Liam PITCHFORD and Tin-Tin HO both captured their seventh national singles titles at the Mark Bates Ltd English National Championships, held in Nottingham. While PITCHFORD delivered a dominant performance in the men’s final, HO made history by equalling Jill PARKER’S record for the most women’s singles national titles with a dramatic comeback win.
In one of the most memorable women’s singles finals in recent history, Tin-Tin HO came back from 0-3 down to defeat rising star Tianer YU 4-3 (7-11, 9-11, 5-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-5, 11-5). After taking a timeout at 7-7 in the fourth game, Ho completely turned the match around, showing experience and resilience to claim her seventh national title, matching the all-time record.
Earlier, HO had also survived a seven-game battle in the semifinals against Sophie EARLEY, winning 4-3 (12-10, 8-11, 11-7, 6-11, 16-18, 11-5, 11-5). YU earned her place in the final by defeating Jasmin WONG 4-1.
In the men’s singles, Liam PITCHFORD secured his seventh national crown with a straight-sets victory over David MCBEATH (11-1, 12-10, 11-8, 11-5). MCBEATH, 33, was playing in his first ever men’s singles final and had reached the title match by upsetting Tom Jarvis in a dramatic 4-3 semifinal win, saving one match point and converting his own in the seventh set.
PITCHFORD had earlier defeated Andrew BAGGALEY in the semifinal 4-2, while BAGGALEY had previously ended Paul DRINKHALL’S title defense in the quarterfinals with an impressive 4-2 win.
In the men’s doubles, the experienced pair of Paul DRINKHALL and Sam WALKER successfully defended their title, beating Tom Jarvis and David MCBEATH 3-0 in the final.
The women’s doubles saw new champions crowned: Tianer YU and Mari BALDWIN claimed their first senior national titles, overcoming Sophie EARLEY and Eva ECCLES 3-1.
Eighteen-year-old twins Connor and Anna GREEN wrote their names in the history books by winning the mixed doubles title. They defeated Joseph HUNTER and Tianer YU 3-1 in the final, capping off a breakthrough tournament.
In the para events, four Paralympic medallists contested the two finals. In the Class 6–10 final, Billy SHILTON edged out Aaron MCKIBBIN 3-2 in a thrilling contest where both had match points. In the Class 2–5 final, Jack HUNTER-SPIVEY delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Megan SHACKLETON.
PHOTO: Michael Loveder
Men’s Singles
- Liam PITCHFORD
- David MCBEATH
Women’s Singles
- Tin-Tin HO
- Tianer YU
Men’s Doubles
- Paul DRINKHALL / Sam WALKER
- Tom JARVIS / David MCBEATH
Women’s Doubles
- Tianer YU / Mari BALDWIN
- Sophie EARLEY / Eva ECCLES
Mixed Doubles
- Connor GREEN / Anna GREEN
- Joseph HUNTER / Tianer YU
Para Class 6–10
- Billy SHILTON
- Aaron MCKIBBIN
Para Class 2–5
- Jack HUNTER-SPIVEY
- Megan SHACKLETON
