🏆 Yorkshire Visually Impaired Tennis Doubles League
Final Stage & Season Recap – 2025
After four inspiring stages across Hull, York, Leeds and Sheffield, the Yorkshire VI Doubles League came to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday 27th September. The season has been packed with memorable performances, breakthrough moments, and has a pioneering and inclusive spirit, ensuring that this competition out-performs its aims to break down barriers and introduce competitive tennis to more members of the visually impaired community.
📊 Final League Standings
| Position | Region | Points | Rubbers Won | Set % | Game % |
| 1 | North Yorkshire | 42 | 21 | 58% | 45% |
| 2 | South Yorkshire | 40 | 20 | 61% | 37% |
| 3 | West Yorkshire | 38 | 19 | 53% | 41% |
| 4 | East Yorkshire | 20 | 10 | 28% | 23% |
Despite South Yorkshire impressive last day efforts, claiming 14 out of a possible 18 points, it is North Yorkshire who become the first Yorkshire Visually Impaired Double League Champions, for 2025 champions.
Ten players proudly represented the region throughout the season: Graham Robson, Robert Hanson, Tony Harrison, Bilaal Ali, Linsay Dutch, Rachel Abel, Jayanti Mistry, Ann Jenner, Paul Hotchkiss and Dave Green — each playing a vital role in securing the crown.
🎾 Stage Recap | 2025 Season
Stage 1 – Hull (27th April, Nuffield Health Tennis Centre)
The season launched with energy and excitement in Hull. For some, it was their first taste of competition; for others, a welcome return to the courts.
Winners:
- B1: Sid Tambin & Meg Hastings (West Yorkshire)
- B2+: Ed Hastings & Guy Keating (West Yorkshire)
- Open: Jayanti Mistry & Graham Robson (North Yorkshire)
Stage 2 – York (31st May, St John’s University)
On a warm spring day, York delivered more drama and emotion. The highlight was Sandra Thorpe’s first VI tennis medal, claimed in partnership with Gav Griffiths in the B1 category!
Winners:
- B1: Sandra Thorpe & Gav Griffiths (South Yorkshire)
- B2+: Guy Keating & Arif Malik (West Yorkshire)
- Open: Jayanti Mistry & Graham Robson (North Yorkshire)
Stage 3 – Leeds (2nd August, Leeds Beckett University)
Leeds was a turning point in the season, with North Yorkshire surging forward, winning both the B2+ and Open categories. East Yorkshire also made their mark, as Roy Turnham and Rainbow Mbuangi claimed their region’s first category title of the league.
Winners:
- B1: Roy Turnham & Rainbow Mbuangi (East Yorkshire)
- B2+: Dave Green & Paul Hotchkiss (North Yorkshire)
- Open: Jayanti Mistry & Graham Robson (North Yorkshire)
Stage 4 – Sheffield (27th September, Final Stage)
The season finale in Sheffield was tense, exciting, and full of surprises. South Yorkshire produced two new winners in the B2+ category — Ameen Memon and Fiona Hodgson — while Sandra and Gav reclaimed the B1 crown. Meanwhile, Ed Hastings and Guy Keating stepped up to the Open category and left with medals.
Winners:
- B1: Sandra Thorpe & Gav Griffiths (South Yorkshire)
- B2+: Ameen Memon & Fiona Hodgson (South Yorkshire)
- Open: Ed Hastings & Guy Keating (West Yorkshire)
🙌 A Huge Shout Out to Our Volunteers
From umpiring to ball collection, to stepping onto court to support matchplay— the league simply wouldn’t exist without the dedication of our volunteers. Your energy and commitment are the backbone of this competition.
Thank you for making VI tennis in Yorkshire so inclusive, welcoming, and inspiring.
👀 Looking Ahead
With the 2025 league wrapped up, the stage is set for more celebrations during 2026. With NIC FM Services Group being announced as the headline sponsor of three prestigious events in the Yorkshire Tennis sporting calendar, including the Yorkshire Visually Impaired Doubles League, we can only expect greater matchplay, more milestones, and more memories as VI tennis continues to grow across Yorkshire.