A new year of table tennis competition is under way with strong fields contesting Tuesday morning and night fixtures.
Former Melbourne player Steven Whiting showed he will be a force to reckon with in division 1 night fixtures with three wins over Barry Patterson, Robbie Richards and Mark Sleeman in the opening round.
Julie Vella and Duncan Treloar played out a competitive match, Julie up 11-9 in the 5th.
Morning fixtures are being played in a new format this season of four grades, and several new and returning players have been welcomed to the competition.
Steve Mathieson got home twice in five games, beating Pam Joyce 11-8 in the 5th and pulling out probably his best-ever forehand shot to take the last game 12-10 against George Camilleri.
However, George got revenge in night fixtures, beating Steve in another five-gamer.
Branko Vucurovic and Tony Bowman played themselves into the ground, Branko getting up 13-11 in the 5th.
Fixtures were not played on Tuesday 8 January due to a planned power outage in Bridge Rd.
A group of Mackay players will compete in Townville’s International Women’s Day event on March 5-6. Anyone women interested in playing should contact Donna Abbott on 0400 769 560.
Highlights of this year’s representative season will be the Mackay Open on April 15-17 and the Queensland Veterans Championship on July 20-24, both at the Bridge Rd centre.
The veterans is the most popular event on the calendar and is expected to attract players from all over the state.
By Charlie Payne
Branko Vucurovic and Tony Bowman opened the season with a tight battle in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photos: Charlie Payne
Doug Dungavell serves to Pam Joyce in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures
