Jane Wyllie in action at the 55th annual doubles tournament at Masterton Tennis Centre. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
TENNIS
The Masterton Tennis Centre is already looking forward to next year’s edition of the annual seniors doubles tennis tournament after a successful event at the weekend.
The 11-court AstroTurf complex on Dixon St hosted the 55th running of the competition on Saturday and Sunday, with players travelling from far and wide to participate.
The men’s and women’s doubles were played on Saturday, with the mixed doubles competition held on Sunday.
More than 100 competitors took part, with some travelling from as far as Hamilton, Putararu and Timaru for the popular tournament.
There was also a strong contingent from Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu and the Wellington region.
The mixed A doubles final had Jane Wyllie teaming up with former Wairarapa player Russell Broughton to take on Darrin Leong and Mareta Randall from Wellington.
Broughton is now based in Hawke’s Bay.
Wyllie and Broughton took out the match 9-6.
Seniors tournament organiser Susan Rutene said it was an exciting game of a really high standard and was enjoyed by the large gallery who stayed to watch.
The women’s A winners were Stacey Skilton and Jane Wyllie from Hawke’s Bay, who were playing in their first Masterton tournament.
Runners-up were Christine Donovan and Lyn Biel.
The men’s A grade was won by Jason Granville and Kerry Robb, over Steve Chapman from Featherston and his partner, Justin Oostervereen from Hamilton.
Wairarapa players to feature in the prize list were Cilla Paulik [Masterton] and Brent Torrance [ex-Masterton but now from Hamilton] who were runners-up in their mixed A grade pool.
Deb Kerr and Vart Wichman, who won their B grade pool, while the runners-up were Marie Millar and Craig Wyllie. George Passi and Darren Kerr were runners-up in their B grade pool, while Deb Kerr and Hilda Holman won their pool in the women’s B grade.
“The weather gods were smiling as all games got through without interruption, apart from a brief spell on Sunday when players had to come off the court but were able to return shortly after and ended up playing in warm sunshine,” Rutene said.
“All in all, another great tournament – bring on 2019.”
