The city’s annual closed table tennis championships showcased exceptional performances from local players. Several members of the Rockhampton Association turned in impressive efforts, not just on individual nights but throughout the entirety of the Closed Championship.
One of the premier events, the women’s open singles, was decided early in the competition. Ann-Louise Stewart, Monica Deeth, Linda O’Sullivan, and Patricia Green, battled it out in a round-robin format. Stewart, who had a stellar tournament, went undefeated in the women’s singles, not dropping a set to claim the coveted title. Green, thriving in the humid conditions, gave Stewart the toughest challenge and also pushed Deeth to five sets, while managing an impressive performance against O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan, in turn, pulled off a four-game victory over Deeth to secure second place.
In the hotly contested veteran events, Ann-Louise Stewart continued her winning form, taking the singles title in a mixed competition for players over 40. Her journey to victory included a tough five-set match against Geoff Geddes. Meanwhile, James O’Sullivan overcame Monica Deeth in their semi-final clash, recovering from a slow start to secure his spot in the final. Stewart also faced stiff competition from Gerard Watts in her semi-final but prevailed in four games.
In the final, Stewart faced off against O’Sullivan, who had previously won this event several times. After coming from behind to take the first set at deuce, Stewart lost the second but wore down O’Sullivan's lead in the third and went on to win in four entertaining games.
The veteran doubles saw James and Linda O’Sullivan claim another Rocky Closed title, defeating Gerard Watts and Monica Deeth in a thrilling five-set final. Their semi-final win came against Allan and Pam Clarke, while Watts and Deeth triumphed over Geoff Geddes and Chris Leitner to earn their spot in the final.
The men’s open singles was highly anticipated, with Matthew Pettett, Rayden Smith, and brothers Dane and Joel Coughlan expected to dominate. While Pettett and Joel Coughlan reached the semi-finals early, Smith had to defeat Relly Pingol, and Dane Coughlan was forced to withdraw due to illness, giving young Judd Carr a chance to reach the semi-finals.
In the grand finale, Joel Coughlan turned on a masterclass performance, claiming the men’s open singles title for the eighth time since his first victory in 2009. He downed Pettett in straight sets, never allowing his opponent a chance to gain momentum. Coughlan’s semi-final match against Smith followed a similar pattern, with his controlled attacking game proving too much for his opponent.
In the open doubles, Coughlan partnered with Leo Lai to win the title for the second consecutive year. They posted a straight sets victory over previous champions Pettett and Leitner. Their semi-final match saw them overcome a serious challenge from Smith and Deeth, while Pettett and Leitner narrowly survived their semi-final against Nick Green and Judd Carr, winning in five games.
The second division singles, a consolation competition for players not qualifying for the final stages of the open events, was won by Jakob Baker. In a thrilling five-set match, Baker overcame Nick Green 6-11, 11-9, 13-15, 11-5, 11-8. Baker had earlier defeated Nolan Hao in the semi-finals, while Green edged out Lai in his semi-final clash.
