29/09/2025
🏓 2024/25 Closed Tournament Report
This year’s Closed Tournament welcomed seven new players compared with last year’s contest, giving the event a fresh look and strong competition. The evenings were enjoyed by all and served as an excellent pre-season warm-up opportunity.
Group Stage
On the opening Thursday, four groups of five players competed in a round-robin format, seeded from the previous season’s results. The matches were played in a friendly but competitive spirit, with players vying for places in the Main Singles, Consolation, and Wooden Spoon trophies.
Group D proved to be the standout pool. Kevin Rowe, Sachin Davis, and Leslie Ho all finished level on three wins apiece. Kevin topped the group on countback, with Sachin second. Leslie was unfortunate to miss out despite producing an excellent win over Kevin. Keith Lindsay finished fourth with one win, while Phil Talbot battled hard but took fifth place, heading into the Wooden Spoon competition.
Main Singles Knockout
The second Thursday brought the knockouts, beginning with some hard-fought quarter-finals.
The tie of the round was James Gorridge vs. Roy Funnell, always a 50/50 encounter. Roy started quickly, taking the opener 11–4. James responded with a tight 11–9 before Roy romped away with the third 11–3, only to see the same reversed on the forth! The decider was packed with attacking flair, and James just edged it 11–7, taking more risks at the crucial moments.
In the semi-finals, Andy Brown—recovered from injury—met last year’s finalist John Boreham. Despite improving his scoreline each game, Andy went down in straight sets (11–6, 11–8, 11–9).
The other semi-final saw Andre de Carteret, relocated from Guernsey, face James. Andre led 6–1 in the first game but let it slip 8–11. James grew in confidence and sealed the match with solid wins (11–7, 11–5).
The final was a repeat of 2023: John Boreham against James Gorridge. James had chances in the opener but John’s tactical serving made the difference, and he repeated the trick in the third game. John reclaimed the title he lost last year completing the event without dropping a game. (Full final video in the comments section)
🏆 Champion: John Boreham
🥈 Runner-up: James Gorridge
Consolation Singles
The Consolation competition also provided high drama.
The last eight progressed much as expected, though Danny vs. John was notable. John made a statement with an 11–2 opening game, but Danny steadied himself and, after he levelled, John regained composure to take the third the fourth sets to seal a tight 3–1 win edging Danny 12-10.
The semi-finals pitted two of the youngest players together: Liam Higgins vs. John Quintos. Liam raced to a 2–0 lead before John hit back 11–9. In the third, Liam’s consistency proved the difference, winning the rallies with one more ball on the table and progressing 3–1.
The other semi-final was a style clash: Alfie Denman’s penhold hitting against Peter Smalley’s chopping game. Peter’s patience and calm control paid off as he advanced in straight sets (11–8, 11–6, 11–6).
The final saw rising star Liam Higgins (top of the Division 3 averages last season) against the experienced Peter Smiley (50%+ in Division 2). Liam edged a tense opener 12–10, then produced the shock of the night with an 11–0 demolition in the second. Peter recovered superbly to take the third 11–7, but Liam’s ferocious attacking play returned in the fourth (11–6), sealing the Consolation title at just 11 years old.
🏆 Champion: Liam Higgins
🥈 Runner-up: Peter Smalley
Wooden Spoon
The Wooden Spoon round robin group produced plenty of drama and some fine table tennis.
Noah Standen impressed with his consistency, claiming runner-up after an epic five-set battle against Ian Edwards. Having led 2–0, Noah showed composure when Ian levelled, holding on to edge the decider.
Chris Floyd also caught the eye, producing several spectacular forehand winners across his matches.
The eventual champion was Phil Talbot, who bounced back from disappointment in the group stage. Despite being pushed hard, he overcame all three opponents with grit and determination to claim the Wooden Spoon trophy.
🏆 Champion: Phil Talbot
🥈 Runner-up: Noah Standen
This year’s Closed Tournament highlighted both the strength and the depth of the club with many players away who might otherwise of played.
John Boreham reclaimed the Main Singles title with a flawless run.
Liam Higgins, at just 11 years old, announced himself in style by winning the Consolation event and
Phil Talbot showed resilience to take the Wooden Spoon after tough group-stage battles.
The event not only crowned worthy champions but also offered all players a valuable opportunity to sharpen their games ahead of the new season starting this week.
