Christmas – it’s tennis time in South Wales

The rising stars of South Wales tennis will be burning off some Christmas calories next week at the annual South Wales County Closed Tennis Championships.

A record entry of 161 players from across the region are due to take part in the competition, from December 27 to 30.

For the first time this year, the championships include Mini Red (8-and-under) and Mini Orange (9-and-under) events at David Lloyd Cardiff - the Red event on December 29 and the Orange on December 30.

The older age groups, up to 18-and-under, will play at The Welsh National Tennis Centre in Ocean Way, Cardiff.

“It’s become a tradition for the championships to be held between Christmas and New Year – and it works well,” said Paul Pritchard, who is co-organiser of the event for Tennis Wales.

“It’s a busy, full-on indoor tournament - and a great reason to get out of the house and burn off some calories.

“The event is so popular because we accept everyone who enters - there are no restricted draw sizes which means the less experienced players can play a high-profile indoor winter tournament.”

Spectators are welcome, and admission is free.

For information about the tournament or any aspect of tennis in Wales, please contact Tennis Wales at 029 20 463335 or www.tennis.wales.org