The 120th Framlingham Tournament reached an exciting climax in overcast conditions at the College on Saturday, several of the finals being extended to deciding match tie-breaks.
On a day that saw an encouragingly high number of Suffolk successes, both the Open Singles titles stayed in the county with victories for juniors Robert Camplin and Hannah Vickers.
Following the disappoint of losing to Maria Andrews in the 18U decider, 15 year-old Culford youngster Hannah Vickers battled hard to overcome second seeded Carys Gilbert from Essex. As she had done in the semi-final, Hannah hit back after dropping the opening set in a match littered with errors, finally clinching the title on her third match point to win a fluctuating match tie-break 12-10. An excellent achievement which underlines her potential.
Halesworth’s Robert Camplin fully justified his top seeding with an impressive victory over 25 year-old James Armstrong, from Norwich. Camplin always looked in control once he made two early breaks, and he thoroughly deserved the comfortable 6-2 6-2 scoreline that gives this highly talented player a timely boost before embarking on a scholarship to West Virginia University in the States later this week.
Suffolk Men’s county player James Ling confirmed his considerable talent with a battling three set win over Cambridgeshire’s Tom Hands, fighting every inch of the way before coming through a real marathon 7-6 (5) 4-6 (12-10). Noah Cutting beat Ross Spinner to take the 12U title, and Culford’s William Cooke-Wharton had a real week to remember, capturing all three of the 14U events he entered. In the Singles decider he proved too good for his stronger, bigger opponent from Wymondham, Owen Tudor, winning 6-1 6-3.
The Senior (Veteran) events were also hotly contested, Jenny King of the Essex Golf + Country Club beating Sara Matta to lift the 40.Over title, Paul Hammond regaining the 45.O title, Peter Taylor retaining the 55.O crown with victory over Steve Belton, and Harleston’s Peter Brown capturing the 65.O title for the first time with a notable 7-5 6-3 victory over the defending champion from Ipswich. Keith Palmer.
The trophies were presented by President Christine Janes, Chairman James Lightfoot and County Administrator Sheelagh Watts at the end of yet another highly successful and enjoyable Framlingham Tournament.
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