Men's World Doubles Championship 2025

Top class Rackets from the World Champions.

Following an introduction by Kendrik de Koning, the Chair of the Championship Committee, Tom Billings and Richard Owen served up a masterclass in championship Rackets, seamlessly interchanging positions to cover one another and leaving their valiant challengers, Ben Cawston and Will Hopton an uphill task. Owen’s power and accuracy was, at times, unplayable, while Billings scurried around, returning difficult angles, forcing their opponents to take on ever more risky shots.

The first game was typically tight as the lead changed hands, with neither pair stealing too much advantage. But trailing 8-9, four points on service re-established the lead 12-9 lead. Again, Cawston and Hopton closed but, losing the hand gave the champions to edge, extending to 14-9 and game ball. Remarkable defence by Cawston and a couple of points recovered to 11/14 but this was short-lived and Owen stepped in to take the game, 15/11.

The second game saw the champions ease into a 5-0 lead, Owen the ever consistent and Billings the retriever, combining as a force of nature. Cawston tried to take more on, with Hopton sweeping up at the back wall, but they were always behind. At 11-5 to the champions, points became difficult as all four players worked hard, but Owen served an ace to start the momentum which he carried through, taking the second game 15/6, and a two-love lead.

The third game was more of the same, with the Owen-Billings partner dominant, and sweeping into a 9-1 lead. Cawston pushed back but was largely pinned reaching forward into his backhand, leaving Owen to power an unstoppable volley away. When Owen was caught out of the position, Billings stepped in. Hopton was fighting to play his part but often fielding high-speed drives, deep in the corner. Eventually the champions crossed the line, winning the game 15/1, and a statement three-love lead.

The fourth, and what was to become the final game on the night, was somewhat more even. Cawston and Hopton probably played some of their best Rackets but were always chasing, eventually clawing back to 9-12. But then Billings stepped in and served through to win 15/9, and seal the match. Cawston and Hopton had their moments and contributed to a great spectacle, but ultimately the Owen-Billings partnership, on their home court, working in perfect harmony, were unstoppable.

Both pairs return on Saturday for the conclusion of the Challenge with Owen and Billings needing one game to complete their second defence, with Cawston and Hopton requiring a 4-0 win. And then restricting the champions to less than 27 points.

John Prenn and PlayBrave were the generous sponsors, along with Pol Roger for providing the post-match reception.

Tom Billings & Richard Owen beat Ben Cawston & Will Hopton 15/11 15/6 15/1 15/9

With only a single game needed, today was always going to be tough for Challengers Ben Cawston and Will Hopton. They started well, taking the service and serving out three points. But the advantage lost, Owen served five points and Billings added another point to lead 6-3. The Challengers didn’t lose hope and reduced the arrears to 5-6. Now a pivotal moment; after only nudging the lead to 7-5, a rare miscommunication by the Champions let in the Cawston-Hopton pair, who took advantage to lead 10-7, with a tricky bounce off the door handle ceding service. But again, the powerful Owen service steadied the ship, re-establishing a slight 11-10 lead, which was soon level 11-all. Four points required, and they shared the glory serving two apiece to win 15/11, with Owen pinning Hopton on the forehand wall to seal victory.

A short match but Billings was playing sublime attacking and defensive shots, perfectly complementing his partner, who continued to put away shots with both power and accuracy. A good display by the ever-spectacular Cawston, with Hopton resilient in defence, which kept the rallies going when all looked lost.

John Prenn presented the prizes, continuing his thirty-year plus period of sponsoring the World Championships, with Kendrik de Koning on court as the RWCC Chair.