PORT Stephens pickleball warriors Tony Mayers and John Grace have a spring in their step when they prepare for action on the court.
Having formed a potent doubles partnership on the national circuit, the experienced duo are savouring deserved honours on the seniors pickleball scene.
Fingal Bay hotshot Mayers and the power-hitting Grace from One Mile Beach recently confirmed their status as one of the best doubles combinations in the country after capturing an elusive Australian Masters title in the Men’s Doubles 65 years plus class at Beenleigh.
The talented pair produced a spirited performance to defeat highly rated Queenslanders Greg Tobin (Surfers Paradise) and his partner Tony Porter (Burleigh Waters) 7-11, 11-1 and 13-11 in a gripping final.
Competing against opponents with a skill level of 3.49 under, Tony and John demonstrated their polished court craft and stamina to claim the gold medal.
It was a first-ever national Masters title for seasoned campaigner Mayers, who has chalked up impressive victories on the NSW Pickleball circuit these past two years.
Anna Bay’s John McDonald teamed up with Doonbah’s Terry Broadbent to collect bronze.
There was more reason to celebrate for the in-form Mayers after he joined forces with Tannum Sands’ Michelle Faustina to earn a silver medal in the Mixed Doubles 60yrs plus category with skill level at 3-3.49 under.
Both turned in gallant displays before succumbing to Pimpana’s Helen Conway and Frank Van Der Laan in the gold medal decider.
Top husband-wife combination of Tony and Tracey Porter snared the bronze.
Mayers has now set his sights on the Victoria Open to be staged in Melbourne from March 7-9, and the Big Chill tournament in Canberra on March 15-16.
Nelson Bay’s Kim Fletcher teamed with South Murwillumbah’s Tracey Boniface to grab a bronze medal in the Women’s Doubles category for players with a 2.99 under skill level.
Gold medal winners were the skilful Trudi Stacey from Biggera Waters and Emma Fitzwilliam (Gold Coast) who toppled Wakerley’s Kristen White and Redland Bay’s Danae Kemp in an absorbing final.
By Chris KARAS
