Cam Gears hosts the Swansea Closed 

In early November, Cam Gears TTC welcomed table tennis enthusiasts from across the south west as the Swansea Closed took place. 

As players of varying ages competed in a range of categories, there was fantastic table tennis on display, with all players contributing to a fantastic competition throughout. The Swansea region had a particularly impressive junior entry, with the future looking promising in the region. 

The event was one to remember for young Jacob Davies in particular, as the Penlan-based player entered every category he could and ran riot to pick up two titles and a runner-up medal 

Firstly, he reached the Juniors final, eventually losing out to Swansea University’s Alain Shibu in a tightly contested match.  

Following that, however, alongside Penlan club mate Zac Scrine, he earned the Junior Doubles title after an exciting round robin group in which brothers Brandon and Jayden Tang – also of Penlan – were the runners up. 

Jacob would once again share a table with Zac Scrine – although, this time, at opposite ends – later in the day for the cadets round robin group. A large group of eight fantastic young competitors, Jacob finished on top with Zac placing second.  

Jacob’s final event was a tiring one, having played over 20 matches by the end of the day. It was, however, a standout performance in the Men’s Singles to finish second in his group and reach the final four. Jacob will certainly be looking to build on his regional successes next year! 

Another insatiable competitor on the day was Ryan Messer who, like Jacob, played in every event he possibly could, showing excellent sportsmanship and dedication throughout the 10-hour day. 

Meanwhile, another special shout-out must go to Alfie Giles who, as the youngest competitor on the day, was unfazed as he competed in one of his first tournaments, causing a number of upsets throughout the day. 

Catherine Jones of Betws was another standout competitor as she matched Jacob Davies to earn a double on the day. 

Catherine cruised to victory in the Vets Singles, beating Ceri Higgon in the final to win back the Veteran’s trophy. Earlier in the day, she overcame Penlan’s Lucy Page to claim the Ladies Singles event, which was also a contested round robin group. 

Lucy went on to earn a second runner-up medal in the Open Doubles event, as she paired up with fellow Penlan player Ryan Trigg. The two couldn’t get past Penyrheol’s Chris Bush and Port Talbot’s Trevor Hay, who took the title after several closely competitive matches throughout the afternoon. 

Chris Bush became the third competitor to earn a brace of titles on the day as he cruised to victory in the Men’s Singles without dropping a single set, asserting his firm form. 

Chris beat young superstar Jacob Davies in the semi-final, whilst Cam Gears’ Morgan Siddley was the runner up. Morgan beat fellow Cam Gears teammate Jonathan Davies in the other semi-final. 

Table Tennis Wales would like to congratulate everyone who took to the table and put on a great show at the Swansea Closed. It was incredible to see so many junior entries. They junior players competed so well and demonstrated the bright future of table tennis in Wales. 

Huge thanks must go to Ryan Trigg and Mary Wilkins for organising the competition, Cam Gears for hosting, and the club’s volunteers, including Morgan Siddley, who assisted in the event’s organisation. 

The Swansea closed looks forward to hosting another event towards the end of the season and build upon its regional participation. 

If you are interested in playing in the Swansea region, please find a local club here.