Rumgay reflects on bronze medal glory
Perth ace enjoys memorable World Championship
Delighted Gavin Rumgay has hailed his bronze medal-winning performance at the World Championship of Ping Pong as his greatest achievement.
The Perth ace enjoyed a productive weekend at the high-profile event which was again held at the Alexandra Palace in London and aired on Sky Sports.
Rumgay’s tournament eventually came to an end against German player Alexander Flemming, who was defeated in the showdown match.
“It’s absolutely my greatest achievement,” Rumgay told the PA. “Medalling at a World Championship is something that has happened very rarely.
“No man from Scotland had ever medalled before. Creating history for Scottish table tennis is something that I am very proud of.
“I was realistically hoping for a good draw and a potential quarter final finish. Being top eight ensures your place for next year’s competition.”
Rumgay’s passage through to the semi-final included wins over Tomas Sadilek, Benjamin Sørensen and Paul McCreery.
“It was a gruelling schedule and I had to defeat the Hong Kong and Philippines number two players,” added Rumgay. “They were straight set wins but close.
“Moving into the round of 32 - where Scottish number two Ian Johnston managed to progress to - I had to play Tomas Sadilek, the Czech number one.
“This was my first match on centre stage court one, with 2000 seats. I started slowly and was two match points down before coming through two sets to one, 15-14 in the last set on a sudden death ball.
“My round of 16 match was against the Danish number one, Sorensen. He had flare, was confident and powerful. Again I found myself match points down and, at one set all, I was 14-12 down needing to take the remaining three points.
“I managed to win those and there was a big celebration. My top was ripped off and thrown into the 2000 full capacity crowd.”
The quarter final match against Irish star McCreery was another close encounter with Rumgay edging the match 11-15, 15-14, 15-13.
“I had practised with Paul many times in the buildup to the tournament and there was nothing between us,” Rumgay explained.
“Again, this proved to be another close affair. Paul won the first set and raced to 14-13 up in the second set, creating two match points. I knuckled down with some brave attacking play to steal the set on a sudden death point and win the final set 15-13.
“Onto the semi-final and I had the two time previous runner-up and world number three Alex Flemming. He had great efficiency in his strokes and lightning quick footwork. He defeated me quite easily and deserved his place in the final.”
On the venue, Rumgay added: “I would love to play in the Ally Pally every week. The British fans are very enthusiastic and fair.
“I owe a lot to them in terms of creating that extra buzz that helps you find your best level.
“The Sunday evening session was electric. A capacity crowd, boozed up and ready for the top eight players in the world to do battle.”
Rumgay is now looking forward to getting back into table tennis action at a World Tour event in Portugal before the Scottish National Championships in Perth.
He said: “Anyone can come in and watch, free of charge, as I go for a record extending 15th men’s singles title.”