By JAMIE MORRIS
Tony Norwood and Ross Williamson pipped their opponents in a padel classic in this year’s Harrogate HOP Tour final.
The winning pair had to fight off stiff competition at Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre on Saturday, in order to advance through the latter rounds before they met Simon Dickinson and Ed Marsden in the final, yet a decisive ending meant Norwood and Williamson took the match 6-3, 7-5.
There were different pairings, including last year’s winners Dickinson and Norwood, who returned with fresh partners, which enabled an exciting yet close race to claim the crown in this year’s competition.
Home of Padel’s Javi Serrats, who organised the event, said: “There were 13 pairs and out of those there were big names with Alberto Crespo and a new player called Peter Bowles coming together. Simon partnered up with Ed and there were a few other big names, Tony – the winner last year – was with Ross.
“After some very close matches, the final was the same and it was interesting that in the last seven matches of the tournament there were five matches going to the super tiebreak, which shows how tight it was.
“It was great to see and it was an amazing environment. It was so sunny and warm, it was enjoyable to run, and it created an amazing vibe.”
Norwood and Williamson had to endure a longer third set in their semi-final tie as they had just enough to edge past Gary Hewitt and Robert Turnbull in a nail-biting 2-6, 6-3 and 15-13 triumph.
Meanwhile in the other semi-final, Dickinson and Marsden had to fend off a significant threat in the form of Crespo and Bowles who pushed them all the way, although the score of 4-6, 6-2 and 10-7 meant the eventual runners up prevailed.
There were three byes in the round of 16 before awaiting teams could join in the last eight, with the biggest score of the event coming in a last-16 matchup between Michael and Stephen Alexander, who beat Jonathan Buckley and Jack Hanson 6-0 in both sets.
Serrats spoke about the maintained relationship with the club that has proved advantageous, and has meant meaningful playing opportunities can be organised for players who are seeking to play in competitions.
He said: “First of all, Harrogate is a club which has always wanted to work with us for many activities such as coaching and tournaments. It’s also a very nice venue and they are easy to work with. The tournament last year was so successful that this year we wanted to run it again.
“The players performed as I expected them to, but the biggest surprise was the high level of all players and how closely-fought the matches were.
“I remember I enjoyed watching good points in the matches and people loved the matches and the weather.”
As Serrats revealed, the next event on the HOP Tour is just over a month away after back-to-back competitions in recent weeks there will be a short hiatus: “The next tournament is in Rawdon, which is in Leeds, and the competition will be held on August 13 followed by a women’s event (HOP Women Tour) the next day.”
Organisers Home of Padel are forging an excellent reputation for staging these events, if you wish to participate check out their website which has full details. They now take a break until the next tournament in Rawdon.
