Medlow retains Real Tennis's Silver Racquet
SEACOURT'S talented junior Conor Medlow defeated strong opposition from a draw containing top amateurs and professionals alike to retain the Silver Racquet, which attracted some of the world's top players to Hayling in early February.
Seacourt professional Josh Dodgson, fresh from his big win in the National League, knocked out The Oratory's Ross Brown and fellow Seacourt pro Adam Player in the qualifying stages.
Ex-Seacourt member Tony Hollins had to play world number two Claire Vigrass, in the ladies game to qualify.
Claire made Tony work for every point, matching him shot for shot, power for power in a great game which Tony won 6-5, 6-3.
Will Burns also qualified with a win over Paul Weaver to reach the main event for the first time.
There were notable absences in the main draw – the club's world number four Bryn Sayers was taking part in the Real Tennis World Championship in the USA.
Medlow, holder of the prestigious Silver Racquet took on Jon Dawes in a brilliant match which had the spectators on the edge of their seats.
The match boiled down to four 40-all games which Conor won to secure a place in the quarters-finals against his old nemesis Dodgson.
Seacourt's free-hitting Andy Chinneck took full advantage of the handicap against Rod McNaughtann, to book a place in the semi-final showdown against Medlow who proved to be too strong for Dodgson 6-2 6-4.
Matty Ronaldson missed the Friday night dinner due to a stomach bug and looked like he was going to retire against Will Burns after losing the first set 6-0.
Richardson hit winners from all angles to reach yet another semi.
Underdog Hollins took on Luke Danby soaked up the latter's power play before pressurising the young pro from Newport Rhode Island, who lost 6-4, 6-4.
The Sunday showdown saw Medlow produce some exceptional tennis against a below par Chinneck, who had no answer to Medlow's aggression and wide array of shots.
Conor eased into the final having only dropped two games.
A restored Ronaldson met a jaded-looking Hollins in the other semi.
Matty clinched a tight first set with two important 40-all games to edge into the lead which he didn't relinquish despite Tony's best efforts, as Ronaldson ran out the winner 6-4, 6-2.
The latter got off to a fantastic start, taking full advantage of Medlow's nerves, taking a 4-2 lead.
But the holder fought back, changing tactics to get back into the game.
Medlow snatched the set 6-4 and took an early lead in the second in an adrenalin-fuelled finale to claim the Silver Racquet for Seacourt.
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Weather for Hayling
Friday 25 May 2012
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