The Third Annual TLTC Tie Break Tens Tournament took place under glorious blue skies on the afternoon of Sunday 7th July. All matches follow a single championship tie break to 10 points with a sudden death point to played at 9-9. A handicapping system involving some pairs having a head start and stronger servers only having a single serve allow juniors, coaches, men’s, ladies and mixed doubles all to play in a single tournament. The result was once again a fast, furious, competitive and enjoyable days play.
This third outing was particularly significant as both previous winning pairs of Phil Jones and Mair Vaughan, and Toby Sturt and Luke Daniel were taking part.
After the Round Robin starting format, 2 new pairs of John Brimacombe and Brian Jordan and Claire Hawkins and Helen Bradley remained unbeaten securing their semi final spots. While Phil and Mair managed to win the champion of champions encounter against Toby and Luke they also suffered a couple of losses and did not make the semis. The other 2 semi final places were taken by the reigning champions Toby and Luke, and the new pairing of Carys Tait and Jasmine Xu.
Both semi finals were tense affairs with long rallies and few mistakes. Cheered on by a captivated crowd Brian and John narrowly beat Carys and Jasmine, while Claire and Helen were defeated by the reigning champions by the narrowest of margins.
After Jasmine and Carys fought hard to win the bronze medal match, the crowd loaded their plates with BBQ goodies and filled their glasses with Pimms and sat down to watch the final. Could the experience and wisdom of John and Brian win through or would the confidence of youth enable Luke and Toby to become the first pair to win the tournament twice in a row?
The final lived up to all expectations and went right down to the wire. Ultimately the consistency of hitting and the decisive shot making of Toby and Luke meant that they become the 2nd youngest pair to ever win the tournament. (They are both exactly 1 year older than last year’s winners!!)
Congratulations to everyone involved and we hope to see the boys back next year to defend their title (again).
