Some great matches were once again showcased in the latest round of open grade fixture competitions at the Rockhampton Table Tennis Centre. Veteran players across both divisions are eagerly anticipating more competitive clashes as they prepare for the annual state championships for "keen-agers," set to take place in Mackay from July 17-21. With entries closing soon for the team events at this carnival, local players will be submitting their entries to ensure they take part in the popular event.
The Mackay club is gearing up for a busy period. The Mackay Open Championships will be held at the impressive Bridge Road playing centre from May 14-16, and entries are required soon. In recent years, Rockhampton players have enjoyed participating in this event, performing strongly in various events each year.
In the latest top division fixtures, Dane Coughlan achieved a remarkable come-from-behind victory over the more highly favoured Rayden Smith. After losing the first two sets, Coughlan narrowly avoided a straight-sets defeat by winning the third game 12-10 and eventually secured an impressive victory in the decider.
Ann-Louise Stewart continued her solid form leading up to these upcoming tournaments with a convincing win over the energetic Relly Pingol. Although Stewart won in straight sets, the scores were tight, and Pingol had opportunities to win one or more games at various stages.
James O’Sullivan, another veteran who consistently puts in a great effort, defeated Erica Nolan’s reliable attacking play in straight sets. O’Sullivan had earlier taken a game from one of the club’s frontrunners, Joel Coughlan, and narrowly lost another game at deuce.
The second division saw a host of narrow finishes. Linda O’Sullivan, who recently returned to the fixture after some injury concerns, narrowly lost matches against both Patricia Green and Oo Kyaw by just a few points in the deciding fifth set. In a classic encounter between Oo Kyaw and Leo Lai, two quality pen-grip players, Lai came from behind in the decider to secure a great win.
Chris Leitner impressed in Division Two by posting an undefeated effort . In his first outing, he prevailed over the defensive play of Joe Clifton in a close four-set match, an encouraging result for Clifton, who has been on a break from the sport due to work commitments. Leitner then achieved
victory over the improving junior Judd Carr, with a match score of 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 2-11, 11-9, full of twists and turns before Leitner finished strongly. Another player who has been out of action for some time due to family and work commitments, Craig Ottaway, recently returned and has been subbing in the open fixture over the past three weeks, showing improvement in his consistency each time.
As always, up to date fixtures results can be found right here (https://www.rockhamptontabletennis.com/fixtures-v2) on our website!