National Schools Rackets Doubles Championships

Just before the Easter break, St Paul’s added yet more sparkling silverware to their trophy cabinet when Shlok and Konstantin won the National Schools U-15 Rackets Doubles Championship title, cementing our dominance in this age category.

Their achievement follows Adrian comfortably winning the U-15 National Singles event in December, without conceding a game throughout!

Playing as 2nd seeds, and St Paul’s (B) pair, Shlok and Konstantin were scheduled to face 1st seeds and fellow Paulines, Gabriel and Aryan, in the final of the Doubles. However, due to illness in the previous week, and a school science trip to Belgium during Nationals week, Aryan’s performance was somewhat compromised in his and Gabriel’s semi-final match against Radley and, although they won the first game, Radley prevailed to reach the final.

In the final, Shlok and Konstantin were deeply focused and energised for revenge against the 4th seeds Radley pair who, though they had played well the previous day, were severely out classed and out played as Shlok and Konstantin served with authority and pounced on every loose ball to take a commanding lead, 15/7, 15/9, in this best of 5 game final. Shlok and Konstantin won the 3rd game emphatically 15/1, to win the match 3-0.

James (Upper Eighth) also enjoyed an outstanding victory in the National U-24 Doubles at Queen’s Club last Friday. He was paired with OP, George Livesey (2017-22).