Ted Tydeman Table Tennis Tournament

Either side of Christmas, the Sturdee and Newington Table Tennis Clubs held an invitation handicapped competition in memory of local, regional and national table tennis legend Ted Tydeman who died, like so many other local players, in 2024. Some 20 players, covering all standards from starters up to premier division standard, entered the competition which used the Maidstone League’s Allen Cooper Tournament system of handicapping. The system uses 21 as the winning score with no deuce. A group system was used as the first two qualifying rounds that whittled the entry down to just six who competed in the knockout rounds. Megan Sullivan emerged as the winner of this inaugural event that will be held each year over the Christmas period. Though the final was contested by two players with high initial handicaps, the standard of play in the final was exceptionally good. Under the handicapping system, Megan conceded a 0-4 start to Mike Ingram in the final and won 21-17 21-16. Unfortunately, Mike appeared to run out of steam after being taken to the wire by Jill Shipton in the semis. He used his 5-0 start to good effect in completing an exhilarating 18-21 21-13 21-20 win to reach the final. Starting at 9-0 up in her semi, Megan beat Dave Hopkins, the highest ranked player left in the competition, in another close fought match 21-15 20-21 21-9.

Peter Stokes

Author: Gary Hentschel via Medway Towns Table Tennis League

Article Published: Thursday 2nd January 2025

Last Updated: Thursday 2nd January 2025

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