Tweni TC’s Liesl, Cathy triumph in tense tiebreak tennis thriller

There was great spirit, despite the midday heat. But at least it wasn't raining.

March 3, 2025

South Coast Herald 1 minute read

Winners Liesl Smith (left) and Cathy Kirton (right) of Umtentweni Tennis Club with UTA chairman Sharon van der Schyff.

If tennis had an equivalent to speed-dating, then the Ugu Tennis Association Tiebreaker Tee-off played last Sunday may have been it.

There was flair; it was frenetically fast, and by the end of it all, quite fabulous and fun.

The new format saw doubles pairs, men and women, play best of three tiebreakers – first to 10 points and needing to lead by two, changing ends every six points.

It’s fair to say there was some confusion at times as players adjusted to the different format.

The men played at Umtentweni and the women at Southbroom, the second venue necessitated when entries exceeded expectations.

Razor sharp focus on the forehand from Cathy Kirton. PHOTO BY PHILLIP SCHAFER

At Southbroom, the winners of the Sunbirds group were Liesl Smith and Cathy Kirton in a real thriller over Sharon van der Schyff and Zelda Smook.

Winners of the Swallows section were Geraldine Thompson and Maureen Kreusch, from Deirdre Algie and Luise Mohr.

Richard Short goes for the angle on the serve – again.

In the men’s section, the winners of the Eagles, Bjorn Wikstrom and Richard Short, triumphed in an entertaining battle against Hawks winners Raj Naganna and Trevor Pillay.

Bjorn Wikstrom unfurls a sweetly timed forehand.

The Owls group was won by Johan du Preez and Geyser Engelbrecht from Duncan Biggar and Rob van der Schyff.

It was great to see players from different clubs playing with and against each other.

Geoff Borchers made a surprise appearance – after being sidelined with injury for quite some time – with his son Matthew, who is in matric at Maritzburg College and playing first-team tennis there.

Trevor Pillay unleashed a powerful serve.

Thanks were extended to UTA chairman Sharon van der Schyff for her effort in getting this tournament organised, as well as to Richard Short and Johan van Niekerk for their assistance at the men’s venue.