Amir is top of the table again

EYES ON THE PRIZE . . . Amir Hussain displays his all-action style. Picture: Ted Cottrell

TABLE TENNIS: HOT on the heels of his double-gold success in the Primary Schools International Championships, talented Amir Hussain has taken another top award.

The Oldham youngster justified his top seeding as he won the under-11 boys’ category at the Butterfly Schools’ National Table Tennis Championships in Tipton. The 11-year-old was in top form throughout the group and knock-out stages.

He eased through to the final to face third seed Joshua Weatherby, and he promptly swept aside his opponent in three straight sets (11-8, 11-7, 11-8).

The success made up for the disappointment of 12 months ago when he was knocked out at the last-four stage.

“I feel proud,” said Hussain. “I lost in the semi-finals last year, so it feels good to do better.”

Hussain was also the boy to beat in the recent home internationals in Blackburn.

He helped England retain the team title and then overcame Wales’ Joseph Roberts to clinch the

individual crown. The Greenacres Primary School pupil beat Weatherby in the semi-finals.