A SOLIHULL tennis player is in seventh heaven after winning his latest tournament.
Dean McLeod won the annual Tennis In The Sun tournament in Tenerife, which has been run by members of Solihull Arden Club for the past 34 years.
The defending champion and now seven-times winner, McLeod was victorious in all six of his matches and did not drop a single set throughout the entire six days of a keenly contested round-robin doubles event involving 19 players.
At 51 years old, McLeod was the joint youngest member of the touring party, with Alan Eversden the daddy of the tour at 80 years young.
McLeod said: “The tennis was competitive, of course, but ultimately it’s the fun we enjoy together as a group that makes this event what it is and what it’s always been.
“Last year I was fortunate enough to clinch the title in the last match of the entire tournament. We managed to win a championship tie-break 12-10 in the third set which meant I wasn’t able to be caught on points by Ian Peace.
“John really battled strongly throughout the whole tournament this year and that match against John and Alan might have been the best of the whole competition this year, so I’d like to say well done to John. And also, of course, to Alan who must be one of the youngest 80-year-olds in the world!
“This is the seventh time I’ve won it, I believe, and I look forward to next year and hopefully defending my title again and another fantastic Tennis In The Sun tour.”
Derek Howe – the current record holder for the most Tennis in The Sun titles with 13 wins presented McLeod with his trophy.
Howe said: “This was the 34th staging of the tournament and Dean proved himself a worthy winner.
“That he didn’t drop a single set in a really strong competition and in weather conditions which were perfect but soared to more than 30 degrees was an impressive feat.
“As always, it was the participation and competitiveness of everyone involved that made the tournament the success that it is and we look forward to our 35th year of the tournament in 2025.”
Veterans of the tournament included Howe and former Solihull Arden tennis chairman Nick Clarke, along with Colin McAuley, who go back to the first years of the event.
The Club de Tenis in Puerto de la Cruz in the north of Tenerife hosted the event superbly, with non-participants among the touring party joining competitors every day at the venue.
John Thomas, one of the most resolute competitors, was steadfast in his pursuit of McLeod, winning four of his six matches and falling short only after a titanic struggle against the eventual winner, securing the runner-up spot.
Brian Doogan pipped Steve Edgeworth for third only on game difference (the tennis equivalent of goal difference).
McLeod said: “This is always a great tour with great guys and, for me, it was really emotional to win and be presented with the trophy by Derek, who holds the record for most wins.”
