Ogier ousts West

PATRICK OGIER has retained his Channel Islands men's singles crown. He and fellow Sarnian Rob West were the top two seeds at the CI Closed Championships in Jersey at the weekend and lived up to their billing to meet in the final.

Ogier faced Jersey's James Faudemer in the quarter-finals and came through unscathed 6-3, 6-2 against the promising youngster.

He faced another youthful Caesarean opponent, Charlie Cohen, in the semis and had too much experience and know-how in a comfortable 6-1, 6-0 victory.

West had it slightly tougher in the bottom half of the draw.

Richard Brocken narrowly missed taking the first set after some stunning shots against the Cleveland State University student before West's experience and fitness told. The Sarnian took the match 7-6, 6-2.

In his semi-final, West ended the hopes of multi-CI Closed winner Ian Morgan, winning a fiercely competitive tie 6-2, 6-3.

The final between the two Guernsey players produced the best tennis throughout the men's tournament, with neither prepared to give an inch and the ferocity of shots proving how far CI men's tennis has progressed in recent years.

They were on court for some two hours before Ogier eventual won 6-3, 6-1.

'Looking at the standards over the last few days, I believe that both Jersey and Guernsey will be bringing home the medals in the next round of competition in Rhodes,' said CI development officer Hugh Raymond.

Ogier and West joined forces to take the doubles title.

Guernsey's Jo Robinson did not travel to Jersey to defend her women's title, leaving Carly Tucknott as the sole Sarnian in the eight-strong draw. She was defeated 6-2, 6-1 by Sarah Jones in the quarter-finals.

The eventual winner, one of the youngest to take the title, was Katie Gouyette.