Taylor NZ’s rep in France

It’s bon voyage for Southland tennis player George Taylor.

Taylor is off to represent New Zealand in the 60 to 65 age group at the International Tennis Federation Seniors’ World Team Championships in La Baule, France.

He left for France on Friday with the competition due to start on June 8 and run until June 13.

Teams from 20 nations will take part, competing roundrobin style in age categories, followed by a knockout stage to decide the winners and final positions.

Teams from each nation will consist of two to four men or women.

Taylor, 59, will be the youngest player on the New Zealand team, he said.

‘‘I’m pleased to be representing New Zealand.’’

The fact that he was not 60 when the selection was made was not a problem, Taylor said. Selection is based on the year he turns 60.

To qualify Taylor had to compete in the New Zealand seniors’ nationals which were held in January on the North Shore.

At the seniors’ nationals Taylor competed in the 55 to 59-year-old section and was runner-up in the plate.

While he didn’t take out the competition his performance gave him a high enough ranking to qualify for the national team, he said.

The ITF seniors’ world individual Championships follow straight after the world team championships, starting on June 14.

Taylor has also entered that competition.‘‘I’ll be guaranteed two games.’’

He expected to be knocked out of the individual competition quickly so had booked a holiday three days after the individual championship started.

‘‘My wife is coming along and I’m reluctant to play too much tennis,’’ he joked.