News articles
Competition

Yorkshire Visually Impaired Doubles League

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:00

Stages 1 & 2 Recap | Hull & York | 27th April and 31st May 2025

The Yorkshire Visually Impaired Doubles League continues to serve up wonderful tennis in its opening season with two successful stages of competition, first in Hull and then in York. With grassroots players, newcomers, and experienced competitors sharing the courts.

🎾 Stage 1 – Hull (27th April)

The season’s launch event was held in Hull, Nuffield Health Tennis Centre.  Players competed across three sight categories — B1, B2+, and Open — representing their home regions.

🏅 Stage 1 Winners:

  • B1: Sid Tambin & Meg Hastings (West Yorkshire)
  • B2+: Ed Hastings & Guy Keating (West Yorkshire)
  • Open: Jayanti Mistry & Graham Robson (North Yorkshire)

Hull’s excellent facilities, friendly staff, and committed volunteers ensured a smooth, enjoyable launch.

🌟 Stage 2 – York – St John’s University (31st May)

York St John University Sports Fields hosted Stage 2, and the welcoming venue and helpful volunteers from MySight York created a fantastic environment despite the warm, humid conditions, particularly within the indoor courts.

The day provided several memorable moments, including a milestone for Sandra Thorpe, who won her first-ever VI tennis medal, pairing with Gav Griffiths to take the B1 title for South Yorkshire.

A group of people standing in front of a net, including Sandra and Gav who took the B1 tilte. A group of tennis players holding tennis rackets and balls

And in true community spirit, Sue, one of the sighted volunteers, stepped in at the last minute to support Tony, whose B1 partner had to withdraw. Donning blackout shades to meet the criteria for competition for B1 play, Sue and Tony even managed to win a match! While it couldn’t count officially, it absolutely captured the inclusive nature of the league.

🏅 Stage 2 Winners:

  • B1: Sandra Thorpe & Gav Griffiths (South Yorkshire)
  • B2+: Guy Keating & Arif Malik (West Yorkshire)
  • Open: Jayanti Mistry & Graham Robson (North Yorkshire)

📊 League Table After Stage 2

Position

Region

Points

Rubbers Won

Set %

Game %

1

West Yorkshire

24

12

67%

62%

2

North Yorkshire

22

11

61%

55%

3

South Yorkshire 

20

10

56%

53%

4

East Yorkshire

4

2

11%

22%

Note: West Yorkshire continues to lead the table, now edging ahead on points.

👏 Thank You!

A huge thank-you goes to all players, supporters, and volunteers — especially those from MySight York — for helping to organise the York event. The league now looks ahead to its final two stages.

More details and results on the LTA Competition Page