Event is a tribute to stalwart

ONE of the most popular competitions in the local table tennis calendar is the Phil Reid Memorial Trophy, a handicapped singles event held annually at Knighton Park TTC during the Christmas break, writes John Bowness.

This year the competition is being organised by Mike Smith.

Phil Reid was a stalwart of Leicestershire table tennis, primarily in the 1960s and 70s, and was the driving force behind the thriving County Association for many years.

His many contributions in writing ranged from the local newspaper through the league’s newsletter to the governing body’s monthly magazine.

He also wrote an excellent biography of legend Victor Barna, who was born in Hungary but become a British citizen after the Second World War, winning five World Champion singles titles.

Meanwhile, in Division Two of the Leicester and District League, Syston Casuals needed the doubles to clinch a 6-4 victory over Great Glen after

Chandresh Sodha emerged undefeated.

Knighton Park 3 remain at the top of 2A after beating Electricity 2 by 7-2 when Zia Malik, Fahed Sacoor and Andy Searle all took two.

Meanwhile, in 2B, Regent Sports could only field two players against Unicorn but won 7-3 when Kevin Sanderson and Richard Anderson took all before them.

There was a very good maximum for junior Corey Lancaster for Knighton Park 7 in Division Three against the experienced Goons team with Sergiu Cordos also picking up a full house.

There were some good performances in Division Five, including a 7-3 victory for Nomads 3 over Desford Village 4.

Three Fleckney players, Jacob Hall, Dillon Kearney and Jan Nix, overcame a maximum by the experienced Stu Jones of Regent Sports 3 to take the match 6-4.

Mike Smith took an excellent maximum for Knighton Park 9, Tony Scarborough two and Phil Wood one in beating Winstanley Wizards 5 by 6-4.