Member Associations | 7 Nov 2013

Bristol Grand Prix sets new record

The English Table Tennis Association has recorded its highest ever entry for the Bribar Bristol Grand Prix (November 16-17) with well over 200 applicants for the event at the University of the West of England. The magnitude of the record entry meant that

The magnitude of the record entry meant that playing times and schedules have had to be extended, while some players had to be turned away due to the popularity of the event.The success of the high entry has been attributed to a couple of innovations in the promotion of the Grand Prix series. The introduction of the Online Entry system has been coupled with an increased social media presence to make entering tournaments both easier and more noticeable

Zach FERRIS, Assistant National Competitions and Events Officer, said: “We are really pleased with the high number of entries. It is something that we would like to see at more of our events and we are working hard to try and sustain these numbers for future Grand Prix.

“We made a real effort of promoting the event on social media platforms and we are sure that the new online entry system has helped to encourage more people to apply.”

Amongst the 213 entries to the Bribar Bristol Grand Prix are English internationals Paul DRINKHALL, Joanna DRINKHALL and Kelly SIBLEY who, between them, have won 10 English National Singles titles.

Local Plymouth-born David WETHERILL will also be full of confidence ahead of his ‘home’ Grand Prix after winning a gold medal at the Belgian Open in Sint-Nicklaas earlier this month. The Paralympic hero won the Men’s Class 6 Singles following a final victory over Germany’s Tim Laue.

Also heading to the University of the West of England is former European Youth Championships Doubles winner Darius KNIGHT and 11–time Welsh National Champion Ryan JENKINS, who is in search of his 47th Grand Prix Men’s Singles title.

Courtesy of ETTA, Courtesy of ETTA