Amateur Singles and Doubles Championships 2018
Singles Final: Ed Kay recovered from a set down to beat Peter Wright and win his first Amateur Singles Championship. So close in 2017, Ed made no mistake in 2018. It was Peter who starter the brighter, surging ahead in the first set as Ed fought to find his touch. With exquisite timing, Peter repeatedly hit the base of the tambour with crisp, accurate volleys; even the skill of Ed had no answer. First set to Peter 6/2. However, in the second, Ed came alive and took the game to Peter. Remarkable recovery shots prolonged each rest as both players, Bathurst Cup team-mates, fought for supremacy. But it was Ed with the answers and responded to take the set 6/2 and level the match. Ed started the brighter in the third establishing a 2-0 lead when Peter slowed down with an injured thigh. He battled on but now had no answers, trying to win points early - but Ed was wise and sailed through the set 6/0. After a brief discussion, Peter was unable to continue and retired - Ed Kay finally winning the coveted trophy. T&RA Chief Executive, Chris Davies, paid tribute to both players who had both reached the final after some superlative Tennis. He also acknowledged the support of Queen's Club and thanked the T&RA Benefactors who made everything possible financially. Ed Kay responded and acknowledged the lifelong achievements of his opponent, Peter Wright.
Earlier Rounds: After the titanic match against Luke Danby, which went the full five exhilarating sets, Peter Wright was then unexpectedly gifted a bye into the final when top seed Jamie Douglas pulled out through injury. However, the second semi-final didn't disappoint with a fabulous match between two young amateur players. Ed Kay has already established himself but found himself playing rising star Robert Shenkman. The first set could have gone either way from 5-all but it was Ed who took the early advantage with solid defensive volleys immediately unleashed into attacking the targets. Rob fought back, defending brilliantly and refusing to be beaten. Many of the rests were of the highest quality, both players fully committed, but it was Rob who levelled, taking the second set 6/3. An equally tight third set looked to be going the distance, but Ed's intensity won key exchanges and the set 6/4. The small gathering in the Dedans were appreciative and the match headed toward what looked to be a conclusion as Ed took a 4-2 lead in the fourth set. However, now Rob found even greater strengths, taking the next three games with his eyes on the set. But then Ed's experience told, and his ability to hit the grille and winning gallery with unerring accuracy, stemming the flow and setting up two match points. Only one was required as Ed took the fourth, decisive set 6/5. An outstanding match, played in perfect Corinthian spirit, between two great rivals. On-loan marker, Andrew Lyons, applauded both players - great advocacy for Real Tennis.
Results
Singles
Final
- Ed Kay (2) bt Peter Wright (4) 2/6 6/2 6/0 retired
Semi-finals
- Peter Wright bt Jamie Douglas w/o
- Ed Kay (2) bt Robert Shenkman (3) 6/5 3/6 6/4 6/5
Quarter-finals
- Robert Shenkman (3) bt Jamie Giddins (6) 6/4 6/3 6/4
- Peter Wright (4) bt Luke Danby (5) 6/2 5/6 4/6 6/3 6/0
- Ed Kay (2) bt Phil Dunn 6/0 6/5 6/0
- Jamie Douglas (1) bt Simon Shenkman w/o
Round of 16
- Simon Shenkman bt Harry Eddis w/o
- Peter Wright (4) bt Tom Bomford 6/2 6/3 6/5
- Robert Shenkman (3) bt Adam Dolman 6/2 6/4 6/2
- Jamie Giddins (6) bt Roman Krznaric 6/1 6/4 5/6 6/4
- Ed Kay (2) bt Tom Seymour-Mead 6/2 6/5 6/2
- Phil Dunn bt Charles-Antoyne Hurstel 6/1 6/2 6/2
- Luke Danby (5) bt Benjamin Jacquin-Turratini 6/3 6/2 6/0
Doubles
Final
- J Douglas & P Wright (1) bt E Kay & J Giddins (2) 6/2 6/5 6/2
Semi-finals
- E Kay & J Giddins (2) bt R Shenkman & T Seymour-Mead (3) 6/4 6/3 6/0
- J Douglas & P Wright (1) bt A Dolman & J Acheson-Gray (4) 6/1 6/2 6/2
Quarter-finals
- J Douglas & P Wright (1) bt L Danby & T Weaver 6/1 6/2 6/2
- A Dolman & J Acheson-Gray (4) bt P Dunn & J Sohl 6/2 5/6 6/5 6/4
- E Kay & J Giddins (2) bt A Duncliffe-Vines & R Owen 6/2 6/4 6/2
- R Shenkman & T Seymour-Mead (3) bt N Warner & T Bomford 6/2 6/0 6/3
