The focus of attention in the early part of the week will be, as ever, on the Suffolk Closed Singles and Doubles events, enhanced by the superb performance of our Men at Hunstanton recently when they produced yet another outstanding performance to earn promotion to Group 2. Their inspirational captain Jeremy Cowley is never one to rest on his laurels, and he will be out to capture the Men’s Singles title for a remarkable 5th successive year.
Last year’s runner-up Matthew Hough is once again expected to make the final, and will be keen to improve on his 2010 reverse of 3-6 2-6. The favourites are not likely to have it all their own way, however, with the likes of Myles Orton and Dominic Hemy, key members of that successful County Week side, fully capable of some great tennis on their day. An interesting inclusion in the draw is veteran Ian Moore, former Men’s County Captain and a five-times winner in 1980, ’82,’83,’84 and ’85, making a very welcome return to the event.
Like Cowley, Lydia Green defends her Suffolk Ladies’ title, though will need to be at her very best against the likes of second favourite Katie Tassell (nee Bull), Katie winning her first Closed Championship in 1989, then amassing a superb total of seven titles over the next twenty years, the last one in 2009.
Last year’s runner-up Kari Sherington, twice-champion Louise Rogers and Maddison Jones are other players who should make an impression.
Jeremy Cowley and George Harris head the Men’s Singles “A” and “B” events, with Lucy King and Karen Woodrow the expected finalists in an open-looking Ladies’ Singles competition. The highly popular Grade 3 Junior event is an integral part of the week, of course, with the various age-group Singles and Doubles events again attracting a mammoth entry of young talent, with the Veterans’ events completing the “family” feel of this very special tennis event.
Top seeds in the Boys’ Singles events are Robert Camplin (18U), Darren Kappala-Ramsamy (16U), Luke Hammond (14U/12U), Jake Davey (10U), and in the Girls’ the favourites are : Olivia Nicholls (18U), Kitty McWhirter (16U), Ella Monsey (14U), Nia Braidford (12U), and Rose Thomas (10U). All the draws are bursting with highly talented and accomplished performers, and there are bound to be a number of hard-fought and entertaining encounters as these young hopefuls battle it out for those highly precious ranking points.
The Veterans too are sure to provide some great tennis to watch throughout the week, and their sheer enjoyment of the game is an example to all. Players to watch are Nick and Jill Crown, Margaret Fincham, Colin Stephenson, Joan Hassell, Mark Nicholls, Keith Palmer, Mark Peters, James Booth and Mike Ellis, and many, many others ! The fact that the majority of these players have competed at Framlingham for more years than they might like to remember, clearly shows what they all think of this special tournament.
On a sad note, I have to report that Tournament Referee Gordon Blake has been unwell lately, and fate has cruelly denied him the opportunity to referee the event for what was to be his final and thirty-second year. Gordon is now on the mend, and I’m sure all players, parents, officials and followers of county tennis wish him a speedy and successful recovery. In the meantime, the Committee will de doubling their efforts to ensure “normal service as usual”.