entry fees with the highest prizemoney.

That was tournament director Jarrod Campbell’s claim this week as he prepared for his first Easter Open in charge.

The Tamworth Tennis Club professional has taken over the tournament director’s job from long-serving Bob Burke.

“We want to build on all the hard work Bob Burke has put in over the years,” Jarrod Campbell said.

“It’s all automated now, run by computer but we’ve made a few changes.

“The Open men’s singles title is now worth $1200 and the women’s singles is up from $350 to $1000.

“And we are competing with the coastal tournaments too but have the lowest entry fees with the highest prizemoney.”

He said tournaments were also run at Raymond Terrace, Port Macquarie and Lismore at Easter and while Tamworth has the lower entry fees and higher prizemoney it’s men’s and women’s singles opens also carry national rankings points.

He said last year’s singles champions – Brooke Whitten and Troy Lockwood – have already entered and will return to defend their tiles.

“Both are ranked in the top 60 in Australia,” Campbell said.

“We’re also hoping Emelyn Starr might come home too. She’s ranked top 10 in Australia.

“Brooke’s coached by Alex Fielding and he’ll be playing too along with talented young kids like Alicia Smith. She’s only 12 but is an amazing young talent.

We also have the likes of Daniel Nash, Zak Fielding, Michael Wasson and Jock Gardner playing in the open men’s. They’re all good young players who have matured and are all quality A graders now.”

Campbell said the excellent $8000 sponsorship from the North West McDonald’s outlets is much appreciated and helping them promote and run the Easter Open.

“We’re hoping to get in excess of 200 players here,” he said.

“While the emphasis in the past has been on attracting the Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane players we’re also trying to make it a tournament for the locals as well.

“We want the locals to know we have grades for them, and divisions like parent/junior and handicap doubles.”

Entries for the April 10 to 13 Easter Open close tomorrow. Contact Jarrod Campbell

(6766 9552) for more

information.