Tie-breakers break record

Betty Searle in action.

THE sun shone and 32 players were keen to return to the courts at Rotary Park yesterday morning for the resumption of ladies midweek fixtures.

The match of the morning resulted in a narrow two-game victory for Lyn Udris, Betty Searle, Joyce Heidke and Joan Horvath of Team Four over Rhonda Lassig, Leona Marano, Robyn Piper and Val Killer of Team One.

Of the eight sets played, six were decided by tie-breaks, with Udris, Searle, Lassig and Marano each being involved in three of these sets.

Organisers of this competition cannot remember any other match involving this number of tie-break sets.

Except at the highest level, tennis is different from most other sports in that participants have to umpire their own matches.

For this reason it is essential there are sufficiently trained officials available to ensure tournaments are run effectively.

Bundaberg and District Tennis Association is keen to hear from anyone interested in taking part in a series of locally held training courses to become linespeople, chair umpires, court supervisors or referees.

This can lead to casual employment at local, state and national tournaments.

Most of these are held on weekends and during school holidays, so this could appeal to students, school teachers and active retired or semi-retired people, male or female.

Contact Les Killer, a Tennis Australia-accredited educator and assessor, on 4152 2129.

The wet weather has complicated the preparation of courts and surrounds for Bundaberg’s two weeks of high-level tennis.

This period of high-quality tennis begins on April 27 with an Australian Money Tournament and finishes on May 9 with the finals of the Pro-Circuit Men’s and Women’s events.

The association is keen to build on last year’s success in bringing top-class tennis to Bundaberg for locals to enjoy.