The club recently hosted the inaugural Stan Harding Junior Tournament, an event held in memory of Stan Harding. This competition was open to our non-league junior members, providing a great opportunity for our young, emerging players to showcase their skills in a friendly yet competitive environment.
For many of the juniors, this was their first experience of competitive match play, making it a valuable learning experience. With the club looking to field teams in the Cadet British Clubs League in the future, tournaments like this help introduce young players to structured competition and build their confidence.
A total of six juniors participated, with the format consisting of two groups of three players competing in a round-robin stage. The top two players from each group advanced to the main knockout bracket, while the third-place finishers faced off in a consolation final.
Group Stage Results
Group A:
- Wai-Sun defeated Daniel 3-0 (11-8, 11-3, 11-8)
- Ellie defeated Daniel 3-0 (11-5, 12-10, 12-10)
- Wai-Sun defeated Ellie 3-1 (11-3, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8)
Group B:
- Ralfs defeated Alistair 3-1 (11-6, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8)
- Ralfs defeated Logan 3-0 (11-0, 11-0, 11-4)
- Alistair defeated Logan 3-0 (11-2, 11-3, 11-1)
Knockout Stage Results
Consolation Final:
- Daniel defeated Logan 3-0 (11-1, 11-4, 11-7)
Main Semi-Finals:
- Wai-Sun defeated Alistair 3-1 (7-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-3)
- Ralfs defeated Ellie 3-0 (11-5, 11-7, 11-3)
Final:
- Wai-Sun defeated Ralfs 3-1 (11-4, 11-5, 10-12, 11-8)
Tournament Recap
The tournament provided plenty of exciting matches and competitive play. Wai-Sun emerged victorious, showing great composure and skill to claim the title after an impressive run through both the group and knockout stages. Ralfs put up a strong fight in the final, taking a set off the eventual champion, but Wai-Sun’s attacking game proved too strong in the end.
In the consolation final, Daniel secured a solid victory over Logan, rounding off the day with a well-earned win.
A huge well done to all participants for their efforts, and a special thank you to everyone who helped organise and support the event. I believe that the Stan Harding Junior Tournament was a fitting tribute to a cherished club member, and the committee plan to keep this as an annual event moving forward.