Active at 80+: Senior Tennis Tournament Sees Strong Turnout in Soest

Milestone Tournament Highlights Regional Senior Tennis

Organized by 84-year-old Wilhelm Brinkkötter, who stepped away from playing himself two years ago due to health reasons, the event represents nearly two decades of regular fixtures across the Soest district. The latest tournament featured doubles matches paired strategically by organizers to ensure balanced competition. Dieter Wienecke of Blau-Weiß Anröchte claimed the overall victory with a match record of 27 games won and 6 lost. Peter Behrend of Blau-Weiß Soest finished second, winning all three of his matches with a 27-14 game differential, followed by Lutz Mühlender of TV Lüttringen in third and Artur Eisenbraun of Blau-Weiß Soest in fourth.

The tournament format relies on careful matchmaking to produce competitive, tightly contested sets. Rainer Mentz, a participant from Soest, noted the high standard of play on display, pointing to the presence of former Westfalenmeister and seasoned competitors. Among them is 89-year-old Kurt Stief from Hamm, who competes as the reigning European champion in his age category.

Fluctuating Turnout and Organizational Continuity

While the milestone 80th gathering drew a strong response, organizers noted that participation numbers have shifted over the years. Erhard Schiffner, a player from Unna-Hemmerde who assisted Brinkkötter on-site due to a hand injury requiring a bandage after surgery, recalled that previous tournaments regularly attracted 22 to 24 players. Earlier in the year, the opening event in Hemmerde saw a low of eight active and three passive participants, prompting questions about the future of the series before a rebound at subsequent stops in Anröchte and Soest.

Looking ahead, Brinkkötter expressed hope that the senior tennis gatherings will continue, identifying Schiffner as a potential successor to maintain the tradition.