TABLE TENNIS

‘Unique’ result for Tayside

Tayside table tennis gave an impressive showing as four players made it to last eight of the Junior Grand Prix national tournament, with Newport’s Ally Rennet finishing runner-up.

Perth’s Jason Fleming was knocked out by Rennet in the semi-final after Fleming had defeated Baldragon High’s Callum Riddoch in the quarter-final. Jack Bell, also of Baldragon High School, gave his best performance to date as he made the final eight. Ally Rennet with his Scottish Schools Table Tennis U/18

Championship trophy. Paul McCabe, regional “No other district had four coaching co-ordinator for players in quarter-finals, so it’s Dundee and district, said: “It’s a big thing for us. a unique achievement for the “Ally did well getting to the area to have four players into final but he came up against the last eight of a national a real top player in Callum tournament in one age group. Morrison. He was outclassed

“Certainly in the 15 years I’ve but there’s no shame in getting been here it’s not happened. beaten by a guy who made the ITTF World Hopes squad. It was a good result for his ranking for the Scotland squad.”

McCabe reserved special praise for Jack Bell who gave his best showing to date.

“It was great for Jack — he’s never reached that stage before and was beaten by a very good player. Jack really played above himself and really came close.

“It was ironic that our boys put each other out but I suppose that is what knockout tournaments are all about.”

The future looks positive after an Awards for All funding bid was successful with over £8500 spent on new tables for the Ward Road Gym and coaching for a new Primary School Club.

“There is a knock-on effect from the funding as well with our old tables going to Monifieth High, Baldragon High, Forthill Sports Centre and one to Blackness Fire Station.

“It is very promising and the new equipment makes things much more professional.”