The Annual Bryan Watts – Eddie Kirtland Autumn Singles Tournament was organised and competed for by Essex’s top Senior and invited Junior players at Redbridge Sports Centre, over the weekend of the 4th & 5th October 2014.
Jamie Willson and Graham Ray, referring to the exceptional standard of play throughout the weekend, congratulated all the players on their competitive attitude throughout the weekend. This annually held Essex event, has been run at the County Centre at Redbridge for several years and forms part of the overall team selection process for the forthcoming LTA Men’s Inter-County Winter Singles Championships, this year being held locally within Essex at Redbridge Sports Centre, where the Essex team will be competing in Division 2 of the nationally held event.
Local involvement included Harry Randle and Robert Carter from Thorpe Bay LTC, and both Andrew Berry and Darien Lamb from Westcliff Hardcourts LTC. Harry Randle having lost to Darien Lamb in his first match rallied to win the Playback Consolation Event in the ‘Compass Draw’ beating both George Gray and Joe Hall in the process.
The losing quarter finalists Playback Event involved the experienced Mark Klein playing the promising Alexander Chao. Mark Klein eventually emerged victorious winning 6-3, 6-2. Mark delved heavily into his vast experience to defeat his much younger and promising opponent.
The semi-finals were contested with Robert Carter, seeded No 1 in the event playing a new player to Essex Tennis, Henry Patten from Manningtree. Robert Carter always had the edge in experience due to his competition and match conditioning as a seasoned circuit player both nationally and abroad. Henry played extremely well and gave Robert his closest, most hard fought match on Robert’s way through to the final. The second semi-final was competed between Marshall Tutu and the returning to competition, Jared Linzell. This again was an extremely competitive match with Marshall the winner, again through his competition experience and consistent matchplay winning 6-4, 6-2. It was good to see Jared returning to tournament play after his lay off.
The Final was a repeat of the 2012 Final. The quality and power of the tennis was even better than in their previous meeting. After a close first set which Marshall Tutu won 6-4, Marshall held on to the second set 6-4 despite a tremendous power play onslaught from Robert. It is the first time that Marshall has won this prestigious event, a reward for his fine form throughout the 2014 Tennis Season.
The 3rd – 4th Place Playoff involving Henry Patten and Jared Linzell was an equally entertaining affair with the hard hitting Henry Patten tasting victory 6-4, 6-1.
Further Singles Events of this type are planned and are already in the Tennis Calendar for both February and April 2015.
This event again was well received by all the players and a tribute to the late Bryan Watts, a great supporter of Essex Tennis and fine player over the years, and current sponsor of Essex Tennis, Eddie Kirtland.
Pictured above: Marshall Tuto the Main Event Winner, receiving his prize from Jamie Willson, Men's Captain
Jamie Willson & Graham Ray