We were finally able to hold our 2021 Doubles Club Championships! Well done to all our players and congratulations to our doubles champions!
Women’s: Zandalee Palmer & Celeste Chai
Men’s: Brett Scalan & Rob Kittler
Mixed: Hailey Ho & Stefan Laux
Beverly Rajapatirana & Sari-Elle Kraemer and Zandalee Palmer & Celeste Chai breezed through the group stage to set up a final against each other in the Women’s Doubles. Zandalee & Celeste were made to work for the title, ultimately winning 11/10 6/11 11/6 11/9. That’s back-to-back titles for Zanda!
Winnie Chong & Lana Theodosi may not have made the final, but they did win arguably the most important event – best dressed!
9 Men’s Doubles pairs played off in groups of 3 before the knockout stage. Nathan George & Brendan Stone caused an upset in the quarter finals, ending the tournament for Stefan Laux & James Spalding. But they were eliminated in the semis by number 2 seeds Chris Heath & Adam Wilson.
In the top half of the draw, Zac & Zolton Zavos survived a quarter final scare from Chad Shafaghi & Anton Clowes, before regrouping to win 9/11 11/7 11/7. The Zavos brothers almost pushed top seeds Rob Kittler & Brett Scallan to a third game but lost the sudden death point in the second. Zac Zavos said that he will be replaying his tinned shot on match ball in his head for weeks!
After flying to a 4/0 lead in the final, Adam Wilson enquired with his opponents, “How come you guys were top seeds?” Unfortunately for Adam & Chris, that’s when Brett & Rob came to life! They came from behind to take the first game and carried that momentum into the second. Final scores: 11/7 11/4.
On Sunday it was time for the Mixed Doubles. Defending champions Hollie King & Leigh Sands were on opposing teams in the first round, with new partners. Leigh & Lana possibly put too much effort into their outfits and not enough into their squash, as they were steamrolled by Hollie & Alastair Chell.
Bondi’s newest member, Hassan Asghar, teamed up with Women’s A Grade Singles Club Champion, Ellen Trojkovic. They shot out of the blocks in the semi final before surviving a challenge from Hollie & Alastair in the second. 11/2 11/10.
The second semi final went the full distance. 5th seeds Hailey Ho & Stefan Laux defeating 2nd seeds Beverly Rajapatirana & Nathan George, 11/4 8/11 11/7.
Having reached the final without dropping a game, everyone expected top seeds Ellen & Hassan to dominate the final. But no one told Hailey & Stefan! They were tactically well organised with Stefan’s strength on the forehand side and some sublime backhand drives from Hailey kept the pressure on the top seeds. Ellen & Hassan switched sides at the end of the first game, hoping to switch their fortunes, but Hailey & Stefan were relentless. Final scores: 11/4 11/3.
Last, but not least, the Best Dressed Mixed Pair was won by Celeste Chai & Robert Swift.
