The Sussex Baseline
5&//*4 The Sussex Baseline 4644&9 SERVING UP ALL THE ESSENTIAL TENNIS NEWS ACROSS SUSSEX November 2018 SuSSEx AcE LuI MAxTED WINS NATIONAL u14 TITLE 2018 has been a good year for 14 year old Lui Maxted. Whilst continuing to work hard at school, focus on his training and push himself in the gym, Lui has found success on the court. The catalyst for this was the 14u Grade 2 event in Nottingham during the christmas holidays. Lui played five tough matches, including an exhausting 3 hour final, to win his first ever Grade 2 tournament, which gave him a level of confidence that had eluded him until then. In February the 14u Winter National Tour Finals at the National Tennis centre in Roehampton had a formidable main draw but Lui won the title without loss of a set in his first ever Grade 1 event win. In March the 16u Winter National Tour Finals was also held at the NTc and Lui became the first player ever to win both 14u and 16u Tour Finals events in the same year. The points from these two events helped Lui move to No.1 in the GB rankings and with further success at Grade 2 tournaments in Nottingham, Edinburgh and Bath, Lui was able to keep the top spot for the remainder of the 2018 season. The penultimate event of the season for Lui was the Road to Wimbledon tournament that was played at the All England club in Wimbledon. He progressed through to the final and, with the score at 2-2 in the first set, Lui stepped up to take the next ten games in a row to win the match. With the winner’s prize being a clinic with Tim Henman and tickets to the Wimbledon championships next year Lui thought this was the best prize he had ever won. The concluding tournament of his summer season was the Junior National championships and Lui was seeded 1. He started well winning the first two rounds for the loss of only 4 games. In the quarter final match he faced a big serving opponent with a big forehand. The games were closely fought with high intensity throughout. Both players had opportunities to take control with breaks of serve but both were able to break back to keep the score HOLLY MEETS NOVAK even. However Lui played the big points well and in both sets showed great mental strength to eventually come through 6-3, 6-3. This set up a semi-final clash against the no. 3 seed against whom Lui had had many close battles in the past. He stepped on court with a determined focus and aggressive mindset, prepared for a long and exhausting match, but surprised himself with a 0&0 victory to earn a place in the final. Both finalists were understandably nervous at the start of the match – Lui was the first to settle and took the first set 6-1. The second set began more competitively, but at 2-2 rain stopped play. upon resumption his opponent held serve but Lui took control in the next four games, breaking serve twice to win the set and claim victory. Reflecting on his title of National champion Lui said “I’m really pleased with my performance this week. The two tournaments that I wanted to do well in this summer were The Road to Wimbledon and the Nationals. To win both is amazing. Winning the National Doubles too was great, although it’s a shame we won the final due to an injury walkover. I now have to focus on my new goals for the next season. I’m excited to begin working with Luke What an amazing day for Sussex’s Hollie Irwin! The young volunteer of the year Milligan and I’m always grateful for the support from my regional winner having a fantastic day at Queens, doing the coin toss for school – Worthing High – and also the West Worthing Djokovic’s match. club and David Lloyd Worthing”. www.tennissussex.net Sussex Issues www.tennissussex.net
ROAD TO WIMBLEDON 2018 – cOuNTY FINALS REpORT SHE RALLIES BuILDING MOMENTuM IN SuSSEx The Road to Wimbledon Sussex county Finals took place over the weekend of Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th July. This stage invites the At the LTA SE Regional She Rallies Day on 24th winners and runners-ups from the previous stage to compete for the opportunity to play at SW19. (l-r) Amelia and Sofia June 2018, 56 activators and 62 young girls took It was a glorious weekend which meant that all matches were played on the grass courts at West part. Worthing club. The first three rounds of the boys’ event were played on Saturday and many were By county the number of activattors varied but as decided with a match tiebreak. At the end of the day, we were down to our semi-finalists. you can see Sussex has a really strong On Sunday, Zak prawanna (Amherst LTc) and Oliver Hilton (The Weald Squash and Tennis club) movement building. The numbers were: Sussex beating Miles Roberts (preston Tc) and James pollard (chichester Racquets & Fitness club) – 25, Kent – 17, Surrey – 6, Middlesex and respectively to reach to the final. In the final, it was Zak prawanna that was victorious with a 6-0 London – 6, Warwickshire – 1, Hertfordshire – 1. 6-2 win over Oliver. This earnt Zak a spot in the National Finals at Wimbledon in August. Looks as if Sussex are leading the way in getting Matches in the girls’ event were also tightly contested with Amelia Devlin (VA Brighton); Olivia Girls on court! This can partly be credited to our (l-r) Zak and Olly Falkner (Storrington LTc); Ambassadors on the day from Sussex who are Sofia Maine and Isabella Hope Julie Hobbs & Julie Salmon. They were ably (both Angmering-on-Sea LTc) assisted by the Ambassadors from other counties reaching the semi-finals. It and the LTA SE team, Sue Laurence, Jo Horne, was Amelia and Sofia who Ali and Matt. Also vital to the success of the day progressed in to the final. were our Sussex Support team of Julie Goldin, The overall winner for the Robbie(filming) and last but not least Rebecca Road to Wimbledon county Finals Girls event was Sofia Maine. Sofia, our volunteer and Nikki who served as a ‘runner’ who joined Zak in earning a place in the National Finals at Wimbledon, amongst other vital things. beat Amelia 6-1 6-2. congratulations to Sofia and Zak on this achievement, a fantastic opportunity for them both. The county Finalists were joined at Wimbledon by Lui Maxted who The day started at 7.30am when staff and volunteers qualified through the Regional stages. met to unload a large amount of equipment. Jack opened the doors of Eastbourne Sports park at 8am, it was then a huge task to get everything ready for the THE BATTLE TO SAVE BADGERS workshop. Activators arrived greeted by SE team and Rebecca offering tea or coffee. At 9.15 am Sue clubs and players throughout the county are being urged to throw their support behind one of the area's oldest clubs - Badgers in Laurence introduced Judy Murray and the team to Brighton - which faces closure in just weeks. Badgers in Kemp Town is set to be closed down on December 10 following a decision by explain the goals of the She Rallies movement. The the landlords not to renew its lease. The club, in church place, has been going strong for over 130 years but the owners say they now sessions ran like clockwork with everyone having fun want to go ahead with plans to develop the site. and learning. Later in the morning 62 girls with an age The chotai brothers - a well-known local family which range of 8-16 arrived so the activators could put into also owns the Kamsons pharmacy chain - have told practice what they had learned. At 1pm the activators and staff left for Devonshire park to watch the Nature the club that they are not prepared to extend the lease Valley Eastbourne International and have a packed lunch. At 3.30pm we attended a Q & A with Katie Swann when it ends on December 10. Badgers chair Liz followed by Judy Murray. Foster explained that the club had been trying to talk Quotes from the day: “She rallies course was very well structured and organised. I was very impressed to the chotais ever since the club received the shock with how energised, passionate and welcoming the Ambassadors were. It was touching to have Judy news in February. "We have done everything to try Murray present and have her on court giving advice and being very approachable.’ and get them to talk to us," said Liz. "Members are ‘The courts were filled with a great ambience of unity and everyone wanting to get involved. Interacting Congratulations to Dena Nelson Smith absolutely devastated that the club is in imminent with female players, coaches, and teachers was great to share ideas and experiences with. I was very winner of the coaches survey prize danger of being closed but we are not giving up hope. interested to learn how girls may need a different coaching approach to boys and we do need to recognise draw receiving her Babolat training bag This club is not just about tennis - it's a lifeline many at the She Rallies event in Eastbourne this difference. I think this is crucial if girls are going to stay in the sport for longer and enjoy tennis, I will people rely on for all sorts of reasons. We have be incorporating these ideas into the girls I teach. I would highly recommend this course to others and members aged four to 74 and thanks to them we have really do hope this continues to run as this will aid females wanting to play the sport.” managed to build the club up into a very successful and much-loved community facility." Local Mp Lloyd Russell-Moyle - who will be raising the issue in parliament - along with local councillors, businesses and neighbours, have rallied around to support the club. An online petition received over 1,000 signatures within 48 hours of being launched with comments of support urging the landlords to HARBOuR WAY SHE RALLIES reconsider. https://chn.ge/2Npp54g A statement issued by the chotais following the launch of the petition claimed they would be "willing to help" fund alternative public AcTIVATORS REpORT tennis courts if they received planning permission for the Badgers site and if there was public demand. At the beginning of October I decided to run a She Rallies Mini Tots group as the younger The club - often described as Kemp Town's secret garden - has around 150 members mainly from the East Brighton area. It has close girls were not developing as well as I thought they could when sharing the group with links with nearby Manor gym and offers free coaching sessions for under 16s and reduced prices for older teenagers and membership the boisterous boys. This has been a great success with11 girls signed up from 3 - 5 discounts for means tested benefits. In July this year the club was made an AcV - Asset of community Value - by the council and hopes years old. The girls love having their own session and participate far more freely and to introduce tennis for people with disabilities if they are allowed to continue on the site. "We are very much part of the Kemp Town enthusiastically than in the past. I have partially split the mini green group to encourage community," added Liz. "If this site is bulldozed, Brighton and Hove will lose a very important part of its history and heritage and deny the girls to participate as I noticed that they were starting to drop out at this age. The future generations this wonderful green space. Badgers is an inclusive club - not an exclusive one. For many people it's their first and last phase of the lesson is usually joined but the learning and practice phases family."Anyone who would like to support the club can find the petition at ww.change.org or follow the link above. of the lesson are split between the sexes. For further information on anything the club provides please email [email protected]. Head coach & She Rallies Activator- Dena Nelson-Smith. www.tennissussex.net Tennis Sussex County Championships www.tennissussex.net Tennis Sussex county championships
5&//*4 Roll of Honour - 2018 4644&9 Event Winner Over 260 players from across the county participated in The Tennis Sussex county championships which was 45+ Mens Singles Justin Sherring held at The Southdown club in Lewes. Many thanks to Women's 40 Singles Helen Mitchell Southdown Tc for hosting and to Virgin Falmer (for help Family cup Ian chapman+Jack chapman during the rain), the referees and all the fantastic court Open Mixed Doubles Ryan Green+Ellie Dasent supervisors and volunteers who helped during the week. Open Womens Doubles Saffron Dowse+Katy Graydon After a very wet Sunday pM and Wednesday AM the weather was fair for the rest of the week and all the Open Mens Doubles Alex Hyman+Harvey Kilsby matches were completed in time for Finals Day when Touchtennis - Mixed Open Dean Weston former chairman Jim Anderson alongside current chair Open Womens Singles Katy Graydon Anne clark and former stalwarts of the county Open Mens Singles Alex Hyman championships, Ray and Di coburn, were present to 18u Boys Doubles Alex Hyman+Harvey Kilsby award the trophies and medals. Ray and Di coburn 18u Boys Singles Alex Hyman commented that the “spirit” of the championships had 16u Girls Singles Evelyn Kilsby returned! 16u Boys Singles Sam Nicholson credit for this must go to Julie Goldin who took on the 14u Mixed Doubles William Taunton+Evelyn Thoms role of Director with the aim of engaging clubs and coaches to support the event and to create that festival 14u Girls Doubles Sophia Rudko+Evelyn Thoms spirit. Having spoken to a number of people and looked 14u Boys Doubles Lemuel cassidy+Ben Goodwin at tournaments both semi-professional and “Festivals” so Touchtennis - Mixed 14u Darcy pycroft the ideas became reality. On arrival, players were 14u Girls Single Evelyn Thoms welcomed to the event with their own player’s lanyards 14u Boys Singles Sergio Vieira and information about the championships including 12u Girls Doubles Lola Lavandera+Amber Sisman respecting all players and officials both on and off court 12u Boys Doubles charlie Holmes+William Taunton and ultimately enjoying their Tennis experience. 12u Girls Singles Lola Dutton players who may not normally have participated, had the 12u Boys Singles William Taunton opportunity to play touchtennis which is a modified version of tennis played with foam balls and short rackets. 10u Girls Doubles Lola Lavandera+Emily Mort Tennis Sussex were delighted to have former World top 10u Boys Doubles Jack Sebastian Ford+Henry Hughes ten (and Sussex born) players Adam Hassan and Matt Touchtennis - Mixed 10u Jack Sebastian Ford Golledge on hand to run the event which proved highly 10u Girls Singles Amber Sisman successful with Darcy pyecroft winning the 14u event and 10u Boys Singles Henry Hughes Jack Ford the 10u event. Finals day also saw an 9u Girls Singles Gabriela pacheco-Lagoda opportunity for families to play together with a u18 9u Boys Singles Alec Vaughan playing with an adult relative in a serious but fun event in 8u Girls Singles Ruby Wood which Ian and Jack chapman overcame peter and Miles Roberts in the final. 8u Boys Singles Jacob Turner The two 12u winners, Lola Dutton and Will Taunton automatically qualified for the national ‘Babolat cup’ later in September. In addition to Junior and open events the championships were delighted to host a Senior Women’s over 40’s event & Senior Men’s over 45’s. Both finals proved highly entertaining with the players showing that it is not all about power and top spin. perhaps this quote sums up the 2018 county championships. “On behalf of the team at cranleigh Grass court Tennis Festival we would like to congratulate you on your refreshing, fun and really well run county championships. We know what it takes to run an event and your event reminded us of what we are trying so hard to create ourselves, which is making tennis fun and creating the right environment so players of all ages and abilities feel welcome. Keep up the great work.' "The photos taken at the county championships (those above and lots lots more) are available to purchase on the website www.sportpages.com" photos by Mick Mccarron - many thanks Mick! www.tennissussex.net Visually Impaired Tennis and more www.tennissussex.net
VISuALLY IMpAIRED TENNIS TOuRNAMENT QuEENS pARK WINS B&H pARKS LEAGuE TITLE Sound Tennis Sussex hosted their first regional Visually Impaired Tennis Tournament on 2-3 June 2018 at Virgin Active in Falmer. The Queens park Tennis club secured the 2018 parks League title in August after leading the First Division from the very first week of the Tournament is part of a series hosted around the uK leading up to national championships at Loughborough in October. We were pleased competition back in April.Last year’s champions Dyke were runners-up, and Saltdean third. congratulations to Jacob chadwick (captain), to welcome 34 players from around the Brenda Maguire, Wendy powell, Evelin potocnik, Katie Moorman, Kate Buchanan, David Brockman, Joel carr, Alastair Quarton, Matt country including 4 players who had been Hassell, Sam Waller-carr and Rhys Daniel. The Brighton & Hove parks League, established in 1930, features 40 teams from 12 clubs victorious at the world championships in competing across four leagues. played exclusively on public parks Queens Park, 2018 Parks League champions Dublin in April. courts in Brighton & Hove, the league has over 600 registered [back] Charlie Brown, Brenda Maguire, Sam Waller-Carr, David Brockman,Evelin Potocnik The turnout also included 9 players from the participants. Queens take possession of the Beckett challenge [front] Wendy Powell, Jacob Chadwick, Katie Moorman North East whose commitment involvded a 10 Shield title for a record 23rd time, making QpTc the most hour mini bus trip each way which saw them successful club in the history of the parks League, ahead of arriving home at 4 am the following morning! Hollingbury and Hove (both 20 wins). The spread of the sport was also shown with congratulations also to Queens 'A', who finished top of Division a player coming from Germany. Two, and will play in Division 1 next season. They were lead by players competed in singles and doubles Sam Waller-carr (Queens ‘A’ captain) alongside Jon clack, competitions by sight classifications based on Stephen Wright, patricio Sanchez, Sandrine Milland, Katie sight levels with 10 totally blind (B1) players, Johnson, Lucy Ditchburn, Michelle Macaree, chris Anderson, the standard continues to rise and it was great Isabel Roffe-Silvester, Luke Shoham and Fraser Hurley. to welcome a number of players to their first ever tournaments. “It really is a wonderful achievement this year of all years when Sussex players achieved a number of successes. World champion chris Baily from uckfield winning the doubles with callum Lock from so much has been happening at Queens. It's a real boost for the Eastbourne and becoming runner up to his arch rival paul Ryb from London (a fellow World champion) in the B3 singles club,” said club secretary pauline O’Reilly. christopher Smith from Eastbourne competing in his first competition had notable success as runner up in the B2 singles, christine It was the ladies who won it, explains team captain Jacob Laurence from Hove in the B3 ladies singles and Keith Turner in the B1 mixed doubles with Monica Smith from London were also runners chadwick: “We had a squad of five of some of the best ladies up. It was good also to have cyril Thomas from Brighton competing as a B2 in his first competition players in the league – all very experienced. It was often more of Organising a competition on this scale is quite an undertaking and great credit goes to all the organising team and the best part of 30 a head-scratcher as to who I leave out of the team, rather than who I put in – a nice problem. While QpTc volunteers whose help on and off court was fantastic, we were also privileged to have officials provided by the Tennis Foundation whose perhaps doesn’t have the very top individual male singles players in the league, it’s getting close. The professionalism and generosity was very much appreciated. The staff at Virgin Active were also great. The VI Tournament circuit moved strength on the mens side came from the depth of field and doubles-ability, and our starting four at the on to cambridge at the end of July and we are starting to think about next year. It was a brilliant event played in a very friendly and outset of the season – Matt Hassell, Rhys Daniel, Joel pearcey and David Brockman – did a great job. But competitive manner, as organisers we learnt a lot as not everything worked perfectly but it was a real privilege and one to remember for the ability of the substitutes to earn consistent points was, by the end of the season, equally as important.” a long time. Find out more about the parks League at www.bhplta.co.uk or Queens park Tc www.qptc.co.uk We are always keen to welcome new Visually Impaired players, if you know of anyone who might be interested please contact us at contact: conrad Brunner 07885 557 518 [email protected] or visit our website www.soundtennissussex.org.uk. please also get in touch if you might be interested The logo of the Parks league which was thought to be lost until a tiepin from the 30s was found in the Royal Pavilion and it was remade. Note the Dolphins in volunteering or would be interested in having a taster session at your club, we can give you a chance to try out tennis with simulator which were an old emblem for Brighton and indeed, according to some, what the Albion were known as before they became referred to as the Seagulls specs that give an opportunity to see what it is like playing with different sight conditions or with no sight, which is a homophone of Eagles (who are another football team, apparently.) and was chanted to drown out Palace fans in a heated match in 1974. paul Gillett Our research finds that this is a matter for debate amongst Albion fans. Ask your Grandad! We hope it sparks an interesting debate... WIMBLEDON TALKS BY ALAN cHALMERS SuSSEx STAR cALLuM LOcK cLAIMS 4TH NATIONAL TITLE Tennis Bookshop owner Alan chalmers delivers talks and is available for venues in Sussex. He recently retired after working for 40 Eastbourne's callum Lock won a national tennis title for the fourth time, defending his title at consecutive years on Wimbledon’s centre court as the steward whose responsibility was to look after the seating arrangements of the the National Visually Impaired Tennis championships in Loughborough. competitors, guests and the many celebrities who come Lock, who trains with Defiant Sports' Eastbourne Sound Tennis group at Eastbourne Sports along as the matches changed over. Alan started in 1976 park, competes in the B4/B5 category for players with a good level of partial sight and beat off when his first celeb was Frank Sinatra and has met and the challenges of players from around the country to claim the trophy. Lock then teamed up chatted with many A (as well as Z) list celebs plus just about with fellow Sussex player chris Baily to retain their men's doubles title. every top tennis player going back to those who competed Speaking after the event, Lock said: "I really looked forward to playing in this year's Nationals in the 1920s. trying to retain my titles again. I had a lot of fun playing but it was really hard this year! It makes His talk is called ‘A typical day behind the scenes on centre me feel really good to win, knowing that I still have a high level of play. My focus for the future court and player anecdotes from 1922 to 2017’. He is a is to keep having fun and not get stressed when I drop a point." regular player of Real (rather than Lawn) Tennis and a book Visually impaired tennis is an adapted from the full court version of tennis and uses a smaller dealer who specialises in racket sports. This has made him court marked out with lower nets and tactile lines, and an audible ball so players can hear it something of an historian of the game. bounce. Depending on a player's degree of sight loss they may have between one and three Alan donates all income (£70 per talk) to Midhurst Macmillan bounces of the ball. competitions take place across four sight categories, B1 to B4/B5 - with Nursing. B1 players having the greatest degree of sight loss. Anyone interested in giving visually impaired If your Venue would like to arrange Alan’s talk, please contact tennis a try can contact the Tennis Foundation, Great Britain's leading tennis charity. It is one him. of the fastest growing disability sports with participation thriving around the country. Alan chalmers www.tennisbookshop.com Lock got involved in visually impaired tennis when he was looking for a new hobby, and he wants to encourage others to give it a go Alan visited crowborough Tennis and Squash club on Friday too, saying to anyone considering trying it: "Have fun and focus on what you do, and just do the best you can. VI tennis has given me 20th April as part of their Wimbledon draw night. He gave confidence, just give it a go and most of all enjoy it, everyone is friendly so just come and play!" some entertaining stories, highlights and insights from You can find out more about VI tennis at www.tennisfoundation.org.uk
WIcKWOODS - HAVING FuN AND DOING GOOD SONNAY’S SuMMER AcHIEVEMENTS The Wickwoods members and staff took part in the clubs 4th annual tennis and triathlon charity event over the August Bank Holiday. I had an amazing summer this year, In April I won my first ITF Over 170 people played tennis or took part in triathlon events. A grand total of 9 miles was swum, 89 miles run, 179 miles cycled and tournament which was held in Nottingham. That boosted my under hundreds of tennis matches were played. In excess of £6000 was raised for three local charities, Rosslyn park Injury Trust, Woodlands 18 world ranking from being around 1000 in the world to 400. I then Meed School and Whoopsadaisy. Mark Ross who took place in the triathlon swam an extraordinary 1.5 miles in 30 mins, and was only travelled to czech Republic and had an amazing tournament, just beaten in the cycling event by 0.1 of mile by Stephen clark. All participants for the event were entered into a raffle to win a year’s reaching the semi finals and beating players ranked inside the top free membership at Wickwoods, which was won by carole Farquhar - congratulations! 100. The event culminated with exhibition tennis matches by Tennis Director Mark Weaver Definitely my two highlights for this year were playing in junior and club coach Natasha Khan, taking on all-comers in a beat the coach finale Wimbledon and winning a round, just being there and experiencing challenge. Several of the clubs top playing members took part. Despite several close what all the top professionals do and being surround by the best calls the coaches left the courts victorious after an hour of defence. juniors in the world, and seeing all your 10 years of hard work you put Wickwoods was also blessed with some fantastic in finally starting pay off. Oh, and meeting Roger... weather in which to celebrate the End of Season Wikki The other highlight is definitely representing Great Britain in the under party held alongside the weekly Friday 'club Night' 18 European summer cup, being picked to play for your country is session (open to all levels), the members enjoyed a live an incredible feeling. My ranking is currently 250 in the world and my saxophonist and Ibiza classics throughout the plan next year is to keep improving my junior ranking and play in all night. Director of Tennis, Mark Weaver said a few words the junior grand slams and start to feature in some of the women’s to thank all those involved in making the summer of professional tournaments. tennis such a success and congratulated the Teams, who all performed fantastically in the summer Sonnay with a chap she met at Wimbledon... season! He also commended the Summer Singles Leagues Winners . The Online Leagues have been an amazing addition to the programme, with around 200 members signing up to the current Winter Leagues. Mark says "We look forward to continuing to build on what has been an amazing year and will always strive to make tennis at Wickwoods an incredible experience for all our members. Of course, I'm grateful to our coaches for all their hard work, but without our fantastic members, we really wouldn't be able to hold these fantastic events. Thank you and see you out on the courts!" For more information about tennis at Wickwoods see www.wickwoods.co.uk
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ALIcIA’S SuMMER AcHIEVEMENTS BASELINE MEETS MASTER RAcQuET At the start of this year I had no ITF world ranking but after a fantastic year I am now ranked 385 in the world. I got my first ITF points in February this year when I went to Norway for my first TEcHNIcIAN, STEVE BLOOMFIELD overseas tournament. I got to the quarters of both singles and doubles and it was a great first There are only 11 uSRSA Master Racquet Technicians (MRTs) in the country, and experience. My next ITF was in the summer when I went away to Ireland in June/July for 3 weeks just one in Sussex – Steve Bloomfield. The MRT designation is the highest where I did 3 ITFs in Belfast, Dublin & Malahide. I did far better than I expected and managed to qualification a stringer can achieve. Steve was a top club level tennis player until a win all 3 singles titles as well as winning 2 out of the 3 doubles (and runner up in the 3rd). chronic back injury stopped him playing. He never left the game, however, with 2 This boosted my ranking sons and a wife who continued to play at a high level. Instead, he worked on a new dramatically and I went up around skill to keep him involved with tennis players at all levels. 1500 places after the three weeks. So what exactly is a Master Racquet Technician? When I got back I went to Bath for “An MRT is someone who is an experienced stringer who has had to pass exams in the 18s national tour where I won both theoretical and practical aspects of everything to do with racquets and strings. both singles and doubles. The practical element includes replacing grommet strips, resizing and reshaping Shortly afterwards, I was asked to grips, and being able to string a racquet to a very high and consistent level. To pass, represent Great Britain in the 16s you need 85%. I got 100%.” summer cup and this was one of That sounds enough! But a written exam as well? the highlights of my summer. This “Yes, you have to show an advanced knowledge of current frame and string was the first time I’ve played for technology and how that translates to player satisfaction. It’s a surprisingly tough Great Britain so it was an incredible exam, with a pass mark of 85%. I managed to achieve 95%.” experience. I played all 3 singles OK – so how do you help people with their stringing needs? matches playing at either number 2 ‘When people come to me for the first time, they often have no idea what strings or number 1 which is a great they have been using or what tension it’s been strung at. Many, without realising it, achievement especially as I won 2 out of 3 matches. have been using strings which will lead to niggles (if not more serious problems) with At the end of summer I went away to cyprus where I competed in another ITF. I managed to get to the semi final of singles (where I lost their elbows, shoulders etc. It’s really important to have an idea of the game style of to the eventual winner) and the final of doubles. Overall I had an amazing summer and In the future I’m hoping to carry on improving my the player and their age, so that I can help them select an appropriate string for their ITF ranking so that I can play in the junior grand slams. Alicia Dudeney needs. With regular customers, it’s an ongoing dialogue to R Page 1 make sure any fine-tuning can be done according to their game evolving, weather conditions, surface conditions etc. For instance, most players have their racquets strung 5 – 10% looser in the winter.’ Are there different types of string? “Oh yes. There are 5 main types of string: natural gut, nylon, kevlar, polyester and zyex. But, within those 5, there are thousands of possibilities – different thickness, shapes, and materials are used. “ Thickness? Does that make a difference? “Yes. Thinner strings give you more power and more spin, but Friendly, professional advice are less durable.” for all your insurances How often should people get their racquet restrung? Or (business and personal). should they just wait until they break a string? “A very rough rule of thumb would be that you should get a Traditional values with all the racquet restrung as many times in a year as they play in a benefits of up to date week but the minimum is to have a restring twice a year. Older strings lose tension and this can lead to a loss of control but technology. also older strings lose their ability to absorb shock so you may find yourself with a sore arm. But, everyone is different, so this is an important conversation to have with your stringer.” 01273 328181 Last question, your wife calls you a ‘stringing geek’. Is she www. rtwilliams.co.uk right? “Ha ha! Yes. Firstly, I love to remain involved in tennis. I’ve learned so much about how the racquet and strings impact We think you will be on performance - from social club tennis to young juniors just impressed with our ‘ace’ starting out, up to high-level performance players. Secondly, my wife shouldn’t complain – she gets free stringing!” service. Thank you, Steve. Sussex is obviously lucky to have such a high-level service on its doorstep. R. T. Williams Insurance Brokers Ltd is authorised and If you want to get in touch with Steve and talk through any regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Registered Office – The Old Coach House, racquet/stringing issues, you can contact him on 07711 110 Old London Road, BRIGHTON BN1 8BB 230486. www.tennissussex.net Half Volleys www.tennissussex.net
SHOWDOWN FOR SuSSEx 8u TEAMS RHYS HANGER JOINS BEDES’ TEAM On a sunny Saturday in June 8u teams from 5 Sussex clubs in Div 1 Bede’s is pleased to announce that Rhys Hanger has been appointed as the new Tennis consultant leading its elite training programme. met at Henfield Tc to find out the strongest team in the division. Rhys will also advise on the strategic direction for tennis at Bede’s and lead on the School’s partnership with the LTA, working alongside We had a great atmosphere with lots of parents and grandparents the Interim Head of Tennis, Francesca Scollo, who Left to right RHYS HANGER, FRANCESCA SCOLLO, DAVID BYRNE cheering on all the players, who showed a great spirit and some really also played nationally and internationally for nearly good tennis. After all the matches were played, the home team of ten years. Henfield Tc established itself at the top of the league table, being Rhys played tennis professionally for five years unbeaten on the day with 8 points and 40-8 rubbers. Second place before moving into coaching twenty years ago and was tight, with Horsham LTc and The Holbrook club both on 5 points. is a Level 5 coach as well as an LTA tutor, Horsham LTc snatched the runner up place with 34-14 rubbers vs. developing Level 4 coaches. He will combine the Holbrook’s 30-18. In fourth place was Billingshurst LTc with 12-36 role at Bede’s with his ongoing coaching at Virgin rubbers, ahead of Storrington LTc with 4-44. Active and his work for the charity, Give It Your A great day was had by all, not least helped by the glorious sunshine. Max, which encourages children in deprived areas to take up tennis. Bede’s Director of Sport, David Byrne said, “We are delighted to welcome Rhys to Bede’s. Bede’s has been lucky enough to have received the Sussex LTA’s Education award for the last two years, which recognises our commitment to the sport so it was important that we found the right coach to take the programme forward. Not only does Rhys bring The day was run by competeEasy Ltd which was set up and is superb qualifications and experience to this role, run by Jörg Schlüter and Keith Brown who are both passionate but he also shares our commitment to improving performance at the elite level as well as widening participation in the sport.” about offering competitive tennis opportunities for players of all Rhys also said “Bede’s has always had a superb reputation for its tennis programme so this is an amazing opportunity for me. I attended ages and standards in Sussex. Based at Henfield Tennis club we an independent school myself and it was my experience there that allowed me to pursue a career in performance tennis, so I understand are proud to offer monthly match plays for 8u and 9u players with the important role schools can play in developing talent and nurturing a passion for tennis. I can’t wait to get started!” the regular Super Series events proving very popular. We are also offering green ball match plays and have recently started to offer Yellow ball ratings match plays at our satellite venue Lancing LEVEL 1 cOAcHING ASSISTANT-cOuRSE You are warmly invited to our college and plan to run regular ratings events there throughout VENuE: Bede's School, Hailsham, 23/24 February and 7th the winter and the coming summer. April. Prep School Open Morning Both Keith and Jörg are Licensed LTA Officials and believe in How to book & more info: [email protected] Saturday 2 March 2019 offering good quality, well organised and suitable competition Info: 9.30am to noon opportunities for all. The LTA Level 1 coach Assistant Qualification is the first step IAPS – Boarding, To view all of our events please visit the website.https://www.henfieldtennisclub.com/competeeasy-ltd-lta-winter-2018-competitions/ on the LTA coaching pathway. It is aimed at people looking to flexi-boarding and day work as a coaching assistant at a club or other tennis venue, Boys and girls 3 months to 13 cRAWLEY Tc TOuRNAMENT such as a park or a school. The qualification is an assessed To register please contact: Boys U14 doubles winners and runners up course and is awarded by 1st4sport. [email protected] crawley Tc hosted its annual october Half Term Tournament last week attracting a record 210 entries upon successful completion candidates will be able to work as T 01323 734222 from all across the South East Region of the uK, the tournament covered 18 events from 10 and under an assistant coach alongside a minimum of a Level 2 or online at bedes.org Men’s doubles winners and runners up to Adult. The club employs a professional referee Accredited coach in a beginner coaching session. The course Duke’s Drive, Eastbourne East Sussex BN20 7XL to organise and run the week long event and we is 3 days in duration, split over a minimum period of 4 weeks would like to express our gratitude to christine and will cover areas such as Mini Tennis, technique, tactics, Greenwood for a great tournament. The week was communication, organisation, demonstrations, safeguarding, blessed with perfect weather meaning at times 8 running competitive events and organising activity sessions. courts were in use for all 6 days of competition. Additionally, the course requires candidates to complete a Events started on the Sunday with adult singles portfolio and gain a minimum of three hours experience and finished on the Friday with doubles and mixed assisting an LTA Accredited+ coach between the second and doubles events. The club received a great many third day of the course. compliments with regard its newly refurbished coaches who hold a Level 1 coach Assistant Qualification are facilities and the friendliness of its members who not qualified to coach independently, but will be able to lead came to watch the tennis. parts of a coaching session on an adjacent court to a Level 2 christine Greenwood added that Sussex players had a good showing in the or above coach. They can also run a tennis activity session that tournament, notably Men's Doubles winners chett and Lemuel cassidy from David has been set up by the Head coach (Level 3 or above). A tennis Lloyd Eastbourne and Nigel and Richard Allingham from crawley, Ladies' Singles activity session refers to organised play or competition winner Bette preece from Maresfield and both winner and runner up in the 10u facilitated by a coach through organising equipment, allocating Singles, Henry Hughes from pavilion and Ave as well as Alec Vaughan from Virgin space, and suggesting some ideas for activities. The key Active Brighton. The standard of play was remarkably good in all events and bodes distinction between a coaching session and activity session is well for the future of Tennis both in this county and elsewhere." that no formal coaching instructions (for example technical instruction) are given. bedes.org www.tennissussex.net Representing Sussex... www.tennissussex.net
12u GIRLS cOuNTY cup MENS 35S INTER-cOuNTY cHAMpIONSHIpS We started off by facing Gloucestershire and we raced to a 3-0 lead in our The Sussex Mens 35’s team gained promotion in the inter opening match. Next up a strong Kent team but the girls kept the tie very county championships at Devonshire park this summer. The much alive trailing going into the doubles but first our final rubber with Team of Joe Adams (captain), Brett Mcdonald, Doug Keen and Gloucestershire. The girls kept their focus to win the dead rubber in 3 sets Joey De La Nougerede almost had a clean sweep winning 8 and go into the crucial doubles with Kent with some momentum. However rubbers from 9 against opposition from Buckinghamshire, it wasn't meant to be and although they fought valiantly right to the end it Warwickshire and Shropshire. The win brings Sussex into ended up with a loss. All was not lost however as, thanks to Wiltshire division 3 for 2019. beating Kent earlier in the day, if we could beat Wiltshire our fate was still Their success continued into the south of England seniors ITF in our hands. tournament also held at Devonshire park where Joe Adams Against Wiltshire with 3 singles completed we were in the same position and Doug Keen took the over 35’s double title, Doug Keen as yesterday, 1-2 down going into the doubles. Before the decisive took the over 45’s singles title and Brett Mcdonald came doubles we had our singles with Hampshire which was a must win on top runner up in the over 35’s singles event. of the doubles later on with Wiltshire and we led 2-1 going into two very crucial doubles matches. On the day however, Wiltshire's top 2 players were too strong and remained undefeated all weekend sealing a 1-3 win and qualification to Bolton for themselves. But our weekend wasn't over, we still had Hampshire to play. which became very important as at one point we had the chance of qualifying or MENS 75S the potential of finishing 4th. The girls regrouped, dusted themselves off and won the remaining doubles to finish 3rd in a highly Sussex mens 75 team stormed back to competitive group. division one after the disastrous 2017 On behalf of myself and Basia Suzin we would like to give a massive thank you to girls who showed great fight, resilience, and season when the team had to scratch due determination and were a pleasure to work with. to injuries and too few players, 2018 has been superb! Due to too few counties the SuSSEx LADIES’ 50S – 2018 SEASON division 2 had 7 teams with six matches to play. Our matches included three away It’s been a ground-breaking season for Sussex Ladies Over 50s, culminating in them reaching the National Final for the first time ever. games in Somerset, Warwickshire and This will be played against Norfolk, in Birmingham, on Sunday December 2nd, so watch this space! Suffolk which we won along with our three New season/new captain, with Kate Bloomfield coming up from the 40s age group, and laying down her traditional ‘Queen-of-the-Stats’ home matches.Winning all six matches stamp on affairs. Strategy was key in a very tricky first match against last year’s finalists, Yorkshire. Sussex managed to find a way of means a quick return to Division 1 and hope playing around their star player, Gill Brooke (also seen chatting up the great and the for a successful 2019.perhaps the team will good in the Royal Box at AELTc!). We came away with a 3-2 win, and a player of the be crowned team of the year? match award to Jenny Hughes for winning a vital singles. Next up was an away trip to Warwickshire on a blisteringly hot day. No matches were easy, and we found ourselves 2-1 down after the singles, needing to win both 9u cOuNTY cup doubles. Sussex spirit shone through and both doubles were won on championship Sussex 9u county cup Team travelled up tie-breakers. player of the match this time went to Kate Bloomfield for winning both to Dukes Meadows chiswick in early her singles and doubles. Special shout out as well to Sue Foott and Wendy Reardon August for the Group G event to play for upsetting the Warks number 1 doubles pair after losing the first set 6-1. Middlesex, Kent and Surrey. 9u county There are no easy matches when you play in Division 1, but we produced a cup is played on a regional basis and magnificent 4-1 home win against Herts, with Kate Bloomfield and Milli Fawssett unlike all other county Age Groups is just proving too strong in the singles and Anne clark and Jenny Hughes giving a doubles a one day event with no qualifying through masterclass. This was followed up by an excellent 4-1 home win against Hereford & to a National Final. Worcester. player of the match this time went to Milli Fawssett who played The team consisted of Flynn Mitchell, Alec outstanding singles to beat their number 1, who had just won the South of England Vaughan, Henry Hughes, Luke Gaffney, title. Our final match took us on a trip to Swansea to take on South Wales, knowing that a win would see us through to the final. No Gabriela pacheco-Lagoda, Emma Valks, messing in this match; no-one wanted to leave anything to chance and we delivered a 5-0 thrashing without dropping a set. Olivia Maine and Evie Whitehead. A wonderful summer, and captain, Kate Bloomfield, joined Yorkshire’s Gill Brooke and Belinda Turnbull at the top of the Individual players’ The opposition on the day was extremely stats with 9 wins out of 10. Many thanks to a fantastic team: Kate Bloomfield (capt) Jenny Hughes, Milli Fawssett, Anne clark, Sue tough with both Middlesex and Kent having a number of nationally ranked players. With the draw being slightly unkind to Sussex we Foott, Wendy Reardon. Fingers crossed for Dec 2nd! opened the day with our 1st match against Kent and despite some battling performances from the Sussex players (particularly Gabriela SuSSEx 70S WOMEN and Evie in the girls doubles and Olivia and Flynn in the mixed) the team came away with nothing to show for their efforts. Having dusted themselves down, next up was a match against the equally strong Middlesex team and once again the team gave their all and A really successful season. We came top of our Division (2B). And we did it in tremendous style. All 6 matches won and only one rubber on this occasion we managed with Flynn and Alec in the doubles, to grind out a solitary win 9-7 in the third set. dropped so 5 matches were won 8-0 and the win over the runners up, Essex, was 6-2. Well done everybody. The final match of the day saw the team play Surrey and despite the loss it was a much more even affair with wins for Henry and Flynn The team included Barbara Fentiman, Lyn paterson, June peck, Di Burroughs and Janet crome. Fortunately we managed to have the in the singles and Flynn and Alec in the Boys doubles and Henry and Gabriela in the mixed. required number of 4 players available for each match. The opposition counties were overwhelmed but took defeat graciously with It was a pleasure to work with the team and I hope whilst it was a tough draw, they will all go away knowing that with continued hard compliments abounding. We hosted West of Scotland, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and travelled to Suffolk, Essex and Hertfordshire. work back with their club coaches that they can compete with some of the best players in the country. However the most impressive thing was the arrival by helicopter of the Lincolnshire team, actually piloted by one of the women. Obviously Special thanks go to Lucia Maine twin sister of Olivia who was ever present supporting the team and my thanks also to all the other we tried to persuade her to come and live in Sussex but to no avail! players’ families for their support. Final thanks to Matt Golledge as my deputy for his support and advice in the lead up and during the Our secret plan is to win Division One next year and then continue this path to glory with the achievement of world domination. event. I will look forward to seeing how all my players’ progress in the years to come and hopefully all or most will have further Thanks to everyone for being so supportive, collaborative, good humoured and playing so well. opportunities in their career whether at junior or adult to represent their county. Janet crome Francesca Scollo - Sussex 9u county captain www.tennissussex.net More Representing Sussex... www.tennissussex.net
BOYS 12u cOuNTY cup NATIONAL FINALS SuSSEx MENS 45S MATcH REpORT – 2018 Baseline is very grateful to Noah Amin for writing this report and Having been promoted in the last two seasons we started this season in Division 1A knowing that the standard would be high but while we have had to edit it a little, this lad is a journo in the making optimistic of winning the championships outright particularly as we had a secret weapon in Doug Keen who was playing for Sussex for as well as a tennis star! the first year and is one of the best players in the country in this age group. Against Avon Sergio had a great start for team Sussex whereas Our first match was against an exceptionally strong Surrey side at the NTc, our charlie started off a bit slow but got much better as the game went team of chris Simmons and Andre Mewett playing singles with paul Mumford along. Will had a tough match against a solid opponent. In the and Steven Morfield in the doubles fought hard with many of the matches being doubles charlie and Sergio showed solid serving from both players. very close and decided by championship tie break. We eventually lost the match Great intercepting at the net from charlie, and great rallying from 4-1 with Surrey going on to win the league overall. Sergio at the back. Overall Sussex 3, Avon 1. Our second match was also away at Buckinghamshire. Doug Keen and Andre After, we got a cheeky Nando’s! Mewett played singles easily winning both of their matches before pairing up in Next up - cumbria the doubles with the tie score at 2-2 to clinch the tie overall in a thrilling decider In the singles Sergio had a stroll in the park showing great ball eventually winning in a championship tie-break 10-8. Our doubles pair of Nick placement whilst charlie had some great serve and volley plays and Simmons and colin piper lost both matches to two very experienced pairs. a comfortable win in record time. Will won a tiebreak and in the Our third match was away at Middlesex who also had high hopes of winning second set exhibited great mental strength against a decent the league overall with a strong squad of players. unfortunately, we were not opponent. In the doubles we had Will and Noah. There was some able to play our superstar singles great running at the back from Will and also some cheeky volleys. Overall Sussex 4, cumbria 0. (No Nandos Noah?) players and the difference in Northants : quality told as we went down 5-0 but our team of Simon constant-Glemas, colin piper, Singles saw Sergio take an early win... come on Sergi! Then charlie didn’t allow the other kid to play his game and charlie also changed Jeff Jolliffe and Steve Morfield battled hard and deserved more from their efforts on the the direction well. Will was 3-0 down in the second set but managed to get it to a tiebreak and win. But unfortunately he lost in a close day. championship tiebreak. Doubles: charlie and Will took a close first set, 9-7 in the breaker. Second set were all over them and won 4-0. Next, we faced South Wales against whom we had also played and lost to the previous Overall Sussex 3, Northants 1. season. Turning up with the same team they were confident but had not counted on playing come on the final!!! v Middlesex Doug and Andre who once again won both their singles and doubles to ensure victory. Sergio faced a tough opponent who just kept getting the ball back in. Sergio put up a good fight but unfortunately it wasn’t quite enough. Our doubles pair of Simon constant-Glemas and Steve Morfield were also victorious charlie was too strong for his opponent and the match looked in his control throughout. Will was against a very strong, consistent ensuring a tie score of 4-1 to Sussex. opponent. Will hit some good shots but unfortunately not quite consistent enough. But in the doubles charlie and Will played a close Having won two and lost two matches we played our last match relatively hopeful that we first set with some great volleys and rallies. The Middlesex boys started off strong in the second set and eventually won it to love. The would remain in Division 1 for another season but a strange set of results amongst some of the other counties meant that we needed to third set tiebreak was terrifying to watch. There were loads of 20+ shot rallies. The boys saved two match points but on the third at 9- beat a strong Yorkshire side to guarantee survival. unfortunately, the match was scheduled on the same day as both the county finals 10 they couldn’t quite fend them off. Overall Sussex 1, Middlesex 3. and South of England championships and a number of our players were contesting finals in these events. Our team of phil Worsdell, A great weekend for all the boys, and that makes us the second best county in the country!! Thanks to Nigel and Lewis for all the support. Richard Edwards, Simon constant-Glemas and Steve Morfield lost 5.0 We finished the season on the same number of points as fourth placed Buckinghamshire but were placed 5th out of 6th in the league LADIES 40S based on a worst set percentage. We are unclear if this will be good enough to stay up but regardless we fought hard, had a great time playing some very high-quality players at some fantastic (and some not so fantastic) venues. Match 1 was away against Yorks, and our team of Anne clark, Sue Foott, Katica Robertson and Helen Mitchell, played a closely fought Our practice sessions were attended by many players with a total of eleven players representing Sussex with pride and passion. Finally, battle with Anne and Sue winning an important doubles match, and captain Helen winning a close two set match in the singles, the a huge thank-you to crawley Tennis club for hosting our two home matches and to crawley and chichester for hosting our practice match was delicately poised at 2-1 to Sussex after the first round when sessions. Thank you to all the players attending the matches and practice. We look forward to next year! Anne took a tumble early on in her doubles and we had to concede but with a fabulous display from Katica and Helen in the deciding doubles match we came away with a 3-2 victory, just a 6 hour journey home left. LADIES SuMMER cOuNTY cup Match 2 was home at crawley LTc on a scorching hot day in July against This year the ladies were back up into division two after being promoted the season before. We knew this summer was going to be Notts. The team consisted of Jenny Hughes, Kate Bloomfield, Julie Hanger difficult for us because of the counties in the division. and Helen Mitchell. We played some great tennis, winning 5-0! We had a tough start to the week with the draw because we were playing the favourite counties to win the group in the first couple of Match 3 was a home match against Lincs, two singles matches were days, I thought the girls put up a really good played on the grass at Devonshire park Eastbourne, with Julie Hanger and fight and a few of the matches could have Helen Mitchell winning their singles matches, Lincs then conceded the gone either way. In the mid week we had a remaining matches to give Sussex a 5-0 win. really good chance to get our county week Match 4 was away at Leicestershire, the team was Helen Mitchell, Diane going, but in the first round one of our Gilbert, Bettina Molnar and Sharon Fitton and after another long journey, players got injured which was really difficult we lost the singles but won the doubles in the first round, so we were 2-1 to come back from. However the girls did down, Helen and Diane won their doubles match, leaving Betty and Sharon not give up and we took them to the last to duel it out in the final doubles match. With some fabulous tennis being played our girls fought valiantly but narrowly went down in two match on that day but we unfortunately closely fought sets. Sussex lost 3-2. didn’t get the final victory to win the day. Match 5 was home at crawley LTc, against Surrey ladies. With a team of Julie Hanger, Natasha Skerrett, Diane Gilbert and Helen Mitchell, I really appreciate all the ladies that played we still had a chance to win group 1 if we beat Surrey so we had everything to play for! Every match was a close affair but we went into this year and gave it their all. It wasn’t our the second round 2-1 down needing to win the remaining two doubles matches. Both doubles matches were nailbiting affairs with year this season but we will go back out next matches going into the deciding final set tiebreak. unfortunately Sussex lost both matches and we finished with a 4-1 loss. summer and try and get Sussex ladies back A great effort from all the team players with a special shout out to the 50s ladies who played down an age group to help out with some up to division two straight away. of the matches. Well done everyone, thanks to captain Helen Mitchell for all the driving to the away matches, hopefully we will be back Lydia Hammond – Sussex Ladies captain on top next season! www.tennissussex.net Memories of Eastbourne www.tennissussex.net
Baseline...signed by Andy Murray
www.tennissussex.net www.tennissussex.net #,((&+/+++, EASTBOuRNE cOLLEGE IN SEMI OF NATIONAL ScHOOL cHAMpS After three years of development, the all year round tennis training programme at Eastbourne college $ #%(+/+ , , has led to success at the very highest national level in schools tennis. Leading the way for Sussex, the 5&//*4 senior girls team were pre-seeded straight into the national finals at Nottingham and went one stage 4644&9 better than in 2017 by reaching the national semi finals for the first time. After close but impressively Supporting Sussex Tennis hard fought wins against cheam and Repton, the Eastbourne team faced defending champions Talbot Heath, in the semi finals. Agonisingly, luck deserted the players. However, this semi final finish rounded off a very successful year for Eastbourne college as the girls team also reached the semi in the Independent Schools championships and the u15 girls won the Sussex county League 2 (and went on to lift the regional title in October). Eleanor chapman and Ellie Dasent played for the Sussex ladies in the county cup; Eleanor chapman and Ines pelvang have tennis scholarships in the uSA. , ,+ &$ The new academic year from this September has seen a new influx of players joining existing players %)# %/( ,$$/*-/).',$$/&,(%/+.' (/ .&) *- /,/,+')-/&)-+'* #+.(/ '.,+$"/+) at the college and the top tennis squad is as strong as it has ever been with talented girls and boys making up the group that train daily at the college. They enjoy superb new indoor facilities in the new .--*( #((./,(/,$$/ ')&..!(/ )/!*'.&+$"/+)/)#'/ #-!( sports centre with a gym and pool alongside indoor tennis. Aerobics, movement classes, early (/,/,+')-/")#/*$$/ .&) ./,-/*-!**!#,$/ . .'/) /+%./#((./ )#-+" morning cardio tennis and sea front runs .--*( (()&*,+*)-/,-!/'.&.*./,-/*-*+,+*)-/+)/+%./ /+)/%.,'/%,+/*( supplement the tennis training programme under the watchful eye of our top, longstanding, %, .-*- /+)/.--*(/*-/#((. coaches. The girls, boys and mixed teams have won their opening matches this term in the (/,/,+')-/")#/,'./*-*+.!/+)/.-+.'/,-/,--#,$/!',/ )'/* $.!)-/+*&.+( LTA Winter Senior Student competition and are keen to equal or better the 5th placed gained by the mixed team in the March 2018 finals. The Senior girls team %*&% * (#&&.(( #$/.-+*+$.(/+%./,+')-/+)/ #"/,/ ,*'/) /+*&.+(/,+/ ,&./,$#. are competing in the Sussex Ladies leagues for the first time as well. This December, the squad is having a week of warm weather training at a top tennis Academy in Tenerife as well as playing a uTR event out there on clay. %/#%/%&( In d S e S c p e )#/&,-/ .&) ./,-/,--#,$/ ,"*- /,+')-/ "/(* $"/ ,"*- / / ,/ " h e m o n i d -fi o e n ls n a (+,-!*- )'!.'/+%')# %/")#'/ ,-/)-/(+/,-#,'"/.,&%/".,' C t l h a is a n ts m d a p N t a io t n io s n h a ip l ,(,&#+ s /-/.-+'"/*-+)/+%./,--#,$/,+')-(/!',/ )'/* $.!)-/+*&.+( SERVING UP SUCCESS %*&%/ *.(/")#/,/ .++.'/&%,-&./) /* $.!)-/+*&.+( &) ,'.!/+)/+%./ # $*&/ ,$$)+ /.&.*./,/+*&./".,'$"/ , ,*-./ ,(.$*-./ '../) /&%,' . /-/*-*+,+*)-/+)/+%./ /+)/%.,'/%,+/*(/%, .-*- /+)/.--*(/*-/#((. /*(&)#-+(/*+%/%./%"(*)/)) (/ $*-*&
Sports scholarships available Year-round tennis performance programme
.*/'.*-/).*' ".)/.)/'-'-* JOIN US FOR OUR UPCOMING OPEN EVENTS $- -/!.)" !"/$-"-*/..*)- Thursday 22 November 2018 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm Saturday 9 March 2019 from 9.00am till 1.00pm ..*)- !.' / www.eastbourne-college.co.uk An HMC independent boarding and day Join us on school for boys and girls aged 13 to 18 www.tennissussex.net www.tennissussex.net
IMpROVE YOuR GAME WITH GYROTONIc® After Andy Murray had back surgery in 2013, he dramatically reassessed his training regime. Out went the more punishing elements such as 400m sprints and 40-degree yoga sessions and in came the GYROTONIc® Method, a unique, holistic approach to exercise that enables total freedom of movement, as well as promoting multiple joint articulations and co- ordinated strength and flexibility, without compressing joints. created by Hungarian, Juliu Horvath, inventor and former dancer, the Gyrotonic Method works 3 dimensionally, using a series of circular, twisting and bending movements that, with regular practice, creates a healthier, more supple spine which improves agility and athletic performance and engenders a deep internal strength. The system worked for Murray, who after incorporating the Gyrotonic technique into his rehabilitation and ongoing exercise routine became the first British singles player to become world number one since computerised rankings began in 1973. When asked about his Gyrotonic programme in an interview for an article in The Telegraph in 2016, he is reported as saying: ‘It’s helped a lot, I’ve a lot more range of movement and it’s helped my back. physically I feel much better than I did four years ago which is a shame because when you’re 24 or 25 you should probably feel a bit better than you do in your late 20s.’ Hayley Oxley, an accredited Gyrotonic Trainer based in Hove, has been working with professional tennis player, Keelan Oakley. Oakley was also suffering from back problems and turned to the Gyrotonic Method to strengthen his spine and improve overall flexibility. ‘Whilst the Gyrotonic system works for all ages and abilities, it’s particularly helpful for tennis players,’ said Oxley. ‘I developed a programme for Keelan specific to his particular needs, but in . D E
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E as I was getting them T every 3 months!’ Hayley Oxley is one of the few qualified GYROTONIC® trainers in the country. and has worked with To find out more on the professional and amateur tennis players and athletes Gyrotonic Method and to from her private studio in Brighton. book a one to one To find out more please visit www.hayleyoxley.com or email [email protected] session with Hayley go to www.hayleyoxley.com wwwC.thenrniisss uOssrenx.nsett ien - World Champ! cHRIS ORNSTIEN GOLD MEDAL IN WORLD MEN’S 70S DOuBLES The event took place in umag, croatia from 16th September to 29th September and chris had been selected for Team GB in the Jack crawford cup (Men’s 70+ category). Friday & Saturday were practice days which were spent trying to get used to the ‘red dirt’. On paper team GB was somewhat under-strength compared to the previous 3 or 4 years when it had comprised of two stalwarts of British Seniors tennis - Richard Tutt (injured) & Mark cox (moved up to 75+ category). There were 24 countries nominated for the Jack crawford cup which meant 8 groups of 3. The seeded team in our group of 3 was a strong looking Austria, plus we were joined by another usually strong nation in Italy. The format for these matches is a bit like a mini Davis cup in that each match comprises 2 singles rubbers & 1 doubles, all best of 3 tie-break sets. We were drawn to play Austria on the first day and we lost 1-2. This loss effectively meant that to have any chance of playing for a medal we had to beat Italy the next day and chris had to play at #1 against a very tricky player who was ranked nearly 20 places above him in the ITF World Rankings. chris lost the first set 4-6 but came back strongly to win the 2nd set 6-2. chris managed to clinch the rubber by winning the 3rd set 6-4. So we were locked at 1-1 with the all important doubles to come. chris and Wilf beat the Italians 6-4 7-6 so GB went into the middle group of 8 to play-off for 9th to 16th. GB were drawn against Germany which was the only seeded team not to make it into the 1-8 group, so a tough match loomed again. The score was GB 1 – Germany 1 with the doubles to play and the GB captain again decided to stay with our winning doubles combination and once again chris & Wilf clinched a 2-1 result and a move forward to play- off for 9th to 12th . We then had to play the Aussies and after the singles it was once again down to the doubles! So chris and Wilf were back on court and happily played almost faultless tennis and in only about an hour we were 6-1 5-0 up which as we all know is a dangerous place to be but we hung on to complete a 6-1 6-4 victory and move Team GB forward to play-off for 9th & 10th places against the uSA where we fought hard to get 10th place with chris and Wilf unbeaten in doubles. The team event was followed by the individual event where in the Men’s 70s Singles chris was drawn in the 2nd round against the #2 Australian and prevailed 6-2 6-2. The next day saw strong winds and chris was up against the canadian #1 who he saw off but sadly against the #1 German (seeded #6 in the event), chris was knocked out in the 3rd set. In the doubles chris paired up with an American “leftie” friend, Bruce Barrett and luckily they “gelled” right from the first game, winning 2 rounds to reach the quarter and be given a walkover to the semifinal where they faced the top Norwegian pair who had beaten the top rated Austrian #2 seeds the day before. At 1 set each chris and Bruce went on to win the match tiebreak and reach the final against the #3 seeds – a very tall Swiss man & his very experienced, though not so tall, Spanish partner. chris and Bruce started well and took the first set then continued to keep the pressure on at the start of the 2nd set and soon led 5-2 with Bruce serving for the match. After (only) 7 deuces the Swiss chap chipped a backhand across court, short and wide into the tramlines so when Bruce reached the ball he was outside the sideline and chose to play his shot below the net height between the net post & the umpire’s chair into the tramline. What a way to win Gold in a World championship! This issue of The Sussex Baseline is kindly sponsored by:
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