A Walker Primary School pupil has become the Under-11 Singles champion at the fourth annual Jack Petchey Foundation London Schools’ Table Tennis Singles Finals.

Amelia Chan, 11, who attends Walker Primary School in Southgate, came out on top in the Under-11 final.

Chan beat Lois Perryman from Bexley’s Eastcote School, 3-0 (11-7 12-10 11-9) and afterwards said: “I am quite happy and proud of myself.

“It’s good because you get to play other people and better players.”

More than 400 young table tennis players take part in school competitions and regional finals for the right to compete in the finals, with 93 progressing to the finals day at the University of East London.

The Jack Petchey London Schools’ Table Tennis competition is designed to get more young people playing the sport at school for fun and also to compete. It comprises individual and team competitions which are open to boys and girls in full-time education. The project also includes the donation of indoor and outdoor table tennis tables.

Jack Petchey CBE attended the event. The 88-year-old founded the Jack Petchey Foundation and is passionate about giving young people freedom and opportunity in sport. After a brief turn at the table, Petchey said: “I’ve been a fan of table tennis since my own youth. It’s a fantastic sport and I am delighted to see this partnership is paying off with more young Londoners taking part.”

Sara Sutcliffe, chief executive of Table Tennis England said: “The London Schools’ competitions, together with the table donation scheme and the support of the Jack Petchey Foundation, have seen a step change for table tennis in London Schools. “It’s been a real game changer for our sport and these events have become a highlight of our year. This programme is a winner and has significantly raised the standard of play in the London Region.”