The NSW Senior Championships were completed last weekend at Pennant Hills in Sydney with 287 players from across Australia and overseas performing. The tournament is an ITF category 2 event and attracts World ranking points. Jeff Brown from Kiama Tennis Club teamed up with Jason Clarke from Dapto in the Mens 45 Combined Doubles. The 45’s were combined with the 35 doubles event which made this a very tough event.
There were two pools with 6 pairs in each. The temperature over the weekend reached 34 degrees at Pennant Hills, the worst conditions Jeff had played in for many years, no wind, just HEAT.
In Jeff and Jason’s pool we had the No.1 Australian Doubles player, Chris O’Mara (Qld) and his partner No.12 Leo Pijnacker (Ned). Eventual Runner’s up.
The South Coast pair came in 4th in their pool but were disappointed as the two sets they should have won they lost by not playing well at the right time.
The boys had a great game against the No.1 pair, going down 6/4, breaking their serve to lead 3/1, then at 4 all, silly mistakes costing them the set.
While it was a great day and good tennis, the heat was so bad, many players were feeling ill.
” With little rest between sets the heat taking its toll, and silly errors crept into our game.
Will see if we can go a little further next year”Jeff said after the match. Well done to Jeff and Jason who are considering future tournament options.