Welcome to the conclusion of this, the 81st Liverpool Closed Championships which sees a return to the Police club. Many players and supporters were upset a year ago when the finals finals were completed on the same day as the main event at the Tennis Centre.  The Management Committee, took notice of this concern and reverted to the tried and trusted formula, the tournament being staged nine days ago on Sunday 22nd March at Wavertree on the tenth anniversary of the first at this tennis facility. As has been said many times, sincere thanks are accorded to Richard Johnson and the City Council's Sport Development Department, for again providing the Tennis Centre. Dick has been a great supporter of the League for without his help and assistance, the League would find it difficult to stage both this event and the City of Liverpool GP Open, which was played at the start of the season. That being said, the League is also very fortunate to enjoy generous financial sponsorship from Fawley Construction. Bill Fawley, the League's President, has retired from the business and unfortunately, will not be present tonight due to an equally important prior arrangement. The family name, however, continues through Bill and Vivian's son David, who will be here tonight, also fellow company director, Leo Crone, a League Vice President, together with his wife Carol, have missed only one Closed finals night, this being the 21st year since the company first became involved in our sport and for that the League is most grateful. 
 
If I may jog memories of those 1999 finals, Keith Williams prevented Kevin Dolder from chalking up a hatrick of wins via a 15-21, 22-20, 21-19 success in what was a memorable contest and Keith's eighth success.  Since then, Keith has appeared in five more men's finals, adding two more titles placing him level with Ronnie Rumjahn on a record ten.  
  
Paula French retained her title, having beaten Mabel Neary a year earlier, got the better of Alice Howard 22-20, 14-21, 21-16.  Of the ten players on duty that 30th March night, only Keith, Kevin and Ken Jackson still play in the League and again, for anoraks, those sadly no longer in the league are, John Rankin, Chris Ford, Paul Hutchings, Bernie Wentworth, Rob Bevan plus Alice and Paula.
 
A number of players and friends helped set up the arena on the eve of the tournament and this is much appreciated by the Management Committee. However, I must make mention of Organiser Arthur Garnett and Stan Clarke, who has returned as Tournament Secretary. These jobs take up many hours of diligent work. Referee, Dave Cochrane, having taken charge of last Augusts' Open, returns to take control of the Closed and thanks also must go to him. Finally, the Committee gives thanks to the Police Athletic Association for hosting the event.

Don Davies

Chairman L&DTTL