The 2nd edition of the WA Blind and Low Vision Open was held once again at Edith Cowan University in Joondalup on the weekend of 7th and 8th of October.
The WA Blind and Low Vision Open comprises of various categories of competition, with play that is modified with an audible yellow or black ball depending on the category. Depending on the classification (see below), play is either with one, two or three bounces of the ball.
A total of 15 entrants from WA and interstate competed in the five events.
There are 4 classifications/categories of Blind and Low Vision Tennis:
| Classification | Eligibility criteria | Tennis Australia events |
| B1 | Visual acuity poorer than LogMAR 2.60 |
|
| B2 | Visual acuity ranging from LogMAR 1.50 to 2.60 (inclusive) | |
| B3 | Visual acuity ranging from LogMAR 1.0 to 1.40 (inclusive) OR visual fields less than 10 degrees diameter and visual acuity better than 0.5 (B4) | |
| B4 | Visual acuity ranging from LogMAR 0.5 to 0.9 (inclusive) OR visual fields less than 40 degrees diameter and visual acuity better than 0.5. |
The B2-4 Open Doubles event was run as a pilot to gauge feedback from players/officials as this was a suggestion from some players after experiencing it at the 2023 IBSA World Games in Birmingham (B2, B3 and B4 all have a different number of bounces allowed).
Tennis West were pleased to be supported by six volunteers who assisted staff to ball person for the players.
WA retained the B1 singles title for the event, with Ben Rowe (Chair of Blind Sports WA) taking out the win.
Congratulations to all the participants and the winners. See the full list of winners here:
B2 Men’s Singles
Winner: Scott Dan
Runner Up: Robert Fletcher
B2 Women’s Singles
Winner: Courtney Webeck
Runner Up: Janet Etchells
B1 Singles
Winner: Ben Rowe
Runner Up: David Gordon
B3/4 Open Singles
Winner: Steve Art
Runner Up: Matt Cameron
B2-4 Open Doubles
Winners: Matt Cameron & Courtney Webeck
Runners Up: Robert Fletcher & Phoebe David
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