Mark Nalder and Malcolm Wong
Malcolm Wong sent in a report on the Nelson Open that he went to earlier in the season. Malcolm reached 5 finals, winning the Over 50 Men’s Doubles (with Mark Nalder), and was runner up in the Second Grade Men’s Doubles and Over 40 Men’s Doubles, Over 50 Singles and Over 50 Mixed Doubles. This was Malcolm 11th Doubles title with Mark Nalder and his 19th Nelson title.

There were 34 players on the Saturday and 19 juniors on Sunday at Saxton Stadium in Stoke. The oldest competitor was Lionel Wells (91) who had won the NZ Over 45 Men’s Doubles twice (1967-68) with fellow Nelson player, Jack Hall. There was a story on Lionel in the newspaper last year.

Thanks to the tournament organisers, Donny Harris and Paul Op den Buysch. Also to Karen Holmes and her team (Jackie Blanchet, Lisa Op den Buysch and Noelene Wells), who ran the cafeteria.

Organisers Donny Harris and Paul Op den Buysch
Karen Holmes

Full results are here: 2012 Nelson Open Results.

Robert Chung, Bethan Collings (Event Organiser), Malcolm Wong and Roger Watkin
Malcolm was also involved in an unusual event, he was contacted out of the blue on short notice to help come up with a few umpires to help umpire a table tennis tournament that NZIS was holding as part of a multi-sport competitive event between their various regions. It was held at the ASB Sports Centre in Kilbirnie, Wellington.

Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles events were held as best of 5 sets, with Auckland winning all events. I hear that the Auckland contingent consisted of someone who had played table tennis at a club!

Thanks to Malcolm Wong for organising umpires at very short notice for the event. Well done to Chris Williams, Rob Chung, Roger Watkin and Paul Solt for assisting!