Kieron Morrissey had a busy finals day on court at the Weymouth Junior Open tennis tournament last Friday. The 13 year old from Wey Valley School had reached the semi-finals of both the 14 and under and 16 and under boys singles, as well as the final of the 16 and under boys doubles.
More than 80 competitors enjoyed 3 days of breezy sunshine in what has become a popular summer holiday competition. Entries this year were boosted by several visitors from further afield, including a group of 16 from Kent.
In the 14 & under event Kieron was narrowly beaten in 3 sets by Bournemouth-based Sam Walrond, who went on to lose the final to Dorchester’s impressive Justin Smith in straight sets. Undeterred, Kieron squeezed past his doubles partner Alex Wood from Dorchester to claim a place in the 16U final where he had a straightforward win over the higher rated Alex Swann from St Leonards. And to round off a good day, Kieron and Alex beat two of the Tunbridge Wells players in the 16U doubles final.
In the younger age groups, local players had to contend with strong visiting opposition. 11 year old Bradley Webb did well to win a tight 3 setter in the 12U boys semi final, but had little left to trouble Wimborne’s Ryan Knowles in the final. The two later combined to take the 12U boys doubles title.
The girls events too were dominated by visitors, but the doubles pairing of Annie Redding (girls’ plate winner) and Bethan Jones, both regular Weymouth team members, caused problems initially for the strong Kent girls before they found form.
Tournament referee Chris Penny was delighted with the large entry, up 50% from 2008. “We will definitely be looking to make this a 5-day event in future. Competition is so important for a player’s development and we have several potential champions at Weymouth Tennis Club. Our thanks go to tournament sponsor “Lynch Lane Offices” and to “Sportraits” for official photography.”