A large crowd attended the annual Isle of Wight Echo Centenary Cup tournament finals recently. They were enjoyed an evening of exciting and top-quality matches. 

This local media outlet is a generous sponsor of Isle of Wight table tennis. They inaugurated this handicapped tournament last year as a welcome recognition of the Isle of Wight’s centenary. The Island are the ninth oldest Table Tennis Association in England.

There were originally 36 entrants – of many ages and abilities in this popular event. 

In the first semi-final, 17-year-old Ryan Cates – one of the new generation of young Island players – met fellow British Senior League player, Alex Rorke, and beat him in four sets.

In the second semi-final, another young player, Ethan Millward, defeated Shane Cates in an excellent match which was won at deuce in the final set.

In the final Ryan overcame Ethan in three sets to take the title. This is the second junior player to win this tournament, after Zak Holbrook won the inaugural tournament in 2023. Ryan keeps the Cup for a year and receives £100. Ethan, as runner up, received £50.

IoW Association chairman, Alex Rorke, reports: “Our Association is delighted with the generous sponsorship of the Island Echo. This undoubtedly helps us in promoting the sport amongst the wider community here on the Island.

“We are also pleased for Ryan and Ethan. They have both come through our coaching system and are continuing to develop as well as enjoy the sport.”