County tennis titles for Leck and Cheska

LOUGHBOROUGH’S Robert Leck and Anna Cheska claimed the men’s and women’s singles titles at the Leicestershire County Championships.

It was a third success for 17-year-old Cheska as she defeated Lilia Boukikova (Leicestershire and Loughborough TC) at the Leicestershire Lawn Tennis club.

The Loughborough Greenfields, Loughborough Town and University player reached the final without losing a set, while third seed Boukikova had defeated second seed Jennifer Gadsby in three sets to reach her first singles final.

Both players produced some stunning winners and showed great athleticism in punishing rallies. However, Cheska’s match experience proved too much for her rival as she won 6-4, 6-2.

Both players will be playing for the Loughborough Town team that has reached the National Club finals, to be held at Bournemouth next month.

Men’s No.1 seed Leck reached the final at his first attempt and faced County captain and third seed Tom Kisiel who was looking to clinch the title for a remarkable 11th straight season.

Serving at 5-6 in the final set, the defending champion saved three match points before Leck broke to win 7-6, 4-6, 7-5.

There was consolation for Kiesel in the men’s doubles, where his second seeded partnership with Jack Simpson overcame fourth seeds Jonny Cloke and Sam Preston 6-4, 6-4.

In the women’s doubles, Lilia Boukikova and Emily Rodbourne (Charnwood) retained their title with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Lois Elson and Christina Pozerskis.