Adrian Moore is the new Sussex champion after defeating Ritchie Venner in a tense final at Fontwell.

The 37-year-old Sussex No.2 defeated top seed Venner 11-4, 8-11, 4-11, 11-3, 11-9.

Moore won the title seven times between 1981 and 1994 but has not played in the championship for ten years because he disliked the venues.

Venner, trying for his ninth title, said: "Adrian played attacking table tennis in his usual swashbuckling style.

"The playing conditions at Fontwell were excellent and I shall be back again next year."

The four top seeds reached the semi-finals. Venner knocked out Nigel Eckersley, the England No. 4 veteran, and Moore stormed passed top spinner Peter Bartram.

Eckersley earlier knocked out holder Mayur Majithia (Crawley).

Meanwhile, Rose Rainton (Bexhill) cruised to her seventh Sussex crown, winning the gold medal 11-4, 11-5, 11-9 against Sarah Stedman (Arundel) who possesses one of the best service actions in Sussex.

Venner's consolation was winning the men's doubles title with Majithia against Bartram and Andy Walker, both from Worthing.