PICTURES: Grantown Tennis Open just about on course
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Grantown's annual tennis open is just about managing to keep on court and course despite the on-going heavy deluges of rain.
The only casualty so far for the strath's biggest tennis competition was this morning's 16 & under tournament which had to be cancelled despite efforts to reschedule for tomorrow.
Play had been suspended for part of Monday too as heavy rain persisted.
Conditions are in stark contrast to last year when the sun shone throughout the week, baking the town's clay courts.
The disappointing weather means that the extensive fixture list – there are around 130 entries this year – has had to be rejigged in time for finals day this Sunday.
It is the first running of the LTA grade four contest in the Strathspey capital for tournament referee Jane Bradley.
She told the Strathy: "We will get through it. Hopefully the players will be flexible with their availability.
"It could be a busy end to the week but I don't mind providing the matches get played.
"We are on track at the moment but if tonight's matches have to be postponed then we will have to catch-up somehow.
"We have completed 74 per cent of the matches."
As for the current playing conditions, she said: "The courts need a bit of warmth on them and for the rain to stop. They are saturated and the water is sitting on top. Hopefully the rain will blow over Grantown."
But what tennis that has been on show has been of a good standard – and particularly in the junior ranks.
Ms Bradley said: "Every year I think – particularly with the youngsters – the standard of play seems to get higher and higher. I think they are spending more time training and they are playing in various competitions across the region and even the country.
"There are some cracking young players."
The singles finals for the men and the ladies had been scheduled for 1.30pm on Sunday but timings could be subject to change.
The forecast is looking better for the morning and the two fixtures could be brought forward to ensure play is not interrupted.
The Grantown Tennis Open started on Sunday (July 30) and runs until this Sunday (August 6) with players from all parts of Scotland competing in the well-regarded annual competition.
The tournament is free to watch and finals day in particular will see some of the North's top tennis players in action.
There are refreshments for sale and also a barbecue over the weekend.
Latest results:
Men's singles quarter-finals: Sandy Mcwilliam (2) 7-5 6-2 Andrew McLeod; Henry Archibald 6-0 6-3 Colin McLeod (3); Jack Mullan (4) 6-3, 6-7, 6-4 Logan Urquhart.
Men's singles 45+ Derek Grant (1) 6-1 6-2 Stuart Mackenzie; Brian Mackenzie 6-2 6-1 Edwin Borrowman.
Mixed doubles 45+ quarter-finals: Diane Sellars & Alistair McLeod (2) 6-0 6-1 Marjory Stronach & Hamish Trench; Jane Sim & Maureen Turner (1) 3-6, 6-4 10-6; Terrea Tait & Ewen Fraser 6-4, 4-6, 10-8 Riana Deschger (1) & David Mcpherson.
