The IWTTA 2025 Final’s Night was held at the IW Table Tennis Centre on Wednesday 30th April, with 15 matches contested in front of a large crowd, who were treated to some high quality table tennis.
The undoubted star of the night was Junior Ryan Cates, who not only won the Men’s Doubles with Paul Rainford and the Mixed Doubles with Ann Joyce, but also won the Junior Singles against Lewis Johnstone and the Men’s Singles against Rainford.
The final between Cates and Rainford was a brilliant match with some stunning shots from both players. Cates and Rainford play together for Ryde C, the current League Champions, and they are also team mates in the Isle of Wight representative team who play in the Senior British Clubs League, who finished 4th in their Division this season.
Rainford claimed 2 singles titles on the night, defeating Mike Turner in the Over 40s Singles and the Over 60s Singles.
Elaine Mills won the Women’s Singles against Nicky Dando to claim her first singles title on the Island.
Anna Joyce claimed another Doubles title playing alongside Dando in the Women’s Doubles.
The Division 2 title was won by Spike Hughes, who beat Cadet Jye Lock in 4 sets, although Lock was successful in the Cadet’s final, winning against Theo Lewis in another 4 set match.
The Division 3 title was claimed by Junior Joe Millward, who won against Paul Cates, his team mate from Division 3 champions Ryde Retailers.
The Gordon Burns Handicapped Singles trophy is played in memory of Gordon, who was a former chairman of the IWTTA. Gordon’s son Danny Burns contested the final against Cadet Theo Lewis, and Burns won the title.
Theo teamed up with John Cornforth in the Brian Warne Doubles, which they won against Cadet Thane Taylor and Bryce Wilson.
The IWTTA would like to thank Rob Smith who organises the tournaments throughout the year, plus all those who came along to umpire the matches, and the spectators who ensured there was a great atmosphere to the evening.
Mountbatten Charity Tournament Saturday 7th June
The next big event to be held at the IW Table Tennis Centre at Smallbrook will be the Mountbatten Charity Tournament on Saturday 7th June, starting at 09:30 and continuing throughout the day.
Thanks to local sponsors, there is over £1,000 prize money on offer, and the event attracts top quality players from the south of England, with all proceeds donated to the Mountbatten Hospice.
This is a perfect opportunity to see exceptional table tennis played on the Island, and everyone is welcome to come along and watch the matches.
Entry is free and refreshments are available.
