Welsh Duo Just Ace In Marbella Seniors Event

Two players from Wales were among the winners at the Marbella ITF (International Tennis Federation) seniors Grade 2 event.

Jonathan Howell from Newport partnered Damien Pound of Australia to take the O35s doubles title, while Chris Hill (Abertillery) teamed up with fellow Brit, Rajiv Batra, to win the O55s title.

The previous week, Hill had reached the final of the ITF Grade 4 event at the Royal Club El Casco with Emlyn Jones of Penarth.

This was Hill’s fourth major ITF title of 2016, finishing the year in the British no 1 position on ITF points and a world ranking position of 23.

“Jonathan and Chris – and their playing partners – deserve every credit for gaining the titles in Marbella,” said Peter Drew, chief executive of Tennis Wales.

“It caps off a great season for Chris – in the summer he became the only Welshman ever to win five British tennis titles.

“Tennis is one of the few sports that can be played competitively at all ages. New fun and accessible ways to play mean it’s never too late to take up the game, and successes in these senior competitions are a real inspiration.”

Meanwhile, Local Tennis Leagues are being formed around Wales to enable players of all standards, aged 18 and over, to play competitive matches on local courts.

Local Tennis Leagues offer the chance to meet other players and play in competition, without the need to join a club, as matches are arranged to suit the players.
Information is available at www.localtennisleagues.com or from Tennis Wales.