Finals wind up national seniors titles

The Australian National Seniors Championships will conclude today at Busselton Tennis Club, with the finals expected to be hotly contested.

The carnival featured 730 players from across the country, as well as international representation from Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand.

For the third year in a row, Queensland claimed the overall Team Carnival Trophy, with WA winning four divisional titles in the Women’s 50/55 category, Men’s 50/55, Men’s 70 and Men’s 80 Division.

In their first appearance at an Australian Seniors Tournament, the Women’s 50s Teamwere thrilled to claim their maiden title. Team captain Helen Morganwas eager for future success.

“We love our tennis and we’re looking forward to playing a number of competitions,” she said. “Our initial aim being to finish higher than seventh or eighth but winning was just icing on the cake.”

In the Men’s 80s Division, it was back-to-back titles for the WA Team of Alan Morcombe, Ken Harris, Bill Hawthorn, Don Scott and Cecil Gardiner.

Captain Morcombesaid the camaraderie and fellowship was why he participated

“This win marks two years in a row for our over-80s team, however, the real winner is seniors tennis,” he said.

“The courts, the facilities and the hospitality at the new Busselton Tennis Club has been second to none.”

The prestigious Grade-A ITF Tournament concludes today offering singles, doubles and mixed doubles events in five-year age brackets from 35 years.

International players from 18 countries will line-up against some of the best Australian senior’s tennis talent, including WA Players Richard Sampson, pictured, and Cameron Venables.

Sampson and Venables won the 2019 ITF Trabart Cup 40+.

The club is open to visitors and spectators during the finals.