The IRTPA Championships 2009

The Results and Report

I think it will be fair to say that not only did all the players relish their time up in Manchester, but the Club Members also relished having a tournament of this calibre back at their club having not held this tournament since 1981.  The hospitality and friendliness shown by all to the professionals was second to none and our thanks to all those who made this event so special has to be recorded again.
Three tournaments were played during the week, culminating in 3 finals;  The Taylor Cup, The IRTPA Satellite and The IRTPA Championships.

Paul Knox Taylor Cup Winner

Rod McNaughtan IRTPA Satellite Winner

Rob Fahey IRTPA Championship Winner

The Taylor Cup Final
Paul Knox v Chris Chapman
Both of these professionals are going to make a 'name for themselves'.  They are both very talented players and it was the most closely contested final from a handicap difference point of view in many years.  Without a doubt as long as they both compete in all the major tournaments they have every chance of being part of the 4 players in the Eliminators for 2012.  The match score was extraordinary in that Paul won the first set against an apparently nervous Chris 6/1.  Paul hardly made any errors.  His return of serve was devastating and when at the Service End, he pummelled the Grille.  The second set was a mirror image in reverse with Chris winning the set 6/1.  So what would happen in the final set?  The play was exceptional from both players; Chris quite frequently leading 40/0 only to lose the game as Paul was just cannier and more accurate.  Chris was more impatient and went for winning shots at the wrong time and missed targets allowing Paul to take control of the point.  Chris is a very strong player and hits the ball with unbelievable weight and speed - one shot had Paul on the ground as the ball just missed the dedans and shot back down the court and hit Paul on the chin....!  Past winners of The Taylor Cup have achieved greatness, to mention a few - Frank Willis, Norton Cripps, Chris Ronaldson, Mike Gooding, Chris Bray, Ruaraidh Gunn, Steve Virgona with Bryn Sayers and Camden Riviere recently being holders.  We will all just have to wait and see what happens with the current holder.
The IRTPA Satellite
Rod McNaughtan v Craig Greenhalgh
A 'dream' final for the club.  Their ex-assistant Rod up against their current assistant Craig.  On paper this should have been a one-sided affair.  It wasn't.  For Rod it must have been a difficult match to play as the majority present were supporting Craig.  Craig being the previous holder of The Taylor Cup has had mixed results during the past year and he was out to prove a point.  He most certainly did this and had his opportunities; he did not squander them; Craig was playing a more experienced player who was able to call on this when things got tough for him.  One committee member of the club, who shall remain nameless, was heard to say when Craig was rushed into shots on two occasions "back wall you tosser"; no beating around the bush from these Mancunian's!  The final score was 6/5 6/4 and it was a well deserved victory to Rod who hasn't had an easy time in the tennis world of late.
The IRTPA Championships
Rob Fahey v Ben Matthews
The World Champion, current holder of this title up against Ben Matthews, who in the last year has consolidated his game beyond belief!  When Ben saw the draw his thought was "I will defeat Ruaraidh", this as we know he did in the semi-final.  He did not let himself down in the final either.  Rob likes matches now to be as short as possible, but although winning in 3 sets, he was at times pushed by Ben and probably a little surprised at the standard Ben was able to sustain throughout the match.  The final score was 6/4 6/3 6/4.  As ever Rob was gracious in victory and Ben gracious in defeat.  There was some relief from the spectators when the match was over - the viewing areas were actually 'freezing' and everyone made a hasty retreat to the Club Room for the presentations and to crowd around the fire!

Paul Knox	Rod McNaughtan with Richard Christmas	Rob Fahey with Richard Christmas