TABLE TENNIS

Fort William and District Table Tennis League players have been involved in entertaining matches at the Nevis Centre.

Current Division 1 leader John Grant took on last year's winner Monte Bleasdale in a thrilling five-set match.

Monte was first to get into his stride and comfortably took the first game 11-5, but had to fight harder to take the second 11-9.

John fought back tremendously though and levelled the match with two consecutive 11-7 wins.

Monte raced into a 6-1 lead in the deciding fifth game and looked to be on course for an easier last game win, only for John to claw his way back into the match and reduce Monte's lead to one point to trail 8-9. Monte, however, held his nerve and won the final two points to take the final game 11-8 and the match three games to two, ending John's unbeaten run this season.

Angus MacDonald moved into third place following his 3-1 victory over Costi Dimitru, who recently beat Lenka Rozborilova 3-2. He had to battle for the victory with the first four game scores 13-11, 11-13, 8-11, 11-7 before Costi took the final game 11-3.

In Division two, Simon Jeffrey remains unbeaten, although he was made to battle all the way when he took on Ruth Sime. Simon started well, taking the first game 11-6, but Ruth improved in game two, narrowly losing 9-11. She took the third game 12-10 and then recorded another close victory 11-9 in the fourth game to level the match at two games all. But Simon took the final game 11-6 to maintain his lead at the top.

Jim Hinchley remains in second place behind Simon, although three players have closed the gap to just two points: John Steele following victories over Aileen MacFadzean and George and Dierdrie Roger; Julie Mager after her wins over George Roger and Joe Robson, and Joe Robson beating Neil Cameron 3-2.

The league is always looking for new players. Coaching is given to those new to the game. Practice and league matches are played on Monday nights at the Nevis Centre from 6.45pm to 9pm. For further details see the club's website tabletennisfortwilliam.org.uk