East Anglian Open proves big draw as Norfolk’s finest seize their chance
- Credit: AP
The 24th East Anglian Open, held at the East Anglian Tennis & Squash Club has reached its conclusion after a week of great competition in some difficult weather conditions.
Norfolk were well represented within the 180 player draw. Tournament referee Derek Perry said: 'We work hard at promoting this grade three event. The tournament has a good blend of players from outside the county who continue to return and play, new players from around the region and of course a strong local contingent.'
In the mini tennis events Norfolk had three winners, Charlie Jones and Evie Williams in the Mini Red age group and Oliver Buckingham Green in the Mini Orange. Scott Whiting made the semi-finals of the U12 Boys with Joseph Hendon finishing runner-up to Benjamin Stanford of Essex.
Vianne Palffy and Monica Raviraj showed great levels of skill to keep the ball in court in blustery conditions during the U14 girls event with Vianne coming out on top, 6-1 6-4.
Perhaps the most competitive age group was the U14 boys, with two marathon semi-finals eventually seeing top seed Jack Pinnington Jones (Kent) outlasting Daniel Long Martinez (Norfolk) 5-7 7-5 10-8 and Cameron Whiting beating Tom Skinner (Norfolk) 6-2 3-6 10-5. The final was just as tight with Cameron showing great spirit and determination to come out on top 6-4 4-6 10-5.
The U16 girls final saw Vianne and Monica competing again, but with roles reversed and Monica coming out on top, 6-2 6-2. Finlay Rowans made it to the Boys U16 final, losing to Ed Pomeroy of Suffolk.
In the U18 event, Alex McNaughton beat both the number two and three seeds to claim the title. Having won through a tight semi-final he demolished Max Darrington (Suffolk) 6-0 6-2 in the final. The girls final was a cagey affair – Maddie Brooks played with great intelligence and control to comeback and beat Hannah Vickers (Suffolk) 4-6 6-3 10-4.
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Norfolk players Marie Andrews and Tom Watkinson were victorious in the ladies and men's finals respectively.
