Juniors bring heat to the court

Noah Mitten has won both 10&U tournaments so far for 2019. (Photos: Martin Wilkinson)

The second PwC Junior Grand Prix for 2019, organised by the Tennis Federation of the Cayman Islands (TFCI), took place at the Cayman Islands Tennis Club (CITC) from 22-23 February.

There was a good turnout with eight players in the 10& Under age group, fifteen in the 14& Under age group, and five in the 18& Under age group.

The 10& Unders competed in singles while the 14& Under and 18& Under age groups had the opportunity to play in both singles and a doubles tournament.

Tournament Director, Ilian Nachev, was pleased to observe that all players demonstrated exemplary behaviour and sportsmanship. The weather was great during both days of the tournament, so there weren’t any delays due to rain and all matches went as scheduled.

The results of the tournament are as follows:

In the 18& Under division, Jake Booker defeated Lauren Fullerton in a three-set drama fest (1-6, 6-3, 6-2), to capture the singles title. Third place went to Willow Wilkinson, who defeated Zach Jackson with 6-3, 6-2. The young ladies, Lauren Fullerton and Willow Wilkinson defeated the young gentlemen, Jake Booker and Zach Jackson 8-5 in an entertaining doubles final.

Lauren Fullerton (L) high fives Willow Wilkinson. The pair won the 18&U doubles.

Albert Berksoy defeated Rafael Wejbora with 3-6, 6-3, 10-3 to win the singles title in the 14& Under division. This was a rematch of the final of the January tournament in which Albert managed to squeeze out the victory as well. Phin Ellison secured third place by winning 6-4, 6-4 against Jake Fagan. Jay Jackson triumphed in the Consolation tournament by defeating Milana Thompson with 6-2, 6-3.  Berksoy and Wejbora outplayed Ellison and Danny Kish 8-1 in the 14& Under doubles final.

In another exciting match, Noah Mitten defeated Andrew Jacques 6-4, 6-4, sealing the title in the 10& Under age division. Noah has won both tournaments this year. Lea Neverilova was victorious over newcomer Luke Higgo for third place, whilst the Consolation tournament was won by Alex Linkowski.

Albert Berksoy is 2 for 2 in tournaments this year.

Thanks to the TFCI for organizing yet another great junior event and to PwC for sponsoring it. Many thanks also to the CITC for generously providing their tennis courts for the tournament.

The next PwC Junior Grand Prix will be held from 5-7 April at the CITC.  If you are interested in signing up, please contact the TFCI at admin@tfci.ky.

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