ACT Championships

 

2011 ACT Open Seniors Tennis Tournament 22-25 April

- report

- results

 

2011 ACT Resident Seniors Championships 1-3 April more 

 

2011 ACT Open Seniors Tennis Tournament 22-25 April

 

This year’s ACT Open Seniors Tennis Championship has been the most successful since it has been held at the Weston Creek Tennis Club.  This year’s tournament was the 41st to be held and the tenth year it has been centred at Weston Creek.  As in the past, matches were also played at Forrest.  The weather, for this time of year, was very pleasant and provided excellent playing conditions.

 

This year Anzac Day occurred during the tournament and, as such, agreement had to be obtained from the RSL (Government requirement) for play to occur in the morning.  The RSL were cooperative and gave their permission to play with a request to hold a 2 minutes silence at 11 o'clock.  This we did.

 

The tournament attracted 172 entries, which was the most received since the tournament moved to Weston Creek.  As normal there were a few last minute withdrawals and forfeits which resulted in 164 players competing.  This year the tournament was listed on the internet and entries received via the internet.  This probably accounted for the large number of entries received in the younger age groups, particularly in the men’s events.

 

The tournament is an ITF Category 3 tournament and attracts international and interstate players.  Our regular Japanese competitor Takimichi Hirooka made it again this year.  However we became a bit concerned when we received his entry as he was in Christchurch when the earthquake hit.  He had returned to Japan and was there when their earthquake and tsamarmi hit (he was in Tokyo and so wasn't directly effected).  We weren’t sure what to expect in case these 'happenings' were following him around.  We also had a player, Arvinder Chhatwal, who travelled from India to play.  He very much enjoyed the tournament and was surprised at the high standard.  Greg Holcombe partnered him in the doubles and promoted good international relations.  Arvinder said he would try again next year.

 

Entries were received from WA, Queensland, NSW, Victoria, and SA as well as our own ACT players.  The field also comprised 21 past and present Australian team representatives.

 

Our local players performed well again this year to win championship events.  John Bennett won the Men's 35 singles as he has done the previous three years (must be his favourite tournament). Neville Rodwell won the 60 singles and Narelle Raftery won the Womens 35/40/45 singles.  Doubles winners were John Bennett in the 35/40's; Ros Balodis in the 35/50's and Helen Holcombe in the 60's.  Mixed doubles winners were Joanna Adams and Mark Jorgenson in the 35's and Ros Balodis and Colin Holgate in the 45's.

 

Runner-ups in the championship events were Mark Jorgensen in the 50 singles; Colin Holgate in the 55/60 doubles; Phil Higgs and Pat Moloney in the 65/70 doubles; Heather McKay in the 60's doubles and Pat Moloney in the 55 mixed. 

 

Overall a good performance by our ACT players in the Championship events.

 

In the Non-Championship events ACT winners were Leonie Ainsworth and Heather McKay in the 70/100 combined doubles (same as last year), Pauline Honeyman in the 130 combined and David and Merle Coutts in the 90/110 mixed.

 

Helen Worland (NSW) again showed why she is a class player in winning the womens 60 singles. Helen has won her singles event the last three years as well as being runner up before that.

 

Dennis Love (NSW) another regular participant at our tournament had an 'enduring' and worthwhile tournament.  Dennis won the 55 singles in three sets and was runner up in the 55/60 doubles and the 70/100 doubles losing both matches 7/6 in the third.  Fortunately he only had to 'endure' a few hours drive back to Merimbula.

 

All ITF tournaments require a White Badge Referee to oversee the tournament.  Our White Badge referee was Mark Crawley who officiated in conjunction with another White Badge referee, Emma Walter.  Normally the officials have a relatively easy time.  However this year one of the interstate players received some code violations.  This is recorded in the Tournament Report which goes to the ITF.  The ITF will now decide what action, if any, is to be taken.  As in past years Mark and Jacqui Marsden organised umpires and linespersons to officiate in some of the singles finals.  This is appreciated by the players as it allows them to concentrate on their tennis.  This officiating also has the added benefit of providing training for the umpires and linespeople.

 

As the case has been for the last few years first prize (tennis racquet) in the raffle went to the ACT.  This time it was to Leonie Southwell.  The following winners selected their own prize: Enid Besant-Ryan (Blackwood prize pack), Mick Doyle (Blackwood watch), Judy Logan (wine), Bev Gibson (Blackwood garden utensils), Denise Martin (easter egg basket), Rochelle Hogan (Fyshwick markets voucher), Neville Rodwell (Fyshwick markets voucher).  Our thanks goes to those sponsors for their generosity in donating the prizes.

 

Players and spectators once again enjoyed the cuisine delights from the ‘Betty Anne Banquet’.  This continues to be a big hit with all the freshly home made slices and cakes and made to order sandwiches with continuous tea and coffee.  Special thanks must go to Betty Smith and Anne Doyle for the time and effort they put into the catering.

 

The dinner dance this year was a little subdued as some of our regular 'rockers' weren't able to attend.  However it was still a good night led by our entertainer Ray Stevens.  10 years he has entertained us with his rock and roll.  An impromptu speech was made by Julie Pratt followed by Pat who welcomed our international players and  Australian representatives and thanked all those helping with the tournament. 

 

Our thanks and gratitude are extended to all those people who assisted us prior to and during the Tournament.  In particular Gail Jones who did a great job as Tournament Secretary in accepting entries and assisted in producing the draws and times and recording the results.  Also to Anne Haycock who volunteered to help and ended up putting in full days with the allocation of matches to courts.  Also to Peter Breugelmans for obtaining money from players, Graham Smith our barman and Julie Howe for organising the Dinner/Dance and selling raffle tickets.

 

Results 

 

2011 ACT Open Seniors Tennis Tournament Results

 

Men’s Singles

35/40                           John Bennett (ACT) def Justin Martin (WA)                     6/2 6/2

45                                Greg Westwood (NSW) def Andrew Kew (NSW)             7/5 6/1

50                                Bruce Ferguson (VIC) def Mark Jorgensen (ACT)            6/3 6/3

55                                Dennis Love (NSW) def Russell Rumery (NSW)              6/4 5/7 6/3

60                                Neville Rodwell (ACT) def Dennis Kronk (QLD)                4/6 6/1 4/1 ret inj

65                                Ian Davis (NSW) def Lee Taylor (QLD)                           6/4 7/5

70                                Don Biddle (NSW) def Ian King (NSW)                           6/1 6/1

 

Women’s Singles

35/40/45                      Narelle Raftery (ACT) def Joanne Walter (NSW)               6/3 6/4

55/60                           Helen Worland (NSW) def Wanda Clothier (VIC)              6/3 6/2

 

Men’s Doubles

35/40                           John Bennett (ACT) & Lynton Joseph (VIC)

                                    def Justin Martin (WA) & Robert Strappazon (VIC)            6/0 6/3

45/50                           Bruce Ferguson (VIC) & Martin Warwick

                                    def Michael Vickery (NSW) & Greg Westwood (NSW)      6/3 2/6 6/4

55/60                           Dennis Kronk (QLD) & Graeme Sticka (NSW)        

def Colin Holgate (ACT) & Dennis Love (NSW)                  6/4 6/7 7/6

60/75                           Ian Davis (NSW) & Michael Pyne (NSW)

                                    def Phil Higgs (ACT) & Pat Moloney (ACT)                        6/3 6/4

 

Womens Doubles      

35/50                           Ros Balodis (ACT) & Sara Goddard (NSW)

                                    def Narelle Follington (NSW) & Joanne Walter (NSW)        6/0 3/6 6/0

60                                Winner: Helen Holcombe (ACT) & Helen Worland (NSW)

                                     r/u: Enid Besant-Ryan (NSW) & Heather McKay (ACT)      R/R

 

Mixed Doubles

35                                Joanna Adams (ACT) & Mark Jorgensen (ACT)

def Vanessa Deegan (WA) & Tony Golding (NSW)              6/3 3/6 6/3

45                                Ros Balodis (ACT) & Colin Holgate (ACT)

def Janine Keall (WA) & Greg Westwood (NSW)                 6/3 7/5

55                                Sara Goddard (NSW) & George Penny (NSW)

def Enid Besant-Ryan (NSW) & Patrick Moloney (ACT)        6/3 6/1

65                                Winner: Kim Blackburne (NSW) & Lee Taylor (QLD)             R/R     

 

Combined Age R/R Doubles Events

70/100 Mens               Hugh O'Brien (NSW) & Murray Williams (NSW)                

def Dennis Love (NSW) & John Rheinberger (NSW)              4/6 6/2 7/6

130 Mens                    Don Biddle (NSW) & Ian King (NSW)        

                                    def Colin Armstrong (NSW) & Peter Musgrove (NSW)            6/3 6/2

70/100 Womens          Leonie Ainsworth (ACT) & Heather McKay (ACT)                         

                                    def Enid Besant Ryan (NSW) & Julien Pratt (NSW)                7/5 6/2

130 Womens               Pauline Honeyman (ACT) & Denise Martin (NSW)

                                    def Marilyn Walter (ACT) & Judy Logan (NSW)                       6/7 6/3 7/6

90/110 Mixed              David Coutts (ACT) & Merle Coutts (ACT)            

def Graeme Smith (ACT) & Lynette Sebbens (NSW)                6/2 6/4

 

Special R/R Events   

Men's 'B' Doubles       Wayne Kelly (ACT) & Alfredo Verdejo (ACT)

                                    def Graham Poulsen (NSW) & Ken Poulsen (NSW)                   6/0 6/0

Women’s ‘B’ Doubles Winner: Rochelle Hogan (ACT) & Kim Holgate (ACT)

                                      r/u: Ann Hannema (NSW) & Helen McDuff (ACT)                     R/R

Mixed 'B' Doubles      Winner: Gloria Carr (NSW) & Gordon Elliot (NSW)                         R/R 

 

Non-Championship R/R Womens Singles

34/48                           Winner: Sharyn Besch (QLD)                                                R/R

49/64                           Winner: Paivi Lobigs (ACT)                                                   R/R

 

Consolation Event

Mens Singles:              Hugh O'Brien (NSW) def Tim Harris (ACT)                            9/8

 

Detailed results can be found at www.92computing.com.au.

 

2011 ACT Resident Seniors Championships 1-3 April

 

The 2011 ACT Resident Senior Championships were combined with the ACT Resident Championships for the second year.  Despite the wonderful Autumn weather, entries were down on last year with only three events getting off the ground compared with 7 in 2010.  The results of the Seniors events were

 

35+ Mens Singles -Greg Sly r/u John Gibbs

35+ Mens Doubles - Teodoro Molina and Mar Sanchez, r/u Nigel Bates and Stephen Powrie

50+ Mens Singles - Neville Rodwell, r/u Tim Harris

 

Some of the Tennis ACT Seniors members did well in the other events.  Christine Fraser played with her son Daniel to win the Resident Mixed Doubles and combined with Helen Holcombe to be runners up in the Resident Womens Doubles losing in a long three set battle.  Kay Griffen won the A Grade Womens Singles and the A/B Mixed Doubles with Zoltan Lukacs.  Penny Moss won the A/B Womens Doubles with Bev Roberts from Jean Penny and Narelle Sykes..  The full results can be found at www.tennis.com.au/act.