T&RA Newsletter – Easter 2012

hief Executive Update It has been an interesting four months since the

last Newsletter in December. Of course, the most

anticipated event will be the World Championship

Challenge which will see Rob Fahey defend his title for

the tenth time, on this occasion against Steve Virgona.

Rob is unquestionably the most successful World

Champion of all time, and has been champion for the

last 18 years. But Steve comes with a strong pedigree

having recently overcome Bryn Sayers in the Final

Eliminator at Seacourt; he is training hard and raring to

go. The only certainty is that an Aussie will be World

Champion on the 28th.

Julian Snow made a fleeting visit from the land Down

Under, and claimed his nineteenth British Amateur,

winning in five sets against rising French star, Matthieu

Sarlangue. Matthieu battled all the way and fought

back from love-5 in the fifth, but it wasn’t to be enough

and Julian’s court craft eventually proved too much.

Sadly the tournament will also be remembered for

Wright-gate – the atrocious incident which saw an

unknown perpetrator deliberately cut Peter’s strings

before his semi-final match. Should the culprit ever be

found, he would be barred from all future competition –

but for now, whoever carried out the deed should feel

a profound sense of shame.

More positive news from school’s Tennis, with a 50%

increase in the school doubles competition – 120 in

total. This was an incredible effort by Mick Dean, all

supported by the T&RA’s school’s initiative.

The other remarkable achievement was Will Hopton,

the Manchester professional, overcoming Alex

Titchener-Barrett by 4 games to 2 to win the British

Open, watched by the packed galleries at Eton.

Throughout the tournament, the players played to busy

galleries, testament to the strength of the sport at Eton.

Just over a month later, the refurbished Queen’s

galleries opened and Claire Vigrass flew home from

Australia to claim her crown as the Ladies Rackets

Open Champion. Finally Cheltenham won the Public

School Doubles, defeating Eton in the final; although

Eton’s strength of depth was shown by three of their

teams reaching the semi finals of the Second Pairs. In

the schoolgirls Rackets, twice as many entered the

senior competition, with Lily Owen taking the honours.

As we moves towards the season-end, the final major

will be the British Open Doubles which will see the

number one seeds and current holders Will Hopton

and James Coyne take on a tremendous field;

including current US Open Champions, Nick James

and Neil Smith; and World Champion Jamie Stout

playing with his New York partner Mike Gooding.

The other major event in Rackets was the opening of

the second Tonbridge court. A remarkable

achievement masterminded by Tom Shields and David

Makey. The end result is an incredible playing surface,

with a Scuderia red floor, not for the faint-hearted.

S Open Winner – Bryn Sayers!

Bryn beat Steve Virgona 0/6 6/5 4/6 6/3 6/1 in the US open.

The US singles final was the most spellbinding match of the tournament, featuring puncher against counter-puncher. The puncher, Virgona, rolled through Sayers in the 1

st set, 6/0. The counterpuncher began hitting

slower cut balls, carving them into one corner, then the other. 2

nd set to Sayers, 6/5. The third set went game

by game and in the crucial 9th game Virgona edged

ahead and eventually took the set 6/4. Sayers had some real work to do. But as we have seen now time and time again, he never gives up. In a sensational turn around, he took the 4

th set, 6/3 and then won the

5th, 6/1. His short length, severely cut, crosscourt

volley return of serve was arguably the most effective shot of the tournament and made real impact on Steve’s game. A first major for Bryn.

eacourt Silver Racquet

Josh Dodgson from Petworth House overcame Tony Hollins of Tuxedo, to triumph in the 2012 Seacourt Silver Racquet. In the main event, he defeated Ged Eden, Simon Roach, John Lumley on his way to the final. The final was greatly contested however Josh’s tight serves and consistent play won through, winning the match 6/4 6/5.

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pen Singles Championships – Will Hopton takes gold!

Will Hopton continued his remarkable season by

beating rival Alex Titchener-Barrett by four games to

two in a scintillating final at Eton.

Evenly matched from the start, the match was played

in front of a packed Eton gallery, with spectators

supporting both players vociferously. Hopton, as an

Old Etonian, commanded perhaps the support of the

college boys, who revelled in the opportunity to watch

top class Rackets.

The first game was tight and edgy, reaching 7-all with

neither player dominating. But then ATB struck a

purple patch of 7 straight points to take a dominating

lead, finally closing out the game without further loss.

First blood ATB! However, Hopton rallied in the next

game, reaching 7-1 and then to 12-5. He slowly

gathered the necessary points to level the score at one

game all – his confidence noticeably grew.

The third game was tight from the start but ATB always

kept in front. Three vital points at 7-5 gave him the

edge and from there on ATB drew inextricably nearer

to restoring his lead, playing powerfully angled shots,

and keeping Hopton on the back foot - ATB leads 2

games to one. The fourth game was tighter still, with

both players working hard, ATB's power against

Hopton's eldritch recovery shots. The match at this

point hung on a knife edge and at 11-all it could have

gone either way. But Hopton had found his range and

appeared to be able to recover anything and

everything that ATB threw at him - and this was his

moment, securing the next four points to draw level

once again at two game-all.

At this stage, Hopton was in top form and played

winners from impossible positions. The fifth game was

a revelation with Hopton notching up points to take a

commanding lead, and eventually taking this all

important game with the loss of only three points -

advantage Hopton. The sixth game was extremely

tight, although Hopton stayed just ahead, before a run

of five points from 5-4 gave him a dangerous lead.

ATB would score no more points, and despite some

determined resistance it was Hopton who emerged

victorious to win his first Neptune British Open.

Neptune's Charlie Liverton said a few words from the

sponsor, and Eton Headmaster Tony Little presented

the prizes. Peter Brake marked the match with his

usual light touch - and was one of the driving forces

behind making the tournament a resounding success.

nter Universities Rackets

After an absence of over 20 years the Inter Universities Rackets event returned! 10 teams entered the tournament, supported by Simon and Robert Shenkman who helped to complete the Bristol and Reading sides respectively. The competitors were involved in a non-stop program of activity.

The format allowed for both singles and doubles play as each tie involved 2 singles rubbers and 1 doubles contest. There was a plate draw for those pairs defeated in either 1

st or 2

nd round and a Real Tennis

event also took place to keep everyone busy! The action started on Friday afternoon and continued right through until lunchtime on Sunday. The 4 seeded teams all made the semi-finals although Durham 1 (B.Stevens + T.Spurling) required a final game decider in their doubles encounter to beat Bristol (S.Shenkman + M.Barstow). The Durham pairing was then put out in the last 4 by a superb display from the Oxford duo of Alex Portz and John Beale. Oxford secured the tie by winning 2 closely contested singles rubbers. The expectation was that their reward would be a meeting in the final with the top seeds Manchester 1 (T.Stevens and D.Shiner) but this wasn’t the case. Shiner and Stevens were beaten by a combination of the steady play from Durham II (H.Britton and C.Marlow-Thomas) and the amount of alcohol they had consumed the night before! The final went down to a deciding doubles as the singles rubbers were shared following wins for Portz and Marlow-Thomas respectively. There were many fine rallies in the doubles game but in the end Oxford prevailed to secure the title.

arsity Real Tennis

Oxford Men and Women’s teams won both their respective Blues and Seconds Varsity Matches. The Double-Double Varsity win is a feat never before achieved by Oxford.

Ladies Singles

Oxford Cambridge 1 Victoria Ormerod bt Lucie Browning 6/4 6/2

2 Maggie Henderson-Tew lost to Emma Samia-Aly 6/5 4/6 4/6

3 Cameron Ormsby bt Emily Brady 6/0 6/2

4 Sophie Dannreuther bt Kate Kirk 6/1 6/0

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Ladies Doubles

1 Victoria Ormerod & Cameron Ormsby bt Lucie Browning & Kate Kirk 2/6 6/5 6/1

2 Maggie Henderson-Tew & Sophie Dannreuther bt Emma Sarnia-Aly + Emily Brady 6/5 6/2

Men’s Singles

Oxford Cambridge

1 Simon Roach lost to James Watson 4/6 6/4 4/6

2 Alex Evans bt Jules Camp 6/2 6/5

3 Miles Jackson bt Oliver Watson 6/3 6/2

4 Johnny Beale bt Edmund Kay 6/2 6/3

Men’s Doubles

1 Simon Roach & Alex Evans lost to James Watson & Edmund Kay 0/6 4/6 5/6

2 Johnny Beale & Miles Jackson bt Jules Camp & Oliver Watson 6/0 6/1 6/1

arsity Rackets

Singles

1 A.Portz bt T.Elliot 15/7, 15/2, 15/5 (Oxford)

2 E.Kay bt J.Beale 15/5, 15/6, 15/10 (Cambridge)

3 H.Faber bt J.Watson 15/7, 15/6, 15/7 (Oxford)

4 A.Wakeley bt C.Lemon 15/11, 15/2, 15/3 (Oxford)

Doubles

1 Oxford bt Cambridge 15/12, 15/14, 15/6

2 Oxford bt Cambridge 15/12, 15/0, 15/3

naugural Pol Roger Trophy

Queen's Club beat MCC 3-2 to win the inaugural

Pol Roger Trophy. Sincere thanks to James Simpson

and Pol Roger for sponsoring this premier team event.

The Pol Roger Trophy, a new event for the 2011/12

season, had its first final at the Royal Tennis Court on

Sunday 11th March, contested between the MCC and

Queen’s Club.

The first match saw Pete Jarvis and Jolyon Symonds

taking on Ben Bomford and Dom Wright. The first two

sets were shared, but Dom and particularly Ben found

their range in the third to win through. Conor Medlow,

having just won the Amateur Doubles, was in fine form

and was always going to be a handful for William

Maltby. Whilst William battled away valiantly, getting

himself many deuces and a few game points, he only

managed to claim two games from the far reaching,

fast running Conor. 2-love Queen’s. Third match, Tom

Seymour-Mead against the talented lefty Mark

Howard. Tom had a point for 5/1 up having won the

first set comfortably, with the organisers preparing for

the presentation. But Mark had not read the script, and

chose this moment to find his range. As Tom tried

valiantly to close the match out, Mark’s game went

from strength to strength. His serve tightened, return

became more penetrating, and most importantly was

getting everything back (including one Virgona-style

forehand punched volley off the tambour that whistled

towards the dedans). Mark won 6 games in a row to go

6/4 1/0 in the third before Tom secured another game.

Then, despite Tom’s efforts, Mark closed out 6-2 in the

third. The third singles was Chris Herbert against Mark

Mathias. On paper this should be Mark’s match and

despite Herbie staying with him for the first few games,

Mark found his range and tied the match at 2-all –

setting up an exciting finale.

Everything depended on James Acheson-Gray and

Marcus Ward (MCC) against Harry Eddis and John

Prenn (Queen’s) in the final doubles. MCC went

behind by a couple of games, but once they got going

it was they who were looking the most comfortable and

won the first set 6/4. Harry then started to volley more

accurately and was double handing out of the grille

with ease. QC took the second 6/3; with everything on

the last set. The first 2 games took over 25 minutes

with honours shared. 10 minutes later - 2 all. The

dedans was very lively at this stage and 30 shots

rallies were common. QC then controlled the next 3

games to go 5/2 up. Once again MCC fought back to 5

all in the last game of the last set of the last match until

some incredible Tennis pulled Queen’s over the line.

ield Trophy

Hatfield house beat Leamington 3-2 M. Smith & A. Lloyd bt G. Stanton & C. French 6/3, 6/4 S. Heck beat R. Allsop 6/1, 6/3 N. Lloyd beat R. Yorke-Long 5/6, 6/1, 6/2 M. Rayner lost to E. Steele 6/2, 5/6, 0/6 J. Fisher & S. Brewerton lost to P. Sutton & R. Frost 1/6, 0/6.

rodie Cup

MCC beat Prested in the final of the Brodie Cup 4-1 at the Hyde to win the competition for the second time in five years David Bugge & James Leeper beat Clive Turner & Bill Rudman 3/6, 6/5, 6/4 Dan Mead beat Simon Martin 6/3, 6/5 Francis Moore beat Chris Vigrass 6/3, 6/4 James Coley beat Hugh Vermont 6/3, 6/1 Roger Cotton & Giles Pemberton beat Tim Lodge & Richard Ramjane 6/5, 4/6, 6/3.

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ackets gallery opening at Queen’s

The major renovation and restructuring of the Rackets building at The Queen's Club has now been completed. Members and guests were invited to the re-opening, Thursday 8th March, by the acting Chairman, Toby Foxcroft. The spectator galleries have been modernised allowing for much larger numbers to watch Rackets in comfort, with spectacular and unrestricted views. All present were treated to exhibition matches introduced by T&RA Chairman, William Maltby, with the resurgent Guy Smith-Bingham taking on US Doubles champion, Nick James, at singles; and a world class field of James Coyne, Ben

Snell, Ben Bomford and ATB engaged in the doubles. The grand re-development included a spectacular terrace room and library opening up over the lawn tennis centre court, together with a foyer leading to the Rackets courts with displays of old Rackets Masters, Honours Boards and a resplendent trophy cabinet. This outstanding investment by Queen's echoes the Club's commitment to the sport as 'the Home of Rackets' and the Rackets community is extremely grateful for the efforts of all those involved over the years to bring this dream into reality.

onbridge Second Court Opening

On Monday 19th March, the second Tonbridge

Rackets court was formally opened. The incredible efforts of Tom Shields as the Appeal Committee Chairman were recognised by all present. The former old gym has undergone a complete transformation into a splendid new court, with its scarlet floor - a dazzling contast to the original court. Open Champion Will Hopton and Rackets legend and former World

Champion, John Prenn, played an exhibition match against the Tonbridge top pair, Jonny Maltz & George Moynihan.

Speeches to open the new court were made firstly by the Headmaster, Tim Haynes, followed by the Chairman of the Governors, Jonathan Cohen QC, thirdly Tom Shields and lastly by the Maestro! David Makey made a brilliant speech.

The 170 guests were stunned by the magnificent looking new court. With a Red Ferrari floor, many people commented it was the coolest looking court ever! It played beautifully too. A huge cake in the shape of an open Rackets court with two icing sugar figures playing on the icing cake court - one with curly hair and superb technique! A champagne reception followed the speeches before the players gave a superb exhibition match. A wonderful evening enjoyed by all and a tremendous success for Tonbridge School and the Rackets community.

orld Championship Final Eliminator

Day 1: Steve stamped his authority in the first session with Bryn was very much in the match.

Seacourt: Tuesday 6th March saw Steve Virgona take

the first four sets against his closest rival, Bryn Sayers.

In a tight first session which saw breathtaking power, agility and impossible recovery shots Steve finally won the day 6/4, 6/2, 6/4, 6/5.

Steve started the first set at full throttle, opening up a 2-0 advantage, before Bryn replied with a game to love. They then traded games before Steve won the sixth to love to open up a commanding 4-2 lead. Bryn responded taking the next two games, the latter after a tense deuce - 4-4. Steve's power and speed then took the next two games and the set.

The second set started off much the same, 2-2 in games. A love game nudged Steve clear and then three long multi-deuce games all went Steve's way - both players recovering astonishing shots and cutting

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to within a yard or two. Steve worked his feet to drive his trademark forehand at the Dedans with ferocious pace. Two sets to love Steve.

The third set saw both players play to their potential, staying within a game of each other to 4-4. Bryn's double handed backhand was resilient against Steve's blistering pace. But once again it was Steve, after a magnificently long rally took the advantage and then the set. Three sets to love.

The final set of the day was the most exciting. Steve eased ahead, Bryn responded and then Steve took the next two games with the loss of only one point. The score was 5-2 - with Steve on the verge of victory. Bryn was suitably encouraged, winning the next two games to love and 30 to trail 4-5. The next game reached deuce and then two advantages either way, before Bryn held his nerve and the game to level 5-5. The comeback was virtually complete but Steve wasn’t to be outdone. The rests remained long and tiring but it was Steve who won through, taking the vital eleventh game, the fourth set and the session - and critically a 4-0 lead into the next session.

Day 2: Steve Virgona and Bryn Sayers shared the spoils in the second session.

The score on the day was 6/3, 5/6, 6/3, 3/6 (SV/BS) in the tightest of matches, leaving Steve needing just one more set to secure his place to challenge Rob Fahey.

After sharing the first couple of games, it was Steve who was the sharper, taking the next three games and a 4-1 lead in the first set, winning a close fifth game from deuce. Bryn answered with a love games and then winning from deuce to trail 3-4. But the respite was short-lived, Steve closed out the set after two close games, and

establish a 5-0 set lead - edging ever closer to his target.

For Bryn, the next set was critical. He was playing well but had not managed to clinch an all-important set. Again Steve changed gear and established a 3-0 lead. With his back to the wall, Bryn won the next two games to love and levelled at 3-3. The seventh game was long and hard fought, with both players having multiple game points for the critical 4-3 lead and after four advantage points it was Bryn who took his fourth straight. Steve's response was to level 4-4. Another close game nudged Bryn ahead and within reach and at 5-4, 30-30 and then deuce, he was within two points. But Steve rallied to level. The deciding game again reached 30-30 but it was Bryn and his army of local supporter who punched the air as he secured the set to trail 1-5.

Steve was clearly stung and started the seventh set in startling fashion, covering the court as Bryn cut into the corners - and intercepting volley after volley. In no time he had opened a 3-0 lead, dropping only two points in the process. The players swopped games to reach 3-5, although it was always Steve who gained the first blood. It was therefore unsurprising when Steve took the deciding game to win the set and establish a 6-1.

With so much at stake, the first game was critical. The chases were tight and both players covered the winning shots with fabulous volleys. The game reached deuce and then three further advantages before Bryn inched ahead - the first time he has taken the first game in either session. He followed this with a game to 15 to lead 2-0, and his supporters were starting to believe. Steve responded to love but then Bryn fought through a long fourth game to re-establish his lead at 3-1. In the blink of an eye, Steve had recovered to 3-3. But now Bryn found new strength and a determination to see through the set, reaching 5-3. Again the set was tantalizingly close and it was again Bryn who finished the day in high spirits winning the set 6-3 - taking the match into the final day.

Day 3: Steve qualified to play World Champion, Rob Fahey, for his crown.

The set started tentatively, with Steve Virgona trying to close out the match, whilst Bryn Sayers needed to win each of the possible five sets to go through. The players traded the first two games, before Bryn took the early initiative and a 3-1 lead. He then held a point for a 4-1 lead, but it was Steve who found his touch with successive cross court volleys to the Grille. He took this game and the next three to establish a 5-3 lead. His deep return was too much for Bryn and Steve took the set 6/4 and the match 7-2.

Steve celebrated his success which now sees him qualify to challenge Rob Fahey at The Queen's Club on 24/ 26/ 28 April over the same 13 set format. The ultimate prize is the World Championship.

mateur Singles

After over three and a half hours on non-stop

action, Julian Snow finally secured his nineteenth

Amateur Singles - 2/6, 6/3, 5/6, 6/3, 6/5. In a nail biting

final set, Matthieu Sarlangue recovered from love-5

down, but Julian finally came through on his third

Championship point to win a remarkable match.

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mateur Doubles

The final saw the top seeds, Julian Snow and

Conor Medlow defeat last year's winners and number

two seeds, Jamie Dougles and Peter Wright in four

sets. Both pairs had eased their way through their

respective semi finals without dropping a set. The

final was a classic, with both pairs playing their part

with superb Tennis, demonstrating raw power one

moment and then a silky touch the next. Julian and

Conor started well and at 3-0 in the first set

established early control but Jamie and Peter struck

back immediately, winning the next three games

without losing a point. The first set went to 5 all, and

first blood to last year’s champions.

In the second set and JD/PW maintained their

momentum taking the first game. But, in a tight match

they dropped the next two games and then levelled at

2-2. At this point JS played a magical four games,

cutting the ball deep onto the forehand court and

despite valiant resistance, JS/CM took the next four

games, hitting the Winning Gallery to lead 5-2 and

then a main wall-dedans boast to take the second set

to level the match.

With the match in the balance, JS/CM pressed home their advantage and eased to 3-0. Déjà vu, when JD hit the Winning Gallery to win the fourth game without losing a point – but the pattern of the first set didn’t follow with JS/CM re-establishing themselves at 4-1 and then 5-1 in a lengthy five-deuce game, with both pairs having game points. Not to be outdone, JD/PW then played a brilliant four games, leveling the set at 5 all. JS/CM combined magnificently in the deciding game to stem the ebb, taking the game and a 2-1 lead.

JD/PW were fast to respond, taking the first two games in quick succession, the second to love and a perfect PW volleyed winner. At 40-40, the chance was there for a 3-0 lead, but JS/CM didn’t allow that and some

crisp volleys by CM and then a perfect JS winner levelled at 2-2. The pairs traded games to reach 3-3, and then JS/CM inched ahead and it was eventually JS/CM who won through and had a 5-3 lead. The final game saw JS/CM forge two Championship Points, which were accepted at the first attempt.

Both pairs played their part in a memorable match with the champions of the last three years eventually yielding their precious crown. For Julian, it was his eleventh Amateur Doubles title, for Conor his first.

hicago Court Restoration

Work began on 20 February 2012 to restore the court tennis facility at the Racquet Club of Chicago.

The original court had opened in October 1924 and was used until sometime in 1936 when the club converted it into a lawn tennis court. Pierre Etchebaster gave an exhibition there in 1931, playing against the club pro Charley Williams. One RCOC member, George Husband, even won the U.S. national amateur title in 1927. The court is finally on the way to returning to court tennis play for the first time in more than 75 years.

A few details have been generously offered by incoming RCOC president Bill Bickford who is managing the restoration process. The project team includes the contractor, Bramco Construction; the architect isNorthworks Architects and special consultants Ed Hughes, Mike Gooding, Chris Ronaldson and RCOC head professional John Cashman.

They have removed selected sections of the lawn tennis carpet to find the original 1923 Bickley floor to be in excellent condition, well preserved for the past seventy-five years.

They are planning to wire the court for multiple cameras, placed in prime viewing locations, to record and broadcast major events.

adies Open Championships

The Plate final ended early with Ella Gaskell leading Jo Perriam 15/11, 10/4 before injury prevented Ella from continuing. The T&RA and all the competitors wish Ella a speedy recovery.

In the first of the ladies semi finals, British Open Champion Claire Vigrass defeated the winner of last year's Schoolgirls Under 18, Lucy Pigott. After a tight opening game, Claire found her range to reach the final. Then all rounder, Alex Kurkjian, beat last year's

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runner-up, Barbara Vintcent. Barbara was ahead in both games, and held game point in the first, but AK's determination won the day.

In the final, Claire Vigrass beat Alex Kurkjian 15/2, 15/2, 15/11. The first two games started in almost the same manner, reaching 2-2 with a number of closely fought rallies, before Claire's service game dominated, establishing an unassailable lead in both games. The third game was very different with both ladies playing well and, for a time, Alex found her deadly serve and strode ahead. However, Claire remained patient and after a number of tough rallies closed to 11-all. Slowly but surely the final points were secured and her second Ladies Open title.

Bernard Weatherill was on hand to present the prizes and to thank Neptune for their sponsorship and acknowledge the achievements of both competitors, especially in championing Ladies Rackets. The tournament was the first in front of the magnificant refurbished Queen's Club gallery - and also thanks to the club for the post match reception. Many thanks also to the markers, Howard Angus and Andrew Dick - and AK for her organization.

The last word to our generous sponsor, Robin Geffen of Neptune Investment Management, who has put ladies Rackets on the map – not just with the critical funding but also with his level of encouragement to make this happen.

ublic Schools Championships

1st

Pairs Cheltenham beat Eton 15/7 2/15 15/6 15/11 11/15 15/1 2

nd Pairs

Eton 3 beat Eton 2 16/13 13/15 15/7 15/3 13/18 12/15 15/8 Colts Final Harrow beat Radley 15/8 15/1 12/15 16/13 15/1

Junior Colts Final

Eton beat Winchester

15/2 15/9 15/2

choolgirls Rackets Championship

Isabel Cockroft of Wellington College and Lily Owen of Cheltenham won their first titles in the British Girls’ Rackets championship at Queen’s Club. The event attracted around a dozen sporting all-rounders from some of the 14 schools where Rackets is played. Lily Owen won the girls’ Under 18 title beating Millie Pughe (the previous holder of the U16 title) in a close fought battle 15/10 15/9. In the U16s final Isabel Cockroft beat S. Zhang to take the crown, surviving a close match 15/7 17/14.

In the past Rackets has been considered too gruelling and explosive for female participation but with most public schools now co-educational and growing numbers of talented sportswomen attracted to this addictive sport, it is fantastic to have 3 major title events on the calendar for ladies’ and girl’s Rackets.

Girls Rackets at Queen's

Under 16 Girls Singles final I. Cockroft (Wellington) beat S.Zhang (Manchester) 15/7 17/14

Under 18 Girls Singles final Lily Owen (Cheltenham) beat Millie Pughe (Wellington) 15/10 15/9

ritish Under 12/15/19 Doubles Championships

The inaugural Under 12 competition was a great

success with 16 youngsters taking part from many

different clubs. Ages ranged from just 8 years old but

the standard of play was excellent and the competition

fierce. The round robin groups produced a final with

Ned Batstone & Ben Yorston (Radley) playing Alfred

Backhouse & Thomas Daley (Radly/Petworth). The

final was played to an exceptionally good standard for

such young players with the hugely talented pairing of

Ned and Ben coming through to win 6/2. Definitely

names to look out for in the future!

The under 15 section contained pairs from Queens,

Radley, Prested, Seacourt, Petworth & Moreton

Morrell. The group sections were all very close with

Felix White & Rory Giddins (Radley/ Queens) getting

through to play Oscar Wright & Hugo Hodgson

(Petworth) in the final. The first was won very quickly

by Felix & Rory and the result looked like a formality

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but out of nowhere Oscar & Hugo bounced back to

take it to a deciding set. Felix & Rory finally regained

control and went on to win the title 6/1 3/6 6/4.

The under 19 section was a more one sided affair with

the winners Lewis Williams (Prested) & Ben

Boddington (Radley) outclassing the Seacourt pairing

of Giles Gunning & Louis Davies in the final to win the

trophies 6/0 6/1.

istory of Real Tennis Conference

The Conference will be held at The Queen's Club, Tuesday 24 and Thursday 26 April 2012.

Hear about the history of Real Tennis from the experts.For full details and to apply for a place please contact frederikaadam@hotmail.com

On Wednesday 25 April, Rachel Heslop is very kindly hosting a reception for the conference at Heywood Hill from 5:30-7pm. All attendees and friends are also welcome for a glass of Pol and to meet the authors.

Photographs: Tim Edwards, Freddie Adam, Paulo Elias, Tory Wall

nternational tennis hall of fame – Penny Lumley

Penny Fellows Lumley MBE became the second

woman to enter the Hall (Betsey Whitney was the first

in 1995) and one of the greatest female players in the

history of tennis. She won the ladies’ world

championship singles six times and doubles seven

times. (Two years before winning her first world title

she lost 6/0, 6/0 in the quarters of the world

championships.) As the dominant woman in the 1990s,

she reduced her handicap down to a 10.3, the lowest

ever for a woman at the time. Penny won the British

ladies’ singles twelve times and the doubles ten times;

in the U.S. she won six ladies’ singles, six doubles

(with Evelyn David, Fiona Deuchar and Jo Iddles) and

one U.S. mixed (with Kip Curren).

orld Championship 2012

The 2012 World Championship is now weeks away. The spectator tickets for the Challenge are virtually sold out. However, live screening of the event is being done at the Queen's Club in the President's Room. Spectators there will be given drinks in an effort to console their disappointment at not being court side. So why not join the event there? The cost for these screening tickets for Tuesday 24

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are £50 and on the Saturday £30. Those in screening will have first priority of being offered a seat or a place in the Upper Gallery should any tickets be returned.

See www.irtpa.com for more info on social functions.

Tuesday 24th April: Session starts at 18:30 with 4 sets being played

Thursday 26th April: Session starts at 18:30 with 4 sets being played

Saturday 28th April: Session starts at 14:00 with up to 5 sets being played (Play will continue until one player has won 7 sets)

H

I

W