Sutton has two reasons to be cheerful on the table tennis table after a double win at the London regional finals of the Jack Petchey Foundation School Championships.

Isabelle Joubelly, 12, from Wallington High School for Girls won the U13 singles title at Stanley Park High School last week.

Meanwhile, not to be outdone, Michael Ho, from Wilson’s School, claimed the U19 singles title.

Joubelly, who has been playing table tennis for five years, said “I enjoy everything about the sport, the training, playing and meeting new people.

“The event was tough, but I like the fact you get to meet lots of players from other London schools.”

The competition brought together 100 players from 18 schools from Bromley, Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Sutton.

Michael has been playing for over seven years, he said: “I really enjoy the competitive aspect of the sport, especially when I win.

"But I also find table tennis relaxing, it really helps you forget about your day and you feel a lot better after playing. 

"It’s great to be the top U19 player in south London. I can’t wait for the final.”

The Jack Petchey London Schools’ Table Tennis Championships initiative is hosted by the English Table Tennis Association (ETTA).  The competition is designed to get more young people interested in playing the sport at school for fun and also to compete.  It involves individual and team competitions open to boys and girls in full-time education at U11, U13, U16 and U19 age groups.  All winners progress to the Jack Petchey London School’s Singles Finals on Saturday June 18 at the University of East London.