Martin Hewett retains Ping Pong crown

The Maidstone Hard Bat Ping Pong tournament was held at the Howard school, Gillingham on Sunday 27th November 2022. Working Mens Martin Hewett retained his U60’s and Open titles but was pushed all the way in both events. Claire Blackman caused the first shock of the day beating Terry Clapperton 13-15, 15-12, 15-13 at the group stage of the Under 60’s and then beat Larkfield’s Tim Noble in the quarter final 15-10, 15-11 before falling to Dave McAulay 11-15, 15-11, 15-14 in the closest possible match. Martin Hewett beat Tim Vaughan 15-7, 13-15, 15-13 in the other half of the draw to reach the final, where he proved too powerful for McAulay winning 15-11, 15-8. Dennis McConkey came out of retirement to win the over 60’s event beating Steve Konrad 15-8, 15-12 in the final. The open singles produced some excellent play with many hard-hitting rallies mixed with splendid defence. Claire Blackman took the first leg off Martin Hewett at the quarter final stage but could not in the end hold out against Hewett’s attack. Dennis McConkey continued his good form beating Tim Vaughan 7-15, 15-14, 15-14 in the closest possible match and then hit through the defence of Mark Steeden 15-14, 15-9 to reach the final against Hewett who saw off Dan McAulay 15-12, 15-6 in the other semi-final. McConkey took the first leg of the final but in the end was outplayed by Hewett 10-15, 15-11, 15-10,