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The favourite Lorestas Trumpauskas took his second Chelmsford Mens Singles title at the M&G sponsored Finals Night on Monday 07 February 2000 played at the Old Chelmsfordians Club in front of a sizeable crowd. However he had to use all his experience and cunning acquired as part of the Lithuanian international squad to get past a battling Rik James over three ends in the semi-final although he carried too many aces for Dave Cole on this occasion in the final.
The evening began with Trumpauskas facing the crowd-pleasing Rik James and it was Rik who raced into an immediate lead with a barrage of perfectly executed top-spin shots which left a lethargic looking Trumpauskas well off the pace. In the second end Lorestas realised he would have to be more positive and upped the tempo getting his forehand in a lot more. The third end was evenly poised all the way to 13-12 but a couple of very long rallies which Rik lost gave Lorestas the incentive he needed. Lorestas finally got home -13,12,17.
Dave Cole was on next and he duly despatched surprise package Andy Dosher 15,13. Dosher is an excellent counter-hitter if he is allowed to be but Cole with his ability to loop the short ball better than almost anyone simply gave him no chance to settle. Every time Dosher pushed the ball Cole went for the winner and unfortunately for Dosher the majority of these shots went on.
In the U21s final Neil Disley gave further evidence of the great strides he has made in the last year or so. He matched the more experienced Paul Lucas for power on the backhand and showed excellent touch in returning the feared Lucas serves. After missing out narrowly -18 in the first end Disley's challenge never quite hit the same heights in the second game but he will have won plenty of admirers for his determined approach as he lost -15.
The Mixed doubles gave Leanne Bentley her second successive title; this time in partnership with Rik James against Dave Cole/Cathy Eakin. This
match swung one way and then the other and in a fascinating third end full of long rallies and back-from-the-table play Bentley/James just prevailed 21-18. It was Leanne who showed real composure when the score reached 18-17 in the third end despatching decisive winners at 18-17 and finally at 20-18. Score-line 14,-14,18.
The Mens doubles lived up to its potential to produce the best game of the night and it was Rik James/Dave Cole who took a thrilling three-ender
-17,16,19 against the holders Paul Lucas/Lorestas Trumpauskas. This game was full of excellent rallies and variety with all players prepared to mix it up.In the end it was the lead that Cole/James stole at the turn-round in the third end that proved decisive. They got their noses in front at 15-11 and 18-14 and despite a determined effort from their opponents they just shaded it 21-19 to take the title for the fifth time.
Terry Guymer retained his Veterans title in style. Looking fit and confident he had too much for Peter Ballard on this occasion and despite a determined Ballard putting his usual "dig" on the ball it was Guymer's ability to hit winners on both wings that gave him the edge. Every time Ballard put a run of three points together Guymer exerted himself again with an emphatic shot and he looked very good value for his 16,15 success.
Finally the Mens Singles final went to form as Lorestas Trumpauskas retained his title 15,13 against Dave Cole. Dave clearly felt he had to take the game to his opponent but in doing so he made a few uncharacteristic errors and from 10-10 in the first end Lorestas eased away to win 21-15. In the second end Lorestas produced some absolutely flawless attacking table tennis, particularly some drilled backhands loops taken a stride away from the table. He deservedly took the match 21-13.
Mens Singles Champion, Lorestas Trumpauskas in action.
Adrian Sharpe, of Tournament sponsors M&G Group investment products, presents Dave Cole with the runners up award
Dave Cole and Rik James combine in deadly fashion in the Mens Doubles Final; arguably the highlight match of Finals Night
Leanne Bentley, who combined so well with Rik James in winning the Mixed Doubles Final
Terry Guymer retaining his Mens Veterans title.
A greater selection of Tournament photographs, kindly supplied by Andrew Halling, from both the tournament weekend and the Finals Night can be found through the "Photo" link button above.
©C&DTTL Management Committee