56 entries in total for the day – one entrant pulled out before the day though injury and 1 entrant pulled out on the day through illness.
The day started off with a software problem, which had not transferred the right names into the right boxes for the doubles competition sheets displayed in the hallway. This was all sorted out though after the first round. The competition, I think, then progressed very well throughout the day.
The first Final was the Handicap between Stuart McIntyre and Robin Pearce – the match was off sratch and proved to be very close with Robin Pearce being victorious in the fifth set 12-10.
The second final (Doubles) was between Robin Pearce & George Taylor and Stuart McIntyre & Gordon Taylor. This was another 5 set final with Stuart McIntyre and Gordon Taylor taking the title 11-3 in the fifth set. Gordon played some superb strokes, which contributed enormously to their victory.
The third Final was the major Trophy (The Open Singles) again both Stuart McIntyre and Robin Pearce were in contention. The final though was decided in three sets only with Stuart coming out on top 11-5 12-10 and 11- 6.
Congratulations to both Stuart and Robin for reaching all three finals.
Observations on the day.
Correct the software issue.
Running the doubles competition till the end including the final will reduce clashes with players matches and allow the day to finish earlier plus avoid the effect of having the same players reaching all three finals at the end.
We were complimented for keeping the score sheets updated quickly in the hallway, thereby keeping everyone updated efficiently.
Competitors seemed to enjoy the different format this year – splitting the Derby Closed into two separate days.
More Tables were filled consistently.
No complaints about waiting long periods between matches.
Suggestions by Competitors
Only one suggestion was made on the day – that was to have a normal doubles event instead of the handicap event we currently have. Unfortunately this would not go down very well with the lower ranked players, who with the current set up, get a chance to play with the higher ranked players and really really enjoy it and they have a chance to win !
My thanks goes to all those that helped on the day as it was a real team effort with everyone swapping roles to the greater good of the day.
A massive thank you to Draycott & Long Eaton TTC and its staff for being superb hosts and providing us with a great service.
Looking forward to Part Two on Sunday 24th March and just a reminder that entries are to be in by Saturday 23th February.
Ian Taylor
