Neptune Open Doubles 2012
The top seeds and last year's defending Open Doubles Champions, James Coyne and Will Hopton, retained their title beating this year's US Open Doubles Champions Neil Smith and Nick James.
Score : 15/4 14/17 15/9 15/6 15/6.
What an incredible match is was. Hopton and Coyne got off to a flying start, striking the ball with incredible accuracy and pace, whilst Smith and James were still finding their length. Neither looked very settled. The first game was over quickly with the reigning Champions drawing first blood, 15-4. It looked like it could be one way traffic. Neil and Nick really had to find their rhythm, and that they did! A variety of serves from Nick and some fantastic 'gets' from Neil gave them the momentum to turn the tables and put the pressure on Hopton/Coyne. At 14-6 they thought they were home, everyone did. Then came the fight back. Slowly Hopton and Coyne began closing the gap. They found their stride, putting Neil and Nick on the back foot once again. At 14 all Neil/Nick called a set to 3. Their tactics worked and they took the second game 17-14. The third game was crucial. It started off tense, both teams making 'easy' errors. They battled their way to 9 all, but once again Neil and Nick found themselves on the receiving end of Hopton's faultless serves and Coynie's pace!! The reigning Champions looked in control once again, winning the third game 15-9. It seemed the crucial third game did the trick and they were in cruise control from then on, winning the next two games both to 6. Neil and Nick played fantastically well, especially Nick who was playing on with a shoulder injury. They fought right to the end but credit to the British Open Doubles Champions 2012, Will Hopton and James Coyne for an amazing display of rackets and a successful defence! Another brilliant turn out for the final.
Thanks to all those who came along to support and of course to Neptune for their generous sponsorship.
Please see the Facebook page for short video clips of the Semi Final and Final matches.
A packed to the rafters Queen's Club was treated to two extraordinary matches on Friday evening in the British Open Doubles Rackets tournament. 2nd seeds Neil Smith and Nick James overcame Jamie Stout and Mike Gooding 4-2 in two and a half gruelling hours. This was followed by James Coyne and Will Hopton defeating James Male and Ben Snell 4-2 in front of a raucous crowd. A huge turnout for the drinks and the matches, thanks to all those that came along, look forward to seeing everyone at the final - 14.00 Sunday 22nd