Half-term entries on the up

THE OCTOBER half-term tournament, open to all children attending schools or coaching groups in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, was a great success.

Played at Winchester's Westgate School, entries were up on last year in all age groups and 140 players entered for events on the three days of play in the under 11s, under 13s, under 15s and under 17s. Most competitors played in singles and doubles events.

This tournament is played in graded sections and is a good opportunity for less experienced players to play in a section of like ability and not be beaten by county class players. Competitors came from all across Hampshire in graded round robin sections with play-offs where appropriate.

Each of the four age groups attracted county class players, the highest entries were in the under 13 and under 17 boys sections. Panuga Riou, still under 13 years of age, was in a class of her own, winning both the under 15 and under 17 girls singles. Likewise, Ben Tier under 14 years of age, won the under 15 and under 17 boys singles.