The Isle of Man Veterans Table Tennis Championships took place recently at the National Sports Centre. The event was split between over 40s, 50s and 60s, and whilst numbers were modest, some exciting play was seen by these stalwarts of the local table tennis scene.  

Over 40s 

This group was played as a round robin with Mike Tamarov facing John Magnall. I'm sure John wouldn't mind me saying that he could have opted to enter either of the other 2 categories, but he bravely entered the over 40s! Nevertheless he was a stiff test for Tamarov, It was a classic attacking style versus defensive style match - perhaps the the most exciting combination of styles to watch, as it tends to feature longer rallies. Mike's all out attacking pen holder style served him well as he took the first 3 games 11/8, 11/6. John managed to chop his way back into the match however with some breathtaking play. He took the next 2 games 11/9, 11/9, to set up a final game decider. Tamarov used all his skills and experience however to reverse the momentum, and took the final game 11/8, and the match. All credit to both players for a magnificent display, but the title in the end went deservedly to Mike Tamarov.

Over 50s

This was an intriguing battle between fellow Ramsey players Tim Baker, and Chris Holland. Contrasting styles in a way, but both very much attacking orientated. Chris Holland started slowly and lost the first game to in-form Tim Baker  8/11, but then managed to motivate himself to take the second game 11/6, and the third 11/7, but then lost the fourth game 4/11. He then again pulled himself together and blasted his way 5-1 up in the fifth game from which Baker had no reply, and Holland took the final game decider 11/6, and the match. In the end Holland had just too many good shots up his sleeve for Baker, and was the deserved winner, however Baker did well to push Chris all the way in this match.  

Over 60s 

Malcolm Cummings faced fellow sexagenarian Malc Lewis in the final. Cummings is a left handed blocking counter hitter, whilst Lewis plays with short pimples on his forehand, and adopts a somewhat attacking style on both wings. It was always therefore going to be an intriguing contest between these two skilled players. Cummings got off to a decisive start, just edging the first game 12/10, but Lewis got his own back, taking the second game 11/9 and the play remained very tight. Lewis maintained the momentum and took the third game 11/7, and must have had the win in his sights. Cummings had other thoughts however and fought back to take the 4th game 11/9, and the fifth game decider 11/3. Another tremendous spectacle, with Cummings coming through as winner. As a key member of Division 1 victors Travellers A this year, this title was thoroughly deserved by him.

The 'oldies' demonstrated in this tournament their considerable skills needed to play at this level in local table tennis, and they remain the backbone of the sport, whilst nurturing the considerable current youth talent pool. It further demonstrates that table tennis can be a sport for life.