Petworth is delighted to be hosting the 2018 LRTA International Invitation Tournament. This is the tournament the Ladies Real Tennis Association holds every other year, in years when there is no Ladies World Championship. It gives the eight best players worldwide available to play an opportunity to play some high quality tennis, often against those they would not normally meet in tournaments due to seeding etc.
The format is two round robin groups of four, with each playing having two round robin matches on Saturday, 5th may and the third on Sunday morning, after which the winners of each group play the final. Play starts at 9am on both days and will probably continue until about 6pm on Saturday. The Sunday morning round robin matches should finish around lunchtime, we cannot give an specific time for the final.
One notable absence is Claire Fahey, who after winning the Ladies British open (Singles and Doubles) in early April has understandably withdrawn- her second baby is due in June! Luckily, Penny Lumley has stepped in to ensure that there is a full complement of eight top players! There are some very good, young players and the tennis promises to be to a high standard.
The tournament is sponsored by Rathbones and supported by Pol Roger- we and the LRTA are most grateful to them
Do come and watch! You will also be able to see the new club facilities!
If you would like to have lunch on either day, please tell Lucy Hutchinson by 26th April, so the catering can be organised appropriately.
