Mackay Open Draws Big Crowds and Strong Results for Rocky Squad

Ten keen tournament players from the Rocky Table Tennis Club ventured to Mackay over the weekend to compete in that city’s annual open championships. This event attracted a huge entry, serving as a qualifying event for state selection for various upcoming national championships. The same arrangement applied to Rocky’s open titles in late April, which also saw a bumper field compared to recent years with strong contingents of players from south-eastern Queensland now traveling north for tournaments. This is a reversal of the usual situation faced by northern clubs, who are well-used to travelling long distances to compete. With all state championships for the next seven years, including 2025, set to be held in Moreton Bay, players from the north can expect to do even more travelling in future.

In Mackay, Rocky players turned in some encouraging results against tough competition from nearly every club in the state. Monica Deeth and Linda O’Sullivan reached the final of the women’s open doubles, narrowly losing to Townsville’s leading pair, Taleisha Gaeta and Manasee Sivayoganathan. Deeth also collected a second prize in the over-60 women’s singles, falling to Bundaberg veteran Lorraine Fourro 12-10 in the fourth set.

James O’Sullivan was once again a strong performer, contesting the finals in several events. He and Paul Green, from the Sunshine Coast, played for gold in the over-60 men’s singles, with Green’s trademark consistency prevailing over the tenacious O’Sullivan.

There were five sections of ratings-based events, which use performance ratings linked to a national database. Warun Wilkinson claimed victory in the fourth division singles, while Jeff Jordan secured a gold medal in the fourth division doubles, teaming up with the Gold Coast’s Nash McMaster for a great win. In the semi-finals, they overcame Rocky’s Wilkinson and Oliver Wright. Other locals who impressed across various events included Hilton Kane, Julien Wright, and newcomers Paul and Cheryl Fletcher.

Meanwhile, in Rocky’s open grade competitions, only a few weeks remain. Both divisions have closely bunched leaderboards, with winners to be determined on a first-past-the-post basis. Most doubles matches continue to be decided by tight margins, and many singles matches have been four-set affairs. Joe Clifton had his best night since his comeback last year, playing well in the doubles and pushing Julien Wright to a fifth set match in singles. In another highlight, Judd Carr edged out Gerard Watts in five games. Carr, the club’s leading junior, used his attacking game to outlast the defensive style of veteran Watts in a thrilling contest.