Congratulations to our members who reached the finals of the IOMLTA Veteran Championships last weekend. There will be some new names on the trophies this year. Kathy Yamasaki had a great tournament winning the Women's Singles over 45. Kathy also won the Mixed doubles over 35 with Nerijus Gricevicius. Neri was also runner-up in the Men's singles over 35 and won the over 35 Men's doubles partnering Neil Ronan (Castletown). Peter Dunworth beat Alistair Breed to take the Men's singles over 55 title, as well as being r/up in the Men's singles over 45. Ian Copley/Peter de Carte were r/up to "Pistol Pete" and Alastair Montgomerie in the Men's doubles over 45, Montgomerie also won Men's over 55 doubles with Phil Bannan and Roy Mclean (Albany & P Erin) was r/up in Men's over 75 singles. Well done everyone.
Your next event is the Albany/Chrystals OPEN Handicap which will be run over the weekend of 19/20 May. The format is different to previous years. On the Saturday it is Men's and Women's singles and Sunday is Men's and Women's doubles. Forms are available at the club. Entries to Ian Watson, close at 6pm Tuesday 15 May. Forms have also been sent to all our members and all other island clubs. This is a sliding handicap event so let's see if we can have a large entry. There are good cash prizes up for grabs. The club is grateful to Chrystals Estate Agents for again sponsoring this event.
This weekend the IOM Girls 14 & under team is playing Inter County Cup in Lytham St. Anne’s. The team is Charlotte Clarke, Aalish Kelly, Sarah Long and Caitlin Henery. Meanwhile Charlotte is hoping to play this month - 14 & under in Birchwood and 16 & under in Lancashire. She has to wait until entries close to see if she has been accepted. Tower Insurance Ltd are sponsoring her travel for these two events. Her ranking has moved up 20 places following her recent results and she is now ranked 229 in the girls 14 and under whilst regionally, North of England, she is ranked 34 in the 14 and under which is excellent since she is still only 12. So far she has been sponsored by Nedbank Private Wealth, a private sponsor and future events will be by Richmond Travel and Maggazino. Financial support for all our aspiring juniors needing to play in the UK is vital and the club coach is hoping to take a junior squad away during the summer but we are looking for sponsorship for 6 - 8 juniors. Any offers please contact Ian (496293) e-mail ianwatsonpts@manx.net or albanytennispr@manx.net or phone me on 861497 or 498597.
Good Luck to 13yr old Roch Mirski who will be playing in Shrewsbury in a grade 4 under 16 tournament this Bank Holiday weekend.