Formbook says it should be a Paul Drinkhall, Andrew Baggaley final, but the way Gavin Evans and Liam Pitchford are playing, I wouldn’t be confident to put my money on it!

At one a piece Drinkhall/Pitchford entered a tug of war, going one way then the next, Pitchford demonstrating immense speed and power from his small frame. There were a few forced errors from either side of the table, but most points were won rather than lost, the third end went all the way to 16-14, going in Pitchfords favour.

Watching the game it was hard to predict who would come out on top, Pitchford was playing better than ever, whilst Drinkhall, playing well didn’t seem to shine as much as usual.

I don’t think Drinkhall has ever had to fight so hard to take national title let alone reach the final!

No clean sweep for Drinkhall this year as Pitchford causes the upset of the tournament, knocking out the defending Champion.

Liam Pitchford bt. Paul Drinkhall 4-2, (11-6, 8-11, 16-14, 8-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-8)

Whilst on the other table Evans looked like he might get the better of Baggaley, coming off the back of some great performances, winning the first and third ends. Spainish based Baggaley, with his brother in his corner, then came back fighting, taking three ends on the trott to deny Evans his second final of the Championships, and book his third consecutive senior final.

Andrew Baggaley bt. Gavin Evans 4-2 (7-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-8)

James Cornford