by Francesca Bullock, British Para Table Tennis Team Press Officer

In the open standing singles event Josh Stacey prevailed in great battle against men’s class 10 champion Kim Daybell (11-6, 11-8, 6-11, 8-11, 11-9); before accounting for Aaron McKibbin (11-5, 12-14, 11-5, 11-8) to secure the top prize.

“It’s been a really good tournament. I played really well from start to finish so I’m obviously very pleased. It was a really good match in the final for everyone to watch, as well as to play. Kim is in the class above me so to even compete with him is obviously a great achievement. I was 2-0 up and in control of the match, then he changed a few things. In the fifth I just decided to be as positive as I could on the receive; thankfully it worked out but it was very close. It is massive to be recognised as one of the best players in Britain in the open category as well as in my class, it is great.” Josh Stacey

Additionally, Josh Stacey partnered Billy Shilton to men’s doubles success against Aaron McKibbin and Ross Wilson

“It was really good playing doubles with Billy. He is really easy to play with and quite consistent, so I was relaxed and felt that I could play my game, Billy was always going to be safe and reliable.” Josh Stacey

Silver in the open standing singles and doubles for 27 year old Aaron McKibbin; it was the same in men’s class 8, he beaten at the final hurdle by Ross Wilson (11-9, 11-8, 11-5).

“I’ve taken three silvers here, it’s not nice to lose all three finals but it has been a good weekend. Josh and I also played each other in the group stages and he had the hardest draw having to pay Kim in the semi-finals, so fair play to him he is a deserving winner and it was a good final. The level is going up every year which is a good sign for Para table tennis. I had to play a few matches in the knock-out rounds against players in the Development Squad. I was quite surprised by their level which is definitely improving.” Aaron McKibbin

Meanwhile, Jack Hunter-Spivey was pushed hard in the open mixed wheelchair final by 19 year old Megan Shackleton (5-11, 11-9, 11-5, 5-11, 11-3), who had survived a strong challenge in the semi-final from Dan Bullen (11-4, 11-7, 5-11, 9-11, 11-9)

“Megan played very well, the best level I’ve ever seen her play and I was lucky to win that match to be fair. I played well and I’m happy to get through it and win. The level is definitely getting better and better every year and I’m getting challenged more every year. I always look forward to playing here and I take it very seriously. I’m very proud to be national champion.” Jack Hunter-Spivey

Meanwhile, Megan Shackleton took the class 4 title and in the absence of Sue Gilroy combined with Mark Palmer to win the open wheelchair doubles title. They beat defending champions Jack Hunter-Spivey and Dan Bullen in the final.

“I’m really pleased to get to my first open final at the Nationals and to push Jack so close, it just shows the improvement I’ve made; it is a great year for me to be improving at that rate. I’ve never played Mark before but I’ve been in the doubles final four years in a row and always got silver, so to get the win was really good. I really enjoyed playing with Mark, we have really similar games and I think that worked well for us because I knew how to set points up for both of us. We understand how we like to play and I think that worked in our favour.” Megan Shackleton

Similarly, Fliss Pickard impressed. She was unbeaten in the round-robin open women’s standing singles event.

“I feel I played well in parts and not so well in others but I’m happy to get through. I think mentally for me there is a massive difference this year, knowing how to win even when times are tough; that was really noticeable in this tournament. Having young players improving all the time has been brilliant and pushed me further. I’ve got that motivation in training as well as internationally; to have the competition from the up and coming girls is just what you want.” Fliss Pickard

Although World champion Ross Wilson retained his men’s class 8 title he aggravated a back injury and was unable to defend his open standing singles title. The other individual class winners were Tom Matthews (class 1-2), Kevin Plowman (class 3), Martin Perry (class 6), Will Bayley (class 7) and James Adams (class 11).

In addition in class B, Romain Simon won the open wheelchair event, Tom Johnson the open standing competition. Also, Ryan Morton secured the open standing C class title; Dylan Tynan retained his junior singles title Harry Fairchild won the Downs Syndrome competition.

Results

British Para National Championships: Open A Class 1-5 / Open A Class 6-10

British Para National Championships: Open B Class 1-5 / Open B Class 6-10

British Para National Championships: Open C Class 6-10

British Para National Championships: Junior Class 6-10

British Para National Championships: All Class Event