24 July 2012 | Tennis Queensland

 The 2012 Lees Hotel Ingham Open smashed all expectations.   With 179 players competing at the Ingham Tennis Association on July 21^st and 22^nd, organisers could not be more delighted with the success the weekend brought.  Tournament Director Steve Merker said, ”I thought last year was big with a 156 competitors, but to have an increase of 23 players goes to show Ingham knows how to put on a great show.”

 Competitors came from as far away as the Gold Coast this year, attracting highly ranked players.  For example, Bradley Clews who is currently ranked 140 in Australian Men and defending Ingham Open Champion Natalie Rogers currently ranked 159 in Australia. Two-time champion and currently ranked 127, Travis Dragojlo also made the trek to Ingham, hoping to hold the cup up for the third time. 

In the Mens Open Singles, Townsville player and former NQ Open Champion Manny Bernhardt entered as a wild card. Brad Clews came through the bottom half of the draw unthreatened, breezing through to the final only dropping 3 games in total.   Brad continued his form finishing off Manny in the final to claim the prize for the first time 6-0, 6-0.   Brad Clews then partnered Gold Coast’s Ryan Kebblewhite to win the Men’s Open Doubles, defeating Travis Dragojlo and Toowoomba’s Mitch Keogh 6-2, 6-3. 

In the Open Womens Singles, defending Champion Mackay’s Natalie Rogers had to overcome local girl Tynneal Mancinelli in the semis, winning 6-2, 6-4 before playing Sunshine Coast’s Grace Della Bona in the final and winning 6-2, 6-1. 

In the 18 Boys Singles Division, the title belonged to the number one seed, Colby Norman (Mackay) who defeated Sebastian Dunn (Cairns) in a marathon match of 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.  The 18 Boys Doubles belonged to Ingham boys, with Aiden Tennent and James Monaghan claiming the top prize winning 6-1, 4-6, 10 -8. 

The 18 Girls Singles was won by Mackay’s Montana Byrne, who defeated her twin sister Alessandra Byrne 6-2, 6-3.  The two Mackay girls then combined to win the round robin 18 Girls Doubles also.  

The 12 & Under event Jacob Perske (Innisfail) came up against local lad, 10 year old Lachlan Tennent.  Jacob was too strong on the day, beating Lachlan 6-0, 6-2.  However Lachlan avenged his loss in the doubles final, partnering George Wright (Mackay) and defeating Miguel Bascon & Bryon Feliciano 8-2 (both from Townsville).  The 12 & Under Girls event was won by Teah Argent (Cairns). 

According to Steve Merker, “The tournament is now in its 34^th year – it is a massive effort by a little club, but one which is worth it, bringing people to our town.  This year with upgraded toilets facilities, new courts on 6 and 7, and new fences, the club really turned it on for the visitors demonstrating that Ingham is now a must stop on the tennis calendar for players”.

“Preparing the grounds, endless volunteer hours in the kitchen and canteen, as well as hours of administration, only enhances and shows what makes the event so special for so many people,“ Steve said. 

Other results over the weekend were – A Grade Womens Singles – M Bragg;  A Grade Women Doubles – M Bragg & A Newton; A Grade Mens Singles – S Winterkorn; A Grade Mens Doubles – C Casswell & S Winterkorn; B Grade Womens Doubles – S Priddey & R Smith