Outdoor courts the key for County Closed move
Corby indoor tennis centre, new outdoor courts: Centre manager Craig Haworth ,. 27/06/11
A NEW venue will play host to the Northants County Closed at the end of the summer, when the popular junior event will shift from King’s Park to the Corby Tennis Centre.
The switch, which is already dividing coaches and tennis club managers across the county, was discussed and passed by the Northants LTA committee at a meeting last week.
Delighted Corby Tennis Centre manager Craig Haworth welcomed the switch, saying: “It creates the perfect opportunity to include other areas of the county in the hope of attracting more players to take part. It may then move to another venue in the following year, depending on success.”
Haworth and Corby TC are also mooting the idea of re-launching the Northants Senior County Closed alongside the event, which will take place this year between August 27 and September 1.
He explained: “The juniors would play during the day with the senior competition in the evening.”
The introduction of Corby’s six new outdoor courts last year has been the chief catalyst behind this latest move, on the back of LTA investment which raised its full total to 14, six more than are on offer at King’s Park.
Haworth said: “It means we can cater for a larger entry and can stage more events. It is wonderful news for Corby and I believe it is the first time in the tournament history it has been staged anywhere other than in Northampton.”
The senior part of the equation would involve men’s and ladies singles and doubles, although this could leave junior players with a heavy schedule, should they decide to double up.
Corby TC is also floating the idea of a mini-tennis doubles day on the finals day Saturday.
Haworth said: “This would create a terrific atmosphere for the finals, with 30-40 mini players along with parents to watch. Imagine having the likes of our Sam Ball there, watching James Williams sending down his 130mph serves with Northants veterans such as Neil Shorrock battling to get them back – that’s the sort of action we want our kids to see.”
“We plan to generate a good family atmosphere where players can come to have fun, enjoy the barbecue, support each other and play great tennis. Along with the Aegon British Tour which takes place at Corby between February 12-18, it now means that the two biggest tennis events in Northants this year will be at Corby.”
A local sponsor is already being sought to provide prizes for all events and anyone interested can contact Haworth on (01536) 407851.
The Northants Junior County Closed has been staged at the county headquarters at King’s Park for the last 13 years, and centre manager Ben Whittaker described the decision as ‘very annoying’.
He instantly contacted members of the LTA committee for a justification of the switch.
He said: “I think last year’s event was as successful a tournament as we have ever held, based on the numbers, and we also had a barbecue on finals day.”
He added: “We are in the most central location for the county and have better viewing and parking facilities.”
The decision is likely to cause a headache for players such as Northants junior Lucy Horbatowski who lives in Brackley and who will face a 90-mile round daily journey to compete in her local event.
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