Sunday 8th December 2019 saw this season’s County Junior Championships held at Stowupland Sports Centre. A total of 34 entrants competed for Under 11, 13, 15, 18 honours as well as participating in a couple of all-inclusive events; Handicap Singles and Pot Luck Doubles.
The latter 2 events give the less experienced players the opportunity of beating their higher rated opponents in the Handicap, and to play with the more experienced players in the doubles.
In the Handicap Singles all players are given a rating according to ability and play 1 single game up to 31. Many tight well contested matches led to semi final matches of Joe Fortnum Adams against Orlaith Burgess and Isaac Kingham against Michael Sulo. The experienced pair of Joe and Isaac won through narrowly and then Joe played very well to take the final 31-27.
The aforementioned Isaac and Michael paired up in the doubles and defeated Jayden Chetty and Arun Maudoo in a very close match.
The age-categorised events, allow players to compete against their peers, to crown the top players in Suffolk.
The U11 mixed event went the way of Alexander Graham, who won all of his matches 3-0. Aiva Tendengu was the runner up
The U13 boys event produced a minor upset when Jayden Chetty narrowly defeated 2nd seed Alexander Graham in a great 5 set match. Isaac Kingham proved too strong for Jayden in the final winning in 3 straight legs.
The U13 girls was a round robin event with all 3 girls playing each other. Aiva Tendengu started strongly and never looked back winning both matches. Shannon and Orlaith played a great match for the runners up spot which Shannon took 11-8 in the deciding leg.
The U15 mixed event saw Guy Attew produce a great win against Isobel McGerty to make the semi-final. The final was a fantastic match in which Henry Shaw narrowly defeated Isaac Kingham in the deciding leg.
The U18 mixed event led to the trophy remaining in the Davies Stokes household for another year, with Luke taking the crown defeating Joe Fortnum Adams in the final.
The U18 girls event saw Isobel McGerty defeating Lucy Needham in 3 tight legs.
Congratulations must go to all the players for their sportsmanship throughout the day and their assistance in ensuring the smooth running of the tournament.
Summary of finals results
U11 Girls – Aiva Tendengu victorious
U11 Mixed – Alexander Graham victorious, Aiva Tendengu runner-up
U13 Girls – Aiva Tendengu victorious, Shannon Heffer runner-up
U13 Boys – Isaac Kingham defeated Jayden Chetty
11-4, 11-6, 11-8
U15 Girls – Isobel McGerty victorious
U15 Mixed – Henry Shaw defeated Isaac Kingham
11-9, 11-7, 2-11, 8-11, 11-9
U18 Girls – Isobel McGerty defeated Lucy Needham
11-9, 11-9, 11-7
U18 Boys – Luke Davies Stokes defeated Joe Fortnum Adams
11-7, 16-14, 7-11, 11-6
Handicap singles – Joe Fortnum Adams (7) defeated Isaac Kingham (7)
31-27
Pot Luck Doubles – Isaac Kingham / Michael Sulo defeated Jayden Chetty / Arun Maudoo
9-11, 11-8, 11-8