SUMMERSEAT teenager Eleanor Kelly lit up the Holcombe Brook Open when she defeated top seed Sue Lawson in the ladies singles semi-finals.
Kelly, who also enjoys rowing and playing football, is coached by Lawson, who was adamant that she won on merit.
She said: “She won fair and square. Her all round fitness and ability to retrieve so many balls proved decisive. Her inside out forehands from the backhand court really troubled me. I have high hopes for her if she continues to work hard.”
Family honour was restored in the final when Lawson’s daughter Hayley Warrington, 25, defeated Kelly 6-2 6-1, a scoreline that flattered the older woman.
Lawson added: “Eleanor needs to be more aggressive to beat someone like Hayley, and that is exactly the target I have given her to work on this year, it could be a lot closer next year.”
The men’s competition went according to seeding, although winner Simon Roberts admitted he was lucky to win his semi-final against defending champion, Andrew Davies.
After winning a set apiece, the match was decided on a championship tie break 10-7.
Second seed Nathan Jones, who also gave Roberts a hard time, will rue a missed forehand down the line, that would have tied the match at one set all. The top seed eventually ran out the winner by 6-3, 7-5.
Lawson and Warrington defeated another young charge, Sarah Kidd from Elton, who was partnered by Cheshire’s Maisie Billson, in the ladies doubles.
Despite a wobble, after Lawson was hit on the head by a fierce drive from her daughter, the experienced pair won 6-2 7-5.
Top seeds Chris Peet and Davies won the men’s doubles, while Kidd and Charlie Foley both successfully defended their respective 16 and under titles.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article