The Busselton Junior Open Tournament was played on the Australia Day weekend in perfect conditions at the very appropriate closing time of the 2019 Festival of Busselton.
The manicured courts expertly prepared by groundsman Chris Ashton, prominent sponsor’s banners and colourful sporting player attire made for an impressive festive addition to the established Busselton foreshore holiday spirit.
One hundred and forty three players and their families arrived in town on Thursday, January 24 and immediately came down to the Busselton Tennis Club for a practice session.
There were 17 separate events played over the weekend with 283 matches played at an average of 70 minutes per match providing spectators and supporters with a spectacular opportunity to see first hand the developing raw, high-spirited tennis talent that WA is fostering in the 7-16 age bracket.
On the Sunday there was a Fun Mixed Doubles event played with 32 doubles combinations, including some parents and court supervisors providing an informal light hearted break in the competitive itinerary.
The standard of the Tennis West’s sanctioned main events was predictably high, with rankings starting from 125 in Australia (that is all registered players male/female young/old). Most seeded players successfully got through to semi`s if not the finals.
All finals were played on Monday starting early so the city players and families could return home without too much traffic delays. Presentations completed the event by mid-day with key sponsors City of Busselton, ANZ Bank, Westpac Bank & Busselton Toyota presenting the trophies.
Ten local players entered:
Holly Braddock, quarter finals Under 12 girls singles consolation; Fletcher Braddock played in U10 boys singles and doubles; Alexander Brennan played in U10 boys singles; Holley Cucel, Rd2 U12 girls singles, quarter finals U12 girls singles consolation; Bridget Doyle - semi finals U12 girls singles consolation; Amelie Shanahan, semi’s U10 girls singles, runner-up U10 girls doubles; Apple Shanahan played in U14 girls singles and doubles; Hannah Nichols, quarter finals U14 girls singles, semi-final U14 girls doubles; Ruby Windsor, runner-up girls U10 doubles; Steffi Windsor, Rd2 U12 girls singles and consolation.
Ken Madden, Busselton Tennis Club’s experienced tournament director said that this high quality annual event was only possible with the continual commitment of the professional referees, court supervisors, support member volunteers, key local sponsors and player support teams.
