by Herbie Powell-Gray

After a week of scintillating tennis, Finals Day arrived at Cyncoed Campus on Sunday.

10 of the 20 players that arrived at the start of the week were competing in 1st, 5th, 9th, 13th and 17th place finals respectively following the previous day’s semi-finals, with all players tussling to earn their share of the $25k prize fund.

Cornelius Alexander Shalmi claimed 17th place in the first match of the day, defeating Roy Keegan 6-4 6-0 in just over an hour. The Dane would have been pleased to end the week on a high with two wins, having lost all his group matches.

In the 13th place playoff, Junghee You came out on top against David Quayle, winning 6-3 6-3. You also had a slow start to the week - losing his first 3 matches - but then went on to win his next 3.

Marshall Tutu took 9th place with a 6-2 7-5 victory over fellow Brit Eliot Glaysher. 4 of Tutu’s 6 matches went to three sets, so to be able to win on Finals Day is a testament to his fitness, and he now deserves a well-earned break!

Sean Hodkin wrapped up his week by securing 5th place with a hard fought 7-5 7-6 win against Ed Pudney. Hodkin was unfortunate to be placed into a tough group, and only lost one match all week, but he will be pleased to leave Cardiff with more wins and prize money under his belt.

In the Grand Final, Joshua Goodger defeated Phoenix Weir 6-4 2-6 7-5 in a thrilling final on Court One. Goodger was in imperious form all week, especially on serve, hitting 26 aces (the most of the week). 18-year-old Weir fought back excellently to force a deciding set and almost a final set tiebreak, but Goodger proved to be too good, and claimed the trophy.

Thanks to UTR Sport, The Progress Tour, and all staff and students at Cardiff Met Tennis for running another fantastic event. Hosting professional tennis in the capital city of Wales is a privilege, and long may it continue!

Photo Credit: Carl Robertson