Written by John Williams
From the 1st - 4th December, the West End Lawn Tennis Club, down at Cox’s Bay, hosted their largest ever tournament, with the help of Ray White Damerell Group, amongst others. Local and international players vied for a prize pool of $15,000, and the finals were televised live on Sky Sport for national viewers to enjoy for the first time.
Held over three days, large crowds from the local community enjoyed some amazing tennis, either from the comfort of corporate hospitality at catered court side tables, or sitting on the grassy bank and grandstand. The event was free to view for the public and had a real family friendly feel, with the Under-16 boy’s and girl’s tournaments, and a Kids Zone for the younger children.
This is the second year that Ray White Damerell Group has been involved with the tournament, which is aligned with Tennis Auckland, and is described as the “Queens Club Championships” to the ASB Classic, the international event held at the TSB Arena every January.
Gower Buchanan, Director at Ray White Damerell Group, says it is a fantastic event to be a part of, and it’s great to be able to support the West End Lawn Tennis Club and help the tournament grow, and also to encourage young and up-and-coming local tennis players. "The club has done a great job of attracting a high calibre field of competitors this year. Getting on Sky TV was icing on the cake,”
“Ray White Ponsonby is always looking to find ways to put back into the community we work in. And this event is perfect for us."
Australian professional tennis player, John-Patrick Smith won the Men’s Final Trophy at the Wither Hills West End Cup on Sunday. The 24-year-old, ranked 231 in the world, beat compatriot 24-year-old Matt Barton 6-4, 6-4 after fierce competition in earlier rounds. In his post-match interview Smith said that the Wither Hills West End Cup is a good tournament to play in as a build up to the Australian Open.
Matt Barton
Top local seed and Wither Hills West End Cup Ambassador, Finn Tearney, bowed out in the semis, after getting beaten by runner-up Matt Barton 6-0, 6-4.
In the Women’s Singles, Israeli professional Julia Glushko, ranked 186 in the world circuit, took the Women’s Title over 22-year-old Australian Masa Jovanovic in a tough match 6-2, 6-1. Glushko commented that the Wither Hills West End Cup is one of the best club tournaments she has ever played in.
Women’s Singles winner, Israeli professional Julia Glushko and Australian professional tennis player, John-Patrick Smith who won the Men’s Trophy.
Founded in 1928, the West End Lawn Tennis Club is one of the largest tennis clubs in Auckland, with over 450 members ranging from children to senior citizens. The clubhouse went through major renovations in 2016 and now has a modern new facility overlooking six astro-turf courts.
share
This time last year, the concept of working from home was either a fantasy or an impossibility for most of us. Now, with some planning and forethought, it can be a reality.
MoreMonstera is a store dedicated to indoor plants. Owner Richard DeGrandpre delves into the increasing popularity of the once-humble houseplant and more importantly, looks at how to keep them a…
MoreIntroducing Mt Albert’s newest and most charming urban village. A place that honours its past and celebrates its future. The Alberton is a boutique collection of Exclusive Freehold Strata Ti…
MoreThree of the country’s top designers share their thoughts on where bathroom design is heading this year.
MoreNothing says summer quite like long, neat rows of bright green, freshly mown lawn. The sweet smell of grass fills the air, and nature’s perfume flows into our nostrils/surrounds us. The rest…
MoreWith Ray White’s Fabulous February now in full swing, we take time to focus on one of the driving forces behind our initiative – the support of Rainbow YOUTH.
MoreThe beautiful parks, reserves and open spaces in just about every suburb of Auckland are a vivid legacy of Auckland’s fiery and explosive past.
More