Keith Adams – 2023 Chelmsford Mens Singles Champion
Danbury’s Keith Adams was crowned the 2023 Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Mens Singles Champion at Old Chelmsfordians Association on Monday 16 January 2023. His game is based around a hugely effective forehand loop and an equally good block, on both the forehand and backhand. No matter how powerful his opponent attacks Keith has the ability to stay in the rally, often with his forehand block and to then unleash his own powerful attacking shots.
The evening began with Keith Adams playing Writtle’s Kevin Read in the Mens Singles SemI-Final and Kevin started the better. He won the first end 11-7 only for Keith to level 11-6. The next two games couldn’t have been closer and it was Keith who shaded them 12-10, 12-10; fighting back from 10-7 down in the fourth end to pip his opponent.
The second Mens Singles Semi-Final was even closer and Lee McHugh (Writtle) prevailed in five close ends against Saul Chivers (Chelmsford TTC) – who had ousted the top seed Duncan Taylor (Writtle) in the tournament weekend. Lee, playing with a noticeably more defensive style than previously shared the first four games 2-2 with Saul and he managed to get his nose in front in the fifth end to win (12-10, 7-11, 6-11, 12-10, 11-8). A very hard fought win indeed.
A spectacular opening rally in the Junior Boys Singles Final between Chelmsford’s Harry Chivers and Danbury’s Toby McLewin perhaps gave an indication of what was in store. Harry Chivers was on sparkling form and playing with controlled power and aggression he played superbly to win (11-9, 11-5, 11-7). His swish stylish backhand looked unstoppable at times.
Writtle’s Duncan Taylor put his set-back in the Mens Singles firmly behind him with a fine display to beat Keith Adams (11-6, 11-9, 11-5) in the Veterans Singles Final. “Mixing it up” with attacking shots ace defender Duncan always looked the more likely winner on this occasion and he made no mistake to take the title 3-0.
The Mens Doubles Final featured four Danbury players and it was new pairing Paul Davison / Toby McLewin who came out on top in four ends against last year’s winners – Trevor Lloyd / Bruce Kettle. Trevor and Bruce who looked a very well drilled pairing came very close to taking the match to a decider before succumbing (9-11, 3-11, 11-8, 10-12).
The favourite Dawn Baldry (Maldon) beat her club mate Andrea Alleyne (11-4, 11-7, 11-9) in the Ladies Singles Final. Dawn’s attacking shots are pretty ferocious at times and it says a lot about Andrea’s fighting spirit and controlled play that she was very much in contention in the second and third games.
It was Keith Adams who came out on top in a close Mens Singles Final. There was never much in it between Keith and Lee McHugh over three hard fought ends, but Keith’s ability to whip a forehand loop wide of Lee as well as to control Lee’s attacking shots with his ultra-reliable blocking shots (both backhand and forehand); and to read Lee’s defensive shots, meant Keith edged Lee out (12-10, 11-8, 11-9). Congratulations Keith.
Steve Kerns Press Officer Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League