South of England 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
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South of England Schedule
Open the file below to view the schedule for this event. Again apologies for this coming out a lot later than I anticipated or wanted. 18 withdrawals has been a tough situation to deal with. If anyone spots any problems please let me know as soon as possible. Please note that as the women's draw is down to three players they are also now in the B Grade.
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The following players are taking part in multiple grades. I have tried to avoid clashes wherever possible.
John Waller, Stuart Tyler, Danny Jones, Paul Bowes, George Orton, Ben Fenwick, Lee Divers, Rob Lewis, Darren Morrison, Mark Banfield, Matilda Parslow (women’s and B Grade), Kate Russell (women’s and B Grade), Jo Robinson (women’s and B Grade)
John Waller, Stuart Tyler, Danny Jones, Paul Bowes, George Orton, Ben Fenwick, Lee Divers, Rob Lewis, Darren Morrison, Mark Banfield, Matilda Parslow (women’s and B Grade), Kate Russell (women’s and B Grade), Jo Robinson (women’s and B Grade)
South of England Draws
We have a large reserve list for this event so if you need to withdraw for any reason please contact me as soon as possible on 07846067505 or [email protected]
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South of England Racketball Open - Entry List - updated 17th October
This event is SOLD OUT all further entries will be added to the reserve list!
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South East Racketball Open Introduction
2019 will be the ninth 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.
Last year The Chichester Racketball Open was one of the best attended in the country. The B Grade was a fantastic event with 22 players, Alex Glencross from Hallamshire made the final but was unable to prevent Chris O’Neil retaining the title that he first won in 2017. The Over 50’s was also a great draw with the final turning into a family affair between Dan and Matthew Fernandez. In the end Dan maintained his pattern of form at UK-Racketball events making the final but still unable to over come the final hurdle.
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!
Last year The Chichester Racketball Open was one of the best attended in the country. The B Grade was a fantastic event with 22 players, Alex Glencross from Hallamshire made the final but was unable to prevent Chris O’Neil retaining the title that he first won in 2017. The Over 50’s was also a great draw with the final turning into a family affair between Dan and Matthew Fernandez. In the end Dan maintained his pattern of form at UK-Racketball events making the final but still unable to over come the final hurdle.
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!
Main Tournament Details
What: The Chichester Racketball Open - Event 7 of the 2018 UKRB Series
When: 2nd November 2019
Where: Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club
Postcode: PO19 6AR
Cost: £13.50 (£7.80 for tournament t-shirt, high quality, quick dry, sublimated print)
For more information, contact Mark Fuller at [email protected] or call on 07846 067505
When: 2nd November 2019
Where: Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club
Postcode: PO19 6AR
Cost: £13.50 (£7.80 for tournament t-shirt, high quality, quick dry, sublimated print)
For more information, contact Mark Fuller at [email protected] 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
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 in 2018 - Chichester Racketball Open Report
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
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