South Australian players find success in the 2011 World Super Seniors Tennis Championships
Written by Rob Crawford
The 2011 World Super-Seniors Tennis Championships were played at the Ali Bey Resort in Turkey over 2 weeks during October. The Super-Seniors Championships are held annually for players aged 60 years and above, and include both teams events and individual tournaments. This year there were 690 tennis players from wide ranging countries that competed in these major ITF events. Four South Australian players, Roger Davey, Bruce Rehn, Ray Woodforde and Henry Young were selected in the Australian teams.
The Ali Bey Resort is the largest tennis complex in Europe. Both players and supporters described the resort as spectacular. It is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, and includes 59 clay courts, apartment accommodation for 1800 guests as well as restaurants and entertainment facilities. Food with dishes from several different cultures was provided for each meal. Players were welcomed by a traditional opening ceremony and formal dinner, and the Championships concluded with presentations and a closing ceremony.
The tennis competitions were very well organised but were interrupted on one day by a couple of severe electrical storms that felled a light pole across one of the courts and damaged a building. Luckily players and supporters only suffered a severe soaking. The tennis itself was played with a strong competitive and generally friendly sportsmanlike spirit. In Ray Woodforde’s words
“the people you meet are all there for tennis, but they become friends and say hi, good day every time you see them again. Camaraderie is at the highest level – doesn’t matter what nationality you are or whether you speak English or not.”
There is one appealing custom being introduced into the event that promotes sportsmanship and camaraderie between competing players. Under this custom, each player gives their opponent a small gift that reflects the traditions of their country after completion of their match.
ROGER DAVEY competed in the 60+ age group and was supported by his wife Valda. He was seeded 29th in the singles draw and had a comfortable win against a Polish player in the 2nd round. He was beaten in the 3rd round by the 3rd seed Claude Medalin from France, who went on to reach the semifinals. Roger partnered Ray Bray (Qld) in the doubles tournament and they were beaten in the 3rd round by a German pair. In the teams event, Roger was a member of the 60+ Australian team that competed for the Von Cramm cup. Well done to the Australian team for winning a silver medal after a close final against the USA team.
BRUCE REHN played in the 70+ events. He was seeded 12th in the singles draw and won the first two rounds before losing to 5th seed Giancarlo Milesi (Italy) who went on to reach the semifinals. Bruce and his partner Bob Howes (Vic) were seeded 3 in the doubles tournament and reached the final where they lost to Italian Giancarlo Milesi and his Austrian partner. Congratulations to Bruce and Bob Howes for being runners up. Bruce was in the Australian 70+ team that played for the Jack Crawford cup. The Australian team finished 5th in the field of 20 teams.
RAY WOODFORDE was in the 75+ age group, and was supported by his wife Judy. He was seeded 5th in the singles event. He reached the 3rd round, and played one of his matches on centre court. He eventually lost to German player Gerhard Coldewey who reached the semifinals. Ray and his partner Gordon Verge (Canada) were seeded 5th in the doubles where they reached the 3rd round. Ray was a member of the 75+ Australian team that competed for the Bitsy Grant cup. His team was runner up to the USA team. Congratulations to Ray and his other team members for reaching the final of the 75+ teams event. Ray and Judy took the opportunity to visit other places in Turkey, and were moved by Gallipoli and impressed by the historic sites of Istanbul.
HENRY YOUNG played in the 85+ individual championships, and was supported by his wife Madge. He won the 1st round of singles with a comfortable win against Austrian Wilhelm Papst and was beaten in his next match by the eventual winner from Italy. In the doubles Henry partnered Henri Kerouredan (his namesake from France). Henry and his partner reached the final where they were beaten by another Australian Doug Corbett and his partner Jaromir Becka from Czech Republic. Congratulations to Henry for reaching the doubles final. Henry (aged 88) was also a member of the 80+ Australian team which finished 4th in the teams championship.
Henry thinks Australia can form an 85+ team next year. In preparation for this team Henry embarked on a 9 lesson coaching course while staying at Ali Bey resort and with his typical positive view is very confident that this Australian team will be a force in the 2012 Super-Seniors World Championships.
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