Veteran South Wales tennis player Chris Hill and his playing partner have successfully defended their British doubles title at Wimbledon.
Hill, from Abertillery, and Tony King of Birmingham, beat Bruce Young, who was a member of this year’s successful GB world championship winning team, and Scottish no 1 Russell Howat, 6-2 6-3.
This was Hill’s and King’s sixth consecutive British over-55 final together, and takes their tally to three British titles.
“This has fulfilled a lifetime ambition for me,” said Hill. “Winning a title at Wimbledon is very special.”
Both players also recently produced fine wins for the Seniors Club of GB against the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC).
Chris Hill is the school coach to Christ College Brecon and is also the Crickhowell Tennis Club’s head coach. In the South Powys area he teaches over 200 children per week with development help from Powys Sports Development department.
“Chris continues to be a real inspiration,” said Tennis Wales chief executive, Peter Drew. “Tennis is one of the few games that can be played competitively and recreationally at all ages.
“Clubs throughout Wales welcome players over 50 – not just those looking for competition, but especially those who want the social and health benefits of sport, even if they haven’t picked up a racket since school.
“With new ways to play, such as touch tennis and cardio-tennis, there has never been a better time for people over 50 to take up the game.
“Chris’ continuing success is a great motivator to older people considering taking up or returning to tennis.”