Joel Surendran, an outsider at the begining of the tournament, was a surprise winner at Catford Tennis Club finals day.

Taking advantage of a walkover caused by withdrawal due to injury by Liam Griffith in the semi-final, Surendran was, nevertheless, the underdog for the final against Chris Gilbert.

The latter had earlier defeated No.1 seed and warm favourite for the title, Nathan Smith, in the top half of the draw.

However, the final produced a commanding display by Surendran, who dazzled Gilbert with an array of double-handled winners to all parts of the court.

Gilbert was not only passed at will but also found that his best serves were returned with force and accuracy.

Surendran took just 29 minutes to clinch the first set without conceding a game, before going on to take second, and the match, 6-2.

The ladies final also turned out to be a one-sided affair.

Missing last year due to the birth of her son Leo, Julia Garling returned in triumphant fashion by beating defending champion Angela Rezki 6-1 6-1.

Admittedly, Rezki was well below her best but Garling was devastating, spraying countless backhands that the holder was unable to retrieve or returned into the net.

The mens doubles final featured Roy Causton and Denis Costelloe, who were bidding to become the oldest pair to win the title when the faced two, 20-somethings in Nathan Smith and Chris Gilbert.

There was no fairy tale ending, however, as the youngsters won 6-3 6-4 with a mixture of powerful serves, strong overhead play and delightful half-volleys which left their veteran opponents chasing shadows.

The ladies doubles decider was one for the record books, when Angela Rezki and Kristy Leeming won their 12th title.

The partnership, which started in 1989, came from behind to take the opening set in a tie-break against Julia Garling and Sharon Fisher.

However, the latter pair took the second set 6-3 to level the match and it was nip and tuck during the deciding third set before more experienced duo prevailed 6-4.

Rezki was soon back on court to retain her mixed doubles crown with Nathan Smith.

They beat Julia Garling and Chris Gilbert 6-3 3-6 6-4 a victory that gave Rezki her 25th club title but still four behind all-time record-holder Madge Alcorn.

A Kent player at tennis and badminton, Alcorn won 29 titles between 1947 and 1966 and still enjoys a social game of the latter.

Finally, the girls final saw a repeat of last year's event with Ursula Fisher beating Jessica Axton 6-2 6-4.

If you would like details about the club, based in Beckenham Hill Road, Catford, call 0208 698 1259.