South of England Racketball Open - Report and rEsults

The South of England Racketball Open at Chichester Squash Club is always one of the most popular events on the calendar, and this year was no exception.
This year Chichester hosted 60 competitors over 7 grades, along with 8 doubles pairings, and a full day of racketball starting at 9am and going on into the evening.
Fresh from his strong British Open semi-final against Nick Matthew, UK Racketball Series stalwart Luke Bishop headed up a competitive A Grade down on the south coast. Along with Michael Robinson, currently 7th in the UK Racketball standings, the top ranked pair dispatched their opponents to set up what was effectively a final in the round robin group. After some highly entertaining racketball from both, series leader Luke Bishop eventually came out on top, winning 11/9 in the third to extend his lead at the top of the rankings.
The B Grade saw 14 players competing, with tight matches in every single one of the groups. Group A was topped by Graeme Manson, who took on Group B winner Donovan Eastes in the first semi-final, the latter winning in 2 games. Group C was won by Jodey Watts, who played Chris Burton in the second semi-final. A closer affair, Jodey eventually won 2/1, to set up a final with Donovan. Some more high-level racketball in the final saw Donovan emerge as the winner, 2/0, to take home the trophy for the B Grade.
This year Chichester hosted 60 competitors over 7 grades, along with 8 doubles pairings, and a full day of racketball starting at 9am and going on into the evening.
Fresh from his strong British Open semi-final against Nick Matthew, UK Racketball Series stalwart Luke Bishop headed up a competitive A Grade down on the south coast. Along with Michael Robinson, currently 7th in the UK Racketball standings, the top ranked pair dispatched their opponents to set up what was effectively a final in the round robin group. After some highly entertaining racketball from both, series leader Luke Bishop eventually came out on top, winning 11/9 in the third to extend his lead at the top of the rankings.
The B Grade saw 14 players competing, with tight matches in every single one of the groups. Group A was topped by Graeme Manson, who took on Group B winner Donovan Eastes in the first semi-final, the latter winning in 2 games. Group C was won by Jodey Watts, who played Chris Burton in the second semi-final. A closer affair, Jodey eventually won 2/1, to set up a final with Donovan. Some more high-level racketball in the final saw Donovan emerge as the winner, 2/0, to take home the trophy for the B Grade.

The largest grade of the day was the Over 50s, which saw 16 players enter the draw. Special mention has to be made of Doug Kane and Andy Ruff, who played a marathon match in which Andy won 21/19 in the third. Semi-final one saw Chris Morris record a 2/1 win over Jonathan Edwards, while the second was won by Chris Wase, beating Michael Wardle 2/0. Chris Wase would go on to win the final, beating Chris Morris 2/0 for the trophy.
In the Women's Grade Kelly Eastment, Tanya Ruff, and Clare Young competed for the honours with some great racketball all round. With Kelly and Clare winning their first matches, the pair set up a winner-takes-all final, which Kelly took 3 games to 2 for the win over her fiancé.
In other grades, Mike Phillips won the Over 60s, beating Graham Appleby 2/0 in the final; Steve Smith won the Over 40s with a 2/0 win over Roger Camp; and the doubles saw Luke Bishop and Amber Marshall beat Roger Camp and Nick Jenkins in the final.
Our thanks once again to Chichester for providing such a fantastic venue for the tournaments, and of course our series sponsors who allow us to stage these events.
We’ll see you all in Nottingham in December, for the UK Racketball 2021 Series Finals!
The largest grade of the day was the Over 50s, which saw 16 players enter the draw. Special mention has to be made of Doug Kane and Andy Ruff, who played a marathon match in which Andy won 21/19 in the third. Semi-final one saw Chris Morris record a 2/1 win over Jonathan Edwards, while the second was won by Chris Wase, beating Michael Wardle 2/0. Chris Wase would go on to win the final, beating Chris Morris 2/0 for the trophy.
In the Women's Grade Kelly Eastment, Tanya Ruff, and Clare Young competed for the honours with some great racketball all round. With Kelly and Clare winning their first matches, the pair set up a winner-takes-all final, which Kelly took 3 games to 2 for the win over her fiancé.
In other grades, Mike Phillips won the Over 60s, beating Graham Appleby 2/0 in the final; Steve Smith won the Over 40s with a 2/0 win over Roger Camp; and the doubles saw Luke Bishop and Amber Marshall beat Roger Camp and Nick Jenkins in the final.
Our thanks once again to Chichester for providing such a fantastic venue for the tournaments, and of course our series sponsors who allow us to stage these events.
We’ll see you all in Nottingham in December, for the UK Racketball 2021 Series Finals!
Results
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|

south_of_england_racketball_open_-_doubles_results.pdf | |
File Size: | 603 kb |
File Type: |
South of England Racketball Open - Schedule
The schedule has now been released for the 2021 South of England Racketball Open at Chichester. Please check the file below to find courts and times for your matches. As always, we've had a high number of entries, so we're looking forward to what should be a great weekend of racketball.
There have also been a few updates to the draws - please see below for the latest versions.
There have also been a few updates to the draws - please see below for the latest versions.

south_of_england_rb_open_schedule_-_sheet1.pdf | |
File Size: | 324 kb |
File Type: |
South of England Racketball Open - Draws
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|

south_of_england_racketball_open_-_doubles.pdf | |
File Size: | 607 kb |
File Type: |
South of England Racketball Open - Entry List and Reserves

south_of_england_racketball_open_-_entry_list.pdf | |
File Size: | 310 kb |
File Type: |
Reserve list updated on the 25th of October
The entry list for the South of England Racketball Open 2021 has now been released. This is always a popular tournament, and due to limited availability we have unfortunately had to cap players at the first 60 entries. We have included a reserve list on a first-come, first-serve basis and will offer places if we have any withdrawals - please let us know ASAP if you have to withdraw so that we can offer spaces to those who do want to play.
Draws will be released on Sunday, we look forward to seeing everyone again in Chichester for the next round of the 2021 UK Racketball Series!
Draws will be released on Sunday, we look forward to seeing everyone again in Chichester for the next round of the 2021 UK Racketball Series!
South of England Racketball Open Introduction

2021 will be the tenth time that Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club have hosted a HEAD UK-Racketball Series event making it the second oldest venue on the UK-Racketball tour. This is one of the most popular events of the UK-Racketball Series and with only 60 places available do not delay in securing your entry as soon as possible, as our last four trips to Chichester have all sold out.
Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club has a strong Racketball tradition with internal leagues and Club Championships continuing throughout the year. The club facilities are some of the best in the UK with a great bar and balcony, the perfect place to host a UK-Racketball event with a great friendly atmosphere to spend the day.
The last South of England Racketball Open took place in 2019 and was a sell out with the largest draw of the day being the B Grade with 20 players. It was Hinkley's George Orton who managed to take the final with a 2-1 victory over Tom Ash. Head to the bottom of this page for a full report.
The Chichester Racketball Open has been running since 2011. Links to all of the previous events and the tournaments Hall of Fame are included lower down this page so feel free to have a browse through it's history!
Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club has a strong Racketball tradition with internal leagues and Club Championships continuing throughout the year. The club facilities are some of the best in the UK with a great bar and balcony, the perfect place to host a UK-Racketball event with a great friendly atmosphere to spend the day.
The last South of England Racketball Open took place in 2019 and was a sell out with the largest draw of the day being the B Grade with 20 players. It was Hinkley's George Orton who managed to take the final with a 2-1 victory over Tom Ash. Head to the bottom of this page for a full report.
The Chichester Racketball Open has been running since 2011. Links to all of the previous events and the tournaments Hall of Fame are included lower down this page so feel free to have a browse through it's history!
Main Tournament Details
What: The Chichester Racketball Open - Event 7 of the 2018 UKRB Series
When: 30th October 2021
Where: Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club
Postcode: PO19 6AR
Closing Date for Entries: 22nd October
Cost: £14.00 (£8.50 for tournament t-shirt, high quality, quick dry, sublimated print)
Covid Regulations: This event will comply fully with the Covid 19 regulations at the time of competition
For more information, contact Mark Fuller at [email protected] or call on 07846 067505
When: 30th October 2021
Where: Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club
Postcode: PO19 6AR
Closing Date for Entries: 22nd October
Cost: £14.00 (£8.50 for tournament t-shirt, high quality, quick dry, sublimated print)
Covid Regulations: This event will comply fully with the Covid 19 regulations at the time of competition
For more information, contact Mark Fuller at [email protected] or call on 07846 067505
south of england racketball open - hall of fame
Grades
It is important to remember that UK-Racketball Series events are designed to be inclusive. Although the A grade does attract the best racketball players in the country the events really are for players of all ages and abilities. We have never had a competitor who felt they were not good enough for an event when they took part.
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players which makes for a fun and competitive day.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60
Doubles – limited to 8 pairs, Racketball rules apply, follow this link for more information - http://www.uk-racketball.com/racketball-doubles-rules.html
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players which makes for a fun and competitive day.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60
Doubles – limited to 8 pairs, Racketball rules apply, follow this link for more information - http://www.uk-racketball.com/racketball-doubles-rules.html
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
Facilities
The Chichester club boasts five courts including a championship glass back and arguably the best facilities out of any club in the Series.
The club has a modern and spacious dining and catering area and food is served throughout the day. The heath suite consisting of a spa pool, sauna and steam room has made the venue one of the most popular on the Series and is perfect for post-match relaxation. The health suite is available to all competitors throughout the tournament and there is a comfortable lounge area to relax in.
The bar is situated close to but just tucked away from the courts making it the perfect place to chill out away from the racketball. The club patio area is rated as the best sun trap in the city and if we’re lucky enough with the October weather, refreshments can be enjoyed in the sun!
The club has a modern and spacious dining and catering area and food is served throughout the day. The heath suite consisting of a spa pool, sauna and steam room has made the venue one of the most popular on the Series and is perfect for post-match relaxation. The health suite is available to all competitors throughout the tournament and there is a comfortable lounge area to relax in.
The bar is situated close to but just tucked away from the courts making it the perfect place to chill out away from the racketball. The club patio area is rated as the best sun trap in the city and if we’re lucky enough with the October weather, refreshments can be enjoyed in the sun!
Location
Chichester is one of the prettiest cities in the UK and the Club itself is set only a stone’s throw away from the charming city centre with idyllic views over Oaklands Park and the Chichester Festival Theatre.
Chichester Racquets and Fitness club
Oaklands Park,
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 6AR
01243 785664
Visit the club website for more information: www.crafc.co.uk
Chichester Racquets and Fitness club
Oaklands Park,
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 6AR
01243 785664
Visit the club website for more information: www.crafc.co.uk
What happened the last time we headed to chichester for the South of England racketball open... 2019 report

The UK-Racketball Series returned to Chichester for the 9th year running for the annual South East of England Racketball Open. Despite a clash with the Rugby World Cup final the large reserve list for the event managed to keep it more than full.
Luke Bishop maintained the form that he started in Devon with victory in Chichester. Bishop defeated Metcalf 3-0 and then in the final Callum Arnott in a brutal 3-2 to take the title.
It was a big turnout for the B with 20 players competing across five groups. Despite winning 5 matches and having to play 18 games of Racketball across the day Tom Ash fell at the final hurdle against Hinkley’s George Orton being defeated 2-1 in the final.
The experienced pairing of Rob Lewis and Mark Banfield were runners up in their last outing as a doubles pairing, reaching the final of the London Open back in November. In Chichester they managed to go one step further with only Lee Divers and Paul Bowes taking a game off them on their way to the title.
Luke Bishop maintained the form that he started in Devon with victory in Chichester. Bishop defeated Metcalf 3-0 and then in the final Callum Arnott in a brutal 3-2 to take the title.
It was a big turnout for the B with 20 players competing across five groups. Despite winning 5 matches and having to play 18 games of Racketball across the day Tom Ash fell at the final hurdle against Hinkley’s George Orton being defeated 2-1 in the final.
The experienced pairing of Rob Lewis and Mark Banfield were runners up in their last outing as a doubles pairing, reaching the final of the London Open back in November. In Chichester they managed to go one step further with only Lee Divers and Paul Bowes taking a game off them on their way to the title.

The women’s grade suffered from a couple of withdrawals leading to the three remaining players competing in the B Grade as well as the Women’s. This added another dimension to their competition but top Racketlon players Matilda Parslow came through victorious. Kate Russell came second defeating Ebbisham’s Jo Robinson 2-0.
Baker is back was the cry at both the West of England and the South West of England as Matt Baker claimed the Over 40’s crown’s. At Chichester he did not disappoint, South East of England completed without dropping a game. How many more titles will he take before players start reading that boast!?!
In the Over 50’s Dan Fernandez continued where he left off at the South West of England event in September where he took his first title. Fernandez won all three group matches 2-0 and the first finals group match 2-0 against solid and inform Paul Dodds. The final did not follow the same pattern with Phillip Hall not having read the script and ending the run playing his hard hitting accurate Racketball he defeated Fernandez to be crowned South East Racketball Open Champion.
Baker is back was the cry at both the West of England and the South West of England as Matt Baker claimed the Over 40’s crown’s. At Chichester he did not disappoint, South East of England completed without dropping a game. How many more titles will he take before players start reading that boast!?!
In the Over 50’s Dan Fernandez continued where he left off at the South West of England event in September where he took his first title. Fernandez won all three group matches 2-0 and the first finals group match 2-0 against solid and inform Paul Dodds. The final did not follow the same pattern with Phillip Hall not having read the script and ending the run playing his hard hitting accurate Racketball he defeated Fernandez to be crowned South East Racketball Open Champion.
Three equal groups of four players meant that to win the Over 60’s you needed to come through victorious in five matches on the day. Is it me or do Racketball players just not understand the concept of ageing… after a full day’s battle it was one of the closest finishes that we have ever seen on the UK-Racketball Series with all three players in the finals group defeating each other. It was Ian Graham who in the end claimed the title having the best on aggregate score on the day, it doesn’t get any closer than that!
Next up in the UK-Racketball Series we head to Nottingham for the Series Finals. This is the last event before the winter three month break so make sure that you get your entries in to get your pre Christmas Racketball fix. The East Midlands UK-Racketball Singles and National Racketball Doubles events are both taking place so there is something for everyone.
http://www.uk-racketball.com/e10---series-finals---7th-december.html
Next up in the UK-Racketball Series we head to Nottingham for the Series Finals. This is the last event before the winter three month break so make sure that you get your entries in to get your pre Christmas Racketball fix. The East Midlands UK-Racketball Singles and National Racketball Doubles events are both taking place so there is something for everyone.
http://www.uk-racketball.com/e10---series-finals---7th-december.html
South of England Results
![]()
![]()
![]()
|
![]()
![]()
![]()
|

e9_south_of_england_2019_results_doubles.pdf | |
File Size: | 311 kb |
File Type: |
The history of the chichester open
2019 South of England Racketball Open - Chichester - Report, Results, Photos
2018 South of England Racketball Open - Chichester - Report, Results, Photos
2017 Chichester Racketball Open Results, Report, Results, Photos
2016 Chichester Racketball Open Results, Report, Results, Photos
2015 Chichester Racketball Open Results, Report, Results, Photos
2014 Chichester Racketball Open Results, Report, Results, Photos
2013 Chichester Racketball Open Results, Report, Results, Photos
2012 Chichester Racketball Open Results, Report, Results, Photos
2011 Chichester Racketball Open Results, Report, Results, Photos
2018 South of England Racketball Open - Chichester - Report, Results, Photos
2017 Chichester Racketball Open Results, Report, Results, Photos
2016 Chichester Racketball Open Results, Report, Results, Photos
2015 Chichester Racketball Open Results, Report, Results, Photos
2014 Chichester Racketball Open Results, Report, Results, Photos
2013 Chichester Racketball Open Results, Report, Results, Photos
2012 Chichester Racketball Open Results, Report, Results, Photos
2011 Chichester Racketball Open Results, Report, Results, Photos