In a thrilling showcase of skill and determination, Larry Trumpauskas emerged victorious at the Mark Bates Ltd Senior National Championships Qualifying Tournament on January 7, 2024, securing the top spot with a resounding 3-0 victory over Ben Piggott (12-10, 11-7, 11-7). The 16-year-old sensation from Bermondsey, South London, etched his name in the annals of table tennis history, conquering the men’s competition without dropping a single match.
Larry’s incredible journey through the tournament saw him vanquish formidable opponents such as Ben Piggott, Joe Sawyer, Ralph Pattison, and Jakub Piwowar. The sheer dominance displayed by Trumpauskas showcased not only his technical prowess but also hinted at a promising future for this young prodigy.
Meanwhile, Rohan Dani, Larry’s teammate from the Junior British League team Fusion, demonstrated remarkable prowess by securing a commendable fourth place. Despite being edged out in a closely contested semi-final against Ben Piggott (3-2, 11-9, 9-11, 11-4, 10-12, 11-8), Dani’s performance showcased the depth of talent within the Fusion squad.
The Fusion TT training squad boasts numerous compelling narratives, with perhaps none more inspiring than the resurgence of Paralympian Aaron McKibbin. Regularly attending Fusion Advanced training sessions, McKibbin’s determination to qualify for the Senior Nationals in Nottingham this March paid off in spectacular fashion. The three-time Olympic Gold medalist overcame last season’s disappointment, securing the 9th spot with notable victories against Adam Dennison, Ashley Faceyp-Thompson, and Jakub Piwowar.
Aaron McKibbin’s triumphant qualification is not a solitary feat; he will be joined by other Fusion qualifiers Saskia Key, Shaquallie Webb-Dixon, and Mya Sultan. The Fusion contingent is set to make a formidable impact at the Nationals, representing a fusion of skill, dedication, and diversity.
Elevating Fusion’s presence to new heights, the squad’s strength extends beyond individual victories with the automatic qualification of two outstanding players based on their top 16 rankings among England’s elite. Tianer Yu and Lorestas Trampauskas, through their consistent and impressive performances, have secured coveted positions at the upcoming Senior National Championships in Nottingham.
However, as the curtain fell on the qualifiers, some notable players, including Robert Pelc, Tiana Dennison, and Abbey Hurley, unfortunately missed the cut this time. Their absence adds an element of anticipation for the next competition, as the table tennis community eagerly awaits their resurgence and redemption on the national stage.
The Senior Nationals in March promise to be a captivating spectacle, with Larry Trumpauskas, Rohan Dani, Aaron McKibbin, and the Fusion qualifiers poised to deliver exhilarating performances and elevate the sport of table tennis to new heights
The Senior Nationals take place from March 24-26, at the David Ross Sports Village in Nottingham.