Hot shot table tennis players from Barnes Primary School took top honours in two categories at the Jack Petchey London Schools’ Table Tennis Team Finals held on Saturday 14th January held at the SportsDock at the University of East London.

The competition bought together 188 players making up 41 teams from 29 schools from across London competing in four age groups Boys and Girls under 11, 13, 16 and 19.

Barnes Primary School took home two trophies having won both Under-11 titles, overcoming reigning champions Ashburnham Community School from Chelsea.

In the boys event they won 5-3 having trailed 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 before winning the last three matches. The team was Ed Gooze-Zijl, Trishton Kite, Qais Kamaraldin, all 10 and Mohamed Larbi 11. Mohammed said “We won the last match by the skin of our teeth. It’s our second time here and or first win. It feels great.”

The Barnes girls improved on last year’s second place, defeating Ashburnham 6-2. The winning line-up was Annelise Williams, Lauren Hodgins, Hannah Chaudhury, all 10 and Riva Hempsall 11. Lauren said “We did what we came for and won this year. We are very pleased with ourselves as it was a strong competition.”

Winners and runners up of this competition go forward to play in the English Schools’ Table Tennis Association Regional finals in March.

The Jack Petchey Schools’ Table Tennis programme is aimed at increasing participation and awareness of table tennis in schools and youth clubs in London and Essex. It includes: London and Essex Schools Championships, team and individual. Donation of tables (indoor and outdoor) with equipment to secondary schools in London and Essex. Four table tennis Academies in London and one in Essex. Donation of table and equipment to youth clubs in London.

Since the start of the programme in 2011, 1598 table tennis tables have been donated to 358 secondary schools and colleges in London and Essex. The Individual regional competitions get underway this month with the final again being held at UEL.

Table tennis double team Paralympian bronze medal winner Aaron McKibbin attended the event and was kept busy in the coaching zone. Aaron, originally from Wandsworth, won bronze medals at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 games in the Men’s Team Class 6-8. Facing China for the final place on the podium in Rio, Aaron’s match went to a deciding rubber but it was McKibbin who held his nerves to ensure third spot for the GB team.

McKibbin, was born with bilateral talipes (club foot) and underwent corrective surgery soon after his birth. He enjoyed tennis until his teens but then fell in love with table tennis. He said “It’s a great sport and I’m very lucky to have the support that enables me to play at the top level. Sir Jack Petchey is giving so much to our sport and in turn bringing more people on board. Thanks Jack!”

Emily St John, Head of Development at Table Tennis England said “This has been another amazing day of table tennis and we thank the Jack Petchey Foundation for encouraging all these hugely energetic and enthusiastic players. This is the sixth year of the programme and since then over 40,000 school children have been able to access our sport. It’s a wonderful testimony for this partnership.”

Trudy Kilcullen MBE, Chief Executive Officer, the Jack Petchey Foundation said “We exist because we want to help young people achieve in life. I am so impressed by the young people I see at these finals. You are the best of the best and a delight to watch. We are proud of you and our partnership with Table Tennis England.” Sir Jack Petchey, CBE, 91-year-old founder of the Jack Petchey Foundation is passionate about giving young people freedom and opportunity. “I’ve been a fan of table tennis since my own youth. It’s a fantastic sport and I am delighted to see this partnership develop with more young people from London and Essex taking part.”

For further information about the scheme visit http://www.jackpetcheytabletennis.org.uk

Based on information supplied by Christine Baker.