News

07/03/11

Ana Konjuh, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, and Borna Coric, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2010 player, won the Croatian Indoors under 18 National Championship

Ana Konjuh – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up – just won the Croatian Indoors under 18 National Championship played last week at the National Tennis Center in Zagreb.

Less than two months ago Ana crowned herself as Croatian under 14 Indoors Champion and now she won the under 18 Championship.

Ana is currently the most talented player in her age group in Croatia and among the most talented European players; she is currently ranked #9 in Europe in under 14 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.

Ana Konjuh’s road towards the victory was the following:

1st round: Ana Konjuh – Jana Fett 6:2, 6:1
2nd round: Ana Konjuh – Ivona Erceg 6:2, 6:1
Quarterfinals: Ana Konjuh – Tena Lukas 6:1, 6:1
Semifinals: Ana Konjuh – Anja Cosovic 6:2, 3:6, 6:1
Finals: Ana Konjuh – Marijana Vlahinic 6:3, 6:1

On Ana’s road towards the victory I recognized also Anja Cosovic and Jana Fett who also played Smrikva Bowl in different years!

In the boys draw the winner was Borna Coric one of the most talented players in his age group in the World. He is just one year older than Ana and his road towards the victory was the following:

1st round: Borna Coric – Matej Svjetlicic 6:3, 6:1
2nd round: Borna Coric – Ivan Divkovic 7:6, 6:4
Quarterfinals: Borna Coric – Jan Dupor 6:1, 6:4
Semifinals: Borna Coric – Ivan Lovric 3:6, 7:6, 6:3
Finals: Borna Coric – Franko Miocic 6:4, 6:0

On Borna’s road towards the victory I recognized Ivan Divkovic, Jan Dupor and Franko Miocic who played Smrikva Bowl in various years.

It is always a pleasure for me to see so many Smrikva Bowl players continuing to be in tennis many years after their Smrikva Bowl.

Congratulations!

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.

28/02/11

Unforgettable South Istria - a gift for all the past Smrikva Bowl players that enjoyed their experience in Pula :)

I am pleased to share with our community a nice video of southern Istria made by Smrikva Bowl friends Ozren and Lorense from Matica Adriatica.

I enjoyed it and I hope you will enjoy it too.

18/02/11

Petra Martic, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, reached the semifinals of XIX Copa BBVA Colsanitas 2011 in Bogota - Colombia (USD 220.000)

Petra Martic, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, is the best ranked former Smrikva Bowl player on WTA – #119 on WTA list.

This week she played great tennis in Bogota’ – Colombia and Petra reached the semifinals of USD 220.000 worth tournament played there. She did not play that match because of health problems thus we do not know if she could have played the finals or eventually won this tournament.

In the second round Petra Martic defeated Polona Hercog from Slovenia the 2nd seed player of the tournament ranked #49 WTA.

Petra Martic road towards her semifinals of XIX Copa BBVA Colsanitas 2011 in Bogota was the following:

1st round: Petra Martic – Zuzana ONDRASKOVA (CZE) 7:5, 6:1
2nd round: Petra Martic – Polona HERCOG (SVN) 6:2, 6:3
Quarterfinals: Petra Martic – Laura POUS TIO (ESP) 7:6, 6:3
Semifinals: P.*Martic*- Lourdes DOMINGUEZ LINO (ESP) w.o.

The ranking of the players that Petra played is the following:

Zuzana ONDRASKOVA (CZE) – # 81 WTA list
Agnieszka Radwanska (Pol) – # 49 WTA list
Laura POUS TIO (ESP) – # 92 WTA list
Lourdes DOMINGUEZ LINO (ESP) – # 77 WTA list

Below is the video registred this year at the Australian Open where Petra qualified into the Main Draw and lost in the second round to #14 WTA player of the World at the time – Radwanska.

Congratulations Petra!

16/02/11

Bogdan Borza, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, reached the finals on 29th edition of Le Mondial des Petits AS 2011 - unofficial under 14 World Championship

Les Petits As is unofficial under 14 World Championship traditionally played in Tarbes in France. 29th edition of Le Mondial des Petits AS 2011 was completed at the end of the last January.

There were several Smrikva Bowl players in Tarbes that I recognited in the Draws and the best ranked was Bogdan Borza followed by Belinda Bencic.

Bogdan Borza, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Romania, reached the finals of this year edition, while Belinda Bencic, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 player, from Switzerland, reached the semifinals.

Their detailed results and the results of other top Smrikva Bowl players are the following:

BOYS:

Bogdan Borza (Rom) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up
1st round: Bogdan Borza – Alexandre MULLER (Fra) 6:3, 7:5
2nd round: Bogdan Borza – Nathan SEATEUN (Fra) 6:4, 6:0
3rd round: B. Borza – Mandresy RAKOTOMALALA (Fra) 7:6, 6:4
Quarterfinals: Bogdan Borza – Stefan KOZLOV (Usa) 6:1, 3:6, 7:6
Semifinals: Bogdan Borza – Francis TIAFOE (Usa) 6:2, 6:4
Finals: Bogdan Borza – Henrik WIERSHOLM (Usa) 2:6,7:5,3:6

Sacha Merzetti (Usa) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner
1st round: Sacha Merzetti – Lucvas TAYLOR (Uk) 6:2, 2:6, 6:4
2nd round: Sacha Merzetti – David VOLFSON (Can) 7:5, 7:5
3rd round: Sacha Merzetti – Edoardo NAVA (USA) 6:3, 6:2
Quarterfinals: Sacha Merzetti-Alexander ZVEREV (Ger) 2:6, 3:6

Edoardo Nava (Usa) – 6th “Little Mo”/ Smrikva Bowl 2007
1st round: Edoardo Nava – Evgeny TYURNEV (Rus) 6:4, 6:3
2nd round: Edoardo Nava – Vitaliy SACHKO (Ukr) 6:1, 7:6
3rd round: Edoardo Nava – Sacha MERZETTI (Ita) 3:6, 2:6

Gonzalo Morrell (Esp) – 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007
1st round: Gonzalo Morrell – Nathan SEATEUN (Fra) 3:6, 1:6

Sergiu Bucur (Rom) – 4th on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007
1st round: Sergiu Bucur – Kenneth RAISMA (Est) 2:6, 6:7

GIRLS:

Belinda Bencic (Sui)- 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 player
1st round: Belinda Bencic – Camille SIREIX (Fra) 6:1, 6:0
2nd round: Belinda Bencic – Dessislava ZLATEVA (Bul) 6:1, 6:1
3rd round: Belinda Bencic – Naiktha BAINS (Aus) 6:3, 6:1
Quarterfinals: B.Bencic – Anastasiya RYCHAGOVA (Rus) 6:0, 6:4
Semifinals: Belinda Bencic-Jelena OSTAPENKO (Aut) 1:6, 4:6

Nina Potocnik (Slo)- 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007
1st round: Nina Potocnik – Darta EMULINA (Aut) 6:4, 6:2
2nd round: Nina Potocnik – Helen PLOSKINA (Ukr) 6:3, 6:1
3rd round: Nina Potocnik – Vendula ZOVINCOVA (Cze) 4:6, 3:6

Ana Konjuh (Cro)- 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up
1st round: Ana Konjuh – Maia LUMSDEN (Uk) 6:0, 6:1
2nd round: Ana Konjuh – Raluca CIUFRILA (Rom) 6:2, 6:2
3rd round: Ana Konjuh – Anastasiya KOMARDINA (Rus) 3:6, 4:6

Ivana Jorovic (Srb)- 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 player
1st round: Ivana Jorovic – Paula BADOSA (Esp) 6:3, 6:1
2nd round: Ivana Jorovic – Katharina HOBGARSKI (Ger) 6:2, 6:1
3rd round: I. Jorovic – Veronika KUDERMETOVA (Rus) 4:6,2:6

Katarina Jokic (BiH)- 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner
1st round: Katarina Jokic – Yulia BRYZGALOVA (Rus) 7:6, 4:6, 4:6

Maia Lumsden (Uk)- 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up
1st round: Maia Lumsden – Ana KONJUH (Cro) 0:6, 1:6

Viktoria Kuzmova (Svk)- 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008
1st round: Viktoria Kuzmova- Raluca CIUFRILA (Rom) 3:6,6:2,6:7

Bianka Bekefi (Hun)- 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 player
1st round: Bianka Bekefi – Katharina HOBGARSKI (Ger) 1:6, 1:6

Silvia Chinellato (Ita)- 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 player
1st round: S.Chinellato- Kristina SCHMIEDLOVA (Svk) 2:6,6:4,3:6

On the pictures below you can see on the right side holding the trophy Sacha Merzetti and Bogdan Borza is sitting below him. Also Eduardo Nava and Ana Konjuh are on the picture This picture was taken before 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2007 was played.

Let me give you some insights about my memories on Bogdan Borza and Sacha Merzetti during their Smrikva Bowl of 2007…

Bogdan Alexandru Borza is currently 14 years old player and for sure is among the most talented rising Romanian junior tennis players.

In 2007 the Smrika Bowl final was played between Bogdan Borza and Sacha Merzetti. That final was among the most beautiful finals in the Smrikva Bowl history.

It was like the final between Nadal and Nadal :). They both have as example the tennis star Rafael Nadal and they both behaved before the match in a very similar manner Rafael Nadal does.

Bogdan Borza and Sacha Merzetti both at the time had an increadible energy, determination and good technique. It was very funny when one mum wanted to compliment with Bogdan and she said to him that he looks like Roger Federer and she said that because really Bogdan had a similar dress, body and also the game style was similar to Federer’s one, but Bogdan answered to that compliment:”No, I am like Nadal”.

This was very funny to me :). On the other side, the other finalist, Sacha Merzetti, had the dress similar to Nadal’s one. In end they both wanted to be like Nadal :).

Bogdan’s father speaks very well Italian so we had the opportunity to speak several times and I was really surprised when he told me that Bogdan trained by his own playing with older players in his town.

This was increadible for me for the clean tecnique and such a good game that Bogdan has reached at the time. I am even more pleased to read that he is progressing well.

The same words of compliments goes to Sacha Merzetti and Eduardo Nava, and in the girls draw each of the mention name above is a name to remember and I am sure many girls will return there next year such as Katarina Jokic and Maia Lumsden!

Congratulations Smrikva boys and girls!

14/02/11

Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction

Smrikva Bowl mission is to develop and spread cosmopolitan values. Love, friendship and empathy are cosmopolitan values per excellence…

Smrikve, April 2009

FEW WORDS ABOUT L…

The strongest force among human beings is named “Love”. Love can be very powerfull but can also be very painfull force.

THE LITTLE PRINCE…by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry… is a very special book that every person at different age read differently.

It is a book that last over time and was likely the last love gift Antoine de Saint-Exupéry made to his wife Consuelo de Saint-Exupéry.

Over time this book was translated in many different languages thus become a love gift for many generations around the world.

It is a children’s book writen for the olders… I like many parts of it… especially the description that Antoine make of the adult people… the description of the moment when the rose was born… the importance of the right orders on the King’s planet… “you never know” statement… the meeting with the wise fox… the smiling stars and many other parts…

Only best friends, when they trust each other, do share their deep knowledge… and once The Little Prince and the fox created such a special relationship the fox shared a secret with him…

“Goodbye, said the fox. And now here is my secret, a very simple secret. It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.”

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry beleived that: Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.… “Ljubav ne zahtjeva da dvoje ljudi gledaju jedno u drugo, već da zajedno gledaju u istom pravcu”.

Miodrag Bozovic

13/02/11

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

Only 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 the junior tennis.

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 #251 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 #763 on WTA list. Tereza’s 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 #1145 on ATP ranking list.
Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #687 on ATP ranking list.

GIRLS
Petra MARTIC, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #110 on WTA list. Petra’s best raning was #63 on WTA list in April 2010.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #718 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 #308 on ATP list.
Giacomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, was ranked #1760 on ATP list in May 2009.

GIRLS
Martina Caregaro, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Italy, is ranked #384 on WTA ranking list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #179 on WTA list.
Ema BURGIC, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #711 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 #919 on ATP ranking list and is ranked #2 on ITF ranking list. Under 18 EDDIE HERR INTERNATIONAL 2010 winner.
George MORGAN, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #946 on ATP ranking list and is ranked #6 on ITF ranking list. Under 18 DUNLOP ORANGE BOWL 2010 winner.
Ciprian PORUMB, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia, is ranked #361 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, was ranked #1111 on WTA list.
Silvia NJIRIC, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #593 on WTA list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Croatia, is ranked #179 on WTA list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Emmett EGGER, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #77 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 #1013 on ITF ranking list.
Miki JANKOVIC, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #64 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Saska GAVRILOVSKA, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #72 on ITF ranking list.
Ecaterina Oproiu, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Romenia, is ranked #1750 on ITF ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Mitchel POLNET, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #215 on ITF ranking list.

Blair SHANKLE, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #225 on ITF ranking list.
Anna MAMALAT, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #421 on WTA 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 #213 on ITF ranking list.
Laslo DJERE, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #353 on ITF ranking list.
Gianluigi QUINZI, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #252 on ITF ranking list.
Nikola MILOJEVIC, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 Consolation tournament winner, from Serbia, is ranked #21 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Saska GAVRILOVSKA, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #72 on ITF ranking list.
Olga IANCHUK, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #919 on WTA list.
Irina Maria BARA, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 player, from Romania, is ranked #357 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 #252 on ITF ranking list and #2 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
Filip Kraljevic, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #395 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

GIRLS
Eleanor DEAN, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #171 on ITF ranking list.
Dina PAOCIC, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #563 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Daniel Maese, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #240 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Aries Wong, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #29 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Christina MAKAROVA, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #35 on ITF ranking list.
Gabriella Umoquit, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #44 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

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

BOYS
Sacha MERZETTI, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner, from Italy, is ranked #19 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Bogdan BORZA, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Romania, is ranked #2 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gonzalo MORELL, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Spain, is ranked #56 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Sergiu BUCUR, ranked 4th on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Romania, is ranked #11 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.

GIRLS
Ana KONJUH, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #8 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Nina POTOCNIK, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Slovenia, is ranked #18 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Eduardo NAVA, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #10 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Tommy PAUL, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #27 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 #266 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 #281 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Mihnea Turcu, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up, from Romania, is still not ranked on under 14 european ranking list.
Grega KOKALJ, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Slovenia, is ranked *#70 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Andrea Guerrieri, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Italy, is ranked #466 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

GIRLS
Katarina JOKIC, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked *#56 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 #33 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*. OPEN SUPER 12 AURAY 2010 winner.
Viktoria KUZMOVA, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Slovakia, is ranked #38 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Estela Perez Somarriba, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Spain, is still not ranked on under 14 european ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Justin LEE, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #1067 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
William BLUMBERG, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#1310 in the USA in under 12 cathegory*.

Ingrid NEEL, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #63 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Paulina Ferrari, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #996 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, 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 #2 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Alex Gee, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #79 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Michaela GORDON, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #46 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Ashley LAHEY, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#84 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 currently not ranked in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Claire LIU, played 9th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #31 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Alexa Butera, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#292 in the USA in under 12 cathegory*.

03/02/11

Karlo Divkovic and Lea Boskovic, both 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 players, won the Croatian Indoors under 12 National Championship

Karlo Divkovic and Lea Boskovic, both 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 players, won the Croatian Indoors under 12 National Championship played last week at the National Tennis Center in Zagreb.

This spring the Croatian Tennis Academy had a training week with Tonejc and his staff in Rovinj and I had the opportunity to see Karlo training in that group and he was training with Smrikva Bowl t-shirt that I enjoyed seeing :)... I was glad to learn about his victory as I was glad to read a week ago about his brother Ivan Divkovic victory in under 16 age group.

I was pleased to read that many other Smrikva Bowl players did well!

Karlo Divkovic’s road towards the victory was the following:

1st round: Karlo Divkovic – Luka Buncic 6:1, 6:1
2nd round: Karlo Divkovic – Filip Matic 6:0, 6:0
Quarterfinals: Karlo Divkovic – Andrej Omeragic 6:2, 6:2
Semifinals: Karlo Divkovic – Renzo Paro 6:4, 6:7, 6:4
Finals: Karlo Divkovic – Karlo Suevich 6:3, 6:3

The other Smrikva Bowl players recognized in the Boys Main Draw who reached more than quarterfinals are the following: Karlo Suevich (finals), Renzo Paro (semifinals), Borna Cilic Kraljevic (semifinals), Roko Savin (quarterfinals), Andrej Omeragic (quarterfinals), Vito Tonejc (quarterfinals).

Lea Boskovic’s road towards the victory was the following:

1st round: Lea Boskovic – Dora Ovnicevic 6:1, 6:0
2nd round: Lea Boskovic – Iva Zelic 6:1, 6:0
Quarterfinals: Lea Boskovic – Petra Pupic 6:0, 6:1
Semifinals: Lea Boskovic – Petra Robic 6:1, 6:0
Finals: Lea Boskovic – Ana Biskic 2:6, 6:4, 6:0

The other Smrikva Bowl players recognized in the Girls Main Draw who reached more than quarterfinals are the following: Ana Biskic (finals), Neli Sunjic (semifinals), Martina Bokulic (quarterfinals), Petra Pupic (quarterfinals).

Congratulations!

31/01/11

Novak Djokovic - Australian Open Champion - donated last year signed Sergio Tacchini t-shirts and caps to the 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 finalists thanks to Zdravec - Golden Honorary Smrikva Bowl Member... Congratulations NOLE for your 2nd Grand Slam Title

Zdravec is a Golden Honorary Smrikva Bowl Member and for several years has been supporting Smrikva Bowl and spreading the word of Smrikva among his friends in tennis world.

Last year Nole started to play with Sergio Tacchini and this famous Italian brand, with whom several tennis legends used to play, is also Smrikva Bowl sportswear friend. With Australian Open victory I am sure that that Smrikva Bowl finalist might even more appreciate this Nole and Zdravec gift :)...

Novak Djokovic is today one of the best tennis players in the World and his funs are spread all over the World.

My wish is that the signed t-shirts and caps may inspire last year Smrikva Bowl finalist to do better and better in tennis...

I like Nole both as player and person and after yesterday victory I recalled words my friend Luca Appino shared with me after he defeated in Canada in August 2007: Andy Roddick (#3 player at the time), Rafael Nadal (#2 player at the time) and Roger Federer (#1 player at the time)... that Nole might be a future # 1…

Nobody knows the future but Novak’s game is further improving… and who knows…

I am glad for Nole, for our finalist Nicolas Kuhn and Karlo Suevich that their t-shirt is more special with Nole’s yesterday victory and I am also glad for Sergio Tacchini…

Sergio Tacchini always endorsed the greatest tennis champions such as: John Mc Enroe, Jimmy Connors, Martina Navratilova, Gabriela Sabatini, Mats Wilander, Pat Cash, Pete Sampras, Vitas Gerulaitis, Adriano Panata, Martina Higins, Goran Ivanisevic and the only wish is that Novak Djokovic might continue to trace the path of the past tennis legends and add his star to the above legends that donated a lot emotions to their funs around the world.

23/01/11

George Morgan, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, reached the semifinals of the Junior Australian Open

The Junior Australian Open Grand Slam had several Smrikva Bowl players competing in it.

George Morgan and Christina Makarova reached the best results among former Smrikva Bowl players.

George Morgan, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from UK, reached the semifinals while Christina Makarova from the US reached the quarterfinals.

Detailed results of all the Smrikva Bowl players are the following:

BOYS:

George Morgan (Uk) – 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up
1st round: George Morgan – Thiago Moura Monteiro (Bra) 7:6,6:4
2nd round: George Morgan – Jae Hwan Kim (Kor) 7:5, 6:4
3rd round: George Morgan – Mate Delic (Cro) 6:4, 6:7, 10:8
Quarterfinals: George Morgan -Jeson Patrombon (Phi) 5:7,6:2,6:3
Semifinals: George Morgan – Jiri Vesely (Cze) 3:6, 4:6

Nikola Milojevic (Srb) – 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 Cons. winner
1st round: Nikola Milojevic – Chieh-Fu Wang (Tpe) 6:2, 3:6, 6:1
2nd round: Nikola Milojevic – Joey Swaysland (Aus) 6:2, 7:6
3rd round: Nikola Milojevic – Luke Saville (Aus) 6:4, 3:6, 6:8

Dominic Thiem (Aut) – 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner
1st round: Dominic Thiem – Dennis Novikov (Usa) 4:6, 6:4, 6:3
2nd round: Dominic Thiem – Luke Saville (Aus) 5:7, 4:6

Miki Jankovic (Srb) – 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up
1st round: M.Jankovic – W. Trongcharoenchaikul (Tha) 6:0, 6:1
2nd round: Miki Jankovic – Jeson Patrombon (Phi) 6:7, 6:3, 3:6

Nik Razborsek (Slo) – 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 player
1st round: Nik Razborsek – Dennis Novak (Aut) 6:4, 6:7, 2:6

Robin Kern (Ger) – 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 player
1st round: Robin Kern- Andres Artunedo Martinavarr (Esp) 5:7,3:6

GIRLS:

Christina Makarova (Usa)-”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2006 player
1st round: Christina Makarova-Ganna Poznikhirenko (Ukr) 6:2,6:1
2nd round: Christina Makarova – So-Ra Lee (Kor) 3:6, 6:1, 9:7
3rd round: Christina Makarova – Tsuji Kanami (Jpn) 7:5, 6:4
Quarterfinals: Christina Makarova – Monica Puig (Pur) 5:7,2:6

Jennifer Ren (Uk) – 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner
1st round: Jennifer Ren – Kassandra Dunser (Aus) 6:4, 6:3
2nd round: Jennifer Ren – Tsuji Kanami (Jpn) 2:6, 7:6, 3:6

20/01/11

Ivan Divkovic - 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 player - won the Croatian Indoors under 16 National Championship

Ivan Divkovic – 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 player – just won the Croatian Indoors under 16 National Championship played last week at the National Tennis Center in Zagreb.

This spring the Croatian Academy had a training week in Rovinj and I had the opportunity to see him training together with Zvonimir Babic and some other top under 16 Croatian players. I was glad to learn about his victory.

In the finals he defeated Zgombic that played 3 set match with Zvone Babic in the second round.

Ivan Divkovic’s road towards the victory was the following:

1st round: Ivan Divkovic – Mihaljević 6:2, 6:0
2nd round: Ivan Divkovic – Dražen Vuko 6:4, 6:4
Quarterfinals: Ivan Divkovic – Orlando Popović 6:1, 6:1
Semifinals: Ivan Divkovic – Branko Lončarević 6:3, 6:2
Finals: Ivan Divkovic – Fran Zvonimir Zgombić 6:7, 6:4, 6:3

The other Smrikva Bowl players recognized in the Main Draw who passed the first round are the following: Karlo Škvorc (quarterfinals), Robert Đula (quarterfinals), Zvonimir Babić (2nd round), Mladen Mitak (2nd round), Filip Kraljević (2nd round).

In the girls Main Draw Jana Fett, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 player, reached the finals while Margita Šunjić and Ana Konjuh reached the quarterfinals.

Congratulations!

18/01/11

Petra Martic, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, lost in the second round of Australian Open against Agnieszka Radwanska

Petra Martic, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, is the best ranked former Smrikva Bowl player on WTA – #140 on WTA list.

This week she played the Australian Open after qualifying to the Main Draw.

Petra Martic lost in the second round of the Australian Open against Agnieszka Radwanska from Poland currently ranked #14 on WTA list:

1st round: Petra Martic – Sophie Ferguson (Aus) 7:6, 0:6, 6:3
2nd round: Petra Martic – Agnieszka Radwanska (Pol) 3:6, 4:6

Petra Martic Qualification Draw was the following:

1st round: Petra Martic – Madison Brengle (USA) 6:3, 6:3
2nd round: Petra Martic – Ajla Tomljanovic (Cro) 6:4, 6:0
3rd round: Petra Martic – Nuria Llagostera Vives (Esp) 6:2, 6:2

The ranking of the players that Petra played in Australia is the following:

Qualification:
Madison Brengle (USA) – # 187 WTA list
Ajla Tomljanovic (Cro) – # 167 WTA list
Nuria Llagostera Vives (Esp) – # 126 WTA list

Main Draw:
Sophie Ferguson (Aus) – # 123 WTA list
Agnieszka Radwanska (Pol) – # 14 WTA list

On 19th of January 2011 Petra Martic celebrated her 20th birthday!

Happy Birthday Petra :)

17/01/11

Ana Konjuh - 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up - won the Croatian Indoors under 14 National Championship

Ana Konjuh – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up – just won the Croatian Indoors under 14 National Championship played last week at the National Tennis Center in Zagreb.

Ana is currently the most talented player in her age group in Croatia and among the most talented European players; she is currently ranked #7 in Europe in under 14 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.

Ana Konjuh’s road towards the victory was the following:

1st round: Ana Konjuh – Nika Bešker 6:0, 6:1
2nd round: Ana Konjuh – Petra Granić 6:1, 6:1
Quarterfinals: Ana Konjuh – Ivona Ćudina 6:3, 6:4
Semifinals: Ana Konjuh – Nina Alibalić 6:3, 6:0
Finals: Ana Konjuh – Marija Kelava 6:0, 6:3

Congratulations Ana!

11/01/11

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

Only 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 the junior tennis.

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 #240 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 #761 on WTA list. Tereza’s 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 #1132 on ATP ranking list.
Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #726 on ATP ranking list.

GIRLS
Petra MARTIC, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #140 on WTA list. Petra’s best raning was #63 on WTA list in April 2010.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #718 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 #336 on ATP list.
Giacomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, was ranked #1750 on ATP list in May 2009.

GIRLS
Martina Caregaro, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Italy, is ranked #385 on WTA ranking list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #168 on WTA list.
Ema BURGIC, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #712 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 #919 on ATP ranking list and is ranked #2 on ITF ranking list. Under 18 EDDIE HERR INTERNATIONAL 2010 winner.
George MORGAN, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #931 on ATP ranking list and is ranked #6 on ITF ranking list. Under 18 DUNLOP ORANGE BOWL 2010 winner.
Ciprian PORUMB, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia, is ranked #242 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, was ranked #1147 on WTA list.
Silvia NJIRIC, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #593 on WTA list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Croatia, is ranked #168 on WTA list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Emmett EGGER, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #117 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 #987 on ITF ranking list.
Miki JANKOVIC, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #55 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Saska GAVRILOVSKA, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #56 on ITF ranking list.
Ecaterina Oproiu, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Romenia, is ranked #1717 on ITF ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Mitchel POLNET, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #188 on ITF ranking list.

Blair SHANKLE, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #363 on ITF ranking list.
Anna MAMALAT, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #405 on WTA 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 #270 on ITF ranking list.
Laslo DJERE, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #321 on ITF ranking list.
Gianluigi QUINZI, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #228 on ITF ranking list.
Nikola MILOJEVIC, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 Consolation tournament winner, from Serbia, is ranked #34 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Saska GAVRILOVSKA, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #56 on ITF ranking list.
Olga IANCHUK, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #915 on WTA list.
Irina Maria BARA, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 player, from Romania, is ranked #339 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 #228 on ITF ranking list and #1 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
Filip Kraljevic, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #380 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

GIRLS
Eleanor DEAN, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #168 on ITF ranking list.
Dina PAOCIC, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #550 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

Christina MAKAROVA, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #2 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Gabriella Umoquit, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #38 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

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

BOYS
Sacha Merzetti, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner, from Italy, is ranked #22 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Bogdan BORZA, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Romania, is ranked #4 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gonzalo Morell, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Spain, is ranked #45 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Sergiu Bucur, ranked 4th on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Romania, is ranked #9 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.

GIRLS
Ana KONJUH, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #7 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Nina POTOCNIK, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Slovenia, is ranked #17 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Eduardo NAVA, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #11 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Tommy PAUL, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #38 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Ndindi NDUNDA, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #5 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Domonique Garley, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #357 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 #365 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Mihnea Turcu, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up, from Romania, is still not ranked on under 14 european ranking list.
Grega Kokalj, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Slovenia, is ranked *#59 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Andrea Guerrieri, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Italy, is ranked #434 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

GIRLS
Katarina Jokic, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked *#45 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 #34 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*. OPEN SUPER 12 AURAY 2010 winner.
Viktoria Kuzmova, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Slovakia, is ranked #54 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Estela Perez Somarriba, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Spain, is still not ranked on under 14 european ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Justin LEE, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #12 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
William BLUMBERG, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#1 in the USA in under 12 cathegory*.

Ingrid NEEL, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #96 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Paulina Ferrari, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #41 in the USA in under 12 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

“Little Mo” TEAM
Noah SCHACHTER, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #4 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Alex Gee, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #110 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Michaela GORDON, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #74 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Ashley LAHEY, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#208 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 currently not ranked in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Claire LIU, played 9th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #49 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Alexa Butera, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#601 in the USA in under 12 cathegory*.

04/01/11

Smrikva Bowl players on 27th Lemon Bowl 2011 edition. Olga Danilovic reached the finals of under 10 age group; Nicolas Merzetti won the under 12 age group and his brother Sacha Merzetti, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner, won the under 14 age group

Lemon Bowl is a traditional international tournament played in Rome (Italy) since 1985. It is played in several age groups starting from under 10 till under 18 years of age.

There are several Smrikva Bowl players that made extraordinary results: Olga Danilovic reached the finals of the under 10 age group, Nicolas Merzetti won the under 12 age group and his brother Sacha Merzetti, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner, won the under 14 age group.

Mattia Bellucci reached the semifinals of the under 10 age group, Kristina Novak and Dea Lako reached the semifinals of under 12 age group, while Martina Pratesi and Mattia Rossi reached the semifinals of the under 14 age group, and Vesna Savic, Mattia Bedolo and Riccardo Perin reached the quarterfinals in the respective age groups.

For detailed results of the Smrikva Bowl players on the 27th Lemon Bowl 2011 edition visit the following:

UNDER 10:

GIRLS UNDER 10

Olga Danilovic (Srb) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 player
1st round: Olga Danilovic – Camilla Bedolo (Ita) 6:0, 6:0
2nd round: Olga Danilovic – Martina Milani (Ita) 6:0, 6:0
Quarterfinals: Olga Danilovic – Clara Fontana (Ita) 6:1, 6:1
Semifinals: Olga Danilovic – Alice Amendola (Ita) 6:1, 6:0
Finals: Olga Danilovic – Elisabetta Cocciaretto (Ita) 2:6, 3:6

Vesna Savic (Ch) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 player
1st round: Vesna Savic – Carolina Mori (Ita) 6:0, 6:2
2nd round: Vesna Savic – Irene Lauro (Ita) 5:7, 6:1, 7:1
Quarterfinals: Vesna Savic – Elisabetta Cocciaretto (Ita) 0:6, 0:6

BOYS UNDER 10

Mattia Bellucci (Srb) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 player
1st round: Mattia Bellucci – Fabrizio Andaloro (Ita) 7:5, 7:6
2nd round: Mattia Bellucci – Francesco Cardinale (Ita) 6:2, 6:2
Quarterfinals: Mattia Bellucci – Davide Spano (Ita) 7:5, 6:2
Semifinals: Mattia Bellucci – Marco Furlanetto (Ita) 4:6, 5:7

UNDER 12:

GIRLS UNDER 12

Dea Lako (Cro) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 player
1st round: Dea Lako – Vanessa Di Pompeo (Ita) 6:3, 1:6, 6:4
2nd round: Dea Lako – Livia Palma (Ita) 6:3, 7:6
Quarterfinals: Dea Lako – Susanna Giovanardi (Ita) 7:6,2:6,6:4
Semifinals: Dea Lako – Eva Alvarez Guerrero (Esp) 2:6, 0:6

Kristina Novak (Slo) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 player
1st round: Kristina Novak – Michela Buglione (Ita) 6:2, 6:3
2nd round: Kristina Novak – Chiara Catini (Ita) 6:2, 6:1
Quarterfinals: Kristina Novak – Camilla Rizza (Ita) 6:3, 6:3
Semifinals: Kristina Novak – Rosanna Maffei (Ita) 1:6, 4:6

Giulia Peoni (Ita) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 player
1st round: Giulia Peoni – Alessandra Di Vetta (Ita) 3:6, 6:1, 6:0
2nd round: Giulia Peoni – Sara Cvorovic (Srb) 4:6, 4:6

Camilla Ceppellini (Ita) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 player
1st round: Camilla Ceppellini – Giulia Carbonaro (Ita) 7:5,4:6,7:5
2nd round: Camilla Ceppellini – Rosanna Maffei (Ita) 1:6, 1:6

Martina Bokulic (Cro) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 player
1st round: Martina Bokulic – Eleonora Aiello (Ita) 6:7, 6:7

BOYS UNDER 12

Nicolas Merzetti (Ita) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 player
1st round: Nicolas Merzetti – Marco Pisaturo (Ita) 6:1, 6:2
2nd round: Nicolas Merzetti – Francesco Liucci (Ita) 6:2, 6:0
Quarterfinals: Nicolas Merzetti – Andrea Bessire (Ita) 6:0, 6:0
Semifinals: Nicolas Merzetti – Giacomo Giunta (Ita) 6:1, 6:3
Finals: Nicolas Merzetti – Lorenzo Baglietti (Ita) 6:4, 7:5

Riccardo Perin (Ita) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 player
1st round: Riccardo Perin – Cesare Zaglia (Ita) 6:1, 7:5
2nd round: Riccardo Perin – Pasquale De Giorgio (Ita) 6:0, 6:4
Quarterfinals: Riccardo Perin – Federico Rebecchini (Ita) 4:6, 2:6

UNDER 14:

GIRLS UNDER 14

Martina Pratesi (Ita) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 player
1st round: Martina Pratesi – Asia Salvatori (Ita) 6:2, 3:6, 6:1
2nd round: Martina Pratesi – Serena Cati (Ita) 6:7, 6:1, 7:6
Quarterfinals: Martina Pratesi – Giulia Moretti (Ita) 7:5, 4:6, 6:2
Semifinals: Martina Pratesi – Martina Zerulo (Ita) 1:6, 0:6

Arianna Capogrosso (Ita) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 semifinalist
1st round: Arianna Capogrosso – Stefania Picardi (Ita) 6:3, 6:1
2nd round: Arianna Capogrosso – Francesca Giuliani (Ita) 1:6, 3:6

Alessia Perrone (Ita) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 player
1st round: Alessia Perrone – Marta Tagliente (Ita) 5:7, 4:6

BOYS UNDER 14

Sacha Merzetti (Ita) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner
1st round: Sacha Merzetti – Federico Benedetti (Ita) 6:0, 6:1
2nd round: Sacha Merzetti – Raul Branaccio (Ita) 6:0, 6:1
Quarterfinals: Sacha Merzetti – Danilo Annecchiarico (Ita) 7:5, 6:1
Semifinals: Sacha Merzetti – Marco Mosciatti (Ita) 7:5, 4:6, 6:2
Finals: Sacha Merzetti – Andrea Pellegrino (Ita) 6:3, 6:2

Mattia Rossi (Ita) – 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 player
1st round: Mattia Rossi – Robin Tola (Ita) 6:2, 6:0
2nd round: Mattia Rossi – Giacomo Pantanella (Ita) 6:4, 6:3
Quarterfinals: Mattia Rossi – Giacomo Cerbo (Ita) 4:6, 6:1, 6:4
Semifinals: Mattia Rossi – Andrea Pellegrino (Ita) 1:6, 2:6

Mattia Bedolo (Ita) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 player
1st round: Mattia Bedolo – Andrea Calenda (Ita) 5:7, 6:3, 6:3
2nd round: Mattia Bedolo – Alessio Amadei (Ita) 6:3, 4:6, 6:3
Quarterfinals: Mattia Bedolo – Marco Mosciatti (Ita) 4:6, 2:6

Iacopo Berrettini (Ita) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 player
1st round: Iacopo Berrettini – Andrea Palmese (Ita) 5:7, 6:2, 6:2
2nd round: Iacopo Berrettini – Marco Mosciatti (Ita) 1:6, 3:6

UNDER 18:

BOYS UNDER 18

Guglielmo Bonapace (Ita) – 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 player
1st round: Guglielmo Bonapace – Federico Duranti (Ita) 6:2, 6:4
2nd round: Guglielmo Bonapace – Daniele Pepe (Ita) 7:6, 1:6,2:6

22/12/10

Greetings from Smrikve :)

Dear Smrikve friends,

We are getting closer to the end of the Year… and the beginning of the New Year… a sort of new cycle…

Every single day is a good day for the new cycle as Skarlet O’Hara used to say in „Gone with the Wind“... “…after all, tomorrow is another day!” :)… it is a custom in many countries to take the end of the year for greetings and summaries…

I am pleased to recall just the very few top Smrikva Bowl players’ results in this greetings letter.

For Nicholas Kuhn and Jovana Vukovic – JOKA this year Smrikva Bowl was their Smrikva Bowl… thus I am pleased to congratulate them for their victory among 100 talented kids from 32 countries we hosted in Smrikve on the 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010!

Many former Smrikva Bowl players made great results around the Globe… some important junior tournaments have been just completed or are on going in Florida, and soon Lemon Bowl will be played in Rome…

For Smrikva Bowl players on ATP and WTA ranking lists the Australia will open the season… many tournaments, many results, many outstanding results…

I am pleased to recall just some results that come to my mind and to congratulate:

• Petra Martic – 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner – for reaching the best ranking as Smrikva Bowl player on WTA ranking list (*# 63 WTA* on April 12th 2010)... it is the second Smrikva Bowl player after Ivana Lisjak, 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner, to enter the top 100 WTA

• Javier Marti – 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner – for reaching the best ranking as Smrikva Bowl player on ATP ranking list (*#332 ATP* on December 6th 2010)

• Dominic Thiem – 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner – for the victory of EDDIE HERR INTERNATIONAL 2010 under 18 age group

• George Morgan – 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up – for the victory of DUNLOP ORANGE BOWL 2010 under 18 age group

• Silvia Njiric – 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up – for the semifinals of Junior Roland Garros

• Gianluigi Quinzi – 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner – for being the European Champion under 14

• Katarina Jokic – 13the Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner – for the victory of EDDIE HERR INTERNATIONAL 2010 under 12 age group

• Maia Lumsden – 13the Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up – for the victory of OPEN SUPER 12 AURAY 2010 in France

• Neli Sunjic, Katie Swan*, Yshai Oliel and Ingrid Neel, for the victory in the respective age groups at 4th „Little Mo“ International

• Yshai Oliel, Nina Marjanovic and Miomir Kecmanovic, all Smrikva Bowl players, for the victory in the respective age groups at OUATT Kids Cup played in France

There are over 1050 players from 49 countries that competed in the Smrikva Bowl since 1996 and there are many stories to be shared that I try tracking on the Smrikva Bowl website…

Before concluding the letter I would say that also for the smrikve.com world it was an inspirational year that I would summarize in:

• the Smrikva Bowl Song “I COLORI DEL MONDO”... composed by Claudio Montanelli

• creation of Cosmopolite website… about the importance of the civilisation for the human talents development…
• establishement of the Smrikva Bowl Ambassador’s Day...21st of September – dedicated to the civilisation, intergenerational responsibility and tennis…
• creation of ATRIVM SMRIKVE HOTEL website with donation possibilities for those who would like to have insribred their name in this little future cultural lighthouse…

Istra from Smrikve cultural travel guide and Smrikva Bowl library are further developing… and if you can do something to help spread the word you are more than welcome… I am pleased to remember that:

• Istria was indicated by prestigious travel information guide Lonely Planet as #2 Region in the World they recommend to visit in 2011 :)...
• Discover Istra from Smrikve group was created on Linked in social network where every week two articles are posted…

I would close this greetings letter with invitation, for those who have not seen the video, to virtually join me around our Smrikve fireplace :) … it is an interview registered at the end of 2006…

The interview starts around the fireplace… now is December… it is time for the tales… and the video starts with my formal education but actually it is a story about Smrikve… this cultural lighthouse located between Brioni Islands and the city of Pula… It is the story of the word that has reached all the continents and 49 countries *thanks to many of you*… our Smrikva Bowl Ambassadors… :)

Although I will not be able to spend the end of the year in your company I invite you to join me and Mr. Urosevic around our fireplace and hear, once again, the story of Smrikve…

16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 selection process is ongoing and I already envisage that we will have another GOOD YEAR full of talents :)

Best wishes to your families and I am looking forward to see some of you in Smrikve next year,

Mio

21/12/10

Smrikva Bowl players results on 49th Junior Orange Bowl 2010: Katarina Jokic, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner, reached the semifinals in the under 12 age group and Borna Coric the finals of under 14 age group

I was pleased to recognize several Smrikva Bowl players names on this year acceptance list for the 49th Junior Orange Bowl 2010 – International Tennis Championship.

Eddie Herr was a tennis visionary who developed the international junior tournament circuit. In 1947, hoping to provide her with an opportunity to compete over the December school holidays, Herr conceived and organized the first Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships.

The Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship has a rich history of bringing some of the world’s most promising young tennis players to South Florida, including Juan Martin Del Potro (2002 champion in 14U). The roster also has included Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, Justine Henin, Kim Clijsters, Monica Seles, Chris Evert, Jim Courier and Mary Jo Fernandez.

Almost every top player played this Championship thus let’s see former Smrikva Bowl players results on the 49th Junior Orange Bowl 2010 edition.

BOYS:

UNDER 12

Charles Broom (Gbr) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 quarterfinalist
1st round: Charles Broom – Camilo Ponce (Ecu) 6:2, 4:6, 7:5
2nd round: Charles Broom – Sam Turchetta (Usa) 6:2, 5:7, 6:4
3rd round: Charles Broom – Alex Huryn (Usa) 6:4, 6:1
4th round: Charles Broom- Michal Kusznerko (Usa) 3:5, 6:4

Alexei Popyrin (Aus) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 cons. winner
1st round: Alexei Popyrin – Martin Stoyanov (Usa) 7:6, 4:6, 7:5
2nd round: Alexei Popyrin – John Speicher (Usa) 7:6, 6:3
3rd round: Alexei Popyrin – Karlo Boljat (Cro) 6:4, 6:4
4th round: Alexei Popyrin – Duck Lee (Kor) 2:6, 3:6

Karlo Boljat (Cro) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 player
1st round: Karlo Boljat – Guillermo Cabral (Pri) 6:2, 6:3
2nd round: Karlo Boljat – Raahil Doschi (Sgp) 7:5, 2:6, 6:3
3rd round: Karlo Boljat – Alexei Popyrin (Aus) 4:6, 4:6

Dylan Bednarczyk (CAN) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 player
1st round: Dylan Bednarczyk – Vladislav Lobak (Ukr) 6:3, 6:3
2nd round: D.Bednarczyk – Alexander Rushin (Rus) 7:5,6:7,6:1
3rd round: D.Bednarczyk – Noah Makarome (Usa) 6:4, 6:7, 3:6

William Blumberg (USA) – part of the “Little Mo” team in 2008
1st round: William Blumberg – Cliff Francois (Hti) 6:0, 6:1
2nd round: William Blumberg – Liam Caruana (Usa) 7:5, 4:6, 3:6

Justin Lee (USA) – part of the “Little Mo” team in 2008
1st round: Justin Lee – Ui Sung LL Park (Kor) 6:0, 6:1
2nd round: Justin Lee – Alex Huryn (Usa) 3:6, 4:6

Ishai Oliel (Isr) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 semifinalist
1st round: Ishai Oliel – Reo Kaiho (Jpn) 6:3, 6:4
2nd round: Ishai Oliel – Miguel Este (Ven) 6:4, 3:6, 1:6

Andrej Jokic (BiH) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 player
1st round: Andrej Jokic – Sebastian Quiros (Cri) 6:3, 6:1
2nd round: Andrej Jokic – Marc Mila (Esp) 4:6, 2:6

Antonio Capasso (Gbr) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 player
1st round: Antonio Capasso – Timur Chelmodeev (Rus) 3:6, 2:6

Jernej Zaplotnik (Slo) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 player
1st round: Jernej Zaplotnik – Mikael Wondwosen (Swe) 1:6, 3:6

Anthony Popyrin (AUS) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 player
1st round: Anthony Popyrin – Daniel Soyfer (Usa) 1:6, 3:6

Elliot Lamprecht (Zaf) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 player
1st round: Elliot Lamprecht – Alex Huryn (Usa) 2:6, 2:6

UNDER 14

Coric Borna (CRO) – 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 player
1st round: Borna Coric – Sebastian Santibaez (Chl) 6:2, 6:0
2nd round: Borna Coric – Matej Kostadinov (Che) 6:1, 6:4
3rd round: Borna Coric – Patrick Ciorcila (Rou) 6:3, 6:4
4th round: Borna Coric – Peter Ashley (Gbr) 7:5, 6:4
Quarterfinals: Borna Coric – Alexandr Chepelev (Rus) 6:4, 6:3
Semifinals: Borna Coric – Clement Geens (Bel) 7:6, 6:1
Finals: Borna Coric – Joshua Sapwell (Gbr) 7:6, 4:6, 3:6

Sergiu Bucur (Rou) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 semifinalist
1st round: Sergiu Bucur – Jared Woodson (Usa) 7:6, 6:0
2nd round: Sergiu Bucur – Johannes Haerteis (Deu) 3:6, 0:6

Aziz Kijametovic (BiH) – 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 player
1st round: Aziz Kijametovic – Stefan Kozlov (Usa) 4:6, 2:6

Nava Eduardo (USA) – part of the “Little Mo” team in 2007
1st round: Eduardo Nava – Ken Onishi (Jap) 4:6, 1:6

GIRLS:

UNDER 12

Katarina Jokic (BiH) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner
1st round: Katarina Jokic – Hanna Jedzelkina (Blr) 6:1, 6:1
2nd round: Katarina Jokic – Jessica Livianu (Usa) 6:2, 6:1
3rd round: Katarina Jokic – Raveena Kingsley (Usa) 6:2, 6:0
4th round: Katarina Jokic – Nikolina Jovic (SCG) 6:1, 2:6, 6:3
Quarterfinals: Katarina Jokic – Marie Bouzkova (Cze) 6:1,6:0
Semifinals: Katarina Jokic – Nikole Frenkel (Usa) 1:6, 2:6

Inci Ogut (Tur) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 semifinalist
1st round: Inci Ogut – Alyssa Pujals (Usa) 4:6, 7:6, 6:0
2nd round: Inci Ogut – Jada Robinson (Usa) 6:2, 6:1
3rd round: Inci Ogut – Keren Rozen (Isr) 6:1, 6:2
4th round: Inci Ogut – Jasmin Plewz (Gbr) 3:6, 1:6

Ena Delibegovic (Cro) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 player
1st round: Ena Delibegovic – Julia Iarokrinski (Bra) 6:4, 6:2
2nd round: Ena Delibegovic – Costanza Gorches (Mex) 4:6,6:3,7:5
3rd round: Ena Delibegovic – Iulia Ivascu (Rou) 7:5, 6:4
4th round: Ena Delibegovic – Emmaneulle Salas (Fra) 3:6, 1:6

Ingrid Neel (USA) – part of the “Little Mo” team in 2008
1st round: Ingrid Neel – Juliana Valero (Col) 6:1, 6:4
2nd round: Ingrid Neel – Abigail Chiu (Usa) 6:4, 6:1
3rd round: Ingrid Neel – Nikolina Jovic (Srb) 6:4, 2:6, 6:1

Iulia Ivascu (Rou) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 player
1st round: Iulia Ivascu – Sophia Edwards (Usa) 6:1, 6:0
2nd round: Iulia Ivascu – Sasha Belaya (Usa) 6:0, 6:1
3rd round: Iulia Ivascu – Ena Delibegovic (Cro) 5:7, 4:6

Neli Sunjic (Cro) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 semifinalist
1st round: Neli Sunjic – Ena Babic (Cro) 6:1, 7:6
2nd round: Neli Sunjic – Raveena Kingsley (Usa) 2:6, 3:6

Gabriella Taylor (Gbr) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 player
1st round: Gabriella Taylor – Nandini Das (Ind) 6:1, 6:2
2nd round: G.Taylor – Viktoria Bardarova (Bgr) 6:4,2:6,2:6

Paola Maza (Pri) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008
1st round: Paola Maza – Ryan Peus (Usa) 2:6, 1:6

UNDER 14

Katie Boulter (Gbr) – 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 player
1st round: Katie Boulter – Yolimar Ogando (Pri) 6:4, 6:3
2nd round: Katie Boulter – Ellie Halbauer (Usa) 6:3, 7:6
3rd round: K.Boulter – V.Grammatikopolou (Grc) 0:6, 6:3, 6:2
4th round: Katie Boulter – Barbara Haas (Aut) 3:6, 4:6

Konjuh Ana (CRO) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up
1st round: Ana Konjuh – Rheeya Dhosy (Sgp) 6:1, 6:0
2nd round: Ana Konjuh – Sandra Samir (Egy) 6:7, 2:6

Margita Sunjic (Cro) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 player
1st round: Margita Sunjic – Cyrine Ben Cheikh (Tun) 6:1, 6:2
2nd round: Margita Sunjic – Lana Rush (Gbr) 1:6, 1:6

Ivana Jorovic (SCG) – 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 player
1st round: Ivana Jorovic – Barbara Haas (Aut) 0:6, 1:6

Jana Fett (Cro) – 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 player
1st round: Jana Fett – Sandra Samir (Egy) 3:6, 3:6

18/12/10

Santa Claus from the land of perpetual snow visited Smrikve today :)

Santa Claus from the land of perpetual snow visited Smrikve today at noon and brought presents for boys and girls that train tennis in Smrikve.

First kids arrived around 11:00 AM and we called our friend Franca in Milan to check at what time Santa Claus departured from Milan.

She said that he departured early in the morning and his flying reindeer who pull his sleigh were so fast this morning because in Milan the streets are all covered with snow and ice… thus for noon he should reach Smrikve probably…

She also told us to prepare some biscuits for reindeer because they will be tired for sure… :)

Santa Claus parked his sleigh in the wood and come to Smrikve from a small door on the third court.

We did not know from which side he will come thus we went out with accordion playing and singing Jingle Bell around noon…

He came with a tennis racket and a huge bag full of gifts… saying HO HO HO… and showing that he was happy to hear us singing a song to him…

Three years ago Santa Claus played tennis with Smrikva kids but today the courts were covered with snow…

I know that our kids would have enjoyed to play tennis with him and some took the racket outside… but Santa Claus said that with snow it is hard to play… :)

We welcame him into our tavern around the fireplace and there he started to distribute gifts… the kids remembered to prepare biscuits for his flying reindeer… :)

Also this year it was nice to see children talking to Santa Claus and he also spoke to the kids…

He told them to be good at school and to listen their parents… to play sport and to keep improving their tennis because next year when he comes back he will bring his racket again and will check what they learned…

The kids offered to him a glass of juice and in turn he offered to each kid from his magic pockets a chocolate candy…

I asked him to explain where is he from… and one kid said that he must be from the North Pole… than Santa Claus explained that actually he is not far away from the North Pole :)

One legend associated with Santa Claus says that he lives in the far north, in a land of perpetual snow. The American version of Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, while Father Christmas or Snow Grandfather is said to reside in Finland. Other mythological details include that he is married and lives with Mrs. Claus; that he makes a list of children throughout the world, categorizing them according to their behavior; that he delivers presents, including toys, candy, and other presents to all of the good boys and girls in the world, and that he accomplishes this feat with the aid of magical elves who make the toys, and flying reindeer who pull his sleigh…

Thank you Santa Claus for visiting our kids in Smrikve :) and we hope you come again next year!

15/12/10

Smrikva Bowl players on 4th "Little Mo" International 2010 edition: Neli Sunjic (winner - u10), Katie Swan (winner - u11), Ingrid Neel (winner - u12), Yshai Oliel (winner - u10)

4th “Little Mo” International 2010 edition was played for the first time at IMG Nick Bollettieri Academy in Florida.

Several years ago MCB Tennis Foundation created the Little Mo International Open that is a global tournament open to the players in age groups under 8 – 12.

Several former Smrikva Bowl players obtained a great success on 4th “Little Mo” International:

Neli Sunjic, 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 semifinalist, from Croatia, is the winner of 4th “Little Mo” International under 10 age group.

Katie Swan, 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 winner, from UK, is the winner of 4th “Little Mo” International under 11 age group.

Ingrid Neel, 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2008 player, from the US, is the winner of 4th “Little Mo” International under 12 age group.

Yshai Oliel, 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 semifinalist, from Israel, is the winner of 4th “Little Mo” International under 10 age group.

Please find below detailed results:

Boys:

BOYS UNDER 10

Yshai Oliel (Isr) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 semifinalist
1st round: Yshai Oliel – bye
2nd round: Yshai Oliel – Adil Kalyanpur (Usa) 6:2, 6:3
Quarterfinals: Yshai Oliel – Jericho Grollman (Usa) 6:0, 6:1
Semifinals: Yshai Oliel – Jordi Redelijk (Usa) 6:0, 6:1
Finals: Yshai Oliel – Christian Alshon (Usa) 6:0, 7:5

Elliot Lamprecht (Rsa) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 player
1st round: Elliot Lamprecht – Greyson Doscotch (Usa) 6:2, 6:1
2nd round: Elliot Lamprecht – Adam Kush (Usa) 6:1, 5:7, 8:10

Karol Paluch (Pol) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 player
1st round: Karol Paluch – Patrick Maloney (Usa) 5:7, 6:4, 3:10
2nd round: Karol Paluch – Christian Alshon (Usa) 2:6, 2:6

Vinicius Nogueira (Bra) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 player
1st round: Vinicius Nogueira – Jericho Grollman (Usa) 0:6, 2:6

BOYS UNDER 11

Matic Zaplotnik (Slo) – 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 player
1st round: Matic Zaplotnik – Jackson Suh (Usa) 6:1, 4:6, 11:9
2nd round: Matic Zaplotnik – Jonathan Sorbo (Can) 6:3, 6:0
Quarterfinals: Matic Zaplotnik – Lutwin Demacar (Bel) 6:4, 7:5
Semifinals: M.Zaplotnik – B.Pattison-Blouin (Can) 6:3,1:6,1:10

BOYS UNDER 9

Lancelot Carnello (Swe) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 player
1st round: Lancelot Carnello – Preston Brown (Usa) 6:0, 6:0
2nd round: Lancelot Carnello – Govind Nanda (Usa) 2:6, 2:6

Girls:

GIRLS UNDER 10

Neli Sunjic (Cro) – 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 semifinalist
1st round: Neli Sunjic – Morgan Whitlock (Usa) 6:0, 6:0
Quarterfinals: Neli Sunjic – Jessica Stefan (Usa) 6:3, 6:3
Semifinals: Neli Sunjic – Nada Dimovska (Usa) 6:2, 5:0 ret.
Finals: Neli Sunjic – Ellie Douglas (Usa) 6:3, 6:3

GIRLS UNDER 11

Katie Swan(Gbr) – 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 winner
1st round: Katie Swan – Bye
Quarterfinals: Katie Swan – Amanda Meyer (Usa) 6:1, 6:1
Semifinals: Katie Swan – Ashley Kratzer (Usa) 6:2, 6:0
Finals: Katie Swan – Ava N Sowell (Usa) 6:0, 5:7, 10:6

GIRLS UNDER 12

Ingrid Neel(Usa) – part of the “Little Mo” team in 2008
1st round: Ingrid Neel – Bye
Quarterfinals: Ingrid Neel – Wakana Yamamoto (Jpn) 6:1, 6:1
Semifinals: Ingrid Neel – Keren Rozen (Isr) 6:1, 6:2
Finals: Ingrid Neel – Hannah Lairmore (Usa) 6:0, 6:1

SMRIKVA BOWL AND LITTLE MO FRIENDSHIP RELATIONSHIP…

There is a long term friendship relationship between Smrikva Bowl and “Little Mo”... In 2002, the Smrikve Tennis Club joined forces with the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation and created the first-ever international competition between the United States and Europe for boys and girls under 10 and named it the “Little Mo”/ Smrikva Bowl. This event was a unique and traditional meeting of the youngest and most talented players in the World.

Since 2002 Smrikva Bowl and “Little Mo” tournaments has both grown into Global Tournaments and this year we played the 9th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl thus from the next year for the first time the best “Little Mo” Nationals players will have the opportunity to play directly in the Smrikva Bowl.

14/12/10

Top Smrikva Bowl and "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl players on ATP, WTA, ITF, USTA and European under 14 and 16 ranking lists (update December 2010)

Only 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 the junior tennis.

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 #239 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, is ranked #983 on WTA list. Astrid’s 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 #751 on WTA list. Tereza’s 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 #1130 on ATP ranking list.
Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #726 on ATP ranking list.

GIRLS
Petra MARTIC, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #144 on WTA list. Petra’s best raning was #63 on WTA list in April 2010.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #713 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 #333 on ATP list.
Giacomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, was ranked #1745 on ATP list in May 2009.

GIRLS
Martina Caregaro, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Italy, is ranked #387 on WTA ranking list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #163 on WTA list.
Ema BURGIC, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #622 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 #916 on ATP ranking list. Under 18 EDDIE HERR INTERNATIONAL 2010 winner. Ranking ITF #5.
George MORGAN, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #928 on ATP ranking list. Under 18 DUNLOP ORANGE BOWL 2010 winner. Ranking ITF #32.
Ciprian PORUMB, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia, is ranked #312 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, was ranked #1127 on WTA list.
Silvia NJIRIC, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #593 on WTA list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Croatia, is ranked #163 on WTA list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Emmett EGGER, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #182 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 #1358 on ITF ranking list.
Miki JANKOVIC, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #96 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Saska GAVRILOVSKA, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #85 on ITF ranking list.
Ecaterina Oproiu, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Romenia, is ranked #1947 on ITF ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Mitchel POLNET, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #288 on ITF ranking list.

Blair SHANKLE, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #413 on ITF ranking list.
Anna MAMALAT, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #452 on WTA 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 #420 on ITF ranking list.
Laslo DJERE, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #526 on ITF ranking list.
Gianluigi QUINZI, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #336 on ITF ranking list.
Nikola MILOJEVIC, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 Consolation tournament winner, from Serbia, is ranked #72 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Saska GAVRILOVSKA, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #85 on ITF ranking list.
Olga IANCHUK, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #922 on WTA list.
Irina Maria BARA, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 player, from Romania, is ranked #385 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 #336 on ITF ranking list.
Filip Kraljevic, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #203 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

GIRLS
Eleanor DEAN, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #186 on ITF ranking list.
Dina PAOCIC, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #302 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Daniel Maese, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #295 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Aries Wong, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #26 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

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

BOYS
Sacha Merzetti, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner, from Italy, is ranked #126 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Bogdan BORZA, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Romania, is ranked #37 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gonzalo Morell, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Spain, is ranked #191 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Sergiu Bucur, ranked 4th on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Romania, is ranked #80 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.

GIRLS
Ana KONJUH, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #19 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Nina POTOCNIK, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Slovenia, is ranked #60 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

Ndindi NDUNDA, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #20 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Domonique Garley, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #314 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 #846 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Mihnea Turcu, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up, from Romania, is still not ranked on under 14 european ranking list.
Grega Kokalj, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Slovenia, is ranked *#228 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Andrea Guerrieri, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Italy, is ranked #986 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

GIRLS
Katarina Jokic, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked *#130 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 #142 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*. OPEN SUPER 12 AURAY 2010 winner.
Viktoria Kuzmova, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Slovakia, is ranked #148 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Estela Perez Somarriba, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Spain, is still not ranked on under 14 european ranking list.

Ingrid NEEL, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #26 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Paulina Ferrari, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #47 in the USA in under 12 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

“Little Mo” TEAM
Noah SCHACHTER, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #3 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Alex Gee, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #86 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Michaela GORDON, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #93 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Ashley LAHEY, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#128 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 #898 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

13/12/10

George Morgan, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, won the 64th Dunlop Orange Bowl 2010 edition in under 18 age group. George Morgan is the first British singles champion in the 64-year history of the Dunlop Orange Bowl.

Last week Dominic Thiem, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Austria won Eddie Herr International 2010 under 18 age group and George Morgan, who was the runner up of the Smrikva Bowl in 2003, on Eddie Herr International reached the quarterfinals there but this week on the 64th DUNLOP ORANGE BOWL edition he won the under 18 age group.

George Morgan is from UK and he was the 8th Smrikva Bowl runner up and he also represented Smrikva Bowl team in teh US and traveled to Austin with Dominic, to play 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl.

On the picture below there are George Morgan and Dominic Thiem together as part of the Smrikva Bowl team who went to the US and contributed to the victory of the Smrikva Bowl team on the 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2003 that was played in Texas that year.

In 2007 on the 46th Junior Orange Bowl edition in the under 14 age group George Morgan was the winner of this prestigous event and now in 2010 he is again the winner in under 18 age group of the 64th edition!

George Morgan is currently ranked #928 on ATP ranking list and last week was #32 on ITF ranking list and is the first British singles champion in the 64-year history of the DUNLOP ORANGE BOWL*.

Well done George!

GEORGE’s RESULTS ON THE 64th edition of the DUNLOP ORANGE BOWL 2010

George Morgan (Gbr) – 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up – road towards the of the under 18 age group was the following:

1st round: George Morgan – Karim Hossam (Egy) 6:1, 6:1
2nd round: George Morgan – Evan Song (Usa) 6:2, 6:0
3rd round: George Morgan – Mate Zsiga (Hun) 1:6, 6:3, 6:4
Quarterfinals: George Morgan – R. Quiroz (Ecu) 6:3, 6:4
Semifinals: George Morgan – J. De Loore (Bel) 6:2, 6:1
Finals: George Morgan – Jannick Lupescu (Ned) 6:2, 6:3

For those who would like to see George with the racket in his hand I am pleased to post a video from 2007 where you can see young Morgan on his Orange Bowl at the time:

I am pleased to post also part of the report of George’s performance during the finals from the tournament website:

MORGAN CAPTURE 18s SINGLES TITLE AT DUNLOP ORANGE BOWL
December 12, 2010 05:36 PM
By Joshua Rey, special to USTA.com

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. – In the Boys’ 18s final, No. 9 seed George Morgan became the first British player – boy or girl – to win a Dunlop Orange Bowl singles title. He defeated No. 12 Jannick Lupescu of the Netherlands, 6-2, 6-3.

Morgan has made a name for himself in South Florida at this time of the year, having won the 2007 Junior Orange Bowl Boys’ 14s event.

He broke Lupescu’s serve three times in the first set, clinching a one-set lead when the Dutchman missed a down-the-line backhand wide.

“I didn’t play my best,” said Lupescu. “There was a lot of wind and we had to wait long for the girls’ final. I was a little bit nervous – more than normal – and I think he saw that in my game plan.”

Lupescu’s backhand broke down early and often in the second set, and Morgan was well aware of it.

The Brit broke for 3-1 by following a cross-court forehand approach with a cross-court backhand volley, which forced Lupescu into netting a backhand.

“Usually his backhand is his stronger shot,” said Morgan. “I kept playing heavy to his backhand and he didn’t really like it. It’s quite windy and he was struggling to deal with it.”

Morgan showed great feel to hold for 4-1: winning the first point of the game with a squash-shot forehand and the second behind a backhand slice approach that landed on the baseline. From 30-love, Lupescu made two straight unforced errors with his backhand.

After Lupescu misfired on – what else – a backhand, Morgan held a match point on his serve with a 5-1 lead.

But at the very last possible moment, Lupescu’s level rose. He won 10 of 13 points to reach 3-5, 15-40 on Morgan’s serve.

“I was nervous at the end, when I was trying to close the match out,” admitted Morgan. “I was almost lucky to take that in the end. My serve helped me out.”

On the first break point, Lupescu chipped and charged, but could not get his racquet on Morgan’s precise down-the-line backhand pass. At 30-40, the 17-year-old Englishman dialed up the play that worked all day for him: hammering an inside-out forehand to break down Lupescu’s backhand.

Morgan hit an ace on his second match point to clinch his first ITF Junior Circuit Grade A championship, and his first title of any kind since May of 2009.

“I’m going to ring my mum when I get back and she’ll be over the moon,” said Morgan. “Hopefully, I’ll get spoiled for Christmas because I won this tournament, so I’m looking forward to going back.”

Congratulations George!

64th Dunlop Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships
Crandon Park Tennis Center
Key Biscayne, Fla.
December 5-12, 2010