Belle Vue Leisure Centre saw the first Babolat Masters touchtennis competition in the region, Sunday July 15 2012.
With 26 entries, the field was a mix of players from beginner standard to international and this is the best thing about touchtennis because anyone can compete and run the big guns to the wire.
Michael Hume, who organised the event put the singles first and for most, it was about getting the serve in that was going to be the biggest challenge. The area is slightly smaller than a mini tennis red court and the service line seems really close to the net, which means even the 100mph serves need to find a way to snap down in the box. Particularly when you only have 1 serve means it's a battle between the 'jump serve', 'to plop over' or just 'get it in!' Once the players warmed up it was the jump or snap serve that allowed the players to nearly bounce the serves over their opponents head and be guaranteed their service game. This was massively entertaining and over the day saw everyone improve because the players were making each other get better and better!
In the end it was Sean Anderson who proved too strong for Jo Cunliffe in the final of the singles. Sean takes home a winners cheque for £120 and Jo £80. Not bad for a day of fun, sweat and banter!
The doubles was a close encounter but Aidan and Phil Givens took the title from Sam and Michael.
This was the first event of its kind and everyone was buzzing (and slightly exhausted from some of the 3 set battles!) and we cannot wait until the next one arrives on our North East corner!
Amy Phillips who is from Stockton was a particular highlight. Phillips is a footballer by trade and has had very little tennis experience so was probably the true 'rookie' of the day,
"It was a brilliant day. I enjoyed it a lot and its actually better than footy in terms of all over workout. I felt as though I used every muscle and bone in my body! It was a real laugh too so I can't wait to get more practice in for the next one."
See some videos here,
Charlotte and Amy Point 1
Charlotte and Amy Point 2
Heather gets her serve in play!
Doubles Point 1
Doubles Point 2