While Ilkley has become a souped-up event for the men, it remains a modest Tier 2 one for the women (because - quite fairly - the LTA says it clashes with the GB 25k).

SF:

(7) Grace Dixon def. (4) Megan Hopton 6-3 6-2

(6) Emma Wilson def. (q) Nadia Rawson 6-0 6-0


Good luck to Grace and Emma in the final.

Newcastle British Tour 2:

SF:

(5) Emma Wilson def. (8) Eleanor Scarff 6-3 6-3

(2) Amy Hopburn def. (3) Megan Hopton 6-3 4-6 6-4

Emma's on a bit of a run, she did well at Fresno State (California (in the Central Valley)) she will be entering her junior year next autumn, as a sophomore she moved up to the No 2 slot in singles and now is part of the no 1 doubles team with Georgie Lawson (plays no 6).

Fresno are a decent college on an athletic front produce some good footballers Derek Carr at the Raiders, and lots of guys who earn a very good living in the NFL on special teams. Tennis wise the mountain west is not a power conference and although Fresno do well in conference they take a bit of a hiding out of it (Stanford 7-0 with Emily Arb at no 5, Texas also beat them 7-0)

Winners today in the second round at Sutton, and a minimum cheque of £500, for Eden Silva [1], Alicia Barnett [2], Esther Adeshina [3], Louise Holtum [4], Joanna Garland [5], Megan Forster, Olivia Peet [7] and Sarah Wray.

Here's the press release

PRIZE MONEY
WINNER £2,000.00
RUNNER-UP £1,000.00 Losing SEMI-FINALISTS £750.00 Losing Q-FINALISTS £500.00
DOUBLES WINNERS £500.00 PER PAIR MIXED DOUBLES WINNERS £300.00 PER PAIR

This significantly increased prize money level is due to additional sponsorship from partners of the Sutton Tennis & Squash Club. The club continue to enjoy a close relationship with our sponsors and wish to thank and acknowledge Boadicea the Victorious, BSF Construction, Harley Medical, Sports Maintenance & ICB Group. Their involvement with tennis at a local level helps promote our sport and ensures Sutton Tennis & Squash Club remain at the forefront of the Aegon British Tour.

The winner of both singles events are entitled to a wild card into the Aegon British Tour Masters 2017

Hence why I was surprised by the entry list this year. Nice cheques for all those remaining.

Semi-final results finally posted - must have been a rain delay - match times of 4:46 and 5:25 !!

Esther Adeshina [3] def Alicia Barnett [2/732] 6-4 6-4
Eden Silva [1/575] def Sarah Wray 6-3 6-2