Parkinson’s Table Tennis UK Championships

August 16, 2022

The 2nd Parkinson’s National UK Table Tennis Championships were held on Sunday 7th August at Drumchapel Table tennis Club, Glasgow. Organised by the Scottish Parkinson’s Table Tennis Association.

Play commenced at 9am with the Men’s and Ladies Beginners competitions – played in round robin format. The medals were presented by James Joplin. Director of Parkinson’s UK (Scotland).

Ladies Gold medal went to Pauline Jones (ENG)
Silver: Karen McBride (SCO)
Bronze: Morag Howie (SCO)

Men’s Gold: Tam McLean (SCO)
Silver: David Shearer (SCO)
Bronze: Davin Munn (SCO)

The Men’s Band 2 was a very close event, with some excellent play. In the Final, Stuart Robb defeated David Hughes, 13-11 in the fifth set.
Gold: Stuart Robb (SCO)
Silver: David Hughes (SCO)
Bronze Steve Morley (SCO)
4th place: Brian Thompson (SCO)

In the Men’s Band 1, things were even tighter. On the whole, the standard of players was pretty even, with several groups being decided on count back. The very entertaining George Chan, with his Penhold style achieving the first of two medals on the day, losing out in the final to the anti-loop of John Hughes, who had already beaten another favorite, Andy Cassy 3-0 in the ¼ finals.
Gold: John Hughes (ENG)
Silver: George Chan (ENG)
Bronze: Robert Dawson (ENG)
4th place: Brian Carson (SCO)

The Ladies Singles was dominated by the very experienced and current World Parkinson’s Champion, Jan Fuller. Who did not drop a set throughout. The other medal places were decided on countback. The unfortunate Leona Braund needing one more set in her 3-1 defeat to Joy Paul in order to take Bronze.
Gold: Jan Fuller (ENG)
Silver: Joy Paul (SCO)
Bronze: Jennifer Thomas (ENG)

The main event, to decide who is the UK Champion was the Open Singles. And what a treat that was. An extremely hard-fought competition from the off. John Hughes looked very strong. Easing past Jan Fuller 3-0 in his semi-final. The other semi-final between George Chan and Andy Cassy went o five sets, with Andy coming out on top. George added to his medal tally by beating Jan in a tough Bronze medal match. Having beaten Andy Cassy 3-0 earlier in the day, John Hughes was favored to win the final. However, despite an early set back, Andy stuck to his guns and came out on top over a visibly tiring John to take a five-set thriller.
Gold: Andrew Cassy (ENG)
Silver: John Hughes (ENG)
Bronze: George Chan (ENG)
4th place: Jan Fuller (ENG)

Thanks go to the organizing Committee at S. Ayrshire TTC. To Terry McLernon MBE for his invaluable contribution and to Drumchapel TTC, for the use of their excellent facilities. Thanks to Funding Neuro for sponsoring the medals and shirts. To Tees Sport for providing the Butterfly balls and raffle prizes. To the TTS Umpires, Charlie, Sinclair, Catherine, Alex and Senga. And to Celia, Terry and Harry who also took some of the load. To Parkinson’s UK and Julia Claxton who provided the catering. Finally, thanks to the players and their supporters for making this such an amazing event.