Whilst we have been shivering in the UK, Maidenhead's George Hedley has been enjoying both good weather & tennis success in Florida.
After a day lost to rain in Florida George Hedley won his second match at the Orange Bowl World tennis championship. In yet another straight sets victory he beat Canada's Tom Portnov 6/3 6/4 and will now meet 5th Seed H.Chung of Korea for a place in the semi-final of the 14u event.
Unfortunately, George Hedley’s fine run in Florida came to an end after the 14 year old from Maidenhead, who came through four rounds of qualifying, lost to the fifth seed Hyeon Chung of Korea in straight sets.
Prior to the world's Junior top event- the Orange Bowl- George played in 2 other international events winning 5 out of 7 matches to get into top form. He then cruised through no less than 4 qualifying rounds of the 14U boys singles at the Orange Bowl winning all 4 matches comfortably in straight sets to reach the first round proper. Here against a top ranked Chinese opponent he lost the first set 3/6 but fought back in the second 6/2 and then convincingly won the decider 6/0. He next meets Canadian Tim Portnov.
George has been accompanied by his father who works in USA and Coach Nigel Mann. George will be hoping to emulate a previous Maidenhead & Berkshire Orange Bowl winner Jamie Delgado of some 14 years ago who has gone on to play Davis Cup for UK and is still going strong mainly on the international doubles circuit.