By BRUCE BLAKEMORE
THE inaugural Noosa Table Tennis Club’s scratch singles grade challenge was created to satisfy the desire of several of our top ranked players to have the freedom to open up and challenge their capabilities.
The result has been a true spectacle of high-end table tennis with amazing rallies witnessed each week. For some it will be difficult to come down to a regular team environment next season.
Group 1: With top-ranked Jim Kenworthy in the mix, likely challengers in the form of Roger Gore, Kye McDonald and Bill Brown have created a battle field scenario.
With five-setters abounding, the early victor has been Roger – but perhaps it has been no surprise his only loss so far has come via Sbig Ciercan, who is capable of disposing of anyone when his forehand is faultless.
Recent arrival in A Grade Steve Gardner has also stamped his presence with solid resistance and many scalps including Bill. Heinz Schwartz as usual has frustrated everyone with his “block wall” defence and strategic positioning.
Bruce Blakemore sits just behind the big guns on the ladder and often creates a worry or two.
Group 2: Fringe A Graders Tony Latimer, Allan Munro, Roger Wheller and Martyn Clarke are all locked in a cluster on top of the ladder. But this format has highlighted the ability of “lower” ranked players to rise to the occasion – and Lucas Gore is the perfect example, defeating not only Roger but John Murphy.
Adam Topaloglu and Oscar Estraviz as always can frustrate and surprise so remain solidly in contention.
Group 3: No surprise to see Alan Lawson, David Brown and Sunny Lidden appear as early favourites but impressive performers have also come in the form of Matthew Duncan and Jed Mikkelson.
We have seen Dan Shields improve rapidly since returning this year, and looks always a threat. Wendy and Richard Byrne round out what has become a fairly even contest.
Despite being the lowest grade, we have seen many spirited rallies reminding us all that it is a fine line sometimes between grades.
We are now based at the Noosa Leisure Centre at Wallace Park. Competition is on Wednesday nights from 7pm, social and practice on Sundays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, and social play is held Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10am to noon.
Call 5474 5526 for further information, or see us on Facebook.
