Introduction
Real Tennis featured as an Olympic sport for the first, and last, time in London in 1908. Although we can't provide you with quite the same spectacle we can offer you something even better - the chance to play in a very special event being held alongside the 2012 London Olympic Games - the Corinthian Cup!
In what will probably be the largest Real Tennis tournament ever organised, we intend to use the combined resources of the Cambridge, Hatfield and Newmarket clubs to provide an exciting Tennis Programme together with a full and varied Social Programme extending over 15 days.
In the happy event that the Tournament ends in the black, any surplus that results will be used to maintain and develop the sporting facilities of the three clubs.
Fun and games
The main competition, a team doubles competition for the Corinthian Cup, will use the same format as the successful Boomerang Cup and T & RA Centenary tournaments. So, all teams (of between 5 and 8 players) will be guaranteed four matches in the pool stage, with the possibility of another four if they progress through the knock-out stages to the final.
All entrants to the Corinthian Cup will also be eligible to enter the Handicap Doubles competition. This will guarantee at least a further three pool matches and more where pairs progress to the finals. And if that's not sufficient attraction there will also be an entertaining free Lottery Pro-Am, where lucky entrants will get a chance to partner a Professional. What more could you want? Well, just in case that's not enough, we plan to hold a Pro Handicap competition together with exhibition matches at each club.
Apart from the tennis there will be smart parties and informal barbecues, opportunities for golf and cricket and chances for punters to show their prowess on the Cam, and at Newmarket, all culminating in a grand presentation dinner and dance with a live band.
Stay and play
For those wishing to stay for all or much of the tournament we'll be offering the chance to stay with local members or in reasonably priced Cambridge college rooms. If you would prefer shorter visits, perhaps with some tennis and a social event combined with an overnight stay, we should be able to schedule the matches to meet most needs - but no promises! The same applies if you've been lucky enough to secure Olympic tickets.
We have capacity for 50 teams and so far 45 have registered an interest, including nine from overseas. Places will be allocated on a "first come, first served" basis so if you have not yet submitted your entry form you'd better hurry.
What next
You can find out more details and how to enter by checking out the Noticeboard and then completing the inevitable Paperwork.