They went with high hopes of doing well for themselves and their country.

A report from Robyn Castle on the World Individual Championships at Ali Bey, Turkey from 30 April to 6 May, 2007

 There were about 40 Australian players who participated in the 35 – 55 World Seniors in Antalya at the gorgeous resort "Club Ali Bey." There are two resorts that serve the ITF Seniors very well! Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, with restaurants, swimming pools and waterslides, oh, and tennis courts! Over 50 delightful red clay at Manavgat, the larger of the two, provided the scene for several excellent performances during the Individual Championships from April 30 – May 6.

An Aussie group at Club Ali Bey, Turkey

"Week Two" saw plenty of action, with Aussies winning their first round in many events. The men who lasted to the Finals were: Andrew Rae (VIC) in the M55 Singles – winning the Final 6-1 6-1. He’s "King of the Court" in the 55s! What a sensational performance - proving his supremacy in emphatic fashion, against USA’s Larry Turville.

Larry Turville (USA) and Andrew Rae (Vic)

Our 50 Men’s Doubles combo of Wayne Pascoe (NSW) and Bruce Osborne (VIC) were victorious in the Final, 6-2 6-2, over Wayne and Trevor Allan, (an Aussie and a former Aussie), another resounding win for Australia.

Both our 40 and 45 Doubles pairs went down fighting, that’s Andrew Schuelke and Greg Westwood 3-6 7-5 3-6 (40s) and Mike Ford and Simon Arms 3-6 7-6 1-6, in the 45s. Max Bates and Andrew Rae although seeded #1 were unfortunately eliminated by the USA pair P Landauer and T Smith 3-6 6-3 3-6 in the semi-final. Another titanic struggle for the Aussies.

Wanda Clothier (VIC) competed in the 45s, to be knocked out in the first round, but she made the most of that loss by winning the Consolation event. Well done, Wanda!

In women’s doubles, Lyn Mortimer and Sue Walter #1 seeds in the 50s, unfortunately went down to the USA pair, Harris and Nichols, and Leanne Swaysland and Brenda Foster (also #1 seeds) lost the 45s to another USA pair Fishburne and Dailey. Brenda can be proud of her efforts in the Women’s 45 Singles – going down to the eventual winner in the Semi-final, in a third set tie-break. Carin Bakkum (NED), seeded #1, then took the title 6-2 6-1 in the Final. Brenda should have been there! Well done, Brenda, great play!

Now for the best news! Fifteen years in a row…. Liz Allan has dominated her Doubles event, winning with both Carol Campling and Kerry Ballard! An outstanding record, absolutely mind boggling! The last 7 have been with Kerry, who also won in 1997 with Wendy Gilchrist. In the past two years, the wins have been against team-mates, Helen Worland and Adrienne Avis, both times in three sets. How good is that? Well done Aussies!

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