This Grade 3 Tournament was played indoors at David Lloyd Basildon during the February half term week. A massive 283 competitors entered, from as far away as Ireland to Cornwall and Newcastle to Portsmouth. Due to lack of courts, this had to be reduced to about 240 players. It was however disappointing that there were so few Essex players.
The tournament ran very well with some excellent tennis. Pride of place must go to Sam Bayda (Westcliff Hardcourts) who won his first Grade 3 tournament in the 18 and under event. In the final he convincingly beat the No 2 seed, Jared Linzell. Jared had earlier won the 16 and under singles, beating an inspired Tom Hands (Stapleford TC), who, unseeded took advantage of Kane Patience, No 2 seed withdrawing through injury. Alexander Jones (Grove (Saffron Walden)) also played well all week just losing in the final to Ella Monsey (Ipswich Sports Centre).
Alex Groves, from the host club, showed real promise by winning the 10 and under event. He beat the No1 seed in a really tough match. In the girls 9 and under event (orange) it was an all Clearview (now Virgin Active) match with Arabella Moen just beating Abigail Michelow in the final.
The boy’s doubles events were very much an Essex affair. The 14 and under was won by Andrew Berry (DL Basildon)/Tom Pudney (Ipswich Sports Centre), beating Oscar Cutting (Culford Sports Centre) and younger brother, Ed Pudney.
The 18 and under proved to be another victory for the home club, with Robert Heaton and Mark Throp beating scratch pair of Robert Collins (Great Baddow)/Tom Hands (Stapleford Tennis Club).
The tournament was organised and refereed by Lesley and Ian Pitt.
See Results