Shropshire’s Damien Nicholls blazed a trail of glory at the UK School Games by winning the Boys individual event in style. The England junior international beat Mathew Ware in five pulsating games to earn his new title after claiming two major scalps along the way. Earlier at the University of Bath he had beaten second seed Gavin Evans and then Scottish No 1 Craig Howieson to remind the selectors that he is clearly a player to watch for the future.
Favourite Darius Knight disappointed his fans when he went down to Alim Hirji at the quarter final stage.
Emma Vickers, a hot favourite to take the girls title, was beaten by Cleveland player Karina Le Fevre in the last four. Miss Le Fevre then went on to beat Emily Bates in five games who had earlier accounted for Melissa Wright. This was a dazzling display from Karina, who can feel pleased with her weekend's work and by beating players ranked above her.
The Disabled events also provided some eye catching table tennis. Aaron McKibbin beat Kysten Coombs in the Standing event, whilst the talented Jack Pegram retained his title in the Wheelchair event. Finally there were cheers for Alex Southern who finished the Learning Disability event unbeaten.
So plenty of surprise results and some outstanding table tennis during a weekend that players and officials will remember for a very long time.
Presentations were made by Gerry Sutcliffe Minister of Sport, Sue Campbell Chair UK Sport/YST
David Hemery BOA and Olympic Gold, Jason Gardner Olympic Gold Athens, Don Foster Liberal Shadow Sec of State Media Culture and Sport, Alex Murdoch, Chairman, ETTA, Alan Ransome, Chairman Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation and Donald Parker, Sports Director of Commonwealth Council for England.
