2010 Totallysporty.com English Championships – Tournament Preview

2010 sees the start of a big year for racketlon, which is becoming more established as a concept, but still not widely known about by the public...

The English Racketlon Association (ERA) is once again, kicking off a tour of events around the UK. This competition will be the first competition of note anywhere in the world in 2010, with the Swedish Open in Malmo at the end of Feb. Not withstanding this, the tournament is for all levels from beginners to experts and fun for all.

Ladies events wide open

With no Natalie Lawrence or Jane Cook (reigning champion), the likes of Sarah Lochrie (fresh from the 2009 World Championships) and Gemma Sgariglia (reigning British Champion) will fancy their chances. Lynn Wright carries the hopes of the local crowd and it all depends on the draw. Profile wise you could see these 3 each taking each other out. The Ladies B is no different with tournament organiser Dominique Ford looking to establish her authority here.

Lazarus outstanding favourite

The resident squash coach looks the major favourite in the veterans event. Although, history would suggest there is always a trick to come from a newcomer or two. Challengers will come from national badminon competitor Rakesh Gupta, not to mention squash expert and British Champion Duncan Marlow. Stuart Farrar with his strong squash game could also pose a threat.

Mens A most exciting event for years

The 16 draw strong Mens A event has the best depth and quality for sometime. The retired Doug Struthers and John O’Donnell are missing, however with a couple of exceptions (Carl Jennings and James Bird look to be the major absentees) the event has all of the current known remaining strength in English Racketlon. Jermaine Manners as reigning champion and British number one starts as favourite. However, with Edward Batson’s extremely comfortable passage to the British Championship crown last October, Manners will be pushed. The return of Simon Whale is good to see. Whale and Hartley have shown outstanding form in the past in their tour wins and will be good to see if they can re-produce. The tour winners of 2009 would read Manners, Manners, Whale, Manners, Jennings, Jennings, Lesser, Hobden, Hartley, Batson. This doesn’t include foreign winners (EG Dickert). British number two Ray Jordan didn’t even get a sniff here. Paul Wallace had a great game with Emil Bergander in the English Open class B. Jeremy Krystiniak will be looking to step up from his British Championships Class B win. Jon Foulds has many years experience but more so on the world circuit so will be an interesting add to the mix. Keenan Hamza has also reached domestic tour finals as has Tom Whitehouse the runner uo a year ago. Dan Busby is also a wildcard and the Xmas Racketlon champion will hope to take his racketlon to new levels. This certainly all bodes well to deliver some explosive results.

See you on Redbridge on Saturday at 1145am sharp (845am sun).

The ERA Team