IDTTL 2010 Championships
Videos
Video 1Report:
Charles Takes Crown
Neil Charles, playing in his first Ipswich and District League Finals, justified his Number 1 seeding with a3 sets to 1 victory over reigning champion, and number 2 seed, Ryan Collins in the Mens Singles final.Collins looking for his fourth title in a row, got off to the worst possible start finding himself 8-0 inthe 1st game as Charles produced some stunning forehand winners. Collins dug deep to get back to 8-10 beforeeventually losing the set. In the 2nd Collins seized the initiative using his backhand to good effect to easilytake the set 11-5 and level the match. The third set proved a tight affair, but at 9-9 all Charles produced twoforehand winners to take a 2-1 set lead. At 5-5 the forth set was evenly poised, but some missed forehandsfrom Collins gave Charles a 9-6 advantage, who then set up match point with a superb reverse loop down theline, off the return of serve for a clean winner. No comeback this time as Charles won the set 11-7, andthe match 3-1.
In progressing to the finals Neil Charles beat Jake Collins 3-1 in the semi-final, and in a repeat of lastyears final Ryan Collins beat Andy Warner 3-0.
The Ladies Final, was a repeat of last year as the top two seeds Clare Lowe and Aimee Sparkes played out anervous first set, with Lowe coming from 10-7 down to win 13-11. Lowe then started to dominate, attacking onboth wings to good effect, to take the second comfortably 11-5. Sparkes showing more attacking intent, tookthe game to Lowe winning the third set 11-9. In the fourth game Sparkes continued in attacking mode, butLowe's defensive blocking, and some excellent serving proved decisive as she claimed her fourth title,with a 11-8 victory.
The Mens Doubles, provided the most entertaining game of the night as pairing of Neil Charles & Paul Davisonlooked to prevent reigning champions Ryan and Jake Collins from a fourth title in a row. After sharing thefirst four sets, the Collins pairing looked set for a comfortable finish as they established a 10-5 advantage,and with it 5 match points. Incredibly Charles and Davison saved all five, the last with the rally of thematch. As the tension increased the Collins eventually secured their fourth title winning on their 7th matchpoint to take the set 13-11.
The Ladies Doubles saw a comfortable 3-0 victory for Aimee Sparkes and Clare Emmerson over Alice Howard andJanet Faiers, whilst in the Mixed Doubles Jake Collins and Aimee Sparkes overcame Ryan Collins and ClareEmmerson 3-1.
Finals night would not be complete without an appearance from crowd favourite Andy Warner, and he obliged bywinning his fifth Veterans title in row (playing bare footed!!), with a 3-1 victory over three times previouswinner Andy Homes. Warner now just two vets titles away from matching Dave Halliday's record vets haul.Halliday in his seventh decade playing in the IDTTL himself collected his 27th Ipswich title this time inthe Super Vets.
In the Junior events, Elliot Branton beat Kieran Perez 3-1 to take the Boys Cadet title, and then in one ofthe closest matches of the evening over came Brendan Trinder 11-9 in the fifth to also take the Junior title.
The other event of the evening saw Stuart Wadsworth comfortably overcome Kieran Hills 3-0 in the Restricted event.
In the Divisional events, played the previous day, Wayne Shaw, Darren Earrey, Luke Swain and Graham Whight won thePremier, First, Second & Third Division titles respectively. James Hodder won the Handicap event.
Preview:
This weekend the Ipswich Corn Exchange again hosts the Ipswich & District Table Tennis Championships.With well over 100 entries over the two days this years championship looks like being one on the mostcompetitive events for many years with no less than six of the previous winners of the Men's & Ladiessingles, in the last ten years, again competing for the main prizes.Spectators are welcome to come along, during the 2 days, and especially to our Finals Night whichcommences at 7.00pm on the Sunday, which will be attended by both the Mayor and ex Ipswich Town starKevin Beattie.
In the Mens Singles Ryan Collins, looking for his four title in a row, will face tough competitionfrom No 1 seed Neil Charles who is undefeated this season. Jake Collins will also be hoping for hisfirst Mens title, to go with his previous Junior titles. Making up the other top 4 seeding is AndyWarner, runner up in last years final, who provided such wonderful entertainment in last years finalbefore losing to Ryan in the fifth game. With a strong line up in the Mens, the event is very openwith the top seeds will be wishing to avoid the likes of Gary Young, Lee Barnes & previous championRichard Hutchinson all of whom will have aspirations of creating an upset and reaching the finalthemselves.
In the Ladies Singles, the No.1 & 2 seeds remain Claire Lowe & Aimee Sparkes, with Aimee hoping toavenge her narrow final defeat to Claire last year. Making up the 3rd & 4th seeds are Alice Howard &Sonia Talbot.
In the Junior events, a lack of availability, means only Junior Boys will be played, with BrendanTrinder, the No1 seeding, aiming for his first junior title.
The Mens Doubles event is extremely strong this year, with reigning champions Jake & RyanCollins due to meet Paul Davidson & Neil Charles in the final. Previous champions Richard Hutchison &Gary Bloomfield and Andy Warner & Charlie Fulcher make up the other top 4 seedings. Look out for NigelHodder & Gary Young, and Richard Goodhand & Jimmy Farrow who could easily upset any of top 4.
In the ladies doubles Aimee Sparkes & Clare Emmerson will be looking to reverse last years defeat toClaire Lowe & Sonia Talbot. Aimee Sparkes is again number one seed in the mixed doubles this yearpartnering Jake Collins, instead of brother Ryan with whom she won last year.
The Mens Veterans is another strong field with reigning champion, and number 1 seed Andy Warnerthe man to beat. Malcolm Collins, Jimmy Farrow & 1st time Vet Wayne Shaw make up the top 4 seeds, althoughlast years runner up Charlie Fulcher and Nigel Hodder will be players the top 4 wish to avoid.
There are seven other events being held over the 2 days, including all the Divisional Championships,Restricted and Super Veterans. Special event this year, is the Hanbury Handicap Singles which is opento all none league players living in the Ipswich area. For an entry form or more details contact JimFarrow on Ips 07734-048775.