In a spellbinding and dramatic crowd pleasing match Paul Drinkhall (England Number 1) was in sensational form to oust the reigning National Champion Andrew Baggaley (England number 5) by four games to two in a scintillating and enthralling semi final.

At the final point the entire captivated audience at the International Hall at Ponds Forge in Sheffield were on their feet in sheer jubilation. Paul was in the zone and was hungry for this victory possibly after the hurt he suffered last year at the hands of Liam Pitchford in the corresponding match last year. The cries of “come on Paul” were constantly being shouted in this last four match full of awesome rallies and end to end topspin rallies of the highest quality. It takes two to tango and Andrew gave it his all in some spellbinding play that was without doubt the “Match of the Tournament” thus far!

Paul Drinkhall beat Andrew Baggaley 10-12, 11-6, 11-8, 11-1, 10-12, 11-4.

Danny did not Reed the script in joining Paul in the Championship final.

Danny Reed of Cleveland came back from a 1-3 deficit in games to book his place in the final with a majestic display of superb controlled play to narrowly get the better of his semi final opponent Liam Pitchford from Derbyshire by four games to three.

This match turned out to be a very close topsy turvy encounter between two super fit athletes going hell for leather at one another and truly had many moments of clever, controlled attacking by both players with high class all out offensive play. Going to a nerve tingling seventh game match Danny was absolutely on top of his game with sheer consistent play and a belief in himself to take a well deserved final spot with you might say an unexpected brilliant result.

Danny Reed (Cv) beat Liam Pitchford (Dy) 7-11, 12-10, 4-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-4.

Danny joins Paul in the showcase Championship Men’s final to be staged at 5pm.

by Geoff Ware