The Eurominis for players born in 2000 and 2001 took place at Shiltigheim near Strasbourg from 24th-26th August. James Smith, Harry Dai and Denise Payet all got their first England cap in the under 11 category. The tournament had a huge entry of over four hundred promising young players and was played mainly in group formats to ensure the players had plenty of matches over the three days. The standard was high with all the best European names present and also a selection of the ITTF sponsored ‘World Hopes’ players from all continents. James Smith raised his game on several occasions to get through the first four phases of the main draw and finished a creditable 23rd position.
Harry Dai and Denise Payet found the going too tough in the main draw and progressed to the consolation event where they finished joint 89th and 17th respectively.
Hopefully the three players have gained valuable international experience and will have learned about the necessary skills required to compete at this level. It was apparent that all the top players at this event were extremely fit, having superb footwork and effective attacks on both wings.
Nick Jarvis