Hainsworth sets new mark of four consecutive titles

PAUL HAINSWORTH became the first player to win four consecutive Mark Kilby Hard Bat titles after a straight-game victory over fellow Lions player Phil Ogier in the final.

The event is a fun tournament that serves as a welcome break from the season's regular action and aims to put every player on a level playing field.

This is done by old-style hard 'pimple' bats being provided to all players for use throughout the tournament.

The previous scoring system of 21 points is used, in addition to the 38mm ball as opposed to the current 40mm ball that is used for all local, national and international table tennis competition.

The purpose of the tournament was to take away any advantages gained by any of the numerous rubbers available for use, which are now more varied within the modern game, and also to create the opportunity for any player to win an Open tournament.