World Vets Report
World Veterans Championships
May 2016 Alicante, Spain
The largest ever Scottish contingent attended these wonderful championships. There were 4,600 players. There was probably the same number of spectators. Competition and friendship was the order of the day.
The Scottish representatives were: Bill Davidson, John Campbell, Peter Cameron, Charlie Brown, Geoff Salte, Peter Aird, Richard Masterton, Derek Lundie, Brian Irvine,Terry Mclernon, Kenny McLean, Jeremy Banks, Senga Thomson, Vito Ferrari, Maureen Moran, Cathy O'neill and Darius Szymczak.
We had a great bunch of supporters - Sandra Lundie, Jean Campbell ( no 1 supporter over many campaigns) , Moira Brown, Linda Mclernon, Doris Banks, Daria Szymczak, the Moran Ensemble, Hugh Mclaughlin ( best photographer in world table tennis ), Kenny's mates ( in their Go Kenny Go tee shirts ).
The hall was jam packed and it was buzzing. The venue allowed all the tables in one hall which added to the atmosphere.
Vladimir Samsonov has connections in this part of the world and he attended. He pestered me for a picture.
The location was very handy for international transport. There were competitors from 100 countries. The weather was excellent. Alicante is a beautiful town. There was a lovely beach and marina. The old town just back from the front had a great variety of cafes and restaurants.
Organising this must be mind-blowing - many thanks to the organisers and volunteers. The people I met were friendly and welcoming. Conditions were really good but on the hot side.
This competition really puts the ultimate pressure on your game. There are many fine tt players out there (excuses in early). There were many tight matches. The signature player was He Zhi When who plays for Drumchapel in the British Premier League. He is well into his 50s and recently defeated Liam Pitchford comfortably.
There were a number of fine results from the Scottish contingent:
Bill Davidson won his group of 4 in the over 80's, despite a foot injury. He went out 3-2 to Dr Peter Solzenburg of Germany who took the bronze medal in the singles and gold in the doubles.
Johnny Campbell qualified from his group in 2nd place, narrowly missing the top spot.
He then defeated ex World Champion Geoff Bax of England. He succumbed to a Japanese player.
The hot conditions were particularly draining for the octogenarians. Cold beer was needed later.
Bill and Johnny reached the quarterfinals of the over 80s doubles. They lost in 3 tight games to a Japanese pairing.
In the over 70s Peter Cameron had a great run in the Consolation event. He won through 5 rounds and lost in the semi-finals in a match that started at 9 am.
Geoff Salter did very well in the over 65’s. He won his group comfortably. "It's too easy Derek ". He went through a number of rounds. He had a notable win in 5 ends against a Chinese player. He played on the show tables on the Saturday where he succumbed to a very good Bulgarian defender in front of a large crowd.
Charlie Brown was very unlucky. He won 2/3 in his group but went out on countback.
He lost a really close match 13-11 in the fifth in the consolations.
Peter Aird had a really good championships . The whole world seems to have difficulty reading those serves. He won his group and an excellent 5 ender in the main draw before his run ended.
Richard Masterson reached the 3rd round of the consolations where he lost in a close match to Colin Mitchell of England.
Jeremy Banks was one of our top players. He had a great result to beat the North East of England star Eddie Smith and won his group. He went out in round 3 to Magnus Trygg of Sweden 3-1. He and Kenny McLean qualified from their group and lost in round 2 of the main draw to an excellent Russian pair.
Kenny went close in his group. He reached the Consolation’s 4th round but lost deuce in the fourth end.
Terry Mclernon lost deuce in the fifth to a German player, in the second round of the consolation event.
Standout for the ladies was Catherine O'neill. She won her group; Terry Mclernon says her form was outstanding.
Maureen Moran qualified from her group. She lost 3-1 to Silvia Messer of Germany.
Darius Szycmak also came through the group stages . He had an excellent game against another strong defender which he narrowly lost. He had a weak doubles partner but managed to pull him through and they won their group. They succumbed to a German pair in round 2.
Vito Ferrari won his group in the over 40's . He reached the 3rd round where he lost to Comstedt of Sweden.
There was a lively social calendar. Great food and drink in these parts.
Wednesday was the day off. A good bunch managed to meet up in the old town for pizza and refreshments. Team morale was excellent.
This was a great tournament which lived up to expectations. There were many solid performances. Well done Team Scotland.
“Do you give up or are you thirsty for more?”
If you are, that quaint little town of Las Vegas holds the biennial tournament in 2018.
Derek Lundie
Photographs courtesy of Peter and Hugh at Studio Cee Photography