Table Tennis: Redfearn, Alison fall short at NZ Open Veterans

Northland's veteran table tennis players were on form on the national stage. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

Northland duo Don Redfearn and Fleming Alison fell short in their quest for back to back titles at the NZ Open Veterans Table Tennis Championships.

The pair fell to Australians Case de Bondt and Jim Furness in the over 80 men's doubles at Taupo Events Centre.

In a replay of the 2017 final, de Bondt and Furness reversed their fortunes in a tough battle between the opposing duos to claim the gold medal.

The over 80 division wasn't the only event in which Redfearn and Alison were a force, making their way to the final of the over 75 competition as well.

It was an improvement on last year's efforts where they were knocked out in the semifinals but again they had to settle for a silver medal.

Another Northland pairing, Grant Jones and Jorg Weinland, competed in the over 40 and over 50 divisions but were unable to progress to the final stages.

Redfearn said all they all enjoyed Taupo and table tennis should be played more by people.

"We agree it is great to play in these events that provide the opportunity to play with some of the top players in Oceania," he said.

"Table tennis is a sport that most have played at some stage of their life and it is a great way of keeping fit.

"The playing conditions at the Northland Table Tennis Centre are world class with 11 tables in operation. If you are free to come down for club nights, come and try us out.

"We're sure you'll enjoy the game."

Northland Table Tennis caters for all different age groups and levels of play. Club nights are held on Wednesday (from 6.45pm) and the veterans play on Monday and Friday between 12.30 and 3pm.