Open Graders Return with Strong Performances at Leichhardt Park

Open graders are once again enjoying a competitive fixture season at the Leichhardt Park Table Tennis Centre, with several players showing strong form after the longest break between seasons. With the annual Rockhampton Open Championships set for the Anzac long weekend, these matches serve as valuable preparation for that event, as well as for the Bundaberg Open in late March.

In the top division, Joel Coughlan rebounded from an unexpected loss in the previous round with a hard-fought victory over the previously undefeated Rayden Smith. In a match filled with exceptional rallies, Coughlan prevailed 11-4, 11-8, 2-11, 9-11, 11-9. Leo Lai backed up his captain with a tight four-set win over Erica Nolan and played a crucial role in the doubles, where he and Coughlan secured another victory in four closely contested games.

Matthew Pettett continued his strong start to the season, defeating both James O’Sullivan and Nick Green in straight sets. He then teamed up with Glen McDonald to secure a 3-1 win in the doubles. The standout clash in this match saw Green edge past McDonald in a gripping five-setter, 11-8, 9-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-9, in a match that could have gone either way.

Dane Coughlan has also started the year well, remaining unbeaten with victories over Judd Carr and Ann-Louise Stewart. Linda O’Sullivan stepped up a division in place of Coughlan’s regular partner, Jakob Baker, and managed to take a set off young Carr but was unable to overcome Stewart’s consistency, falling in straight games. However, she contributed well in the doubles, helping Coughlan secure another win in four sets.

In the second division, leading player Monica Deeth maintained her consistent form, proving too strong for Patricia Green in straight sets. She also held off Warun Wilkinson in a back-and-forth battle, eventually winning 7-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6, 11-3. Deeth’s teammate, Joe Clifton, struggled against Wilkinson and narrowly lost to Green in a five-set contest.

Geoff Geddes had his best night in some time, putting his signature trick shots to good use—perhaps aided by the humid conditions. His first opponent, Pam Clarke, came close to an upset but ultimately fell short, 11-5, 6-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9. After securing a solid doubles win, Geddes went on to claim an unusual victory over Allan Clarke, prevailing 11-9 in the deciding set despite losing the fourth at deuce after leading two sets to one.