Junior tennis players shine on the court
Jake Booker in action during the tournament (Photo by Martin Wilkinson)
(CNS Local Life): Phin Ellison, Willow Wilkinson and Jake Booker took home the trophies at the PwC Junior Tennis Tournament, played over three days in two different locations. In all, 26 players in three age categories – 10 & under, 14 & under and 18 & under – competed in matches held 23-25 February.
Play started on Friday afternoon at the red clay and the blue hard courts at The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman. Matches continued there the following day but rain forced the end play after only an hour, so the remaining matches were played on Sunday at the Cayman Islands Tennis Club.
The 10 & under competition featured a round robin format, which enabled the youngsters to play multiple matches since they could keep competing even if they lost. Ellison, the winner in this age group, was in great form and the overall dominant player, taking all four of his matches, stated a press release. Albert Berksoy came second and Milana Thompson third.
There were 16 entrants in the 14 & under category, with Willow Wilkinson beating Alex Priestley 6:3, 7:5 in the final. Although both players showed strong form over the weekend, not dropping a set until the final, Wilkinson was the more consistent player and won in a great match. Rafael Wejbora took third place, defeating Digby Robinson, and Xavier Marshall won the consolation draw against Jake Fagan.
Booker won the 18 & under group in the final against Lauren Fullerton. He was focused from the beginning not allowing Fullerton to find her game, winning 6:1, 6:2. Jakub Neveril defeated Oskar Bjuroe to take third place.
After the singles matches were finished, the players went back on court to play doubles. Playing with a partner encourages net play and working together on the court as a team, said the release. Players got to choose their own partner and spectators were entertaining by long rallies and back-to-back volleys.
In the 14 & Under doubles match, Ben Priaulx and Ellison defeated Jay Jackson and Robinson, while Booker and Oskar Bjuroe defeated Fullerton and Wilkinson in the 18 & Under group.
The next tournament is set for 13-15 April at the Cayman Islands Tennis Club.
