This weekend, Bordeaux was the scene of the Open International Handicap Féminin, an event organized by the enduring Gabrielle Smart.Between May 25 to 27, ten players from France, England, Australia and the USA took to the court to offer us some great sporting moments. By a funny coincidence, May 26 also marked Mother's Day, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate women and their unwavering support.
Day One: Singles
The competition kicked off at full throttle with singles matches where our local Bordelaises made a strong impression. Amy Wintersteen, Bernie Bidouze, and Typhanie Guérin brilliantly navigated through the qualifying rounds to reach the semi-finals. Their performances were marked by spectacular shots and unexpected comebacks, all under the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd.
Day Two: Doubles Take Center Stage
The second day was all about doubles, bringing suspense and numerous twists. Bernie Bidouze (once again) and Kate Evers triumphed in the final, proving their cohesion and determination. Brigitte and Typhanie, though defeated, displayed commendable tenacity, reminding us that jeu de paume is fundamentally a sport of teamwork and strategy.
Day Three: Epic Finals
Finals day was the highlight of the tournament. Gabrielle and Sarah won the doubles final by a score of 6/2, showing impeccable coordination. In the singles final, Gabrielle came out on top in a very close match, winning 5/5 40A. To crown it all, the grand final between Amy and Bernie was a real firework display. Amy, who had just returned from a serious knee injury this winter, was the revelation of the tournament, lighting up the court with her smile and joie de vivre. She won the match and the tournament 8/7 after a fierce duel that kept the audience on the edge of their seats right up to the last point. Well done to all!
Celebrating Women's Sport
Beyond the results, this event was a great showcase for women's palm. The players not only showed their talent, but also did the game proud, demonstrating that this traditionally mixed sport is played with finesse and brains.
Gratitude to our sponsors and continuing the celebration of our juniors
A huge thank you to Gabrielle Smart for her impeccable organization, to the volunteers for their invaluable help, and to the spectators for their unwavering support. Congratulations to all the players for their sportsmanship and passion. Special mention to those who traveled long distances to participate in this tournament.
This tournament was a total success, and we look forward to seeing you at future sporting events.
The Bordeaux Club
