TENNIS: Greeland bowls out with a victory (From Herald Series)

TENNIS: Greeland bowls out with a victory

8:00am Friday 8th December 2006 in Tennis By Mark Edwards, Sports Editor. Call me on 01865 425451

Tom Greenland has bowed out of professional tennis on a real high, writes Mark Edwards.

The Long Wittenham ace won the Tropicana British Tour Masters in Nottingham, producing a devastating display.

The Masters event is the tournament for the top 32 players throughout the year, and although it took Greenland a while to get going, when he did, he was unstoppable.

He was two points away from losing his opening match against James Southwood, but battled back to run out a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 winner.

Despite a blip in the second set of the quarter-final clash with Maniel Bainsok, he came through 7-5, 1-6, 6-2 to set up a semi-final clash with Kyle Brassington.

And this proved no contest as Greenland cruised to a 6-0, 6-1 victory.

The final against Sean Thornley again saw some quality tennis, and a 6-0, 6-3 win secured the crown.

Greenland has now decided to stop playing professional tennis, and instead plans to concentrate on coaching.

He will be based at Abingdon's White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre full time.

"Although it is sad to finally stop playing competitively, I feel now is the right time," he said.

"I am really excited about joining the coaching team at the tennis centre.

"They have put together an excellent tennis programme."