England call up for Davis (From Stroud News and Journal)

England call up for Davis

STELLA DAVIS celebrated her call-up to the England Under-19s by defeating the England number one seed.

Davis,17,who plays for Whiteshill in the Stroud League said: "When I got my letter from the English Schools Table Tennis Association I couldn't stop smiling. But without the support of my friends, family, table tennis clubs and my school I wouldn't be where I am now. Especially the Support I have received from my sponsor Errol Johnson and his company Stantek Electronics, who have provided me with top quality training equipment, therefore allowing me to reach and play to potential."

Last weekend she travelled to Stoke with the support of both her parents (with her dad - John Davis - coaching her throughout the day, consequently playing a big part in her success). The St. Peters schoolgirl represented both her county and her school playing with four groups of five girls.

The day started well with Davis going through her group unbeaten and gaining a bye into the quarter- finals, where she came up against the England number one seed from Berkshire.

Playing the best of five games, Davis lost the first two games 11/6 and 11/9. Game three went Stella's way 11/8 and in the fourth game 11/9. Game five was the match of the day, with Davis clinching the final game 11/5, to much applause by the crowds watching.

In the semi-final Davis played the England number four seed, but this time scores were reversed, and Davis going down 3-2 to Sarah Perks, who eventually went on to win the final.

"I was overwhelmed when I beat the number one, as everything was stacked against me, it felt so good. I played as well as I could, and Sarah Perks played out of her skin, I was just pleased she went on to win in the final."