The Hastings Closed Table Tennis Championships took place at the Hollington Community Centre on Sunday, 2nd April 2023. It was a long day with play starting at 9am and the last match completed by 6.30pm. There were 26 entrants, comprising of 18 men and 6 women and 2 junior boys.
The two main events of the day, the Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles were won by Nathan Darby and Rose Rainton. Nathan winning his first, Rose her 24th.
Nathan Darby defeated last years winner Paul Barry in a thrilling Men’s Singles final 11-8 in the deciding set 11-6, 4-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-8. On route to the final, Nathan had a tremendous semi-final match against Ryan Heselden, a rematch from the 2022 competition. Nathan just pipping Ryan again, after saving a match point in the deciding set. A definite match of the day contender along with the Men’s final.
The Women’s Singles event was won by Rose Rainton, beating Sue Pingram in the final in straight sets 11-4, 11-4, 11-9. Rose had earlier beaten Pam Winter in the semis with Sue beating Tina Beaney in the other.
Sue and Tina then teamed up to win the women’s doubles event beating Rose and Pam in the final in four games 9-11,11-9,11-8,11-0.
The Junior Singles was played as a straight final. Oli Matthews won the event in three straight games over John Quintos 11-7, 11-4, 11-3.
The Division 2 Championships, perhaps the most competitive event of the day with many strong players, went to Tina Beaney who met Pam Winter and Bob Lowe in a group winner round-robin final. The key meeting between Tina and Pam ended with straight games win for Tina 11-9,11-7, 11-1.
Division 3 only had two competitors enter, so it was a straight final between John Quintos and Kevin Long. A very close game with John coming out on top in four sets over Kevin 11-9, 11-8, 10-12, 11-9.
The Mixed Doubles was hotly contested event with six strong pairings all vying for the title. The final was contested by former champions Rose Rainton and Robin Gibbs and a new pair in the form of Nathan Darby and Tina Beaney. Two of the sets were decided by 2 points. However, it was the newly formed pairing of Nathan and Tina that came out on top in straight sets 11-9, 11-4, 13-11. This win gave Tina her third title of the day and Nathan his second.
The Men’s Doubles was won by father and son pairing Paul Barry and Ryan Heselden, retaining the title they won in 2022 and 2019. Paul and Ryan defeated Nathan Darby and Dave Butler in the final in straight sets 11-6, 11-3, 11-6.
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.
