Stansted Tennis Club, Finals Day 2026

The bunting was up, the sun shone all day and conditions were perfect for players and spectators at Stansted Tennis Club’s annual Finals’ Day.

The Ladies’ Singles was a repeat of last year’s final, but this time with a different winner. Daphne Lunnon took a close first set 6-4 before racing into a 3-0 lead in the second. Sandra Ayres fought back strongly to win the next four games, but Daphne regained control to take the final three and seal the title 6-4, 6-4.

In the Men’s Singles, defending champion Tom Baker started strongly, taking the first set 6-2. Jon Purshouse responded with some excellent baseline play and fought back to win the next two sets 6-3, 6-4.

The Ladies’ Doubles saw Chris Bailey and Mel Smyth take on Sandra Ayres and Fiona Pye. There were plenty of long rallies and some expert lobbing, with Chris and Mel eventually winning 6-3, 6-3.

Jon Purshouse then teamed up with Ben Jones to face Andy Constantinou and James Thorpe in the Men’s Doubles. In another three-set contest, both pairs produced some clever tactical play before Jon and Ben came through 5-7, 6-2, 7-5.

The final match of the day was the Mixed Doubles, with Chris Bailey and Ben Jones returning to court to face Carol Cook and Mark Edmeades. It was an evenly matched contest with some sharp play at the net, but Chris and Ben took the title 6-4, 6-2.

The day concluded with the presentation of the Ollie Toms Trophy for the most improved player, which was awarded to Samantha Wallace.

A great day of tennis, played in a friendly and competitive spirit, and a fitting end to another club championship season.