GTTA Individual Handicap

Stacey stands the test  

The GTTA’s open handicap tournament took place on Monday 11th March, providing the opportunity for lower division players to pit their skills against the best from the higher divisions. Despite very generous handicaps it was no easy task for weaker players to get through - although some made the cut to the knockout rounds.

Played up to 21 points over three games - as opposed to the modern day 11 point, five set match, the better players might have to over come a deficit of as much as 15 or 16 points before gaining advantage. This puts them on their mettle, knowing that any minor mistake could be instrumental in an earlier departure than would otherwise be expected.

As the opening rounds sorted the stayers from the departures, notable advances were made by super veteran Rose Powell and junior player Callum Gilson. The former - made her way to the semi final, dispatching first division junior Ryan Bichard in the quarter final - making the best of the 14 point handicap he was obliged to give her.

In the first stage of the knockout proper, following the the round robin phase, brothers Ryan and Callum Gilson, respectively first and second division players, treated spectators to an entertainingly open and attacking match with younger brother Callum taking the honours - going on to take the scalp of the talented Ben Foss in the quarter final.

In the semi-final the younger Gilson came up against Lawrence Stacey, narrowly losing the first game before taking the second. In the third Gilson had a genuinely good chance of putting away his more illustrious opponent but as the tension mounted, Lawrence took control of the game overcoming the 12 point handicap, to win 21 - 17.

In an uncommon battle of differing powers, Jez Powell put an end to Rose Powell’s impressive run, by two games to nil in the second semi-final.

The final pitted Jez Powell against Lawrence Stacey and though the former gave a superb account of himself - taking the first game 21 - 14, Lawrence’s greater all round game and mobility saw him run out the eventual victor, winning the last two games 21-12, 21 -17.

Results