LAUNCESTON tennis player Max Byrne is heading to Turkey on Sunday as part of the Australian team to contest the International Tennis Federation's senior world championships.
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The 82-year-old will captain the Australian over-80s team in the tournament to be held at the Ali Bey resort near Manavgat.
"The ITF world championships is the biggest one they have for seniors and the one we're at is for 60 to 85 age groups," Byrne said.
"There are four in our team but 13 teams altogether in the different age groups, which go up in five-year increments.
"We play off for the Gardnar-Mulloy Cup named after a famous US Davis Cup player."
Byrne said the teams' event format saw players meet in two singles and a doubles game.
"Last year we came third so hopefully we can do better but it depends on when you strike the US who always have a very strong team and usually win it," he said.
"The second week is individual championships in singles, doubles and mixed and I am currently the mixed doubles titleholder."
Byrne said it will be his first trip to Turkey but about his ninth senior world championships representing Australia.
"I'm still enjoying my tennis and my daughter who has played there before said it is the best place to play with 50-odd courts situated on the Mediterranean Sea with all the accommodation located around the courts," he said.
