24/06/2026
DICCON GRAY BRONZE MEDALLIST @ WORLD VETERANS (‘MASTERS) CHAMPIONSHIPS, SOUTH KOREA
Benenden’s Diccon Gray, the founder of the Weald Table Tennis Club currently based at Benenden Village hall, reached one age group semi-final and two quarter finals at the recent World Veterans Championships played at Gangneung Olympic Park, South Korea.
With his German partner Birgit Matthies, Gray lifted a bronze medal in the over 60s mixed doubles by battling though to the semi-finals. Ironically they started slowly, closely loosing to a German pair in the groups, but winning their other matches to qualify for the knockout. In the main draw they then comfortably beat a Norwegian/Korean pair, but had a tough 3-11, 11-5, 11-13, 11-7, 11-5 third round success over Chinese pair Zhang Dongmao and Guo Chunbo. In the quarter finals they easily overcame a Hong Kong pair, but after a good start they found semi-final opponents, former Austrian internationals Franz Kraus-Gunter and Brigitte Gropper, too strong, going down 11-5, 5-11, 4-11, 7-11.
Gray’s progress to the over 65’s men’s singles quarter-finals was difficult and hard fought. On route he overcame opponents from China, Russia, Slovakia, Brazil and Japan, including a tight third round 11-6, 9-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-9 win over Japanese Atsushi Oshima. However another Japanese, penholder Toshihiro Tanaka, put him out in straight games in the quarters.
Gray and partner Wolfgang Brennenstuhl (Germany), comfortably qualified for the over 65s mens doubles knockout draw, and had two more wins against Turkish and Taiwan partnerships, before being defeated 11-6 8-11, 8-11, 11-13 by Lars Hauth (Denmark) and Lars Ericsson (Sweden).
About his trip and participation, Gray commented, “Overall a fantastic experience and I exceeded my initial aspirations, particularly in securing a coveted bronze medal at world level. It was a superb Olympic facility (100 competition tables + 56 practice tables), good shuttle bus service to and from adequate hotels…and fantastic camaraderie from participants, volunteers and event staff. Korean culture, people, food, buildings and tourist activities added up to an unforgettable experience, with a medal the icing on the cake.”
The Weald TT Club, Benenden Village Hall, welcomes newcomers to its Thursday evening club session (7-9pm), and Sunday junior coaching (5.30 to 6.30pm) and evening club (6.30pm to 8.30pm) sessions.
For further information, contact Ken Muhr, Tel. 01580 752676 (H), E-mail. [email protected] or Diccon Gray, Tel. 07970 757285.
