UCLan to host Junior and Cadet National Championships

Commonwealth Games silver medallist Tin-Tin Ho will be among the best young table tennis players in England vying to win a national title in Preston later this month.

Ho, who was only 15 when she won her mixed doubles medal alongside Liam Pitchford in Glasgow this summer, will be aiming to add the Junior National title to her accolades as the Junior and Cadet National Championships are held at UCLan's Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre (STFSC).

Opposing Tin-Tin will be the top U18 players in the country, including defending champion Maria Tsaptsinos, who caused an upset by beating Ho in last year's final. Also back to defend his Junior Boys’ title is England age-group player Helshan Weerasinghe, who this year claimed his first international singles title at the Madeira Open.

The two Cadet (U15) champions are also returning – Tom Jarvis in the boys and Kate Cheer in the girls. As well as boys and girls singles, there will also be doubles competitions in Preston.UCLan has already hosted several other international table tennis events, including a Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games warm-up match between England and Australia, at STFSC.

Manager Martin Baines said: "We are delighted to once again welcome international table tennis athletes to Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre and invite the local public to come along and see them in action. It's a great opportunity for people to see athletes from the Commonwealth Games compete right here on their doorstep and hopefully will help to boost table tennis interest in Lancashire."

The two day event, which takes place on the weekend of November 22/23, is open to the public and free to attend. Play will begin each day at 9.00am.

For more information on attending the event contact STFSC on 01772 895400 or email Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre.