In January, West Bridgford TTC saw its players compete for the titles of “best in Nottingham” at Nottingham’s Closed Table Tennis Tournament. The annual tournament for all age groups to enable mixed play, the handicap event is especially great fun to watch and participate.
There were many great games and achievements (full list below) with Fred Jones winning the Handicap Singles and James Harvey winning three titles; the Division 2 singles, doubles with G Goodwin and another doubles with Dylan Merkelt.
However, the moment that captured the hearts of all to become most memorable match was Dom Hubner in Division 3.
Dom a delightful soon to be 16-year-old character who happens to have additional needs, is immensely competitive and being six foot five inches his reach can cover all the angles in table tennis.
In the final, he was two down looking destined to become runner-up, but he began to find a way to turn the match around. As the other finals started to finish, the whole tournament’s attention was drawn to the Division 3 final as Dom made it 1-2.
The characteristic West Bridgford camaraderie and support which had been there throughout a successful day, lifted the atmosphere of the hall and Dom levelled the score 2-2. In another close set, Dom narrowly took it and won to cheers and applause.
Singles:
James Harvey Won Division 2, U15 semi-finalist, U18s semi-finalist
Dom Hubner won Division 3, Handicap Match quarter-finalist
Finlay Hood was U21s runner-up
Dylan Merkelt semi finalist in U21s, U18s Semi finalist, Handicap Match quarter-finalist
Jacob Dixon U21 quarter-finalist, U15 quarter-finalist, Handicap Match quarter-finalist
Fred Jones Handicap Match winner, U12s runner up, U15s quarter-finalist
Daniel Richardson U12s quarter-finalist
Doubles:
Drawn Doubles winners James Harvey & G Goodwin
U18 winners James Harvey & Dylan Merkelt
Fred Jones and Jacob Dixon reached semi-finals
Adam Staiger-Grant & Dom Hubner quarter-finals