The stage is set for thrilling rematches in both divisions of the open grade fixtures at the Leichhardt Park Table Tennis complex. In the top section, Matt Petett and Nolan Hao currently lead by one point over Joel Coughlan and Erica Nolan. Close behind are Rayden Smith and Relly Pingol, followed by Jakob Baker and James O’Sullivan, and Dane Coughlan and Ann-Louise Stewart. It should be noted however that the Coughlan brothers' teams have a match in hand which could shake up the leaderboard once the results are in.
With one full round remaining before the finals, where the top two teams will compete for premiership honours, the top section promises to deliver surprises. Meanwhile, the second division features a tight race at the top, with teams Leo Lai and Linda O’Sullivan, Allan Clarke and Patricia Green, and Pam Clarke and Geoff Geddes sharing the lead. Monica Deeth and Chris Leitner, as well as Judd Carr and Joe Clifton, are also in contention.
Doubles matches remain crucial, often deciding the outcome in this two-player format. In the last round, all doubles matches were fiercely contested, with half of the matches being decided by the doubles tie. Notably, none of these matches were won in straight sets, and several were decided by just a few points in the fifth game.
Cooper Bulow was the Rocky Club’s sole representative at the Brisbane Open Championships last weekend. Bulow’s journey in table tennis began at Faith Baptist Christian College in Gladstone. He has competed in various Queensland Schools regional events in Rockhampton and represented his school at the state championships in Brisbane. At the Brisbane Open, he faced strong opponents, including several state representatives for the upcoming national junior championships in Western Australia. No doubt this experience will pay dividends in continued improvements to Cooper's game.
Up to date fixture results can be found at the following link: www.rockhamptontabletennis.com/fixtures-v2