Old Basing Tennis Club celebrated a record-breaking summer tournament with an action-packed Finals’ Day.
Held on Saturday, September 7, the tournament, organised by club stalwart Del Salter and supported by Jane Reap, saw the highest number of entries ever, with 57 matches played over three months.
The day featured seven finals with 21 players competing across various categories, including men's and ladies singles and doubles, mixed doubles, handicap men’s and ladies doubles, and a round-robin tournament for the top three junior players.
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Jamie Thomas continued his reign as the club's best male player, winning the men's singles 6-2, 6-4 against Marcus Robertson, and later, along with partner Andrew Merryfield, clinched the men's doubles title.
The mixed doubles final saw mother-and-son duo Lynne and Jamie Thomas triumph over Penny Luke and Marcus Robertson.
In the ladies singles, Jemma Marais emerged as a new champion, defeating Bev Cleaver 6-3, 6-2.
Bev and Sandie Benham, however, bounced back to win the ladies doubles final against Jayne Crowley and Lynne Thomas.
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The handicap finals were thrilling, with Alison Cruickshanks and Caz Lomax winning the ladies match, and Graeme Robertson and Gary Baker narrowly defeating Matthew Savastano and Gary Smallbone in the men’s.
The junior round-robin tournament was won by Matt, one of three juniors coached by Eduardo.
Club chairman Nigel Hatt presented the trophies, thanking participants and spectators alike.
Mike Chamberlain was awarded the Betty Holmes Cup for his service to the club.
The tournament concluded with a barbecue, with attendees socialising long after dark, marking a successful end to the summer tournament.
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