Saul Chivers on sparkling form in Mens Singles

The Mens Singles Semi-Finals in the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League will feature two relatively young players and two more mature campaigners on Monday 16 January 2023. The venue will be Old Chelmfordians Association, Lawford Lane, Roxwell Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2NS starting at 19.30 hours.

Saul Chivers, aged 18, and possibly seeded too low at number 17, was the undoubted star of the show. Ironically, he failed to win his Mens Singles group, losing out to Sanjay Saptarshi; not too big a shock in itself. However, this result pitted him against top seed, ace defender Duncan Taylor in the first round, a player he had lost to 3-0 to in a recent League match. It is clear that Saul had learned a lot from this defeat as he came out on top here in five gruelling ends, in the day’s best game, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9, 0-11, 11-7. Having lost the fourth game 11-0 it says a lot for his composure and fighting spirit that he played so well in the fifth end. Perhaps it is a slightly controversial thing to say but this was also the game which “set this event alight”. Saul went on to beat his brother – Harry Chivers (11-6, 12-10, 11-2) and Sam Lowman (11-8, 9-11, 13-11, 11-6) to book his Semi-Final appearance. Sam Lowman had defeated Robert Shrimpton (11-6, 14-12, 15-13) to clinch his Quarter-Final place.

Joining Saul in the Semi-Final will be Lee McHugh, aged 33, very well known as the League’s most active Coach. Lee seemed to pick up pace as the rounds progressed. It took him five games to beat Paul Sturton in round one (11-9, 7-11, 11-6, 11-13, 11-7), and four games to see off Wiktor Delimat (11-7, 14-12, 6-11, 11-6) in the second round. Lee peaked in the Quarter-Final, defeating Toby McLewin (aged 17, and another outstanding prospect) decisively (11-5, 11-7, 11-4). More on Toby later. Toby McLewin had been hard pushed to defeat Babul McLeod (11-8, 6-11, 4-11, 11-6, 11-8) a round earlier, after another enthralling encounter.

In the other half of the draw, Kevin Read, aged 49, and twice previously a Semi-Finalist, lived up to his billing as number three seed. He is playing as well as ever. Facing a tricky draw he fought his way past Peter Barrett (9-11, 11-6, 7-11, 11-9, 11-2), Joshua Bickles (11-9, 12-10, 9-11, 11-9) and Paul Davison (11-9, 8-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6). Davison had seen off another hugely promising Junior – James Donald (11-3, 7-11, 11-3, 11-3) a round earlier. In other compelling games Joshua Bickles defeated Aidan Lees (11-9, 15-13, 6-11, 11-7) whilst James Donald beat Dan Anderson (11-7, 9-11, 11-4, 11-3).

Kevin Read will face second seed, Keith Adams, aged 54, in his Semi-Final. Keith Adams had to dig deep as well to battle his way through. He beat Victor Chan (11-7, 11-13, 11-6, 11-4), then Ian Wall, after a titanic battle (8-11, 7-11, 11-4, 11-6, 12-10) and finally Eric Green (11-8, 15-13, 11-5).  Ian Wall overcame Sanjay Saptarshi in five ends (11-13, 11-6, 6-11, 11-8, 11-5).  

The Ladies Singles Final will be between the top two seeds – holder and favourite Dawn Baldry and second seed Andrea Alleyne.  Dawn did not drop a game as she beat Jacqueline Smith (11-5, 11-8, 12-10) and Frances Hutt (11-7, 11-8, 11-7) whilst Andrea Alleyne defeated Davina Brazier (12-10, 11-8, 11-7) and Alesha Ellis-Austin (11-6, 11-7, 11-13, 11-3). Alesha Ellis-Austin made her mark with a fine (11-8, 5-11, 11-8, 11-6) win over Melanie Bonnett whilst Frances Hutt defeated Annabel Sweeney (11-8, 11-2, 11-9) and Jacqueline Smith beat Kath Little (11-5, 11-7, 7-11, 11-9).

The Mens Doubles, typically one of the most open events of the Championships will see the holders and top seeds -Bruce Kettle and Trevor Lloyd face new pairing Paul Davison and Toby McLewin in the Final. Trevor and Bruce saw off James Donald / Joshua Bickles (11-9, 11-9, 11-5) and Babul McLeod / Eric Green (11-5, 5-11, 11-4, 11-4). Babul and Eric had ended the aspirations of Saul Chivers / Harry Chivers (8-11, 11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 11-8). In the other half of the draw Paul Davison / Toby McLewin battled their way past Keith Adams / Lee McHugh (7-11, 15-13, 11-9, 11-4) and in a very testing Semi-Final they played superbly to beat Duncan Taylor / Kevin Read over four ends.

The top seeds Dawn Baldry /Andrea Alleyne are the 2023 Ladies Doubles Champions. They fought back from 2-1 down to beat Melanie Bonnett / Nicola Pippen (7-11, 11-4, 7-11, 11-5, 11-8) in the Final. Andrea / Dawn booked their Final berth by beating Annabel Sweeney / Jackie Treacy 11-4, 11-2, 11-8) in the last four whilst Melanie / Nicola defeated Frances Hutt / Lucy Elliott (10-12, 11-5, 12-10, 11-6) at the same stage.

Annabel Sweeney / Sam Phillips came through unseeded to win the Mixed Doubles with three hard fought wins. They beat Ian Wall / Freya Hart (13-11, 9-11, 11-3, 11-6), top seeds Dawn Baldry / Adi Kamma by a very hard fought (11-9,10-12, 11-9, 12-10) margin and they fought back strongly after a slow start to the Final to win (5-11, 5-11, 11-8, 12-10, 11-4) against Frances Hutt / Paul Sturton. Well played !.    

The Veterans Singles Final will be between the top two seeds – Keith Adams and Duncan Taylor. Keith Adams beat Peter Barrett in the Semi-Final after Peter had beaten Paul Davison at the group stage, Johnny Tendler and Babul McLeod. Duncan Taylor looked down and out in his Semi-Final as he trailed Kevin Read 10-7 in the fifth end. However, he was far from finished and came back to win.

Kevin Read / Keith Adams are the 2023 Veterans Doubles Champions. They came through two stirring battles, beating Paul Davison / Eric Green (11-8, 11-6, 9-11, 7-11, 13-11) in the Semi Final and holders Duncan Taylor / Babul McLeod (7-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-4, 11-7) in the Final. In yet another five setter Duncan / Babul defeated Simon Jarvis / Peter Barrett (7-11, 11-9, 12-10, 11-13, 11-4) in their Semi-Final.

The Under 40s Singles Final was between the top two seeds and it was second seed Ian Wall who came out on top. Ian Wall beat Lee McHugh (6-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-7) in the Final having beaten Daniel Piggott (11-6, 11-6, 11-9) a round earlier. Daniel Piggott made his mark by ousting Sam Lowman (11-6, 11-6, 11-13, 11-2) whilst Robert Shrimpton defeated Dan Anderson (11-6, 9-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-5),   and Wiktor Delimat defeated Richard Storey (11-8, 9-11, 11-6, 11-9).

The Under 40s Doubles produced a win for Sam Lowman / Dan Anderson who beat Sam Phillips / Richard Storey in the Final (11-9, 11-6, 11-3) having beaten Robert Shrimpton / Wiktor Delimat )11-9, 11-9, 15-13) a round earlier.

A high-class Junior Boys Singles event meant that players of the standard of James Donald, Aidan Lees and Harrison Hill could not progress beyond the Quarter Final stage. The Final, which will deservedly be played on Finals Night will be between top seed, Harry Chivers, aged 16 and Toby McLewin (aged 17). Harry beat Josh Bickles (11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8) in the Semi-Final whilst Toby defeated Saul Chivers (11-6, 11-8, 6-11, 11-5). Saul had been pushed very hard by the hugely promising Harrison Hill before he won (11-6, 7-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-4). Toby McLewin beat Aidan Lees (11-6, 11-6, 11-8) at the Quarter Final stage.

There was further success for Toby McLewin / James Donald who won the Junior Doubles. Their opponents in the Final ?. You probably guessed correctly – Harry and Saul Chivers. Toby and James cane out on top (11-9, 11-6, 11-7).

Alesha Ellis-Austin won the Junior Girls Singles title. She beat Francesca Hart (8-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-6) in the penultimate round and top seed Annabel Sweeney (11-7, 11-8, 11-7) in the Final. Annabel boked her place in the Final by beating Lucy Eliott (8-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-5).

Top prospect Aidan Lees won the Under 15 Singles title with a series of 3-0 wins. He beat Damon Chow (11-5,11-2, 11-3) Pav Srinivasmurthy (11-4, 11-4, 11-5), Harrison Hill (11-9, 11-9, 11-6) and in the Final, Dion Fernandes (11-5, 11-8, 11-2). Dion Fernandes came through two five setters. It was (11-5, 1-11, 11-9, 3-11, 11-5) against Oscar Hutt and (11-13, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9, 12-10) against Oliver Martin.

Another top prospect -Harrison Hill duly won the Under 13 Singles. He beat Joshua Freeman (11-5, 11-5, 11-9) and in the Final, Charlie Ware (11-8, 11-7, 11-4).  Ben Robinson fought his way to the Semi-Final with wins over Noah Middleton (11-9, 12-14, 11-5, 11-9) and Gil Martins (6-11, 11-4, 12-10, 11-5) before missing out to Charlie Ware (5-11, 9-11, 4-11).

The Handicap Singles Final was won by Oscar Hutt (handicap of 35) who beat Aidan Lees (handicap of 55) in the Final, 22-20, 21-15. Oscar was hard pushed to see off his mother – Frances (handicap of 44) (21-18, 16-21, 21-18), but that match aside he progressed with 2-0 wins over- Jamie Elliott (55) (21-17, 21-14), and Alan Scammell (57), 21-12, 21-8. Aidan Lees left a whole host of players in his wake, beating Alex Ware (48) (21-13, 21-15), Robert Shrimpton (70), (21-13, 21-4), Cleon Fernandes (46), a real test, this one (7-21, 21-18, 21-16) and Sanjay Saptarshi (21-15, 21-10), an indication if any was needed, just how much improvement Aidan has made recently.

Peter Davenport / Alesha Ellis-Austin forged a very solid partnership to win the Handicap Doubles. Peter’s steady, consistent game combined with Alesha’s big hitting meant they were rarely in trouble. They left Denis Crapnell / Richard Storey, Jackie Treacy / Simon Jarvis, Lee McHugh / Oliver Martin, Jamie Elliott / James Donald trailing in their wake and they beat Dawn Baldry / Cleon Fernandes in the Final.

New events this year – the Bat & Chat Singles and Doubles were both were well contested and well received. The Bat & Chat Singles event was played on a Handicap basis and Dave Deller captured the title with a 11-4, 19-17, 11-6 Final win over Simon Hacker. The Bat & Chat Doubles Final couldn’t have been closer and the title went to Tony Berman and Mark Gowers who beat Ian Leff and Shirley Pitt (5-11, 11-8, 11-4, 4-11, 16-14) in the Final. Mark enviously looked as fit as when he ran for Chelmsford Athletics Club some 40 years ago whilst Shirley was cheered on by husband Mike and sons Ryan and Adam, well known to all League players.  

Sunday’s play commenced with the Divisional Singles and  Paul Sturton came through a strong field to win the Dvision two Singles title. Denis Crapnell ended the hopes of top seed Sanjay Saptarshi (4-11, 11-8, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9). Paul Sturton beat Sam Phillips 11-6, 9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9) and then he eclipsed Denis Crapnell (11-5, 11-9, 11-3). Paul Sturton defeated Victor Chan (11-9, 11-8, 3-11, 11-4) in the Semi Final and Ian Whiteside, the second seed (11-8, 11-8, 11-6) in the Final. Ian Whiteside had booked his Final appearance with a last gasp (12-10, 7-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-9) Semi-Final win over Chris Buer. A round earlier Chris Buer had needed five games to beat Mark Allaway (7-11, 12-10, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6).

Chris Buer came into his own in the Division three singles. He beat Jamie Elliott (11-8, 12-10, 11-6), Richard Baxter (11-5, 11-6, 11-4), Alan Scammell (11-9, 11-7, 11-9) and in the Final he defeated Denis Crapnell 3-2 (11-8, 3-11, 11-5, 5-11, 11-1).

Jamie Elliott is the Division four Singles Champion. He defeated Alex Ware (10-12, 13-11, 11-5, 12-10) in a hard fought Semi Final and he defeated Farooq Ahmed (11-8, 11-8, 11-3) In the Final. Farooq Ahmed saw off Cleon Fernandes (11-9, 11-6, 5-11, 15-13) after a hard fought Semi-Final whereas Cleon Fernandes had defeated Jacqueline Smith (9-11, 11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 11-4) a round earlier.

Alex Ware dominated in the Division five Singles. He beat Vishnu Surendran (11-2, 11-7, 11-6), Phil  West (8-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-5) and he annexed the title by beating Steve Martin in the Final (11-9, 11-8, 11-2). Steve Martin came through his Semi-Final, beating Jacqueline Smith over five ends, (11-6, 9-11, 11-7, 5-11, 11-3.

Keith Adams, retained his unbeaten record in the main Singles events by winning the Over 50s Singles. His run through to the Final was relatively smooth and he beat David Parker (11-3, 11-6, 11-5), Eric Green (11-3, 11-9, 11-5) and in the Semi-Final – Bruce Kettle (11-8, 11-6, 11-8). In contrast, his Final victory against Trevor Lloyd was a real struggle, and the scores of (6-11, 4-11, 11-9, 14-12, 12-10) tell their own story. Trevor Lloyd won his Semi-Final decisively against Babul McLeod (11-6, 11-6, 11-5).         

Bruce Kettle produced some top draw play to capture the Over 60s Singles title. He excelled in his Semi-Final, beating Trevor Lloyd (11-5, 11-9, 11-9) and was equally dominant in the Final, taking down Babul McLeod (11-8, 11-6, 11-4). Babul came through over five ends in his Semi-Final (9-11, 9-11, 11-2, 11-9, 11-14) against Eric Green. Dave Parker scored one of the wins of the event, toppling Ian Whiteside (11-8, 11-5, 11-7).

Ian Whiteside is the 2023 Over 70s Singles Champion.  It was a different story this time with Ian beating Dave Parker (13-11, 11-1, 11-9) in the Semi-Final and in the Final Ian defeated Johnny Tendler (11-4, 15-13, 11-7).

The Hardbat Singles Tournament is meant to be a fun event to finish the weekend off. It was played as best of three games up to 11 points (with no deuces) and featured numerous lengthy draining rallies. A superb all action Final was contested between Bruce Kettle and Eric Green and it was Bruce who ran out a 15-14, 15-12 winner. A fitting end to the weekend.  

Steve Kerns Press Officer Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League