I am sat here reporting on another successful David Lloyd Teesside Open; we seem to be growing year on year with nearly 130 entries in 2013.
We had great weather all week which always helps the mood and the quality of tennis. Lots of parents managed to top up on their tan which is an unexpected bonus in Teesside!
We had great draws in most of the events, one of the most exciting was the 9&Under boys and girls, with 20 entries and people attending from Buckinghamshire and Cumbria. The boys event was eventually won by local competitor Manoj Manipalle who played a great final, and the girls tournament was won by our home grown talent in the form of Cheri Darley! Well done !!!
The tennis was of a great standard all week and for the first time ever we ran a Men's and Women's and Mixed Open Events. These events were held on the evening, some played under the floodlight which had an almost US Open night match feel to them. The Mens had a 16 draw with the number one seed travelling from Yorkshire, only to put out first round by Clarke Beagrie, a member at the club who had the match of his life. The men's tournament was eventually won by Patrick Robinson in an epic final with swings and sways but ended with Andrew Greaves retiring with cramp. Patrick also won the mixed with Yasmin Tanfield, they were both very clinical from start to finish.
I am really looking forward to next year and to all the winners pictured returning and defending their David Lloyd Teesside title.
8&Under Mixed - Harrison Girot
9&Under Boys - Manoj Munipalle
9&Under Girls - Cheri Darley
10&Under Boys - Oliver Stone
10&Under Girls - Cara Todd
12&Under Boys - James Parkin
12&Under Girls - Maddy Virgo
14&Under Boys - Callum Todd
14&Under Girls - Halle Pringle
16&Under Boys - John McIntyre
16&Under Girls - Brogan Ellen Woodward
18&Under Boys - Thomas Hollingworth
Women's Open - Jill Griffths
Mixed Open - Patrick Robinson & Yasmin Tanfield
Men Open - Patrick Robinson
This is all thanks to you, the players of Durham and Cleveland and of course the Parents for ferrying them around!!
- Alan Smith, DL Teesside Open Organiser