* British Open Singles and Doubles Championships 2022

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UPDATE (November 23) DOUBLES FINAL: A thrilling line up on Tuesday evening matched up the current world doubles champions on opposite sides of the net. Camden Riviere paired up with John Lumley, singles winners for 2022 and 2021 respectively, and Open Doubles champions in 2019. Meanwhile Tim Chisholm was paired with Bryn Sayers, also both former singles champions, 2002 and 2012 respectively, and Open Doubles champions in 2013. A wealth of experience to grace the Queen’s Club Championship Court.

An even start saw Cam and John take an early 2-1 advantage, before Tim and Bryn pulled ahead and, after four consecutive games, led 5-2. Exchanging games, the crowd saw Tim and Bryn secure the first set in style, 6/3. The pair had defended the service end well, working together as a team, serving almost twice as much as their opponents, and winning a number of tight games.

Cam and John needed to respond and did so in style, taking the first four games in the second set. Tim and Bryn were able to break this sequence but not for long and the set was won at 6/1, to level the match. Although Tim and Bryn had held station well at the service end, when Cam and John were there, they proved to be devastating and efficient, hitting more targets and winning 75% on the points they served.

The pivotal third set started closer, and at 1-1 was looking tight. But now Cam and John started to serve more, reversing the trend on the first set, and romped away with the set, 6/1, to lead by two sets to one. The set was lean on targets and both pairs defended well, but Cam and John remained in the ascendency.

The fourth set started similarly to the previous one, tight rallies and locked at 1-1. However, now three games from Cam and John headed towards the end as they opened up a 4-1 lead. Trading game, saw them lead 5-2, one game away from the championship. In the eighth game, John served for the Championship but Tim responded with a dedans. After four deuces, Bryn laid a long chase and Cam netted the rally, leaving Tim and Bryn trailing 3-5. The next game brought the game back to a tantalising 4-5, and John serving for the match and raced to 40-0 and three further championship points. Cam and John needed only the second of these to become the 2022 Open Doubles Champions.

Fred Satow thanked the sponsor, Sir John Ritblat, along with Herminius and Pol Roger. This was followed by a special moment for Under 18 Open Singles and Doubles Champion and Under 19 World Champion, Max Trueman (from Seacourt), who was presented with the Grays “Junior of the Year” racquet, by his senior counterpart, Cam Riviere, Open Singles and Doubles winner, and World Champion. Some interesting symmetry for Max to consider. Sir John Ritblat then stepped up and presented the Cutty Sark trophy to Cam and John, and Pol Roger champagne to all four finalists.

UPDATE (22 November) SINGLES FINAL: The singles final juxtaposed the present champion against the past champion. Camden Riviere has just regained the world title from the brilliant Rob Fahey and this was an opportunity for Rob to recover some lost ground. But it was always going to be an uphill struggle, especially given that Cam had dropped the total of just eleven games in his earlier two matches, and no sets.

Cam started the stronger and established an early lead in the opening set, leading 4-0 before a convincing game from Rob set the watching spectators into raptures. For Rob’s many supporters this stiffened Cam’s resolve and he quickly closed off the first set 6/1. Little difference in targets hit, with Rob shading it 5:4, but Cam’s game was far sharper, laying tighter chase and winning almost twice as many points.

The second set started far brighter for Rob as he took an early 3-1 lead. However, this was a false dawn as Camden roared back, levelling at 3-3 and then carrying the momentum through the set, winning 6/3, five straight games after Rob’s early lead. Once again, little to separate the two players on targets, with Cam just ahead 9:8. Cam still hit about 60% more winning shots in the set and, on key points, this made the difference. It was now or never for Rob.

Unfortunately for Rob, Cam now shifted up a gear to take a 4-0 in the third, making nine consecutive games without response. But Rob’s record of 13 British Open Singles titles meant he was not yet out and he magnificently fought back with sublime anticipation and incredible skill. If Cam is the ultimate speed machine, Rob started to read the game, levelling at 4-4 and then taking the all-important ninth game to lead 5-4 – Rob’s turn for run of five games. One more game for Rob to claw back the set but now Cam came to life, winning the next game to love and setting up a grand finale. Breath-taking rallies from both players and a dedan miss by inches by Rob at 15-all, saw Cam pounce on the ball to glide a deft winner. Small margins! Cam sensed victory and followed up with two further winners to close the set 6/5, and the Open Championship.

Rob was quick to congratulate Cam, his worthy successor, with a glass of Pol Roger, conveniently deployed courtside, enjoyed by both players and marker, Drew Lyons. Fred Satow thanked all concerned, in particular main sponsor, Sir John Ritblat, and other sponsors, Herminius and Pol Roger, before handing over to Sir John to present the prizes. After a brief victory speech by Cam, he handed the microphone back to Rob, playing his last Open Singles, for his closing thoughts. Rob thanked the Hobart Club for his first break in 1986, his wife, Claire, and his many supporters through the years.

Link to the Doubles Final today (Tuesday) is below. John Lumley & Camden Riviere vs. Tim Chisholm & Bryn Sayers

UPDATE (21 November): A dominant display by John Lumley and Camden Riviere saw them comfortably into Tuesday’s final, beating Chris Chapman and Ben Taylor-Matthews in straight sets. The top seeds and 2019 Open Doubles champions have only dropped seven games in two matches so far and are playing remarkably consistent Tennis, and not letting much past them.

The second semi-final pitched second seeds and defending champions, Rob Fahey and Nicky Howell against third seeds, Tim Chisholm and Bryn Sayers. Tim and Bryn are also past Open Doubles champions, in 2013. Rob and Nicky however started the stronger pair and established a commanding two set lead, 6/2 6/2. An establish pair, they know each other’s games, and played sublime Tennis. The third set was pivotal and there was never more than a game difference as Tim and Bryn rallied to save their tournament. Rob and Nicky were just ahead near the beginning of the set, then Tim and Bryn edged ahead, but all square at 4-4. Critically, Rob and Nicky now edged ahead and at 5-4 30-all were two points away, but it was not to be, with Tim and Bryn levelling and then taking the eleventh game to 15. Tim and Bryn swept through the fourth set winning 6/1 to level, with Rob tactically remaining at the receiving end so as to switch receivers for the final set. Tim had successfully limited Rob’s powerful return of serve in the third and fourth sets, which had perhaps turned the tide. Tim and Bryn edged ahead 2-0, then 2-1, but then a massive push to reach 5-1. Surely the tide had turned, but never write off the former world champion as Rob and Nicky recovered to 3-5. But it was not to be on this occasion as Tim and Bryn secured the next game to win 6/3 and progress to Tuesday’s final. A remarkably well-balanced match with the winners securing 150 points won, against 151 by the losing pair, who also hit one more target (23 vs 22). In the end, it was winning the significant points, but only by a whisker.

UPDATE (20th November): Singles semi-finals produced a couple of interesting matches. The first match pitched Camden Riviere against Nicky Howell. Both players had yet to drop a set, although Camden’s loss of just six games in his previous two matches set the standard. Nicky had almost dropped a set in his first match, before breezing through his quarter-final. It was Camden who started the quicker, easing away in the first set 6/2, followed by an even streamline 6/1 in the second. At 0-5 in the third, things looked gloomy for Nicky, but he did rally and played some excellent recovery shots to pull back a couple of game. But Cam stepped up a gear to win the set 6/2, and reach Monday’s final. Great camaraderie between these two great players as they caught up after the game.

The second semi-final between the legendary Rob Fahey and defending champion John Lumley had all the makings of a five-set classic. It wasn’t to be the case as Rob came out strongly and hit his targets, including 20 dedans in his first two sets. This gave him a commanding two-set lead, 6/3 6/3. John needed to react and the players traded games in the third, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4 – albeit with Rob always just one step ahead. John defended well, limiting Rob to seven dedans in the set but it wasn’t to be enough and Rob secured the set 6/4 and a place in Monday’s final.

Monday’s final will be a mouth-watering affair between past and present world champions, with the added twist that Rob is playing his last Open Singles. Fitting to reach the final. Camden will be looking to limit Rob’s astonishing array of winning shots; Rob will be aiming to keep Camden moving and guessing.

UPDATE (19th November): The quarter-finals introduced the top pairs to the competition. Fourth seeds, Tim Chisholm and Bryn Sayers, survived a shock start, losing the opening set 6/2 to Darren Long and Leon Smart. Both players settled and levelled the match by the same score. A tough third set hung in the balance at 5-5, but it was Tim and Bryn with the firepower to get over the line, and then seal the match 6/2 in the fourth. The remaining three seeds worked their way through the quarter-finals, without dropping any sets. John Lumley and Camden Riviere were too strong for Rob Shenkman and John Woods Casey. Next, Chris Chapman and Ben Taylor-Matthews defeated the battling British pair of Jamie Douglas and Peter Wright. The final match of the day was also a straightforward win for Rob Fahey and Nicky Howell, mastering the young pair, Will Flynn and Max Trueman, as well as the whole of Hayling Island in support.

Singles Semi-Finals (Saturday) - links below:

Singles SF1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?... Camden Riviere vc Nicky Howell

Singles SF2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?... John Lumley vs Robert Fahey

UPDATE (18th November): The Ritblat Foundation British Open SinglesQquarter-Finals saw two straight forward matches, followed by two much tighter affairs. Camden Riviere breezed into the semi-final, despatching Leon Smart with the loss of a single game. Then, Nicky Howell also proceeded in straight sets. After a close first set which went the distance, Nicky was always on top, completing the victory 6/5 6/0 6/2.

The other quarter-finals both had the look of five-setters, although both only went to four. Rob Fahey started strongly against Bryn Sayers, winning the first set 6/2, before Bryn rallied in the second, winning 6/4 and levelling the match. Another dominant set by the former world champion, winning 6/2, set up a thrilling four which Rob ultimately won 6/5. A close match where both players showcased their brilliance, but Rob still had the strength to win through.

In the last quarter-final, Chris Chapman took the first extremely close set 6/5 against defending Open Champion, John Lumley. John stormed back in the second, winning to love, and levelling the match. Both players than played their part in the concluding sets, but it was John who prevailed in both, winning them 6/4 6/3.

Doubles quarter-finals today (Friday) – links below:

Doubles QF1: https://youtu.be/iQAZeg1-DGg Tim Chisholm & Bryn Sayers vs Darren Long & Leon Smart

Doubles QF2: https://youtu.be/DJj8LH3p28Y John Lumley & Camden Riviere vs Rob Shenkman & John Woods Casey

Doubles QF3: https://youtu.be/FJIqtf-ryzY Chris Chapman & Ben Taylor-Matthews vs Jamie Douglas & Peter Wright

Doubles QF4: https://youtu.be/FJIqtf-ryzY Robert Fahey & Nicky Howell vs William Flynn & Max Trueman

UPDATE (17th November): First Round Doubles with Rob Shenkman & John Woods Casey starting strongly against Nino Merola and Lewis Williams, breezing through the first set 6/1 and then tighter second, 6/4. Nino and Lewis fought back in the third, claiming the eleventh game to extend the match, but Rob and JWC sealed the match in the fourth, 6/3.

Next match was intriguing with the Seacourt youngsters, William Flynn & Max Trueman, taking on the Petworth professionals, Tom Durack & Louis Gordon. The Seacourt pair settled quickly and sailed through the first set 6/1. Now Tom and Louis rallied and the next two sets went the distance, but it was to be Max and Will’s day, winning both 6/5 6/5.

Third match saw fifth seeds, Darren Long and Leon Smart, against the Oratory’s Claire Fahey & Levi Gale. Claire & Levi were very much up for the match and took the game to the seeded pair, once again showcasing Claire’s phenomenal floor game, setting tight chases, with both defending the targets. But Darren and Leon just edged the first two sets, 6/3 6/4, and then won a more convincing third and final set 6/1.

Last match of the day pitched local professional, Neil Mackenzie, and Holyport professional, Josh Smith, against the long-term amateur pair, Peter Wright and Jamie Douglas, with the former being sixth seeds based on their world ranking. Peter and Jamie started the stronger, easing into a two-set lead, 6/1 6/3. But Neil and Josh found their touch in the third and won the next two sets, 6/3 6/2, to level the match and set up the fifth. Now Peter and Jamie settled down to lead 4-0 then 5-1. One last push from the professionals but it was to be the amateur’s day, securing the set, 6/2, and the match.

Doubles quarter-finals on Friday (tomorrow).

Singles Quarter-finals today – live stream links below:

Singles QF1: https://youtu.be/pS9sdQZIyXA Cam vs Leon S

Singles QF2: https://youtu.be/cBHhsjAzdQY BTM vs Nicky H

Singles QF3: https://youtu.be/qJIqTGQ8-rk Rob vs Bryn

Singles QF4: https://youtu.be/QTkIIv_FCKE Chappers vs John L

Second and final matches have world race points significance for the forthcoming Challenge.

UPDATE (15th November): Tuesday started with a cracking match between Nicky Howell and Manchester’s Rob Shenkman. The first two sets came and went and saw Nicky in a commanding position and at 5-1 in the third, all seemed lost for Rob. Flirting with numerous match points, Rob clawed his way back, finding in almost impossible to miss his targets, ultimately levelling at 5-5. Rob even had a couple of set points but Nicky held his nerve and closed out the match, with some relief.

Defending champion John Lumley then took on Oratory’s Levi Gale. No fairy tales and John was soon two sets up. Levi was playing well and stayed close in the third but this was always John’s day, taking the third, 6/4. World Champion, Camden Riviere, then took on local professional, Neil Mackenzie. A good spirited match saw Neil produce the trick shot of the day, a behind his back volley into the grille. This didn’t stop Camden, who missed nothing and carved the ball into all four corners of the court and controlled the game. Delicate touch and devastating speed saw Cam through comfortably, although Neil played some wonderful Tennis to make the match a spectacle.

The penultimate match was between Tuxedo professional, Tim Chisholm, and Bristol professional, Ben Taylor-Matthews, was on paper the match of the round. The first set didn’t disappoint and both players played excellent Tennis to reach a grandstand 5-5, and here it was Ben who gained the advantage to take the first set. This proved decisive and although Tim was always in the match, Ben won the next two sets to claim a quarter-final place. Former world champion and Oratory professional, Rob Fahey, concluded play with a match against Manchester professional, Darren Long. Darren played very well but never easy against a player of Rob’s stature. A tight first and third set, but Rob came home in straight sets.

UPDATE (14th November): Monday saw a mixture of first and second round matches. Oratory professional, Levi Gale, eased past Petworth professional Louis Gordon, but not a straightforward as the first set suggested. Louis powered back in the second to level but it was Levi who finally edged the next two sets. Eighth seed, Leon Smart, started quickly against John Woods Casey, survived a minor scare in the second set, before closing out in the third. Straightforward in the end, but a small flutter in between two dominant sets. Local professional and seventh seed, Bryn Sayers, won his first two sets in style, before closing out Lewis Williams in the third set, 6/4.

Next an intriguing first round match between Tuxedo professional, Tim Chisholm, and RTC’s Peter Wright. Peter started well and carried the first set 6/4, before Tim reversed the trend in the second by the same margin. Tim is a canny player with incredibly powerful shots, and used this to good effect to close down the next two sets. Both players could take credit for a terrific match. Matthieu Sarlangue (Paris) took a convincing first set 6/2 off Manchester professional, Darren Long, but Darren fought back taking a tight second 6/5 to level. Darren then led 5-1 in the third before Matthieu unfortunately had to retire. Last match of the day saw Chris Chapman (Melbourne professional) matched against Josh Smith (Holyport professional). Josh played well and gave Chris a few problems to solve, but Chris was never going to succumb, winning through in three sets.

That concludes the first round, with three second round matches completed.

UPDATE (13th November): The first day of the Ritblat Foundation British Open is usually quite long, and this Sunday didn’t differ. In the opening game, Melbourne professional, John Woods Casey eased past Radley’s Ben Yorston, after dropping a close, first set 5/6. Some fine Tennis throughout with both players chasing down the ball, producing some long rests. An epic encounter between Leamington professional, Lewis Williams, and Oratory Head of Racquet Sport, Claire Fahey, followed and this was a fabulous match which saw the lead constantly change as the balance shifted. Claire took the first set, but Lewis then narrowly won the second to level the match. Lewis carried the momentum to lead 2-1 but Claire wasn’t conceding, wining the fourth 6-1, to set up a thrilling finale. An epic final set saw the players on court for almost 3.5 hours, remarkable in itself, and a first for Claire. However, it was Lewis who came through in the fifth after some determined resistance from Claire.

The remaining first round ties were more straightforward, with Manchester’s Ron Shenkman beating Oxford professional, Craig Greenhalgh, in four sets. Then Holyport professional, Josh Smith, used his experience to overcome Seacourt’s rising star, William Flynn. Finally, a more hard-hitting match saw local professional, Neil McKensie, defeat Jesmond Dene professional, Zak Eadle, in four, in a match which extended well into the Sunday evening.

A mixture of First and Second Round on Monday as the seeds enter the draw. Watch live at the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz4vpvhBrBB-ZLFRzCxwBCA

UPDATE (11th November): William Flynn, Zak Eadle, Craig Greenhalgh and Benedict Yorston have qualified for the singles main draw. William Flynn & Max Trueman have qualified for the doubles main draw as well as Nino Merola & Lewis Williams.

The first day of the Ritblat Foundation British Open is usually quite long, and this Sunday didn’t differ. In the opening game, Melbourne professional, John Woods Casey eased past Radley’s Ben Yorston, after dropping a close, first set 5/6. Some fine Tennis throughout with both players chasing down the ball, producing some long rests. An epic encounter between Leamington professional, Lewis Williams, and Oratory Head of Racquet Sport, Claire Fahey, followed and this was a fabulous match which saw the lead constantly change as the balance shifted. Claire took the first set, but Lewis then narrowly won the second to level the match. Lewis carried the momentum to lead 2-1 but Claire wasn’t conceding, wining the fourth 6-1, to set up a thrilling finale. An epic final set saw the players on court for almost 3.5 hours, remarkable in itself, and a first for Claire. However, it was Lewis who came through in the fifth after some determined resistance from Claire.

The remaining first round ties were more straightforward, with Manchester’s Rob Shenkman beating Oxford professional, Craig Greenhalgh, in four sets. Then Holyport professional, Josh Smith, used his experience to overcome Seacourt’s rising star, William Flynn. Finally, a more hard-hitting match saw local professional, Neil Mackenzie, defeat Jesmond Dene professional, Zak Eadle, in four, in a match which extended well into the Sunday evening.