Tennis: Whanganui reclaims Christie Cup in its 100th year

The Whanganui tennis side which won the Christie Cup from Team Eastern was, back row,from left, Sean Edmonds, Simon Cave, Michael Healey, Ruben Wesselius, David Baker, Max Havaux(c) , Kyle Butters, manager Sam Butters and Hamish Syrett. And front row, from left, Rachel Cronin, Paige Hourigan, Ayla Giesen, Tilly Giesen, Emma Johnson, Paris Butters, Dana Hiri and Kristin Churchward. Sean Gudsell, Oscar Wong, Hayden Pudney and Wondwesen Asmare were absent.

Whanganui’s representative tennis side has reclaimed the Christie Cup in the 100th anniversary of the competition.

A 13–11 victory over long-time holders Tennis Eastern brings New Zealand’s oldest interprovincial tennis trophy to Whanganui for the first time since 2017.

Presented in 1925 to the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association by R.L. Christie, the Christie Cup is celebrating a century of regional rivalry.

Challengers must win outright to take it home.

The Christie Cup triumph continues what has been a dream start to Whanganui’s summer having beaten Taranaki three weeks earlier.

After finishing 12–12, and tied on sets, the fixture went to a countback of individual games, where Whanganui prevailed 213–208.

It was Whanganui’s first representative victory in several years, with the Christie Cup making it two major wins in a row.

Whanganui’s team was strengthened by a perfect blend of returning players, late additions, and one rising star who has become the heart of the squad.

Paige Hourigan, home from the professional circuit in France, arrived with borrowed shoes and rackets and produced a world-class performance.

Kyle Butters, now focused on bodybuilding, paused his training to represent his region and delivered solid wins at number 1.

Ayla Giesen, initially unavailable, became free just two days before the tie, adding crucial depth.

Ruben Wesselius played his singles match before leaving for a family event – only to be urgently called back as the tie tightened, returning in time to secure a crucial mixed doubles win.

Emma Johnson, 15, was named MVP for both the Christie Cup victory and the earlier Taranaki fixture.

Having arrived in Whanganui from Canada earlier this year, she is now set to return home.