Harrison is in smashing form to win

TENNIS

THE first visually-impaired (VI) regional competition took place at the Dan Maskell Tennis Centre in Loughborough.

North East players travelled to the Midlands, eager to compete after a determined training block at their home cubs.

The regional group included representatives from the North East Visually Impaired Tennis Club.

Anthony Harrison was one of the region’s stand-out performers, finishing first in the B1 competiiton.

This was an incredible feat considering it was his first mixed singles regional VI tournament.

Harrison (pictured) went on to team up with Sidney Tambin in the mixed doubles (B1 event), finishing runners-up.

It was then the turn of Rosine Pybus from Durham to prove hard work really pays off.

Pybus played amazing tennis to claim the ladies’ B4/5 singles title.

Wendy Glasper, who helps run the North East Visually Impaired Tennis Club, said: “Well done to everybody for giving it their all and leaving everything on court.

“A huge thank you to everyone who makes this happen including our volunteers, coaches, venues and team-mates.

“We are a true tennis family. We simply love the sport and we are so proud to represent the North East.”

The Tennis Foundation host several regional VI events across the year and participation is growing year on year.

There are more opportunities for people who are blind or partially sighted to play tennis than ever before - and more and more people are taking up the game.

The visually-impaired version of the game is played on a smaller court than normal and with a lower net.

Players also use an audible ball so they can hear it bounce.

Depending on their sight, players are allowed up to three bounces before returning the ball.

Anyone interested in finding out more about VI tennis across the North East should email Wendy Glasper at wglasper2000@yahoo.co.uk.