Saturday the 18th of August 2012 witnessed the Finals Day of the 11th Annual Open Aberaeron Tennis Tournament. The event is a firm fixture both in the town’s calendar and amongst tennis players throughout South Wales. This year the event attracted entrants across South Wales and as far as London and Kent.
The Open Tournament is an excellent opportunity for local players to compete and obtain ranking points at an LTA sanctioned competition held in Ceredigion. The event is also unique in that the Open tournament is held at the same time as a Junior and Veterans competition.
The Men’s Open Final was an extremely competitive match. Gareth Evans-Jones from Aberaeron Tennis Club, and a previous winner, faced Cardiff Castle player Maelor James. Maelor who had won the Men’s title in 2010 and 2011 was successful for the third consecutive year winning 7-5;6-4. Gareth however partnered by Llandrindod Wells resident Altair Stone gained revenge later in the afternoon beating Maelor, partnered by Rhodri Davies, in the men’s open doubles.
Though the tournament had been adversely affected by rain during the week, the tournament referee and former Wimbledon umpire Colin Haldenby had ensured by Finals Day all matches had been completed. The organisers were delighted that the weather on Finals Day remained dry with sunshine on the Saturday afternoon. A large crowd had gathered to witness the Open Ladies Final which saw mother and daughter from Cardiff pitted against each other. Daughter, in the form of Lowri James beating her mother and former Wales International, Rhian Griffiths 6-2:7-5. Lowri along with her sister Buddug was also successful in the Ladies doubles, and in the Open Mixed Final partnered by Maelor James.
Succesful in the Men’s Masters Event (over 45) was Martin Sharp from London beating Bob Lycett 6-4 6-4. Both are regular visitors to the tournament. Rhian Griffiths gained some comfort to losing the Open Ladies Event by winning the Ladies Masters.
Throughout the week Aberaeron Tennis Club witnessed approximately two hundred matches. The new format this year dedicated the mornings to the Junior Tournament which saw local young players being extremely successful. The highly competitive under 14 Boys event saw Brochan Simmons from Llechryd beating Aberaeron youngster Liam Feloni in an extremely close encounter. Liam managed also to reach the final of the Open Men’s Plate event. Tom Philips from Aberystwyth won the under 16 Boys event beating Daniel Jones from Abergavenny.
Nigel Davies from Aberaeron Tennis Club, and tournament organiser congratulated all the winners and commented “ The high standard of tennis provides an opportunity for Aberaeron to witness good competitive tennis. The Junior event provides evidence of great potential for the future. The event’s success is highly dependant on a strong local committee of dedicated individuals who ensure the success on court is matched by a week of succesful social events”.
Results
Mens Singles : Winner : Maelor James
Runner-up : Gareth Evans-Jones
Plate Winner : Bob Lycett
Ladies Singles : Winner : Lowri James
Runner-up : Rhian James
Mens Doubles : Winners : G Evans-Jones & A Stone
Runners-up : R Davies & M James
Plate Winners : Bob Lycett & Martin Sharp
Ladies Doubles : Winners : Buddug & Lowri James
Runners-up : Rhian James & Laura Stalbow
Plate Winners : Eiddwen Jones & Menna Heulyn
Mixed Doubles : Winners : Maelor & Lowri James
Runners-up : Martin Sharp & Rhian James
Plate Winners : Darren Phillips & Laura Stalbow
Mens 45 & over Singles Winner : Martin Sharp Runner-up : Bob Lycett
Ladies 40 & over Singles Winner : Rhian James
Runner-up : Eiddwen Jones
Mens 45 & over Doubles Winners : Bob Lycett & Martin Sharp
Runners-up : Nigel Davies & Allan Edwards
Ladies 40 & over Doubles Winners : Anne Hubbard & Jan Williams
Runners-up : Sue Abbott & Eiddwen Jones
Mixed 100 Doubles Winners : Martin Sharp & Rhian James
Runners-up : Nigel Davies & Menna Heulyn
Plate Winners : Hywel James & Sue Abbott
Boys 12 & under : Winner : Dafydd James Runner-up : Kieran Jenkins
Consolation Winner : Morgan Hughes
Boys 14 & under : Winner : Brochan Simmons Runner-up : Liam Felloni
Girls 14 & under : Winner : Buddug James Runner-up : Shaunna Jenkins
Boys 16 & under : Winner : Tom Phillips Runner-up : Daniel Jones
Consolation Winner : Liam Felloni
Girls 16 & under : Winner : Buddug James Runner-up : Megan Hickland
Junior 16 Doubles : Winners : Dafydd James & Liam Felloni
Runners-up : Geraint Davies & Brochan Simmons