Rhys is Driving Forward his Game

11 year old Rhys Davies is going from strength to strength in the national and international fields of table tennis.

Latest updates below:

Primary Schools Home International Competition

During the Easter holidays Rhys travelled to Guernsey to represent England in the Primary Schools Home International Competition (actual age group is Year 7 & under although England select from Year 6 & under) – teams of 4 represented England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Jersey & Guernsey. The teams played each other in a round robin format with every player playing 2 singles and doubles in each match. The completion lasted two days, with England finishing in Bronze Medal position, narrowly missing out on the Silver Medal position to Scotland, following a hard-fought draw. Ireland excelled, winning all of their team matches.

Rhys performed well, winning seven out of twelve of his singles matches, and five out of six of his doubles matches. Rhys was identified and ranked as England’s top player, which saw him compete against the top player from all opposing teams, many of which were a year older. The final day consisted of a singles competition, which saw Rhys win all three of his matches in his group where he progressed into a knockout stage, where a win would see him secure a place in the quarter finals. Unfortunately Rhys picked up an injury in the second set and was unable to progress.

Rhys pictured with his team in Guernsey

English Schools’ Table Tennis Championship

Rhys came runner-up, in the English Schools Table Tennis Championship last Saturday. Rhys won five group matches, with an impressive score lone of 3-0, competing against the county champions from; Derbyshire, Dorset, Durham, Suffolk & London North. Rhys secured the top position in his group, progressing in the last sixteen and the knockout phase of the competition. He continued his winning progress with another, 3-0 victory against the North Yorkshire champion, which put him in the quarter finals. Rhys went onto beat the Devonshire champion, 12-10 11-1 11-1, securing his place in the semi-finals. Rhys saw himself up against the Cleveland champion, which saw another impressive 3-0 victory of 11-4, 11-8 and 11-2, this victory saw Rhys not only securing a place in the finals, but an interesting final against Poww Boonyaprapa, the Nottinghamshire champion, who was not only Rhys roommate and the England Schools competition, but also his doubles partner. Rhys and Poww, had only ever played with each other before this, never against each other, with Poww being identified as the top seed for this event, and Rhys the second seed, it was sure to be an interesting event.

The match as usual was played to an impressively high standard, with Poww taking the opening set 11-9, before Rhys levelling the scoreboard making it 1-1. Although Poww started the set well, Rhys put on an impressive fight, but Poww was able to secure the third set 11-8. The fourth set had a similar play, which saw Rhys lose 11-7. This medal was the third individual medal Rhys has won at a National Competition this year, as well as this Rhys also won a trophy which he has taken into school.

Rhys father, Mark Davies, praised the School for supporting the Rhys and other boys with their table tennis as they can only enter these competitions with express support of the Headmaster or Headmistress.

Future Competitions

Table Tennis England promote 3 National Championships each year – Seniors, Juniors (U/18) & Cadets (U/15) and the 10-13 Championships – these target the best players in the country and qualification is by ranking only. This is achieved by accumulating points in nationally recognised team and individual events. Rhys has progressed very well in these competitions since the start of the season in September, winning a number of U/13 tournaments, making multiple semi-finals in U/15 events and winning matches at U/18 level in the Junior British League and whilst representing Lancashire in the Inter Counties competition. The result of this is that he has qualified in the top 32 (31st) and thereby earned a place in the Junior & Cadet Nationals which take place over the May Bank holiday weekend in Huddersfield. Whilst his expectations are not high in this event he will gain valuable experience playing in both singles and doubles. As expected he has also qualified for 10-13 National Championships where he will play in U/13 Doubles and two singles categories -U/13s (9th) and U/12s (2nd) – these take place at the end of June in Preston.