Newmarket Lawn Tennis Club

21st SUFFOLK INDOOR OPEN SENIORS’ TENNIS TOURNAMENT

MIKE ELLIS RETAINS 70s TITLE IN EASTER EVENT

Another highly successful Open Suffolk Seniors’ event was staged over the Easter weekend in the Ipswich Sports Club Indoor Centre, 82 competitors from 13 counties enjoying meeting old friends, both on and off the court. Bury St Edmunds player Mike Ellis confirmed his national rating of 5 by retaining his 70.0 title, Elizabeth Cubitt (L.50) and Paul Hammond (M.55) also holding on to their Singles crowns. (writes Peter Mornard)

In a hard-hitting 45.0 decider, Felixstowe’s Hussein Ahmed once again overcame old adversary Gary Keens, his 6-4 6-4 victory following on from success over brother Liban in the 35.0 event last year. An even tighter affair saw Norfolk’s Robert Ollman capturing the Men’s 65.0 title for the first time, having knocked out holder Peter Brown in the opening round, Ollman just edging a titanic battle with James Hunter 4-6 7-5 10-3.

Another outstanding final saw national number 9 Kirstie Caneparo, from Hertfordshire, overcoming Patricia Mindham, from East Finchley, 6-2 4-6 10- 5, in the Ladies’ 40 decider, Norfolk’s Elizabeth Cubitt picking up the Ladies’ 50 title when Lowestoft’s Debbie Faulkner was forced to retire. The Men’s 55 Final was a repeat of last year, Bedfordshire’s Paul Hammond defeating Mark Briscoe, from Lancs, Hammond completing the double when partnering Robert Boyd to victory in the Men’s 55 Doubles.

Jill Crown displayed all her wily skills as a doubles player in picking up both 60.0 titles, teaming up with Robert Boyd in the Mixed, and partnering Joan Hassell in the Ladies. Joan Hassell continues to make a major contribution to the Seniors tournaments as a Committee member, thanks also going to Steve and Julie Pilcher, Craig Lambert, Peter Mornard, and of course, the indefatigable man behind it all, Keith Flewitt.