Dov Katz was this week toasting one of his ‘greatest achievements’ in table tennis after beating England’s eighth ranked player on his way to securing the veteran men’s singles title at the Wembley & Harrow Table Tennis League’s annual Closed Championships.
In a tournament where several Jewish players excelled, Maccabiah veteran Katz took centre stage after beating Costas Papantoniou at the semi-finals stage before going on to beat Jeremy Banks 3-1 in the final.
Katz said: “Costas is an incredible player, having won the event 11 times previously and he has an almost perfect average in the open league itself, one of the toughest divisions in the UK.
"He is also an England regular on the veteran circuit, currently ranked number 8 in the country, and at the previous weekend won the VETTS southern national championships and to be beat him in such fine form is one of my proudest moments."
On the other table, Banks and Dumitru Toma also went to a decider, with Banks going on to win 11-6.
"Of course winning the semi was not enough and I had to go on and then win the final against my team-mate and friend Jeremy Banks.
"It was a lovely moment winning in front of various significant dignatories including the local MP and the President of Table Tennis England, and of course my amazing and devoted wife Perry and our two young sons James (3) and Harry (10 months)."
Katz, who has represented Team Maccabi GB at several European Maccabi Games and Maccabiahs, is already looking ahead to his next challenge.
"Immediately next on the agenda is hopefully helping Maccabi secure a league and cup open double but that will be a close and difficult call,” he said.
"This victory, coupled with my gold and two silvers at the European Maccabi Games in Berlin last summer, has given me the confidence to compete at the top level in the country in the veterans category for many years to come.
"Whilst I am probably playing the best table tennis of my life, even at 41 years of age, it is important that I keep my feet on the ground and continue to work hard and give respect to my opponents."
The contest between Katz and Papantoniou went to the deciding fifth set. Katz led 5-2 at change of ends only for Costas to draw level at 5-5. But Katz summoned all his energy in the rallies that followed to cause an upset and win 11-6.
Katz said: “Costas is a fine example to follow – although losing he displayed great sportsmanship and grace. There is a reason why he is considered a table tennis great in this country.
"At the moment I am loving the sport and hope this victory can be a springboard for further success.”
Dov summoned all his energy in the rallies that followed to cause an upset and win 11-6. On the other table Jeremy Banks and Dumitru Toma also went to a decider, Jeremy winning 11-6 to set up a final against team-mate Dov.
Veterans Singles
Dov Katz (Maccabi) beat Jeremy Banks (Maccabi) 11-8, 7-11, 11-4 11-9
Intermediate Singles:
Johannes Boehme (Hillingdon) beat Sammy Kaye (Maccabi) 11-3, 11-8, 11-8
Junior boys’ singles
Joe Kaye went on to win the Junior Boys’ Singles beating Harry Wilcox by three games to one
Joe Kaye (Maccabi) beat Harry Wilcox (Hillingdon) 11-9, 8-11, 11-9, 13-11
Junior boys' doubles
In the Junior Boys’ Doubles Final the Kaye brothers Joe & Sammy beat Harry Wilcox & Arjun Arora by three games to one to take the title.
Sammy Kaye & Joe Kaye (Maccabi) beat Harry Wilcox (Hillingdon) & Arjun Arora (Vagabonds) 10-12, 11-3, 11-7, 11-8
Cadet boys’ singles
Branislav Živković (Lowlands) beat Joe Kaye (Maccabi) - 11-8, 11-1 and 14-12