The event took place at the Club Ali Bey, Manavgat in Turkey from 12 – 18 October 2008, which was a magnificent facility with 60, yes that’s 60 red clay courts. This amount of courts was necessary as there were over 1000 competitors competing in the Seniors (Over 35 – 55) and the Super Seniors (Over 60 - 80). I arrived in Turkey on the 10th which gave me 2 days practise with my team mates, Francis Mackie (Surrey) and Linden Hardisty (Sussex), this was really beneficial to build team moral and get used to the courts as the red clay is so different to the clay we are used to in this country.
We were thrown in at the deep end as France were our opening day opponents. I played No 2 singles and lost to Christophe Janin in 2 close sets, while Francis Mackie lost to the French No 1, Frank Fevrier who is the current world champion in this age group. I partnered Linden Hardisty for the doubles but we lost a close match, which resulted in a 3-0 loss. We now had to win our 2 remaining group matches if we were to progress to the Q/F. Our second match was against Finland, I player No 2 singles and had a long match against Tuomas Kivisto in 30 degree heat which I narrowly won 7-5 in the third. I was really pleased with this win as at one stage I was a set and 4-2 down. Linden lost his singles by the same score, so at 1-1 it was all down to the doubles, which Linden and I won comfortably 6-1, 6-2. With an easy 3-0 win against Ireland on the next day we had qualified for the Quarter Finals.
Unfortunately the draw was not kind and we drew the No 1 seeds and defending champions Italy who were just too strong and beat us 3-0. During the Italy match I picked up an injury so was unable to play the next day in the 5th/6th play-off match against Austria, GB lost this match 3-0. Having missed the Austria game and there then being a rest day, I had recovered for our final match against Holland which was to decide 7th or 8th place. My opponent for this match was Mike Simon. I won the first set 6-0 playing great, I then relaxed and had a much tougher 2nd set which I narrowly won 7-6, 11 – 9 in the tiebreak saving a couple of set points. Linden was 2-1 up in the 3rd set of his match when his opponent pulled up lunging for a volley, so he had to retired injured. There was no need to play the doubles as the result was decided so our final position was 7th, a good result as our No 1 Francis Mackie was injured for the majority of the event.
Italy went on to defend their title beating France in the final.
I made so many new friends and learnt so much watching the best in the world compete, right up to the amazing age of 85. It was such a fantastic experience representing Great Britain, its one I will never forget and hopefully, one I will experience again in the near future.
Matt Coombes