* Brown Advisory British Open Doubles Championships 2023

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Final (Monday 17th April)

The final pitched the top seeds from New York, Peter Cipriano and James Stout, against the fourth seeds, Nick James and Alex Titchener-Barrett. The US pair surged into an early 6-2 lead, which they extended to 8-2, before a powerful ATB drive gave the fourth seeds an opportunity to close the gap. Further power play from ATB, with Nick covering the front court brilliantly saw the pair level at 8-all. But then a sublime dropshot from James steered the game in their direction, going on to lead 13-8. But again, the tide changed and Nick and ATB gradually eased themselves back into the match, trailing 12-13. At this key point, despite two wonderful pick ups from Nick, they were unable to capitalise, letting the Pete and James back in and reach 14-12. Incredible hands, first by James and then Nick, levelled the match at 14-14 and then the fourth seeds went on to take the tightest of first games, 17/14.

The second game started evenly but then Nick and Alex played some sublime Rackets to take an 8-2 lead, with both players picking up the most difficult of shots. At which point Nick threw himself forward to pick up a shot and then remained prone while the other three battled out the point, inevitable won by a clever cross-court shot from James. But the writing was on the wall, and the lead too much and eventually Nick and ATB ran away with the second game 15/3.

The fourth seeds ran up a good lead in the third, 9-1 before Pete and James dug in, but the game was running against them as Nick and Alex led 13-6. But remarkably, though steady play from Pete and superb touches from James, they levelled at 13-all and a set to five was called. Pete and James had the momentum, which they carried through to win the game 18/14, and secure a foothold back in the final.

Pete was now playing brilliantly as the US pair took an early 4-0 lead. But back came Nick and ATB to take an 8-5 lead, which soon became 10-5. Nick was now playing astonishing shots, picking up the seemingly impossible. Soon the score reached 14-5, with terrific Rackets from all four players. An ATB ace won the game 15/5, giving the pair a three games to one lead.

A tactical switch for return of serve by Pete and James, together with close quarters play at the start of the fifth game, but the fourth seeds held a slender 5-3 advantage. Nick again was picking up short balls and despatching the resultant shots. Clever play by Nick and Alex saw them extend their lead to 12-4, and then 14-6. A superb cross court drive into the backhand corner was unreturnable and the game was won 15/6.

Final score: Nick James & Alex Titchener-Barrett beat Peter Cipriano & James Stout 17/14 15/3 14/18 15/5 15/6. Peter Mallinson, representing sponsors Brown Advisory and David Norman, T&RA President, presented the prizes in front of a packed gallery.

Semi-finals (Saturday 15th April)

After the daytime excitement of the British Open Plate and the Andrina Webb Mixed Doubles, won convincingly by the Drayson father and daughter combination, the evening swung into full Wild West mode, with the Ben Stevens leading from the front in his Stetson. Two exciting semi-finals saw the top four seeds facing down each other.

The early match saw second seeds, Wykehamists Mike Bailey and Christian Portz, taking on Cheltonian Nick James and Harrovian Alex Titchener-Barrett, seeded 4. With the former World Doubles Champion pairing in opposition, the match was always going to be interesting. Nick and Alex started the stronger, establishing a dominant lead before closing out the first game 15/5. With the gallery in full voice, the second game was much tighter, with all four players engaged to make the match a spectacle, but again Nick and Alex edged the key points, serving with more penetration, winning the game 15/11, to take a two-love lead. More of the same in the third game, with again Mike and Christian not able to take advantage of the big points, falling further behind as Nick and Alex took the game 15/8. The fourth and what was to be the final game was the tightest. Nick and Alex had the slight edge but this time Mike and Christian served to 14-10 and an opportunity to close the deficit. They missed the chance and the game was levelled at 14-all on the second hand. A set to three was called and Nick and Alex were able to retain the momentum to win 17/14, and seal their place in Monday's final.

Result: 15/5 15/11 15/8 17/14

The late match was equally intriguing, as the New York and top seeds, Peter Cipriano and former world champion James Stout, took on third seeds, Mark Farmiloe and current world doubles champion, Richard Owen. With James and Richard sharing the same Cheltonian heritage and the latter deposing the former two years ago, the scene was well matched. Peter and James quickly established themselves, winning a comfortable first game 15/6. With such evenly matched pairs the exchanges were electrifying, with James retaining his silky skills as he glided around the court, coupled with Peter's back up play. The top seeds edged a tight second game 15/13, to take the early advantage. A very close third game followed with Richard's power and precision, complimented by Mark's cover play and his own powerful shots. This time the third seeds edged the closing points winning 15/13. With everything to play for, the fourth game inevitably reached 14-all and a set to three was called. Now the top seeds prevailed, winning 17/14, regaining their two game lead. The next game was an anti-climax as Richard and Mark found their length, winning a comfortable 15/3, to trail by a game. Now, James and Peter rallied and gradually closed in on victory. A set to five was called at 13-all and James and Peter played steadily to win 18/13 and claim their deserved place in Monday's final.

Result: 15/6 15/13 13/15 17/14 3/15 18/13