Wrapping up our Turkish Delight!

14-Nov-2008 - Robyn Castle

The World Championships came to a close on Sunday, October 26, with many Australians in the winners’ circle, taking out FIVE Singles and SIX Doubles titles.

In Singles there were: 50MS Glenn Busby, 55MS Andrew Rae, 85MS Neville Halligan, as well as 50WS Ros Balodis and 75WS Margaret Robinson. Ros and Margaret were also successful in their Doubles Finals, with Kaye Nealon and Nancy Reed respectively.

Glenn Busby

Ros Balodis

Andrew Rae

Marg Robinson

Nev Halligan

An incredible 16th consecutive World Doubles title went to Elizabeth Allan, 8th with current partner Kerry Ballard, in 55WD and in 60WD Carol Campling paired with Nicole Hesse Cazaux (FRA) for her 14th Doubles title.

In the men’s, Bruce Osborne won the 50MD with Pierre Godfroid (BEL) and Max Bates, the 55MD with Roger Guedes (BRA).

What a shame our beautiful octogenarian lady, Elsie Crowe (WA) could not defend her Singles title. Elsie had an unfortunate battle with a court roller, and it shaved off part of her right leg! (It will heal, but she was out of the tournament!) Also 75-year-old Peg Hoysted (NSW) was out before the Individuals began with an Achilles tendon injury.

There were plenty of Aussies featuring in the Semi-finals, so well done to our contingent of elite players!

And now, how good is this?

Australian Seniors in the TOP TEN!

There are 9 Men and 6 Women in the top 10 in the world according to the latest rankings released on Nov 3 by the ITF. Of the 15 players, 10 are in the top FIVE: Two #1, two #2, two #3, three #4, one #5, one #6, one #7, two #8, one #10).

MEN

35s Brendon Rose (NSW) #4
40s Chris O’Mara (QLD) #3
50s Glenn Busby (VIC) #1
Gary Thoroughgood (NSW) #4
55s Andrew Rae (VIC) #1
60s Gary Penberthy (WA) #5
80s Doug Corbett (NSW) #7
Ward Hillier (VIC) #8
85s Nev Halligan (QLD) #2
 

WOMEN

40s Jurate Hardy (VIC) #4
45s Brenda Foster (NSW) #10
50s Lyn Mortimer (QLD) #3
Ros Balodis (ACT) #6
70s Nola Collins (VIC) #8
75s Margaret Robinson (WA) #2