Deutsche Bank Junior Banded Tournament
Post date: Nov 25, 2018 3:16:41 PM
Ellis Tomlin claimed his second consecutive Band 1 title at the November Deutsche Bank Junior Banded tournament. This was the second Deutsche Bank event out of four held during the regular table tennis season and there was a sizeable entry of 38 players, varying from the elite under-18 players to new under-11s just starting out under the guidance of Development Officer Otilia Badescu.
In the absence of Ben Foss through injury, the top group was difficult to predict with a mixture of juniors from Divisions 1 and 2 of the senior leagues. Tomlin is always a tough opponent and with an increasing amount of guile now added to his trademark ferocious forehands, he ended the day undefeated over his seven matches. Caden Brouard also showed evidence of his recent rapid improvement with an excellent 2nd place, with the 14-year old beating more established players, notably older brother Corey and Division 1 player Dan Collenette.
Alderney's Island Games hopeful Melissa Johns had a disappointing tournament last month but returned to form as she dominated Band 2 with 6 wins out of 6. James Crocker finished in 2nd place, narrowly ahead of island under-12 player Jayden Tucknott on countback. Crocker's greater experience eventually showed as he won the crucial encounter with the fast-improving Tucknott 11-9, 7-11, 11-7.
Robert Naftel claimed the Band 3 title and was in excellent form only losing one set during the day, that being to Daniel Lasenby. Alderney's Holly Jenkins came runner-up, only losing to Naftel in the process, although she was also pushed close by Lasenby, eventually winning by 3 games to 2.
The Band 4 honours also went Alderney's way and this time it was Sian Craig who took the title ahead of fellow Ridunuan Alex Jakubowski. Craig was narrowly defeated by last year's island under-11 runner-up Jamie Regan, but finished in first place on countback by beating Jakubowski 11-3, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8.
Band 5 produced some of the most exciting table tennis of the day and also resulted in a countback as 3 players finished tied on 8 points overall. All afternoon there were some exceptional rallies and good attitude in the all-girls group and ultimately it was Daisy Burrows who prevailed courtesy of her better games average. She just pipped Elysia De La Mare who finished second and Remi Tomlin in third place.
Band 6 was a smaller group featuring five very new players who have only been playing table tennis for a few weeks. Emily Gavey impressed by winning all her matches, while there was a 3-way tie for second place. The calculators were at the ready and the games averages rewarded Noah Bartlett with second place, narrowly ahead of Caitlin Jouhning and Alex Hutchinson.
The all-important Player of the Day was awarded to Remi Tomlin from Band 5 for her fantastic sportsmanship and positive attitude shown throughout the day.
The next Deutsche Bank Junior Banded tournament takes place in February. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped on the day and to Mark Windsor to providing the photos.