16 June - Goldring lifts Open Singles Tournament 'Blue Ball' trophy for first time
In sporting terms, Roger Goldring 'came back for the dead' to win the annual Phyllis Court Open Singles day tournament for the first time last week
He took full advantage of an extended two-phase tournament format that allowed him to recover from an untypical lack-lustre start.
The six-player field for this top of the club tournament, which was only missing Charlie von Schmieder from its ranks, firstly contested an 'all play all' bock which would decide which four players would qualify for semi-finals and final.
At the lunch break, Goldring, the only player to have not won a single game in the morning session (though all three had gone to the 13th hoop), felt sure that he'd have to wait another year for a chance to get his name on the Blue Ball Trophy for the first time.
But after the break, he turned in a first win when he beat Helena Fensome, who'd had a magnificent morning session knocking aside all her opponents.
Then he managed a win against top seed Chris Roberts, who started well enough but then, frankly, bombed.
This concluded the all-play-all block stage, with Roberts and Goldring tied on two games wins for the crucial fourth qualification spot, and thanks to those narrow morning defeats, Goldring went through finals on net points.
Goldring continued his change of fortunes with another win over Helena Fensome, whilst on the other court Ian Norris had beat Mike Fensome.
In the Final, Goldring got off to a quick lead, and despite a rear-guard fight and good play from Norris, Goldring got home on the 12th hoop - thereby completing a real rags-to-riches tale for the day
He was presented with the Blue Ball title for the first time.
Finishing order: (1) Roger Goldring, (2) Ian Norris, (3=) Helena Fensome & Mike Fensome, (5=) Robin Coates & Chris Roberts