Last week the annual French Identification camp for children aged 8-11 took place in Fontaines near Lyon. The camp was mostly made up of the best French talent for this age group. The remainder of the participants were selected through the EuroKids programme and included players from Belgium, Czech Republic, Cyprus and Wales. Joseph Roberts was the participant selected to represent Wales at the training camp who travelled with coach Greg Price
Training commenced on Day 1 with the emphasis on improving techniques and maintaining a high level of consistency. The following day saw the arrival of two times Olympic and World Champion Zhang Yining. Day 2 focused on service practice and match preparation in readiness for the competition the following day
On Day 3 the competitions for each age category commenced with Zhang Yining observing the matches. Joseph Roberts participated in the boys’ 2003 age category. The standard of competition was very high. Joseph performed well throughout the day and finished 6th out of 8 players. However, this final position does not reflect how well he played on the day. Joseph had a number of very close battles including narrowly losing in three five set matches. On another day, Joseph might have finished in the top three positions
For the last three days of the camp, it was back to the hard work of training. On Day 4, each player was given the opportunity to have a 20 minute multiball session whilst receiving expert coaching analysis from Zhang Yining. This experience was invaluable to Joseph’s development. Zhang Yining assessed Joseph’s techniques and gave detailed feedback on areas in which Joseph can improve
On the last two days of the camp, players were given the opportunity to work on specific areas to develop identified by Zhang Yining. Specific multiball exercises were set by the coaches to work on improving these identified areas of each player’s game. Joseph Roberts worked hard in training to improve and work on the coaching tips given by Zhang Yining.
Overall, an excellent training camp and a worthwhile experience for the development of Joseph and Welsh table tennis.
Today saw yet another victory for Joseph Roberts at Burton Uxbridge 1*Star Open.
The Cardiff Summer Camp got underway yesterday with 20 players attending St.Mellons Table Tennis Club for a training camp with regional coach Simon Oyler. Former West Wales Regional coach Aled Rhys Howell was also in attendance with players from his South England Region.
The work rate of all the players was fantastic as well as the never give up attitude. The camp was based on footwork exercise, technique, multi ball and fitness. After a few weeks off, some of the players still looked shape and pushed themselves hard.
Macauley Morgan provided an upset in the boy singles. He overcame some tough matches and qualified through to the semi finals where he went up against Marc Castro. This game went the way of the Whitchurch player which sent him into the final. Liam Winders was the player waiting for him after he beat Macauley's east team mate Huw Standen in the other semi final.
In the final Liam raced to a 2-0 lead and found himself at match point up at 10-9, however Macauley continued to fight hard and eventually turned the set around to win 14-12. This seemed to give Macauley the edge as he took the 4th set 11-9. In the deciding 5th set Liam found himself up again at 8-6, but Macauley had other ideas and kept the pressure on to level at 8-8 with his two serves to come. Winning two big rallies, the Whitchurch player found himself 10-8 up with gold medal point. Unfortunately Liam served of which gave Macauley the match and the Gold medal. Huw Standen took the bronze medal whilst Joshua Stacey ended his very impressive weekend losing in the quarter finals to Liam Winder. Josh lost just three matches out of 12 during the course of the weekend.
In the girls singles, Buddog James gave a great account of herself as did her team mate, 9 year old Lauren Stacey who showed just how much she has improved over the past 6 months, Lauren is one to watch in the future.
