Newry Tennis Club held its prestigious Best Property Services Newry Open 2018 over the last couple of weeks as a prelude to Wimbledon. Back in the 1980’s world ranked professionals played in this historic tournament and although no one of that calibre graced the event this year, the standards were still of high quality. The Men’s Singles was won by 19 year old Shane Mcateer for a second successive year. He lost just three games en route to the final but was tested more than has recently been the case by Warrenpoint’s Rory Mcgeown. Rory had a point for a 5-3 lead in the first set but was unable to convert and the extremely athletic Shane pounced and reeled off nine of the last ten games to triumph yet again. McAteer has a never say die attitude on court, getting to balls from impossible positions including one from his knees lying prone on the ground.  He neutralised the kick serve and classical ground strokes of McGeown with a powerful forehand of his own and great stickability. More success on finals weekend as Shane teamed up with Deirdre Dinsmore to win the Mixed Doubles with a comfortable 62 61 victory over mother and son combo Carmel and Matthew Richmond. Shane was aiming to win another treble having achieved two successive ones in the Newry Closed. But he would be denied the massive achievement in the last match of the tournament which was an exciting blend of attacking and deft volley touches with top spin lobs and fiercely hit forehands. McAteer with his partner Gerry Sweetman were 2-0 up in the final set before the legendary club star Giby Vettiankal and Jamie Campbell revived to win the title in three close sets. It meant Giby won amazingly his 13th men’s Doubles title since the 1980’s.  Deirdre Dinsmore and Alison Dunne won an injury affected Women’s Doubles over Mary Mcgeown and Lucy Cummings. The 18 day tournament was contested in blazing sunshine throughout in what must have been the best weather seen in these parts since 1976!

RESULTS Men's Singles Shane McAteer bt Rory McGeown 64 61 Men's Doubles Giby Vettiankal & Jamie Campbell  46 62 63 Women;s Doubles Deirdre Dinsmore & Alison Dunne bt Lucy Cummings & Mary McGeown ret Mixed Doubles Shane McAteer & Deirdre Disnmore bt Matthew & Carmel Richmond 62 61 Men's Singles Plate Alex Staselovich bt Gary Hanratty 26 64 63 Men's Doubles Plate Nigel Bingham & Gary Hanratty bt Brian O'Hare & Paddy McKinley 64 62 Mixed Doubles Plate Derek Laverty & Alison Dunne bt Ronnie Dalzell & Irene McKnight 

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