A glorious week of almost uninterrupted sunshine gave players ideal tennis playing conditions for the annual Open tournament which this year attracted 61 different competitors from 6 different counties. 126 matches were played throughout the week in 8, 9, 14 & 18 Years and Under Events.
Highlights of the week included a win in the additional 9 Years & Under event for Nailsea Club Member Ben Jones; due to a high number of entries in this category an extra tournament for players who have recently moved up in to this age group took place. Ben currently still qualifies for 8 Years & Under but due to his success in achieving the highest rating in this category is able to play up, facing players about 1 year older than him Ben played mature, steady tennis before winning the Final vs. Archie Colquhoun 7-5, 7-0 points.
Another local winner was Josie Vickers of Clevedon Tennis Club who added to her recent league success to win the 18 Years & Under Girls event, defeating Emma Drysdale of Bristol Redland, in two tight sets 7-5, 7-6.
The week ended with the Final of the 14 Years & Under Boys Event with an intriguing match-up between twin brothers Kurt and Max Lacount who train at the South West High Performance Centre, Bath University; both boys had efficiently progressed to the final and a close match was expected. With sibling rivalry and the title at stake a tense match was played out with Kurt edging the result 6-4, 6-4.
This year’s event was supported by Abacus Wealth Management, who also sponsors the clubs Junior Tennis activities; this support provided all Winners & Runners-Up with framed certificates to mark their achievements. Richard Edney, who jointly owns the company, came and watched all events throughout the week and said “It was a wonderful tournament, played in a great competitive spirit.” “It is a genuine pleasure for Abacus Wealth Management to be associated with such a well run club.”
Other 2011 Results –
8 Years & Under, Winner Matthew Rutter (Somerset), Runner Up Thomas Punt (Somerset)
9 Years & Under, Winner Harry Burrow (Somerset), Runner Up Dominic Boardman (Avon)
18 Years & Under Boys, Winner Tom Brady (Cornwall), Runner Up Alex Manton (Avon – Nailsea Tennis Club)
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