Table tennis star Katz reflects on one of his “greatest achievements”

Dov Katz reflected back on one of his ‘greatest achievements’ in table tennis after he beat England’s eight ranked player on the way to winning the veteran men’s singles title at the Wembley & Harrow Table Tennis League’s annual Closed Championships.

Katz, who has regularly starred for GB at Maccabiah and European Maccabi Games, beat international Costas Papantoniou in the semi-finals, before beating Jeremy Banks in the final. He said: “Having beaten Costas en route to the title has to rank as one of my greatest achievements. Of course winning the semi wasn’t enough and I had to go on and then win the final against my team-mate and friend. It was a lovely moment winning in front of various significant dignatories including the local MP and the President of Table Tennis England, and of course my wife and two young sons.”

Hoping to secure more silverware in the not-too distant future, he said: “Next on the agenda is hopefully helping Maccabi secure a league and cup open double, but that will be a close and difficult call. This victory, coupled with my gold and two silvers at the European Maccabi Games in Berlin last summer, has given me the confidence to compete at the top level in the country in the veterans category for many years to come. Whilst I am probably playing the best table tennis of my life, even at 41 years of age, it is important that I keep my feet on the ground and continue to work hard and give respect to my opponents.

“At the moment I’m loving the sport and hope this victory can be a springboard for further success.”

Elsewhere in the competition, Joe Kaye won the junior boys’ singles title, and teamed up with Sammy Kaye to win the boys’ doubles competition.