This was my second attempt at a sanctioned table tennis event after thoroughly enjoying my first try last year. In 2009 I didn’t manage to get out of either of my groups (bands 5 and 6) on the first day with only a single win under my belt. During the second day I failed to touch any of the under 21 players and got a single win during the open singles. However this year was a big improvement on the last. I entered only both my bands this year I figured focusing all of my efforts in to the bands would be better (at least until my fitness improves).

Band 6 @ 8:45

My group consisted of only Peter Morgan and Graham Donnelly, Wei LIU failed to show. This meant only a single win was needed to pass through to the next round. That win came from Graham Donnelly (3-1) which was a great start. The second match against Peter Morgan was far tougher which I managed to claw back to 2 all, but he beat me pretty convincingly 3-2. This was due to better movement, placement of the ball and return of service. But regardless I was happy to move on to the next round.

My second round match was against David Marsh (the winner of group 4). I was surprised to beat him 3 straight without any problems at all. I then moved on to the quarterfinal stage to face Tomasz Halucha, an opponent I severely underestimated after witnessing him play during the Lancashire and Cheshire league earlier this year. But I really struggled with his service and the amount of spin on the loop. He took me down 3-1, overall I was pleased with my efforts in band 6 this year.

Band 5 @ 13:00

At this point in the day after the first band and a nice lunch break I felt warm and ready for the next band. I would face Gary Whyman (tournament rank 83) and Andrew Braithwaite with Kay Soon LIGHTZ ONG failing to show. I play my most confident game when I’m warm and have no idea as to what the skill level is of the opposing player. I believe this gave me an advantage in my first match against Gary Whyman. After beating him 3-1 it turned out to be an excellent win for me as he has a 974 rating. So this made me the group winner and my confidence was on a high.

I had to wait 3 hours with my very supportive girlfriend Claire before my second round match against Antony CONSTANTINOU. I found this match very frustrating because I just found it impossible to control the spin he was imparting on the ball, because I kept serving just long he had time to wind up a massive forehand which I just couldn’t block back. I also suffered a lot from poor service return. After losing 3-1 I left frustrated but couldn’t deny to myself that I have made many improvements toward my skill and fitness in the past year.

For a official write-up of the of the day visit the ETTA website.