THE SOUTH’S JOHN THOMSON UMPIRES LIVERPOOL INTERNATIONAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT

BY FRANK ROONEY

On June the 18th Calderstones Park hosted the final of Liverpool’s annual international tennis tournament. Belgian Xavier Malisse won out over the American Vincent Spadea by 2 sets to 1 in a thrilling match, the final being decided out of three sets rather than 5 because of the incessant rain. Because of the rain all but the most dedicated fans left as the “Legends” exhibition match due to follow looked highly unlikely to take place.

However, the clouds parted and the faithful were rewarded by seeing those greats of past glories Pat Cash, Pete McNamara, Mansour Bahrami and Henri Leconte take to the courts. (Also, to the delight of the crowd Ilie Nastase managed to disrupt play despite not having a game to play.) Obviously to keep order amongst such volatile personalities a man of steely reserve and unflinching determination was needed. Step forward the South’s very own John Thomson!

The Lonliest Job

John on several occasions clashed swords with firebrand and curse of umpires the world over Henri Laconte. The passing years have added a hint of sophistication to his athleticism and he has lost none of that raw animal magnetism. Laconte on the other hand hasn’t matured nearly so well as John and looked like crap.

Xavier Mallisse

The beleaguered umpire had to endure being drenched with water and was almost toppled from his perch in the umpires chair by the aggressive shenanigans of Leconte et al. But John was no pushover and entered into the spirit of the hour by goading the players with a quick wit and chiding manner. It was evident that a genuine rapport existed between him and these giants of the game. (Apparently they are old sparring partners.)

In contrast to the reputations of some millionaire sports stars of being pampered brats, these men hung about for hours in incessant Liverpool drizzle on the off chance that they could entertain the public. They would have been forgiven for calling it a day as that is no less than what ninety something percent of the fans did. In the event, these stars who even now perform for television audiences of millions waited and under a grey Merseyside sky and enthralled just a handful of scousers.

Muchas grandas respect to them!!!

Make it Stop

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