After the event was postponed for six months due to Covid 19, lockdowns and restrictions, the 2021 Metropolitan Championships were finally held at the Kilsyth Sports Centre last weekend. With reduced numbers due to the change of date, there were 32 teams entered and approximately 100 players battling it out over the two days of competition. 

The team’s event held on the Saturday had some fantastic matches and the atmosphere was electric in the main hall with club members getting behind their top teams when playing off for the A1 Premiership, which was fought between Croydon & Coburg.

Croydon’s team, consisting of Yugandh Zende, Scott Huang & Justin Kwan against Coburg’s Craig Carter, Zach Anstey & Raymond Myrteza had an enthralling matchup, going past the 3.5 hours allocated for each round to be played. With other matches finishing, the support for both teams was equally shared and equally enthusiastic – it seemed like it was a Junior or Senior National with how engaged the spectators were.

The Croydon team were victorious over Coburg in A1, however all grades were shared amongst Croydon (2 Premierships), Coburg (3) & Dandenong (3).

The Leading Players were also shared amongst the 3 clubs, with Dandenong winning 2, Coburg 2 and Croydon managing 4. Three players went through to the team’s event, winning all 9 singles matches, and they were Yugandh Zende, Yi-Jen Hsu & Graeme Strong.

On Sunday, the Individual tournament was conducted, and there were many great matches. The Men’s Open was an all Coburg affair, with Craig Carter prevailing over Zach Anstey to become the first non Croydon player to get his name on the perpetual trophy. In the Women’s Open, Victoria Zhang was declared the champion.

“It was fantastic to see everyone coming together to play in the Metro Champs, seeing how we have all only just recently been able to get back to playing. It was great to see 100 entrants over the two days,” said Tournament Director and Croydon member Greg Bristowe.

“All the players enjoyed getting back on the courts and proudly represent their clubs, whilst having friendly battles against other Metropolitan clubs. It was a great way to finish what has been a difficult 2021 for everyone; we look forward to 2022."

The next event on the TTV calendar is the Geelong Junior/Senior Open on February 12 followed by the Geelong Vets on February 13.

Team Results

A1        Croydon def Coburg                                Leading Player   Yugandh Zende

B1         Croydon def ESCTTA                               Leading Player   Frank Pearce

B2         Coburg def Greater Dandenong            Leading Player   John Griffiths

C1        Greater Dandenong def Coburg             Leading Player   Yi-Jen Hsu

C2        Coburg def Croydon                                 Leading Player   Graeme Strong

D1        Greater Dandenong def Croydon           Leading Player   Phillip Roy

D2        Coburg def Croydon                                 Leading Player   Ali Wardak

E1        Greater Dandenong def Croydon           Leading Player   Keith Gordon

Men’s Singles Champion                                  Craig Carter

Women’s Singles Champion                            Victoria Zhang