Over 70s Singles and Doubles 2015
The Neptune British Over 70s Championships – April 2015
Held at Holyport Real Tennis Club on 25th & 26th April 2015, this event continues to amaze and shows there is still lots of determination and stamina left in one of the more experienced generations.
Both singles and doubles competitions had a rather smaller entry than last year owing to lots of injuries which is unfortunately rather common in this age group , However we a great tournament, with defending singles champion John Ward and defending doubles champions Robin Barlow and David Brazier awaiting this year’s challengers.
The first day of singles went to form yet still produced great matches with all players looking as though they should be playing at least a decade below this category. John Ward overcame a spirited Paul Danby 10/3 and Robin Barlow proved too consistent for David Brazier, winning through 10/2.
The first day of doubles produced some high quality rallies and an upset in the first semi-final when top seeds John Ward and a tired Paul Danby were defeated 4/3 4/3 by the in-form pairing of David Bevan-Thomas [now over 80] and David Weston. In the second semi-final, after a slow start 2nd seeds and defending champions Robin Barlow and David Brazier fought back to beat Colin Butler and Michael Seymour 1/4 4/0 4/0.
Finals day started off with a well contested handicap plate competition with David Weston, proving too strong for Laurence Kingsley and Ara Martyrossian. In the 3rd place singles match of contrasting styles David Brazier, having been 8/1 ahead, held off a storming come back from Paul Danby to win 10/7.
Finals day concluded with two excellent finals, with many spectators watching on from the dedans. In the doubles final, David Bevan-Thomas and David Weston again played far better than their handicaps but couldn’t quite rediscover their form from the day before and although they took several games to deuce, the defending champions Robin Barlow and David Brazier proved too strong and prevailed 6/1 6/0.
It was interesting to note that two of the singles competitors ,David and John had both recently undergone knee replacement surgery, despite cautious warnings from the surgeons who suggested that doubles only could be played
In the singles final, many spectators predicted that Robin Barlow would be able to topple the defending champion John Ward. Robin started the 1st set well and his superior court coverage saw him level the set at 2-2, however from there John was able to gain momentum and pin Robin down with some accurate serving to win the 1st set 6/2. The 2nd set was again tied at 2-2 before John managed to move ahead. Robin then fought back and levelled things up at 5-5, however John was able to hit the key shots in the final game to secure the match and the title for the fifth successive year.
All competitors thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and look forward to more people qualifying and competing next year. Thanks must go to John Evans for his organisation and enthusiasm, and to Holyport for staging the event, Neptune for their prizes, and continued support of the game.
John Ward wins the Over 70 title against Robin Barlow 6/2 6/5. Match report to follow shortly.
Robin Barlow & David Brazier capture the Over 70 Doubles title, beating David Bevan-Thomas & David Weston in the final.