The VETTS Midlands Masters, held in Wolverhampton in October 2026, brought together table tennis players for one of the country's largest programme of veterans singles and doubles competition. It showcased the depth of talent and competitive spirit across the age ranges within the Veterans English Table Tennis Society (VETTS).
With events ranging from the Over-40s through to the Over-80s, the tournament provided players with the opportunity to compete against their peers, in a total of 23 singles and doubles events with 245 entrants.
Standout performances in the singles
In the men’s singles, Jason Ramage claimed the Over-50s title without dropping a set all weekend. Ritchie Venner took the Over-60s crown in a late come-back and close five-setter final (12-10 in the fifth) against Darren Griffin. Lorestas Trumpauskas won the Over-40s event with a 3-1 win over Adam Fuzes in the final, with Nigel Eckersley victorious in the Over-70s. The older age groups saw Dave Harvey win the Over-75s title and Brian Hill, a former England and European Junior Champion, take the Over-80s title.
The women’s singles also produced a strong set of winners. Larisa Titievskaja secured both the Over-40s and Over-50s titles, on both occasions in closely contested matches against Sara Williams. There was some consolation for Sara during the weekend when she was elected the VETTS Players' Player of the Year by fellow VETTS members in recognition of her remarkable achievements not only as a multiple VETTS Champion, but still holding a place in the Top 10 of England's senior Ladies.
Jane Vickers won the Over-60s, while Diane St Ledger took the Over-70s crown. Janet Brown emerged victorious in the Over-75s, and Sue Felstead completed the line-up of women’s singles champions by winning the Over-80s event.
Doubles success across the age groups
The doubles events added another dimension to the tournament, with partnerships combining experience and teamwork - and a few new pairings stepping up to the podium.
In the men’s doubles, a new partnership of Jason Ramage and Rajan Waterman won the Over-40s title, while Paul Giles and Andy Trott took the Over-50s championship. Ritchie Venner and Tim Dyson were victorious in the Over-60s, with Phil Bowen and David Tiplady winning the Over-70s event.
The Over-75s title went to Derek Holman and Stuart Seaholme, while Roy Norton and Brian Hill won the Over-80s open doubles event.
In the women’s doubles, Kinga Oryl and Sarah Horsnell won the Over-40s, with Sarah James and Gillian Richardson taking the Over-50s title. Di St Ledger and Jane Vickers claimed the Over-60s championship, while Janet Brown and Jenny Gillam won the Over-70s event.
The mixed doubles title went to Adam Fuzes and Sara Williams, with Mircea Neagu and Larisa Titievskaja finishing as runners-up.
Two titles
A special mention to those players who did a 'double' over the weekend: Larisa Titievskja (Women's Singles O/40s and O/50s); Jason Ramage (Men's Singles O/50 and Men's Doubles O/40); Ritchie Venner (Men's Singles and Men's Doubles Over 60s); Jane Vickers (Women's Singles and Women's Doubles Over 60s); Janet Brown (Women's Singles Over 75 and Women's Doubles Over 70); Brian Hill (Men's Singles and Open Doubles Over 80)
Consolation events provide more opportunities:
The consolation singles competitions ensured that players continued to have opportunities to compete throughout the tournament.
In the men’s events, Kevin Nicholls won the Over-40s, Manoj Gandhi the Over-50s, Ken Read the Over-60s, Michael Wilkins the Over-70s, Ian Brown the Over-75s and David Harse the Over-80s.
The women’s consolation winners were Sarah Horsnell in the Over-40s, Gillian Richardson in the Over-50s and Sophia Lim in the Over-60s. Jenny Ferguson won the Over-70s event, while Jean Morgan claimed both the Over-75s and Over-80s consolation titles.
Celebrating veterans table tennis:
The VETTS Midlands Masters once again highlighted the appeal of veterans table tennis, bringing together competitors across a wide range of ages and providing opportunities to enjoy both singles and doubles competition.
VETTS continues to offer players the chance to remain active in the sport, test themselves against fellow veterans and enjoy the camaraderie that is such an important part of the veterans table tennis community.
Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up, and thanks to tournament referee Cliff Bell, tournament organiser Adrian Jones and the valued team of volunteers who deliver these event.
The next VETTS Masters events will provide further opportunities for players to compete, reconnect with friends and enjoy table tennis throughout the season.
(Full roll of honour attached)
For tournament enquiries, contact tournaments@vetts.org.uk For more information about VETTS events, check out this website.
The VETTS is an independent table tennis society for players over the age of 40 to enjoy table tennis events in a friendly and competitive environment.