Local players shine in seniors tennis tournament

The tournament, which was held over five days and also saw an increase in entries compared to last year, saw more than 255 players, aged between 30 and 75, battle it out in singles, doubles and mixed play.

National rankings and glory were also at stake in the tournament, which is fast growing in stature.

Matches were played at the GETA Benoni Tennis Centre and the Parkrand Tennis Complex in Boksburg.

Gauteng East players raised their game against the best of the country, causing more than a few upsets.

Notable performances came from Kathy Nevay, who lifted the women’s 70+ singles title and was a runner-up in the women’s doubles, solidifying her number one ranking in the country.

George Rough placed sixth in both the men’s singles and doubles 70+.

Elsabie Ferreira won the women’s 65+ crown and was runner-up in the doubles, while Peter Carter won the men’s singles and doubles with Elmo Ferreira.

Joe and Beverley Solomons placed fourth in the mixed doubles 55+, and newcomer Elize Preuyt left an impression in the women’s singles 55+, with a solid third place, losing to the country’s number one and two seeds.

In the 50 age group, Marlene Brighton and Karin Steenkamp came fifth and sixth respectively, while,in the men’s section, Fausto Pietrobon came third and Mark Vos made the men’s doubles final with partner Johnathan Lowings, and were ahead when play was stopped due to rain.

Hendrika Botha and Marina Steyn took third place in the 45+ mixed doubles, while William and Allison Liechterkost won the 40+ mixed doubles.

The men’s singles 40+ saw Kobri du Preez take out the number one seed and lose to the number two seed, to finish as the runner-up, while he won the men’s doubles with partner Theo Blaauw.

The 30+ men’s division saw Team GE really make a mark, with both Kevin Taylor and Roberto Vaglietti squaring up against each other in the final, which was again not played due to rain.

There was also a notable fourth place by Jeronimo De Faria-Lopes, who again reached the semi-final round with partner Edward Matthews, in the men’s doubles.

These results bode well for the province, which is hosting the Inter-Provincial Tennis Tournament for the 30 to 45+ age groups, in October, this year.

“We are thrilled to see our players make their mark and look forward to putting together strong teams to represent our province at the inter-pro tournaments throughout 2015,” said chairman of GE Seniors Tennis, Owen O’Neill.

“We have been pushing the pride of our players in representing their province and this seems to be embraced by them; as the results prove, we are a province to be reckoned with.

“Ultimately, it is the game that benefits and this can only be positive moving forward.

“The National Inter-Provincial Tournament is a great opportunity for us, as a province, to showcase our facilities, hospitality and province to our visitors from around the country and raise our profile.

“We will continue to bid for other tournaments and build on making our province a leading destination for the sport.”

Local municipal sectors and businesses who may be interested in sponsoring GE tennis may contact O’Neill (chairman Gauteng East Seniors Tennis) by email at seniors@getennis.co.za, or cell on 084 565 6322. – @SabeloBoksburg

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