Two young table tennis players from won their respective categories at the East London regional final of the Jack Petchey London & Essex Schools Championships on Sunday.
Celebrating its 10th year, the event, held at Morpeth School, Tower Hamlets attracted 123 players from 23 schools from Barking & Dagenham, Bexley, City of London, Greenwich, Hackney, Havering, Lewisham, Newham, Redbridge and Tower Hamlets.
The Under-11 Girls’ title was won by Samika Bansal, 10, from Christchurch Primary School, Ilford. Bansal had to overcome her teammate, Alessia Pop, also 10, in the final, winning 11-8, 11-8,11-4.
Bansal has been playing table tennis for two years and got into the sport after taking part in trials at her school. She said: “I found I was quite good at it and wanted to do better. It’s different and like a new hobby. I like winning medals and that drives me on. The standard was good, so I am pleased with myself that I won.”
The Under-16 Boys’ event was won by Jesse Bath, 15, from Wanstead High School, who beat Walid Bouzza, also 15, from Newham’s Rokeby School, 11-9, 11-3,11-7.
The Mossford Club player said: “I didn’t drop a set today and I’m very pleased with the way I played. This is my first time in this competition and I can’t wait for the final.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here