Thongsbridge youngster, Steph Carter’s hard work is coming to fruition, with this stylish player producing some superb tennis in the under 14s winter regional tour event in Carnegie Tennis Centre, Leeds. Steph saw off some strong opposition, and took the winner’s medal, without even dropping a set.

The impressive cohort of under 9s players have been keeping busy, attending an array of events around the country. George Barton, Jacob Chadwick, and Charlotte Margetson were all competing in the regional tour event in Lancashire, all securing some excellent wins. George came 4th in the main draw, whilst Charlotte won the consolation draw, and Jacob came 4th in the consolation draw. Robert Sandiford played the regional tour in Sheffield, where he too had a couple of solid wins.

Playing in the lower grade county tour events, George managed 3rd place in West Bridgeford, Chalotte 4th in Manchester, and Jacob 5th in Batley.

For the under 10s, Oliver Vesely was in fine form in the county tour event in Lancashire, where he too took the top spot, with Lucy Margetson winning the consolation draw. In the regional tour event in Manchester, Oliver did well to come second in the tough draw, and Charlotte came 3rd in the regional tour in Warrington.

Andrew Atkinson played regional tour events in both Sheffield and Bolton, under 16s and 18s respectively, and after a slow start, losing his first round matches, went on to win the consolation draw in both age groups.

With the prestigious Thongsbridge Open looming in February, this competitive group of youngsters will be honing their skills, hoping to peak at the right time, to do well on their home turf.

Steph Carter

Robert Sandiford

Oliver Vesely