Top juniors compete in tennis invitational
Participants in the invitational tournament (Photo by Martin Wilkinson)
(CNS Local Life): The PwC Junior Tennis Circuit for 2018 ended Saturday, 17 November, with the PwC Junior Masters Invitational Tournament, an invitation-only competition for the top-ranked players in each age group. There was strong competition in all age divisions as evidenced by most of the final scores, with many matches going to a third set, stated a press release from tournament organiser, the Tennis Federation of the Cayman Islands (TFCI).
“Everyone was there to win, which brought some tight and enjoyable matches for the parents and spectators,” TFCI said in the release.
The tournament, held at the Cayman Islands Tennis Club (CITC), went smoothly with the only unscheduled event being rain early on Saturday morning, which forced Ilian Nachev, the tournament director from CITC to postpone the matches for one hour. The bad weather was short lived, though, and the players showed “great resolve” in helping to dry the courts so that play could resume quickly, TFCI said.
The results of the tournament are below:
In the 18 & under division, despite a finger injury, Jake Booker won the title by defeating Jakub Neveril in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0. Lauren Fullerton prevailed over Oscar Bjuroe in the battle for third place, winning the first set 6-3. Due to injury, Bjuroe was unable to complete the match and so was forced to retire.
In the 14 & under group, Sebastian Bjuroe squeezed out a victory over Rafael Wejbora in a very tight match, with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 10-7. In the competition for third place, Ben Priaulx defeated Digby Robinson 6-2, 4-6, 10-5 in another “long and exciting match”, the TFCI said.
In the 10 & unders, Albert Berksoy was too consistent for Milana Thompson, winning the title 6-2, 6-2. Lea Neverilova took third place as her opponent defaulted their match.
Craig Smith and Leslie Wilson, from tournament sponsors PwC, presented the tournament trophies. As has become traditional for the last tournament of the year, the TFCI also awarded some special prizes.
The PwC Junior Circuit Series awards for the 2018 year-ending top ranked players in their age groups were given to the following players:
18 & under: Jake Booker
14 & under: Willow Wilkinson
10 & under: Albert Berksoy
The most improved player award went to Oscar Bjuroe, the best sportsmanship award to Rafael Wejbora, and the Paul Howard award was presented to Jake Booker.
The TFCI thanked Junior Tennis Circuit sponsor PwC, noting that without their involvement, the tournaments, which cater to about 50 junior players, would not be possible. The next tournament will be held in January 2019.
