It is no wonder Whitgift School pupil James Smith likes the Jack Petchey London Schools table tennis competition after picking up a fourth consecutive title.

The 14-year-old won the U16s individual title, adding it to an U11s win, and two wins at U13 level, at the East London SportsDock on Saturday.

Smith, who tops the England rankings in the U14s cadet class and is second in the U15s class, only dropped one set throughout the day’s competition and beat Jamie Dignum in the final 3-0 to lift the title yet again.

He said: “I really like this competition, it’s well run and there are lots of games, even for the losers. I am pleased I won again.”

Meanwhile, the girls’ U19 event was a round-robin competition won by Anna Navicka, aged 19, from Coulsdon South Sixth Form College, who retained her title. 

She said “This was a really good experience. I love this competition and there is so much to do between the rounds. I love table tennis and will keep playing when I go to Surrey University.”

Wandsworth Times:

Winner: Anna Navicka with Jack Petchey