Corporate Challenge begins busy set of tennis events

TENNIS: The rescheduled 2018 Hutchies Corporate Challenge begins a busy stretch of Toowoomba tennis when it finally hits the courts tonight at James St tennis centre.

This year’s charity fundraiser was postponed last month because of wet weather during the Toowoomba International week at Toowoomba Regional Tennis Centre — USQ.

Twenty teams will line up in tonight’s event with proceeds from the tournament assisting Blush Cancer Care.

Play starts at 6pm.

Next weekend also features two days of competition at the Toowoomba Tennis Association’s (TTA) James St courts when the Duncan Thompson Cup and Alder Cup return on Sunday from a recess.

The annual inter-city tournament fought out between Toowoomba and Ipswich features eight-player teams in both the senior Duncan Thompson Cup and Alder Cup junior version. The tournament began in 1948. Country clubs also travel to James St next Saturday for the last round and finals of the South Tennis League 2018 regional competition.

Meanwhile Toowoomba tennis is celebrating success of another kind after TTA president Allen Smythe was named Tennis Queensland Volunteer of the Year for his ongoing contribution to tennis in the city.

South Region was also awarded on the night after being named Outstanding Region of Queensland.

Photo: Kevin Farmer TAKING UP THE CHALLENGE: Hutchies Hurricanes team members Kyle Tonkin (left), Ashleigh Braden and Brandon Tonkin prepare to take to the court in last year’s Hutchies Corporate Challenge.