PAIGE McLean is hoping to go one better than older sister Kaila, by becoming a multiple winner of the Red Cliffs Lawn Tennis Club annual women’s Open this weekend.
The talented junior took out the final last year, following in the footsteps of Kaila, who won the tournament in 2015.
The McLean family is well known throughout the Sunraysia tennis community with Kaila and brother Tyson winning multiple tournaments before moving away to further their education.
Kaila, 22, has been back in Mildura recently visiting family and enjoying a break from her studies at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, where she is undertaking a Bachelor of Education degree.
This year is the 59th time the Red Cliffs tournament has been held and long-time organiser and club president Gavin Lynch is again expecting strong competition across all grades.
“Traditionally the men’s open championship has attracted the best players from the district and also Broken Hill,” Lynch said.
“We are expecting some really good competition again.”
Lynch said 62 entries had been received across the grades, but he would be accepting entries right up until the day of the tournament.
“At this stage we have 62 players entered, but historically there is a bit of a rush in the last week before the tournament and we do take entries right up to the start of the event,” Lynch said. “Again we have a strong contingent coming down from Broken Hill and lots of local players, but we are encouraging everyone to come along.
“The tournament seems to be able to attract the same people every year and we would like to think it is a good social event for everyone on and off court.”
Lynch said he expected court conditions to be as good as he has seen.
“Our courts will undoubtedly be in the best condition ever,” Lynch said.
“We were forced into buying a new mower this year so I think that is giving a cleaner cut.
“We are very lucky to have a groundsman who is very dedicated and a lot of credit has to go to him for having the courts in the condition they are.”
Action begins on Friday night with a social event, with singles and doubles being played on Saturday, followed by the mixed doubles on Sunday.
Troy Kelly will be hoping for an unprecedented fourth title in the men’s open section.
Kelly has spent plenty of time on the practice court over recent weeks in preparation for the event.
His main opposition will come from local tennis coach and former professional Bill Madafferi, who was runner-up last year.
In the men’s open doubles, local juniors Xavier Kendall and Zac Galbraith will start favourites.
Teaming up for the first time in the Red Cliffs tournament, Kendall, who won last year’s final with local tennis identity Nick Reck, and Galbraith have enjoyed success as doubles partners in other local tournaments and will prove hard to beat.
