Chesterfield's International table tennis stars have put the town on the map with their phenomenal success at the Cadet and Junior National Championships held at the Riverside Sports Centre, Reading.
Pride of place goes to the sensational Liam Pitchford (14) who came away with the title of National Champion.
Liam, a member of the Colin Deaton team in the Chesterfield League, has made massive strides this season with his automatic inclusion in the European Top Ten event in January but who could have predicated that he would beat the top ranked European, Gavin Evans to take the crowning glory of becoming National Champion?
His fast top-spinning game never faulted as he time and time again produced the winning combination.
Those watching were treated to an exhibition of absolute pure talent as the sensational young cadet lift the title.
Liam, despite his commitments, has played whenever possible for his club CDTTA in the Chesterfield and District league.
Chesterfield's success did not stop there.
Daniel Lowe and Sean Cullen both reached the semi final of the cadet event and once again Liam teamed up with his friend and club mate Daniel Lowe to bring home a second national title in the boys double beating the seeded pair of Gavin Evans and Michael Bates.
Not to be out done Lucy Davidson, who has another year in this age group, teamed up with Emily Bates from Lincolnshire to lift the cadet girl's doubles title.
It was also good news for the Staveley Academy when their national cadet team won the West Midlands League.
The team consisting of Frances Baker, Peter Baker, Sean Williams and Daniel Burton had fine wins over Great Wyvaley 4-2, Uxbridge 6-0, King Edward, Litchfield 6-0, Wood Green 5-1 and Birmingham 4-2.
This was a fine achievement by the youngsters and can only instil confidence for the future.
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