A TOTAL of 375 matches were played across 15 courts at Manor Park Club and Malvern St James as the town staged the Knight Frank Malvern Open.

Attracting 333 entries from players across 22 counties, events were held in age groups ranging from under nines to the Men’s and Ladies Open.

There was plenty of success for Herefordshire and Worcestershire LTA players in the grade three ranking tournament played over seven days.

Bromsgrove’s Josie Ward took home both the 12U and 16U girls’ singles titles while her brother, Toby Ward, finished runner-up in the 10U event.

Fellow Bromsgrove Tennis Club player Joe Hart claimed the 14U boys’ singles title while Ombersley and Doverdale’s Theo Houston defeated David Lloyd Bromsgrove’s George Hadley in the 9U final.

In doubles events, Toby Ward was to taste success again, pairing up with Bath’s Joshua Knight to beat Pershore’s Jack Bulbulia and Alfie Mills in the 10U final.

Manor Park Malvern’s Sally Lewin joined forces with Pershore’s Lucie Palmer and finished runner-up in the 18U girls’ competition.

Worcester’s Billy Wright also came second in the 18U boys’ section, pairing up with Gloucester’s Maian Minaar.

The 12U doubles events saw Malvern’s Sam Cassidy and Sam Laidler defeated at the semi-final stage but there was better fortune for Pershore’s Caoimhe Guppy and Bethany Pye who took both the 14U and 12U girls’ crowns.

Tournament referee Ed Bradford said “The Knight Frank Malvern Open once again proved to be a highly competitive tournament, attracting a number of highly ranked players from across the country.

“Matches were fiercely competitive but all were played in the right spirit.

“We wish all players well for the rest of the summer tour and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2019."

For more information about tennis in Herefordshire and Worcestershire contact 01684 577243 or visit www.handwtennis.co.uk