FRIDAY night saw the second of seven matches in Okehampton's weekly Grand Prix competition.
Competition was again close in the opening round's exchanges.
Okehampton's John Squire had to fight all the way before beating Geoff Hawes 21-12 in the deciding set, as did Exeter Leagues' Barry Denner as he pulled off a great straight sets win over Plymouth league first division player Steve Dickenson. Steve's form returned to win his remaining group games to reach the semis along with group winner Barry.
In the other half of the draw things were going comfortably for last week's winner Geoff Davis. Straight sets wins ensured his progress through to the semi final for an encounter with group two runner-up Steve Dickenson, whom he defeated 21-12, 21-15 to reach the final.
Bob Easton had eased his way as group runner-up to Davis to play Barry Denner in his semi and ran out a comfortable 21-16, 21-11 winner to set up a final clash with Davis.
In another exciting final, the different styles of the two players combined to produce some long and tight rallies.
Okehampton's Davis played the more aggressive strokes, but was often caught out by the dogged defence of Easton and his powerful hits, which enabled Easton to take a commanding lead in the first set only to see it lost to Davis 22-20 in the first. Almost unbelievably for Easton, the second set again saw him take control only for Davis to snatch the set again 22-20, to take the match and win the evening's event.
Leading positions after round two: Geoff Davis 133, Bob Easton 90, Barry Denner 51.5, Stuart Ross 35, Geoff Hawes 21.5.
Okehampton Table Tennis Club provides the finest table tennis venue in the South West and is open for membership to adults and juniors of all ages and abilities. For membership information or details of the grand prix series telephone Paul Watson on 01837 55104 or Duane Elliot on 07799 840987.