East Glos member Felicity Thomas plays two Super Seniors tournaments
East Glos member Felicity Thomas has played two Super Seniors tournaments in France in the past six weeks. Both were played on on indoor clay and were ITF Grade 2.
Felicity lost in the Over 70’s Singles semi-final in Paris, but subsequently beat her French opponent in the quarter-final in Bagnoles de L’Orne (Normandy) last week.
Felicity says this was particularly satisfying as she had lost their last three encounters. Unfortunately she suffered an injury in the second set, but went on to win the third 6-1. The match was comparatively straightforward, despite her lack of mobility.
Having played two doubles matches, the second terminating in a third set tie-break, she felt she should concede the Singles Final to avoid further aggravating her injury. However, ITF Rules preclude this without a medical examination and certificate (not easy on a Friday night), without which she would forego her prizes, ranking points and could not play further tournaments until her withdrawal is ratified.
Therefore, Felicity reluctantly decided to make a token appearance for the final. However, her opponent (World Ranking 13) virtually gifted the first game to Felicity, so she decided to continue and eventually lost 7-5. She could not contemplate playing three sets because of the pain and being far from mobile, so she had no alternative but to concede.
Felicity won Ladies Doubles titles in both tournaments, but was playing down in the Over 60’s. She was partnered in both by Liz Bamber (Oxfordshire), twelve years her junior. Felicity last played this tournament in 2003 and won both singles and doubles (with Liz Bamber).
The closing ceremony in Bagnoles de l’Orne. Felicity Thomas (L), Claudine Contoz (R) who won the 70 Singles when Felicity conceded.