The Baltic Exchange held the annual Fehr Cup on 12th July at Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club in South London.

Click here to see the full album of photos from this year's Fehr Cup.

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We had a record 22 pairs waiting for the weather to clear for the annual Fehr Cup on Friday 5th July.

Sadly, the forecast overnight and for that day was dreadful and the decision was made to postpone to the following week.

An anxious wait and study of the forecasts during the week as well as overnight drizzle added to the concern, but it was decided that the grass courts were fit for play, and we went ahead on Friday 12th July.

14 pairs arrived at Surbiton Tennis Club and after introductions, a short practice and briefing; we started the tournament. It became clear that the grass surface posed no problems for the players.

The standard of play was the highest seen for many years and there was quite an audience for the latter stages.

We had 4 groups with each team playing the others in their group. A single set with the total of the games won used to determine the placings. Our umpire Coastas Maramenides was called in to play in a pair and represented the retired members admirably.

The winners of each group played in the semi finals, and we had crossover games for the other pairs.

The semi-finalists were the MOL team of Matt Cannon and Matt Pearson, Clarkson’s Allan Kent -Lemon and Christian Arntzen, Thurlestone’s Dan Smethurst and Ed McGovern, and HFW with Maria Alexandroff and Oscar Podlewski.

Whilst everyone else was enjoying the magnificent tea provided by the Club as well as making use of the bar, Thurlestone and HFW were playing the final. Thurlestone prevailed in a tightly fought match winning in 3 sets 3-6, 6-3 and 10-4 in the final tie break. It was a game of great tennis and despite being on the losing side Maria was the first lady to have reached the final and well deserved her place.

The holders, MOL came third in the play-off with Clarksons.

The presentation of the Cup and prizes were made by Costas to the victorious team of Dan Smethurst and Ed McGovern and prizes of Baltic Champagne for the runners up and third placed teams.

Many then retired to the bar and enjoyed the better weather and the semi-finals from Wimbledon.

All players enjoyed the day, and it was thanks to the Baltic Racket Sports Club that we were able to find so many pairs to play. We had great support from the Baltic and Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club who let us use their facilities.

The Fehr Cup is in safe hands as shown by the interest generated, the standard of play and the spectators we had. A great day.

We will be back next year probably in early July so please save the date. 

The firms represented were The Baltic, Sevenseas, Windward, Bancosta, HFW, MOL, Clarksons, Arrow, Rigel, Thurlestone, Howe Robinson, and Javelin.