Sport
30 January, 2026
GALLERY: Tournament heats up for century
A strong field of 182 players took to the renowned grass courts—an impressive 15 per cent increase on last year despite the hot conditions.
CHARLTON marked a historic milestone at the weekend, celebrating 100 years since its first Australia Day tennis tournament.
A strong field of 182 players took to the renowned grass courts—an impressive 15 per cent increase on last year despite the hot conditions.
The tournament carried both international and national flavour, highlighted by a competitor flying in from Singapore on the morning of play.
Players also travelled from South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales, along with a broad Victorian contingent representing Sale, Yarra Glen, Seymour, Euroa, Shepparton, Bendigo and greater metropolitan Melbourne. All enjoyed a superb day of classic country grass-court tennis as the centenary tournament continued its proud tradition.
Playing times were adjusted for the mixed events on Sunday with a break from the morning sessions before finals in the evening.
Charlton Lawn Tennis Club created a celebratory atmosphere for the evening’s play with food vans and a fireworks display following the finals.
RESULTS
LADIES DOUBLES - Open: Michelle Balic & Bronwyn Osborne d Rose Nihill & Luanne Carter. A Grade: Tova Penno & Narelle Smyth d Kate Dance & Rhian Shepherd. B Grade: Cara Sacco & Kylie Evans d Sarah Crutch & Luci Tanashevich. C Grade: Samara & Rebel Connors d Sophie Locke & Leila Creevey. D Grade: Mikaylah Crisp (Charlton) & Sharna Bartram (Nullawil) d Chloe Locke & Ava Gordon.
MEN’S DOUBLES - Open: Jarrod Bingham & Zac Ranson d Clinton Shelley & Frank Ryan.
A Grade: Denzel Cooper & Sean Penno d Glenn Preston & Peter French. B Grade: Mark Hayes & Nick Metz d Pete & Josh Bath. C Grade: Oscar Balic & Kyen Maxted d Sam Hower & Dean Fergie.
D Grade: Safin Penno & Toby Robe d Oscar Bath & Mark Trent.
MIXED DOUBLES - Open: Troy Snow & Eliza Bingham d Michael & Narelle Smyth.
A Grade: Terry Smith & Tova Penno d Ben Turnley & Kate Dance.
B Grade: Denzel Cooper & Samara Connors d Sean & Vaida Penno.
B Special: Lucas Kellett & Arina Vasin d Wes Isles & Emma Campbell (Charlton).
C Grade: Lachlan Stark & Tallulah Duffy d Owen Robertson & Chloe Locke.
D Grade: Keith Chittleborough & Elise Turner d Hamish Noonan & Summer Starkey.
LADIES SINGLES - Open: Jo Southcombe (Charlton) d Skylar Austin. B Grade: Vaida Penno d Luanne Carter. C Grade: Michelle Amalfi d Sarah Cody.
D Grade: Mikaylah Crisp (Charlton) d Molly Noonan.
MEN’S SINGLES - Open: Nick Gattuso d Zac Ranson.
A Grade: Ben Turnley d Denzel Cooper.
B Grade: Lachlan Stark d Adam Brandt.
C Grade: Jarrod Bence d Hamish Noonan.
D Grade: Safin Penno d Toby Robe.
ROTATING DOUBLES - Ladies: Winner Cara Sacco, Runner Up Anne Crouch.
Mens: Peter French from Pete Bath.
Read More: Charlton