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I have only been participating in table tennis since 2005 and it has been at times a hard and long struggle. I have had limited success competing in the Stroud and District table tennis league over the past two years, whilst in 2007 competed in my first full season in the Bristol and District winter league, but unfortunately was unable to record any match points for my team, Bristol Typhoons.

This was my third DSE table tennis tournament that I have entered and previously only been triumphant in the Double matches. However, was this tournament going to be the turning point as I travelled from Bristol to Stoke Mandeville? From previous tournaments experience I set myself a modest target to win one Singles match. It was imperative not to put too much pressure on me during the weekend.

The attendance at the tournament was lower due to a GB table tennis training camp and the vast majority of Paralympian athletes were unavailable. Saturday morning tournament session was the Classed Division and I was in a pool with two other athletes. Unfortunately for myself, I was drawn against one of the top British athletes, Farrell Anthony, who is gentlemen and a privilege to compete against. I had previously competed against Farrell and realised I would have to work extremely hard to win any points. True to the formbook, Farrell triumphed convincingly 3-0. My next opponent took the first game of the five game set, after going to deuce but thereafter I settled myself down to win the next three games and to record my first Singles tournament win. The relief and confidence this win gave me was immense and allowed me to enjoy the remaining of the morning session. I thought my performance in the quarter-final against Andrew Harper was satisfactory, but still bowed out of the Classed Division.

The afternoon session was the Doubles section and my partner for this event was Neil Handley, another athlete who attends the England Mencap Table Tennis squad sessions. We were in a pool of 4 and our first match got off to a good start when we were victorious winning 3-0. For Neil and myself were unable to keep the winning sequence going losing to the ‘Bromley’ sisters (Victoria and Jessica) and eventual Doubles winners M Sarafshani and F Anthony 3-0.

After a relaxing evening, Sunday morning consisted with the ‘Open’ Division, a round robin group with two other athletes. My first match was against the same competitor who had previously beaten me the day before in the quarter-finals and again was victorious winning in straight games. My second match proved more successful when I was victorious winning by the same margin.

However, for some unknown reason I was performing quite well and mainly in control of this match being 2 – 0 up and 5-5 in the third when I began to tense up. This is still one aspect of my game that I have got to work on, to remain focused, but to be relaxed whilst in a good winning position. Luckily in this match I was able to regain some composure in ensuring a straight win victory. Again, as in the previous day I was knocked out in the quarter-finals.

Reviewing this tournament had some positives when I eventually won some Single matches, which have given me the confidence and self-belief to take into the Bristol and District Summer League matches.

The next stage of my development is still to work on my nerves to learn to relax during league matches and hopefully this could give me the confidence to use my forehand shots in rallies.

Whilst it has taken me three years to progress this far, I am indebted to Di Mcilwain and Marcus Berry who have supported me with my short table tennis career.

Ian Thomas