Chichester Racketball Open
2018 marked the seventh consecutive Chichester Racketball Open and this year we sold out in record time, a whole month before the competition! This is no surprise with such a fantastic facility and well run event by local Racketball legend Mike Phillips.
The A Grade was the biggest draw in the Series so far in 2018 with 22 competitors split across 6 grades. Manuel Costa from Lisbon came through Group A without dropping a game. Alex Glencross upset the seeding’s in group B to claim his spot in the quarters. In Group C a fellow Hallamshire player Graeme Mason also made it through to the quarterfinals where he met John Waller from Dover. Chris O’Neil continued the run of form at Chichester which saw him become tournament champion in 2017 making it through Group E without dropping a game. Two seed Matt Morgan scrapped through two tough games in Group F to face O’Neil in the quarters.
In the quarterfinals the lucky losers Lee Divers and Tom Ash did not have enough to make it past Manuel Costa and Alex Glencross. John Waller overcame Graeme Manson and Chris O’Neil defeated two seed Matt Morgan.
Alex Glencross ended the Portuguese man’s run in the first of the semi finals. With Costa was also playing in the Over 50’s this was his eighth match of the day, a fantastic effort in itself. Chris O’Neil defeated John Waller from Dover in the opposite semi to claim his spot in the final for a second consecutive year.
The final as in 2018 went the way of O’Neil. No player has ever won three titles at the same venue in three consecutive year’s on the UK-Racketball Series, it will be interesting to see if O’Neil can be the first in 2019!
The A Grade was the biggest draw in the Series so far in 2018 with 22 competitors split across 6 grades. Manuel Costa from Lisbon came through Group A without dropping a game. Alex Glencross upset the seeding’s in group B to claim his spot in the quarters. In Group C a fellow Hallamshire player Graeme Mason also made it through to the quarterfinals where he met John Waller from Dover. Chris O’Neil continued the run of form at Chichester which saw him become tournament champion in 2017 making it through Group E without dropping a game. Two seed Matt Morgan scrapped through two tough games in Group F to face O’Neil in the quarters.
In the quarterfinals the lucky losers Lee Divers and Tom Ash did not have enough to make it past Manuel Costa and Alex Glencross. John Waller overcame Graeme Manson and Chris O’Neil defeated two seed Matt Morgan.
Alex Glencross ended the Portuguese man’s run in the first of the semi finals. With Costa was also playing in the Over 50’s this was his eighth match of the day, a fantastic effort in itself. Chris O’Neil defeated John Waller from Dover in the opposite semi to claim his spot in the final for a second consecutive year.
The final as in 2018 went the way of O’Neil. No player has ever won three titles at the same venue in three consecutive year’s on the UK-Racketball Series, it will be interesting to see if O’Neil can be the first in 2019!
It was two late entries that stole the show in the Over 40’s. Adam Grilli made it through the challenge of Group A but was pushed all the way by top seed and England no.10 Spencer Harris. Phillip Hall had an even tougher time making it through Group B with both Paul Mcleod and Hallamshire’s Kevin Dudley forcing deciders.
Grilli, Hall was a repeat of the Bexley final back in June but unfortunately for Grilli on this occasion it was Hall who came through triumphant with a 2-1 victory.
Once again the Over 50’s was one of the biggest draws on the day. Four groups of four made it an even contest with not even top seed Dan Fernandez able to complain about having more matches than anyone else... Hunting down his first UK-Racketball Series title Fernandez made a good start defeating all three of his group opponents 2-0. Russell Cox came unstuck in Group B being defeated by Paul Buckner from Tonbridge 2-0. Group C saw top seed Andy Ruff scrape through 2-1 against first Paul Fennell and then Neil Widdison but he did not have enough to close out against England no.1 Michael Wardle who ended up claiming his place in the semi final. In Group D Matthew Fernandez progressed through to the semi defeating England no.8 Mark Banfield 2-0.
The brothers Dan and Matthew Fernandez defeated Buckner and Wardle respectively to set up a family affair final. In the end Matthew came through triumphant defeating Dan 2-0.
Dan Fernandez is the highest ranked player to never win a UK-Racketball Series Title despite numerous semi final and quarter final finishes… the quest goes on…
Grilli, Hall was a repeat of the Bexley final back in June but unfortunately for Grilli on this occasion it was Hall who came through triumphant with a 2-1 victory.
Once again the Over 50’s was one of the biggest draws on the day. Four groups of four made it an even contest with not even top seed Dan Fernandez able to complain about having more matches than anyone else... Hunting down his first UK-Racketball Series title Fernandez made a good start defeating all three of his group opponents 2-0. Russell Cox came unstuck in Group B being defeated by Paul Buckner from Tonbridge 2-0. Group C saw top seed Andy Ruff scrape through 2-1 against first Paul Fennell and then Neil Widdison but he did not have enough to close out against England no.1 Michael Wardle who ended up claiming his place in the semi final. In Group D Matthew Fernandez progressed through to the semi defeating England no.8 Mark Banfield 2-0.
The brothers Dan and Matthew Fernandez defeated Buckner and Wardle respectively to set up a family affair final. In the end Matthew came through triumphant defeating Dan 2-0.
Dan Fernandez is the highest ranked player to never win a UK-Racketball Series Title despite numerous semi final and quarter final finishes… the quest goes on…
With the overall UK-Racketball Series championship at stake the tournament leader Stephen Widdison needed a win at Chichester to maintain his lead after Adam Grilli currently sitting in second became runner up in the Over 40’s. Widdison’s event started well coming through the group without dropping a game. Group B saw David Mudge fight his way past David Browne and Graham Banstead before a tough 2-1 against group runner up Alan Harris from Thanet. England no.2 David Worrall did not drop a game in Group C to claim his spot in the finals group.
It was a three way competition in the finals group. Both Widdison and Worrall defeated Mudge 2-0 to set up another epic match between the two experienced and determined players. On this occasion the England no.2 had the better of the no.1 with the title going Worrall’s way 2-1.
It was another fantastic Chichester Open. A big thank you to Mike Phillips for once again making everything happen. Hopefully we will be back in 2019 for what will be the ninth consecutive UK-Racketball Series event at Chichester.
Only one event remains in the 2018 calendar the Series finals in Nottingham on the 8th of December. This is a double event with both a UK-Racketball Series singles event and the National Racketball/ Squash57 Doubles. Once again only 60 entrants per competition so enter now to avoid missing out.
It was a three way competition in the finals group. Both Widdison and Worrall defeated Mudge 2-0 to set up another epic match between the two experienced and determined players. On this occasion the England no.2 had the better of the no.1 with the title going Worrall’s way 2-1.
It was another fantastic Chichester Open. A big thank you to Mike Phillips for once again making everything happen. Hopefully we will be back in 2019 for what will be the ninth consecutive UK-Racketball Series event at Chichester.
Only one event remains in the 2018 calendar the Series finals in Nottingham on the 8th of December. This is a double event with both a UK-Racketball Series singles event and the National Racketball/ Squash57 Doubles. Once again only 60 entrants per competition so enter now to avoid missing out.
Chichester Racketball Open - Results
| chichester_open_results_-_event_9_of_the_2018_uk-racketball_series_ab_grade.pdf |
| chichester_open_results_-_event_9_of_the_2018_uk-racketball_series_over_40s.pdf |
| chichester_open_results_-_event_9_of_the_2018_uk-racketball_series_over_50s.pdf |
| chichester_open_results_-_event_9_of_the_2018_uk-racketball_series_over_60s.pdf |
| chichester_open_results_-_event_9_of_the_2018_uk-racketball_series_womens.pdf |
Chichester Racketball Open - Schedule - 25th October
| chichester_open_draws_-_event_9_of_the_2018_uk-racketball_series_schedule.pdf |
This is going to be a busy day. Mike Phillips is running things on the day as normal at Chichester. I have worked with Mike on UK-Racketball since 2012 and he is the Chichester Head Coach so you are in good hands. If anyone needs to withdraw or has any issues on Friday or Saturday (tournament day) please go to Mike directly as you might not be able to get hold of me, Mike’s mobile number is on the email that has been sent out.
Please help Mike out as best you can on the day by always being ready to start your matches on time and to referee when you have finished.
Normal Tournament Rules at Chichester
Register at least 15 minutes before your scheduled match time.
Winners referee the next match on the court they have just finished on.
You must be ready to referee by the time that the next players have finished knocking up, if not then the UK-Racketball forfeit comes into effect and you will have to referee the next 3 matches on that court.
When refereeing please write the name of both opponents and the grade on the score sheet.
All matches are best of 3 games unless best of 5 is indicted.. Tiebreak at 10-10 with the game going to the first player to be 2 points clear.
Spirit of the UK-Racketball Series – All our events are competitive but they are also fun. Lets should be lenient, strokes only rarely given.
A/ B Grade
The A/ B Grade draw is big. Note the lucky loser slots. These will go to players who won the most games in the group stages but did not make it through their group. If this is a tie between two players a best of 1 game playoff will take place. If it’s between 3 then game of 3’s (one on the door). Two of the groups are smaller than the others but these matches will be best of 5 so should work out points wise.
Clashes and timings
The following players are in multiple grades and I have tried to avoid court clashes wherever possible. Remember you might have to play matches back to back, this is part of the event and these draws are not always fair (ask Dan Fernandez…)
Tommy Meadows, Lee Divers, Ricky Roddy, David Browne, Manuel Costa and Caroline Wright
Due to the capacity entry level there is a chance that the event will not run to time. Please do not worry if this is the case the event will finish! If it is running a bit behind then just chill out in the lovely Chichester bar, have a coffee or watch the Racketball action.
Best of luck to everyone on the day, I hope that you all have a lot of fun at one of our best venues!
Please help Mike out as best you can on the day by always being ready to start your matches on time and to referee when you have finished.
Normal Tournament Rules at Chichester
Register at least 15 minutes before your scheduled match time.
Winners referee the next match on the court they have just finished on.
You must be ready to referee by the time that the next players have finished knocking up, if not then the UK-Racketball forfeit comes into effect and you will have to referee the next 3 matches on that court.
When refereeing please write the name of both opponents and the grade on the score sheet.
All matches are best of 3 games unless best of 5 is indicted.. Tiebreak at 10-10 with the game going to the first player to be 2 points clear.
Spirit of the UK-Racketball Series – All our events are competitive but they are also fun. Lets should be lenient, strokes only rarely given.
A/ B Grade
The A/ B Grade draw is big. Note the lucky loser slots. These will go to players who won the most games in the group stages but did not make it through their group. If this is a tie between two players a best of 1 game playoff will take place. If it’s between 3 then game of 3’s (one on the door). Two of the groups are smaller than the others but these matches will be best of 5 so should work out points wise.
Clashes and timings
The following players are in multiple grades and I have tried to avoid court clashes wherever possible. Remember you might have to play matches back to back, this is part of the event and these draws are not always fair (ask Dan Fernandez…)
Tommy Meadows, Lee Divers, Ricky Roddy, David Browne, Manuel Costa and Caroline Wright
Due to the capacity entry level there is a chance that the event will not run to time. Please do not worry if this is the case the event will finish! If it is running a bit behind then just chill out in the lovely Chichester bar, have a coffee or watch the Racketball action.
Best of luck to everyone on the day, I hope that you all have a lot of fun at one of our best venues!
Chichester Racketball Open - Draws 24th October
I hope that you are all looking forward to the Chichester Open on Saturday.
I will aim to have the schedule out late tonight (24th). If you could check the draws and let me know if you have any issues as soon as possible that would be great.
There is a still a large reserve list with people wanting to play. If you need to withdraw for any reason please contact me on 07846067505 so that your space can be freed-up.
I will aim to have the schedule out late tonight (24th). If you could check the draws and let me know if you have any issues as soon as possible that would be great.
There is a still a large reserve list with people wanting to play. If you need to withdraw for any reason please contact me on 07846067505 so that your space can be freed-up.
| chichester_open_draws_-_event_9_of_the_2018_uk-racketball_series_ab_grade.pdf |
| chichester_open_draws_-_event_9_of_the_2018_uk-racketball_series_over_40s.pdf |
| chichester_open_draws_-_event_9_of_the_2018_uk-racketball_series_over_50s.pdf |
| chichester_open_draws_-_event_9_of_the_2018_uk-racketball_series_over_60s.pdf |
| chichester_open_draws_-_event_9_of_the_2018_uk-racketball_series_womens.pdf |
Chichester Racketball Open - TOURNAMENT FULL
The tournament for Chichester is now fully subscribed.
I am really, really sorry that some of you have not made the initial list. I did advertise the fact that this event often sells out both on the UK-Racketball page, the sales page and all email and social media communications.
The final entry came in at 17:49 on the 2nd of October, Tom Ash. All entries after this have been added to the reserve list. If anyone entered before this and has been missed off the list due to technical issues with the site or my error then please don't worry, just let me know and I will add you as this is a fault my end. If you feel the need to call me my mobile number is 07846067505 and again I am sorry that you have not made the list.
I wish that we could make the event bigger but I need to stick to the rules and with this event being run by Mike Phillips (who does an excellent job and is one of the reasons that this event is so popular) I do not want to put added pressure on him and the club by making the event too big.
I am working on a piece of software for UK-Racketball entries with Graham Greensall (who many of you will know from the Over 60's) for next season. One of the first things that we are trying to build in is a real time entry list so that you can see who has entered an event. This will help players to stay on top of entry lists and make sure that they don't miss out. Quite a lot of work has already gone into this but we are not yet ready to trial it, hopefully very soon. We will keep you informed.
I am really, really sorry that some of you have not made the initial list. I did advertise the fact that this event often sells out both on the UK-Racketball page, the sales page and all email and social media communications.
The final entry came in at 17:49 on the 2nd of October, Tom Ash. All entries after this have been added to the reserve list. If anyone entered before this and has been missed off the list due to technical issues with the site or my error then please don't worry, just let me know and I will add you as this is a fault my end. If you feel the need to call me my mobile number is 07846067505 and again I am sorry that you have not made the list.
I wish that we could make the event bigger but I need to stick to the rules and with this event being run by Mike Phillips (who does an excellent job and is one of the reasons that this event is so popular) I do not want to put added pressure on him and the club by making the event too big.
I am working on a piece of software for UK-Racketball entries with Graham Greensall (who many of you will know from the Over 60's) for next season. One of the first things that we are trying to build in is a real time entry list so that you can see who has entered an event. This will help players to stay on top of entry lists and make sure that they don't miss out. Quite a lot of work has already gone into this but we are not yet ready to trial it, hopefully very soon. We will keep you informed.
| chichester_entry_list_3rd_october_event_full.pdf |
As the UK-Racketball Series rules state
"Due to the nature of UK-Racketball Series events where events take place over just one day and every competitor is guaranteed at least three matches at some of the venues we have a limited number of spaces.
When an event becomes full a waiting list will be automatically created. The time of the final entry that has been accepted will be added advertised online. All entries after that time will be added to the reserve list. The UK-Racketball Series is inclusive of all ages and abilities, entry will be based on first come first served regardless of ranking. Reserves will be notified when spaces become available. This will be done on Grade first and then entry time. If someone pulls out of the Over 40's for example then the first person to enter the Over 40's who is on the reserve list will take the available slot."
"Due to the nature of UK-Racketball Series events where events take place over just one day and every competitor is guaranteed at least three matches at some of the venues we have a limited number of spaces.
When an event becomes full a waiting list will be automatically created. The time of the final entry that has been accepted will be added advertised online. All entries after that time will be added to the reserve list. The UK-Racketball Series is inclusive of all ages and abilities, entry will be based on first come first served regardless of ranking. Reserves will be notified when spaces become available. This will be done on Grade first and then entry time. If someone pulls out of the Over 40's for example then the first person to enter the Over 40's who is on the reserve list will take the available slot."
Chichester Racketball Open - Entry List 2nd October
It's a fantastic entry again for Chichester. With still a month to go we only have two places left in the draw. Please enter as soon as you can to avoid disappointment. All entries after this will be added to the reserve list. As always with UK-Racketball events entry priority goes to the first person to enter rather than who is higher in the rankings.
| chichester_entry_list_2nd_october.pdf |
The Chichester Racketball Open - 27th October 2018
Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club is hosting the seventh event in the 2018 HEAD UK-Racketball Series on 27th October. Chichester have hosted a UK-Racketball Series Event for the past five years and we’re still going strong!
Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club has a strong racketball tradition under Head Coach Mike Phillips. The club has its own racketball section; with internal leagues and Club Championships continuing throughout the year. With only 60 places available and anticipated high demand, do not delay in securing your entry as soon as possible!
Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club has a strong racketball tradition under Head Coach Mike Phillips. The club has its own racketball section; with internal leagues and Club Championships continuing throughout the year. With only 60 places available and anticipated high demand, do not delay in securing your entry as soon as possible!
To have a look at previous winners of the Chichester Racketball Open follow this link to our Hall of Fame page. If you scroll down you will be able to find the location pages at the bottom with the Chichester page at the top of this list!
Online Entry
Click here for online entry.
Main Tournament Details
What: The Chichester Racketball Open - Event 7 of the 2018 UKRB Series
When: 27th October 2018
Where: Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club
Postcode: PO19 6AR
Cost: £12.50 (£5 for tournament t-shirt)
or
£70.50 for whole series entry (including 2 t-shirts)
For more information, contact Mark Fuller at mark@starsportsdevelopment.com or call on 07846 067505
What: The Chichester Racketball Open - Event 7 of the 2018 UKRB Series
When: 27th October 2018
Where: Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club
Postcode: PO19 6AR
Cost: £12.50 (£5 for tournament t-shirt)
or
£70.50 for whole series entry (including 2 t-shirts)
For more information, contact Mark Fuller at mark@starsportsdevelopment.com or call on 07846 067505
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
Beginner – This is for players who have recently started racketball. Players who have previously played squash to a high level and have now started playing racketball may be better off in the A or B grade.
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at info@uk-racketball.com and we will be happy to advise you.
If entries to a category are not sufficient grades may be merged, however all participants will always be informed in advance and they will have a choice if they would still like to play, this has never happened in the last four years.
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
Beginner – This is for players who have recently started racketball. Players who have previously played squash to a high level and have now started playing racketball may be better off in the A or B grade.
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at info@uk-racketball.com and we will be happy to advise you.
If entries to a category are not sufficient grades may be merged, however all participants will always be informed in advance and they will have a choice if they would still like to play, this has never happened in the last four years.
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
Click here for online entry.
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
Click here for online entry.
