The recent deluge has meant it has taken more than the usual amount of determination to get matches played this round, swapping tennis gear for galoshes at the first hint of sun. Thank you very much for all your perseverance and it's wonderful to see so many matches being played despite the weather. While one or two groups struggled some players got six matches done and dusted -a really impressive performance. The next singles round starts on Monday June 11 and runs until August 5. Many thanks to all those who have already joined, and if you haven’t, but would like to, the deadline is Friday June 7. As usual, players who have done well will be promoted (usually the winner of a group, but often the runner up too when it has been close). You can pay by paypal here. And now, on to the groups... GROUP ONE
Winner: Graham Fortune
Graham makes it two titles in a row at Clapham, successfully defending his crown with 4 wins from 6 matches. He had great battles with Chris and Alfie (in three sets) along the way, and in the end finished 3 points clear of nearest rival Paul. The runner up was victorious in 3 of his 4 matches, including an early three-set victory over Graham, though his push was derailed somewhat with a late defeat to Chris. Jason was the only player to remain unbeaten, and though his charge came just a little too late to make an impact, he will be one to watch out for next time. A really tight round, and everyone played a part in making it so competitive. Well done again to Graham, who has laid down the marker with another group win in the Clapham league! GROUP TWO
Winner: David Rosa Casado
David will be joining those in group one next time, and will be doing so with a great deal of momentum after a fabulous round this time. He won 6 out of 6 to finish a couple points clear of Andrei, and wrote in after the pick of his matches, against Nick: "This was the toughest match of the tournament. Exhausting 3 and a half hours long match played over two days. The first set was historic, 90 minutes long. Nick gained a big lead at 4-0, I somehow managed to turn it around to 5-4 but when I though I had the momentum to win the set he pushed me into tie break and stole the set. Today we played another epic set, this time I went into a 5-2 lead and serving for the match, but Nick fought back to break my serve and closed the gap to 5-4, at the end I had the luck with me and won the last set 6-4. all in all a great match and an even better opponent, it was great to play with such a good player and such a great guy as Nick."
Andrei had a wonderful round as well, and a couple of late wins sealed the runner up spot for him ahead of Nick in third. After beating Kirsty in a tight battle, Nick reported on the match: "Fantastic match that was very close. At least 3 or 4 aces from Kirsty in a very close first set that incuded me losing a 6-2 lead in the tie break to eventually take it 8-6. A couple of nervy double faults and some friendly banter too. We needed the full 2 hours to finish the match but it could easily have taken 4 - it was that close. Kirsty is a great player and I'm sure she will have revenge next time! Thanks Kirsty."
Some excellent encounters in this group too, and it will be interesting to see how David (and possibly others) fare in group one next time. | GROUP THREE
Winner: David van Panhuys
A really quiet group as the wet weather made its unwelcome presence felt, though things started to move towards the end of the round. David opened the round with a good win over Colin, and the set he picked up in the defeat to Stephen ultimately proved crucial. It edged him ahead of Matthew, who had previously beaten him in another tight affair, and gives him the group win! GROUP FOUR
Winner: Filip Hermans
Another of the quieter groups, and Filip only needed three matches to top the table, though he had to work exceptionally hard in all of them. He was a set down against both Marcus and David before recovering to win, and also needed a deciding set against Enrico. David claimed second place ahead of Marcus and Robert due to his head-to-head records. Robert wrote in after his incredibly narrow defeat to Marcus: "Despite the rain playing havoc with this group, I enjoyed a fantastically competitive match against Marcus O'Carroll last week. We battled the light in the second set before we moved under the lights but there were just some fantastic rallies and it was great to play in such an evenly matched contest. Marcus deservedly prevailed in the end as I tired in the third set but wanted to says thanks for such a good match up."
GROUP FIVE
Winner: James Piper
James held his nerve over the last weekend to pick up two more wins to add to his collection, and despite stern tests from Ryan and Joe he finishes with a 100% record. His win over Jo proved crucial at the end, as it was the runner-up's only loss in a fine round. Ryan and Ashe tied in third with 4 points each, in a pretty busy group. GROUP SIX
Winner: Kyla Chapman
Kyla wrote in after rounding off proceedings with her match against Charlie: "Another enjoyable match, especially when the sun decided to shine in the second half hour!"
Having won that match, as well as a battle with Beth in the same day, Kyla secured her place at the top of group six, and she's takes the winner's spoils. Joe was just a couple of points back, but was unable to build on his impressive start, while Claire briefly threatened before having to withdraw. Well done again to Kyla, who can look forward to a higher group next time. The winners will be receiving their £20 prizes and certificates and we do hope to welcome you all back next time. |
