Real tennis' answer to Federer thrills the locals at Petworth

Fahey, 41, the real tennis equivalent of Roger Federer, is from Hobart in Tasmania where he learned to play.

He first became world champion in 1994 and has successfully defended his title eight times in matches where the world's leading contenders play off to produce the challenger.

His most recent challenge was played at the marvellous old court at Fontainebleau Palace near Paris in 2008.

With that win, he overtook Pierre Etchebaster's long-standing record of seven successful defences in the 1940s and the 1950s.

Having Fahey in Petworth was a bit like having Federer playing at Petworth Lawn Tennis Club, or Sir Chris Hoy taking part in a local bike ride, such is Fahey's standing in the sporting world.

Matches were in aid of SPARKS (Sport Aiding Medical Research for Kids), founded in 1960, which has raised more than 17.5m to fund research projects into rare genetic conditions such as meningitis, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy.

Fahey took turns to partner three Petworth stalwarts '“ event organiser Gordon Woodman, and Stewart Newton and Oliver Harris in a series of doubles matches, with the winners the first pair to reach eight games in one set.

The amateurs gave a commendable display and Fahey allowed them to control the match, while he played some amazing trick shots and ensured the ball remained in play for as long as possible.

Thanks to the generosity of the players and the enthusiastic crowd of guests, the event raised just over 2,000 for SPARKS.

It was the second charity event held at the court in a week.

Two days earlier, local actress Honeysuckle Weeks, who starred in Foyle's War, attended an evening of tennis in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The game of real tennis has been played at Petworth House for the best part of four centuries.

It is a complex game played by fewer than 10,000 people world-wide, which predates and resembles lawn tennis in that it is played by two or four players using rackets and hitting a ball over a net, and scoring 15, 30, 40, game.

The many lines on the floor and openings in the walls play a big part, with varying values and meanings.

Anyone would like to try this demanding game can call Chris Bray on 01798 343527.

* Giles Gunning from Chichester took part in the British national real tennis championships at Queens Club, London, where he won the under-14 championships.

This adds to his under-18 handicap national title, won in December 2008.