RAY Jackson tore up the script at the Cheshire Closed Table Tennis Championships.

Halton League's 57-year-old press officer wrote his own headlines with a surprise victory at Halton Stadium.

He has been taking the plaudits since capturing the men's singles title after a thrilling five-setter against Wayne Percival from Frodsham.

Halton colleague Ken Connor said: 'This success couldn't happen to a better guy - a true sportsman who is generous in defeat and modest in victory.'

Earlier in the tournament Jackson had enjoyed wins over Jonathan Taylor (Wirral), Altrincham's Phil Biggs, Jake Shaw (Warrington) and Northwich's James Eaton in the knockout stages after qualifying as a group winner.

Jackson was also runner-up in three other finals - narrowly losing to Tony Vaughan in the Over-40s singles and Biggs in the Over-50s singles while also partnering Halton men's singles champ Mark Roscaleer to the men's doubles final.

The borough pairing missed out in three tight sets to Wayne Percival & Steven Dean.

RESULTS Men's singles (Semi-finals): Wayne Percival (Frodsham) beat Mark Roscaleer (Halton) 10-12, 11-9, 13-11 and 11-7; Ray Jackson (Halton) beat Jonathan Taylor (Wirral) 12-14, 4-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-7. Final: Jackson bt Percival 6-11, 11-8, 11-6, 6-11, 11-6.

Men's doubles (Final): R ay Jackson & Mark Roscaleer lost to Wayne Percival & Steven Dean.

Veter ans Over 40 (Final): Ray Jackson lost to Tony Vaughan 6-11, 6-11, 9-11.

Veterans Over 50 (Final): Ray Jackson lost to P Biggs 5-11, 10-12, 10-12.