The annual Paul Holding Doubles Championship is the premier event on the local tennis calendar. Last year’s competition proved riveting, drawing huge crowds to watch our local talent fighting it out on the courts. So we are excited to announce that Bellingen Park Tennis Club is currently registering nominations for the auspicious 2025 open event. So far, the line-up is looking even more spectacular.
The junior 2025 event is already near completion, and crowds have been enthralled by the skills on display. “If the standard of the open competition is anywhere near what we’ve witnessed from our juniors, it will be standing room only in the grandstand”, says joint competition organiser Tomm Lewis.
The UNDER 9’s competition, played a fortnight ago, drew 6 entrants, including Eli Harding and Oscar Wooldridge, who hit some scorching blows and displayed impressive serving skills. However, they were placed just outside the top 4 of Harrison Smith, Arthur West, Jarrah Hartley and Jack Barne.
In what transpired to be the ‘match of the day ‘, Jack and Jarrah fought through some quality tennis from Harrison and Arthur to win enough games to edge ahead.
Kudos to all players who entered, and congratulations to Jack Barne and Jarrah Hartley for being the 2025 U9 Doubles Champions.
UNDER 13’s had 5 teams enter this year’s event, with only the top 2 placed teams progressing to the finals. It was great to see familiar faces return, but it was especially pleasing to see some new talent in the U13S Doubles, with Alessandra D’Onofrio, Harry Kelly, Rosie Bruce and Holly Barne all making their debuts.
The quality of tennis was outstanding, and when the round robin matches were finished, a super tie break was required to determine who would face off against Kai Hartley and Sterling Lewis in the final, yet to be played on Sunday, 18th May.
So, what can we expect from the Seniors tournament, commencing on Sunday, May 4th? Insiders are wondering whether last year’s A Grade champions have what it takes to beat the emerging young guns. But don’t underestimate the wily partnership of Phil Wilson and Rod Keers.
Last year’s B Grade doubles champion, James Hannah, is also making a comeback, joining Nick Hopper to take on the formidable pairing of Dr Peter French and Andrew Beirne. But the main danger could come from the young guns Kai Hartley & Sterling Lewis. It will be fascinating to see what the doctor prescribes for them when the heat is on.
Also in B grade are Alice Howard-Vyse (joint competition organiser) and Anna Barne, who will be playing with their respective partners, which could make for some very fiery tennis!!
The Women’s A grade is a new addition to the championships in 2025 and will include Laura Bruce, Cherie Hartley, local celebrity Fi Poole and many more.
But nominations are still open until Saturday, April 26th, for all open grades- so don’t miss out!!
There are 6 trophies up for grabs.
A, B & C grade qualifying rounds are on Sunday, 4th May, all day.
Women's A Grade doubles qualifying rounds are Friday, 2nd May, 6-8 pm.
Check out all the details and
Junior Doubles