CHRIS Pointer, of Pirelli, proved himself the champion at the 60th Southampton Closed Tournament.

He won the first-ever men’s singles title when he defeated Snows’ Chris Wilshere in the final of the Southampton Table Tennis Association event at Snows Table Tennis Club.

But Wilshere claimed some consolation when he captured the veterans’ title for the second time by beating the holder and his club mate Chris Shetler.

Daily Echo:

And he also partnered Chris in the men’s doubles to beat fellow clubmate Maurice Shave and Norman Stagg.

In the close-fought men’s semi-finals, Pointer beat holder Chris Shetler and Wilshire overcame clubmate Maurice Shave.

The ladies’ singles final was won by Ann Longland for the third successive year – the forth time in all – when she beat Snows colleague Sue Hibberd.

In the only other final played on the night of February 10, 1999, Chris Shetler and Sue Hibberd took the mixed doubles titles by beating Norman Stagg and Ann Longland.