Interim report from Lucerne by Alex Murdoch
Around 150 vetts members attented this tournament in Lucerne and were part of the 2700 entries from over 60 countries around the world, making it the largest ever event for table tennis at this level. We had one of the oldest competitors in Dennis Clare at 89 with his wife coaching from the sidelines.
The event was well staged in this beautiful city with over 100 tables in 3 large halls. The quality of play was outstanding with many past world, European and national champions showing their skills.
Our members performed superbly and brief details of medals obtained are as follows, if I have missed anyone out my apologies as val and I had to leave friday night so these results have come from members inputs and full details will appear later on the website and in our newsletter when the full results are circulated.
Gold main event
Les Darcy, Ron Etheridge, Edna Fletcher, Geoff Brook. Henry Buist
Silver main event
Derek Schofield (two), Les Darcy, John Husbands, Pam Butcher
Bronze main event
Fred Lockwood, Jack Harrington, Mike Willimot, Pam Butcher, Brian Allison, Keith Powell, Nigel Eckersley, Herbert Neubauer, Doris Penny, Betty Gray, Edna Fletcher, Ron Etheridge.
It gets more difficult doing the consolation events, success in this is no mean achievement bearing in mind that 1200 competitors took part. These are the only inputs so far.
Gold
Penny Perry, Sally Bax, Sylvia Tyler, Sheila King, Jenny Harrison.
Bronze
Marilyn Bawden, Shirley Gelder.
Once again my apologise for any members I have missed out and I am sure their are some, you are not forgotten, I just dont have all the results yet.
One notable achievement from a non vetts member, his application form is on the way, was that of David Godbold reaching the last eight of the mens 40's singles on the way he beat that outstanding player from Czech Republic Miroslav Schenk.
Val and I had checked out of the hotel friday morning with a flight home late evening, things nearly changed as val and her partner lost in the quarters of the 50's doubles consolation with the semis being played saturday morning. I would like thank all the vetts male members who offered her a bed for the nigt but surprised I was not included.