Newry Tennis Club

It was a sedate start to the 2016 Newry Closed with four Men's Singles matches completed and none of them went to a final set thriller. Highlight of the day was undoubtedly the performance of James Gallagher in his Tourney debut against No8 seed Ronnie Dalzell. Showing no nerves he used drop shots executed from anywhere on the court and immense slice to keep Ronnie guessing. But overall it was the experience of Ronnie that told as he mixed his game up from the back of the court ready for the killer shot to end some really entertaining points. In the end it was 6-2 6-4 to Ronnie.

​

The McAteer brothers are used to success and both of them won with very symmetrical scorelines as they displayed awesome tennis skills to dispose of their two hapless opponents Alex Staselovich and Russell Shields-Patterson both without losing a game. It was unfortunate for spectators that the two defeated opponents were unable to play to their regular level having both won the Social on Thursday night. However the McAteer brothers are fantastic athletes to watch and let's hope they can challenge for the honours in this tournament.

​

Talking of honours, one of the best players this club has ever produced has been Tim Smith and his powerful groundies and sublime angles makes him a very tough proposition. Michael McKnight tried all his magical know how and in an entertaining clash every part of the court was in use. Michael was forced from side to side with his single handed backhand is a joy to behold. Tim won 6-0 6-2.

​

The weather held for a good first day and it was nice to see quite a few spectators watching from the benches too.