Deadly duo stave off competition (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Deadly duo stave off competition

3:30pm Wednesday 24th June 2009

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JUNIORS Kevin McInerney and Gemma Smith were crowned the respective champions of Spartan Tennis School’s under-15s Spring Cup.

Hard-hitting Kevin captured the boys’ event, which was held at Plottingham Playing Fields in Bridport, while Gemma pocketed the girls’ section.

Kevin’s route to the final was straightforward as he emerged undefeated from his group before beating Stephan Matthews 6-2, 6-2 in the semi-final with explosive serves and powerful groundstrokes.

Clarence Fung overcame Dominic Huxley 6-4, 6-3 in his tense semi-final and this confidence enabled him to take the first-set against Kevin.

But in the second set Kevin neutralised Dominic’s counter-punching style, depositing a number of winning volleys to take the showpiece into a championship tie-break where he triumphed 10-1.

In the girls’ event, Gemma locked horns with good friend and rival Rachael Harper in her semi-final after brushing aside Clara Fung in straight sets 6-2, 6-2.

Both girls were aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses and Rachael struck first before Gemma hit back immediately to take the match into a deciding tie-break.

And it was Gemma who scraped through 10-8 to set up a final clash against Naomi Takezoe, who defeated Clara in her semi-final.

But Naomi visibly struggled with fatigue and failed to impose herself on the contest as Gemma prevailed 7-5, 7-5 to be proclaimed the winner.

For more information on junior tennis coaching in Bridport please log on to www.spartantennisbridport.c o.uk

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