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Barnaby Groves will lead Guernsey’s junior table tennis charge in the Channel Islands Junior Top 12 tournament after a highly successful display in the local qualifier.
With 10 players competing for six qualification spots and a chance to face Jersey's top six, the event saw high level matches as Guernsey’s best junior players battled through nine intense rounds.
None of the players were older than 15, showing Guernsey has a new crop of table tennis stars in the making.
Groves played excellently to claim nine wins, cementing his place at the top.
His toughest challenge came from 11-year-old Luke Evans, who pushed him to a deciding game after taking a two-set lead.
Groves kept his nerve to narrowly edge out the match, winning 12-10 in the final set.
Evans, who only suffered one other defeat to Albie Lihou, secured second place, while Lihou claimed a third place with some impressive performances.
Reflecting on his win, Groves said: "I was really pleased to win it. The matches were tough, and last year I came fifth. It's good practice for Junior British League this weekend."
For many, the event provided valuable experience.
Division 3 defensive player Micah Cohen defied expectations, defeating several more seasoned players to finish fourth, ahead of Ollie Sparks and Cameron Powell.
Newcomers Emily Gavey and Keira Eldridge also showcased their potential, with Eldridge putting up a strong fight against Groves, pushing him all the way with attacking loops and forehand smashes.
Standings:
1. Barnaby Groves
2. Luke Evans
3. Albie Lihou
4. Micah Cohen
5. Ollie Sparks
6. Cameron Powell
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7. Oskar Cleal
8. Emily Gavey
9. Keira Eldridge
10. Xavier Ingrouille
Pictured top: Barnaby Groves playing in the Island Championships in April. Image from GTTA Flickr.
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