Gerrards Cross LTC Junior and Senior Open Tournament LTA Grade 3 August 6th to 11th 2012
The 33rd Annual Tournament had over 270 players entered travelling from all over the country (Yorkshire to Dorset) and including over 40 club members . A record breaking over 45 different clubs were represented in the finals of the 24 different events ! Fortunately the weather was fantastic for the last three days so the clubs’ rejuvenated grass courts were used plus other courts at Gayhurst School and Chalfont St Peter Tennis Club. Players were aged from 7 to 35 with events in various age groups from Red under 8 to adult men s and ladies singles. As always the standard of play was extremely high; local players took a smaller share of the honours. The format of the tournament is a two x three day programme allowing players to concentrate on the one age group before playing the next or having a rest.
Hannah Brett from Bracknell won both Ladies and under 16 titles first defeating Holly Horsfall Thongsbridge the number two seed twice in the semi finals 6-3 6-1 and 7-6 6-3. Hannah has great power from the baseline and fast movement. Louise Ronaldson from Riverside Chiswick the number 1 seed also won through to the two finals but after five great performances she damaged her elbow ligaments and had to retire at 5-0 down (she could hardly grip her racket). Renato Pesce travelled from Sardinia in Italy to train and compete in UK. He picked GXLTC tournament because he knew he d have opportunity to play many matches. His attacking baseline play was very impressive; he won through to two finals losing to Akash Kansagra from DL Milton Keynes in the under 18 final and playing on grass for the first time. He clearly learnt from his loss because he beat Jack MacFarlane in the under 16 final again on grass 6-1 6-1. Sisters Holly and Scarlet Hutchinson from Middx made it a family double by winning the U14 and under 10 singles respectively. Ben Smith from Great Missenden won the boys under 10 Green without losing a game i.e. he won all matches 4-0 4-0 ! This shows his hard work and dedication really does make a difference ! George Coomber (GXLTC) won an unbelievable under 8 Red final against Bobby Hornby from North Oxford 16-14 ! Each player had four match points dominated by big serving before George managed to win the decisive point. Oliver Webb won the mens singles for a second time beating Tom Miller (Gt Missenden) last years’ runner up. Oliver beat Luke Willis in the quarter finals and faced a stiff test against Erik Konig from Slovakia in the semis. The match went the whole distance with great attacking play by both players 6-3 5-7 10-8. The final was just as aggressive, Tom’ s serve volley and approach play proved very effective against Olivers ‘ big serve and forehand. Both players compete in the USA while studying for degrees; neither giving an inch on line calls. Tom broke serve once to win the first set but Oliver fought back and won the second set tie-break 7-3. The third set climaxed with a great backhand passing shot to give Ollie a break of serve to go 6-5 up. A large crowd at the end of the week were held in suspense when Ollie went 0-40 on his serve but with two huge first serves and two big forehands he was able to take the match 5-7 7-6 7-5. Other local winners were Claudia Marsala from Halton HP Centre and Ethan Hague with his partner Cameron Reid from Chesham 1879 won a great Green final in three sets against Tom Brook (Berkhamstead) and Ferdi Maintzer (Halton). GXLTC also got a win in the boys under 12 doubles where Dan Buckeldee and George Emmins beat Beaconsfield Tennis Centre players Paul Phillips and Matt Gregson. Ex Maltmans Green pupil Lauren King-Sparke played very exciting tennis to beat very powerful Daphne Pratt from Park Langley club in Kent.
The Tournament was refereed by andy Scholfield with assistant referees Charlotte Thistle and Ella Scholfield and court supervisors Sam Scowen, Lauren Webb and GXLTC Academy Ambassador Gavin Robson. Prizes were awarded in all events including gift vouchers from GX Tescos.
The tennace Summer Holiday Camps now with an Olympic Twist continue for all children aged 3 to 16 call 07791912490 for more info.
The next junior competition is the two day tennace tournament on 3rd and 4th September.
The next adult event is the ITF International Veterans Competition for all young adults aged 40 upwards (singles and doubles) call 07875604872.