After being crowned army champion for the first time in June, LCpl Warok Rai (REME) was called up for singles action at this season’s Inter-Services Tennis Championships.
Having previously played in the doubles draw, it was the soldier’s debut outing in the individual ranks, and he duly delivered on the courts of Wimbledon as the men’s team avenged their narrow defeat to the Royal Air Force last season.
Rai was named as third seed and produced sublime form in his opening tie, defeating the Royal Navy’s Lt Doug Trimmer 6-0, 6-0.
“He’s a good player but it was not his day,” Rai told SoldierSport after the win. “It was a case of staying solid and making him beat me.
“I love playing singles and was so happy to get this chance.
“My serve was very good, and I didn’t miss many returns. The first four balls are always so important, and I tried to keep it simple.
“We got a full week of training beforehand and were doing all sorts of tactical stuff.
“We are all switched on and hungry for the win. The guys have put a lot of effort in in their own time, and we want that title.”
Rai followed his initial success with a 6-3, 6-1 triumph over AS1 Alex Moore (RAF) and the army went on to win five of their six singles matches on the opening day.
Captain and top seed Maj Ben Rogers (RA) also sealed back-to-back successes, the first of which was over three tough sets against the navy’s Lt Cdr Andy Rodgers.
Number two Capt Angus McCaul (RHG/D) started with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over AS1 Michael Greedy (RAF), before losing to CPO Scott Nicholls (RN) second time out.
Rogers and McCaul joined forces to win both outings as the army’s number one doubles pairing and, again, the soldiers won all but one of the six matches to be crowned overall champions.
