The Gunnedah Tennis Club Championships are living up to their reputation as one of the region’s premier events.
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Boosting the tournament’s standing is the return of defending club singles champions, Andrew Osmond and Gabby O’Gorman.
The pair vie for their shot at the 2016 title this weekend.
Osmond overcame the experienced Craig Louis to win last year’s singles final 6-1, 6-3, while O’Gorman defeated Emily Osmond in straight sets.
Louis, a club veteran and former championship winner, said the return of the top-seed teens highlighted the significance of the Gunnedah tournament to local players.
“It’s a real honour to have your name on that trophy,” Louis said.
“That’s why our top level players keep coming back.
“[The championship] means a lot to them.”
Osmond returns to the Gunnedah courts after a six-week spell due to injury.
It’s a real honour to have your name on that trophy.
- Craig Louis on the importance of Gunnedah's championship traditions
His first tournament back featured a win at the North Coast Open in Grafton earlier this month where he won the 16 years boys singles title.
Also in the mix this weekend is Sam O’Gorman who will threaten Osmond’s consecutive championship claims.
In women’s singles, Gabby is in great form after winning the women’s open at Grafton, coincidentally the same event won by her mum, Patricia, in 1974.
Gabby will also partner Jodie Moore in defence of their division one doubles title. But they would be wise to keep a watch on the new pairing of Emily Osmond and Ellie Ryan which will prove tough to beat.
In men’s doubles, Louis partners young-gun Zac McCann for the second year. The pair was runner-up to Andrew Osmond and Dale Martin last year. But a new game plan and possible “change of tactics” by the Louis team hope to give the front-runners a shake.
Some of Gunnedah’s best new tennis talent make up the leading contenders in division two.
Among them is Logan Dries who partners Sophie Williams in the mixed doubles for one of his first matches of the competition.
Another showing promise is Shaylee Martin.
“She’s seeded well and hitting the ball nicely,’ Louis said.
His pick of the wildcards include Steph Eveleigh and Ben Northey-Baldwin.
“They’re a good chance of an upset,” he said.
Play starts 8.30am on Saturday at the Wolseley Park courts with finals on Sunday. See page 21 for the Saturday morning draw.