Former Scottish internationalists honoured as part of the Tennis Scotland Open Tour
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As the TS Open Tour comes to its conclusion this week, the top players on the circuit in 2021 are set to contest two of Tennis Scotland’s most coveted prizes, which have been aptly named in memory of former Scottish internationalists Derek and Allan Sword.
The newly named ‘Sword trophies’ will commemorate twin brothers Derek and Allan, former Broughty Ferry TC members and avid tennis players from a young age, who have both been sadly missed by the Scottish tennis community since tragically passing away.
Derek and Allan’s contribution to the sport will now be preserved through the TS Open Tour Masters trophies, contested by the top 16 male and female singles players on the TS Open Tour leaderboard, who sealed qualification for the end of year showpiece event by accumulating points on the circuit throughout the year.
As occupants of the top spots in the men’s and women’s leaderboards, Ben Hudson and Sorcha Caves were awarded their medals at last week’s Tennis Scotland Team Tennis event, which provided the perfect warm up as they prepare to set their sights on the Sword trophies. Reigning TS Open Tour Masters champion Scott Duncan and 2019 runner-up Lucia Rizza will also be amongst the competitors at the University of Stirling as the two-day event reaches its climax on Tuesday 21 December. You can view the full entry list and draw here.
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, said: "The tragic loss of Derek and Allan Sword has been felt by many individuals within the Scottish tennis community for some time. It’s fitting that we are now able to honour their achievements through the Sword trophies which will be two of the most significant prizes on offer across our competition scene for many years to come as the final leaderboard event for each year.
"I would like to wish the TS Open Tour Masters event competitors the very best of luck and I look forward to seeing who takes home the Sword trophies in 2021."
