Last Easter weekend, the second Oxfordshire Veterans Tournament took place indoors at Virgin Active, the Oxfordshire Health & Racquets Club. This growing event has encouraged more adults to start competing in tennis competitions whatever their age.
As a Grade 4 LTA sanctioned tournament, this event attracted some of the Countries top veteran players. Players travelled from London, Surrey, South Wales and even Yorkshire.
The 45’s singles title was retained by Mark Rowe (ranked no. 6 i
n Britain) beating Wantage’s Jeremy Wood in the final.
Home success for Virgin Active came from Elena Nomerotskaia who partnered the experienced Adrian Roberts to beat off strong pairs from Maidenhead to win the Mixed event.
The 55’s singles title was won by Jon Merrifield from Cholsey. With the points gained from this event, Jon will move up to be top 30 ranked in Britain in this age group.
The match of the tournament was in the 60’s singles, where Mike Bottomley from Maidenhead beat Tom Peterson from Bracknell in a thrilling 6-7, 7-6, 10-8 match. Mike’s win cements his national ranking at number 10. Tom had the consolation of winning the 65’s mens singles.
Woodstock’s Bob Coomber and Richard Corfield showed their steadiness to win the Mens 60’s doubles event.
There was even time for a Kids and Vets competition which was won by Fernando and ‘El Nino’ Torres from David Lloyd.