Well, the big question. With formerly 4, now 3 major events for the elderlies in September, how many of you have dedicated yourselves to surprising everyone with your new found fitness. One or two, I know, (unfortunately some in the O60’s who have retired early).
“Isport Wolverhampton” has been cancelled, it was always a bridge too far as no one wants to/can afford/etc etc to play four main Masters events in 4 weeks. We will have to sit down with Paul Walters and discuss for the future, because the two Nationals and 5 Regionals are couched in stone. It is possible we substitute an Isport Masters event for a Regional for 2008/9. Paul wishes to hold more Masters events but it is a delicate situation and we don’t want overkill. However, I am certain it will all work out.
The draws for
I can see some upsets in the making. Mark Woodliffe in the Mens O45’s, I think, will have a tough time against a certain Mr Loach. If Greg can beat Mark, well, he has only got a few others before the Welsh wizard from Rhos or Rhyl on sea.
Good to see Peter Marshall in the O35’s. As his Leicestershire Captain 21 years ago, I gave Peter his County debut against a certain Howard Cherlin at Dunnings Mill. And it wasn’t Howard who was wearing the knee bandages!! In case you ask or before he tells you, Howard won 3-1. Whether PM can usurp Nick Taylor and Alex Gough I have no earthly idea but knowing him as I do, he certainly has the pedigree to do it and I will ask Malcolm Willstrop what the odds are.
The O40’s throws up a few
possibilities, how good is Lucas Buit from
The O45’s has 40, whilst the O50’s
will throw up an interesting Final if all progresses
as it should, Peter Alexander versus Peter Upton. Lots of foreigners here,
missing is Chief Inspector Hardy who is hiking around
The O55’s has Keith Jones but there is a couple of dark horses Tony Naughton from New Zealand and Abbas Kaoud sent to try the No 1 seed – is it a case of third time lucky as last year he lost both the Open and Closed when both were in his grasp… There are no other contenders as Cherlin has been wounded of late but is making an entrance.
The O60’s has a stronger draw altogether with
some interesting possibilities. Phil Ayton is seeded one, as
expected, and should proceed to the Final (because if he doesn’t he might have
to retire!) (Long story). In the bottom half John Smith will have to
beat off Barry Featherstone/Trevor Wilkinson/Chris Ansell. Not playing from
last years HI team are Mike Clemson (O65’s) and Ken Johnson (having a season
drinking and golfing) so Featherstone and Wilkinson are both likely
~2~
The O65’s has of course, Mr
Pessimistic, Adrian Wright as outright favourite. Mo Khalifa
has entered and new is Mike Clemson who beat Khalifa
the last time they played. Lord Stahl of
Looking at the O70’s sadly missing is John Woodliffe. We hope to see him on court in the near future. Pat Kirton will have withdrawal symptoms not facing him in the Final and is the likely winner here, unless Lance can conjure something up.
The Women’s O35 is a Sarah Fitzgerald master class, only 3 English Women have entered. Not at all happy about that.
The O40’s has 17 entrants with 9
English – much better. Ellie Pierce of
The O45’s has Victoria King at No 1
and 11 English girls attempting to wrest the crown. Lesley Sturgess
will contest to the end, I’m sure. The dark horse here is Carin
Clonda who must be coaching in
Don’t know the No 1 seed from Australia Jan
Miller in the O50’s but all from down under are normally super fit and
ultra competitive and I am sure she is not making the journey just to see Big
Ben and
The O55’s has a likely Final in Jean Grainger and Bett Dryhurst. Both are extremely experienced and proven winners. Who knows?!
Good luck to everybody. With approaching 300 entrants this is one of the best supported Masters events in the last decade.
Martin Pearse
Chairman
06.08.07.