Military Top Table Tennis Talent Battle For Inter Services Title

The best table tennis talent from across the Armed Forces gathered in Aldershot for this year’s Inter Services Championship.

The Royal Air Force have dominated the men’s game at military level for several seasons.

Their imperious run of victories was interrupted a few years ago with an Army win, but that proved to be a one-off.

This year, the Light Blues once again bossed the other two teams to retain the title.

Keith Johnston and Anth Barella proved too strong for their rivals.

Meanwhile, the women’s Inter Services competition marked its 50 anniversary.

With the Royal Navy unable to field a team at this year’s campaign, it was a straight shoot-out between the Army and Air Force, with the women in red outgunning their opponents.

Sergeant Hilary Greig led the Army to victory, claiming the women’s singles title too as her Service dominated:

"Absolutely amazing to get a 10-nil win... A real team effort this year"

There could be bigger challenges ahead for several Forces table tennis players.

The 2021 World Masters Games takes place in Japan, a part of the world renowned for the sport.

It will stage the event in two years' time and military athletes have the chance of going to play. Army coach Warrant Officer Class 2 John McFaul said:

"Japan would take it to another dimension, given the sporting prowess of that nation and how they are going to be pushing it".

As for the Inter Services tournament, that returns next year with RAF Halton likely to be the venue.