News

14/09/10

Annual PTR Tennis Forum Meeting at Vavassori Tennis Academy - Palazzolo

I spent this week end at Vavassori Tennis Acadmey participating the Annual PTR Italy Tennis Forum which was full of interesting speakers.

Mike Barrell, considered one of the top World experts for the under 10 age group, held a very nice class on how kids learn.

Those who have interest to learn more about Mike and his projects I am pleased to invite you to visit his website: www.evolve9.com

“Children learn to live thus they learn all the time from the surrounding…it is not the message you transmit to kids that counts, but what they perceive…”

Luca Avagnina is one of the best podiatrists at the Global level who assists, among other, many top ATP and WTA players. This class was important to me and in my opinnion is important for every tennis player, coach and family to have an idea about feet importance.

It was a pleasure to hear and see again PTR speakers that I met during other meetings and courses.

PTR gatherings are always growing experiences and opportunities to meet PTR friends.

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.

13/09/10

Top Smrikva Bowl and "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl players on ATP, WTA, ITF, USTA and European under 14 and 16 ranking lists (update September 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 #366 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 #894 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 #645 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 #1149 on ATP ranking list.
Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #904 on ATP ranking list.

GIRLS
Petra MARTIC, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #88 on WTA list.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #621 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 #409 on ATP list.
Giacomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, was ranked #1412 on ATP list in May 2009.

GIRLS
Martina Caregaro, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Italy, is ranked #393 on WTA ranking list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #160 on WTA list.
Ema BURGIC, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #532 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 #913 on ATP ranking list.
George MORGAN, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #919 on ATP ranking list.
Ciprian PORUMB, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia, is ranked #252 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, was ranked #948 on WTA list.
Silvia NJIRIC, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #958 on WTA list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Croatia, is ranked #160 on WTA list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Emmett EGGER, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #136 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 #1456 on ITF ranking list.
Miki JANKOVIC, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #106 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Saska GAVRILOVSKA, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #58 on ITF ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Mitchel POLNET, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #445 on ITF ranking list.

Blair SHANKLE, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #266 on ITF ranking list.
Anna MAMALAT, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #643 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 #418 on ITF ranking list.
Laslo DJERE, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #545 on ITF ranking list.
Gianluigi QUINZI, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #1007 on ITF ranking list.
Nikola MILOJEVIC, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 Consolation tournament winner, from Serbia, is ranked #195 on ITF ranking list.

A young hope, Marin Suica, passed away last Friday, September 10th. Marin lost his life in a car accident on his way to a tennis tournament. He was the best Croatian player in his age group and was among the best players in the World.

GIRLS
Saska GAVRILOVSKA, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #60 on ITF ranking list.
Olga IANCHUK, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #845 on WTA 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 #1007 on ITF ranking list and #1 in Europe in under 14 cathergory and #6 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
Filip Kraljevic, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #205 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

GIRLS
Eleanor DEAN, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #320 on ITF ranking list.
Dina PAOCIC, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #243 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Daniel Maese, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #376 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 #2 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Gabriella Umoquit, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #74 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 #110 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Bogdan BORZA, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Romania, is ranked #40 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gonzalo Morell, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Spain, is ranked #193 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Sergiu Bucur, ranked 4th on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Romania, is ranked #77 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.

GIRLS
Virginia PENA, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner, from Spain, is currently not ranked in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Ana KONJUH, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #25 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Nina POTOCNIK, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Slovenia, is ranked #61 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“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 #52 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Ndindi NDUNDA, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #39 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Domonique Garley, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #338 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 too young for under 14 european ranking.
Mihnea Turcu, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up, from Romania, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Grega Kokalj, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Slovenia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Andrea Guerrieri, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Italy, is too young for under 14 european ranking.

GIRLS
Katarina Jokic, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #115 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Maia Lumsden, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up, from Scotland, is ranked #168 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Viktoria Kuzmova, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Slovakia, is ranked #266 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Estela Perez Somarriba, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Spain, is too young for under 14 european ranking.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Justin LEE, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #25 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
William BLUMBERG, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #5 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Ingrid NEEL, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #32 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Paulina Ferrari, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #43 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

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 #6 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Alex Gee, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #113 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Michaela GORDON, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #153 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Ashley LAHEY, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#116 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 #899 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Claire LIU, played 9th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #104 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Alexa Butera, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#675 in the USA in under 12 cathegory*.

08/09/10

Gianluigi Quinzi - 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner - currently ranked #1 in Europe under 14, won this summer BNP Paribas Cup in Paris and won the European Championship in Pilzen

Few days ago I received a nice e-mail from Gianluigi Quinzi’s father Luca and among other he remembered me that Gianluigi this summer one of of the most prestigous under 14 tennis tournaments in the World – BNP Paribas Cup in Paris and he crowned him self the European Champion in Pilzen.

BNP Paribas Cup first took place in 1991 and gathered 6 countries and 180 entrants. In 20 years, it has become the best tournament on earth-beaten floor in the world in its category (in 2008 it gathered 65 countries and 7.000 entrants).

Many young players who took part in this event became European Champions, Junior World Champions, winners of the Grand Slam or won Olympic medals…

Gianluigi Quinzi is one of the most talented players in the World in his age group and I was pleased to read Luca’s e-mail. He’s road towards the victory in Paris was the following:

1st round: Gianluigi Quinzi – Mounir FERCHICHI (Tun) 6:0, 6:0
2nd round: Gianluigi Quinzi – Joseph GUILLIN (Fra) 6:1, 6:0
3rd round: Gianluigi Quinzi – Isaac STOUTE (Gbr) 6:0, 6:0
Quarterfinals: Gianluigi Quinzi – Xander VEYS (Bel) 6:2, 6:0
Semifinals: Gianluigi Quinzi – Filippo BALDI (Ita) 6:4, 6:4
Finals: Gianluigi Quinzi – Quentin HALYS (Fra) 6:2, 6:4

Gianluigi Quinzi played few times Smrikva Bowl and he ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 and was the winner of the 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 edition.

Currently Gianluigi is ranked #1 in Europe in under 14 age group; is ranked #8 in Europe in under 16 age group.

Here below is a video when Gianluigi was 11 years old. Today is 14 and he grew up and currently is over 180 centimeters tall thus is not any more the kid I remember :).

I have very nice memories of Gianluigi and Quinzi family: Luca, Carlotta, Gianluigi’s brother Gianluca, his grandparents, and for those who understand Italian I am pleased to share an article from the end of July in Italian written after Gianluigi became the Europan Champion.

ASPETTANDO GIANLUIGI QUINZI

Il quattordicenne italiano vince il titolo europeo under 14, alimentando le speranze di avere un nuovo campione dopo Adriano Panatta. La storia, la crescita e le prospettive dell’astro nascente del nostro tennis.

By Francesco Ferrando, 29 luglio 2010 (source: www.ubitennis.com)

Chissà se per Gianluigi Quinzi è stato tutto un gioco. Diventare il secondo italiano di sempre a vincere il titolo europeo under 14 (dopo il compianto Federico Luzzi), ritrovarsi tra le mani un trofeo enorme. Alzarlo e sentirlo leggero, sotto il cielo di Pilzen. Più leggero delle aspettative di una nazione tennistica memore di troppe delusioni e che aspetta da tempo un nuovo salvatore. Già, le speranze italiane… Quelle che hanno triturato un discreto numero di promesse non mantenute, come Pietro Ansaldo o Alice Canepa. Oppure mantenute a metà, come lo stesso Luzzi, Gaudenzi e, in fondo, Fabio Fognini.

Ma per Quinzi la storia è diversa, o almeno così sembra. Perché come per tutti i messia che si rispettino, ci sono i segni della predestinazione, segni che altri non avevano. Gli stessi che riuscì a scorgere il suo primo maestro, Antonio Di Paolo, e che qualche anno più tardi lasciarono di sasso Adriano Panatta, quando a Macerata si ritrovò davanti un ragazzino biondo che gli restituiva le palline sotto forma di missili. Aveva sette anni, all’epoca, Gianluigi Quinzi. Una precocità che, parlando di altri sport, ricorda quella di Valentino Rossi o di Antonio Cassano. Forse ancora più stupefacente.

Quinzi nasce a Cittadella il primo febbraio 1996, lo stesso giorno di Gabriel Omar Batistuta e di Buster Keaton. Cresce a Porto San Giorgio in una famiglia di sportivi: la madre, Carlotta, è stata nazionale di sci e pallamano. Luca – il padre – è un ingegnere, proprietario di un’impresa di costruzioni e presidente del tennis club locale, con un passato da discreto giocatore di terza categoria. Il figlio si accosta inizialmente allo sci alpino, arrivando addirittura secondo ai campionati under 10 del Trentino-Alto Adige, ma già a tre anni prende in mano la prima racchetta e a sette arriva in semifinale al Nike Junior Tour under 10. Matura in quel periodo l’idea che il bimbo sia dotato di qualità fuori del comune.

Il padre decide di tentare la via degli Stati Uniti e lo iscrive al Little Mo, il prestigioso campionato giovanile under 10 in Florida. E Gianluigi vince, scrivendo il proprio nome sotto a quello di Roddick e Serena Williams. I talent scout della società di management sportivo IMG lo invitano a uno stage a Bradenton, e la famiglia parte per la corte di Bollettieri. Nick lo nota subito e decide di dargli una possibilità, offrendogli una borsa di studio presso la sua accademia: è il più giovane in assoluto a ottenerne una.

Gianluigi passa sei mesi negli States, altri sei in Italia. Impara l’inglese, fa amicizia con i coetanei dell’accademia provenienti da tutto il mondo, si cala sempre di più nella dimensione propria del tennis internazionale. Ma arrivano anche le prime difficoltà e i primi dubbi, soprattutto da parte dei genitori che si trovano a dover quale scegliere a quale futuro destinare il figlio. Investire la propria vita nello sport professionistico può rivelarsi un buco nell’acqua per un adolescente, figurariamoci per un bambino di otto anni. Questo Luca Quinzi lo sa bene.

Cerca di educare Gianluigi al giusto rigore: al mattino gli allenamenti, al pomeriggio lo studio, con la madre Carlotta a fare da tutor, seguendo un programma concordato con la scuola di Porto San Giorgio. Con buon profitto, pare.

Nel frattempo continua a vincere tutto: diventa il primo nella storia a ottenere il Grand Slam Kids, che raggruppa i più importanti tornei di categoria, tra cui i campionati nazionali americani, vinti lasciando per strada la miseria di quattro game.

Nonostante le pressioni, l’enfant prodige continua a bruciare le tappe in modo incredibile: nel 2005 vince il primo torneo under 12 e si aggiudica le finali del Nike Junior Tour, la più importante manifestazione mondiale per ragazzini tra i dieci e i dodici anni, vinta a suo tempo da Rafa Nadal. Col maiorchino, Quinzi, ha in comune anche il fatto di essere mancino, pur nascendo come destro naturale. Il gioco è però piuttosto diverso, molto esplosivo. Il ragazzino ha una forte propensione offensiva, un buon servizio e il suo colpo migliore è il rovescio bimane piatto, preciso, devastante. E, a differenza di molti suoi predecessori italiani, ha una struttura fisica adatta al tennis moderno: a 13 anni supera già il metro e ottanta di altezza.

A Bollettieri si affianca Riccardo Piatti: Gianluigi, in Europa, frequenta il gruppo del coach a Monte-Carlo, dove mette a punto soprattutto l’aspetto tecnico, pur continuando a frequentare l’accademy di Bradenton. Ma la collaborazione non ha vita lunga e a inizio 2009 il rapporto cessa “in modo amichevole”, come recita il comunicato stampa. Anche se c’è chi parla di screzi tra il coach e la giovane promessa. Entra così nell’orbita di Eduardo Infantino, seguito da vicino da Eduardo Medica nella sua città natale. Il lavoro fisico è finalizzato al potenziamento della parte superiore, mentre sotto l’aspetto tecnico ci si concentra sul diritto – pesante e lavorato, ma non ancora definitivo – e nel cercare di migliorare la confidenza a rete del giovane marchigiano.

Nel frattempo si ritrova tra gli under 14, supera le qualificazioni in due tornei under 18, arrivando ai quarti di finale: a tredici anni è il più giovane giocatore a classificarsi nelle classifiche Itf Junior, mentre è quinto nel ranking under 16. Si arriva così al 2010, con vittoria nel prestigioso BNP Paribas, la prima posizione mondiale under 14 e il titolo europeo ottenuto in Repubblica Ceca: come Tommy Robredo, Mario Ancic, Richard Gasquet, Novak Djokovic e Marin Cilic.

Ora comincia una fase nuova per Quinzi. Dopo il mondiale, a fine agosto, lo aspetterà un mese di duro allenamento prima dell’Orange Bowl e, fine anno, l’esordio nei circuiti Itf Junior e Future.

Insomma, si inizia a fare sul serio e solo il tempo potrà dire quale sarà il futuro di Gianluigi Quinzi. L’astro nascente del tennis italiano ha alle spalle un percorso che forse nessun giocatore ha mai potuto vantare, ma la strada davanti a sé è altrettanto lunga e, nonostante tutto, incerta.

Gli adepti incrociano le dita e fanno scongiuri. Sperando di non ritrovarsi a rimpiangere l’ennesimo talento stritolato dalla pressione. E dall’ansia di intere generazioni, passate ad aspettare un nuovo messia.

07/09/10

George Morgan, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, lost in the second round of Junior US Open

George Morgan reached the second round of the Junior US Open after defeating in the first round Roberto Quiroz from Ecuador with the result 6:4, 4:6, 7:5. In the second round he lost against Filip Horansky from Slovakia 6:3, 6:3. George’s second round was the best result among all the former Smrikva Bowl players.

There are several other Smrikva Bowl players that played this year US OPEN:

Petra Martic, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, lost in the first round of the Main Draw against Elena Baltacha from UK currently ranked #57 WTA.

Ajla Tomljanovic, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, lost in the second round of the qualifications for the Main Draw against Maria Elena Camerin from Italy currently ranked #130 WTA.

Dominic Thiem, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, lost in the first round of the Junior Main Draw against Taro Daniel from Japan.

Blair Shankle, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2004, lost in the second round of the Junior Qualification Draw against Sabina Sharipova from Uzbekistan.

Silvia Njiric, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, lost in the first round of the Junior Main Draw against Sloane Stephens from the US.

Saska Gavrilovska, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, lost in the first round of the Junior Main Draw against Karolina Pliskova from Czech Republic currently ranked #207 WTA.

On the picture below you can see Saska Gavrilovska with her father Ljupce and Jovana Vukovic parents in Smrikve during this year Smrikva Bowl.

Best wishes to all the Smrikva Bowl players for the next year US OPEN!

03/09/10

16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 Presentation Letter

Dear Smrikva Bowl friends!

With this e-mail formally starts the selection of the talents for the 16th annual Smrikva Bowl 2011. 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 will be held in Pula-Istria, Croatia, from 21st of June till 25th of June 2011. Smrikva Bowl, as some of you may know, is the tournament which boasts the top 10 and under players World-wide.

After 9 years of “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl experience for the first time this year top “Little Mo” Nationals players will have the opportunity to play in the main draw of the Smrikva Bowl.

Since 2002, when “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl competition was founded, Smrikva Bowl has grown from European tournament into a Global one and “Little Mo” National has grown too and the “Little Mo” International have been created thus the special friendship relationship between our tournaments will continue with wild cards for the finalists of the prestigious “Little Mo” Nationals competition.

There is a detailed presentation about 16th Smrikva Bowl 2011 with the application form and other relevant information related with this year edition that is posted on the main page of the Smrikva Bowl website

http://www.smrikve.com/smrikva-bowl/

15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 gathered top players from 32 countries and since the tournament foundation in 1996 over 1050 top players from 49 countries and all the continents have played the event.

In 2009 the cultural tourism guide “Istria from Smrikve” was published and this is my gift to the Smrikva Bowl Ambassadors with wish that a part of helping us in scouting talents around the World our little Ambassadors will also help us in spreading the word about Istria as cultural tourism destination worth visiting.

The same year, as part of the subscription fee, the Smrikva Bowl participants started to bring a book about the culture of the place they are coming from thus we started to create the Smrikva Bowl Library.

Smrikva Bowl mission is to develop and spread Cosmopolitan values. Children, sport, culture and music are part of the Cosmopolitan World. This year the Cosmopolite website has been created and it is another gift to the friends of Smrikve and our Ambassadors. Cosmopolite is a website dedicated to a book describing the importance of civilisation for the talents development.

http://www.smrikve.com/cosmopolite/about/

If you know a good tennis player born in 2001 that deserves to play Smrikva Bowl please let me know. If you would like to help in any way Smrikva Bowl you are welcome, and thank you in advance for spreading the word about Smrikve and Smrikva Bowl in your community.

Regards,

Miodrag Bozovic

P.S. 1
On Linked In – professionals networking website – Discover Istria from Smrikve group has been created where periodically the contents from the cultural tourism guide on Istria are published and if you wish to receive those articles I am pleased to invite you to join the group.

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=3071895

If you have problems with the above link and would like to join please send me an e-mail and I will send you the invitation.

P.S. 2
Today we live in the internet era and creating a quality network is an opportunity… If you write personal pages, blog, have your own website or community,… and have some elements in common with the Smrikve story you can evaluate to share it with your readers …

WHAT SMRIKVE.COM CONTAINS TODAY? SPORT: SMRIKVA BOWL, SMRIKVE TENNIS SCHOOL…. CULTURE: “ Istria from Smrikve” and COSMOPOLITE… WINE and OLIVE OIL … VILLA SMRIKVE place for your tennis and cultural holiday… these are only few connection elements that I can think off …

Link pages for the Smrikva Bowl and “ Istria from Smrikve” have been created and you can find them on the following:

Smrikva Bowl:
http://www.smrikve.com/smrikva-bowl/link-to-us/

E-book “ Istria from Smrikve”:
http://www.smrikve.com/istria/books/smrikve/about-istria-from-smrikve/link-to-us/

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT… I am please to let you know that little by little our website visits YTD have passed 100.000!

02/09/10

Bodin Žarkovic and Olga Danilovic - both this year Smrikva Bowl players - won Fratelo kup nada in Banja Luka - international under 10 tennis Championship

I received yesterday an e-mail from Bodin’s father Nenad informing me that Bodin won Fratelo kup in Banja Luka that was played few weeks age in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I was so glad for Bodin because I know that the tournament in Banja Luka is a great experience for kids thanks to Mr. Zoran Racic organisation and I was also glad because Bodin was the winner of this year Smrikva Bowl Consalation Draw.

I remember that during the awarding cerimony I mentioned to Bodin another Smrikva Bowl Consolation Draw winner Nikola Milojevic that played Smrikva Bowl in 2005 and today is one of the best players in the World and this victory is hopefully a small step for Bodin in that direction.

I found a nice article on www.focus.ba website and I found several other top Smrikva Bowl players, especially in the girls draw. All the girls in the semifinals played this year Smrikva Bowl:
Olga Danilovic, Mila Mejic, Adela Joldic and Rafaela Sliskovic.

I remeber all four girls and I am pleased for all of them and for Olga that can play next year Smrikva Bowl because she is still 9 years old.

Congratulations to all the Smrikva Bowl players that reached the semifinals among 170 players: Bodin, Olga, Mila, Adela and Rafaela!

I am pleased to post the article describing 14th Fratelo kup 2010 edition for those who understand Croatian writen by Dragana Matijaš and before the article you can see the picture from this year Smrikva Bowl of Rafaela Sliskovic and Olga Danilovic. Enjoy the article.

Pobjednik Žarković i Danilovićeva

Autor: Dragana Matijaš
www.focus.ba

utorak, 17 avgust 2010 18:17

Pionirka Teniskog kluba Partizan iz Beograda Olga Danilović i njen vršnjak i klupski kolega Bodin Žarković pobjednici su 14. međunarodnog turnira Fratelo kup nada, koji je i ove godine održan u organizaciji TK Meč bol iz Banje Luke, pod pokroviteljstvom “Fratelo trejda”.

Danilovićeva je u finalu ubjedljivo bolja bila od Mile Mejić (Spartak) iz Subotice 9:2, dok je Žarković slavio nad Obradom Markovskim iz Skoplja, 9:4. Pobjedu u utješnom turniru odnijela je domaća takmičarka Sara Kalaba, koja je slavila nad sugrađankom Nikolinom Vicanović (Mladost) 7:3, te Sergej Prtina (Banja Luka), koji je bolji bio od sugrađanina Nikše Pivača, 7:5. Najperspektivnijom pionirkom proglašena je Mia Jelić (Meč bol), a pionirom Nemanja Malešević (Banja Luka). Najmlađi takmičari bili su Aleksej Savičić (Suvenir) iz Čelinca i Banjolučanka Andrijana Dragić (Meč bol), koji su takođe nagrađeni.

Direktor turnira za najmlađe, Zoran Račić, nije krio zadovoljstvo uspješnom organizacijom.

Učešće je uzelo 170 takmičara iz nekoliko zemalja, što govori dovoljno o masovnosti, kvalitetu i značaju koji ovaj turnir ima u okruženju. Pohvale stižu sa svih strana, a na naše zadovoljstvo mnogi takmičari su najavili učešće i naredne godine. Sve je prošlo u najboljem redu i ponosni smo što smo i ove godine bili na visini zadatka – rekao je Račić.

Rezultati:
pioniri, polufinale: Bodin Žarković (Partizan, Beograd) – Nemanja Subanović (Spartak, Subotica) 9:1, Obrad Markovski (MTP, Skoplje) – Dušan Obradović (Ječmenica, Novi Sad) 9:6;

finale: Bodin Žarković – Obrad Markovski 9:4;

meč za treće mjesto: Dušan Obradović – Nemanja Subanović 9:4;

pionirke, polufinale: Olga Danilović (Partizan, Beograd) – Adela Joldić (Srebrenik) 9:1, Mila Mejić (Spartak, Subotica) – Rafaela Slišković (Dalmacija Cement, Solin) 9:8 (7:4);

finale: Olga Danilović – Mila Mejić 9:2;

meč za treće mjesto: Adela Joldić – Rafaela Slišković 9:4;

utješni turnir:
pioniri: Sergej Prtina (Banja Luka) – Nikša Pivač (Banja Luka) 7:5; pionirke: Sara Kalaba (Meč bol, Banja Luka) – Nikolina Vicanović (Mladost, Banja Luka) 7:3.

30/08/10

Matic Podlipnik experience at Bergantov Memorial

Yesterday I spoke with Matic’s father and he told me Matic had a great experience at this year Bergantov Memorial played from 16th till 20th of August.

Matic played this year Smrikva Bowl and is only 10 years old while Bergantov Memorial is one of the most prestigous under 12 tennis tournaments in Slovenia.

Borut was very happy about Matic game while he described me the matches because Matic had to play two qualification rounds to enter the Main Draw.

In the first round of the Main Draw he played against Nejc Lavrencic and if you look at the picture below you can see that there is a big phisical difference but the final score was just 6:3 and 7:6. Lavrencic reached the semifinals and lost to the winner of this year Bergantov Memorial.

Borut told me that Nejc is really big boy and when I received this morning the picture I thought about David and Goliath story :).

Congratulations to Matic and congratulations to Nejc Sitar for the finals who played Smrikva Bowl two years ago!

I’ve got the draws too this morning from Vesna and I recognized several others Smrikva Bowl Ambassadors names: Zaplotnik brothers (Jernej reached the quarterfinals), Nejc Sitar reached the finals, Nik Hribar, Moni Potrc (quarterfinals), Anja Humar, and I recognized this year Smrikva Bowl players: Tina Cvetkovic, Lian Benedejcic, and Kristina Novak still very young for a top result in an under 12 Grade 2 tournament.

28/08/10

Edo and Goranka spent part of their wedding day on the Smrikve Central Court :)

Edo and Goranka are both my students and today is their wedding day… probably one of the most beautiful days for every couple.

Edo trains weekly with me and this summer also Goranka started to learn tennis. I have to say she is very talented and quickly Edo will have a new tennis sparing partner…

Last time when Goranka played I arranged my friend Ana to sparing with her and after the training Goranka and Edo told me that this Saturday they are planning the photo session before the wedding cerimony and that they would like to come to Smrikve to make some pictures.

It is hard to put in writing how I was happy inside me when they expressed that wish. I promissed that I would have waited them at home for the pictures :).

It 2:30 PM when I heard the car horn on our parking. I was in the swimming pool and I run to see if that were newlywed. I took a towel and a straw hat and went to welcome them. My towel was like a Roman tunica… when I saw Edo and Goranka they were shining like the sun of happiness…

Edo was so elegant and Goranka was wearing one of the most beautiful wedding dresses I have ever seen that remined me the stories of the Roman Empire and the Greek sculptures of Goddess…

I run into my room to take my rackets and the camera. In few minutes we were on the court. I promissed them the pictures today thus this one were made by myself :)…

Usually Smrikve Central Court is a theatre stage for the Smrikva Bowl talents gathering from all over the word. Today it was the stage for the beginning of the crowning cerimony of Edo’s and Goranka love…

Edo and Goranka will write their love story on their own and I am so glad that they choose also our Court to remember this important day for them…

I hope you can get at least a partial feeling of their elengance eyes shining of happyness…

Edo is not left handed player but on this picture, as camera professionals asked him, he is taking the racket in his left hand… thus I add it is a hand where the heart is located thus allowed for the photo session :)…

They are ready…

BEST WISHES “MLADENCI”!!! :)

24/08/10

Nice time spent with Ana, Sigi and Loes enjoying tennis and culture in Smrikve, Valbandon, Brioni and Pula

The summer in Smrikve gives you a lot of entertainment oppurtunities because a part of enjoying tennis and the sea there are a lot of various cultural events you can enjoy…

We had different nice guests this year in Smrikve that a part of enjoying tennis and the sea also enjoyed the cultural events.

Last week we had the visit of two girls from Holland that a part of being excellent soccer player and very educated girls are also girls that enjoy learning about different cultures and also girls that started to play tennis in Smrikve :).

I hope that returning back home they will continue to play it… My friend Ana was helping me in the lessons and it was so nice to see Loves and Sigi progress hour after hour.

The evening time was dedicated to culture and a part of enjoying the King Lear performed by Ulyssess Theatre on Brioni Island we assisted to the “Cripnja” competition in Valbandon and cheered Miro’s team.

Several top former Smrikva Bowl players that come back to train in Smrikve knows Miro for his racket skills but some of them also knows about his passion in preparing the food :).

Ulyssess Theatre is a project founded 10 years ago by Rade Serbedzija and Borislav Vujcic, and every year this great actor and manager with his friends creates shows where you can learn something new and enjoy that learning experience…

But “Cripnja” competition in Valbandon with Miro and Milje “theatre group – Grota” was another beautiful experience for me, Ana, Sigi and Loes. Sigi and Loes said that it was the best food they tasted till that day of their vacation thus it is a true compliment to Miro, Milje and Grota team… The day after they went to Alla Beccaccia and that was another eno gastronomic experience.

During the “Cripnja” competition we had the possibility to stay with the team and the experience was even more special compared to the public that was staying outside the competition area.

After the “Cripnja” competition we finished in Pula till late evening and the next day in the morning we were on the courts training at 9:00 AM sharp :)

p.s. “Cripnja” or “Peka” consists of potatoes and meat cooked in a large tray. The food is placed on the fireplace, and covered with an ironcast lid, and then submerged under ambers. Food then cooks in its own juices and is better than any roast prepared in the regular oven.

20/08/10

Luca Appino - Golden Honorary Smrikva Bowl Member - was appointed National Team Manager and Head Coach of the Federation Tunisienne de Tennis

Luca Appino is a long term Smrikva Bowl friend and Golden Honorary Member since this title was established. He was for many years Babolat Director Of Sports Marketing and contributed to built up Babolat from a string company to one of the largest racquet manufacturers in the World. He is also credited for signing contracts with players such as Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Carlos Moya, Dinara Safina, Nadia Petrova, Aravane Rezzai, etc. The new challenge that Luca just few weeks ago accepted is to become the National Team Manager and Head Coach at Federation Tunisienne de Tennis. This is another interesting development project for which I am pleased to wish Luca all the best.

In 2009 Luca Appino decided to start, in collaboration with Toni Nadal, to share his experience through TENNIS TALENTS advisory service. The service is focused on helping junior talented players and their parents in building their professional tennis career.

The first Tennis Talents program for the Smrikva Bowl 2010 players was held in Smrikve on 28th and 29th of June 2010.

I am pleased to confirm that despite the new project Luca started the TENNIS TALENTS Trianing Sessions at Smrikve will be held few times per year to help Smrikva Bowl Ambassadors in their tennis grow and yearly will be done for families during the Smrikva Bowl.

I also hope that next year we can expect few of the best under 10 kids from Tunis at the Smrikva Bowl. It will be the first time to have players from this Mediterranean country.

19/08/10

Zvonimir Babic visited Smrikve

Zvonimir Babic played twice Smrikva Bowl in 2004 and 2005 and usually visit Smrikve with his parents during the summer. Last year it was the first time that Zvonimir visited Smrikve without rackets because of an arm injury.

This year he was back on the courts with racket and he trained with Miro a little bit to prepare for a tournament that will be played this week end in Slavnoski Brod.

Zvonimir’s father Vlado is a traditional Smrikva Bowl sponsor with his company Komot and Vlado is also the person that gave me the idea to plant an olive tree during the tournament. It is always a pleasure to have former Smrikva Bowl players and families in Smrikve.

16/08/10

Chiara, Federica and Gianluca made a short tennis clinic in Smrikve

This week we had the visit of two families from Milan. I knew that one of their children, Gianluca, loves tennis and his desire was to hit with me. We played and did few lessons and after we did few lessons also his sister Chiara and her friend Federica expressed desire to try to play tennis too thus in just few lessons they started to enjoy tennis and hit the ball thanks to PTR method.

Hopefully after this vacation they will become tennis fun and will continue to practice. I am sure Gianluca will do it but also Chiara and Federica might follow him :)

It was a nice class!

12/08/10

Top Smrikva Bowl and "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl players on ATP, WTA, ITF, USTA and European under 14 and 16 ranking lists (update August 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 #304 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

BOYS
Deni Zmak, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 runner up, from Croatia. Deni’s best ranking was #961 on ATP list in May 2010. In October 2009 he had an accident with motorcycle and for some time he will be forced to stay out of the courts.

GIRLS
Astrid Besser, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 winner, from Italy, is ranked #897 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 #411 on WTA list.

2001 – 6th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #1248on ATP ranking list.
Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #924 on ATP ranking list.

GIRLS
Petra MARTIC, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #85 on WTA list.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #612 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 #414 on ATP list.
Giacomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, was ranked #1268 on ATP list in May 2009.

GIRLS
Martina Caregaro, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Italy, is ranked #420 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 #515 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 #12 on ITF ranking list.
George MORGAN, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #44 on ITF ranking list.
Ciprian PORUMB, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia, is ranked #254 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, was ranked #942 on WTA list.
Silvia NJIRIC, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #973 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 #140 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 #1216 on ITF ranking list.
Miki JANKOVIC, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #110 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Saska GAVRILOVSKA, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #60 on ITF ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Mitchel POLNET, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #512 on ITF ranking list.

Blair SHANKLE, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #285 on ITF ranking list.
Anna MAMALAT, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #505 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 #459 on ITF ranking list.
Laslo DJERE, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #1039 on ITF ranking list.
Gianluigi QUINZI, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #986 on ITF ranking list.
Nikola MILOJEVIC, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 Consolation tournament winner, from Serbia, is ranked #195 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 #986 on ITF ranking list and #1 in Europe in under 14 cathergory and #6 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
Filip Kraljevic, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #169 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

GIRLS
Eleanor DEAN, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #500 on ITF ranking list.
Dina PAOCIC, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #220 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Daniel Maese, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #438 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Aries Wong, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #34 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Christina MAKAROVA, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #3 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Gabriella Umoquit, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #103 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 #107 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Bogdan BORZA, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Romania, is ranked #47 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gonzalo Morell, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Spain, is ranked #198 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Sergiu Bucur, ranked 4th on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Romania, is ranked #115 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.

GIRLS
Virginia PENA, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner, from Spain, is currently not ranked in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Ana KONJUH, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #22 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Nina POTOCNIK, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Slovenia, is ranked #59 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Eduardo NAVA, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #16 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Tommy PAUL, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #53 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Ndindi NDUNDA, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #46 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Domonique Garley, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #361 in the USA in under 12 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

GIRLS
Katarina Jokic, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #105 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Maia Lumsden, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up, from Scotland, is ranked #151 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Viktoria Kuzmova, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Slovakia, is ranked #226 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Estela Perez Somarriba, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Spain, is too young for under 14 european ranking.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Justin LEE, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #35 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
William Blumberg, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #5 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 #8 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Alex Gee, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #115 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Michaela GORDON, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #125 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Ashley LAHEY, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#113 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 not ranked in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Claire LIU, played 9th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #102 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Alexa BUTERA, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#794 in the USA in under 12 cathegory*.

10/08/10

Discover Istria from Smrikve group was created on Linked in

At the end of May I decided to create Discover Istria from Smrikve: cultural and gastronomy trails.

As some members of the Smrikva Bowl community already are aware Istria from Smrikve cultural tourism guide aims to promote Istrian cultural heritage and Istrian Region as a cultural tourism destination.

My idea while creating this group was to guide members of the group towards the hidden jems of ISTRIA and its hilltop towns. To indicate them top quality wine and olive oil makers, restaurants, festivals, history, architecture, culture…

The whole idea is to support Slow Travel & Sustainable Tourism, Slow Food and Sustainable Living and to share the guide that I am developing with people who enjoy discovering different cultures!

If you are on Linked in and have interest in receiving periodical articles on various subjects treated in Istria from Smrikve just join the group :)

Mio

05/08/10

NEW TOWN MAPS ON ISTRIA FROM SMRIKVE

Few days ago I completed a work on major town maps that have been added to Istria from Smrikve yesterday…

...CULTURAL E-BOOK “Istria from Smrikve“ aims to provide Smrikva Bowl players and their families with useful information about the places that should be visited in the Istria region. It is very difficult to explore or make discovery of anything without maps or traces – indications left by someone who visited a place or have been there… These maps should help to better follow the virtual tour of each town because the most important buildings are indicated with little stars on each map…

The colours of the maps I’ve got casually with work I made to create them with these little stars that I decided to add in end make every town map with a little of imagination looking as a single Galaxy to discover of the Istria the from Smrikve Universe…

How can you find these maps?

Every town or village you visit in Istria from Smrikve shows you a toolbar… the small icons you find on it are:

a) icon with i – that means key info about Istria from Smrikve and the author
b) icon with camera – that indicates the photo gallery of the town you visit…
c) icon with olive tree – indicates the top quality olive oil producer in the town area…
d) icon with wineglass – indicates the top quality winemaker in the town area…
e) icon with knife and fork – indicates the top quality place to taste high quality food in the town or village you are looking at in Istria from Smrikve…
f) the NEW icon is presented as the globe – and indicates the map of the town you are visiting

The following are the town and places where the maps were added:

1.BRIONI – BRIJUNI
2.BALE – VALLE
3.ROVINJ – ROVIGNO
4.VRSAR – ORSERA
5.SV.LOVREC – SAN LORENZO
6.POREC – PARENZO
7.VIZINADA – VISINADA
8.NOVIGRAD – CITTANOVA
9.UMAG – UMAGO
10.GROZNJAN – GRISIGNANA
11.BUJE – BUIE
12.PULA – POLA
13.VODNJAN – DIGNANO
14.SVETVINCENAT – SANVINCENTI
15.DVIGRAD – DUECASTELLI
16.ZMINJ – GIMINO
17.GRACISCE – GALLIGNANA
18.PAZIN – PISINO
19.MOTOVUN – MONTONA
20.OPRTALJ – PORTOLE
21.DRAGUC – DRAGUCCIO
22.ROC – ROZZO
23.BUZET – PINGUENTE
24.VIZACE – NESAZIO
25.BARBAN – BARBANA
26.LABIN – ALBONA
27.PICAN – PEDENA
28.MOSCENICE – MOSCHIENA
29.LOVRAN – LAURANA

The above are also towns and villages with richest and most preserved visible heritage… thus worth visitng in Istria…

31/07/10

Anja, Milica and Ivan Petkovic visited Smrikve

Few years ago I received an e-mail from a tennis coach from Cacak, Ivan Petkovic, that over the years brought several talented players to play Smrikva Bowl and he explained in his e-mail the idea of organising a tournament for the best under 10 players in Serbia. He asked if I could help him by offering two places in the main draw of the Smrikva Bowl for his winners and knowing Ivan’s love for tennis and commitment I was pleased to accept the winners of his tournament.

Jovana Vukovic, as 9 years old girl won that tournament and I accepted her to play Smrikva Bowl although she was 9 years old, also Nemanja Popovic obtained the wild card that year. This year Bodin Zarkovic and Tamara Dlacic played Smrikva Bowl thanks to the victory of Ivan’s tournament.

Ivan was in Smrikve with his wife Milica last time in 2005 when she was pregnant. The girl you see with the racket on the picture above is Ivan’s daughter Anja.

Anja turned 5 this years and is one of the best 5 years old girls that I’ve ever seen playing tennis, and what is most important she plays tennis with smile on her face all the time :)

It was a pleasure to see Anja for the first time and Milica and Ivan again in Smrikve, and to exchange dreams and plans in lovely chats.

28/07/10

Katie Swan is on vacation in Spain and she met Alvaro Regalado yesterday. Katie and Alvaro are both Smrikva Bowl winners

Katie Swan, from England, and Alvaro Regalado, from Spain, both won the 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 edition. In these days Katie is with her family on vacation in Spain and yesterday they visited Alvaro Regalado and his family in Alicante.

This year winner Nicola Kuhn lives in Spain and he was invited to play Smrikva Bowl by Katie and her family and later on his candidacy was confirmed by Alvaro and his family. According to Nicki’s letter on the picture there is a Smrikva Bowl candidate she mentioned in her letter living in Alicante with Croatian origin.

I am pleased to share with the community Katie’s mother letter and a picture received from Alvaro’s club where Katie and Alvaro played yesterday :)

Dear Mio

I hope you are well and have a great summer.

I thought you would like to know that we are in Spain on vacation at the moment and today we met up with Alvaro and his family. Miguel took us to their club and Katie and Alvaro played tennis together. We had the most fantastic day with them and were so touched by their hospitality and had a lovely lunch with their family.

Attached is a photo of Katie and Alvaro and three players from Alvaro’s club. The girl on the far right is 9 and apparently from Croatia who now lives in Alicante. Miguel said she is a very good player and predicts she will win the Smrikve Bowl next year!!

We are looking forward to Alvaro and his brother Alex staying us with England and Miguel is keen for Katie to stay. This is all as a result of the Smrikve Bowl so thank you so much!

Best wishes.

Nicki

26/07/10

Stinjan Local Community Committee awarded Smrikve Tennis Club

Few years ago Istrian Tennis Association awarded Smrikve Tennis Club for the 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 organisation excellence and few days ago, on 24th of July, our Club received another important award from Stinjan Local Community Committee and his President Mr. Dusanko Babic

This award was given to our Club to recognize our efforts in promoting tennis activity and sport in general, thus this certificate represents also a nice present for the conclusion of the 15th Smrikva Bowl 2010 that brought Smrikve word to 49th country since the tournament was established in 1996.

Our Club is pleased to share this award with all the people that over the years contributed to the Smrikve and Smrikva Bowl development, to the volunteers of the Smrikva Bowl Staff, to the Honorary Smrikva Bowl Members and to the Golden Smrikva Bowl Members.

26/07/10

Silvia Njiric - 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up - reached the quarterfinals of the European Junior Championship played in Switzerland

Silvia Njiric is one of the top Croatian junior players and one of the top junior players in the World that currently ranks #33 on ITF ranking list and was also ranked #6 on ITF ranking list in January of this year. On WTA ranking list Silvia is currently ranked #962.

Silvia played Smrikva Bowl in 2003 and reached the finals thus represented the Smrikva Bowl team on 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl that was played in the US that year. This year she reached the semifinals of the Junior Roland Garros.

Silvia Njiric road towards the quarterfinals of European Junior Championship played in Klosters (Switzerland) was the following:

1st round: Silvia Njiric – Bye
2nd round: Silvia Njiric – Dana Ihsanova (EST) 6:2, 6:1
3rd round: Silvia Njiric – Carlotta Orlando (ITA) 6:2, 6:2
4th round: Silvia Njiric – Jovana Jaksic (SRB) 7:5, 6:4
Quarterfinals: S.Njiric – Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino (ESP) 1:6, 2:6

The ranking of the players with whom Silvia played and will play on this year Roland Garros is the following:

Dana Ihsanova (EST) – #1504 on ITF ranking list
Carlotta Orlando (ITA) – #266 on ITF ranking list
Jovana Jaksic (SRB) – #65 on ITF ranking list
Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino (ESP) – #596 on ITF ranking list

In the following you tube video you can see Silvia Njiric on two years ago Junior Wimbledon double finals awarding cerimony.

Congratulations Silvia!

22/07/10

Cosmopolite website a new part of smrikve.com World

Dear Smrikve friends,

I am pleased to let you know that the book I completed in 2005, on the importance of civilisation and the civili society, was translated from Italian in English and published on our website to be shared with Smrikve friends.

http://smrikve.com/cosmopolite/

The book was completed several years ago but the thoughts I express in it have not significantly changed since then.

Parts of the book were written thinking on Smrikva Bowl kids and this is a small gift to them, to Smrikve friends, and to all the people that appreciate the civil society.

Regards,

Mio