Chichester's reputation for junior tennis grows fast

The LTA-sanctioned event was the first in a series of junior tournaments to be held at the club during the summer competition season.

Many of the club’s promising juniors entered and several were triumphant in their age groups.

This annual tournament comprised orange-ball mixed singles, green-ball mixed singles, 12 and under boys’ and girls’ singles, 14 & under boys’ and girls’ singles and 16 & under boys’ and girls’ singles.

The orange-ball mixed singles saw Rina Hayamizu (Hants & IOW) collect a gold medal and Nicolas De Brunner (CRAFC) taking silver.

The green mixed singles was scooped by Alex Ellison (CRAFC). Edward Lee was the runner-up.

The winner of the 12 & under girls’ singles was Sophie Kitson (Sussex) with runner-up Grace Edwards (Surrey).

The 12 & under boys’ singles was staged using a compass draw, which means everyone plays the same number of matches.

Players who lose in the first round go to the consolation side of the draw. Both finalists play and train at the Chichester club – Julian Standish collected his winner’s medal with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Sam Ellison. In the 14 & under girls’ singles No1 seed Sophie Kitson was beaten by Chichester’s Emily Dodd 6-3, 6-1. The 14 & under boys’ singles attracted the most entries and the main final of the knockout draw was an all-CRAFC affair. No1 seed Luke Spencer defeated club team-mate Will Colley (No2 seed) 6-3, 6-3.

In the older age groups, Holly Govey won her event and Pierre Wills-Packer his – both are now members of Chichester Racquets & Fitness Club’s senior teams. Matthew Lee from Hants & IOW came second in the boys’ event.

Tournament organiser Peter Cook said: “It was good to see so many players from other clubs and counties coming to Chichester. Everyone associated with the club has worked really hard to promote the event and ensure it was a success. The number of entries was double last year’s.”