Delighted Downer claims Hailsham tennis title

Johan Jooste, who has won the title for each of the past seven seasons, was up against his old mate and doubles partner, Neil Downer.

Downer was the last person to win the tournament before Jooste, in 2012. Since then Jooste has reigned supreme. This year was different.

Downer won the first set 6-2 and was 5-2 up in the second before Jooste rallied.

It was all to no avail, though, as Downer won that 6-4, completing a straight sets victory.

Jooste was magnanimous in defeat, saying that it was a well-deserved win.

Downer was delighted to have his name on the honours board again... and in the singles column.

Jooste and Downer will be partners again in the men’s doubles, which they have won together for the past four seasons.

That is the last of the 2020 tournament finals to be decided, and is expected to be played any day now.