Kick Start Award

Diesel’s progressing very well and his training is on track. His coach has told us that he has stepped up a couple of levels but so has the competition. Above are few photo's taken from the recent 'London Academy' tournament where Diesel made it through the group stages. Sadly he was defeated in a hard fought 5 setter but it must be noted that some of these players are pretty much full time Table Tennis students and have been playing Table Tennis from the moment they could sit up (well, nearly)! As well as playing in the Harlow Premier league, Diesel also plays in a Tuesday night Singles League where his best win to date was against Joe Walker (England Junior no. 42) winning 2-1 (these are only 3 set matches). What makes this even more impressive is that Joe Walker managed to win a set on Darius Knight (England Men’s no. 6) in a recent tournament held at Batts Harlow. In the words of his coach, “All in all Diesel is doing well but most of all he is still enjoying playing.... apart from when he loses. Then it can become a long drive home.”

Pictured above is Diesel playing in the Harlow Premier table tennis league. At 12 years old, Diesel is by far the youngest player presently playing in the Harlow Premier league, currently having a 50% win rate. Diesel played in the Junior British League in Derby last month, once again being one of the youngest at the event. In the opinion of his table tennis coach Adam Nutland, the table tennis played at the meetings were of a very high standard and probably the highest level of opponents in which Diesel has played against. Although not managing any outright victories, there were a few 5 setters, which considering the field of play he felt was a good effort at this stage of his development. Diesel also attended a 4 day training camp in Sweden with Adan Nutland (no. 12 England) and a few hopefuls, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Diesels next tournament will be the Butterfly London Academy 2* Tournament. He still trains consistently both with the Batts 'A group' and singularly for a more intense session. We are really excited to see how Diesel will continue to progress.