The 2021 NZ Open Championship Doubles were held at United Croquet Club in Hagley Park, Christchurch from the 23rd to 25th January 2021.
Rain leading up to the tournament meant the lawns were slowish to begin but with the hot, dry weather the speed increased and the lawns presented their world renowned conditions of fast lawns and immobile hoops.
The conditions meant that not all games went to the peg. As players adjusted to the conditions the breaks became longer but no triple peels were completed. The closest was Harps Tahurangi (Wellington) who narrowly missed the peg out after completing the peels.
With only eight pairs, the Doubles Championship started with two blocks of four. The 2020-21 GC Nationals Champion, Duncan Dixon (Canterbury), teamed up with Cole Wenmoth (Taranaki) to top Block A winning all three of their games. With Felix Webby (Wellington) and Chris Shilling (Otago) qualifying second in Block A to advance to the semi-finals.
Aaron Westerby (Auckland) and Logan McCorkindale (South Canterbury) once again combined in this event and qualified top of Block B winning all of their games. Toby Garrison (Wellington) and Jarrod Coutts (South Canterbury) also advanced to the semi-finals from Block B.
The first semi-final was a close match which was ultimately decided by 1 point in the third game. Westerby and McCorkindale advanced to the final with a 26-23, 10-26, 14-13 victory over Webby and Shilling.
In the other semi-final, Garrison and Coutts were able to win the match in straight games to advance to the final after defeating Dixon and Wenmoth 15-13, 14-13.
The final saw a rematch from Block B however the result would be the same. McCorkindale and Westerby securing the 2020-21 NZ Open Doubles title in straight games, 26-6, 26-15, over Garrison and Coutts.
For full scores, or to follow the singles which begin on the 26th of January, click here.
