Table Tennis Wellington

A travel report from Malcolm Wong

Tony Rutledge, Malcolm Wong and Tomos Christie travelled to this tournament which was held at the Simcox Stadium (Blenheim). Only 3 players came from Christchurch as the closure of the Kaikoura road meant a 6 hour trip to Blenheim instead of 4 hours previously. On Saturday there were 20 Men and 7 Women players. On Sunday there were 24 Boys and 5 Girls in the junior events. Results of Wellington players who reached finals are listed below. A tournament report was also published in the Marlborough Express.

Paul Op den Buysch (Nelson) won the Over 40 Men’s Singles against Tony Rutledge 3-2 (12-14 11-6 11-6 10-12 11-9). Paul had big leads in every game but had problems in finishing off Tony. Last years winner Mark Nalder (Nelson) lost in the first round to Alistair Naysmith (Nelson) who is an ex-Titan player. Derek Partridge (Canterbury) and Paul Op den Buysch won the Over 40 Men’s Doubles against Tony Rutledge and Warren Haszard (Marlborough) 3-1 (11-9 9-11 11-3 11-9).

Derek Partridge and Warren Haszard won the Over 50 Doubles against Malcolm Wong and Mark Nalder 3-1 (8-11 11-8 11-6 11-6).

Tony Rutledge retained the Over 60 Singles Title by beating Mark Nalder 3-1 (3-11 11-8 11-6 14-12). Both the semi finals went to 5 games. Tony Rutledge beat Alistair Naysmith 3-2 (11-7 13-15 8-11 11-3 11-4) and Mark Nalder beat Malcolm Wong 3-2 (12-10 11-8 10-12 11-13 11-3). Malcolm Wong and Mark Nalder won the Over 60 Doubles against Tony Rutledge and Peter Welsh (Marlborough) 3-2 (10-12 11-8 6-11 12-10 11-6).

Tomos Christie was runner up in the Under 13 Singles to Rory Osborne (Marlborough) 3-2 (5-11 12-10 10-12 11-7 14-12) and won the Under 15 Singles against the same opponent 3-1 (11-9 11-9 8-11 11-6).

Thanks to Chris Hood, Debbie Stratford and Daryl Jones from the Marlborough Association who ensured the tournament ran efficiently.

– Malcolm Wong