The first annual VdT Social Doubles Tennis Tournament, held May 21 and 22, was a resounding success. The tournament, organized by Lisette Willers and Ron Trevor drew men, women and children to the VdT courts for two days of fun filled play, food, music and general neighborhood get-together. The winners and runner-ups received prizes donated by various local restaurants.

The tournament attracted alot of local interest and 28 players participated from all age ranges, nationalities and abilities. The teams were split into two categories, “Almost Pro” for the beginner level and “Pro” for the more advanced.

The “Almost Pro” category was played with 4 teams, which saw 3 young players competing in the their first tournament. The final was won by 2 talented boys Marley and Luke playing against their respective fathers. It was especially nice to see children playing, many teaming up with one of their parents, the youngest being 10-year old Mateus who played brilliantly with his father Nuno in the “Pro” category.

The Pro category had 10 teams who each played several games to determine the top 4 teams who went on to dispute the semi-finals and final. The tennis was competitive but played in good spirits. The overall winners were a German-Dutch combination of Alexey and Erwin who remained unbeaten throughout the whole tournament, beating the Italian-French combination of Francesco and Edmund in a thrilling final. The winners each received a full meal, kindly offered by the local Indo-Thai restaurant Maxi’s Warung in Sector B of Vale da Telha, and the runners-up treated themselves to pizzas offered by Arte Bianca, also in Sector B and in Aljezur town. Biologico food store in Sector B also contributed with energy bars and nutritious Ahorn spread.

To replenish energy levels of players and spectators alike, there was made-to-order food and drink available with pancakes, millet and tortilla being especially popular.

The event raised a total of 120 euros for local charity AEZA who look after abandoned animals with decent conditions to live in by providing shelter, food, care and health care.

Category: Almost Pro
Winner: Marley/Luke Prize sponsored by Fonte do Vale, Vale da Telha, Aljezur *
Runner-up: Rene/Richie Prize sponsored by Arte Bianca, Sector B, Vale da Telha *

Category: Pro
Winner: At Your Service Alexey/Erwin Prize sponsored by Maxi’s Warung, Sector B, Vale da Telha *
Runner-up: Dream Team Francesco/Edmund Prize sponsored by Arte Bianca, Sector B, Vale da Telha *
3rd Place: You Cannot be Serious Alan/Keith Prize sponsored by Sushinami, Alejzur, Vale da Telha
4th Place: Team Toyota Richard/Mischa Prize sponsored by Café André (Casa de Pasto), Aljezur

*with food contributions by Biologico Food store, Sector B, Vale da Telha.