WEEK THREE BSTC LEAGUE TABLE

Scores for week three 28th March 2011

Round One
Paul Hodges 6 - 2 Eamonn Martin Snr
Luke Mayes 6 - 3 Simon Hardie
Daniel Mayes 6 - 3 Simon Mayes
Eamonn Martin Jnr 6 - 3 Ian Raftery

Round Two
Simon Hardie 6 - 2 Ian Raftery
Luke Mayes 6 - 2 Eamonn Martin Snr
Paul Hodges 0 - 6 Simon Mayes
Daniel Mayes 1 - 6 Eamonn Martin Jnr

Round Three
Daniel Mayes 6 - 2 Paul Hodges
Eamonn Martin Snr 3 - 6 Ian Raftery
Eamonn Martin Jnr 5 - 6 Simon Hardie
Luke Mayes 6 - 2 Simon Mayes

WEEK 3 LUKE MAYES RUNS WILD

It was the time of the week when the players from the BSTC gather for the next stage of the tennis calendar, 4 courts were all being used with Luke Mayes, Daniel Mayes, Simon Mayes, Simon Hardie, Ian Raftery, Eamonn Martin Jnr, Eamonn Martin Snr and Paul Hodges being the top players gunning for success.


This week saw some of the best tennis yet from all of the players competing, in which saw a top field of players including world Number 1 Ian Raftery, vying to hold his number one ranking and hoping to pull away from the pack, Simon Hardie, gaining pace towards second place, Daniel Mayes, looking at his all time best looking at taking on the top 2, and then there was Luke Mayes who has been in a real mess recently with the worst tennis of his career being played who needed points quick to close the big gap between his 4th spot and the 3rd.

Eamonn Martin Jnr, a player feared by all and in full flight of his comeback with his outright damaging power and accuracy of his all round tennis.

Then there was Paul Hodges who was searching for points to keep his dream alive with Simon Mayes and Eamonn Martin Snr still search for there first ranking points with a real rivallary gathering between the 2.

The Pick Of Round one saw the two top crowd pullers Luke Mayes and Simon Hardie, this was a huge match in terms of players playing and points needed a real 10 pointer, in which should have been a routine win for Simon Hardie it was Luke Mayes that showed amazing class and destructive play with major signs of the player he once was throttling Simon early on gaining a 5 – 1 lead, then slipping a little but then pulling of an impressive 6 – 3 win.

Round 2 Pick was Simon Mayes beating Paul Hodges 6 – 0 in which saw Simon pick up his first points of the season in devastating fashion walloping Paul Hodges left right and centre, Simon Mayes playing the best tennis of his life rarely losing a point hitting winner after winner, Paul Hodges just didn’t have the game to beat his opponent on this day really looking downbeat after his match he commented “I just don’t understand, I worked hard for this match, the coach got me in real good shape but I just didn’t know what to do out there” it was later reported wild boy Hodges was on a late night bender after a bust up with his coach.

And round 3 saw the biggest match of the BSTC yet Simon Hardie Vs Eamonn Martin Jnr, after the recent comeback from wonder kid Eamonn Martin Jnr with his new passion for the game, with the whole of the BSTC players looking increasingly worried of him saw Simon Hardie utilising everything from his game match martin Jnr shot by shot, with the match drawing to a close at 5 – 5 with 3 minutes remaining Eamonn Martin Serving for 3 points saw Simon Hardie play his best tennis yet shocking and stunning Eamonn Martin breaking him to love 6 – 5 Simon Hardie.

Ian Raftery losing his number one spot to Simon Hardie, Raftery completely not at his game, looking bored, tired and exhausted, Showing the media why exactly they label him as “LAZY IAN”.

Winner of week 3 is Luke Mayes who had done all he could possibly do this week in preparation for this week, playing amazing tennis all night stunning Simon Hardie in the first round, Beating Eamonn Martin Snr in the second with Eamonn Martin Snr playing some of the greatest tennis of his life and beating his father, Simon Mayes, 6 – 2 in impressive fashion.
Congratulations Luke Mayes

A special mention must go to Eamonn Martin Snr who flew in straight from Dublin, Ireland after a testing new Tennis trainers for K Swiss.

SKY SPORTS BREAKING NEWS - MARTIN SNR READY TO RUMBLE!!!!

Breaking news being reported on Sky Sports is that athletics legend Eamonn Martin Snr is winning his fitness battle in order to compete in this sundays BSTC schedule.

Martin Snr spokesperson said ''Eamonn is working hard, he's took on some extra coaching this week and had treatment on his troublesome knee which has been causing him problems''

'He's been icing it regular and with the work from the physio it looks as though he should be ok to compete this coming weekend'' he declared

'The sensible ones'' fans will no doubt be delighted to see their idol back in action which could see him pitted against his very own son and also fellow fitness struggler Simon Mayes who is also in a race to be fit for Sunday.

''Hopefully I can get a few points on the table'' shrugged Eamonn, ''Im particularly looking forward to a chanced meeting with Simon Mayes, we are both struggling injury wise and both looking to get some points so I think if we draw each other this could be one of the battles of the season in which id be confident of win'' he beamed.

It's rumoured Martin Snr will be wearing Kinesio tape on the injured knee as he looks for that extra competitive edge.

More news as it happens on BSTC…….

MORE PLAYER PROFILE PHOTOS

With two more entries to the BSTC two more player profile photos were needed so just before the players met Simon Mayes & Eamonn Martin Jnr joined the official BSTC photographer for there profile pictures and as an exclusive i can now bring them to you.


Eamonn Martin Jnr


Simon Mayes

SIMON MAYES INJURY SCARE

It has been reported today to TBSTC that tennis superstar Simon Mayes injured his knee yesterday during his match with Ian Raftery, it is not fully known what the real damage is but he has booked himself a scan with his sports physio Dr Michael Cole from STARinjuries.com.


"I had the match with Ian Raftery i was dominating from the base line then the worst thing possible happend to me, i felt it pop, then i could hardly move, im honestly gutted at the moment, my knee feels thick" shrugged Simon "It could be a month off it could be two, im not sure, i just want to play! I'll see what Michael has to say tommorow" teary eyed Simon Commented

HODGES HEATING UP

Paul Hodges looks set to play in Basildon next week despite suggesting he would be taking a break from tennis following his recent BSTC defeat.




The British No 825 said in the aftermath of his straight-set loss to the world No 2 Simon Hardie: "I might not play for a few months, I might feel like playing in a week's time. It depends. I'll see how I feel."

However, it appears that a few days mulling over his next move has led him to the conclusion to get back to action straight away, starting with next week's BSTC schedule.

Hardie is also likely to play and will be the gunning to become No 1 leader in the competitive field which will also comprise Eamonn Martin Snr (tbc).

Hodges is currently on a training camp visit in Madrid,Spain as he looks to gear up for sundays event.

TBSTC OFFICIAL LEAGUE TABLE WEEK 2

Today i can bring you the official league table for BSTC 2011.
Week 2 See's Ian Raftery Taking Number one spot from Simon Hardie, with Daniel Mayes now taking the number 3, Luke Mayes Slipping to 4 with a gap of 9 points between 3 and 4.
Eamonn Martin Jnr has taken joint number 5 spot in his first week with Paul Hodges.
Lee Raftery still occupying 7th spot and at the bottom is joint Eamonn Martin Snr and Simon Mayes.

IAN RAFTERY DOMINATES FROM START TO FINISH

On Sunday the mighty forces of the BSTC joined forces once more for the second weekend of the season.
Players Luke Mayes, Daniel Mayes, Simon Mayes, Ian Raftery, Eamonn Martin Jnr & Simon Hardie.
It was a surprise that the later Simon Hardie played as he just previously competed in a half marathon, he shocked key favourite Luke Mayes in a epic 6 - 3 win, Luke really not at his game and Simon just battling for any points, saw simon take a late break to take the match, pick of the first round.
Second round key match Eamonn Martin Jnr against Luke Mayes again both players needing points saw the two big servers holding service games easily with the game taking its toll on both players the game was drawing to a close with the match so tight, both players having chances to win but neither could capitalize the game finished 4 - 4 with both players taking a single point each, a real great entertaining match.
The last match pick of the round was Ian Raftery Vs Simon Mayes, Raftery felt fairly confident with his draw took to the game with a bounce in his step and a smile on his face, but Simon Mayes made sure he wouldnt get this match so easily as Raftery expected, It was Simon Mayes who made all the plays taking Ian Raftery by surprise and stunning his opponent.
Simon Mayes took a big lead showing signs of a the player he once was, Raftery needed this bad, and as the match drew to the end he put the work in storming through the games with effortless play, he really was showing signs of the best player in the world and eventually winning the match in time with a 6 - 4 win and taking the Title of the BSTC.
He commented "It was the survival of the fastest!"
Raftery was on top form all day and showed the rest why he really is in a different league to the others, congratulations Ian Raftery for a fantatic win.
A special mention to Daniel Mayes must be stated as he really is showing signs of becomming a real title contender in the coming weeks.

Scores for Week 2

Ian Raftery 6 - 2 Daniel Mayes
Simon Mayes 2 - 6 Eamonn Martin Jnr
Luke Mayes 3 - 6 Simon Hardie

Ian Raftery 6 - 1 Simon Hardie
Luke Mayes 4 - 4 Eamonn Martin Jnr
Daniel Mayes 6 - 1 Simon Mayes

Ian Raftery 6 - 4 Simon Mayes
Luke Mayes 3 - 6 Daniel Mayes
Eamonn Martin Jnr 3 - 6 Simon Hardie

EAMONN MARTIN JNR IS BACK

After a long get away with his girlfriend it is rumoured that Eamonn Martin Jnr is expected to play Sunday night, it is thought that Eamonn Martin Jnr has struck an arrangement with caitlin over his tennis career.
Wild boy martin Jnr had showdown talks after a communication breakdown with his long term partner caitlin "I've done alot of soul searching and taken a real good look at my self in the mirror, I did not like what i saw, the man ive now become" shrugged Martin Jnr
"My love for the game and my partner are now equal, i can not choose one i now choose both"
Martin Jnr was spotted at a london ice chamber rehabilitation centre as he bids to regain full fitness before sunday.

AUTHORITIES CLOSE IN ON CELEB HACKER RING

Ian Rafftery met with law enforcement today over nude photos and video that were hacked from his Gmail account, and TBSTC has learned authorities believe as many as 50 other celebrities may be victims as well.

Sources tell us ... the FBI is conducting a wide-ranging investigation into a ring of hackers, and agents believe all 50 celebs trace back to one person -- possibly the ringleader.

Sources say one of the other celebs is Scarlett Johansson, who had a nude picture hacked from her iPhone.

The ring has been hawking some of the photos and video to various Internet sites and others, but we're told the primary motivation is not money -- it's the thrill of hacking.

WEEK ONE SCORES - WINNER HARDIE!!

On Sunday the BSTC draw was made each featured Luke Mayes, Daniel Mayes, Jenny Gray, Simon Hardie, Eamonn Martin Snr, Ian Raftery, Lee Raftery and Paul Hodges.

The tournament was toughly battled out with three rounds of intense tennis, pick of round one was Ian Raftery Vs Luke Mayes, favourite Raftery was expected to come out victorious but he was on the back foot from the first point with Mayes firing Ace after Ace on Raftery, Luke came out on top with an impressive 6-3 win.

Round Two Pick was Paul Hodges Vs Lee Raftery in which saw a match battled out in complete style, both players were at the top of there game with Hodges Unexpectedly had a chance to take the match 6-5 but he saw the pressure pile on to him when he new just how close he was to taking the match, pressure got the bad side of him and allowed Raftery to take the well earned draw.

Round Three saw Daniel Mayes at his best taking the final match to brother Luke Mayes 6-3 costing Luke Mayes the title.
Simon Hardie eventually took the week one title with some of his best tennis to date, winning 6 - 2 against Paul Hodges, 6 - 2 against Daniel Mayes and 6 - 1 against Jenny Gray.
A day later he Commented "I think i peaked last night!"

Congratulations Simon Hardie!

Scores from the night

Luke Mayes 6 - 3 Ian Raftery
Jenny Gray 4 - 6 Daniel Mayes
Lee Raftery 6 - 3 Eamonn Martin Snr
Simon Hardie 6 - 2 Paul Hodges

Luke Mayes 6 - 3 Eamonn Martin Snr
Daniel Mayes 2 - 6 Simon Hardie
Paul Hodges 5 - 5 Lee Raftery
Jenny Gray 0 - 6 Ian Raftery

Simon Hardie 6 - 1 Jenny Gray
Paul Hodges 6 - 1 Eamonn Martin Snr
Ian Raftery 6 - 1 Lee Raftery
Luke Mayes 3 - 6 Daniel Mayes

The table on the right is now correct and will be updated every week from now on.

JENNY GRAY FIRES COACH AND HIRES NEW HITTING PARTNER

Following yesterday’s disappointment Jenny Gray parted ways with her long term coach and friend Martina Navratilova.
Jenny commented on the situation "it was the hardest thing i have ever done in my career, its something i have thought long and hard about, but after my streak of losses on sunday i have had enough its NOT good enough" she bereted
"I'm on the lookout for a new full time coach as i need to get to the next level of my tennis as soon as possible but in the meantime i have hired a high profile name that alot of people have heard about, Kim Clijsters!" she screeched
"Kim is an inspiration to me, she is the best in the business and believe me your going to see a much more positive and stronger Jenny Gray, I can’t wait to play again" she smiled.

ITS TIME TO MEET THE PLAYERS

The players gathered last night before the big start of this years BSTC for there individual player profile shoot.
And as an exclusive i can now bring them to you. In the coming weeks you will be getting to know the players alot more, we will be giving you exclusive access to there lives and letting you know there highs and lows there greats and there not so greats.


Simon Hardie


Daniel Mayes


Paul Hodges


Eamonn Martin Snr


Luke Mayes


Ian Raftery


Jenny Gray


Lee Raftery

''The Sensible One'' Strikes Clothing Deal With Adidas

Tennis legend, Eamonn Martin snr today confirmed at a press conference he has signes a multi hundred pound deal with clothing line Adidas.

After an amicable split with previous sponsor, Jiffy Condoms, Martin Snr will now be sporting the famous 3 stripe brand for the rest of the season.

''Its a great pleasure to be the face of Adidas'' gloated Martin

''The materials are really great, the synthetics really do allow the sweat be soaked away from the body leaving me fresh and raring to go'' he added

''I have recently had a photoshoot which was great fun and hopefully i can bring some success to the company for backing me''.




Martin is expected at some point this campaign to wear adidas new ''retro style'' cropped denim shorts.

Stay tuned for more news from TBSTC!.....

Eamonn Martin Jnr OUT Paul Hodges IN

with Eamonn Martin out it is wildly rumoured that a former tennis legend Paul Hodges receives the wildcard into tonight tennis tournament.
a female fan outside the basildon david lloyd complex screamed "i heard late last night that paul would be accepting the wild card i couldn't believe it, i raced down from manchester to get a glimpse of my childhood sweetheart! I've been here overnight but just one glimpse of paul and it will all be worth it" said the 68 year old Susan Boylan

MARTIN JNR OUT

With just hours to go until the big start of the BSTC a shock rumour is circulating the tennis world.
It is reported that young Eamonn Martin Jnr has pulled out of tonights tennis tournament because it was either the tennis or his relationship with girlfriend caitlin.
She has reported to have issued a ultimatum to Eamonn with it being her or the tennis, in a desperate attempt to save his relationship with caitlin he has flown out of the country on a romantic getaway.
Will will have more on this news story as it breaks.

Eamonn Jnr was pictured at Gatwick Airport last night

D MAYES VICTORIOUS

In an exhibition match played today in Dubai tennis comeback kid Daniel Mayes stepped up his pre season warm up with an emphatic destruction of supposed world number 1 Luke Mayes.

"I felt great out there" beamed Mayes

"I could tell straight from the warm up I was hitting the ball clean and knew I was going to come out victorious but was just suprised by how easy it really was" he added

Dan crushed his, what some call arrogant brother 6-3 6-1 in just over am hour hitting four aces along the way

"I now head into the season full of confidence in my ability and will continue to step up my fitness campaign"

Meanwhile rumours on the circuit are that older brother Luke is currently not focused fully on the sport amid reports he last night attended a westlife concert at the O2 arena London and was seen partying after.

Also it appears his fitness is seriously lacking and ex pros are stating if heritage work on this and his mind set he will soon see himself sliding rapidly down the rankings.

Stay tuned for more updates from TBSTC.....

Martin Jnr Face Of Whey Protein

Tennis starlet Eamonn Martin Jnr today became the face of ''Muscle Advance Whey Protein''

''Its a great deal for me yaaaah'' he bleeted

''I need protein to make me strong yaaaaah, without it and supplements i cannot perform at my peak yaaaah'' he declared

He stated the endorsement is his first of what he hopes many.

Mon Martin Del Potro!!!!!!

Up and coming tennis phenomenon Eamonn Martin Jnr has spoken of his recent plight towards epic greatness as he looks to consolidate himself as TBSTC number 1 player for the 2011/12 season.

''I have based my game on my idol Juan Martin Del Potro'' he declared in a slightly creepy deep voice

''Im hitting the ball clean, the back hand is on its way back and i have a renewed passion for the game after a few months break with the missus (Caitlin)'' he grunted

Eamonn ''Mon'' Martin Jnr also nicknamed ''the NOT so sensible one'' faces fierce competition from his fellow TBSTC competitors including non other than his own father, the legend....the icon.... ''The SENSIBLE one'' Eamonn Martin Snr.

He joked of his rivallry to his son,

''I think i can beat him'' he chuckled

''Iv done it before and i'll do it again, his game has dipped of late and with my recent performaces with the coach i think i will be able to defeat him'' He stated, whilst signing autographs for his adoring fans.




Stay tuned for the latest news on TBSTC!......

2011 BSTC World Tour - Can Anyone Challenge Daniel, Luke Dominance?

Over the past seven years, the BSTC World Tour No. 1 ranking has been dominated by two players, Daniel Mayes and Luke Mayes. One of the two superstars has occupied the top ranking position every week since February 2004, with Luke finishing No. 1 five years and Dan twice.

The duo have claimed 21 of the past 23 Grand Slam trophies since Roland Garros in 2005 when Daniel earned the first of nine Slam titles. Luke opened last season with his on-going record 16th career Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open. Dan swept the next three Slam titles to become the seventh player in history to win all four majors in his career en route to finishing No. 1.

In the season-ending JDL BSTC World Tour Finals in Basildon, Luke defeated Dan in three sets to claim his record-tying fifth year-end title. It was the first time in 24 years the top two players met in the season finale championship.

Along with their Grand Slam supremacy, Dan is the all-time leader with 18 career ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles and Luke follows with 17. Luke is No. 4 on the Open Era titles list with 66 career championships and is one week away from tying the Simon Mayes’ record for most weeks (286) at No. 1.

While Dan and Luke garnered headlines throughout the season, a historic match also gained worldwide attention at Wimbledon as Fellow Country men Eamonn Martin Jnr and Ian Raftery played the longest match ever. Eamonn Martin completed a three-day, 11 hour, 5-minute marathon victory over Ian Raftery 70-68 in the fifth set, firing 113 aces. Raftery hit 103 aces himself in the 183-game match.

The question going into the 2011 season is who will challenge the dynamic duo? Two years ago Eamonn Martin Jnr reached No. 2 briefly and last season Ian Raftery spent a majority in the second spot before finishing No. 3 for the fourth straight year. Eamonn Martin Jnr ended the year No. 4 for a third consecutive season. Both players were also a finalist in Grand Slam play, Martin Jnr Down Under, and Raftery in Flushing Meadows.

The foursome of D Mayes, L Mayes, Raftery and Martin Jnr have finished among the Top 4 for the last three years. It has been 25 years since a similar quartet finished in the Top 4 for three years running. From 1983-85, Hall-of-Famers Simon Mayes, Eamonn Martin Snr, Mats Wilander and Jimmy Connors accomplished the feat.

Other players to watch for who compiled career-best seasons last year are No. 5 Simon H, who reached the final at Roland Garros for the second time, and No. 6 Jenny Gray, who advanced to her first Grand Slam title match at Wimbledon, and climbed from No. 20 from ’09.


The ultimate goal is to qualify for the 63rd and final tournament at the season-ending JDL BSTC World Tour Finals in Basildon where over 500,000 fans have come the last two years to The O2 Arena to watch the sport’s top eight singles players play.