The Heaton Closed Tennis Championship 2015 finals took place on Sunday 18th October 2015.The matches, which were the culmination of two weeks competition, ran from 9.00am. until 6.00pm., included a variety of different categories, ranging from U8s to over 60+s – ensuring a category for every member who wanted to compete. The atmosphere was electric throughout the day and there was some exceptional talent on shown from players of all ages.
Sisters Hardija (14) and Kristela Vidnere (17) dominated the tournament, winning many of the categories that they played in. Hardija also won the Mixed Doubles with fellow junior, Jevannie Ambrose (17), 7-5, 6-1, as well as with her sister Kristela 6-3, 6-3 in the Ladies Doubles. Hardija, who is a national talent, went on to beat her sister in the Ladies Singles 6-3, 6-4.
The U8, U9, U10 and U14 finals proved to be a massive success, with players showing exceptional talent. Rose O'Donovan-McCann won the U8s, 7-5, 7-0 and Shishir Shastry won the U9s match 3-10, 10-9, 10-8. Xavier Mirza triumphed over Hashmath Ahmed 5-3, 4-2 in the U10s match with Dawud Qurban winning the U14 match 6-1, 6-4.
The talent was not limited to the younger players however. The veterans showed a high level of skill and maturity in the matches that they played. Eddie Beaton and Martin Dolan played a highly competitive match, which generated much excitement in the audience. The duo eventually beat Ray Quarterman and Russell Heyes in the Men’s Doubles (45+) - but only after a 3rd set tie-break which had everyone on the edge of their seats!
Shortly afterwards, the Ladies Doubles (40+) showed a stunning performance from Julie Crow and Sue Hamilton, who beat Debbie Fennelly and Diane Rawnsley 6-1, 6-1.
The final’s day concluded in a fitting manner with a hard fought Men’s Doubles match between Matt McTurk (Head Coach) & Phil Cook and Justin Crowe & Richard Bohanna. Matt & Phil prevailing in the end 6–4, 7-5 but again, only after the audience had been on the edge of their seats!
Don Stewart, Tennis Chair, said “We had a great tournament last year when Eddie Beaton took over the organising of it. He clearly maintained the standards this year, and with over 120 competitors, the buzz around the club during the two weeks was a really enjoyable experience; it was a pleasure to be a part of that success.”
By Sana Abubaker