Paralympic test event a big success

The NSW Tennis Centre at Homebush Bay received favourable comments from players, administrators, media and the public last weekend when it staged the 11 th MAA Sydney International Wheelchair Tennis Open – a test event for the 2000 Paralympic Games. In the men’s final, Dutchman Ricky Molier overwhelmed Sydney’s David Hall to take the first set 61 and was up 52 in the second before the Australian rallied to break back to level at 55. But Molier dampened the chances of a home win for Hall, and went on to take the match 61 75. Esther Vergeer was unable to maintain her first set momentum in her Final match against fellow countrywoman Djoke Van Marum. She lost the second set, but steamrolled the third to take the match 62 26 60. Vergeer went on to win the women’s doubles competition as well, partnering Sonja Peters (NED) to defeat Daniela Di Toro (AUS) and Maaike Smit (NED) 64 64 and Hall made up for his singles loss when he lifted the men’s doubles trophy with fellow Aussie David Johnson defeating Molier and Eric Stuurman 63 76 in the Final. Australia’s Graham Baker defeated Chris Johnson (GBR) in the Quad men’s singles event.