Nine out of nine as Dodd begins defence in style

GARRY DODD followed up his Spot for Sport tournament success of last week by heading the local qualifiers for the CI Top 12 singles tournament. With six places open to both the best Sarnians and Caesareans, Dodd emerged unbeaten from the round robin at the Hougue du Pommier featuring Guernsey's finest.

The left-hander was in superb form all day and, in winning nine matches on the bounce, only once was taken the full distance.

That came in round five when Alice Loveridge threatened an upset by taking a two sets to one lead, before Dodd took the fourth 12-10 and the decider 11-8.

Among his wins were a 3-1 victory over Scott Romeril, who clinched second place with eight wins.

The two clashed in the final round when Dodd won 11-9, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9.

Loveridge was third overall with six wins, but she surprisingly dropped a match to Peter Bretel who was to sneak in as sixth qualifier.

The other two to book their trip to Jersey at the end of January were Phil Ogier, who was fourth, and Adam Langlois.

GTTA president Derek Webb praised Dodd for his performance, which came on the day the four-month representative ban on both Dodd and Romeril was lifted by the association.

'As holder of the CI Top 12 trophy, Garry is obviously keen to defend what is a very prestigious title to win,' said Webb.

'The games are very tight now, but he seems to be able to up his game to get the result.'

Webb also praised the efforts of junior Matthew Stubbington, who was a late replacement for the unwell Ollie Langlois, who would have expected to qualify for the showdown with Jersey's top six on Saturday 26 January.

Stubbington placed seventh of 10 and notched good wins against Bretel, former Green Trophy player Jez Powell and Mark Fallaize.

'He had a good day, Stubby, and had some really close games as a stand-in. He did well,' said Webb.