Following the “Women in Table Tennis 1988” Seminar organised by Jose Ransome and held in August 1988, the Women’s British League (WBL) was born, and the first weekend was held in April 1989 at Burton-on-Trent.
The WBL was the first-ever, and still the only, all female ETTA table tennis competition.
This year’s competition sees the 25th anniversary of the event with 34 teams contesting five divisions at the Doncaster Dome with the power houses of the British circuit going toe to toe.
Ormesby TTC could not have wished for a better start as they ended the first weekend with five wins in as many games. Despite this, they still have plenty to do with Draycott and Long Eaton and Halton TTC only three points behind the leaders. With the likes of Angharad and Megan Phillips along with Emma Vickers still standing in the path of Ormesby, there is still plenty to play for.
Byng Hall A’s aspirations of promotion to the Premier Division came closer to reality after four wins and a draw left them two points clear at the top of Division 1. However, Poole Ladies are within striking distance of Byng Hall and will have to maintain their form from the first weekend to ensure glory come Sunday evening.
No matter what the result is for the teams in question, the success of the WBL seems set to continue for many years to come, providing women with regular opportunities in sport.
Editors Notes:
English Table Tennis Association (ETTA)
ETTA is the lead nation for the British Table Tennis Federation which consists of the four home nations and is formed for selection of the Great British squad for Olympic Games.
Table tennis has over 300 million participants worldwide, making it one of the world’s highest participation sports.
Some 2.4 million people play table tennis within the UK (British Market Research Bureau).
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