Sam BAILEY claimed the singles title at the Isle of Man Closed Table Tennis Championships 2026, held at the National Sports Centre (NSC), in an event that marked the start of a new ‘Open’ era.
The first session of the championships, delivered a vibrant atmosphere and high-quality play, with a full hall witnessing the island’s top players compete across singles, doubles, and Under 16 events. The introduction of an Open format, allowing men and women to compete together in the main draw, added an extra layer of competitiveness to this year’s edition.
The blue-riband event produced drama throughout. Defending champion Scott LEWIS recovered from a slow start in the group stage to reach the knockout rounds, while several tight encounters highlighted the competitive depth of the field.
In the quarterfinals, Mike TAMAROV edged past Amit LANIN in a closely contested match, while LEWIS rediscovered his rhythm to defeat Duncan ALEXANDER. Darren SMETHURST impressed with a victory over former champion John SHOOTER, and BAILEY advanced with authority against Malcolm CUMMINGS.
The semifinals delivered the tournament’s biggest surprise, as TAMAROV capitalised on LEWIS’s inconsistency to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory. In the other semifinal, BAILEY overcame SMETHURST with a composed and tactically disciplined performance.
In the final, BAILEY controlled proceedings with a measured yet aggressive approach, using spin-heavy serves and powerful third-ball attacks to prevent TAMAROV from settling into longer rallies. He sealed victory in straight games to finally claim the title that had long eluded him.
Reflecting on his triumph, BAILEY said: “I had belief I could win. My tactics were to use my safe serves and mop up loose balls with my forehand, giving nothing away. This win means so much to me – it’s the one major title that has eluded me.”
Isle of Man
Men’s/Open Singles
- Champion: Sam BAILEY
- Runner-up: Mike TAMAROV
- 3rd Place: Scott LEWIS
- 3rd Place: Darren SMETHURST
Open Doubles
- Champions: Darren SMETHURST / Chris HOLMES
- Runners-up: Mike TAMAROV / Amit LANIN
- 3rd Place: Sam BAILEY / John MAGNALL
- 3rd Place: Lee ALEXANDER / Duncan ALEXANDER
Under 16 Singles
- Champion: Luke BEGLEY
- Runner-up: Seth HORNBY-WHEELER
- 3rd Place: Liav LANIN
- 3rd Place: Xedrel BENOSA
Under 16 Doubles
- Champions: Luke BEGLEY / Sydnie WEAVER
- Runners-up: Seth HORNBY-WHEELER / Henry WEAVER
