Site Products
Paul Drinkhall (right) with Sandra DEATON, the Chair of Table Tennis England, Photo: Alex LOMAEV

European Table Tennis Championships: Paul Drinkhall in Footsteps of True Legend

Paul Drinkhall in Footsteps of True Legend
By: Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Courtesy of ETTU

Unbeaten on the first two days of play at the Liebherr 2015 ITTF-European Championships in the Russian city of Ekaterinburg, there was a well-deserved reward for England’s Paul DRINKHALL on the morning of the third day of action.

He received the Johnny LEACH Most Improved England Player of the Year Award; the presentation was made by Sandra DEATON, the Chair of Table Tennis England.

The award is made in the name of player who is a true legend not only of table tennis but of sport; in the 1950s and 1960s Johnny LEACH was a household name.

He stood alongside the great English sporting personalities of the era; the direct result of winning the Men’s Singles title at the World Championships in both 1949 and 1951, whilst being a member of the outfit that won the Swaything Cup in 1953, the only time England has ever secured the title.

Sadly he passed away on Thursday 5th June 2014, he was 91 years old.

A prestigious award, the accolade acknowledges the success gained by Paul DRINKHALL in the past 18 months.

Last April, he won the Men’s Singles title at the GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Spanish Open in Almeria; later in the year in Ekaterinburg, he was the runner up at the GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour, Airports of Regions Russian Open.

Overall, the effect was that he qualified for the prestigious US$ 1,000,000 GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals in Bangkok where he acquitted himself admirably as he has done this year in Baku at both the NN Table Tennis Club 2015 ITTF Europe TOP 16 and the European Games.

“Paul has made the effort, he is motivated, he works so hard and most importantly he has shown a determination to improve”, said Sandra DEATON, who has been very much at the helm of a period of history in English Table Tennis when re-structuring has been necessary.

“He has travelled to ITTF World Tour tournaments on his own initiative, I congratulate Paul for the endeavour he has shown”, added Sandra Deaton. “He has now played for a long time and still he shows a passion for the sport; he is a very able and talented player and I think now, more and more he believes in himself.”

Now 25 years old, married to the Joanna, the former Joanna PARKER with a son, Douggie; Paul DRINKHALL was earmarked by none other than the 1971 World champion, Stellan BENGTSSON, in 1999 as arguably Europe’s brightest prospect.

“Now, it’s even harder for Paul with having a family, he has to spend time away from home”, continued Sandra Deaton. “In fact I’ve been having trouble finding a time to make the presentation; that’s why we did it here today!”

At last Sandra DEATON caught up with Paul Drinkhall; in the shadow Johnny LEACH, the award was made; a memorable moment in Ekaterinburg.

Watch the 2015 ITTF European Table Tennis Championships Live
September 25 – October 4, 2015
Ekaterinburg, Russia
Entry Lists: Team, Individuals

Visit ETTU TV on LAOLA1.tv

Visit ETTU.org and ITTF.com for results, videos and more information on the 2015 European Championships.

Latest News

Be Part of the MLTT Rally Crew

August 29, 2025
(by: Major League Table Tennis) Bring your energy and love for the game Major League Table Tennis kicks… Read More

When Do Most Errors Happen?

August 29, 2025
Robot plays short backspin to Backhand, Jhon Backhand push to long Backhand, robot plays very spinny topspin to… Read More

Back Up a Little Bit More

August 27, 2025
Robot plays short backspin ball to Forehand, Jhon Forehand push to long Forehand, robot plays very spinny topspin… Read More

My Road To The 2025 US National Champion by Sally Moyland

August 26, 2025
(by Sally Moyland) I was leading 3:1 in sets in the women’s single final at the US National… Read More

Take the Ball Off the Bounce

August 25, 2025
Robot plays short backspin to Forehand, Jhon Forehand push to long Forehand, robot plays very spinny topspin to… Read More

Eleven Tips For Playing Against a Quicker Opponent

August 25, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) We’ve all had those matches where the opponent was just quicker, and we felt rushed… Read More

Jessie Xu – Valuable Learning Experience at Junior Pan Am Games

August 25, 2025
(by Bowmar Sports) Jessie Xu recently returned from representing Canada at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in… Read More

Americans Shine at Junior Pan Am Games

August 25, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) The 2025 Junior Pan American Games wrapped up last week in Asunción, Paraguay, with solid… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.