Welsh Secondary Schools Championships

Lee Morgan and Charlotte Carey confirmed their places for the Welsh team in the UK School Games in September as they won the boys and girls singles respectively today at the Sport Wales National Centre.

Having got through his group unscathed, Lee played Steve Fawkes (3-1) in round 1, Ashley Stravakis (3-1) in round 2 and then Matt Lancey in the semi finals (3-1). Conor Edwards meanwhile was making way in the other half of the draw with 5 set battles against Stefan Jeczalik in round 1, and Chris Griffiths in the Q final. Chris had two match points in the 5th end. Conor then faced number 1 seed Josh Jenkins in his semi final. Conor managed to stay close to the table and exchange spins with Josh that forced too many errors from the Swansea player and Conor moved into the final winning 3-2.

In the final Conor had plenty of chances but failed to put away the high balls he was given. Lee upped the quality in the 4th and 5th sets to win the event and book his place to Gateshead for the School Games.

Other notable wins was from Ryan Oyler against Jared Parsons in round 1.

Charlotte won the girls competition against Hannah Avery 3-0 in their final. Hannah beat Nicole Hall 3-2 in the semi final whilst Charlotte beat Sadie Edwards 3-0. Nicole had a chance in the group against Charlotte at 2-2 in sets, but the Ebbw Vale star found extra motivation to win the 5th set comfortably.

Nantymoel’s Sharlene Williams beat Greenhouse girl Naomi James 3-1 in the girls’ consolation event. Cathays High player Inthrayut Kongchun was victorious against 11 year old Callum Evans of Tonyrefail 3-1 in the boy’s consolation final.

RESULTS:
Open Singles

Charlotte Carey bt Hannah Avery 3-0 [10,8,10]

Lee Morgan bt Conor Edwards 3-2 [-8,13,-14,2,5]

Consolation

Sharlene Williams bt Naomi James 3-1 [9,-11,6,10]

Inthrayut Kongchun bt Callum Evans 3-1 [-4,,9,6,11]

Cathays Table Tennis Academy had 7 entries for the Secondary schools tournament, all the players gained valuable experiances from this tournament and Kongchun came away with the consolation event prize!