02-07-2025
All the Pembrokeshire County Open tennis winners
The finalists in the Pembrokeshire County Open 2025 (Image: Ceri Coleman-Phillips)
Tom Richards and Sarah Newman clinched singles titles in the Pembrokeshire County Open.
The Haverfordwest Tennis Club head coach, Richards, who was a finalist last year, beat Marco Coronado in the men's singles final, securing his third title after previous wins in 2015 and 2016.
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After receiving a semi-final walkover due to the retirement of 2022 champion Mathieu Evans, Coronado put up a strong fight in the final.
However, Richards managed to take the first set 6-4 and the second 6-2.
In the ladies' singles, Sarah Newman successfully defended her title for the third consecutive year.
She overcame former Welsh athletics hurdler Vicky Lloyd 6-1, 6-0 in the final.
Despite only taking up the sport a year ago, Lloyd had managed an impressive semi-final comeback against 2021 champion Ceri Coleman-Phillips.
Richards and Newman also tasted success in the doubles finals.
Richards and Nathan Jones won the men's title after the Evans duo had to withdraw due to injury before the final.
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Newman, teaming up once again with Laura Davies, comfortably won the ladies' doubles final against Sarah Keogh and Coleman-Phillips.
The match ended with a 6-0, 6-1 scoreline, much to the delight of the spectators.
For Davies, it was her 24th Open title, placing her just one short of Danny Spurr's record of 25.
In the mixed doubles final, Coronado stepped in for the absent Jeremy Cross, partnering with Coleman-Phillips.
They faced off against Newman and Jones in one of the most competitive mixed finals in recent memory.
Despite trailing 5-1 in the tie-break, Coronado and Coleman-Phillips held their nerve to secure the victory, marking Coronado's first title.
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The plate finals saw Jones narrowly defeating William Howarth 7-5, 7-5.
Teenage surfing star Josie Hawke claimed the ladies' plate after a tough match against Chloe Tickle.
Tickle also made an appearance in the ladies' doubles plate final alongside Liz Reed.
The duo narrowly lost in a championship tie-break to Helen Groves and Ceri O'Shea.
The men's doubles plate final was a thrilling match, with Dean Richards and Andy Beazley coming from behind to secure victory in the tie-break.
The trophies were presented by club president Brian Hearne, who expressed thanks to the tournament referee and all the volunteers for their efforts.
The club is preparing to host the Junior County Open from July 13-19, featuring the best young talent in the area.
The club's 90th anniversary celebration is also scheduled for July 26.
