The 2026 National Open proved to be a standout event, drawing a record field of 18 players to compete for one of the most prestigious titles of the season. This year’s tournament carried added significance, as it was newly renamed in honor of the late Mike Gooding, with players battling for the Mike Gooding Cup.
Play began Thursday evening with Ross Bolling taking on Adrian Kemp in an entertaining opening match. Both players struck the ball cleanly and produced several high-quality rallies, but Kemp ultimately prevailed 6-3, 6-3. In other first-round action, Max Trueman recorded a strong win over Leon Smart, edging a tight first set before closing it out 6-5, 6-4. Tim Chisholm and Noah Motz delivered one of the most competitive matches of the round, going the distance before Chisholm secured the result 6-3, 2-6, 6-2.
The quarterfinals all went to seed, though the highlight was the clash between Ben Taylor-Matthews and Josh Dodgson. Dodgson played excellent tennis and had opportunities to push the match to a third set, but Taylor-Matthews held firm at the key moments to win 6-3, 6-5.
In the semifinals, Nick Howell produced a superb performance against Taylor-Matthews to book his place in the final. In the other semifinal, John Lumley came through a strong challenge from Freddie Bristowe to join him in the championship match.
The final delivered a thrilling contest. Lumley started sharply, taking the first set 6-2, but Howell responded with resilience. After a tight second set reached 5–5, Howell raised his level and leveled the match at one set all. He carried that momentum into the third, racing to a 4–0 lead. Lumley fought back bravely, drawing level at 5–5 and earning set points, but Howell edged the set to move ahead two sets to one.
Lumley refused to fade. He came out firing in the fourth and, despite Howell’s resistance, claimed it 6-3 to force a decider. In the fifth set, Lumley surged to a commanding 5–0 lead. Howell produced a late burst of brilliance, striking several targets, but the deficit proved too large. Lumley closed out the match 6-2, 5-6, 5-6, 6-3, 6-2 to capture the 2026 National Open title, playing for the Mike Gooding Cup.
Thank you to everyone who competed and supported the event—your participation and enthusiasm made it a memorable championship.
