The Hastings Closed Table Tennis Championships took place at the Hollington Community Centre on Sunday, 22nd May 2022. It was a long day with play starting at 9am and the last match completed by 6.45pm. There were 28 entrants, comprising of 21 men and 4 women and 3 junior boys.

The Junior Singles was played as a round-robin. Arthur Bracken won the event with Oliver Matthews as the Runner-up and Leon Hyde in third place.

 The two main events, the Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles were won by Paul Barry and Rose Rainton. Paul has won the title 17 times and Rose 23. An amazing record and testament to the continued standard of both players.

Paul defeated Nathan Darby in a thrilling Men’s Singles final 13-11 in the deciding set 5-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 13-11. Paul having previously beaten Faldie Adams in the Semi-finals winning 11-5, 11-7, 5-11, 11-9. Nathan had a tremendous semi-final match against Ryan Heselden, just pipping him 8-11, 11-6, 11-9, 5-11, 11-5. A definite match of the day contender along with the Men’s final.

The Women’s Singles event was played on a round-robin basis with Rose winning all her matches and Pam Winter coming runner-up. The game between the pair ended with Rose winning 11-4, 11-2, 11-7. Rose and Pam teamed up for the Women’s Doubles and were favourites going into the final, but they were beaten by the pairing of Alison Jordan and Sheila King.

The title for the Division 2 Championships, perhaps the most competitive event with many strong players, went to Bob Lowe who met Paul Hyland and Andy Hyde in a group winner round-robin final with Bob coming out the victor against Paul 11-9, 11-8, 11-7. Division 3 was another very competitive event with Oliver Matthews defeating Trevor Towner 16-14 in the deciding set 11-7, 7-11, 3-11, 11-6, 16-14.

The Mixed Doubles was played on a round-robin basis and gave Rose her second title of the day as she teamed up with Tony Catt to win all their matches 3-0. All other pairings in the event had one win each and it was the pair of Pam Winter and Faldie Adams that came out the runners-up on count back. The Men’s Doubles was won by father and son, Paul Barry and Ryan Heselden, retaining the title they won in 2019. Paul and Ryan defeated Tony Catt and Faldie Adams in the final 11-7, 11-9, 11-2.

It was an excellent tournament with some tremendous matches played and a mention must be made to the high level of sportsmanship throughout the day; the players were a real credit to their sport.

Thanks must go to Hollington Community Centre for hosting the tournament, especially to all those who did the tea/coffee and the hot food. This was greatly appreciated by all the players. Furthermore, a big thank you is owed to all who helped make the day such a success.

By Jamie Martin