It is impressive to observe tennis’ explosive growth, given it is one the oldest sports in Fiji.
The Vodafone Suva Open Tennis Championship began last week with 115 players participating, that is an increase from the previous year of 95 players.
Suva Tennis coach for this tournament, Sumit Lal, a Fiji national representative in tennis mentioned how the players went through challenges but still made it through is impressive.
Lal highlighted how there has been a significant turnout in all categories. The Suva Tennis Association believes that the juniors are the future stars, which is why they have established the junior grades this year. Prioritizing, hosting many competitions for them is crucial for it can help them grow in the sport.
“This year we have introduced the junior grades which we, Suva Tennis Association believe they are our future stars. Which is why we need to have a lot of competition for them.”
Meanwhile, in yesterday’s semi-finals results: 14 & Under Boys Single Uraia Ratu 8-2 Nethuka Mayon and Liam O’Donnel 8-0 Zaraan Singh, Over 45 Singles Praphul Prabhu 8-0 Tarei Weeks and Massimo Camassei 8-3 Eddy Mccall, 16 & Under Boys Single Ziqi Gao8-3 Koresi Robanakadavu and Rezwan Khan 8-5 Nethuka Mayon, Open Men’s Single Raynal Singh 6-4 6-2 Sumit Lal and Junior Benjamin 6-3 6-3 Ao Li, Social Men Single Hiroki Someda 8-6 Shivaan Kumar and Praphul Prahbu 8-4 Anirban Mahapatra, Over 100 Combined Doubles Rigamoto Kamoe & Andrew Mailtorok 8-4 Jean Bentley & Miles Young, Open Men & Women Double Junior Benjamin & Ao Li won 6-3 6-3 over Joonhyeok & Bing Low.
