Martin Sloots won the GGCC D-Level Series

[<<] [>>] by Andrew Lockwood at Guildford & Godalming
18th May (GC - Tournaments)

Martin Sloots narrowly beat his club compatriot Jane Drury 7-6 in an exciting and hard fought contest in the final of the GGCC D Level Series Tournament held at Guildford and Godalming on 16^th May 2026. It was a typical May morning, cold in the shade but warm in the sunshine, as the 16 competitors gathered for the four morning blocks. After a sustaining and well-earned lunch, the afternoon weather turned darker and colder as the knockout matches become more intense and competitive. After some very well fought matches it was the two players from Phyllis Court - Jane Drury and Martin Sloots - who made it to the final, played on Lawn 1 in front of the clubhouse and an excited crowd (suitably sustained by fruit cake and tea). Philip Rowley, last year's winner, was there to see his crown handed over to Martin after his win on the golden hoop.

A big thank you to all the competitors for coming to play on the lawns here at Guildford, especially to those who managed to survive their first ever full day tournament. It takes courage and stamina to get out on the lawns in a highly competitive tournament for the first time. You should all be proud of yourselves. A big thank you to Andrea Huxley and Andrew Jackson, the tournament referees, and all the other members who were up early to prepare the lawns, set out the gazebos, do the catering and washing up and put it all to bed at the end of a friendly and rewarding day just as the the drizzle started.