VETERANS TOURNAMENT

 

Thursday 9th April at CPC

 

by Ron Kemp

A considerably smaller number of players than last year took part in this years Veterans tournament, although it was greatly enjoyed by all who took part. Karen King (organiser) drew the 12 players into four groups of three, with the top two going through to compete in the quarter finals. With favourite  Lee Orton withdrawing at the last moment, this left an opportunity for Ron Kemp to take his place.

 

Group stage:

Winners - Don Hobbs, Jim Hall, Ron Kemp and Andy Ely

Runners-up - Bert Paice, Julie Thorn, Karen King and John Winkles

 

QF 1 Don Hobbs beat Julie Thorn in an entertaining match  7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-7

QF 2 Jim Hall beat Bert Paice  12-10, 6-11, 11-7, 11-4

QF 3 Ron Kemp beat John Winkles  7-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-7

QF 4 Andy Ely beat Karen King  11-4, 11-6, 11-2

 

 

The two Semi Finals were very close affairs, with attacking play by all players when the opportunity presented itself. Both Jim and Ron held 1-0 leads and points to take the second game, but Andy and Don respectively came back to win the next three in fine style. Surprisingly both matches finished with identical scores!

 

SF 1 Don beat Ron  9-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-8

SF 2 Andy beat Jim  9-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-8

 

 

The final match was also as close as the scores suggest. Don took an early 1-0 lead, and had chances to win the second. But forceful attacking from Andy finally won him the day, and the small audience congratulated both players on a sparkling final.

 

Final: Andy Ely beat Don Hobbs  10-12, 11-8, 11-6, 11-8

 

 

Congratulations to Andy for his first success on the Island. Thanks also to Karen King for organising another tournament and providing the refreshments, and to ALL players for taking part.