IN an unprecedented week for Jersey’s table tennis stars, they managed to add yet another gold to an already stellar Island Games.
The men’s doubles duo of Luc Miller and Jordan Wykes have a storied history together, and duly defended their crown from Gibraltar four years ago.
It was a dominant performance throughout from the Caesarean pair, dropping only a single game from six matches – against Guernsey’s Garry Dodd and Ben Foss in the semi-final.
Miller said: ‘We are really happy obviously. We won this together four years ago in Gibraltar and it was a big aim of ours to defend that crown.
‘In the semi and final we got off to a slightly shaky start, but we have so much belief in one another. We have known each other for well over ten years, so we know each other’s games well.
‘There were a couple of difficult moments in there, but having a coach like Miguel [Freitas] really gives us a lift. He’s very animated and brings a lot of energy, which is a massive help to us all.
‘We are happy to have him on our side and the work he has done has been incredible.’
For Wykes, there was a little added bite to the final, as they went up against Gotland’s top two, including Max Hedbom, who beat the Islander in the men’s singles one day earlier.
‘I lost to Max in the final of the men’s singles, so I said to Luc that it would be great if we could get to the doubles final and get some revenge,’ said Wykes.
‘I’m really grateful that, alongside Luc, we got that opportunity.
‘We were slightly nervy coming out against Guernsey in the semi, but, once we got into it, me and Luc clicked very well and started to play some really good table tennis.’
Jersey came very close to a second gold in the women’s draw with Hannah and Kathryn Silcock teaming up.
The pair and number one seeds, won every single match 3-0 en route to the final, including against the fourth seeds from Greenland in the semis.
However, they came up against familiar foes in the gold medal match – Alice Edwards and Dawn Morgan from Guernsey.
The Guernsey tandem had to settle for silver in the team event behind the Caesareans and exacted revenge for the first Sarnian gold in table tennis at their home Games.
Elsewhere, Leon Pierre and Alfie Sutherland were also in action.
They got through the group stages with a win and a loss, but fell to the number two seeds from Greenland in the last 16.
There will be more medal opportunities for Jersey’s table tennis squad in the mixed doubles on the last day of the Games today.
Wykes teams up with women’s singles champion Hannah Silcock, while Luc Miller will seek glory alongside Hannah’s sister, Kathryn.
