Things did not go John Johnston's "way" at all in the Men's 'A' Singles final of the Heineken Open on Saturday

The top seed's prediction that Michael Way would be the main obstacle between him and the championship proved true as the latter, who decided "to get myself up off the couch and play", took the title with a commanding 6-0, 6-1 performance at the Tennis Stadium.

The Ladies' 'A' Singles showdown was a carbon copy of last year's final with Deborah Cheng fighting back from 5-3 down in both sets to defend her title 7-5, 7-5 against Donna Bradshaw.

It was a busy day for 35-year-old Cheng who also contested the Ladies' Doubles and Mixed Doubles with Erika Handricksen and Johnny Moore respectively. However, those were losing efforts as Barbara Lambert and Laverne Stowe won the Ladies' Doubles 7-5, 7-5 and Lambert and Eldon Daniels won the mixed title 6-3, 6-4.

"I am happy with today. Three finals in one day in this heat is tough. I am tired. Donna was keen to win and I had the pressure of defending my title. I had to come back in both sets. It was a good game," said Cheng, conceding both sets of doubles opponents were "just stronger".

Way, 36, was also pleased with his week-long effort which saw him overcome doubts about his fitness.

"When I get out there I definitely want to win so I was trying my best. I was just keeping the ball in play and getting to net every chance I got. I was trying to come in on John's backhand because he was chipping it and it seemed to work.

"Even though I was in control out there I was pretty tired. I'm never good in the heat and as I get older it's harder to play in it," said the champion.

Johnston applauded Way's success saying that competing against the winner "is almost a different level of playing".

"I knew Michael would be tough. He hits the ball heavy and very consistently. People were saying he wasn't fit but I guess he didn't need to be. He was coming up with big shots. I hoped I would get a few more games off him than I did but it wasn't to be," said Johnston who was "frustrated" at also being runner-up in the Men's Doubles with Nick Frost.

They were beaten by Stuart Smith and Roger Marshall who triumphed 6-2, 6-4.

"We were the better side on the day. The key to doubles is making returns and getting your first service in and we did that much better," said Smith.

Despite losing the Ladies' 'A' Singles final, Bradshaw had reason to smile with a 6-1, 3-0 (retired) win over Stowe in the Senior Ladies' Singles. Reflecting on her overall performance, she said: "I had a good showing. It was just some unforced errors that prevented me from winning the Ladies' 'A' title. Crucial points made the difference against Deborah. A point here and there and it could have been a different result. Also, the wind messed up my rhythm a bit."

There was lots to celebrate in the Lambert household also as the husband-and-wife combination, David and Barbara, took home four titles - two each.

"This is the third tournament I have played in five years because, being the BLTA president, it's hard to administer and compete so I feel good to be back in the winner's circle. I've been training on a regular basis so it's been a build-up," said 46-year-old David.

He beat Earl Leader 6-3, 6-4 for the Men's Senior Singles before teaming up with Eldon Daniels for a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Martin Zolnai and Johnny Moore in the Senior Men's Doubles.

Speaking of her double success in doubles - ladies and mixed - Barbara said she felt "quite fortunate" since she had not been playing too much recently.

"I had some really good partners who pulled me through and I'm looking forward to playing better with them the next time," she added.

After years of trying, Davion Thomas and Zina Edwards were both ecstatic to win their first titles, copping the Men's 'B' Singles and Ladies' 'B' Singles respectively.

"It was my first final. I have made many semi-finals and haven't been able to close the deal. Today, I just believed in myself a bit more and kept telling myself I could beat Kris," said Thomas of his 6-0, 6-2 victory over Kris Frick.

Edwards, who won a gripping contest against Pat Pamplin 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, termed her match a matter of "mental stamina".

"I had all the game and shots to win but being able to stay in mentally was the challenge and today I overcame that," she said.