The Marconi Tennis Club Junior Open Tournament was held over 3 days in glorious sunshine, except for a thunderstorm on the last day. The grade 4 tournament event was played on the 6 new excellent courts at the Chelmsford home of Marconi.
In the boys 12 and under event, local players lost out to Andre Raath (Batchwood) who was too strong for the field. Elliot Butler (The Connaught) beat Stepan Golikov, No 2 seed in a long, close match to reach the final. Jacob Smith (Chelmsfordians), who is still a mini green player, won the consolation.
Matthew Doe (Mountnessing), having won the 12 and under event last year, was hoping to win the 14 and under this year, was beaten in an exciting final by Nick Ghaznavi (DL Cambridge). Matthew’s club mate, Hayden Acott won the consolation in a very close match with Matthew Basham (DL Basildon).
In a high standard 16 and under boy’s singles, No 1 seed James Benbrook (Hills Road), won a tough semi-final and then went on to beat James Sammons (Gidea Park) in two very close sets. Demi Oni won the consolation.
In the 18 and under event, James Sammons, No 4 seed, beat the strong, No 1 seed, Hyder Al-Said (West Middlesex) in the semi-final and then went on to beat Calvin Kiggundu, No 2 seed in the thrilling final.
The only girls event, the 16 and under was won by Millie Mcilraith (Kirby). She beat Connie Day (Billericay), who had beaten the No 2 seed in the semi-finals.
The event was organised and referred by Lesley and Ian Pitt.
Pictured above: Boys U14 winner Nick GHaznan and runner up Matthew Doe
Results
18U Boys Singles
James Sammons (Gidea Park LTC) beat Calvin Kiggundu (Hazelwood LTC)
16U Boys Singles
James Benbrook (Hills Road HPC) beat James Sammons (Gidea Park LTC)
14U Boys Singles
Nick Ghaznavi (DL Cambridge) beat Matthew Doe (Mountnessing TC)
12U Boys Singles
Andre Raath (Batchwood TC) beat Elliot Butler (The Connaught Club)
16U Girls Singles
Millie Mcilraith (Kirby TC) beat Constance Day (Billericay LTC)