There were big-name British winners at last weekend’s LTA Padel Grade One event on Jersey as Louie Harris and Tia Norton flew home with the bullion.
Louie teamed up with Chris Salisbury and the pair cruised through their opening two rounds of the men’s doubles at a packed and sun-kissed Island Padel, which had attracted a draw of over 100 local and international players.
UK-based Spaniard Rafael Vega and partner Alvaro Pecos gave Louie and Chris their first stern test in the semi-finals in a tight two-setter (7-5, 7-6 (5)).
In the final, the British duo faced another Spanish pairing, Guillermo Closa and Bernat Oriol, who had dropped only 13 games in their four-match route to Sunday’s climax.
After the first two sets were shared, it went down to a tie-break game which Louie and Chris took 10-3. For British No.2 Louie, it was his third Grade One victory of the season.
Chris reflected: “It was the first time for me playing in Jersey and first time partnering with Louie Harris. The whole event could not have been better; the sun was out, the food was great and good crowds turned up throughout creating a lively atmosphere all weekend.
“We’re so happy to have got the win as both the semi and final were tough games against Spanish opponents, especially the final where we were a set and a break down. We were proud of how we fought back and found our best when we needed it most.”
British women’s No.1 Tia Norton is finding plenty of joy with Dutch partner Rosalie van der Hoek since the pair linked up earlier this summer.
They encountered meagre resistance as they marched through the draw in Jersey, conceding just three games in their opening two matches, then beating Helen Crook and Jo Ward 6-2, 6-3 in the semis.
Up-and-coming British partnership Catherine Rose and Hanna Maddock had also sailed into the final in the bottom half of the draw. They found Tia and Rosalie a tougher prospect though, succumbing 6-3, 6-2. It was Tia’s fifth win from five in LTA tournaments this year.
Tia said afterwards: “With it being my first time in Jersey it sure will be memorable. Seeing the passion for padel and the community that has been created on this island gives me great belief the sport is expanding exactly as it should be.
I’m very pleased to have secured the win, and have plans to be returning next year. The hospitality of the club and hosts made the trip and experience just that even bit better, and I can’t thank them enough for taking great care of us and holding such an incredible event!”
Tournament organiser Morgan Jubb said: “We played over 120 matches over the weekend and we had a very positive response from all the local players and also all the international players. We had players from all over the world: Spain, Belgium, Holland, the Canary Islands … the list goes on. We had a lot more of an international competition than last year.”
