27 players competed on 23rd January at Smallbrook as the Island Echo Handicapped Singles Tournament delivered drama, shocks and high-quality table tennis throughout.
The 2026 tournament was held at the Table Tennis Centre, Smallbrook. As a handicapped event, all players were given an equal chance to progress, with the 27 entrants split into 3 groups of 4 and 3 groups of 5. The top 2 from each group advanced to the knockout stages.
GROUP STAGES
Several standout matches set the tone early.
Joe Chapman and Theo Lewis produced a thrilling encounter, with Joe edging the first 2 ends 15-13, 15-13. Theo hit back to take the 3rd 11-8, but Joe sealed the match 12-10 in the 4th.
Another notable result saw Third Division player Gareth Lewis top Group 4, highlighted by a 3-1 win over Ryan Cates in their opening group match.
KNOCKOUT ROUNDS
4 byes reduced the 1st knockout round to 4 matches.
Theo Lewis pushed Ryan Cates all the way before narrowly losing 11-9 in the 5th end. Phil Stevens defeated Thane Taylor 3-1, while Bryce Wilson found Toby Payne’s 7-point start too much to overcome, losing 3-1. Tim Giles completed the round with a solid 3-1 victory over Rob Smith.
QUARTER FINALS
Tight margins and 5th-end drama dominated the last 8.
Gareth Lewis and Toby Payne played from scratch, with Toby taking the first 2 ends before Gareth levelled at 2-2. Toby then pulled clear to win the decider 11-5. Ryan Cates recovered after losing the first end to beat Jye Lock 3-1.
Phil Stevens came agonisingly close to an upset against First Division player Hugh Idle, losing 11-9 in the 5th. Joe Chapman and Tim Giles produced an epic contest, with Joe saving match points in the 4th end to win 13-11 before taking the 5th 11-7.
SEMI FINALS
The remaining 4 battled for places in the April final.
Joe Chapman faced Toby Payne, with Toby receiving an 8-point start. Joe claimed the first end 11-9, but Toby responded with a series of outstanding shots to win the next 3 ends comfortably.
The 2nd semi final saw Ryan Cates and Hugh Idle play from scratch. Ryan was in dominant form, winning in straight ends to book his place in the final.
LOOKING AHEAD
The final promises a fascinating contrast of youth and experience.
14-year-old Toby Payne will face Ryan Cates, one of the Island’s leading players, when the final is contested in April.
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