News

01/12/11

Last week end the 13th International Tennis Symposium was held at Centro Pavesi in Milan (Italy)

I spent this week end at Centro Pavesi in Milan participating the 13th International Tennis Symposium... as usual the Symposium gathered many interesting speakers and it was an opportunity to learn something new…

Mr. Alberto Castellani, a part of being a great coach, is a great fun of culture, art and history thus his presentation is usually coloured with deep notes related with culture that I always enjoy…

This time Alberto Castellani focused on flexibility of technical training and mental preparations… basically he exposed a synthesis of winter training in 5 weeks with micro cycles adaptable to various types of players… it was a program he made last year in Africa with some top players…

I enjoyed his part because at “La Bottega” di Smrikve it is mostly what we do with our periodical guests… Just at the beginning of November I was pleased to do a micro cycle with top 12 years old kids from Slovenia and it was a great experience…

Alberto, is among other, also the President of the ATP Global Professional Tennis Coach Association… he coached several top ATP players but is also the founder of Tennis Academy called “Il Perugino: the Art of Tennis” which name at least in part reflect his personality…

Last year the 12th International Symposium was held at the tennis club Bonaiti run by Mr. Franco Bonaiti in Milano 3 and he was the speaker following Alberto… the title of his presentation was: From Tennis School to Academy, educational progression, priority levels and ages of students…

I enjoyed a lot the presentation of Mr. Antonio Quirino Cipolla – Fast learning: accelerated learning methodology. Father and son, coach and player: problems and strengths. The atypical as a winning way…

Antonio Cipolla is a person you enjoy listening… he graduated in law and did several interesting things in his life… related with sport but not only… he was a good tennis player… but also ATP Coach of Claudio Pistolesi… and in end he coached his son Flavio Cipolla and brought him among TOP 100 ATP players…

Among other he is also a good public speaker thus his exposition was really interesting… both by contents and by the way he interacted with kids…

Another very interesting subject was presented by Mr. Gianluca Carbone and Mr. Fabrizio Caldarone: Training Methods: Comparing Spain and Florida.

I was pleased to listen to the analysis they made comparing the US teaching Methods mostly represented in his analysis by Gabe Jaramillo method which I do like… and I had the opportunity to listen live… and on the other side the Spanish school represented via Luis Bruguera experience…

It was really well made… based on scientific basis using on the ground analysis that this job required…

Another contribution to this year Symposium was made by Mr. Renzo Furlan... former #19 ATP player who is currently part-time National coach for the Italian Tennis Federation and is also coaching Simone Bolelli… his subject was focused on Intensity applied to achieve high performance… and he used Schiavone example he used to work with over the last years too…

The last speaker was Mr. Massimo Puci... Massimo Pucci is the trainer of Andrey Golubev since he was 14 years old and last year I had a pleasure to listen to him for the first time where the topic was: “Discovery, progression and evolution of Andrey Golubev”.

I enjoyed his last year exposition… and it was very interesting to follow the way he made deep changes to Andrey from his double hand backhand into one hand backhand and also the ability to make majoer changes to his serve…

This year the subject was: “Practical exercises from amateur to top player…” and it was the outstanding presentation…

I can only say that it was another “good year”... :)

Please visit www.smrikve.com to learn more about Smrikve, Istria from Smrikve, Smrikva Bowl, one of the most important under 10 tennis tournaments in the World, and Villa Smrikve, for your accommodation with swimming pool in Stinjan (Pula – Pola) if you decide to spent your holiday in Istria, Croatia.

28/11/11

Smrikva Bowl players on EDDIE HERR INTERNATIONAL 2011: Ana Konjuh, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 players, reached the semifinals in the under 14 age group while Anthony Popyrin, 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 player, reached the semifinals in the under 12 age group

Junior Tennis Championships
IMG/Bollettieri Academies,
Bradenton, Florida USA

November 26th – December 4th, 2011.

The tournament was founded in 1987 by Eddie’s grandson (Glenn Feldman) to honor his grandfather for his life’s passion and success of bringing the world’s best junior tennis players together to compete. Eddie Herr was the founded of the Orange Bowl…

Over the past 20 years the Eddie Herr International Junior Tournament attracted players from over 136 nations and has served as a springboard to the professionals such as Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, David Nalbandian, Anna Kournikova, Mardy Fish, Xavier Malisse, Marcelo Rios, Jelena Jankovic, and Ana Ivanovic – to name just a few.

Last year two Smrikva Bowl winners won also Eddie Herr International… Katarina Jokic, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner, won the under 12 age group, while Dominic Thiem, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, won the under 18 age group…

The outstanding results of the former Smrikva Bowl players on the Eddie Herr International 2011 were obtained by the following players:

Boys:
• Alexei Popyrin (AUS) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 Consolation Draw winner – SEMIFINALS under 12 age group
• Yshai Oliel (ISR) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 semifinalist – FOURTH ROUND under 12 age group
• Tommy Paul (USA) – part of the “Little Mo” team in 2007 – QUARTERFINALS under 14 age group
• Karlo Lozic (CRO) – 12 Smrikva Bowl 2007 – QUARTERFINALS under 14 age group

Girls:
• Ana Konjuh (CRO) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up – SEMIFINALS under 14 age group
• Inci Ogut (TUR) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 semifinalist – QUARTERFINALS under 12 age group
• Ndindi Ndunda (USA) – part of the “Little Mo” team in 2007 – QUARTERFINALS under 14 age group

DETAILED RESULTS OF FORMER SMRIKVA BOWL PLAYERS ON EDDIE HERR INTERNATIONAL 2011 EDITION… are the following:

Boys:

BOYS UNDER 12

Alexei Popyrin (AUS) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 Consolation Draw winner
1st round: Alexei Popyrin – Luis A Conde (VEN) 6:0, 6:1
2nd round: Alexei Popyrin – Hyuga Nakai (JPN) 1:6, 0:6
3rd round: Alexei Popyrin – Jiri Jenicek (CZE) 0:6, 2:6
4th round: Alexei Popyrin – Camilo Carabelli (ARG) 6:3,4:6,6:1
Quarterfinals:Alexei Popyrin – Dmitriy Voronin (RUS) 5:7,7:6,6:3
Semifinals:Alexei Popyrin – Alex del Corral (USA) 2:6, 1:6

Yshai Oliel (ISR) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 semifinalist
1st round: Yshai Oliel – Anuj Watane (USA) 6:1, 6:0
2nd round: Yshai Oliel – Tommaso Carnevale (ITA) 6:2, 6:0
3rd round: Yshai Oliel – Malik Bhatnagar (CAN) 6:0, 6:1
4th round: Yshai Oliel – Noah Makarome (USA) 2:6, 1:6

Elliot Lamprecht (RSA) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010
1st round: Elliot Lamprecht – Ronald Hohmann (USA) 6:3,4:6,6:4
2nd round: Elliot Lamprecht – Maxim Kasianiuk (CAN) 6:4, 6:2
3rd round: Elliot Lamprecht – Artem Dubrivny (RUS) 0:6, 0:6

Matic Podlipnik (SLO) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010
1st round: Matic Podlipnik – Alexander Braude (GER) 6:4, 6:3
2nd round: Matic Podlipnik – Bruno B Pessoa (BRA) 6:7, 2:6

Tommaso Carnevale (ITA) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010
1st round: Tommaso Carnevale – Ko Jeabeom (KOR) 6:4, 6:3
2nd round: Tommaso Carnevale – Yshai Oliel (ISR) 2:6, 0:6

Adam Neff (USA) – 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011
1st round: Adam Neff – Jacob M Bicknell (JAM) 5:7, 6:2, 6:4
2nd round: Adam Neff – Artem Dubrivny (RUS) 0:6, 0:6

Amaury P de Beer (USA) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 player
1st round: Amaury de Beer – Zilbershtein Maxim (BLR) 6:1,6:1
2nd round: Amaury de Beer – Lingxi Zhao (CHN) 1:6, 4:6

Patrik Rikl (CZE) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009
1st round: Patrik Rikl – Kaloyan M Dimitrov (BUL) 6:1, 6:4
2nd round: Patrik Rikl – Vasil Kirkov (USA) 1:6, 1:6

Matic Zaplotnik (Slo) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008
1st round: Matic Zaplotnik – Manoel F Alencar (BRA) 6:3, 7:6
2nd round: Matic Zaplotnik – Oleksandr Braynin (UKR) 2:6, 2:6

Anthony Popyrin (Aus) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009
1st round: Anthony Popyrin – Davis Carvalho (USA) 2:6, 0:6

Lancelot S Carnello (SWE) – 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 player
1st round: Lancelot S Carnello – Alex del Corral (USA) 0:6, 0:6

BOYS UNDER 14

Tommy Paul (USA) – part of the “Little Mo” team in 2007
1st round: Tommy Paul – bye
2nd round: Tommy Paul – Chien Hsun Lo (TWN) 6:0, 6:2
3rd round: Tommy Paul – Dane C Dunlap (CAN) 6:4, 6:1
4th round: Tommy Paul – Alexander Zverev (RUS) 1:6,6:3,7:6
Quarterfinals: Tommy Paul – Chan Yeong Oh (KOR) 7:6,3:6,3:6

Karlo Lozic (CRO) – 12 Smrikva Bowl 2007
1st round: Karlo Lozic – Kiril Gushterov (MKD) 6:1, 6:1
2nd round: Karlo Lozic – Michael Kuznerko (USA) 6:0, 6:1
3rd round: Karlo Lozic – Reilly J Opelka (USA) 6:3, 6:3
4th round: Karlo Lozic – Sumit Nagal (IND) 6:4, 1:6, 6:4
Quarterfinals: Karlo Lozic – Alejandro Tabilo (CAN) 0:6, 0:6

Bogdan Borza (ROM) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up
1st round: Bogdan Borza – bye
2nd round: Bogdan Borza – Filip Grbic (SRB) 6:4, 6:3
3rd round: Bogdan Borza – Luis A Foglio (VEN) 6:0, 6:2
4th round: Bogdan Borza – Benjamin Hannestad (DEN) 2:6, 3:6

Dylan M Bednarczyk (CAN) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007
1st round: Dylan Bednarczyk – Emil Reinberg (USA) 6:3, 6:2
2nd round: Dylan Bednarczyk – Seongchan Hong (KOR) 0:6,0:6

Filip Grbic (SRB) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007
1st round: Filip Grbic – Nathan Ponwith (USA) 6:3, 4:6, 6:3
2nd round: Filip Grbic – Bogdan Borza (ROM) 4:6, 3:6

Aljaz J Kaplja (SLO) – 12 Smrikva Bowl 2007
1st round: Aljaz Kaplja – Tomislav Podvinski (CRO) 4:6, 2:6

Mihnea Turcu (ROM) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up
1st round: Mihnea Turcu – Michael Kuznerko (USA) 0:6, 3:6

Girls:

GIRLS UNDER 12

Inci Ogut (TUR) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 semifinalist
1st round: Inci Ogut – Jada Robinson (USA) 0:6, 6:1, 6:1
2nd round: Inci Ogut – R.Papavasilopoulos (USA) 7:5, 6:3
3rd round: Inci Ogut – Emiliana Arango (COL) 6:1, 6:1
4th round: Inci Ogut – Maria L Carle (ARG) 6:2, 6:0
Quarterfinals: Inci Ogut – Sofya Zhuk (RUS) 1:6, 6:7

Irina Cantos Siemers (ESP) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010
1st round: Irina Cantos Siemers – YuQing Liu (HGK) 6:0, 6:1
2nd round: Irina Cantos Siemers – Anna Bright (USA) 0:6, 2:6

GIRLS UNDER 14

Ana Konjuh (CRO) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up
1st round: Ana Konjuh – bye
2nd round: Ana Konjuh – Elizabeth Lyukshinova (RUS) 6:1,6:0
3rd round: Ana Konjuh – Alexa M Bortles (USA) 6:0, 6:0
4th round: Ana Konjuh – Jaqueline Cristian (ROM) 6:1, 6:1
Quarterfinals: Ana Konjuh – Katerina Stewart (USA) 6:3, 6:2
Semifinals: Ana Konjuh – Anhelina Kalinina (UKR) 2:6, 2:6

Ndindi Ndunda (USA) – part of the “Little Mo” team in 2007
1st round: Ndindi Ndunda – Anjana Suresh (CAN) 6:1, 6:1
2nd round: Ndindi Ndunda – Charlotte M Petrick (CAN) 2:6,6:3,6:4
3rd round: Ndindi Ndunda – Ally Miller-Krasilnikov (USA) 6:1, 6:0
4th round: Ndindi Ndunda – Gabriela E Ruse (ROM) 7:5, 6:2
Quarterfinals: Ndindi Ndunda – Naiktha K Bains (AUS) 6:7, 3:6

Ivana Jorovic (SRB) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007
1st round: Ivana Jorovic – Nadia Gizdova (USA) 6:3, 6:0
2nd round: Ivana Jorovic – Elina Nepliy (RUS) 6:1, 6:2
3rd round: Ivana Jorovic – Raquel Pedraza (USA) 4:6, 6:3, 4:6

Nikolina Jovic (SRB) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008
1st round: Nikolina Jovic – Arki V Truscott (AUS) 6:1, 6:0
2nd round: Nikolina Jovic – Montana Moore (USA) 6:3, 6:0
3rd round: Nikolina Jovic – Usue M Arconada (USA) 4:6, 7:5, 5:7

Katie Dyson (GBR) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007
1st round: Katie Dyson – bye
2nd round: Katie Dyson – Shilin Xu (USA) 0:6, 0:6

Margita Sunjic (CRO) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007
1st round: Margita Sunjic – Elina Nepliy (RUS) 6:3, 3:6, 1:6

Neli Sunjic (Cro) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 runner up
1st round: Neli Sunjic – Natalia Vikhlyantseva (RUS) 0:6, 2:6

28/11/11

Dominic Thiem, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, won XXV Yucatan Cup 2011 edition played in Mexico

Dominic Thiem, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Austria won XXV Yucatan Cup 2011… a G1 tournament just completed in Mexico. Dominic is currently ranked #640 on ATP ranking list and #6 on ITF ranking list.

Last year Dominic won both Eddie Herr International and XXIV Yucatan World Cup 2010.

Dominic’s road towards this year victory of XXV Yucatan Cup 2011 was the following:

Dominic Thiem (Aut) – 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner
1st round: Dominic Thiem – Luca CORINTELI (USA) 3:6, 6:0, 6:3
2nd round: Dominic Thiem – Lucas GOMEZ (MEX) 6:2, 6:2
3rd round: Dominic Thiem – Jordan ANGUS (GBR) 6:4, 6:0
Quarterfinals: Dominic Thiem – Filip PELIWO (CAN) 6:2, 6:4
Semifinals: Dominic Thiem – Mackenzie MCDONALD (USA) 6:2, 6:1
Finals: Dominic Thiem – Kyle EDMUND (GBR) 6:2, 6:4

Congratulations Dominic!

For those who would like to see Dominic with the racket in his hand I am pleased to post a practice he had with Roger Federer :)

Congratulations once more to Dominic!!!

... and I am pleased to post the picture of Dominic when he won his Smrikva Bowl in 2003 and he was 10 years old at the time :)

There were two other Smrikva Bowl players I recognized in the Main Draw: Djere Laszlo from Serbia who played 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 and a year younger Borna Coric from Croatia who played Smrikva Bowl the same year… they both reached the 3rd round of this prestigious tournament.

In the girls Main Draw I recognized Christina Makarova who played “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl in 2006 and she reached the semifinals! I have to say that Christina’s result is more than great considering her age.

Best wishes to all of them for the upcoming tournaments that will be played in Florida during December!

21/11/11

Tereza Mrdeza, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, reached the semifinals of USD 25.000 ITF worth tournament played at Asuncion in Paraguay

Last week, Tereza Mrdeza, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Croatia, currently ranked #317 on WTA list reached the semifinals USD 25.000 ITF worth tournament that was played in Paraguay at Asuncion 2011.

This was for Tereza her fifth semifinals on ITF tournaments this year. She reached the semifinals at Mestre in Italy USD 50.000 worth tournament, obtained victory at UMAG USD 10.000 worh tournament and made two other semifinals in Spain.

Tereza Mrdeza’s road towards her semifinals at Asuncion 2011 in Paraguay was the following:

1st round: Tereza Mrdeza – Luciana SARMENTI (ARG) 6:3 6:0
2nd round: Tereza Mrdeza – Carolina ZEBALLOS (ARG) 6:2 6:3
Quarter finals: T.Mrdeza – Teliana PEREIRA (BRA) 5:7 6:3 6:4
Semifinals: Tereza Mrdeza – Romana TABAK (SVK) 6:7 2:6

Ranking of the players who played with Tereza is the following:

Luciana SARMENTI (ARG) – #600 on WTA list
Carolina ZEBALLOS (ARG) – #411 on WTA list
Teliana PEREIRA (BRA) – #340 on WTA list
Romana TABAK (SVK) – #402 on WTA list

19/11/11

Neven Krivokuca, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 player, played his first ITF tournament and obtained the victory entering the tournament as Wild Card player (Dhaka - Bangladesh)

I enjoyed watching over the last months from the new Smrikve Lounge terrace the tournament preparation of Neven with Miro…

The Bangladesh International Junior Tennis Tournament 2011 played in Dhaka was their first preparation check… and the first impressions as shown with Neven’s road towards the finals and victory make me think that the path may be the right one as shown in the following:

1st round: Neven Krivokuca – bye
2nd round: Neven Krivokuca – Saleem SHADMAN (BAN) 6:1, 6:0
3rd round: Neven Krivokuca – Manish KUMAR (IND) 6:4, 6:3
Quarterfinals: Neven Krivokuca – Anthony SAVIO (IND) 6:3, 6:2
Semifinals: Neven Krivokuca – Sujiv CHOPRA (IND) 6:1, 6:2
Finals: Neven Krivokuca – Tejas KAPOOR (IND) 6:3, 6:1

Being Neven and Miro now in the far East area of the World… and making their first ITF experiences together… I would like to congragulate them both with Confucius’ words who noted long time ago how “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”... ;)

Bravo Meštri!

18/11/11

World Philosophy Day... the "YODA day"... was celebrated yesterday... :)

World Philosophy Day is annually observed since 2002 on the third Thursday of November to honor philosophical reflections around the world… it was yesterday the “YODA day” :)

It is envisaged as a day for people to share thoughts, openly explore and discuss new ideas and inspire public debate or discussion on society’s challenges.

Smrikva Bowl mission is dedicated towards developing and spreading cosmopolitan values thus I decided to dedicate this short message to the third Thursday of November…

Love, friendship and empathy are cosmopolitan values for per excellence for mankind and humanity… and “love for wisdom” or Philisophy is another cosmopolitan brick…

I am pleased to share parts of the message from Mr. Koichiro Matsuura on the occasion of Philosophy Day at UNESCO establishment... It was November 21st, 2002…

Many people ask: why philosophy at UNESCO? My reply is: how could UNESCO, as the intellectual and ethical arm of the United Nations, function without promoting philosophical reflection as the basis for democracy, human rights and a just society? In other words, how else can one foster an authentic foundation for peaceful co-existence?

Philosophy, as the term signifies, is the love of wisdom. Regardless of its specific terminology in various cultures all over the world, tetsugaku in Japanese, indicating the discipline of wisdom, or in Arabic, falsafa, meaning science of wisdom, this act of thinking about thinking turns by definition around the fundamental concepts and ideas that lie at the heart of existence, both individual and collective. It is this act of philosophizing that is the lifeblood of philosophy. And it is precisely this act of reflection, of analysis, of questioning – whether of concepts that are taken for granted, ideas dulled by time, or long-established paradigms ‑ that I wish to support and promote through the launching of this first Philosophy Day at UNESCO…

... Through philosophical analysis and debate, answers to contemporary world problems will be sought and explored.

...mutual knowledge and understanding of all traditions of thought in the world is crucial for dialogue and respect amongst people… The love of wisdom is inherent in all cultures, and stands as an intangible heritage of humankind….

Let us take this day to reflect upon what we do; how is it that we do it; and why is it that we do not do otherwise. Let us question our daily practices, take a critical look at the men and women we have become. Let us cast light on the darkened corners of our understanding of the ‘Other’. It is the day to ponder on the ethical consequences of our actions, or the unintended outcomes of our decisions. Let us encourage youth to be creative in searching for new answers to the challenges of our societies, and to look for gaps in the current structures set up to serve equity and justice. I encourage you all to philosophize today. In this world where action does not necessarily spring from thought, let us take this day to think, question and search, beneath and beyond the confines of what we think we know.

Koichiro Matsuura

16/11/11

Karlo Boljat and Petra Granic, both 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 quarterfinalist, won the Croatian National Selector under 13 Invitation Tournament

During the last week the traditional Croatian National Selector under 13 Invitation Tournament was held at the National Tennis Center in Zagreb and I was pleased to recognize several top Smrikva Bowl players among those selected…

I was pleased to recognize among 16 names in both, boys and girls, draws… 6 boys and 3 girls that played Smrikva Bowl… :)

Most of them played 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008: Petra Granić, Nina Alibalić, Lea Bošković, Karlo Boljat, Jakov Martinis, Karlo Divković, Matko Varga… while Roko Savin played 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 and Karlo Suevich made his best result on 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 when he played the finals.

Detailed results of the above mentioned invitation tournament are the following:

GIRLS

QUARTERFINALS
Nika Bešker (1) – Tea Jezidžić 6:2, 6:0
Nina Alibalić – Anamarija Zokić 6:3, 7:5
Lea Bošković – Babić 6:3, 6:3
Petra Granić – Alesia Bučković 6:0, 6:2

SEMIFINALS
Nina Alibalić – Nika Bešker 7:5, 6:3
Petra Granić – Lea Bošković 6:0, 7:5

FINALS
Petra Granić – Nina Alibalić 6:4, 7:6

BOYS

QUARTERFINALS
Jakov Martinis – Matko Varga 6:3, 6:3
Karlo Boljat – Filip Kešina 6:3, 4:6, 6:2
Karlo Divković – Karlo Suevich 6:7, 6:3, 6:3
Borna Gojo – Roko Savin 6:2, 6:0

SEMIFINALS
Karlo Boljat – Jakov Martinis 6:4, 6:4
Borna Gojo – Karlo Divković 1:6, 7:5, 6:3

FINALS
Karlo Boljat – Borna Gojo 6:0, 7:6

14/11/11

Top Smrikva Bowl and "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl players on ATP, WTA, ITF, USTA and European under 14 and 16 ranking lists (update November 2011)

Former top Smrikva Bowl players that reached certain results on the professional ranking list are mentioned below and the top Smrikva Bowl players that are still competing…

IN 1996 SMRIKVA BOWL GATHERED TOP PLAYERS FROM ISTRIA AND KVARNER (1st Smrikva Bowl)

BOYS
Vilim Visak, 1st Smrikva Bowl 1996 winner, from Croatia. Vilim’s best ranking was #612 in March 2006.

IN 1997 SMRIKVA BOWL GATHERED TOP PLAYERS FROM CROATIA (1997 – 2nd Smrikva Bowl)

GIRLS
Ivana Lisjak, 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #502 on WTA list. Ivana’s best ranking was #95 on WTA list in June 2006.

IN 1998 SMRIKVA BOWL STARTED TO BE INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT (3rd Smrikva Bowl)

1999 – 4th Smrikva Bowl

GIRLS
Astrid Besser, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 winner, from Italy, her best ranking was #356 on WTA list in March 2009.

2000 – 5th Smrikva Bowl

GIRLS
Tereza MRDEZA, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Croatia, is currently ranked #317 on WTA list and her best ranking was #279 on WTA list in February 2010.

2001 – 6th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #1275 on ATP ranking list.
Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked *#354 on ATP ranking list*.

GIRLS
Petra MARTIC, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #49 on WTA list. Petra’s best raning was #47 on WTA list in September 2011.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #503 on WTA list.

IN 2002 SMRIKVA BOWL STARTED TO BE A EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

2002 – 7th Smrikva Bowl and 1st”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Javier MARTI, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Spain, is currently ranked #183 on ATP list. Javier’s best raning is his current ranking #181 on WTA list as of November 2011.
Giacomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, was ranked #1029 on ATP list in May 2009.

GIRLS
Martina Caregaro, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Italy, is ranked #542 on WTA ranking list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #146 on WTA list.
Ema BURGIC, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #946 on WTA list, her best ranking was #505 on WTA list in July 2010.

2003 – 8th Smrikva Bowl and 2nd”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Dominic THIEM, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Austria, is ranked #708 on ATP ranking list. Junior ROLAND GARROS 2011 finalist.
George MORGAN, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #722 on ATP ranking list. Junior US OPEN 2011 semifinalist.
Ciprian PORUMB, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia, was ranked #195 on ITF ranking list in March 2010.

GIRLS
Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, was ranked #1223 on WTA list.
Silvia NJIRIC, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #580 on WTA list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Croatia, is ranked #146 on WTA list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Emmett EGGER, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #126 on ITF ranking list.

2004 – 9th Smrikva Bowl and 3rd”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Ivan Levar, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #658 on ITF ranking list.
Miki JANKOVIC, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #55 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #860 on ATP ranking list.

GIRLS
Saska GAVRILOVSKA, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #722 on WTA ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Mitchel POLNET, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #321 on ITF ranking list.

Blair SHANKLE, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #146 on ITF ranking list.
Anna MAMALAT, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #580 on ITF ranking list.

IN 2005 SMRIKVA BOWL GATHERED TOP PLAYERS FROM 3 CONTINENTS

2005 – 10th Smrikva Bowl and 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Matteo DONATI, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Italy, is ranked #160 on ITF ranking list.
Laslo DJERE, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #125 on ITF ranking list.
Gianluigi QUINZI, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #60 on ITF ranking list.
Nikola MILOJEVIC, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 Consolation tournament winner, from Serbia, is ranked #19 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Saska GAVRILOVSKA, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #722 on WTA ranking list.
Olga IANCHUK, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #566 on WTA list.
Irina Maria BARA, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 player, from Romania, is ranked #98 on ITF ranking list.
Donna VEKIC, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 player, from Croatia, is ranked #392 on WTA list*and is ranked #*27 on ITF ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Jeffrey Schorsch, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is not ranked on ITF ranking list.
Jose Gracia, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is not ranked on ITF ranking list.
Yale Goldberg, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is not ranked on ITF ranking list.

Dorothy Tang, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is not ranked on ITF ranking list.

2006 – 11th Smrikva Bowl and 5th”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Gianluigi QUINZI, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Italy, is ranked #60 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Eleanor DEAN, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #127 on ITF ranking list and #774 on WTA ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Daniel Maese, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is still not ranked on ITF ranking list.
Aries Wong, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is still not ranked on ITF ranking list.

Christina MAKAROVA, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #64 on ITF ranking list.
Gabriella Umoquit, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is still not ranked on ITF ranking list.

2007 – 12th Smrikva Bowl and 6th”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Sacha MERZETTI, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner, from Italy, is ranked #62 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Bogdan BORZA, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Romania, is ranked #1 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gonzalo MORELL, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Spain, is ranked #92 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Sergiu BUCUR, ranked 4th on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Romania, is ranked #15 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.

GIRLS
Ana KONJUH, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #1 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Nina POTOCNIK, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Slovenia, is ranked #29 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Eduardo NAVA, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #13 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Tommy PAUL, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #5 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Ndindi NDUNDA, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #7 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Domonique Garley, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #107 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

IN 2008 SMRIKVA BOWL GATHERED TOP PLAYERS FROM 5 CONTINENTS AND TURNED INTO A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

2008 – 13th Smrikva Bowl and 7th”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Luka PANIC, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner, from Switzerland, is ranked #462 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Mihnea TURCU, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up, from Romania, is ranked #408 in Europe in under 14 european ranking list.
Grega KOKALJ, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Slovenia, is ranked *#334 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Andrea Guerrieri, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Italy, is ranked #693 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

GIRLS
Katarina JOKIC, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked *#24 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*. Under 12 EDDIE HERR INTERNATIONAL 2010 winner.
Maia LUMSDEN, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up, from Scotland, is ranked #53 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Viktoria KUZMOVA, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Slovakia, is ranked #19 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Estela Perez-Somarriba, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Spain, is ranked #806 on under 14 european ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Justin LEE, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #95 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
William BLUMBERG, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#134 in the USA in under 14 cathegory*.

Ingrid NEEL, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #53 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Paulina Ferrari, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #93 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

IN 2009 SMRIKVA BOWL HAD 6 NEW COUNTRIES AND 1 NEW CONTINENT THUS REACHED THE TOTAL OF 40 COUNTRIES AND 6 CONTINENTS THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE TOURNAMENT SINCE ITS FOUNDATION

2009 – 14th Smrikva Bowl and 8th”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Alvaro Regalado Pedrol, 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 winner, from Spain, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Samuele Ramazzotti, 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 runner up, from Italy, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Karlo SUEVICH, ranked 3rd on 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009, from Slovenia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Alejandro Davidovich, ranked 3rd on 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009, from Spain, is too young for under 14 european ranking.

GIRLS
Katie SWAN, 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 winner, from United Kingdom, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Jovana VUKOVIC – JOKA, 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 runner up, from Serbia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Inci Ogut, ranked 3rd on 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009, from Turkey, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Arianna CAPOGROSSO, ranked 3rd on 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009, from Italy, is too young for under 14 european ranking.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Noah SCHACHTER, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #5 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Alex Gee, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #26 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Michaela GORDON, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #4 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Ashley LAHEY, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#55 in the USA in under 12 cathegory*.

IN 2010 SMRIKVA BOWL HAD 9 NEW COUNTRIES AND REACHED THE TOTAL OF 49 COUNTRIES THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE TOURNAMENT SINCE ITS FOUNDATION

2010 – 15th Smrikva Bowl and 9th”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Nicola KUHN, 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 winner, from Spain, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Karlo SUEVICH, 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 runner up, from Croatia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Yshai OLIEL, ranked 3rd on 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010, from Israel, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Andrei Taica Radu, ranked 3rd on 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010, from Romania, is too young for under 14 european ranking.

GIRLS
Jovana VUKOVIC, 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 winner, from Serbia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Paula Arias Manjon, 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 runner up, from Spain, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Neli SUNJIC, ranked 3rd on 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010, from Croatia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Kristina NOVAK, ranked 3rd on 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010, from Italy, is too young for under 14 european ranking.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Max Motlagh, played 9th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #148 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Claire LIU, played 9th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #8 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Alexa Butera, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#100 in the USA in under 12 cathegory*.

IN 2011 SMRIKVA BOWL HAD 4 NEW COUNTRIES AND REACHED THE TOTAL OF 53 COUNTRIES THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE TOURNAMENT SINCE ITS FOUNDATION

2011 – 16th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Duje AJDUKOVIC, 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 winner, from Croatia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Mihailo POPOVIC, 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 runner up, from Serbia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Alejandro Serrano Osoba, ranked 3rd on 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011, from Spain, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Stipan Madzar, ranked 3rd on 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011, from Croatia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.

GIRLS
Olga DANILOVIC, 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 winner, from Serbia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Ksenija Tmusic, 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 runner up, from Serbia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Emilija Kojcic, ranked 3rd on 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011, from Serbia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Betina TOKAC, ranked 3rd on 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011, from Turkey, is too young for under 14 european ranking.

08/11/11

The story of tennis, art and culture continues also via SMRIKVE LOUNGE... :)

On 8th of August 2011, three months ago, we started to create a new place in Smrikve that will be called SMRIKVE LOUNGE…

On the picture below you can see the SMRIKVE LOUNGE render that will be exposed on Istrian Architects Association Exhibition prepared for the projects designed in 2011…

It is envisaged as a place where the culture and tennis will find the way to merge…

Culture (Latin: cultura) is a term that has many different inter-related meanings... in 1952, Alfred Kroeber and Clyde Kluckhohn compiled a list of 164 definitions of “culture” in Culture… However, the word “culture” is most commonly used in three basic senses:

1) Excellence of taste in the fine arts and humanities, also known as high culture…
2) An integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for symbolic thought and social learning…
3) The set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution, organization, or group…

When the concept first emerged in 18th and 19th century Europe, it connoted a process of cultivation or improvement, as in agriculture or horticulture.

In the nineteenth century, it came to refer first to the betterment or refinement of the individual, especially through education…

In the mid-nineteenth century, some scientists used the term “culture” to refer to a universal human capacity….

In the twentieth century, “culture” emerged as a concept central to anthropology, encompassing all human phenomena that are not purely results of human genetics.

In American anthropology had two meanings:
a) the evolved human capacity to classify and represent experiences with symbols, and to act imaginatively and creatively; and
b) the distinct ways that people living in different parts of the world classified and represented their experiences, and acted creatively…

SMRIKVE LOUNGE is envisaged as a place where some of the Smrikva Bowl seeds spread in 53 countries will return :)… to relax, for battery re-charge and to prepare for new challanges…

Since 1996 Smrikva Bowl main court has hosted talents from all the continents… and I hope SMRIKVE LOUNGE will be the place able to attract different TOP ATP and WTA players… in reality the grown Smrikva kids :) and off course La Bottega di Smrikve friends… it is a dream…

If you visit the SMRIKVE LOUNGE website I hope the sound of the music and the pictures will give you an idea of the place…

05/11/11

Matic Podlipnik, 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 player, passed "Krompirjeve počitnice" with his tennis friends Blažka Tratnik, Žan Gorenec Diemat, Mark Mesarič, Luka Miklavčič and Jan Vehovec at La Bottega di Smrikve

Last week I shared my time with Matic and his friends… that are among the most talented players of their generation in Slovenia…

Matic likes to come with his family to Smrikve and I am very pleased that he decided to bring with him his tennis friends to spend their vacations “Krompirjeve počitnice” at La Bottega di Smrikve…

Matic played Smrikva Bowl in 2010 and today is one of the most talented players in his age group in Slovenia and his friends are all dedicating a lot of time into developing their tennis talent thus to me and Miro it was an honour to get to know them and to spend their vacation with them… being their host…

Blažka Tratnik, Zan Gorenec Diemat, Mark Mesarič, Luka Miklavčič, Jan Vehovec and Matic were all our guests this week at La Bottega.

… I also learned that some of them have applied in delay for their Smrikva Bowl thus I was not able to accept them and meet them at the time, but I was glad to have had this chance this time…

Kids are special… and as Yoda would say: “Truly wonderful the mind of a child is.”… and every time there is a possibility to work with kids… if you try… you can feel it :)

On the picture below you can see them from left to right with few member of our school: Blažka, Mark, Luka, Jan, Zan Matic, Karlo and Ari…

Most moments I will leave to the kids’ memories but with below pictures I will recall just few moments of their stay…

… after the morning breakfast prepared by Žan’s father Frenki and Blažka’s parents… the warm up was always something that I would call “the experience”… something to do with smile… and something that help to develop the FEELING… the pillar one in developing the tennis art…

…and the below song may mean something more to Matic, Blažka, Mark, Luka, Zan and Jan than to other readers but I am pleased to post it for them :)…

…and might mean something to the 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 players who attended the Ambassadors Cerimony and the Old Olive Tree planting this year… ;)

… there are most different ways to learn things… and after morning excercise we were lucky with the weather and possibility to visit Southern Istria’s coastline right in front of the Brioni Islands…

I was riding the bike and they were combining the running with walking…

… the road was long many kilometers but on the road there were most different ways to train… and on the picture below you can see Žan… rotating his shoulders… and hips and throwing the stone far away into the sea… :)… the movement reminds his big serve ;)…

… I was not the only bike rider… they all know to ride the bike… and there is something to learn about… balance… quite important in tennis too ;)…

… there is a say… coming from Africa… and it say: “Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up and knows that it will have to outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed… And, every morning in Africa a lion wakes up and knows that it will have to outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death…

… Thus, in Africa, it doesn’t matter if you are the lion or the gazelle. When that sun comes up, you had better be running.” ;)

… these kids have dedicated between 1.000 and 2.000 deep practice hours into developing their tennis talent… and they are aware that there is a long way in front of them if they decide to become tennis masters… and I was pleased to see before the launch time how they were connected with a player who already dedicated over 7.000 hours of deep practice to tennis and is getting with every hour closer and closer towards tennis virtue… and they had the possibility to spent some time with him on the court… :)

… launch and dinner prepared by Žan’s father was an experience for me… tasting Franki’s soup remind me my childhood when I was going to ski in Slovenia on Bled and Bohinj :)…

On their last morning… they were nominated Honorary Smrikva Bowl Ambassadors… they did not play Smrikva Bowl but they had the opportunity to learn more about Smrikve philosophy…

… Matic was born in 2000 and he has his Olive Tree planted in Smrikve during his 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 edition… his friends: Zan, Luka, Jan and Mark were born in 1999 thus they would have played the 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 and Blažka would have played the 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008…

… thus the last morning they gave their names to respective Olive Trees of the generations they belong to… and they received a Smrikva Bowl hat in turn… they all know that there are three important things for a player… and that hat they know what it is :)…

It was an honour to work with these kids… and I can only wish to them as to their teachers to continue to help them into developing their talents… because the job they are doing is great!

Best wishes kids… both in school and tennis and thank you for your visit!

03/11/11

Nicolas Alvarez Varona, 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 quarterfinalist, defeated in the finals of TTK European Master played in Barcelona Marco Furlanetto from Italy, 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 Consolation Draw winner

I’ve just received the news from Nicolas Alvarez Varona’s father that Nicolas won the TTK European Master under 10 played in Barcelona at Academia Sanchez-Casal.

Nicolas Alvarez played this year Smrikva Bowl and reached qurterfinals… I was glad to recognized few others names in the letter received from Nicolas’ father such as Marco Furlanetto from Italy, who was in the finals of TTK Master in Barcelona, and Jan Kupcic, from Slovenia… both Smrikva Bowl players.

In addition to that I was pleased to learn that Paula Arias Manon, also from Spain, won twice this tournament and she reached few years ago the Smrikva Bowl finals.

For those who understand Spanish I am pleased to post the article in Spanish…

NICOLÁS ÁLVAREZ VARONA vencedor ayer domingo del Master Europeo TTK, en categoría Benjamín Masculino, celebrado este fin de semana en la Academia Sánchez-Casal de Barcelona

Ganó en la final al italiano Marco Furlanetto

NICOLÁS ÁLVAREZ VARONA, jugador del Club de Tenis El Cid y alumno del Centro de Tecnificación de tenis de Burgos, ha conseguido vencer en el Master Europeo TTK, categoría Benjamín Masculino, que se ha disputado desde el pasado sábado y hasta el día de hoy, en las instalaciones de la Academia Sánchez Casal de Barcelona.

Han participado en este evento jugadores y jugadoras de ESLOVAQUIA, REPÚBLICA CHECA, GEORGIA, IRLANDA, HOLANDA, TURQUÍA, FINLANDIA, ALEMANIA, ITALIA, CROACIA, ESTONIA, ESLOVENIA Y GRECIA.

El sistema de competición se ha desarrollado en Round Robin, clasificandose los primeros de cada grupo, que disputaban las semifinales.

Nicolás vencía en el primer partido al Esloveno Jan Kupcic por 2-4, 4-3 (5) y 7-3. Partido muy complicado para el jugador burgalés, que supo mantener la serenidad en los momentos claves para terminar venciendo. El jugador esloveno puso mucha calidad en su juego en todo momento.

En el segundo partido Nicolás Álvarez vencía sin dificultad al griego Max Baltas por 4-0 y 4-1; y en el tercer y último partido de la fase de grupos se imponía al italiano Lorenzo Masseti por un doble 4-0. De esta forma terminaba primero de su grupo y llegaba a semifinales, dónde en el día de ayer se enfrentaba a uno de los favoritos de la competición, el también español Javier Molino.

Partido este de gran nivel de tenis en el que vencía el jugador burgalés por 2-4,4-3 (3) y 7-1. Empezó perdiendo Nicolás, para ir remontando poco a poco y terminar ganando con claridad en el tie-break definitivo del tercer set.

Y ya en la gran final disputada esta misma mañana, Nicolás se ha impuesto al italiano Marco Furlanetto por 4-1, 0-4 y 8-6. Partido de ida y vuelta en todo momento. Empezó ganando con claridad Nicolás en el primer set, para después Furlanetto imponer su juego en el segundo set. En el tie break definitivo del tercer set, 3-1 a favor del jugador burgalés, para luego realizar cinco puntos consecutivos el italiano (6-3) que le han dado tres pelotas de partido. A partir de ahí reacción fulminante de Nicolás que ha conseguido cinco puntos consecutivos para terminar ganando al tie-break por 8-6, y así ganar el partido y alzarse con el título de campeón.

Partido tremendamente emocionante que ha logrado sacar adelante el jugador burgalés merced a su fortísima actitud mental en los momentos decisivos, dónde cualquier mínimo error hubiera dado la victoria al jugador italiano, el cual atesora un juego enormemente versátil y vistoso.

Reseñar asimismo el triunfo de la jugadora de Castilla y León, la abulense PAULA ARIAS, que gana este Master Europeo por segundo año consecutivo…

30/10/11

A new sculpture dedicated to Smrikva Bowl...

Over the last few weeks several people helped me to realize a new sculpture dedicated to the Smrikva Bowl… :)

As you can see on the picture above it is a combination of various elements… stones… 19th century style steel… Smrikva Bowl sign… and the Wilson Jumbo rackets…

I recall when I was a kid I used to remember things like that… and the idea to put JUMBO rackets was driven by the idea of stimulating children’s imagination…

I do hope that also adults will like it ;)

29/10/11

Donna Vekic, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 player, reached her second finals of USD 25000 ITF tournament played in Lagos (Nigeria)

Donna Vekic, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 player, from Croatia, currently ranked #638 on WTA list played after only a week in anotherfinals of USD 25.000 ITF worth tournament played in Lagos in Nigeria.

Donna’s road towards the finals of her second Lagos 2011 USD 25.000 worth tournament was the following:

1st round: Donna Vekic – Biola AKEWULA (Ngr) 6:0, 6:0
2nd round: Donna Vekic – Nina BRATCHIKOVA (Rus) 6:2, 4:1 ret.
Quarterfinals: Donna Vekic – Melanie KLAFFNER (Aut) 5:7,6:0,6:3 Semifinals: Donna Vekic – Dalila JAKUPOVIC (Slo) 6:3, 2:6, 7:6
Finals: Donna Vekic – Tamaryn HENDLER (Bel) 4:6, 5:7

...while the ranking of the players played with Donna Vekic in Nigeria on the WTA list is the following:

Biola AKEWULA (Ngr) – # not ranked on WTA list
Nina BRATCHIKOVA (Rus) – # 134 WTA list
Melanie KLAFFNER (Aut) – # 305 WTA list
Dalila JAKUPOVIC (Slo) – # 350 WTA list
Tamaryn HENDLER (Bel) – # 224 WTA list

What is impressive in results from this second Nigerian tournament for Donna Vekic to me is that although she was born in 1996, and has only 15 years, in two weeks time was able to defeat twice Nina Bratchikova from Russia currently ranked #134 on WTA list… and also the victory over Melanie Klaffner from Austria and Dalila Jakupovic that are both TOP 350 WTA players is another impressive element that shows current Donna’s preparation.

Congratulations Donna!

24/10/11

Javier Marti, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, won the USD 25000 worth tournament played in Dubrovnik, while Donna Vekic, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 player, reached the finals of USD 25000 ITF tounrnament played in Lagos (Nigeria)

Javier Marti, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Spain, currently ranked #197 on ATP list, won yesterday the ITF USD 25.000 worth Future played in Dubrovnik (Croatia).

Javier’s road towards the victory in Dubrovnik 2011 was the following:

1st round: Javier Marti – Josip MESIN (Cro) 6:4, 6:0
2nd round: Javier Marti – Jan KUNCIK (Cze) 6:2, 6:1
Quarterfinals: Javier Marti – Damir DZUMHUR (Bih) 6:2, 4:6, 6:3
Semifinals: Javier Marti – Olivier PATIENCE (Fra) 6:2, 6:7, 6:2
Finals: Javier Marti – Dusan LOJDA (Cze) 6:4, 6:2

...while the ranking of the defeated players till Javier Marti’s victory of the Futures played in Dubrovnik was the following:

Josip MESIN (Cro) – # 1100 ATP list
Jan KUNCIK (Cze) – # 1375 ATP list
Damir DZUMHUR (Bih) – # 458 ATP list
Olivier PATIENCE (Fra) – # 514 ATP list
Dusan LOJDA (Cze) – # 225 ATP list

Marin Draganja and Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 finalists, won the doubles in the same tournament!

Donna Vekic, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 player, from Croatia, currently ranked #638 on WTA list played the finals yesterday of the USD 25.000 ITF worth tournament played in Lagos in Nigeria.

Donna’s road towards the finals in Lagos 2011 was the following:

1st round: Donna Vekic – Melanie KLAFFNER (Aut) 6:4, 6:1
2nd round: Donna Vekic – Nidhi CHILUMULA (Ind) 6:0, 6:1
Quarterfinals: Donna Vekic – N. FOUROUCLAS (Rsa) 6:2, 6:1
Semifinals: Donna Vekic – Nina BRATCHIKOVA (Rus) 6:3, 6:2
Finals: Donna Vekic – Elina SVITOLINA (Ukr) 4:6, 3:6

...while the ranking of the players played by Donna Vekic in Nigeria on the WTA list is the following:

Melanie KLAFFNER (Aut) – # 305 WTA list
Nidhi CHILUMULA (Ind) – # 1211 WTA list
Natasha FOUROUCLAS (Rsa) – # 838 WTA list
Nina BRATCHIKOVA (Rus) – # 135 WTA list
Elina SVITOLINA (Ukr) – # 325 WTA list

Congratulations Javier and Donna!

23/10/11

Yshai Oliel, 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 semifinalist, won the under 12 Championship of Israel, while Omer Artsi, 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 player, ranked 3rd in the National Championship in the under 10 age group

I just received a message from Omer’s father that the Championship of Israel 2011 ended yesterday and Omer Artsi, who played this year Smrikva Bowl, reached the third place in the under 10 age group, while Yishai Oliel, who played last year Smrikva Bowl, won the under 12 age group.

Omer also played the finals in the doubles and on the picture below you can see Yishai on the left side and on the right side Omer. In the middle of the picture is their coach Jan.

Congratulations boys!

20/10/11

The Smrikve c Code story... is a story about virtue created by training and wish to learn...

Smrikve c Code was created a year ago in October as a new section among the Smrikva Bowl Tournament sections…

The birth of this article was inspired by both the Smrikva Bowl players ability to use rackets and The Star Wars knights to use lightsabers…

It is a kid’s story about virtue created by long hours spent in training and by wish to learn… every day a little piece of the puzzle…

Smrikve, October 2010

The Star Wars “Return of the Jedi” is the first film I remember seeing with my dad at the cinema… it was 1983 and I was 10… the cinema was named “Istra”… I was the same age as the Smrikva Bowl players we host every year in Smrikve :)…

In the introduction of this article I would just underline that I like the way Jedi use the lightsabers and I like the way Smrikva Bowl kids use their rackets :)… Smrikve c Code is a story about virtue created by training and wish to learn…

My dad was pilot and for me watching The Star Wars with him at the cinema was a particular experience … I had many questions and he, as usual, with smile and pleasure answered to each of my questions…

Dad used to take me with him on the airport when I was little… and I remember him entering the cockpit of the plane with pilot helmet watching towards me and giving me the sign that he was ready to fly… than he turned on the engine of the plane and watched towards me again with smile in his eyes…

I stayed about 100 meters from the airplane with his colleagues and watched him taking his plane towards runway…

From the place where I stayed only part of the runway was visible because of the wood and he took the plane in the area that was invisible to me to prepare for the takeoff… I was able to hear the force of the engine… and when the sound of the force started to increase I knew that my dad will be visible soon… his colleagues were telling me “be ready soon your dad will come”… and when he started to be visible on the back of the plane there was the fire… almost half length of the airplane had the fire extension formed by his engine and I just noticed his helmet in the cockpit and followed by my kids eyes his airplane reaching the sky…

The Jedi are characters in the Star Wars universe bound to a code of morality and justice and are trained in the use of the light side of the force. They learn to use the Force, and weapons, known as lightsabers, which emits a controlled energy flow in the shape of a sword, to serve and protect their Republic and the galaxy from conflicts or government instability…

Since long time ago I started to note the ability of Smrikva Bowl kids using the racket and thinking at the same time on Jedi’s ability to use the lightsaber :)…

Some of my students use Wilson’s ying & young damper… known as Tao sign… they like the symbol but are still too young to have an idea about it ;)… I will try to use this symbol to help me explain how little the difference could be in forming a balance in anything we do… every action has a reaction in our World… in the first classes of physics we learn Newton’s third law…

Tao is an abstract concept found in Taoism, Confucianism, and more generally in ancient Chinese philosophy and East Asian cultures.

While the word itself translates as “way”, “path”, or “route”… it is often used philosophically to signify the fundamental nature of the World we are used to living on Earth… it is often referred to as “the nameless”, because neither it nor its principles can ever be adequately expressed in words.

While the Tao cannot be expressed, Taoism holds that it can be known, and its principles can be followed. Much of Taoist writing focuses on the value of following the Tao – called Te (virtue) – and of the ultimate uselessness of trying to understand or control Tao outright. This is often expressed through yin and yang arguments, where every action creates a counter-action as a natural, unavoidable movement within manifestations of the Tao.

I used the above short explenation to introduce the Codes used in the Star Wars universe…

As in the Tao symbol there were knights trained to use the dark side of the force and the light side… this is the way how mankind functioned since the human written memory goes back…

For new ideas people have to go beyond… out of the known patterns by using their imagination… the kids are many times Master in this…

“Truly wonderful the mind of a child is.”… :)

DARK SIDE (The Sith Code)

• Peace is a lie. There is only passion.
• Through passion, I gain strength.
• Through strength, I gain power.
• Through power, I gain victory.
• Through victory, my chains are broken.
• The Force shall free me.

LIGHT SIDE (The Jedi Code)

• There is no emotion, there is peace.
• There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.
• There is no passion, there is serenity.
• There is no death, there is the Force.

The Jedi Code was rewritten by Grand Master Luke Skywalker upon reestablishing the Jedi Order:

• Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
• Jedi use their powers to defend and to protect.
• Jedi respect all life, in any form.
• Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy.
• Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.

Smrikve c code is the code…

I am pleased to close this article with Dire Straits and their Brothers in Arms song… starting with the sound of the thunder… The concert was made in 1988 to honour Nelson Mandela…

*BROTHERS IN ARMS *

These mist covered mountains
Are a home now for me
But my home is the lowlands
And always will be
Some day you’ll return to
Your valleys and your farms
And you’ll no longer burn
To be brothers in arms

Through these fields of destruction
Baptism of fire
I’ve whittnessed your suffering
As the battles raged higher
And though they did hurt me so bad
In the fear and alarm
You did not desert me
My brothers in arms

There’s so many different worlds
So many different suns
And we have just one world
But we live in different ones

Now the sun’s gone to hell
And the moon’s riding high
Let me bid you farewell
Every man has to die
But it’s written in the starlight
And every line on your palm
We’re fools to make war
On our brothers in arms

Miodrag Bozovic

14/10/11

SMRIKVE LOUNGE... the story of tennis and culture continues... :)

On 8th of August 2011, two months ago, we started to create a new place in Smrikve that will be called SMRIKVE LOUNGE…

The idea of this project dates back into year 2000 and had to change over time because of external factors but its basic idea never changed…

It is envisaged as a place where the culture and tennis will find the way to merge…

It is envisaged as a place where some of the Smrikva Bowl seeds spread in 53 countries may decide to return :)… for relax, battery re-charge and to prepare for new challanges…

Since 1996 Smrikva Bowl main court has hosted talents from all the continents… and I hope Smrikve Lounge will be the place able to attract different TOP ATP and WTA players… in reality the grown Smrikva kids :)… it is a dream that started to realize…

Two weeks ago Petra Martic (born in 1991) reached her best career ranking #47 on WTA list… Javier Marti (born in 1992)… reached his best career ranking last week #193 on ATP list… and many little stars are just forming and in less than few years may start to shine…

If you visit the SMRIKVE LOUNGE website I hope the sound of the music and the pictures will give you an idea of the place :)

On the picture below you can see how SMRIKVE LOUNGE looks today…

Antoine de Saint Exupery, the Little Prince book author, left several interesting thoughts during his living and one of them that I am pleased to recall today is… „If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.” ;)

13/10/11

Top Smrikva Bowl and "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl players on ATP, WTA, ITF, USTA and European under 14 and 16 ranking lists (update October 2011)

Former top Smrikva Bowl players that reached certain results on the professional ranking list are mentioned below and the top Smrikva Bowl players that are still competing…

IN 1996 SMRIKVA BOWL GATHERED TOP PLAYERS FROM ISTRIA AND KVARNER (1st Smrikva Bowl)

BOYS
Vilim Visak, 1st Smrikva Bowl 1996 winner, from Croatia. Vilim’s best ranking was #612 in March 2006.

IN 1997 SMRIKVA BOWL GATHERED TOP PLAYERS FROM CROATIA (1997 – 2nd Smrikva Bowl)

GIRLS
Ivana Lisjak, 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #335 on WTA list. Ivana’s best ranking was #95 on WTA list in June 2006.

IN 1998 SMRIKVA BOWL STARTED TO BE INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT (3rd Smrikva Bowl)

1999 – 4th Smrikva Bowl

GIRLS
Astrid Besser, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 winner, from Italy, her best ranking was #356 on WTA list in March 2009.

2000 – 5th Smrikva Bowl

GIRLS
Tereza MRDEZA, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Croatia, is currently ranked #341 on WTA list and her best ranking was #279 on WTA list in February 2010.

2001 – 6th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #1276 on ATP ranking list.
Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked *#333 on ATP ranking list*.

GIRLS
Petra MARTIC, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #52 on WTA list. Petra’s best raning was #47 on WTA list in September 2011.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #525 on WTA list.

IN 2002 SMRIKVA BOWL STARTED TO BE A EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

2002 – 7th Smrikva Bowl and 1st”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Javier MARTI, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Spain, is currently ranked #188 on ATP list. Javier’s best raning is his current ranking #188 on WTA list as of October 2011.
Giacomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, was ranked #1033 on ATP list in May 2009.

GIRLS
Martina Caregaro, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Italy, is ranked #542 on WTA ranking list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #151 on WTA list.
Ema BURGIC, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #947 on WTA list.

2003 – 8th Smrikva Bowl and 2nd”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Dominic THIEM, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Austria, is ranked #1885 on ATP ranking list. Junior ROLAND GARROS 2011 finalist.
George MORGAN, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #745 on ATP ranking list. Junior US OPEN 2011 semifinalist.
Ciprian PORUMB, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia, was ranked #195 on ITF ranking list in March 2010.

GIRLS
Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, was ranked #1223 on WTA list.
Silvia NJIRIC, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #531 on WTA list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Croatia, is ranked #151 on WTA list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Emmett EGGER, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #108 on ITF ranking list.

2004 – 9th Smrikva Bowl and 3rd”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Ivan Levar, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #683 on ITF ranking list.
Miki JANKOVIC, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #55 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #875 on ATP ranking list.

GIRLS
Saska GAVRILOVSKA, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #803 on WTA ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Mitchel POLNET, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #308 on ITF ranking list.

Blair SHANKLE, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #153 on ITF ranking list.
Anna MAMALAT, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #565 on ITF ranking list.

IN 2005 SMRIKVA BOWL GATHERED TOP PLAYERS FROM 3 CONTINENTS

2005 – 10th Smrikva Bowl and 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Matteo DONATI, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Italy, is ranked #158 on ITF ranking list.
Laslo DJERE, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #125 on ITF ranking list.
Gianluigi QUINZI, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #60 on ITF ranking list.
Nikola MILOJEVIC, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 Consolation tournament winner, from Serbia, is ranked #17 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Saska GAVRILOVSKA, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #803 on WTA ranking list.
Olga IANCHUK, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #735 on WTA list.
Irina Maria BARA, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 player, from Romania, is ranked #94 on ITF ranking list.
Donna VEKIC, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 player, from Croatia, is ranked #656 on WTA list*and is ranked #*26 on ITF ranking list.

Dorothy Tang, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is not ranked on ITF ranking list.

2006 – 11th Smrikva Bowl and 5th”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Gianluigi QUINZI, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Italy, is ranked #60 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Eleanor DEAN, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #121 on ITF ranking list and #828 on WTA ranking list.

Christina MAKAROVA, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #46 on ITF ranking list.
Gabriella Umoquit, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is still not ranked on ITF ranking list.

2007 – 12th Smrikva Bowl and 6th”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

“Little Mo” TEAM
Eduardo NAVA, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #15 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Tommy PAUL, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #6 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Ndindi NDUNDA, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #8 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Domonique Garley, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #116 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

IN 2008 SMRIKVA BOWL GATHERED TOP PLAYERS FROM 5 CONTINENTS AND TURNED INTO A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

2008 – 13th Smrikva Bowl and 7th”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Luka PANIC, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner, from Switzerland, is ranked #463 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Mihnea TURCU, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up, from Romania, is ranked #409 in Europe in under 14 european ranking list.
Grega KOKALJ, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Slovenia, is ranked *#327 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Andrea Guerrieri, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Italy, is ranked #690 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

GIRLS
Katarina JOKIC, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked *#24 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*. Under 12 EDDIE HERR INTERNATIONAL 2010 winner.
Maia LUMSDEN, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up, from Scotland, is ranked #51 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Viktoria KUZMOVA, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Slovakia, is ranked #21 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Estela Perez Somarriba, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Spain, is ranked #806 on under 14 european ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Justin LEE, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #128 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
William BLUMBERG, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#127 in the USA in under 14 cathegory*.

IN 2009 SMRIKVA BOWL HAD 6 NEW COUNTRIES AND 1 NEW CONTINENT THUS REACHED THE TOTAL OF 40 COUNTRIES AND 6 CONTINENTS THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE TOURNAMENT SINCE ITS FOUNDATION

2009 – 14th Smrikva Bowl and 8th”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

Michaela GORDON, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #5 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Ashley LAHEY, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#47 in the USA in under 12 cathegory*.

IN 2010 SMRIKVA BOWL HAD 9 NEW COUNTRIES AND REACHED THE TOTAL OF 49 COUNTRIES THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE TOURNAMENT SINCE ITS FOUNDATION

2010 – 15th Smrikva Bowl and 9th”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl

“Little Mo” TEAM
Max Motlagh, played 9th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #199 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Claire LIU, played 9th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #9 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Alexa Butera, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#99 in the USA in under 12 cathegory*.

IN 2011 SMRIKVA BOWL HAD 4 NEW COUNTRIES AND REACHED THE TOTAL OF 53 COUNTRIES THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE TOURNAMENT SINCE ITS FOUNDATION

2011 – 16th Smrikva Bowl

13/10/11

Top Smrikva Bowl players on Tennis Europe Junior Master: Ana Konjuh won the under 16 age group, Belinda Bencic won the under 14 age group while Bogdan Borza reached the semifinals of the under 14 age group...

There are three Smrikva Bowl players who reached outstanding results on the last Tennis Europe Junior Masters played in Reggio Calabria, Italy, a week ago:

Bogdan Borza, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, reached the semifinals of the under 14 age group…

Belinda Bencic, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 player, won the under 14 age group…

Ana Konjuh, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, won the under 16 age group…

On the picture above you can see Ana Konjuh during her Smrikva Bowl when she was 10 years old. Ana is in the middle of the picture.

For those who have interest to read more I am pleased to share parts of the article published on tenniseurope.org

Tennis Europe Junior Masters

10 October 2011

“The Tennis Europe Junior Tour’s elite players brought the season to an end in style at the Junior Masters recently. The event, which was staged on clay courts in Reggio Calabria, Italy, from 7 – 9 October, is open to the top 6-ranked European players according to the final Race to the Masters rankings, as well as the European Junior Champions and finalists.

Alexander Zverev of Germany scored arguably the most impressive win of the weekend to take the Boys 14 & Under title, his third tournament win of the season. To do so, he ended top seed Bogdan Borza ’s hopes of becoming the first player ever to win the European Championships in singles, doubles, as part of a team and the Tennis Europe Junior Masters in the same season. The 6-4 6-4 semi final win was all the more impressive as Borza had won their only previous meeting this year – in the semi finals of the European Championships in Pilzen – for the loss of just four games.

Zverev’s opponent in the final was Borza’s Romanian Summer Cups team-mate Nicolae Frunza, who had caused his own upset to beat Russia’s Andrey Rublev in his semifinal. Despite a tough battle in the second set, Zverev held on for a 6-3 7-6(3) win that meant he would go down in history as the first German player ever to win a Masters title.

The 14 & Under girls’ event saw Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic claim an incredible 15th Tennis Europe Junior Tour title, brushing to a 6-3 6-1 win over Anastasiya Rychagova of Russia. Rychagova had earlier ended the hopes of top seed Iryna Shymanovic (BLR) in the match of the tournament, a thrilling 6-0 2-6 7-6(7) semi final.

It has been an interesting season for Bencic, who in addition to her runner-up spot at the European Junior Championships, has also won her first matches on the professional circuit and reached a final on the ITF 18 & Under circuit.

...

The 16 & Under girls’ event saw Ana Konjuh take another step up. Ranked as the #1 14 & under player since becoming the first Croatian girl to win the European Junior Championships in July, she opted to play the higher age category at the Masters and became the first Croatian girl to win the Masters title since Jelena Pandzic won the first edition in 1996.

In the semi finals, she levelled her head-to-head record with Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) at two wins apiece, coming from a set down to win 2-6 6-2 6-1. Her final victory over top seed Ioana Rosca of Romania was more straightforward, winning 6-3 6-2 to complete the last of the finals just before the arrival of heavy rains that forced the cancellation of several play-off matches.

Former champions of the Junior Masters include Rafael Nadal and Kim Clijsters...”

In the video below you can see several former Smrikva Bowl players and also few pictures of Ana Konjuh taken this year on European under 14 age group Championship played in Pilzen…

08/10/11

Two new videos related to the 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 edition are available in our video library

Yesterday two new videos related to the 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 edition were added to our video library…

The first video was registred and broadcasted live on June 28th, 2011 in “Zapadna Strana” TV show… “Zapadna Strana” is a documentary program run by a young journalist Mr. Leonard Poropat. The program is periodically broadcasted on Pula’s local TV – TV Nova… and in summer time is broadcasted from a terrace that overview the town.

The interview was focused on 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 edition and Smrikve… and is in Croatian language.

The second one I received from Olga Danilovic’s mother that was broadcasted on RTS. Olga Danilovic is from Belgrade and she was the winner in the girls Main Draw of the 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 edition.