An increased entry, bright and shiny weather and eager competitors all contributed to the success of SOE week.  We welcomed two groups of Italian players and players from Germany, Belgium, Spain,Netherlands, Australia and South Africa added considerably to the cosmopolitan flavour of the event.  Some regular favourites were missing but the competitive edge was high and some excellent tennis was in view.
Danny Ward overcame Gianluca of Italy in the semi-final of the 35s to take his place in the final where he met Steve Davies who had survived first a close match with Brian Mileham followed by a tight 7-6 7-6 battle with Mike Roi.  Danny and Steve split sets in the final, before the latter retired as an oldinjury flared up.  Giovanni Medori of Italy was unseeded but reached the final by way of a three-set semi-final with Spain's Juan Coto,  His colleague Massimo Pennesi failed to cope with the high wind blowing arouod Court One and succumbed to David Mills who had benefited from the retirement of Adam Boucher through injury in the previous round.  Giovanni played a superb match in the final to take the title comfortably.
John Draper was a convincing winner of the 80 singles, but there was disappointment in the 85s when one player in the round robin of three dropped out making the event unviable.
The Women's events were not well supported, but there was plenty of enthusiasm.  In the evevnts played as round robins,  Julie Sinkins retained her 35s title, Rachel Apsey was the 45s winner, Nina Crane took the 55s and June Peck again won the 60s.    The only knockout draw was in the 70s in which June Pearce pushed Jean Porter toa second set tie-break finish in the final.
Full results, including those of the doubles events,may be found at lta.tournamentsoftware.com.  (No prefix needed)

The tournament takes place at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne, from Monday 24 to Saturday 29 August.

To see the draws, go to lta.tournamentsoftware.com.  (This address needs no prefix).