Sunday 10th December 2017 saw this season’s County Junior Championships held at Stowupland Sports Centre. Despite the snowstorms we had 34 entrants competing for Under 11, 13, 15, 18 honours as well as participating in a couple of all inclusive events; Handicap Singles and Pot Luck Doubles.
The latter 2 events gave the less experienced players the opportunity of beating their higher rated opponents in the Handicap, and to play with the more experienced players in the doubles.
In the Handicap Singles all players were given a rating according to ability and played 1 single game up to 31. In contrast to previous years, all of the stars of the junior ranks had been eliminated before the quarter final stage. Of particular note was Alfie Winslow-Cohen’s comprehensive defeat of three times previous winner Kian Burgess. The final was contested by Clara Saiu Bell (who overcame older brother Leo along the way) and Stowmarket’s Jamie Hyde, with Clara prevailing 31-26.
The aforementioned Leo Saiu Bell in combination with Isaac Kingham took the crown in the pot-luck doubles. The pair showed great teamwork to overcome James Davies Stokes and debutant partner Davie Goffin in the final.
The age-categorised events, allow players to compete against their peers, to crown the top players in Suffolk.
The U11 boys was a round robin event with the key match turning out to be the defeat of Ollie Van Slooten by Isaac Kingham, who took the title undefeated.
The U13 girls saw Isobel McGerty comfortably defend her crown defeating Clara Saiu Bell.
The U13 boys went the way of the seedings and finished with McKenzie Lowe taking victory in a well fought final over Henry Shaw.
The U15 girls played a round robin event with Lucy Curtis retaining her crown, with Isobel McGerty the runner up.
The U15 boys resulted in another defended title with Luke Davies Stokes victorious, defeating McKenzie Lowe in the final.
The U18 girls event had 5 very strong competitors, and provided some of the best table tennis of the day. The first upset saw Lucy Curtis defeat Holly McGerty in five tight legs and when later in the group Holly found herself 2-0 down to Riya Kumar it appeared we would have a new champion. However, Holly recovered her form and won the next 3 legs to defeat Riya. With Riya defeating Lucy, we went to countback and it emerged that Holly and Riya would contest the final later in the day, which a resurgent Holly took by 3-1 to successfully defend her crown.
In a day of few shocks, the U18 boys also went to form with an aggressive and dominant Kian Burgess defeating James Davies Stokes in a repeat of last year’s final.
Congratulations must go to all the players for their sportsmanship throughout the day and their assistance in ensuring the smooth running of the tournament.
Summary of finals results
U11 Boys - Isaac Kingham victorious, Ollie Van Slooten runner-up
U13 Girls - Isobel McGerty defeated Clara Saiu Bell 11-2, 11-4, 11-2
U13 Boys - McKenzie Lowe defeated Henry Shaw 11-7, 5-11, 11-7, 11-9
U15 Girls - Lucy Curtis victorious, Isobel McGerty runner-up
U15 Boys - Luke Davies-Stokes defeated McKenzie Lowe 11-7, 11-3, 11-1
U18 Girls - Holly McGerty victorious, Riya Kumar runner-up
U18 Boys - Kian Burgess defeated James Davies-Stokes 11-7, 6-11, 11-5, 11-5
Handicap singles – Clara Saiu Bell (29) defeated Jamie Hyde (24) 31-26
Pot Luck Doubles – Leo Saiu Bell & Isaac Kingham defeated James Davies Stokes & Davie Goffin 11-7, 11-7