On Sunday, April 6, Chichester Racquets & Fitness Club staged a Men's doubles Grade 5 LTA London & South East Tour Padel Tournament. This was one of several LTA-sanctioned padel tournaments that are scheduled to take place at the club this year.
Using a compass draw format, all matches were played as two full sets (sudden death deuce) and a Match Tie-break (to ten points) if needed.
Chris Bladen and Mathew Bunn from West Worthing Tennis Club, were the runners-up after losing out 6-4, 6-3 to in a gripping final to the extremely talented pairing Chris Speers and Ryan Bennett from West Hants.
In the third/fourth play-off match Will Manchester and Frank Davis triumphed over the Chichester pairing of Tom Richie and Pier Giovene 6-1, 7-7 in a thrilling match.
Tournament Referee Peter Cook said afterwards: "This padel tournament was played in a really competitive but extremely friendly manner by everyone’.
"‘It was great to see all players here today giving everything and playing to such a high standard. We were also delighted to have several members who train at Chichester Racquets & Fitness Club participating in today’s event."