Senior Group Tournament

The Channel Islands' leading player Garry Dodd officially opened proceedings to the 2018-19 table tennis season on Monday evening courtesy of his triumph in the Senior Group tournament.Whilst 8 of the Island’s leading players had already competed in British National League action, this was the first main open tournament of the domestic local season for players to compete in, prior to the start of the Doric Insurance sponsored league season.

The earlier stages of the tournament went largely to proceedings in that all 5 of the top ranked Division 1 players made their way to the Quarter Final stages. Outside of these players there were strong performances from Craig Dunning as the Division 3 player had overcome the odds to defeat higher ranked players Ian Le Page in the group stages over 5 sets and fellow St Paul’s player from the 2nd Division Chas Elliott in 4 sets in the opening knockout round. Dunning was to go no further however as he came up against the imperious Dodd in the Quarters and he succumbed having gained just 8 points over the duration of the match.

Another player to punch well above his weight was 3rd Division Ravenscroft Panthers player Mike Ingrouille. He qualified as runner-up from his group thanks to a strong 5 set win over 2nd Division player Peter Vivian and was very close to reaching the Quarter finals, narrowly losing out in 5 sets to another 2nd Division player Mike Lucas. Lucas went out in the Quarters to Lawrence Stacey in straight sets.

The remaining quarter final clashes saw Joshua Stacey overcome 2nd Division player Albert Unden in a closely contested 4 set encounter and Ben Foss overcome fellow Lions A team-mate Ryan Bichard in straight sets.

Dodd had a tough encounter with Josh in the first semi-final and after sharing the opening 2 ends via 11-8 scorelines, Dodd played the big points well in the remaining 2 ends, which were each claimed 12-10.

Foss and Lawrence had both fared well in the British League just a week reserved and their semi-final was also well contested. Lawrence took the 3rd end 11-7, but ultimately Foss was always in control and the younger player came through in 4 sets.

Foss made the perfect start against Dodd in the final by clinching the opener 11-8, but the Island’s best player increased his level to complete an 8-11, 11-8, 11-9, 12-10 win.

The victory marked Dodd’s 8th Senior Group crown, making it the 3rd most successful tournament within his overall 78 title haul, behind only the Island Men’s Singles Championships and the Capelles Open Singles.

Results