Crawford completes the double at Lothian Open

Feb 5 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

THE cream of Scotland’s table-tennis players descended on West Lothian last week to take part in the fourth annual Lothian Open.

The event, which is a joint promotion between West Lothian and Edinburgh, has become more popular each year, so there were more than 90 players at the competition on January 25.

Fifteen tables in the sports hall at Bathgate Academy were needed, as 12 separate events were contested on the day by the entrants, which included the country’s leading players who were attracted by ranking points being up for grabs.

It was also a day for competitors of all ages, with youngsters from the age of nine in the cadet section and from 40 and beyond in the veteran’s section.

The Men’s singles title was won by Stuart Crawford who beat Gerry Campbell (11-7, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9) in a highly entertaining final.

Stuart and Brian Wright then teamed up to win the Men’s doubles, with a straight sets victory (11-5, 11-8, 11-5) over Willie Mabon and Stewart Armitage.

The top seeds were banned from entering the Band One events, which helped a different name to find its way on to the trophy, as Scott Barton beat Brian Wright 3-1 (8-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-8) in the Men’s Band one final.

The ladies final was taken by Jennie Weiss with a fine straight sets victory over Elaine Forbes (11-5, 11-4, 11-6).

In the ladies doubles Jolie Bruce and Jenny Weiss came through a torrid five-setter, finally winning (8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 6-11, 11-4) against Linda Powell and Rhian Williams.

The Veteran’s final saw James Russell defeat Willie Mabon in four (11-8, 11-8, 6-11, 11-8).

The junior boys title was won by Sean Docherty in three, edging out Scott Barton (11-8, 11-9, 11-4), while in the junior girls event Rhian Williams defeated Bethany Ross in four (11-6, 7-11, 11-8, 11-8).

There was a tremendous battle in the Cadet boys final before Scott Barton emerged as the victor in five sets (11-5, 11-5, 9-11, 9-11, 11-5).

The Cadet girls final was taken by Renee Ho against Roxanna Milne in convincing fashion.

In the last event, the ladies band One saw Roxanna Milne defeat Linda Powell in four sets (11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7).

The Lothian Open is now a firm fixture on the table tennis calendar and everyone involved was grateful to the organising committee for their efforts, as well as to Ann Fairley, who worked tirelessly in providing food and beverage for all the competitors throughout the day.

David Dall presented the trophy for the men’s singles and Helen Hamilton, four-time world finalist, and two-time winner, graced the event to present some silverware after travelling from Perth.