THE 36th Weymouth Classic produced one of the best women’s finals seen on the beach.

England internationals Vicky Palmer and Jess Grimson overcame their opponents Ada Adamek, from Poland, and Italian Guilo Rastelli in an an epic three-set thriller.

Palmer and Grimson got off to a slow start losing the first set 21-17 and then they were 15-10 behind in the second and looking defeated but a couple of strong serves from Grimson saw them regain confidence and they stormed back to take the set 21-19.

The final set went point for point until Palmer and Grimson were just able to edge ahead to take the match 15-13 and collect their second Weymouth title having previously triumphed in 2015.

The men’s final saw Issa Batrane from Bournemouth going for his third consecutive title with his new partner Phil Smith.

Their opponents were first-time finalists Ivan Vatolik and his partner Piotr Kazik.

Batrane and Smith established an early lead and Vatolik and and Kazik were never really able to pull the match back and lost 21-14, 21-15.

More than 100 players from all over the UK and Europe took part over the three days of competition. The two finals were played in front of packed crowds on the beach who had enjoyed an afternoon of great entertainment and were amazed by the power hitting of the men and the speed of the women around the court.

The women’s player of the tournament award went to Rastelli who particularly showed her incredible ball recovery skills.

The men’s accolade was awarded to Batrane.

The Weymouth team of Ryan Stout and Valdis Baranovs finished in a very creditable ninth place.

The other home sides found the standard tough but gained huge experience from playing against such quality opponents.

The event is now part of the newly established UK Beach tour which co-ordinates more than 60 events across the UK during the summer and Weymouth is just one of three Grand Slam events within the tour.

UKBT director Jake Sheaf said: “The weekend was a great success and the tour loves coming to Weymouth to play in front of such large crowds and to have such a well-organised and exceptional local organising team.

Weymouth co-event director Pete Bennett said: “We are delighted how the weekend has gone and to see such great crowds for the final particularly after the dreadful weather we experienced last year.

“We would like to thank everyone who supported us putting on this great event, particularly Weymouth Town Council.”