singles with victory over Mossemba of Congo.

Ryan Oyler and Callum Evans also started their singles campaign but missed out, Callum in the deciding set. Also losing in the deciding set on her singles match was Chloe Thomas, whose second singles was a “walkover” as her Venezuelan opponent did not show up

Back on the show courts Ryan Oyler got welsh hopes up with a brilliant 11-3 second set win over Mutti of Italy, but couldn’t take the match against the former European Cadet Champion.

Dan O’Connell also lost to Duran of Spain in his second singles match, as did Megan Phillips to Zu Mu of China. Charlotte Carey then lost her second match to Ozaya of Turkey to end the first days play for the Welsh players.

Monday morning started with Chloe Thomas providing the entertainment for the spectators on the show courts winning the 1st set in her last singles 11-0, then sending her Icelandic opponent through the barriers in the final set. Chloe won the singles but lost out on the group win (necessary for progression in the main event) by just 2 clear points in the deciding set of her first singles match yesterday.  Also in action in her last singles match was Charlotte Carey playing the Columbian Umbacia. Charlotte won the match but lost out on countback and Umbacia progressed through into the main event.

Megan Phillips teamed up with her Iranian partner and played an Argentian/Chilian in their second round match of the doubles, however they could not repeat their 1st round success.

The mixed doubles got underway for our players Dan and Charlotte, and Callum and Megan (only 2 mixed double entries allowed). Both met opposition from Congo in their 1st round. Dan and Charlotte won 4-1, but Callum and Megan were not so lucky.

Next round Charlotte and Dan met the Brazilian pairing of Tsuboi and Gui, each ranked individually in the top 100 in the world. This was a great match in which we trailed throughout, but managed to force the issue to the 7th set. There Dan and Charlotte grabbed their chance and took the 7th 11-3 to progress into the last 32 and the 3rd days play.

 

In the next round they will meet number 2 seeds Hong Kong and have a chance to cause the biggest upset at the worlds so far.

Tuesday, and Dan and Charlotte got their big mixed doubles match against Hong Kong on the show court. Alas victory was not to be, but the pair took solice in reaching the last 32. The only other Commonwealth country to reach this stage being Singapore so no small feat.

Meanwhile there was action off court as Welsh delegate Neil OConnell attended the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation meeting where several items on the agenda  were of interest to TTW, and several decisions were made.

These were;

  • The next Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships will be held in Surat India 27th Oct – 1st Nov 2015. Free hospitality will be provided for 4 male and 4 female players, 1 official and 1 delegate.
  • Glasgow are hoping to host the championships in 2017 (subject to agreement and funding)
  • ITTF have made a presentation to the Commonwealth Games Federation asking that Table Tennis be included as a “Core Sport” in future games (decision will be made in September)
  • IF accepted as a core sport, table tennis will feature in all future games (however this does not guarantee that the CWG federation of a particular country will enter its players)
  • CGF are seeking a 10-12% reduction in the number of participating athletes
  • There are issues with the inclusion of para TT at the next CWG on the Gold Coast 2018
  • Edmonton Canada has withdrawn its bid to host the 2022 CWG, leaving Durban South Africa as the only bid (decision will be made in September)

Wednesday,  and whilst all our players were out of all World Championship events, each competing association were able to enter 1 male and 1 female player who didn’t progress into the main draw of the singles event, into the Suzhou Challenge Cup.

Of those entered, only the top ranked 16 male and 16 female players would be would be accepted into the event where they would play against Chinese players selected by trials or recommended by sponsors, partners or supporters. Charlotte Carey and Daniel OConnell were put forward and both were accepted into the event, Dan being the lowest ranked player allowed in.

Dan played Wang Xinzhi (5th seeded Chinese male player), and took a good win in straight sets. Charlotte played Tao Yuan (10th seeded Chinese female) and took the victory 3-1, however both lost their second round matches, Charlotte to Neda Shahsavari of Iran 13-15 in the 5th, and Dan to Rashed Sanad of Bahrain 1-3.

No World Ranking Points were on offer in this event, but both players earned some prize money put up by the events sponsors.

Meanwhile our delegates attended the ITTF AGM, the main points of which were;

  • The next (54th) WTTC will take place in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 28th Feb-6th March 2016
  • The 55th WTTC  will take place in Dusseldorf Germany, 29th May – 5th June 2017
  • The ITTF became the biggest sporting federation in the world in this meeting as 2 new countries affiliated making a total of 222 countries.
  • The ITTF is committed to becoming top 5 in all measurements of sporting federations
  • The ITTF encourages all countries to run events on World Table Tennis Day 6th April (for more info go to www.TT4ALL.com

Thursday. and our players made the journey by Chinese high speed train into Shanghai for some sightseeing and shopping.  Our delegate has also  attended his last meeting – the ETTU General Congress. The main points of interest for Wales are;

  • Liebherr will sponsor and Eurosport will cover the European Team Championships in Yekateringberg Russia  2015
  • A new ETTU website will be launched shortly
  • ETTU has launched a European Hall of Fame
  • ETTU hope to arrange a coaching seminar/conference in 2015
  • There will be no change to the rules governing International Eligibility before Rio Olymics in 2016. The President of ITTF wants 1 rule on eligibility. At present you could be eligible for Europeans but not the Worlds, and Commonwealths have yet another set of eligibility rules, and Olympic is different again.
  • There will be no promotion/relegation in Yekateringberg 2015, instead-
  • The Top 30 countries from 2015 Europeans will be able to Qualify for Champions Division in 2017 Europeans. This will involve playing home and away team matches from Jan 2016 – June 2017, and these may well be played mid-week. This gives rise to the possibility of seeing our players involved in qualification matches with the top European teams on welsh soil.
  • Those not taking part in qualification will be placed into the Standard Dvision
  • The European single s Championships 2016 will include single sex and mixed doubles
  • ETTU have not as yet received any bids to host the 2017 Europeans

 

 

This will be the last report from the 54th World Championships Suzhou 2015. Players and delegate will now have a few days before flying home, which will be spent training and  watching the later stages of the competition. Throughout the event our party has been made most welcome, the hosts have excelled themselves and the Chinese people very friendly. The meeting bullet points are by necessity very brief, if you would like more detailed information please speak to Neil OConnell

 

 

 

 

 

 

International Primary Schools 2015

20 April 2015

 

Individual silver medals for Anna Hursey and Jo Roberts

Team Bronze for the Boys team

 

 

 

 

Luxembourg Open Report

 

The first day saw the team event with the 1st team to win 2 (singles and if needed the doubles) going through. Dan OConnell Ryan Oyler and Callum Evans represented  Wales men and met Brazil , whilst Chloe Thomas, Angharad Phillips and Megan Phillips were our team in the ladies and they met Belarus. Neither team could beat their higher ranked opponents and went through to play one more match as a friendly with no world ranking points on offer.

 

Wales ladies got some consolation later in the team event with a great win over Sweden 3 which was decided by an exciting doubles, probably the first time that a welsh team has triumphed over the mighty Sweden.

 

Onto the singles where several  welsh players were unlucky in that they lost in the final (7th) set. All welsh females had a first round bye, however all the men got underway in the preliminary round. Unlucky and losing in the 7th was Callum Evans who played the tricky Yogarajah of Mauritius. Callum put on a great performance but was pipped at the post losing 9-11 in the 7th.

Dan OConnell played Mommessin of France and battled to the 7th where he made a bad start going 0-5 down at change of ends. Dan dragged it back to deuce somehow, but lost 10-12.

Ryan Oyler then lifted welsh spirits with a straight sets win over Vannucci of San Marino a great result for him and some well earned world ranking points in the bag.

Angharad, Chloe and Megan all had close matches but could not win their rounds.

 

All our players will play over the next few days for final positions in the singles

 

 

 

The second day of the 8th Luxembourg Open saw our players continuing their singles campaign, and they faced tough competition as their opponents were almost always higher ranked and more experienced.

1st away was Ryan Oyler v Vostes of Belgium, losing 0-4 but still enjoying playing the top players.

 

Next Megan Phillips lost to Martinke of Lithuania and Chloe Thomas lost to Ermakova of Russia.

 

The next session of matches saw Ryan Oyler take a set but no more from Miyazaki of Japan, Dan OConnell lose to Webber of Switzerland and Callum Evans lose to Barabonov of Belarus.

 

Angharad Phillips then lifted the welsh camps spirits with a 4-1 victory over Milacic of Macedonia showing that it could be done.

 

In the 3rd session it was losses for Ryan, Dan, Callum and Angharad, despite the best  efforts of coaches Ryan Jenkins and Paul Beck.

 

The best was yet to come for our players as they adapted to the higher playing level. Megan Phillips beat Erikkson of Finland 4-1 and Chloe Thomas took out Milacic of Macedonia in straight sets 4-0.

 

We played a fantastic last session with Dan OConnell beating Vannucci of San Marino. Ryan Oyler was involved in great battle with Moavro of Argentina and despite playing his best table tennis yet went down 2-4.

 

Callum Evans then got the result of his career so far with a straight sets win over the vastly experienced Mike Bast of Luxembourg. Each set was close but Callum closed each in his favour with the help of his corner man Paul Beck.

So day 2 was again difficult but ended on a high note and  great preparation for those going onto the World Championships in China in a weeks time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table Tennis Wales Butterfly Cadet & Junior Masters 2015

30th March 2015

 

 

The top 5 cadet boys, cadet girls, junior boys and junior girls met at Sport Wales National Centre on Saturday 28th March to see who could take the respective titles away.

 

The Junior Boys was a close affair with Ryan Oyler, Callum Evans and Chris Griffiths all beating each other to force a 3 way tie. Callum won it on countback, with Ryan in 2nd and Chris in 3rd. Marc Castro beat Macaulay Morgan to end his event in 4th.

 

The Junior Girls was more straight forward with Beth Roberts beating all 4 opponents to take the title. Soffi Jenkins only lost to Beth to finish 2nd. Kate Roberts was 3rd, Anna Hursey 4th and Lauren Stacey 5th.

 

The cadet boys had a last match duel between Josh Stacey and Joseph Roberts with Josh winning it 3/2 to win the trophy and prize money. Ben Pearce came 3rd after beating both brother Matthew and Louie Evans. Louie beat Matthew to finish 4th place.

 

The cadet girls had Jamie-Lee Harley take out all 4 opponents to win the event clearly. 2nd, 3rd and 4th spots were tied as all players (Grace Clement, Beth Richards and Bethany Brewer) all winning 2 each. Beth Richards took 2nd, Bethany 3rd and Grace 4th spot. Lara Whitton was the other player in the category and ended up in 5th place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 Nations – Cardiff 13-15 March

3 frantic days of top table tennis ended on Sunday 15th of March 2015 as the Junior and Cadet 6 Nations drew to a close. This years event was hosted by Table Tennis Wales and held in 2 playing halls at the Sport Wales National Centre.

All matches were played in a sporting spirit, well done to players, parents, and NPCs.

Many thanks to Event Organiser Lesley OConnell, and Umpires Steve Smith, Peter Higgins, Jackie Williams, Barry and Gaynor Robertson, Tom Purcell, Alan Thomas, David Gough, Neil OConnell, Dennis Bromage, and Neil Wright.

 

Individual Results

 

Juniors Boys

Gold – Chris Wheeler (SCO)

Silver – Calum Evans (WAL)

Bronze- Alex Ramsden (ENG), Ryan Oyler (WAL)

 

Cadet Boys

Gold – Calum Morrison (SCO)

Silver – James Smith (ENG)

Bronze – Shayan Siran (ENG), Owen Cathcart (IRL)

 

Junior Girls

Gold – Kate Cheer (ENG)

Silver – Hannah Lynch Dawson (IRL)

Bronze – Lucy Elliot (SCO), Beth Roberts (WAL)

 

Cadet Girls

Gold – Kate Whelan (IRL)

Silver – Charlotte Bardsley (ENG)

Bronze – Anna Hursey (WAL), Mia O’Reilly Egan (IRL)

 

Chwarae Teg (Fair Play) Award – Kerenza Baker and Freya Melvin (IOM)

 

Junior Boys

1st Scotland

2nd Wales

3rd Ireland

4th England

5th Guernsey

6th Isle of Man

 

1, 2 and 3 were decided on countback

 

Junior Girls

 

1st Ireland

2nd England

3rd Scotland

4th Wales

5th Guernsey

 

1, 2 and 3 were decided on countback

 

Cadet Boys

 

1st England

2nd Scotland

3rd Ireland

4th Wales

5th Guernsey

6th Isle of Man

 

England were undefeated

 

Cadet Girls

 

1st England

2nd Ireland

3rd Scotland

4th Wales

5th Isle of Man

6th Guernsey

 

England were undefeated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cwmlai takes primary schools title

 

The national primary schools championships on Feb 11th saw 36 teams battling it out all day for the honour of being crowned champions for 2015

 

A great day of table tennis finished with Cwmlai from the Rhondda winning the title

 

Lonlas from Swansea finished as runners-up – narrowly pipping St Johns A from Cardiff (3rd) and Llandaff A (4th) on points count-back

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