The Essex Finals of this prestigious Tournament were held at Redbridge Sports Centre on Saturday 27th June and Saturday 4th July. The competitors were all either winners or runners up in their Club under 14 Tournament, rated 7.1 or lower. This is the second 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 3 x 7.1 rated players, it was going to be a battle to the finish post. In the semi-finals, Iman Khan (The Connaught) beat Deniz Soyer (DL Basildon) in the 3rd set tie break. Lucy Dawson (The Connaught) had an easier passage past Olivia Frost (Braintree). In the finals, Iman beat Lucy in an exciting match. We were delighted that Lucy was invited to Wimbledon, along with Iman and they had a fabulous time.
In the boy’s event, the semi-finals was a battle between Cranston Park and DL Basildon, with Cranston Park players winning their matches fairly comfortably. In the finals, Josh Ratnage, No 1 seed, beat friend, Bradley Murphy, who had beaten the No 2 in the second round. Josh, along with the girls, had a excellent time at Wimbledon.
The organisers and referees of the event were Lesley and Ian Pitt.
Results:
Iman Khan (The Connaught Club) beat Lucy Dawson (The Connaught Club)
Josh Ratnage (Cranston Park LTC) beat Bradley Murphy (Cranston Park LTC)
Lesley Pitt - Essex Road to Wimbledon Organiser