This year’s edition of the eagerly awaited annual Ugu ProKennex South Coast Seniors tennis tournament was hosted by Umtentweni and Uvongo tennis clubs.

A total of 78 players from around South Africa, encompassing ages ranging from 30 to 75 plus, descended on the South Coast last week. The tournament began on Thursday and ran through to Sunday.

Although the weather had the final say on Sunday’s finals day, the previous three days served up some mouth-watering tennis, thoroughly enjoyed by the players and spectators alike.

Saturday’s play ended with the culmination of the mixed doubles finals.

In the 60-year mixed doubles age group Adam Myburgh and Sharon van der Schyff were victorious over Colin Barker and Renee Purtell.

Jilda Manson and Pumla Xotyeni beat Jeanette Robert and Sharon van der Schyff to clinch the 65 years ladies’ doubles.

Kathy Kirton and Sally Yatt emerged victorious in the 55 years ladies’ doubles.
Geoff Borchers and Liesl Smith were the 45 years mixed doubles winners over Wynand Lens and Natasha Cotterell.

Tweni’s evergreen Raj Naganna once again proved his mettle by winning the 75-year men’s singles. He now has his sights set on World Champs in Spain next year.

This annual tournament is extremely important for the coast as it puts tennis here under the spotlight and gives local players a chance to compete for points that go towards their national ranking, which ultimately decides which players get to represent South Africa at tournaments overseas.

South Coast stalwarts Ian Ackerman, Tisch Roos, Stef Francesconi, Zelda Smook, Christian Steyl, Renee Purtell and Colin Barker all gave a good account of themselves.

Much appreciation goes out to Pro-Kennex for the very generous ball sponsorship.

Thanks also to the following individuals for donating tournament prizes, namely Rob van der Schyff, Raj Naganna, Martin Pratt, Mark Hannaway, Natasha Cotterell, Cathy Kirton, Morgan Reddy, Doug Aub, Jenny Kambaran and Ian Ackerman.

Special thanks also go out to the club committees of Uvongo and Umtentweni tennis clubs for hosting the event and to TSA official Johan Greyling, as well as Ugu officials Sharon van der Schyff and Ian Ackerman.

A comprehensive list of all the tournaments results can be viewed at tsa.sportyhq.com.

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