Pam is Team GB tennis star aged 80

For Pam McGrath, 2014 has been a memorable year in more ways than one.
Pam McGrath pictured at Manavgat Turkey with Canadian Player Rosie AschPam McGrath pictured at Manavgat Turkey with Canadian Player Rosie Asch
Pam McGrath pictured at Manavgat Turkey with Canadian Player Rosie Asch

The Goosnargh resident, who is chairman of the village tennis club, not only celebrated her 80th birthday in November, but she has also competed for Team GB.

After winning the British Open Championship doubles final in Bournemouth last spring, Pam was selected to play for Team GB.

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The GB team of four over 80s played in the 2014 International Tennis Federation Super Seniors World Team Championships at Club Ali Bay Manavgat in Turkey.

It is the highest ranked team event for both men and women on the senior circuit in the world. Eight international teams were entered in the over 80s competition for the Doris Hart Cup. GB eventually finished fifth out of eight.

Pam’s playing partner in the doubles was Mary Durrans. They won all their matches until Mary was injured before the semi-final.

Pam played more matches than any other player and as a result is now rated number two in the world in her age category.

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In five days she played five singles and five doubles matches in over 80 degrees heat. There were more than 1,000 competitors from 30 countries in age categories ranging from 60 to 85 years.

Pam, who plays team and social tennis for both Goosnargh and Broughton tennis clubs was supported in Turkey by fellow Broughton players Dorothy Bamber and Libby Flintoff, who went to Turkey to cheer her on.

Pam said: “Playing for my country was an enormous privilege. For me, life began in my 80th year!”