FORT Regent plays host to the 2024 Primary Schools International today through to Sunday, with eight Jersey hopefuls pitting their skills against the very best from neighbours Guernsey, as well as giants England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Three of the Jersey girls team that travelled for the 2023 instalment in Northamptonshire return for the home tournament.
Stand-out performer from last year, Ester Lewis, will look to build on a strong appearance, whereby she qualified from the group and defeated Cindy Xiao, ranked seventh in England at U13s.
Twins Ella and Ruby Devlin also return, as the former earned a bronze medal in the consolation draw last year, while débutante Maia Bowden will look to make a splash on the big stage.
Meanwhile, in the Boys team, keep an eye out forexciting prospect Jonty Porter, who also played in 2023 with Evan Ness, who also returns.
The two newcomers are Rory Quinn and James Cleverly.
Jersey Table Tennis Association vice president Paul Silcock said: “I think the girls have a really good chance at picking up a medal.
“They are all of really similar level and they are proving that they can compete with the very best.
“England will naturally be very strong, but I think our girls will hold their own against the bigger nations,” he said.
“Meanwhile, among the boys, Jonty Porter has shown to be very capable playing in the Island Championships and should give a good account of himself.
“But, first and foremost, it is a huge learning experience for our young players.
“We are welcoming some top players, who are already making an impact in European tournaments.
“So events like this are invaluable to our players, who really don’t get many chances to play elite opposition.”
The team events were scheduled to begin today at 4pm at Gloucester Hall, continuing through to tomorrow evening, while Sunday is reserved for the individual events.
