ANYONE for tennis... DJ tennis that is?

Around 300 happy guests were delighted at the prospect during the Boodles Ball at Knutsford’s Mere Resort on Saturday.

Taking part in tennis with a difference were former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, Mikael Pernfors, Mark Philippoussis, Peter McNamara and Frenchman Henri Leconte who all played their part during the spectacular three-day event.

The former professional players were required to strut around the court – quite literally – and were able to opt for a favourite song while challenging an otherwise lost point during their match.

Knutsford Guardian: Mark Philippousis in actionMark Philippousis in action

And it was Frenchman Leconte, playing in his suit, who stole the show and had the crowd on their feet with his choice of tunes ‘I’m too sexy’ and ‘I’m sexy and I know it’.

The event, now in its second year, kicked off on Thursday with the opening day’s play, followed by ladies’ day on Friday and then a black tie Boodles Ball.

During Saturday’s Moët and Chandon drinks reception guests were also treated to a set between Ivanisevic and Philippousis, a sumptuous three-course meal and a disco in the marquee until late.

The event also raised thousands of pounds for the Caudwell Children charity through an auction and raffle Mark and Goran, who both took part last year, were full of praise for the spa and country club – if not the English weather.

Knutsford Guardian:

Aussie Mark told the Guardian: “This is beautiful place to hang out - a beautiful resort. We also went into Knutsford and had a really nice dinner in a pub.”

While Goran, from Croatia, said: “I love it here. The people are friendly and everyone is nice. The organisers do a great job with this event, every year I see more people – it’s just missing the sun. And the golf course is beautiful. I won the golf for the second year running!”

Mark Boler, chief executive and co-owner at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa, said: “The last few days were a huge success, the team here worked tirelessly to ensure every guest had a fantastic experience.”

Knutsford Guardian:

 


 

WIMBLEDON champions from every corner of the globe gathered at a popular Knutsford haunt for a taste of the quintessential English pub experience.

First-class tennis players, including Henri Leconte, Goran Ivanisevic, Mark Philipousis and Peter McNamara, were treated to a beer and burger tasting night at the Old Sessions House on Thursday.

The event, which was organised by Boodles Tennis at The Mere sponsor Asahi, saw the famous sportsmen tuck into themed burgers, including lobster and prime beef burger ‘The Ace’, and chicken and beef burger ‘Mixed Doubles’, and a wide variety of English beers.

“It was just an absolutely brilliant occasion. They absolutely loved it and we kept getting requests for more and more burgers,” said Old Sessions House co-owner, Dave Mooney.

“It was great to see guys that have conquered the world in their field of sport having a great time in a little corner of Cheshire.” 

PICTURES: Jonathan Farber and Paul Heaps