Veterans Closed 2019-20

The Hastings & District  Table Tennis Association held their annual Veterans Closed Tournament at the Bexhill Youth & Community Centre on Sunday. Dave Butler (Hastings Academy) regained the blue riband Over-40s Mixed Singles event when he beat Paul Barry (Hastings Academy) 4-1, ending Barry’s run of three consecutive wins in this event. Barry started well, angling the ball wide to the left-hander’s forehand before Butler started to impose himself with some heavy looping. The fourth game was key, with Butler coming from behind to take it 12-10.

The Over 40s final was played best of seven games while all other events were best of five.

 

The Over 50s event saw Tony Catt (Hastings Academy) regain the title with a straight games win over Anthony Sidoli (Bexhill). Sidoli had started as favourite, having beaten Catt at the group stage, but faded in the final after a tight first game.

Catt beat Ron Davenport (Hollington) in the semi-final, while Sidoli beat Robin Gibbs in four close games.

 

The closest final came in the Over 60s, which also had the largest entry. Roy Funnell (Tackleway) regained the title, beating John Bradbury (Bexhill) at deuce in the deciding game. Funnell took a 2-0 lead with some good hitting before Bradbury took the next two games and looked well set in the fifth before Funnell finished strongly.

Bradbury had beaten Mike Funnell (Tackleway) in the semi while Roy Funnell had a narrow win over Sheila King (Hastings Academy).

 

The Over 70s was the only singles title not to change hands as Brian Busbridge (Bexhill) beat Martin Richards (Hastings Academy), who was also runner-up last year.

 

Paul Barry took some consolation for his Singles defeat when he and Nick Standen (Hastings Academy) beat Dave Butler and Robin Gibbs 3-1. This was the fourth title in five years for Barry and Standen.

In memory of Hollington stalwart Ken Philcox, the doubles trophy was presented by Mrs Philcox..

 

The tournament was organised by Mike Funnell, assisted by Jamie Martin.

Pictures from the event can be viewed via the Gallery menu, courtesy of Jamie Martin and Keith Lindsay.

Author: via Hastings Table Tennis League
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