Jeremy Banks believes the future looks bright for Jewish table tennis players following a sustained period of success.
This year has seen one of the most promising advances for Maccabi GB in the sport. Three of its five teams in the Wembley
and Harrow League have gained promotion to the next divisions. And the efforts of several of the younger players have been rewarded with double promotion next season.
MGB’s first team finished runners-up in Division One while the fifth team avoided relegation after a strong finish to the season. There are plans to introduce a team of juniors into Division 7.
Maccabi GB Table Tennis chair Banks commented: “Across the board our table tennis section has never been healthier. The passion and dedication shown by the more experienced players is matched by the excitement and enthusiasm of a large number of young boys and girls entering the sport.
"MGB have been fully supportive and engaged in offering a variety of table tennis initiatives and competitions to the Jewish community this year, the next major events being the MGB National Table Tennis Championships 2016 followed by next summer’s Maccabiah Games in Israel, where we intend to be well represented."
More than 70 players took part at the recent MGB National Table Tennis Championships. The competition hosted Singles and Doubles events ranging from under-12s to over-60s.
MACCABI GB TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS ROLL OF HONOUR
MEN’S SINGLES
Winner: Eli Baraty
Runner-up: Jack Josephs
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WOMEN’S SINGLES
Winner: Jessica Abrahams
Runner-up: Sally Prowen
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VETERANS (over-40s)
Winner: Jeremy Banks
Runner-up: Dov Katz
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OVER-50s<?b>
Winner: Jeremy Banks
Runner-up: Les Samuels
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MEN'S DOUBLES
Winners: Dov Katz and Jack Josephs
Runners-up: Jeremy Banks and Daniel Spurling
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MIXED DOUBLES
Winners: Jeremy Banks and Jo Radiven
Runners-up: Dov Katz and Sally Prowen
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JUNIOR BOYS (under-17s) Singles
Winner: Jonathan Mainzer
Runner-up: Daniel Olsberg
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JUNIOR GIRLS (under-17s) Singles
Winner: Jessica Abrahams
Runner-up: Millie Rogov
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CADETS (under-15s) Mixed Singles
Winner: Jonathan Mainzer
Runner-up: Daniel Olsberg
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UNDER-12s
Winner: Mark Balon
Runner-up: Joe Sinclair
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JUNIOR BOYS DOUBLES
Winners: Daniel Olsberg and Zak Cantor
Runners-up: Judah Jackson and Joe Kaye
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BANDED
Winner: Josh Banks
Runner-up: Oskar Mencer
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NOVICES
Winner: Nick Balon
Runner-up: Ben Low
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SPECIAL AWARDS
Milly Supperstein award for Oustanding Achievement
Zak Cantor
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Yoram and Silvia Katz award for Most Promising Junior
Jacob Sobel