[<<] [>>] by Kevin Carter at Wrest Park
6-8 Sep 2002 (AC - Championships)

The fifth 'Eight' is for 16 players. This year it was held at Wrest Park in very challenging conditions. The courts were parched and hoops set very firmly. There were only four TPs (Samir Patel two - one a QP; Richard Smith - a first ever, earning him a gold badge; and Marcus Evans).

In the first round there was a shock win for Samantha Symonds over the warm favourite, Samir Patel. However, the shock wore off as the tournament progressed, since neither player won another game that day! Samir continued to struggle, and when he got it right was very impressive; when he didn't he wasn't.

Nelson Morrow flattered to deceive, going into the second day unbeaten and retiring at the end of it with three losses. Marcus Evans confirmed he was a promising youngster without being quite up to this class yet. Andrew Cowing looked as though he was seriously returning to form. Local lad, Howard Bottomly, put in a solid performance and Duncan Hector - a last minute substitute (and winner of the Spencer Ell in 1980-something) found he could play again.

Meanwhile, Martin Granger-Brown was putting an emphasis on quality rather than quantity. He participated in a game lasting over four hours in each of the first two days. However, at the end of the two-day swiss stage of the tournament he remained unbeaten.

The four top players then went into semi-finals. Martin showed that he was not inherently a slow player by despatching Duncan in the quickest game of the tournament, then went for a walk around the park, while Howard and Andrew ground out a lengthy match resulting in a win for Howard.

Then, in the final, Martin did the same again, swiftly beating Howard

1. 25. So, MG-B bicycled to his car (if you have been to Wrest Park you will understand this) with a mallet in one hand and the Ranelagh cup in the other. We have yet to hear whether he made it.....

Results

1. Martin Granger-Brown
2. Howard Bottomly
3. Duncan Hector
4. Andrew Cowing