Despite a gloomy forecast, the club was lucky to get a sunny day for its tournament finals, so that the matches could be played on grass courts. The good weather was matched by the high standard of tennis.
The most outstanding player of the day was Nanami Yamaguchi who, at the age of 16, retained her ladies singles title by beating first team player Lindsey Forbes 6-3, 6-2. This was a repeat of last year’s final with much hard hitting from side to side to a perfect length. Nanami then combined with her mother Teshi, to beat the experienced pair Lindsey Forbes and Stephanie Gucot 6-3, 6-4. There was a different type of play in this match which was mainly won by clever interceptions at the net. Nanami ended her victorious day by winning the mixed doubles with Charlie Turney against the French pair Claire Espinasse and Ben Moyon. In the second set they had to pull back from a deficit of 4-5 to win the decisive tie-break and to take the match 6-4, 7-6.
A new men’s singles champion was crowned when Jack Brookes beat the more experienced Sam Tirodkar 6-4, 6-3 by way of an early break of service in each set. Sam had won the title six times from 2002 and this was his sixth time in the role of runner-up.
The longest open match was the men’s doubles when the French pair Ben Moyon and Vincent Gaugry beat Ethan McPherson and Akash Arora 6-2, 2-6, 7-5. It was a very exciting match with hard baseline shots and numerous net interceptions. The last set was very close. Ethan and Akash led by 3-1 but Ben and Vincent pulled back to 4-3 and the edged ahead from 6-5 to win.
The most outstanding young player amongst the men competitors was George Loffhagen, aged 13, who lost in the quarter finals of the men’s open singles to the eventual winner Jack Brooker. He then lost in the semi-final of the men’s open doubles to the eventual runners-up. Obviously, he will pose a great threat next year to this years players.
In the handicap matches the most hard working player was Katherine Tollinton. It took her 3 hours in the broiling heat of the afternoon to beat Louisa Hentges 5-7, 6-3, 6-3. After a short rest Katherine played with Nigel Gurkin in the mixed handicap doubles against Lynn and Andrew Oliver, But they lost 6-4, 6-2. Finally Katherine played with Peter Buck in the restricted mixed doubles
Against Liz Price and David Morely. The Match started outside about 8.00pm, but when it got dark outside the players moved into the Dome. Eventually the match ended after 10.00pm with a win for Katherine and Peter by 3-6, 7-5, 6-2.