Fahey in seventh heaven after retaining world titles

THE Oratory School’s head of racquets, Claire Fahey, retained her ladies’ World Championship singles and doubles titles last weekend at the tournament held at the Woodcote school.

Fahey beat Lea Van Der Zwalmen in a thrilling final to win her seventh world singles title since 2011. Fahey now overtakes Penny Lumley (six titles) as the most successful player in the women’s game.

The doubles final match of the day saw Fahey team up with Tara Lumley to defeat Lea Van Der Zwalmen and Saskia Bollerman, which ended 6-4, 6-5.

Once again, this was Fahey’s seventh world doubles title and Lumley’s second.

Speaking after her double triumph, Fahey said: “I am over the moon to win my sevneth world title. To have played it in front of a sell out home crowd made it even more special.

“The support I’ve had from the school, my colleagues and pupils has been fantastic.”

Oratory headmaster Joe Smith said: “Mrs Fahey is a real inspiration to our girls, and all our pupils, and it was a privilege to watch her in action in the final and to see close-up truly elite attitude and performance.”

The Oratory School was delighted to host the tournament which is only held in the UK once every eight years. The school is also one of just five in the country that has a real tennis court.