Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Vets ‘master’ claims third singles crown
Tennis
Canterbury Tennis Club’s Veterans Finals Day at Polo Farm was another celebration of long-lasting talent and fitness.
Jasper Cooper claimed his third over-45s singles title, beating Alistair Balfour who managed to win an impressive four games against the man recognised as the club’s master veteran.
Cooper was presented with the Paul Drane Cup by the former UK over-80s champion himself.
With Chris Morgan, Cooper also retained the men’s doubles title, a close match ending in a tie-break decider against Peter Illes and Joseph Sevier.
In the over-60s singles, two new contenders had emerged as finalists, Jon Forster and Peter Illes.
There was some stylish play on both sides but it proved to be a comfortable win for Illes.
The stars among the women included Myra Hunter, beating Norma Smith in the singles and then, partnering Smith, securing the doubles title against Mary Cannon and Elke Gardner. The mixed matches saw the new pairing of Carol Bye with Duncan Smith. Having lost the first set, Bye and Smith got their act together and overcame the skills of Tina Bird and Alistair Balfour in the second set and a tie break.
The over-60s mixed match was another close contest among regular champions, with Elke Gardner and Brian Robinson defeating Mary Cannon and Geoff Cannon. Robinson made two more appearances in men’s doubles, partnering Geoff Cannon to defeat Charlie Mcardle and David Scicluna in the oldest category but losing to Peter Illes and Martin Jones in the over-60s.
The vets’ finals matches were preceded by some fun and games with the juniors – many of whom showed more talent than the oldies!
This mixed tournament was pairings organised by senior coach Greg Hill and produced some excellentrallies with points won by players at both ends of the age spectrum. Results: Over-45 men’s singles: Jasper Cooper beat Alistair Balfour 6-1, 6-3; Mixed doubles: Carol Bye & Duncan Smith beat Tina Bird & Alistair Balfour 2-6, 6-4, 1-0; men’s doubles: Jasper Cooper & Chris Morgan beat Peter Illes & Joseph Sevier 6-2, 5-7, 1-0; Over-60s women’s singles: Myra Hunter beat Norma Smith 6-2, 6-0; men’s singles: Peter Illes beat Jon Foster 6-2. 6-0; women’s doubles: Myra Hunter & Norma Smith beat Mary Cannon & Elke Gardner 6-1, 6-1; men’s doubles: Peter Illes & Martin Jones beat Charlie Mcardle & Brian Robinson 6-2, 6-3; Mixed doubles: Elke Gardner & Brian Robinson beat Mary & Geoff Cannon 6-2, 6-7, 1-0; Over-70s men’s doubles: Geoff Cannon & Brian Robinson beat Charlie Mcardle & David Scicluna 6-2, 7-6.