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Marom at his majestic best, while Mencer makes a big impression

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Top seed Rafi Marom won the Maccabi GB Men's Open title at the London Academy in Edgware.

Marom was the outstanding performer in a field of 32 players. He was pushed all the way in his semi-final victory over Dov Katz before overcoming Jeremy Banks 3-0 in the final.

Jack Josephs edged home 11-9 in the deciding game of the Junior Boys Singles final against Matthew Gold.

There was double delight for Benjamin Mencer who lifted the Boys U12 Singles and Cadets titles. He dominated the U12 event and victory in the final against Jacob Sobel saw Mencer maintain his record of not dropping a set. He went on to eliminate top seed Judah Jackson in the semi-finals of the Cadets event before clinching the title with a 3-0 success over Jamie Rosen.

There were some excellent rallies in the over-50's final where top seed Jeremy Banks needed a fifth set to overcome nearest rival Ivan Lewis.

Jessica Abrahams proved too strong for Alicia Shiner on her way to a 3-0 victory in the final of the Junior Girls tournament. Sandy Nash claimed gold in the Ladies Singles.

Top seed Ivan Lewis secured the Veterans crown with victory against Dov Katz.

Top seeds Rafi Marom and Jeremy Banks overcame nearest rivals Dov Katz and Ivan Lewis in a four-set final in the Men's Doubles, while Wayne Levy beat Andrew Gold 3-1 in the Novice Singles.

Judah Jackson and Joe Kaye registered a victory over Freddie Coverman and Sammy Kaye in the Junior Boys Doubles final.

Jeremy Banks and Sandy Nash held their nerve to overcame Dov Katz and Sally Proven in the Mixed Doubles final. It took four games for Banks and Nash to cement victory, as they clinched the match 11-7.

Event organiser and Maccabi GB Table Tennis chair Jeremy Banks said: "The strength and depth of our junior players, aged 10-15, was notable, suggesting a very bright future for Jewish table tennis.

"In particular, young kids new to the game develop into decent standard players within a year of hard training, commitment and support from their parents.

"Overall this event provided a magnificent boost to our preparations for this summer's European Maccabi Games in Berlin."

Roll of honour

● Most Promising Young Player: Sammy Kaye
● Men's singles & Outstanding Achievement: Rafi Marom
● Women's singles: Sandy Nash
● U12 Singles: Benjamin Mencer
● Cadet (U15) Boys Singles: Benjamin Mencer
● Junior (U17) Boys Singles:
Jack Josephs
● Junior Girls Singles:
Jessica Abrahams
● Vets (O40) Singles: Ivan Lewis
● O50 Singles: Jeremy Banks
● O60 Singles: Ian Mablin
● Men's Doubles:
Rafi Marom/Jeremy Banks
● Junior Doubles:
Judah Jackson/Joe Kaye
● Mixed Doubles:
Jeremy Banks/Sandy Nash
● Banded Singles: Joe Kaye
● Novice Singles: Wayne Levy

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