Sport / Burgess crowned champion after show of sportsmanship in table tennis final
TABLE tennis’ junior top 12 competition was played at the weekend without three of the expected players – which allowed some of the youngsters to step up and make their mark.
Top seeds Connor Burgess and Ruben Ritch were there though, and were favourites to win their groups.
In Group A Burgess was tested by Dylan Ritch and Terry Peterson, with Ritch taking a set, but Burgess came through with 5 wins to top the group.
Dylan Ritch and Eve Johnson played to decide who would join him in the last four, and despite stout resistance from Johnson it was Ritch who triumphed 3-0.
Leah Peterson arrived expecting to be watching her two brothers play, but due to a no show was pressed into action.
She performed excellently despite wearing inappropriate footwear and using a borrowed bat!
In Group B Ruben Ritch came out on top, winning all 5 matches and only dropping a set to Ryan Peterson.
Tiger Johnson was impressive in his four wins to take second and the next three places were settled by a countback.
It was then time for the play-offs for final position, with Bobby Forrest 11th and Lewie Johnson taking ninth by beating Ryan Peterson in the most exciting match of the day.
Terry Peterson beat Hanna Sneider to secure seventh, and fifth place went to Ava Swift with a win over Eve Johnson.
The first semi-final between Burgess and Tiger Johnson produced a high intensity match, with Burgess coming out on top and booking his spot in the final.
Ruben and Dylan Ritch fought it out for the remaining final spot, but a 3-0 win for Ruben doesn’t tell the whole story in an extremely close game.
The third/fourth play-off went Dylan Ritch’s way against Tiger Johnson and tournaments like this will help battle harden him for his participation in the British Primaries in April.
The final was a replay of many finals over the last few years between Burgess and Ruben Ritch, who have provided the benchmark for other players to aspire to.
Scores of 11-7, 11-8 and 11-7 saw Burgess through to victory and gives him momentum going into the under-15 and under-18 championships next weekend.
There was a moment of great sportsmanship observed in the final, which was praised by the table tennis coaches.
In a close third set Burgess was awarded a point, but raised his arm to inform the umpire that his serve had been a let and that the point should be replayed.
Table tennis coach Chris Graham said this was “admirable behaviour if it occurs in any game, but in a final with the associated pressure to win, even more so”.
He added it was a “great example to players of all ages of how to act with integrity and respect, regardless of the circumstances.”
He congratulated Burgess on his win and for his good sportsmanship.
Junior table tennis association chairman Greg Burgess thanked all the players and helpers for making the tournament a success and sponsors Dragon House for their support.
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