The Essex Finals of this prestigious Tournament were held at Redbridge Sports Centre on Saturday 25th June and Saturday 2nd July. The competitors were all either winners or runners up in their Club or School 14 and under Tournament, rated 7.1 or lower. This is the third year of the new format, introduced by the LTA, to give the lower rated players a chance to “go to Wimbledon”. Judging by the comments from the players, they all liked the new format.
In the girl’s event, with 2 x 7.1 rated players, it was going to be a battle to the finishing post. In the semi-finals, Amie Stingmore (Harlow) beat Rebecca Creevy (New Hall School) and Hannah Panchal (Cranston Park) had a tight match against Ella Duggan (New Hall School), saving match points. In an exciting final, Hannah came out the winner, after a very close first set.
In the boy’s event, the semi-finals, Dan Smith (Thorpe Bay), No 1 seed, beat Neil Kumar (Garons) and Cole Shepard (DL Southend), No 2 seed, beat Matthew Edwards (Cranston Park). In the final, Cole beat Daniel in the final.
Special mention must go to Neil Kumar (Garons) who reached the semi-final, playing well above his seeding and rating. Eoin Coughlan (Avenue) won through 3 rounds, beating the number 8 seed on his way to the quarter finals. An excellent result for a player in his first tournament.
In the consolation events, Patrick Milner (Garons) won the boys event and Robyn Stone (Westcliff Hardcourt) won the girls.
The organisers and referees of the event were Lesley and Ian Pitt.
Results:
Final: Cole Shepard (DL Southend) beat Daniel Smith (Thorpe Bay)
6-1, 6-2.
3rd/4th Matthew Edwards (Cranston Park) beat Neil Kumar (Garons)
6-1, 6-1.
Lesley Pitt
“Essex Road to Wimbledon” organiser