The girl’s event saw a strong favourite in the shape of Tin-Tin Ho (Middlesex) who clinically disposed of her opponents in turn only being extended to four games by Berkshire’s Megan Knowles and the local challenger from Derbyshire – Isobel Ashley. Tin- Tin was also troubled by the 5th seed and current National Under 14 champion – Maria Tsaptsinos (Berkshire) eventually winning 11-7 in the 5th game but it was Miss Ho who remained unbeaten throughout the weekend to be truly crowned “the Master”.

Sussex rising star Emma Torkington who was the 4th seed showed some great form hoping to catch the eye of the selectors and thoroughly deserved her runners-up prize using her aggressive topspin style to win 11 matches and was only defeated by the eventual winner and the 2nd seed Megan Knowles. Megan herself finished in 3rd place after sustaining only three defeats over a tough weekend of competition and it was Maria Tsaptsinos who claimed 4thplace. Derbyshire’s Isobel Ashley, the 3rd seed had an up and down weekend but still battled hard to take a creditable 5th place but the surprise in the girls event was the performance of 12th seed Letitia McMullan from Hampshire claiming 6th spot where her 7out of her 13 wins included a number of notable scalps.

Cadet Girls – Final Placings

1st Tin-Tin Ho (Mi)
2nd Emma Torkington (Sx)
3rd Megan Knowles (Bk)
4th Maria Tsaptsinos (Bk)
5th Isobel Ashley (Dy)
6th Letitia McMullan (Ha)
7th Lucy Zhu (Sk)
8th Emily Bolton (Cu)
9th Lois Peake (Sx)
10th Chrissie Slot (Ha)
11th Ify Okafor (E)
12th Ella Patel (E)
13th Eda Emel Ayadin (Mi)
14th Hannah Noutch (Li)

It was a thrill for the top three boys to have their medals presented by England’s greatest ever player – Des Douglas and former Commonwealth Women’s Singles Champion – Carole Moore presented the medals to the top three girls.

The local MP for Erewash Jessica Lee who is no stranger to the Draycott Table Tennis Centre was invited to attend the event. “I can’t believe they can play so fast” she commented after watching many of the players in action.

Jessica presented an award to the Mick Strode who efficiently organised the event on behalf of the ETTA and also an award to the Draycott Table Tennis Centre organiser Brian Savage who did an outstanding job providing the catering for all the officials, umpires, players and supporters. Brian also conducted a live interview with BBC Radio Derby and also BBC East Midlands TV filmed some of the players in action.

Jessica also presented a framed certificate to the Draycott & Long Eaton TT Club Secretary – Graham Gobey who were praised by all the ETTA Officials, the players, coaches and parents for their efforts.

‘The ETTA is really pleased to use dedicated club facilities for national events where appropriate and congratulates and thanks Draycott & Long Eaton TT Club for their excellent organisation of the competition – the attention to detail was noted and added to a very good presentation’ – Diccon Gray (National Competitions & Events Manager, ETTA)

A specially thanks also goes to all the hard working umpires and to Club members Andy Foulds and Lee Neil who helped throughout the weekend to ensure the smooth running of the event and finally to the Club’s Development Officer – Phil Vickers who spent several weeks preparing the venue for the event.

Click here for a PDF of the complete group scores

By Phil Vickers – Coaching & Development Officer – Draycott & Long Eaton TT Club