Amateur Doubles Champions 2015
Cheltenham pair, Richard Owen and Alex Duncliffe-Vines, beat former world champions, Tim Cockroft and Alex Titchener-Barrett, in five games, 15/5 4/15 12/15 15/7 18/16.
Watch the final on YouTube Amateur Doubles 2015
The match set off at a fast tempo and Owen and ADV stormed through the first game, serving powerfully and consistently. Cockroft and ATB slowed the pace and worked their way back into the match, taking the second game comfortably and then a much closer third game. The fourth game saw the early running by Owen and ADV and they raised their game again to level the match at two games-all. Once again, they carried the momentum into the final game, establishing a 7-1 lead; but Cockroft and ATB weren't beaten pulling back to 6-7 and then 11-all. The Cheltenham pair reached 13-11 only to be clawed back and called for a set to five. With the match in the balance, the former World Champions reasserted themselves and nudged into a 3-0 lead; Owen served to 1-3 and then ADV secured the last 4 points to take the deciding set 5-3 (and game 18/16).
All four players played to their strengths and produced an unforgettable final. Owen's unbelievable pick-up at 3-all in the final set secured match point, which his partner didn't waste. New and worthy Amateur Champions, but their valiant opponents pushed them all the way.
The first semi-final saw Owen and ADV defeat another former world champion pairing, Harry Foster and Mark Hue Williams 15/11 12/15 15/4 15/9. The second semi-final had seen Cockroft and ATB come through another close match between James Coyne and Nick James, 15/4 15/7 12/15 18/16.