The second seeded pairing of Chris Doran and Danny Reed (a new pairing this year) won the Men’s Doubles Championship final by beating hot favourites Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford. After taking a two love game lead found themselves back at 2-2 and a fight on their hands with the top seeds levelling the match.

The entire final was played at breakneck speed and of the highest quality at every single point played. It was a splendid advertisement for our wonderful sport and certainly the best ever doubles match I have had the pleasure to watch!

The sheer excitement and drama in the last game kept the heart racing and at 7-7 a rally of sheer top quality ended with a edge ball by Reed and another next point top quality rally that Doran put away shouting out ” Steven ?” with the last points going nip and tuck was simply outstanding and without question “the match of the tournament”. The four players were simply incredible at every point and boy oh boy what a match to treat the packed audience.

The new English National Doubles Champions are Chris Doran and Danny Reed.

Chris Doran (Np) and Danny Reed(Cv) beat Paul Drinkhall(Cv) and Liam Pitchford(Dy)

11-7, 14-12, 7-11, 10-12, 11-9.

By Geoff Ware.