The Blue Lake City was home to some of the state’s top rising tennis talent during Sunday’s 2021 Tennis SA Regional Bronze Tournament. There were many electric serves, powerful forehands and loud screams of “c’mon” as 132 youngsters packed the courts of Olympic Park and Mount Gambier Tennis Club all day.
With national ranking points and selection in the region’s Foundation Cup team up for grabs, tennis players converged on Mount Gambier from far and wide. Under 12, 14 and 16 boys and girls singles competitions were all played in the elimination format, while Under 10’s also included round robin.
The 16 and Under Boys champion was Jobe Norris. The Henly Beach product’s flawless journey began with victory over Millicent’s Ty Lang and bookended with a 4-1, 4-0 win over number one seed Teal Studer in the decider.
The third-place playoff was contested between two locals boys Zayne Young and Joel Childs with the former taking home the chocolates, while Luka Debski won the Consolation prize. Number one 16 and Under Girls seed Britney Korir lived up to expectations to win the ultimate trophy. She overcame Summer Hupfield in the final 4-2, 4-2, while Emily Jolley and Poppy Moyle-Read won the respective third-place and Consolation playoffs.
The tournament’s equal-biggest field competed in the 14 and Under Boys draw. Markis Kallos navigated his way to victory lane after five successful matches including a 5-3, 4-0 decider with Aryan Karnani. Playing in his hometown Toby Stutley took home the Consolation title and Max Phillips claimed third.
The 14 and Under Girls competition was a competitive fight and Mary Vassiliadis emerged victorious. After escaping three-set quarter and semi finals, Vassiliadis could not be stopped in the decider against Taylah Lessue. Number two seed Talia Crngarov was forced to settle for third place, while the Consolation victor was Jemma Glennon.
Another strong field took part in the 12 and Under Boys competition. Number one seed Liam Polizzi looked determined to take the trophy with four wins on the bounce. However, fifth-ranked player Chiren Gamalath emerged on top after three thrilling sets 1-4, 5-3, 12-10.
Ren Asai won the third-place playoff as the Consolation final went the way of Alexander Terzic. Number one 12 and Under Girls seed Eliza Gauvin was enjoying a successful campaign, but was stopped in her tracks by Dayna Harrison. Harrison won a tense three-set decider 3-5, 5-4, 10, 6, while Penola’s Tegan Lythgo took home the Consolation honours and third place went to Taylor Glennon.
