Tennis: Potential rain no damper on Janet Agnew Carnival

Shelley Yeates in action during the 2017 Janet Agnew Carnival Doubles tournament. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

With inclement weather scheduled for the weekend, you'd think the organiser of an outdoor tennis tournament would be a bit worried.

However Raewyn Heywood isn't too fussed about losing any play in the Janet Agnew Carnival Doubles tournament.

"We've just gotta hope for the best, can't do much about the weather," she said.

"As long as it isn't too heavy we will play through the rain.

"The forecast doesn't look too bad, only going to be showers by the looks of it. Playing on the AstroTurf is helpful too."

The final organisational touches are being put on the tournament, which will feature "a couple of car-loads of prizes".

"Many of the sponsors have been with Janet from the beginning in 1987, so thanks to them for making the Janet Agnew Carnival Doubles a tournament to remember," Heywood said.

Like any other year, the Janet Agnew Carnival Doubles Tournament offers a wide range of prizes for those entering. This year they include a trip for two staying at the Copthorne Hotel in Paihia plus a Fullers trip for two on the Hole in the Rock cruise in the Bay of Islands.

2018 is the 32nd running of the tournament, with namesake Janet Agnew continuing her involvement in the competition.

"Janet's motivation and inspiration together with determination and hard work are the main reasons for the tournament's outstanding success over the years," Heywood said.

There will be plenty of local players in action over the two-day event with a couple firming as tournament favourites.

Heywood said the women's competition is hard to predict but the men's have a couple of front runners.

"Terry Mitchell [from Kamo] and Kerikeri's Mike Clapshaw will be tough to beat in the men's competition I think," she said.

"The ladies looks like it will be wide open. Paula Stubbing [from Mission Bay] and Shelley Yeates [from Springfield] will be tough to beat while Ollie Smith [Mairtown] and Wendy Sykes, a former Northland coach, will go well."

There are still plenty of openings for budding players who are keen to show a strong backhand on the Thomas Neale Family Memorial Park Tennis Centre courts in Kamo, Whangarei.

The competition kicks off tomorrowmorning and entry is free for any spectators wanting to check out the action.