30 June 2011 | Tennis Queensland

The 2011 Plexicushion QLD Open concluded last night at the home of Brisbane International-Queensland Tennis Centre.

Spectators gathered to watch Queensland’s finest players battle it out at the Open’s Twilight Finals, which was set to be a major highlight of the Winter Wonderland series thus far.

Two former Grand Slam main draw competitors Nick Lindahl (NSW) and Robert Smeets (QLD) contested the Men’s final showdown. A high class match up saw Smeets defeat Lindahl 6-2, 6-3.

Smeets was pleased with the final result.

I was very happy with how I played throughout the tournament, and it was great to get back out and compete against some top class players.”

Smeets also favoured the tournament’s trialed French Money Format. 

“I really like this format because it facilitates well matched competition between players.

“It also attracts highly ranked players, because there are more incentives to further your ranking by starting at different rounds of the competition.”

In the women’s final, spectators were treated to a hard fought three set battle which saw Ashling Sumner defeat Ebony Panoho 5-7, 6-4, 6-2.

Sumner was thrilled to regain her 2009 Plexicushion QLD Open championship title.

“I had some really great matches throughout the tournament.

“I was relaxed, and had fun out there- I just love playing in this event.”

Other 2011 Plexicushion QLD Open finals results:
Men’s Doubles: Jared Easton/Lachlan Treacher def Steven De Waard/Brett Hunter 7-5 7-6
Women’s Doubles: Lyann Hoang/Priscilla Hon def Ebony Panoho/Charlotte Fuller 7-5 6-7 10-4
Wheelchair Singles: Jesse Hinson def Phillip Rowe 6-3 7-5
Men’s Consolation: Mitchell Thams def Sean Brazel 7-6 6-1
Women’s Consolation: Maddison Inglis def Jaimee Gilbertson 6-4 6-2

View all the 2011 Plexicushion QLD Open twilight finals photos!

Coming up next in the Winter Wonderland series is the 2011 Rod Laver Junior Championships lead in events taking place from 1-4 July held at various locations around Brisbane.

This is in anticipation for the 2011 Tennis & Gear Online Rod Laver Junior Championships held from 5-9 July. To celebrate the largest junior event, Tennis Queensland will be hosting a free Winter Wonderland Defrost BBQ from 9am on Saturday July 9, at the Queensland Tennis Centre.