Held at Sport Scotland's National Sports Centre, Inverclyde, Largs on 10th & 11th August, competitors from all over Europe joined the competition!
The 'German Knights' Team made the best entrance, treating us all to a bagpipe march into the sports hall in kilts and tammies!
There was nearly double the number of participants compared to last year (the Germans and Austrians were out in full force). It was also good to see so many new clubs from England (e.g., Brighton) thereby putting Largs firmly on the map. Some players had never been so far north!
I only played in the Men's Doubles (not enough ladies for everyone to play in the Mixed) and Men's Singles (at Intermediate level). The standard was higher this year.
In doubles, my partner Adam Polinsky was Polish, and we won the best of the runners- up in the initial groups - a nice consolation prize (see photo).
Alas, I wasn't so successful in the Singles, but it was a very enjoyable event - bidding farewell to fellow Parky Players was difficult but lots of promises of meeting up again at next year's event, which was confirmed as taking place in August 2025, when the organisers expect even more than this year's 88 participants.
My thanks to my ever-patient coach Elaine Forbes, fellow St Andrews' Rascals, sundry well-wishers, and my extremely supportive family.
Brendan
