WITH temperatures plunging to -6C on Saturday night, perhaps the most remarkable feature of our Under 15 tournament yesterday was that all 48 expected players arrived, and we made a prompt start as usual. Credit for this must go to the parents who transported their sons and daughters to BATTS. Without the commitment of these dedicated parents it would be impossible to give the players opportunities to compete and improve reports our BATTS correspondent.

Apart from the weather we had also coped with a worrying number of withdrawals during the final week before the event, but our reserve list was long enough to cope, and we even had one disappointed youngster in deepest Essex who was left without a place.

The tournament ran smoothly and as usual the standard of play was hugely impressive, as was the friendliness and sporting behaviour from so many of the kids. The band one final, between Harrison Hill (Grantham) and Kai Lun Chow (Archway) was a delight to watch. Most of us would have been happier to see it go to five sets, such was the incredible standard of play, but Harrison Hill showed grit and determination in overcoming the top seed. In band two, it was super to see a girl coming through in her first tournament at BATTS, proving that girls can play against boys on equal terms. Maahi Malde (Stanmore) was far too steady for Q Yat Chan (Ashford, Kent) who was also making his first appearance at a BATTS tournament. In band three, Louis Aguirré had his first ever tournament win, beating Andrew Deathridge (Smash, Kettering) in the final. Both Louis and Andrew will be contenders for the higher bands in future.

All future tournaments will be 2* events, beginning with the U13 on 16th February which is full. Booking is now open for the following one, U17 on Sunday 11th May, and the form will soon be available for another U15 on Sunday 15th June. Looking ahead, we have three more tournaments later in the year. The change to 2* makes no difference to the format but we are increasing the prize fund to £250 and players must make sure of having valid membership of TTE at the “Compete Plus” level.

Thanks to all those who helped to make yesterday so successful. James Pettigrew again made a huge contribution on the control desk. Then our team of umpires whose efforts are much appreciated: Sandy Nash, Mario Ioakim, Neil Brierley, Muz Janoowalla and Steve Armstrong all did a great job to ensure smooth running and that we were finished before 5pm. Neil, of course, did a lot more than simply umpiring and we are also grateful to Sharon for running her super cafeteria again all day.

We were delighted that Ralph Pattison was around for the finals and to present the prizes. Ralph had just flown in the day before after competing in Austria and will be heading off to Germany on Tuesday to compete in the professional league there. Something for our newer competitors to aspire to!