Findel-Hawkins wins home British Tour Event

The AEGON British Tour is a circuit of over 40 national tennis events held throughout 2013 for players with a rating of 6.1 or higher. Over 100 entrants from across the country attended the event which took place from 11-16 March. 

Jack, seeded sixth, overcame some incredibly difficult competition on route to victory, including top seed Oliver Hudson in the semi-final, who he beat 6-3, 6-0. The Exeter player then went on to defeat fourth seed Tim Webster 6-3, 6-4 in the final to clinch the title.

The result comes at a very successful time for the Exmouth College student who received his first ranking points last week, placing him at 1304 in the world.  The 18 year old hopes to pursue a professional tennis career and is looking to head to America next autumn.

He commented: “It was really good to claim the Exeter Men’s British tour title. I have been training really hard of late and it’s starting to show with some really promising results on the Men’s international stage. To win the event at my home centre was a fantastic achievement and one I hope to be able to continue as I improve as a player.”

Meanwhile Sian Payne made the final of the women’s open event for the first time, fighting off two match points from fifth seed Louise Ronaldson in the semis’.

The 15 year old, who trains full time at Exeter Tennis Centre, eventually pulled through winning the match in three sets 6-7, 7-6, 6-3. She said: “It felt so good getting to the final especially after saving two match points. The whole tournament was a good experience for me and it has given me confidence for the British Tours that I have coming up.”

Both players are now preparing for a busy season with Jack hoping to further increase his world ranking at international events this summer. Director of Tennis Will McNally was thrilled with the result, he said: “I am delighted to have had two home players in the finals. Jack’s victory is testament to the true quality that he has shown already this year and Sian showed that she has the talent and determination to play and perform at these kinds of events.”