Local open table tennis tournaments are being swallowed up by the National British Grand Prix circuit which consists of 12 events, plus five satellites and a final.

The latest local casualty is the Hollington Open run at Hastings for many years. It has been axed due to lack of entries.

At Hove, concern has returned about the future of the Brighton Newman Two Star Opens, junior and senior, normally run in April.

A fresh attempt by Brighton League chairman Brian Pettitt to get a sponsor has failed, so unless a new benefactor emerges those two Hove events scheduled for next April could be cancelled.

On the other hand the Grand Prix circuit flourishes, with many players turned away.

Cost is a major factor. England number one veteran Nigel Eckersley (Uckfield) said: "To spend a weekend away costs me and my doubles partner the best part of £200 to cover the cost of accommodation, food and petrol." Eckersley decided for cost reasons not to travel to Solihull last weekend for the pre-season tournament after deciding to enter the Cheltenham Grand Prix (August 26-27) instead.

At Solihull on Sunday I watched 60 competitors using the new, larger 40mm ball for the first time. Most players did not find it too difficult, although several the ball pops up rather like a bouncer in cricket.

Amongst the winners at Solihull was 62-year-old Bexhill veteran Martin Chinn. He is also a useful all-round player possessing a top-spin attack and a defensive ability that saw him win the group three event. Prior to Solihull he spent two nights sleeping rough in a hired van having driven to the Midlands after visiting relatives in Scotland.