The Elemis Invitational Trophy 2008
Jeremy Bates gave British tennis something to cheer about when he defeated Pat Cash in the final to claim the Elemis Invitational Trophy at The Celtic Manor Resort.
Bates triumphed 10-6 in a championship tie break decider after the two past masters had shared the opening two sets.
Following two days of highly entertaining tennis – with Holland’s Paul Haarhuis inheriting the role of court jester from the injured Henri Leconte – Bates and Cash rolled back the years to serve up a tremendously hard fought game of tennis in the final.
After Bates had raced through the first set by a 6-2 scoreline, former Wimbledon champion Cash rallied to level the match by taking the second set 6-4.
The Australian is a two-time former champion at Celtic Manor but Bates, who also won at Wimbledon in 1987 in the mixed doubles with Jo Durie, was not to be denied in the decisive third set tie-break.
“It’s great to win such a fantastic event,” said the former Great Britain Davis Cup captain as he was presented his first senior singles trophy.
“To do it against such a great champion as Pat Cash who’s won Wimbledon and is just a legend of the game makes it extra special.
“We’ve enjoyed a great couple of days and Paul Haarhuis and Cedric Pioline have played their full part in some great fun on court – I think Paul should have his own TV show!”
Frenchman Pioline defeated Haarhuis, his fellow losing semi-finalist on Friday, to take third place while Bates teamed up with Cash to win the exhibition doubles set on Saturday.
Wales’ premier tennis tournament sponsored by leading spa and skincare brand, Elemis, the event was also supported by Tennis Wales and six of the most promising nine and 10-year-old players in the country benefited from a coaching clinic given by the players on the eve of the tournament.
View pictures from The Elemis Invitational Trophy 2008.
Information on The Elemis Invitational Trophy
