Cardiff will host the first British Universities touchtennis tournament next spring, following the success of a special pre-Christmas event.
The festive-themed Cardiff University touchtennis tournament, hosted by Cardiff Lawn Tennis Club attracted 50 students to try out this new shorter form of the game, which is making the sport more accessible to players of all abilities.
Organisers have now confirmed the first British Universities touchtennis tournament will take place in Sophia Gardens on March 13 2013.
“Our Christmas event was a fantastic day all round,” said Simon Clarke, Tennis Development Manager (South Wales) at Tennis Wales, who coordinated the event. “Cardiff LTC kindly provided the courts and club for the afternoon, and the University tennis club provided mulled wine and mince pies!
“There were lots of positive comments from many who hadn’t played before. It is a brilliant way to introduce people into the game and is played in an environment that is enjoyable, relaxed and non-intimidating but can be competitive for those who want it to be!”
Results: 1st - Scott Thompson and Vivian Garcia; 2nd – Peter Burns and Ryan D Prosser; 3rd – Gary Hawke and Emma Underhill; 4th – Lauren Clarke and Jaz Whitaker.
The March tournament will be open to all universities, involving players of all abilities in mixed teams. Anyone interested in involving their college or university, should contact Rashid Ahmad at rashid@touchtennis.com
“It’s really exciting to see touchtennis taking off in Wales,” said Tennis Wales chief executive, Peter Drew. “It has the potential to appeal to anyone – it’s a much shorter form of the game and can be played anywhere and by people of any ability.
“A match can be completed in minutes if that suits the players. With softer balls and a smaller court, it’s not about strength and power – it’s more about deft touches and clever stroke-play. The rallies last a lot longer which provides a very exciting platform for people to experience the game of tennis.”