tennis Fixture

Category G Open Championship (Level Singles for Handicaps 60+) 2013

Prested Hall once again hosted the National Category G event, a tournament played off handicap for those who have a handicap of 60 and above. With a very healthy draw of 15 we were very much looking forward to the event, 13 of the players were from Prested and 2 made the effort from Hampton Court.

The tournament was split into four groups with the winner from each group qualifying for the semi-finals. Each group was very tight and a huge well done to Ian Hawkey, Simon Foster, James Bargent and Calum Mills for making the semi-finals.

Ian Hawkey lost to an in-form Calum Mills 6/2 in the first semi-final and Simon Foster lost 6/1 to a hugely impressive James Bargent who looked in imperious form! The final was between another two of the Prested junior section, James vs Calum and they were clearly the players in form for this year’s event.

The final was nip and tuck the whole way, never more than a game between them at any moment. James just kept a game in front going 5/4 up, it must be said both players were striking the ball so cleanly and neither could be unhappy with the way they were playing. It was a cracking final and for those who stayed around to watch the event were treated to an excellent spectacle. Both players had their chances but it was James who held his nerve to claim his first title 8/6, huge congratulations to him as he has really come on over the summer. A fantastic start to the season for both James and Calum and we look forward to seeing them develop throughout the winter.

Many thanks to everyone who played, Giles and Katy Doy for making the effort to travel to play and Adrain Camacho for marking all day. We look forward to next years event.

Report by Ricardo Smith