Whanganui tennis has achieved a historic milestone, reclaiming the Christie Cup during the 100th anniversary of the competition. In a gripping 13–11 victory over long-time holders Tennis Eastern on Saturday, Whanganui brought home New Zealand’s oldest interprovincial tennis trophy for the first time since 2017.

Presented in 1925 to the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association by R.L. Christie, the Christie Cup marks a century of regional rivalry, sporting pride, and tradition. Its legacy is unmatched in New Zealand tennis: only one region may hold the trophy at a time, and challengers must win outright to take it home.

A season already full of drama

The Christie Cup triumph continues what has been a dream start to Whanganui’s 2025–26 representative season. Three weeks earlier, Whanganui opened the season with a nail-biting win over Taranaki. After splitting 12–12 in rubbers and tying on sets, the fixture went to a countback of individual games, where Whanganui prevailed 213–208.

It was Whanganui’s first representative victory in several years — and now the Christie Cup victory makes it two major wins in a row, signalling a resurgence across the region.

Stars align for a special day

Whanganui’s team was strengthened by a perfect blend of returning players, late additions, and one rising star who has become the heart of the squad. Paige Hourigan, home from the professional circuit in France, arrived with borrowed shoes and rackets and produced a world-class performance. Kyle Butters, now focused on bodybuilding, paused his training to represent his region and delivered solid wins at No.1. Ayla Giesen, initially unavailable, became free just two days before the tie, adding crucial depth. Ruben Wesselius played his singles match before leaving for a family event — only to be urgently called back as the tie tightened, returning in time to secure a crucial mixed doubles win. Emma Johnson, only 15 years old, was named MVP for both the Christie Cup victory and the earlier Taranaki fixture. Having arrived in Whanganui from Canada earlier this year, Emma has impressed us all with her tennis ability. Sadly for Whanganui, she will soon return to Canada and the region wishes her and her family all the very best — with hope that they may one day return.
 

Five Whanganui players finished the day unbeaten: Paige Hourigan, Emma Johnson, Kyle Butters, Ruben Wesellius, and Kristin Churchward.

Singles Results 

Women

• #1 Paige Hourigan def. F. Paunovic 6–0 6–3
   
• #2 Ayla Giesen def. F. Tyler 6–0 6–1
   
• #3 Dana Hiri def. S. Skilton 6–0 6–0
   
• #4 Emma Johnson def. Z. Kight 6–1 6–3
   
• #6 Kristin Churchward (debut) def. G. Kight 7–6 7–5
   

Men

• #1 Kyle Butters def. R. Timothy 6–3 6–4
   
• #3 Ruben Wesselius def. A. Hailes 6–3 6–4
   

After singles matches were complete Whanganui edges Eastern 7 matches to 5 with a dream start. 

Doubles Results 

Women’s Doubles

• #1 Emma Johnson / Paige Hourigan def. G. Kight / B. Troup 6–0 6–1
   
• #2 Dana Hiri / Ayla Giesen def. F. Paunovic / Z. Kight 6–2 6–2
   

Men’s Doubles

• #1 Kyle Butters / Hamish Syrett def. C. Giddy / L. Farrier 6–1 6–2
   

Score after doubles: Whanganui 10 – Eastern 8

Mixed Doubles — The thrilling finish

Whanganui quickly secured two of the early mixed doubles contests:

• #1 Kyle Butters / Emma Johnson def. C. Giddy / Z. Kight 6–1 6–3
   
• #2 Paige Hourigan / Ruben Wesselius def. A. Hailes / Z. Kight 6–3 6–0
   

That left four matches on court — and Whanganui needed just one more win.

But Tennis Eastern surged back, winning the next three matches to tighten the tie to 12–11, leaving everything riding on the final pairing of Paris Butters & Max Havaux.

Serving for the match at 7–5, 5–3, Max endured a marathon service game, missing several makeable shots on match points as pressure mounted. Paris held strong at the net with clutch volleys.

Finally, on their tenth championship point, the pair constructed a beautiful attacking rally to force an Eastern error — sending the Whanganui crowd into celebration as the Christie Cup returned home.

Final Score: Whanganui 13 – Tennis Eastern 11

A proud venue and a proud region

The Whanganui Tennis Club provided an outstanding venue for the centenary challenge, with strong support from the local tennis community and perfect conditions for a memorable occasion.

What’s next?

The Christie Cup will remain in Whanganui for Christmas, giving the region time to savour this outstanding achievement.

Preparation now begins for the March defence against Manawatū, who themselves recently suffered defeat to Tennis Eastern.

For now, Whanganui can celebrate the perfect storyline, on the 100th anniversary of New Zealand’s oldest tennis trophy, the Cup is back where it belongs.

Team Whanganui Photo
Back Row: S.Edmonds, S.Cave, M.Healey, R.Wesselius, D.Baker, M.Havaux(c) , K.Butters,
(manager - S.Butters) and H.Syrett
Front Row: R.Cronin, P.Hourigan, A.Giesen, T.Giesen, E.Johnson, P.Butters, D.Hiri and
K.Churchward
Absent: Sean Gudsell, Oscar Wong, Hayden Pudney and Wonde Asmare