Tweni serves up masterful tennis treat
A lot of hard work went on behind the scenes to ensure its success.
The Ugu Masters provided a fabulous four days of tennis, if you discount the rain delays.
The players’ patience was tested at times, but it’s all part and parcel of these events.
There was a fantastic spirit among the players as they enjoyed rekindling rivalries and playing some competitive tennis, certainly a level or three up from your usual social games.
Wilson came to the party as a sponsor of balls, for which the players were most grateful.
The officials worked tirelessly, including Sharon van der Schyff working remotely from Doha, to keep things moving smoothly and they all deserve as much credit as the players.
On the ground, Natasha Cotterell, Liesl Smith, Richard Short, Deanne Purtell-Massyn and others ensured all went well.
Most of the matches were played at Umtentweni Tennis Club, with some at Uvongo Tennis Club due to the need to catch up games.
Of the locals, Martyn Nagtegaal (Uvongo), Richard Short (Southbroom), Liesl Smith (Umtentweni) and Zelda Smook (Southbroom) came away with gold.
Martyn won his singles (MS65) and then the doubles (MS65) with Richard. They beat Johan van Niekerk (Uvongo), who was paired with Desmond Mayne.
Liesl won the singles (WS55) and was runner-up in the doubles (WD45) with Lisa Mingay.
Zelda won her singles (WS40) and doubles (WD45) with Ayanda Nteta.
Overall, it was fantastic tournament, with the next ‘major’ locally being the Abadala in December.
In the meantime, the local clubs are gearing up for club champs.
RESULTS (winner and runner-up)
MS75 – Jean Hubert, Renier le Roux.
MS65 – Martyn Nagtegaal, Desmond Mayne.
WS55 – Liesl Smith, Sally Yatt.
MS50 – Pieter Opperman, Wynand Harker.
MS45 – Peter Barraclough, Smanga Dingile.
WS40 – Zelda Smook, Nicole Steenkamp.
WS30 – Tracey April, Xoliswa Gumbi.
MS30 – Paul du Toit, Lester Barkhuysen.
MD65 – Richard Short/Martyn Nagtegaal, Johan van Niekerk/Desmond Mayne.
WD45 – Ayanda Nteta/Zelda Smook, Liesl Smith/Lisa Mingay.
MD45 – Alec Galanakis/Jason Hobson, Wynand Harker/Hardus Otto.
WD30 – Nicole Steenkamp/Jacqui Grove, Xoliswa Gumbi/Tracey April.
MD30 – Paul du Toit/Lester Barkhuysen, Asanda Nojaja/Edwin Edwin.
XD40 – Ayanda Nteta/Siyanda Mvubu, Alistair Mingay/Lisa Mingay.
XD30 – Xoliswa Gumbi/Edwin Edwin, Nelly Mbanjwa/Neal Khuzwayo.
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