Hayman in a hurry to retain Cup

Gabrielle Hiri and Emma Hayman comfortably won their women's doubles game in the Christie Cup yesterday, beating Taranaki's Nicole Koch and Maree Gopperth 6-1 6-0. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

The "dream team" of Wanganui tennis retained the Christie Cup against Taranaki yesterday afternoon with some quality play at the Bassett St courts.

Holding onto the prestigious Central District's trophy they had claimed for the first time in 50 years by beating Taranaki last summer, Wanganui's chances were boosted considerably when professional Emma Hayman was able to make a flying visit to rejoin the squad.

Initially unavailable as she was playing in the moneyed Auckland tournament, Hayman was given a first-round bye so hopped on the plane and managed to get in three convincing wins before dashing to her 4.30pm flight back up north.

"I literally just found out yesterday, that the draw came out for the Auckland champs," she said.

"[The Wanganui club] love Christie Cup and I love the Christie Cup.

"It's a bit of energy, a big day of travel on a Sunday, but I can do it."

Hayman beat Nicole Koch 6-0 6-0 in singles, teamed with Gabrielle Hiri to beat Koch and Maree Gopperth 6-1 6-0 in women's doubles, then joined Wilton Atkins to win their mixed doubles game by 3.30pm.

Having to win 12 of the 24 games to retain the cup, Wanganui's leading lights of Hayman, Paige Hourigan and Kyle Butters all contributed with the home team taking a dominant 7-0 lead during the singles games, which grew to 11-3 during the doubles and became an untouchable 14-4 with a six games still in play yesterday afternoon.

Nevertheless, Hayman singled out a number of the regular Wanganui club players, along with the up-and-comers, for their efforts against opponents from a much larger association.

Paris Butters impressed by beating former Canterbury player Paula Ferguson, while Taylor Quirk may have lost to Michael Fleming 6-7 7-6 6-3, but their 3-hour marathon in the heat saw Fleming retire and let son Caleb take his place in the doubles games.

"It's just nice to see some of the younger ones coming through, with the likes of Anna McIlraith coming back from Dunedin," said Hayman.

Wanganui player/coach Victor Romero beat Jordan Fleming 6-3 6-1, while Atkins accounted for Graeme Mitchell 4-6 6-1 6-4.