The Mudgee Flight Centre Club Tennis Championships return this weekend for the first time in eight years and for only the second time in 15 years.

It’s been a long time coming for tennis players and fans in Mudgee, but organisers have been working tirelessly the get the event back on its feet in recent months.

Luke Spencer from Mudgee Tennis said everyone at the club is looking forward to Sunday’s event.

“After a long break everyone on the committee has been trying to get the championships up and running,” he said.

“We’re trying to get all tennis players of all levels from the district involved - everyone is welcome.

“To get it back has taken a lot of work for a relatively new committee and they’re all getting behind it to make sure it’s a success.”

So far there have been plenty of quality players register for what promises to be a hotly contested tournament.

A recent injury to club coach and tournament favourite Nathan Wilkins and subsequent withdrawal has meant that the draw has been blown wide open.

Doubles champion Anthony Leung has also pulled out with injury making it almost impossible to pick.

“Those injuries have opened it up for several other players to come through and take the championship in the men’s draw,” Spencer said.

“Guys like Jack Moore, Andy Gay, Cameron Anderson and the dark horse – Angus McDonald.”

According to several reports, McDonald has been training the house down in preparation for the tournament. 

Most players will be relying on their natural talent come Sunday, but the competition “dark horse” McDonald has been receiving coaching assistance in an attempt to go all the way and lift the coveted trophy.

According to Spencer the women’s draw will be just as hotly contested, especially if the women’s doubles tournament in May was anything to go by.

“We have a couple of good contenders there, Sheridan Roth being one of them,’ he said.

“Amanda Johnson and Anna McDonald will also be right up there.”

So far the club has received a healthy amount of registrations for the return of the tournament, but there are plenty of places still available for those keen to have a hit on Sunday afternoon.

“We can definitely take a few more,” Spencer said.

“It starts at 8.30am and goes through until 4pm and there will be a barbecue lunch on offer and it will be a kid friendly environment with some new child proof fencing.

“I’ve got a young family myself and being able to take my kids down there makes it a much more enjoyable experience.

“Big thanks has to go to Ashley Diprose and Mudgee Flight Center for sponsoring the event, it wouldn’t have happened without their help.”

If you would like to register to play in the 2015 Mudgee Flight Centre Club Tennis Championships this Sunday, visit www.mudgeetennis.com. 

Entry fee is $20 and every player is guaranteed at least five matches.