Thirteen-year-old Hugh Ryder was walking tall at Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta Tennis Week, where he won two trophies in the closed singles, writes Tony Atkins.

In the boys' under 16 event for the Chronicle Cup, Ryder retained his title with victory over James Callard, but his crowning glory at Coronation Park came after a titanic battle with Michael Carrington in the men's final.

Seeded four and with victory over top seed Alistair Forbes 6-3, 6-2 under his belt, Ryder rose to the occasion to win a tough three-setter with Carrington 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1.

It was an energy-sapping contest, with the young pretender clearly having breakfasted well at the home of parents and tournament sponsors Peter and Kate Ryder of Cafe Alf Resco.

Equally, the overworked Carrington, whose schedule had included nine matches over two days during the week-long tournament, contributed greatly to the match, but it finally fell to a glorious forehand from the Kingsbridge Community College schoolboy to seal his victory after nearly three hours' play.

No stranger to marathon matches is Chris Scorer, who went down in the quarter-finals to Carrington 7-6, 2-6, 6-1.

It was the 44th unbroken year of Regatta tennis for Scorer – a feat unlikely to be equalled.

In the women's doubles, Julie Elliott and Charlie Ramsdale reigned supreme once more, as did Sally Clarke and Yvonne Cottam for the third year running in the 45 and over age group.

The winners' Paul Clarke trophies were given by Sally to the tournament three years ago and are in memory of her late husband Paul, who died in 2004.

Judging by results, one of the two trophies would appear to be very much at home in the Clarke household.

But for the tireless Yvonne Cottam, the Dartmouth lady also won the closed mixed doubles with Steve Cairns after the top seeds beat Paul Tucker and Kate Watson 2-6, 6-3, 7-5.

The men's 45 and over doubles went according to the form book, with number one seeds Alistair Forbes and Tony Lyons beating pre-event second favourites Stephen Yates and tournament organiser John Bretherton 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.

Also taking time out from official duties was Australian-born Jayne Turner and her husband, Richard, who lost in the quarter-finals of the 55 and over mixed doubles to the higher-ranked John Nixon and county veteran Maureen Sowerby (Brixham) 6-1, 7-6.

Thanks to the Brethertons' and the Turners' and the current 10-strong committee, the tennis continues to be an integral part of the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, whose records go back to 1822.

A lot of hard work both on and off the court, plus the support of sponsors Cafe Alf Resco and Pro-Direct Sports and the closed events continues to flourish, as does the Open competition, attracting competitors from all over the UK.