With just four rounds remaining in the open-grade competition at the Leichhardt Park Table Tennis Complex, excitement is building as the season heads toward its December-January recess. This year’s competition has brought a unique twist to close out the calendar year for the city’s top players.
In contrast to the more common two-player match formats seen in most competitions and higher-level team events, the local club has opted for a refreshing three-player team format for its final season. In this setup, each player participates in two doubles matches and a single contest against their opposite number. This differs from the traditional three-player formats, where each competitor typically plays three singles matches with doubles ties as optional extras.
Currently leading the closely contested leaderboard are Matthew Pettett, Monica Deeth, and Joe Clifton. They hold a narrow lead with four rounds to go, but hot on their heels are Dane Coughlan, Leo Lai, and Geoff Geddes, trailing by just two points. A further two points behind them are James O’Sullivan, Relly Pingol, and Chris Leitner in third place.
In fourth place are Joel Coughlan, Warun Wilkinson, and Patricia Green, sitting a few points ahead of Ann-Louise Stewart, Nick Green, and Glen McDonald. Meanwhile, the remaining teams face an uphill battle to climb the ranks with limited time left in the season. Although the current top teams appear favoured to win the title—decided on a first-past-the-post basis—the dynamic nature of the competition leaves room for surprises in the standings.
The previous round delivered its share of thrilling doubles and singles matches. One standout clash saw Chris Leitner narrowly defeat Geoff Geddes in a fifth-set decider. This pair, having competed against each other since their junior days, always provides entertaining and spirited contests.
Monica Deeth has also been in fine form, securing an impressive four-set victory over the higher-ranked Nick Green. After dropping the first game, Deeth displayed exceptional consistency and used her counter-hitting skills to great effect, dictating play and securing the win.
Another big match unfolded between Erica Nolan and Linda O’Sullivan, punctuated by plenty of long rallies. Nolan claimed the first game but lost the next two before dominating the fourth 11-3 and edging out a hard-fought fifth game by three points.
Kelsey Pettett (née Le Maistre) has had a quieter year on the table tennis circuit, opting for a 'gap year' from competition in 2024. Her focus shifted to organizing her recent marriage to leading local player Matthew Pettett. However, she subbed in during the last round and made an immediate impact. Kelsey secured a commanding straight-sets victory over the skilled pen-grip player Leo Lai. In doubles, she partnered with Chris Leitner to overpower Lai and Geoff Geddes, while her pairing with James O’Sullivan put up a strong fight against Dane Coughlan and Lai, ultimately falling in four tightly contested games.
As the season approaches its conclusion, all eyes are on the final rounds to see who will emerge victorious in this unique and fiercely competitive format.