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World Championships News

WDC – Semi Finals – 2nd Day

Wednesday 24th April through to Sunday 28th April The Racquet Club of Chicago 1365 North Dearborn Parkway, Chicago, Illinois 60610 The finalists will be the defending champions Tim Chisholm and Camden Riviere against the number 3 seeded pair of John Lumley and Steve Virgona.  The first 4 sets will...

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WDC – Semi Finals – 1st 4 Sets

Wednesday 24th April through to Sunday 28th April The Racquet Club of Chicago 1365 North Dearborn Parkway, Chicago, Illinois 60610 First up yesterday were the 2nd and 3rd seed pairs – Rob Fahey and Nicky Howell versus John Lumley and Steve Virgona.  It would be interesting to know whether...

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The 2025 World Challenge and Final Eliminator

Bidding for hosting the Final Eliminator and The Challenge 2025 is now open.  If you have any query on these documents please contact Susie Falkner at the IRTPA There have been some changes to the Final Eliminator bidding which the IWCC feel will be attractive should your chosen player...

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World Challenge – 3rd Day

Camden came out of the blocks pretty fast on this last day.  He wanted the Challenge “done and dusted” and to win those two sets straight up to retain his title. Both sets were close, the first going 6/5 to Camden.  Both players had numerous set points.  The second...

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World Challenge – 2nd Day

The most extraordinary turn around happened tonight.  After the first four sets on day one with Camden Riviere winning the four sets many thought the challenge could be completed on the second day.  How wrong they were. The score on the second day had John Lumley winning 3/1.  The...

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World Challenge – 1st Day

The 1st day of the 2023 World Challenge has not disappointed.  The Westwood Country Club is simply spectacular, the world championship committee headed up by John Motz, have thought of everything and then there was the tennis. The score is standing at 4/0 to the world champion, Camden Riviere,...

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Streaming World Challenge 2023

Streaming of the 2023 Challenge between the World Champion, Camden Riviere and his Challenger, John Lumley, will be available to watch on the USCTA’s YouTube Channel Day 1: Sunday 17th September America 14:00EST, United Kingdom 19:00BST, France 20:00CET Australia 04:00AEST + 1 day, Day 2: Tuesday 19th September America...

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Spectator Information World Challenge September 2023

A message and invitation from the World Championship Committee of theWestwood Country Club   Hello Court Tennis Enthusiast, We are writing to formally invite you to attend the 2023 World Championship of Court Tennis, to be held at Westwood Country Club on September 17, 19, and 21, 2023. We...

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1st Day Final Eliminator

With amazing streaming provided by Ryan Carey, those of us unable to be present in Philadelphia were able to watch this fascinating evening of tennis.  Great commentary being provided throughout by Barney Tanfield with guest commentators joining him throughout the 4 sets being played. This was ‘new territory’ for...

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The Final Eliminator

   John Lumley 15th, 17th and 19th May  The Racket Club of Philadelphia    Nicky Howell     MATCH TIMES 17:30 EST EACH DAY The final eliminator is played over the best of 13 sets with 4 sets being played on the 1st day, a further 4 sets on...

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Howell Joins Lumley in FE

What a match this eliminator was.  The winner was Nick Howell who won 6/5 5/6 6/5 6/1 2/6 6/4 6/4. After the first day of play Nick Howell was leading by 3/1 sets, The final eliminator is between John Lumley and Nick Howell.  We will know on April 11th...

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Eliminator Aiken

A great battle for the first 4 sets played in Aiken tonight between Aiken’s head professional Nicky Howell and Bristol’s head professional Ben Taylor-Matthews.  Howell leads by 3/1.  The set scores were 6/5 5/6 6/5 6/1. The remaining 5 sets or until a player has reached a total of...

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Lumley Awaits Winner From Aiken

  John Lumley playing in his first world championship eliminator process wins the best of 9 set match against Chris Chapman.  After the first day’s play Lumley led 3/1. A further 3 sets were played for Lumley to win the necessary 5 sets.  It was a great win for...

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Eliminator Philadelphia

The Racquet Club of Philadelphia have seen their professional John Lumley take a  lead against RMTC’s  professional Chris Chapman. The 1st round eliminator is the best of 9 sets.  4 sets are played on the 1st day with up to 5 sets or until a player has reached a...

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Streaming Of The Two Eliminators

The 1st round eliminators are nearly upon us! These first round eliminators are the best of 9 sets.  The first 4 sets are played on the first day, with the remaining 5 sets or until a player reaches a total of 5 sets played 2 days later. The first...

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Players and Eliminator Dates for 2023 Challenge

The World Race concluded for the 2023 Challenge upon the completion of the British Open.  The four players who are eligible to compete in the Eliminators are John Lumley Ben Taylor-Matthews Nick Howell Chris Chapman The match-ups are decided by the ranking of the player: 1 -v- 4 2...

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Venue of World Singles Challenge 2023 Confirmed

  The World Singles Challenge 2023  On behalf of the International World Championship Committee (IWCC) the IRTPA Executive are delighted to announce their acceptance of the bid from the Westwood Country Club in Washington, DC. The dates of the challenge matches are Sunday 17th, Tuesday 19th and Thursday 21st...

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The 2023 WC Eliminators

With the conclusion of the British Open Singles last night the players eligible for the eliminators are: John Lumley Ben Taylor-Matthews Nick Howell Chris Chapman The order of play is player 1 -v- player 4 and player 2 -v- player 3 The players will be notifying the IRTPA by...

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Camden Riviere World Champion

Words cannot describe the tennis we have seen on the three match days but Jim Zug has been able to compile his third day’s report because of the highest quality streaming provided by Ryan Carey as he watched from America.  Great report but I think there are going to...

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Challenge – 2nd Day

It has been an extraordinary challenge so far and the tennis at a level never seen before. Jim Zug’s report of the play is here The third day’s play is on Thursday 15th at 14:00 BST Don’t miss these two incredible players – it will be the last time...

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Extension to WC Bidding 2023

An extension has been given to potential clubs for the hosting of the 2023 Challenge.  The closing date for bids to be received by the IRTPA was 26th September 2022 but this date has now been extended to 29th October 2022.

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CHALLENGE – 1ST DAY

It was the most extraordinary 1st day’s play – why?  Rob Fahey completely forgot he is 54 years old and was moving and matching Camden Riviere’s athleticism and his reward was to win 2 sets.  This score line of 2 sets all has happened twice before since 2002 –...

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Streaming of the World Challenge

The link below takes you to the streaming platform.   Streaming link – click here The matches will be listed individually on the link under “upcoming” You must register and then either buy individual matches (£15) or the matches for all 3 days (£35). Match times: Sunday 11th :...

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The World Challenge 2022

    It’s been a very long wait but the time is nearly here! The World Championship booklet On September 11th the greatest real tennis player of all time, Rob Fahey, will commence the defence of his Real Tennis World Championship title for the 13th time, when the final challenge gets...

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World Rankings and Smoothing Explanation

The world rankings run over a 3 year period.  Because of the pandemic there were no ranking events from the conclusion of the U.S. Open 2020 until the British Open 2021. During the three year period points diminish on each annual anniversary date of that tournament’s conclusion: First year:...

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World Challenge 2023

  The singles world challenge is a biennial event and since 2002 it has been contested every even year.  The 2020 challenge between the reigning world champion, Rob Fahey and his challenger Camden Riviere is still outstanding due to the pandemic and will be played in September 2022. The...

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World Singles Challenge and Events Resumption

Ranking and race points on resumption of events The IWCC considered the proposal from the Executive that if 8 or more of the top 15 players are able to enter an event, irrespective of whether they do or not then this event will receive full points.  The IWCC requested that the...

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The 2020 World Challenge

The International World Championship Committee (IWCC) met and unanimously agreed the 2020 World Challenge will now be held over until September 2022 with the challenger remaining as Camden Riviere.  We have the full support of all sponsors, associated third parties, the 2020 World Championship Committee and the Prested Tennis Club...

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Further WC Postponement

With the continued uncertainty surrounding the restrictions of holding an event as large as the challenge; global travel restrictions, restricted spectator levels, health and safety amongst the players and spectators alike the International World Championship Committee (IWCC) have reconvened and are calling once again for a postponement until 2021....

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WC Challenge POSTPONED

Due to the challenging and exceptional circumstances of the Corona virus (Covid-19) and its spread, the World Championship Executive have discussed with the IWCC members the unprecedented decision of a postponement of the 2020 World Championship.  This action has not been taken lightly but the Executive believes that it...

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Camden Riviere wins the FE

There was no stopping Camden Riviere on his home court from taking a 4/0 set lead on the 1st day of play.  The score was 6/3 6/0 6/1 6/5 The second match day saw Camden Riviere winning the necessary 7 sets to make him Rob Fahey’s Challenger at Prested...

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Final Eliminator 2020

      The contenders for the final eliminator are now known following the completion of the first round eliminators. Camden Riviere defeated Nick Howell in 5 sets and Chris Chapman defeated Ben Taylor-Matthews 5/3 in sets. The final eliminator is being played at The Boston Tennis & Racquet...

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1st Round Eliminators

Camden Riviere put on a near faultless display at The Oratory Club last night to win the first 4 sets 6/3, 6/1, 6/1, 6/4.  Under the rules of the 1st round eliminators Camden had the option to play one more set;  this option was taken up and he won...

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Spectator Applications 1st Round Eliminators

     Oratory Real Tennis Club World Championship Eliminator Camden Riviere v Nick Howell  Monday 27th & Wednesday 29th January Matches commence at 7pm   Oratory Real Tennis Club is delighted to announce that tickets are now available.  This is a great opportunity to see real tennis at its finest...

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WC 2020 Tickets and Information

    The official programme for the World Challenge 2020 can be read below which gives the schedule of what is happening during the packed week         To book your tickets for the matches and other events please click the image  below.  This takes you to...

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1st WC Eliminators Dates Confirmed 2020

Camden Riviere v Nick Howell   Their match will be played at The Oratory School, Reading on Monday 27th and Wednesday 29th  January 2020 at 19:00 hours.   Details on how to obtain tickets and streaming links will be available shortly. Chris Chapman v Ben Taylor-Matthews Their match will...

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WC Eliminators 2020

The world race concluded after the final ranking tournament of the last two year period with the completion of the British Open. The four players who are eligible to play off for the right to challenge Rob Fahey in April 2020 are: Camden Riviere ranked 1  Chris Chapman ranked...

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Team Fahey

  Is this the beginning of real tennis being covered?    

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WC 2020 News and Updates

Sign up to keep up-to-date with the latest information as it is released. Please follow this link, by clicking HERE in order to receive the regular updates

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The 2020 World Challenge Venue

We are delighted to announce that the 2020 Challenge will be held during the week commencing 19th April at Prested Hall Tennis Club. As details of the week are fully formalised all information on ticketing and social events will be available here. Prested Hall Tennis Club’s first promotional video...

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The Final Eliminator 2020

  How to bid for the final eliminator can be downloaded here There have been changes made due to feedback from clubs who have been interested in the past.  The main change is a club has an option to place a bid which will only stand if the player...

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World Championship 2020 – The Bid Document

The bid document for hosting the 2020 can be downloaded by clicking on the image below.  If there are any questions please contact Susie Falkner WC_2020 BIDDING AND OFFICIAL REQUIREMENTS

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A Historic Result In The 2018 World Challenge

There were not many people who thought the 2016 World Champion would be defeated.  Camden Riviere’s record was ‘perfect’ and he had dominated all events both singles and doubles, except for the 2014 Challenge since October 2013, 39 titles.  The host club for the event were The Queen’s Club...

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Fahey Is Riviere’s Challenger In April 2018

Fahey only had to win one more best of 5 set matches to become Riviere’s challenger.  Fahey won in 4 sets in Chicago against Virgona and the possible remaining 2 5 set matches to be played at The Prested Hall Racket Club. Fahey is not normally a quick starter...

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Fahey Wins In Chicago

The 1st leg was won by Rob Fahey in four sets.  Steve Virgona now has to win both of the legs at Prested.  The score was 4/6 6/4 6/3 6/1

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Final Eliminator Prested – Update on following match

FINAL ELIMINATOR MATCH PRESTED HALL Wednesday 7th March 6.30pm & Friday 9th March 6.30pm.  ROB FAHEY -v- STEVE VIRGONA World. No 2 -v- World no.3     Prested are doing their best in endeavouring a coverage of the event. 1) Prested will be using the public scoreboard on www.chaseone.co.uk, so...

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Final Eliminator 2018 Dates Confirmed

The final eliminator between Rob Fahey and Steve Virgona takes place on a home and away basis of the best of three 5 set matches.  This means that Rob Fahey as the higher ranked player in the race has the choice of playing home or away first. Rob Fahey...

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Final Eliminator Contenders

FAHEY -V- VIRGONA It was an enthralling and exciting second day of play between Fahey and Sayers, with Fahey requiring 2 additional sets and Sayers requiring 4 additional sets.  Sayers won the first set 6/4, the second set went to Fahey 6/4 and as for the third set, like...

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Virgona into the Final Eliminator

This first round eliminator between Virgona and Chapman finished in one day.  Virgona won the 1st 4 sets 6/1 6/2 6/4 6/2 and took up his option to play one additional set to complete the match and he won the 5th set 6/3. Sport can be ‘cruel’ and try...

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Venues For 1st Round Eliminators

All four players entered the eliminator process and the line up is Rob Fahey (1) -v- Bryn Sayers(4) and Steve Virgona (2) -v- Chris Chapman (3) Each player if they wanted to host their match on their chosen court had to put in a bid and the 1 and...

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World Race Concludes

Who will be challenging the world champion Camden Riviere? With the conclusion of the British Open 2017 singles event, the positions within the race ladder are now concluded.  The four players eligible have to confirm by 1st December they will be taking up their option to play in a...

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World Challenge Tickets Available NOW

  The 2018 World Championship Challenge returns to the Queen’s Club in April 2018.  The World Champion, Camden Riviere, will be defending his title for the first time against, as yet, an unknown opponent. The challenge days are Tuesday 24th April, Thursday 26th April and Saturday 28th April. The...

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World Challenge Venue 2018

The Queen’s Club will be the host of the World Challenge in 2018.  The dates of the challenge matches are the 24th, 26th and 28th April. There will be a handicap doubles tournament run throughout the week with the final on the morning of Saturday 28th A Pro Am...

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World Championship Bidding

Details of how to bid for the 2018 World Championship can be read by clicking the image below.  Bids for being the host club in 2018 should be with the IRTPA by the 27th February 2017.  The world championships enters a new era with the new champion, Camden Riviere, defending...

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Camden Riviere Honoured By Aiken

Camden Riviere first played this sport as a child in Aiken and he has just been honoured by the town for his massive achievement on becoming the world’s 25th holder of the World Championship. Below is an extract of his play during the challenge match at Newport and the...

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A New World Champion

Camden Riviere is the new world champion The result of the long anticipated challenge is now known and with the amazing broadcast of the tennis through the week you can now see replays of how it all unfolded.  He defeated Rob Fahey over three days 7/2.  It was awesome tennis,...

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1st Day of the Challenge – A View From the Dedans

The first 4 sets of the best of 13 set challenge were played on Tuesday 17th May. For those who were unable to be present but had access to the internet, there was streaming of this being broadcast at the highest level currently obtainable.  It was just as well it...

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World Championship Streaming

  The streaming for the world championship is available on this link The match time in Newport on Tuesday 17th May and Thursday 19th May is 17:30 EDT, 22:30 GMT, 23:30 CET,  07:30 AEST (plus a day). On Saturday 21st May the match time in Newport is 13:00 EDT, 18:00 GMT, 19:00...

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Camden Riviere Thoughts On The Upcoming Challenge

  The World Challenge 17th – 21st May 2016 Camden Riviere’s thoughts on the upcoming challenge

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Rob Fahey’s 2nd interview and some stats

Since Rob Fahey defeated Wayne Davies in 1994 at a double venue challenge and both challenges being the best of 13 sets the table below shows the dominance of the world champion over his last 12 defences, but first a video of Rob’s second interview on his upcoming defence in Newport....

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Fahey -v- Riviere in the 2016 Challenge

Camden Riviere won the 1st of the possible 5 sets on the third day of play to reach the challenge round for the third time.  The score for the 2016 final eliminator was 6/3, 6/2, 5/6, 6/1, 6/2, 4/6, 6/5, 6/2, 6/3. The Challenge in Newport is during the week of...

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Final Eliminator Will Go To A Third Day

The Final Eliminator for the right to play Rob Fahey in Newport is tantalisingly close for Camden Riviere who leads 6 sets to 2 sets and needing an additional set to continue his world championship quest.  Steve Virgona has to win all of the remaining 5 sets to see...

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The Final Eliminator Latest

  The much anticipated final eliminator is about to happen.  The winner goes through to meet Rob Fahey in the challenge at the National Tennis Club. The final eliminator dates are Wednesday 6th April, Friday 8th April and Sunday 10th April.         The match channels for broadcasting on...

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The Rob Fahey Interview

    Rob Fahey was interviewed last week on the upcoming eliminators and challenge.  Hear what he has to say about the eliminators, the challenge and the National Tennis Club  

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The Eliminator Race Is Concluded

With the conclusion of the British Open the two year race which started on January 1st 2014 is now concluded. The four players who now have the right to go into an eliminator series and the winner of this will be Rob Fahey’s challenger in May 2016. The players...

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The 2016 World Championships – Update

 The world champion, Rob Fahey, defends his title for the twelfth time The National Tennis Club, Newport, Rhode Island The week’s activities commence on Monday 16th May with the matches being played on Tuesday 17th, Thursday 19th and Saturday 21st May Social Events: On the court:  A Pro Am,...

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2016 Bid Documents

The Final Eliminator and the World Championship Challenge 2016 These can now be read by clicking onto the individual image below.  The documents are in a pdf format.  

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The 2014 World Challenge

This 2014 Challenge was always going to be a historic and there would have been many people around the world thinking this surely would be Fahey’s last defence of his title; surely with the irresistible form shown by Riviere over the past two years, with the 20 year age...

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The Delay In The World Championship Challenge

It may not have been clear to the audience present at RMTC or to those following on line the events which led to the postponement of the third day of play. Below is a summary of events: This morning, Saturday 10th May after a night of high humidity and...

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The World Challenge and Streaming

6th – 10th May 2014 At The Royal Melbourne Tennis Club Official practice begins on Saturday 26th April and the event itself 10 days later! The event is a sell out and the aficionados of this great sport will be there to see this historic challenge. The week is...

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Final Eliminator – Result

Camden Riviere wins.  7 sets were played and 7 sets were won and the challenger is known for the World Challenge in May 2104 6/5 6/3 6/1 6/1 6/2 6/3 6/4 Second Day:  The match resumed with Steve serving and those watching just wondered how the match would now...

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The Final Eliminator 2014

Chicago 18th – 22nd March The contestants are now known following the first round of eliminators Steve Virgona defeated Bryn Sayers matches 2/1.  The scores were: 1st Leg Steve Virgona 6/4 6/3 6/3 2nd Leg Bryn Sayers 2/6 3/6 6/4 6/1 6/5 3rd Leg Steve Virgona 5/6 6/4 6/1 6/3...

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Virgona Wins In 4 Sets

We have the first player into the final eliminator! Steve Virgona wins the third leg 5/6 6/4 6/1 6/3 The host club for the last two matches, Racquet Club of Chicago, might have drunk their bar dry last night.   Their man Steve Virgona was through to the final...

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WOW – Sayers Wins 2nd Leg

This eliminator goes down to the wire.  Sayers wins 6/5 in the 5th. The club was packed, around 110 spectators and the noise was deafening, the ‘buzz’ of anticipation pervaded amongst those present.  The majority of whom were for their ‘man’ Steve Virgona.  Of course, it was the same...

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Riviere v Chisholm

Newport Eliminator Saturday 22nd was the first leg played at Newport of the possible 3 five set matches between Riviere v Chisholm.  This first leg should have taken place at Tuxedo on Thursday 13th February but was postponed due to the snow. The result was a resounding victory to...

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A Brutal Display

Virgona Crushes Sayers In 3 Sets Tuesday 18th was the first match of the eliminators to be held with Steve Virgona playing Bryn Sayers at The Queen’s Club. It was the most devastating display of power, anticipation and unrelenting tennis played at the highest standard by Steve Virgona.  The...

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Tuxedo Eliminator Postponed

It is snowing hard and the snow is forecast to continue for the remainder of the day. After discussing this problem with both Tim Chisholm and Camden Riviere it has been decided to postpone the Tuxedo leg due to be played today, Thursday 13th. The schedule will now be...

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World Challenge May 2014

Full information on ticketing and social events is now available Register your ticket preferences now for the big event at The Royal Melbourne Tennis Club 5th – 10th May,match days are the 6th, 8th and 10th by going to this link.  The RMTC also have a new web site,...

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Chicago To Host The Final Eliminator

The IRTPA is delighted to announce that the final eliminator for the challenge in Melbourne at The Royal Melbourne Tennis Club  May 6th – 10th will be hosted by THE RACQUET CLUB OF CHICAGO The eliminator will be played over the challenge format of the best of 13 sets...

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The World Championships – Update

THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2014 Supported by Link Pumps                   The Royal Melbourne Tennis Club Melbourne Australia 5-10 May 2014 Preliminary Information for Visitors The Royal Melbourne Tennis Club looks forward to welcoming you to Melbourne in May 2014 for the World...

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A New World Number 1

As from 1st September there will be a new world no 1.  With points falling away from Rob Fahey’s total, Camden Riviere will sneak ahead by some 3 points.  Riviere will stand at 645 points and Fahey at 642.  

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The World Challenge – New Information

When arranging this special event, it is really helpful for the host club to know, as early as possible, how many visitors from overseas are planning to attend.  So, even if you are only “thinking on it” or “Yes, I  definitely want to attend” please would you just send...

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WC Venue for 2014

The Executive of the IWCC are delighted to announce the venue for the 2014 challenge will be held at the Royal Melbourne Tennis Club. Full details of the dates of the match itself and events surrounding the challenge itself will be posted here. Some of you may remember Eyjafjallajökull in...

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New World Ranking System

A new world ranking system comes into effect from January 1st 2014. Why Is A Change Necessary?  The current ranking system runs on a 2 year basis, but there are not enough tournaments to reflect an accurate picture of the world rankings. The rules for tournament seeding is currently...

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World Championships

Closing Date For Bids The closing date in the bid document is Friday 29th March.  As this is a public holiday (Good Friday) and therefore a long weekend, the bids will not be opened until Tuesday 2nd April

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