Ryan Cates battled back from a set down to defeat cadet Toby Payne 3-1 and secure the Island Echo-sponsored Handicapped Singles title last week.
A good crowd attended last Wednesday evening to watch the Isle of Wight Table Tennis Association (IWTTA) Championships Finals Night at the IW Table Tennis Centre, with 12 titles decided across an action-packed programme.
The evening began with the Island Echo Handicapped Singles Tournament, where £150 prize money was up for grabs. Division Three cadet Toby Payne made a strong start against one of the Island’s top players, Ryan Cates, taking the opening set. However, Cates responded well to win the next three and secure a 3-1 victory to take the title.
In the Cadet Singles, Theo Lewis triumphed in a closely fought five-set match against clubmate Thane Taylor. The Junior title went to Lewis Johnstone, who returned from university to claim a straight-sets win over Jye Lock.
Cadet players dominated the lower divisions, with Thane Taylor defeating the experienced Mark Compton 3-1 to win Division Two, while Toby Payne claimed the Division Three title with a 3-0 victory over Mark Coombe.
The Brian Warne Drawn Doubles produced one of the matches of the night, going the distance over five sets. Husband and wife Tim and Bev Giles found themselves on opposing sides, with Bev teaming up with Bryce Wilson and Tim partnering cadet Ollie Lewis. It was Bev and Bryce who ultimately took the title.
In the Gordon Burns Handicapped Singles, Junior player Jye Lock overcame Jo Hurt to secure victory.
Mark Turner won the Over 40’s title with a straight-sets victory over Rob Smith, who had earlier in the season finished runner-up in both the Over 60’s and Over 70’s competitions.
In the Mixed Doubles, Jo Hurt and Roger Hookey beat Pat Thorley and Thane Taylor 3-1, while in the Men’s Doubles, holders Paul Rainford and Ryan Cates retained their title with a 3-0 win over Scott Lawson and Joe Chapman.
Pat Thorley claimed the Women’s Singles title with a 3-0 victory over Debbie Yates, securing her fourth win in the competition.
The Men’s Singles final brought the evening to a close, with defending champion Ryan Cates facing Scott Lawson. In a high-quality contest between 2 of the Island’s top players, Lawson produced a superb performance to win 3-0 and take the title.
The IWTTA has thanked Rob Smith for organising the tournaments throughout the year, as well as the umpires and spectators who helped create an excellent atmosphere on finals night.
