Another of our juniors, Charlotte Clarke (11) was away last weekend playing in a player/coach under 12 girls singles at Birchwood tennis centre. In attendance was her coach Ian Watson. This was an opportunity for Charlotte to show Ian how she performs in the UK. The event attracted 16 which is excellent by girls standard showing how popular this event was. I'm pleased to report that Charlotte won the event.
Results: 1st rd. Charlotte played Lucie Parry and comfortably won 4-1 4-0. This warmed her up for the next round. Qtr finals Charlotte bt Seren Smalel 4-2, 4-1. The s/final against Katherine-Lee Lukas was a tough match with Charlotte losing the first set 1-4, but then fighting back to win the second set 4-3. and take the Champions tie-break 10-2. The final versus Sophie Marshman was a superb match with both girls battling to win and emotions running high with both players. This is where having the coach on court helps young players and Ian proved his worth as her coach. Charlotte won the first set 4-1, Sophie took the second 2-4 and Charlotte winning the tie-break 10/5.
Her eagerness to win gave some nervous moments but the role of the coach in this type of event is to calm and focus players and she is very grateful to Ian for helping her win this event.
On Tuesday a very successful tournament held to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation (Isle of Man) attracted an entry of 20 players and raised ?365 to be given to the Cardiology Unit at Nobles Hospital. Winners were Men: Tommy Fitzgerald a Tennisnuts voucher, R/up - Nerijus Gricevicius - Albany Indoor Court Voucher; Women Winner and Runner up was a draw so Nuala Duffy and Katsuyo Yamazaki received similar prizes but had to decide who had which prize. Thanks to Albany and Club Chairman Stuart Colligon donating the prizes, Bridget Stewart and Sharon Bath for organising the event, John Bourbon Chairman of BHF Isle of Man and all the players.
Reminder of closing date for entry in to the IOMLTA Senior Closed Championships is 6pm Saturday 3 June. There are plenty of forms at the club so please use them and take part. Put the forms with chq payable to IOMLTA in the white post box. Entry can also be made by e-mail to ianwatsonpts@manx.net,
The junior/mini coaching sessions will cease during TT fortnight. The last one is Saturday 27 May - minis 12 - 3pm.
Members are requested to not use the upstairs lounge whilst decorating and carpet laying are in progress. After lots of discussion and fund raising the lounge is being re-furbished.
