News

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.

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.

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.

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 #834 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 #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

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 #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.

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 #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

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 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

18/07/10

Munchkin tennis week end at European PTR Center in Marlengo and surpirse photos from Kristina Novak, Joka and Vuk made recently on Bled lake in Slovenia

Me and my father spent this week end at VAN DER MEER TENNIS UNIVERSITY EUROPE MARLENGO following a PTR course run by Luigi Bertino dedicated to children between the ages of 4 to 10.

Munchkin tennis coaching model is designed for children between the ages of 4 to 10. This includes learning basis skills like throwing, catching the ball and other ball skills, hand-eye co-ordination tasks and tennis games for children. It is based on fun-filled movements and games, and not repetitive drills.

It was a very nice learning week end.

SURPIRSE PHOTOS…

Returning home I found in my e-mail box the pictures sent to me by Kristina’s father Vili. Nice pictures made recently on Bled lake – one of the most beautiful lakes in Slovenia.

Kristina Novak played the semifinals on this year Smrikva Bowl and is the best under 10 tennis player in Slovenia.

Jovana Vukovic Joka, this year Smrikva Bowl winner, after her Smrikva Bowl and Tennis Talents days spent in Smrikve, she went for a holiday to Italy and returning home they visited Kristina and her family on Bled lake.

I enjoyed the pictures and I hope also people that know both girls might enjoy…

On the picture below you can see Joka and Kristina after their squash game :)... If they are good in squash just half they are in tennis that might have been an impressive game!...

Here below you can see also Vuk on the picture, Joka’s brother, together with Joka and Kristina. Looking at Kristina’s hair I would say that she jumped into the lake :)...

Blad is very beautiful summer resort and winter resort. I enjoyed skiing there for several winters.

I found also a photo of Kristina after this year Smrikva Bowl finals when it was allowed to jump into the swimming pool with suits and as you can see Kristina was in the finals staff wearing Sergio Tacchini t-shirt and shorts and this is the picture made just after the finals :))...

I received also photos of all three of them jumping on trampoline: Kristina, Vuk and Joka, and I am really glad they had fun and spent nice moments together!

15/07/10

Fazana sightseeing and ice cream offered by Miro to Miomir, Mila, Nina, Ariana, me and his family :)...

Miomir Kecmanovic and Nina Marjanovic and her sister Mila spent their tennis holidays in Smrikve. Yesterday night Miro decided to offer them a firewell ice cream in beautiful Fazana – an old fisherman village because Nina and Mila were leaving Smrikve this morning.

As I already wrote, few weeks ago Miso and Nina were crowned this year OUATT Kids Cup Champions in under 11 and under 12 age group cathegories, and they were preparing for European under 12 Championship that will be played in Romania and Czech Republic.

They are both former Smrikva Bowl players, and Mila, Nina’s sister should play the next year Smrikva Bowl. Yesterday night another Smrikva Bowl player from Fazana Ari joined us. It was ice cream night and the Fazana sightseeing opportunity.

In the car we listened on Miso’s request “I COLORI DEL MONDO” and “Jobrni je jobrni”. We reached Fazana just before the sunset when the village is most charming, while Miro waited for us with his car on the road.

Fazana is today a picturesque fisherman’s tourist village. During the summer almost every night there is something interesting you can do in the evening. We had yesterday night Balun dancers.

Historically it was the summer resort of Roman patricians but also had one of the most important Istrian amphorae factories. It was among the most important in the whole Empire. Today Fazana is also the gateway towards the famous Brioni islands.

Nina, Mila and Miso are ready for the ice cream . Ari and Miro choose the place.

and the ice cream in the nice company lasted till quite late in the evening for our little tennis champions but it was a day to say goodby till next year thus this exception was allowed by Tanja and Bora :)

It was a nice Fazana ice cream evening :)

13/07/10

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

IN 1996 SMRIKVA BOWL GATHERED TOP PLAYERS FROM ISTRIA AND KVARNER

1996 – 1st Smrikva Bowl

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

GIRLS
Natali Zuliani, 1st Smrikva Bowl 1996 winner, from Croatia.

IN 1997 SMRIKVA BOWL GATHERED TOP PLAYERS FROM CROATIA

1997 – 2nd Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Zeljko Peric, 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner, from Croatia.

GIRLS
Ivana Lisjak, 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #289 on WTA list. Ivana’s best ranking was #95 on WTA list in June 2006.

IN 1998 SMRIKVA BOWL STARTED TO BE INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT

1998 – 3rd Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Filip Kovacic, 3rd Smrikva Bowl 1998 winner, from Croatia.

GIRLS
Mateja Horvat, 3rd Smrikva Bowl 1998 winner, from Croatia.

1999 – 4th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Borko Mudronja, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 winner, from Croatia.
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 #832 on WTA list. Astrid’s best ranking was #356 on WTA list in March 2009.

2000 – 5th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Adelchi Virgili, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Italy.

GIRLS
Tereza MRDEZA, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Croatia, is currently ranked #371 on WTA list.

2001 – 6th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #1235 on ATP ranking list.
Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #1002 on ATP ranking list.

GIRLS
Petra MARTIC, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #79 on WTA list.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #641 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 #473 on ATP list.
Giacomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, was ranked #1272 on ATP list in May 2009.

GIRLS
Martina Caregaro, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Italy, is ranked #489 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 #514 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 #11 on ITF ranking list.
George MORGAN, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #42 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 #928 on WTA list.
Silvia NJIRIC, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #965 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 #143 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 #1161 on ITF ranking list.
Miki JANKOVIC, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #107 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Saska GAVRILOVSKA, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #61 on ITF ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Mitchel POLNET, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #498 on ITF ranking list.

Blair SHANKLE, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #274 on ITF ranking list.
Anna MAMALAT, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #498 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 #487 on ITF ranking list.
Laslo DJERE, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #993 on ITF ranking list.
Gianluigi QUINZI, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #941 on ITF ranking list.
Nikola MILOJEVIC, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 Consolation tournament winner, from Serbia, is ranked #213 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Saska GAVRILOVSKA, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #61 on ITF ranking list.
Olga IANCHUK, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #815 on WTA 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 #941 on ITF ranking list and #1 in Europe in under 14 cathergory and #9 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
Filip Kraljevic, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #182 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

GIRLS
Eleanor DEAN, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #488 on ITF ranking list.
Dina PAOCIC, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #143 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Daniel Maese, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #452 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Aries Wong, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #35 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 #95 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 #422 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Bogdan BORZA, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Romania, is ranked #31 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gonzalo Morell, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Spain, is ranked #220 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Sergiu Bucur, ranked 4th on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Romania, is ranked #266 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 #39 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Nina POTOCNIK, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Slovenia, is ranked #64 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Eduardo NAVA, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #36 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Tommy PAUL, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #130 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Ndindi NDUNDA, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #99 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Domonique Garley, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #346 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 #172 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Maia Lumsden, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up, from Scotland, is ranked #272 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Viktoria Kuzmova, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Slovakia, is ranked #260 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 #41 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
William Blumberg, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #12 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Ingrid NEEL, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #29 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Paulina Ferrari, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #37 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 #13 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Alex Gee, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #136 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Michaela GORDON, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #108 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Ashley LAHEY, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#156 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 #91 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Alexa BUTERA, played 8th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked *#799 in the USA in under 12 cathegory*.

12/07/10

Rovinj sightseeing and pizza with Miomir, Mila and Nina

As I already wrote few days ago Miomir Kecmanovic and Nina Marjanovic and her sister Mila are spending their tennis holidays in Smrikve.

Few weeks ago Miso and Nina were crowned this year OUATT Kids Cup Champions in under 11 and under 12 age group cathegories, and they are currently preparing for European under 12 Championship that will be played in Romania and Czech Republic.

They are both former Smrikva Bowl players, and Mila, Nina’s sister should play the next year Smrikva Bowl and she was also with us yesterday night. It was pizza night and the Sunday was the day off with Rovinj sightseeing on the schedule.

After listining in the car the songs “I COLORI DEL MONDO” and “Jobrni je jobrni” we reached Rovinj just before the sunset.

We passed nearby Bale on our road to Rovinj and I explained to them that Giacomo Casanova used to visit Bale. They are still to little to know this historical personality but Nina saw parts of the film about Casanova and she heard about him.

Here below is Nina with Rovinj skyline and the bell tower that you can see on the hilltop is very similar to the one you find on the St.Mark square in Venice.

At the entrance of the old town every year Misa and Nina have to buy gifts for their relatives, parents and grandparents. This is our first pit stop. This year they also wanted to buy a gift for their Smrikve coach Miro because they know that very soon he has the birthday, and this will be a surprise for him :).

In front of St.Euphemia church we had the meeting with friends from Japan that are living in Milan. Keiko is an old friend and she helped Smrikva Bowl to get first players from Japan and was very pleased and honoured with her friend to make a photo with Nina and Miso.

The pizza we prefer in Rovinj is located in Grisia street – Pizza da Sergio.

On the picture below you see Miso and Nina buying last gifts for their relatives in a street that the second Sunday of August transform into open art exhibition street – Grisia.

Rovinj is so lovelly. At each step you make you find an art gallery, and I am glad that Nina started to note the beauty of Rovinj.

The first impression to her was that in Rovinj everything was so old… but every time we come back to Rovinj she appreciates Rovinj’s beauty more and more…

After pizza night we were going to the parking place to take the car and ticket Misa forgot in the car :) and another beatuy attracted Nina, Miso and Mila attention. It was 63 meters Superyacht Kolaha that was making the bay even more beautiful with its lights yesterday night, and the kids dreamed about how beautiful the interior might be.

It was a nice Rovinj pizza evening :)

11/07/10

Nina Marjanovic and Miomir Kecmanovic are spending their tennis holidays in Smrikve

Miomir Kecmanovic and Nina Marjanovic are spending their tennis holidays in Smrikve. Few weeks ago they were crowned this year OUATT Kids Cup Champions in under 11 and under 12 age group cathegories. They are both former Smrikva Bowl pšlayers and every summer they come to make us a visit and spend some time with Miro on the courts.

Yesterday was Saturday night and the night off. After the hard training week and the evening training that finished at 8 PM they quickly showered and prepared for the concert in Arena.

Mila is Nina’s sister and hopefully next year she will play Smrikva Bowl. She plays very nice tennis and yesterday she showered the court to allow Nina and Misa to prepare for the Saturday night in Pula.

This was Misa’s and Nina’s first time for a concert in Arena. It was over 3 hours concert in honour of 10 years of Theatre Ulysess started by Rade Serbedzija and friends a decade ago.

Every summer on Brioni islands various shows are performed by Ulysess theatre group in a beatiful setting such as Minor fortress is.

Many Ulysess’ friends gathered and the concert was wounderfull full of Regionally known musician and actors.

Here below is Djordje Balasevic and his Ringispil.

Today is a day off for Miso and Nina with pizza night :).

04/07/10

Eleanor Dean, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, reached 3rd round of Junior Wimbledon

Eleanor Dean is from Great Britain and she was the outperformer of the 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 when she won Smrikva Bowl. She lived and trained in Spain at Marco Tennis Academy and today she lives in Wimbledon, next to All England club, and trains at the NTC (National Training Academy).

Last week Eleonor Dean played Junior Wimbledon and although she is only 14 years old she did a great tournament. Eleonor is currently ranked # 825 on ITF ranking list and in the first round she defeated Gabriela Dabrowski – #7 ITF player.

1st round: Eleanor Dean (Gbr) – G. Dabrowski (Can) 3:6, 6:0, 6:0
2nd round: Eleanor Dean (Gbr)-Ksenia Kirillova (Rus) 6:4,0:6,6:4
3rd round: Eleanor Dean (Gbr) – Kristyna Pliskova (Cze) 0:6, 2:6

The ranking of the players with whom Eleonor played on Junior Wimbledon is the following:

Gabriela Dabrowski (Can) – #7 ITF ranking list
Ksenia Kirillova (Rus) – #141 ITF ranking list
Kristyna Pliskova (Cze) – #94 ITF ranking list

Congratulations Eleanor!

Here below you can learn more about Eleonor via interview made recently by ACE Tennis Magazin.

... and this is an article published in February 2007 where Eleonor was talking about her dreams… Eleanor Dean a possible future Tennis Star on www.expatica.com, “Simply the best: Wimbledon champion of tomorrow?”

Please enjoy this old article about Eleanor Dean a possible future Tennis Star.

Simply the best: Wimbledon champion of tomorrow?

We all know British tennis star Andy Murray trained in Barcelona, but did you know another British world champion player (aged 10) plays on the Costa del Sol?

It may seem a bit early to be talking about Wimbledon, but in the competitive world of tennis, there’s no let-up in the preparation for the world’s most famous tournament.

And what better place to forecast the future of the British game than in sunny Spain, where you can train outdoors to your heart’s content.

And making the most of the training facilities at the Marco Tennis Academy in Elviria is ten year old Eleanor Dean, who’s been training there for three years and is already the world champion (yes, world champion) in the 10 and Under category. And guess what? She’s British!

“After tennis training, I do one hour of just physical training every day,” explains Eleanor, a fluent and intelligent talker, already au fait with the demands of the game and the necessity to talk to the media in this age of Internet communication and 24-hour news.

And she’s open about her approach to big tournaments: “At first you’re a bit nervous, because you watch the other players practising next to you and you think ‘wow, they are so good!’ but then once you get onto the court and you feel how they hit the ball, then it’s fine.

“I feel excited then, because I know I am going to enjoy the match. It feels great to win. It’s fun to be holding the trophy while everyone is taking pictures.”

A British player who enjoys winning? It seems somewhat at odds with the traditional British schooling of ‘it’s the taking part that matters’.

She demonstrates her ambition with an aggressive rasping cross-court volley to her coach Andres Marco (one half of the Marco tennis empire – his brother Daniel is also enthusiastically involved with the centre).

Eleanor’s pleasant nature seems somewhat at odds with her on-court presence, but that’s all part of the psychology of lulling your opponent into a false sense of security.

“We have trained and if I may say ‘created’ some top class international juniors,” says Marco with pride.

“When you go to tournaments you see lots of dogs but very few wolves, because the number of factors which create a true champion are enormous – physical condition, the ability to learn, dealing with stress and having the intelligence to really understand the game.

“The game has also had an incredible evolution, it is far more professional than it was even fifteen years ago. You now have amazing bio-mechanical and audio-visual aids to track your performance. It’s far more competitive than it used to be.”

And it’s not just about enhancing your own skills; you need to pay close attention to the opposition.

Marco’s protégé is already on the case: “I see a lot of tennis on TV,” says Eleanor. “I was watching Maria Sharapova playing another girl and I noticed she was serving slices to this girl because she wasn’t very good on her backhand. All the players have different tactics.”

So, with all this information, ability and drive, what does Eleanor aspire to be? Her answer is swift and unequivocal. “Number One.”

03/07/10

Good news from La Baule - OUATT Kids Cup played in France this week: Yshai Oliel, Nina Marjanovic and Miomir Kecmanovic, all Smrikva Bowl players, won in their respective age groups

Two days ago I received from Bora Marjanovic, Nina’s father, a messagge that both Nina and Miomir were in the finals in La Baule (France) at OUATT Kids Cup. Today Miomir’s aunt, Tanja, confirmed to me that they both won OUATT World Finals in their age groups and that tomorrow they are expected to reach Smrikve. Miomir defeated in the finals Samuele Ramazzotti from Italy, 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 runner up.

Nina and Miomir both played Smrikva Bowl and last summer they trained in Smrikve.

Today I received another nice messagge from La Baule and it is a messagge from Jan Pochter – Yshai Oliel’s coach and he informed me about Yshai victory in France and I am very proud of all three of them for the victory and for Samuele for reaching the finals.

Here below is Jan’s e-mail.

Dear Miodrag,

I want to thank you for the amazing hospitality and excellent competition. Yshai has gained much experience. Hope to return next year.

Thank you to everyone hello to your mother, your father and all. Yshai won at La Baule

First round won player from Germany 5:1 5-0
Second Round won Karim from Dubai 5:1 5:1
Quarter-final won player from France 5:1 5:0
Semifinal beat Rimpei from Japan 5:3 5:1
Final won player from Mexico 5:4 5:0

Thanks so much for everything,

Jan Pochter

On the following picture there are three other 15th Smrikva Bowl boys on the picture with Yshai: Edoardo Cecere, Manuelle Micca and Karim Najia; all Smrikva Bowl players. I heard that Karim and Yshai won the doubles competition in France.

On this group picture, a part of recognizing Yshai, I also recognized from left to right side Nina Marjanovic and Miomir Kecmanovic.

Here below is Yshai with Rimpei Kawakami from Japan that also played this year Smrikva BOwl.

Thank you Jan for the pictures. Tomorrow I will see Nina and Miomir and hear more about the experience and special congratulations to Yshai, Nina and Miomir!

30/06/10

TENNIS TALENTS stage run by Luca Appino, TT founders and Golden Honorary Smrikva Bowl member, prepared for the 15th SMRIKVA BOWL 2010 players, families and coaches was concluded yesterday

Luca Appino is a long term Smrikva Bowl friend and Golden Honorary Member since this title was established. Luca 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.

Here below you can see Luca this Monday morning preparing the last tips for his first Tennis Talents Stage on Pillars for the Smrikva Bowl 2010 players, families and coaches.

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

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

The foccus of the lessons was on the four TT Pillars:
1. Sensation
2. Respiration
3. Timing
4. Hitting point

The Class was run by Luca, while myself, Miro Hrvatin and Ariana Rabac assisted Luca during the program and enjoyed this very particular and extraordinary Class of talents.

The first Smrikve TT Alumni are:

• Jovana Vukovic
• Tamara Dlacic
• Kosta Petrov

• Alexa Butera
• Kiro Bara
• Andreja Petrovic

• Claire Liu
• Kiran Dhull
• Max Motlagh

PLAYERS ARE MAKING SHOTS, SHOTS ARE NOT MAKING PLAYERS is Luca’s TT slogan and the program AIM IS TO HELP PLAYERS GROWING AS UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS STATING FROM THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE GAME: THE PILLARS

I am pleased to share the program because this class was very helpfull and I would use the word surprising for the participants.

Each of us that lived the experience learned many important and new things that ure usefull for high level tennis. I would be pleased if this experience allow our Alumni and parents to do even better in the future.

TENNIS TALENTS Trianing Sessions will be held two times per year in Smrikve to help Smrikva Bowl Ambassadors in their tennis grow and yearly will be done for families during the Smrikva Bowl.

I am also glad that many established relationships between Luca Appino and Smrikva Bowl Ambassadors and their families might continue in the future.

Smrikva Bowl 2010 program was the following:

MONDAY 28/6 – FIRST DAY

• 8:30-9:00 Players ‘ registration and welcome gift distribution

• 9:00-9:30 (Court 2) Method TT: introduction and warm up through coordination and ability exercises

• 9:30-10:30 Court 2: one to one – Court 3: group session
(Pillar 1: SENSATIONS) working on ground strokes :
Physical: overall body relaxation and feeling;
Technical/tactical: shot sequences and rhythm of execution;
Mental: focus on the sensations and sounds to develop concentration and attention
Ex. : In service area: CC/DL, touch and hit (with or without bounce), matches

• 10:30-11:30 Court 2: one to one – Court 3: group session
(Pillar 2: RESPIRATION) working on:
Physical: muscles relief and activation, breathing control;
Technical/tactical: timing and rhythm of execution;
Mental: focus on breathing control and muscles tension;
Ex. : starting in service area, than ¾ court, than from the baseline + differentiation (deep/short, high/low, more/less spin)

• 11:30-12:00 Court 2: one to one – Court 3: group session
(Pillar 1: SENSATION) working on serve:
Physical: muscles relief and activation,;
Technical/tactical: timing and rhythm of execution;
Mental: rituals;
Ex. : starting in service area, than ¾ court, than from the baseline

• 14:00-15:00 Court 2: one to one – Court 3: group session
(Pillar 3: TIMING) working on ground strokes:
Physical: muscle relief and acceleration;
Technical/tactical: efficiency of the kinetic chain and quality of the impacts;
Mental: focus on timing sensation and rhythm to develop concentration and attention
Ex. : series of shots and rallies

• 15:00-16:00 Court 2: one to one – Court 3: group session
(Pillar 4: HITTING POINT) working on ground strokes:
Physical: footwork and ball trajectory evaluation;
Technical/tactical: efficiency of the shots and time reaction;
Mental: focus on timing impact and aggressiveness
Ex. : series of shots and rallies

• 16:30-17:00 Court 2: one to one – Court 3: group session
(Pillar 3: TIMING) working on serve and smash:
Physical: muscle relief and acceleration;
Technical/tactical: efficiency of the kinetic chain and quality of the impacts;
Mental: rituals; focus on timing sensation and rhythm to develop concentration and attention
Ex. : starting in service area, than ¾ court, than from the baseline

• 17:00-17:15 cool down

• 17:15-18:00 Q&A

TUESDAY 29/6 – SECOND DAY

• 9:00-9:30 (Court 2) Method TT: recall and warm up through coordination and ability exercises

• 9:30-10:30 Court 2: one to one – Court 3: group session
(Pillar 1: SENSATIONS) working on volleys:
Physical: overall body relaxation and feeling;
Technical/tactical: shot sequences and rhythm of execution;
Mental: focus on the sensations and sounds to develop concentration and attention
Ex. : In service area: CC/DL, touch and hit (with or without bounce), matches

• 15:00-16:00 Court 2: one to one – Court 3: group session
(Pillar 4: HITTING POINT) working on ground strokes and volleys:
Physical: footwork and ball trajectory evaluation;
Technical/tactical: efficiency of the shots and time reaction;
Mental: focus on timing impact and aggressiveness
Ex. : series of shots and rallies

• 17:00-17:15 cool down

• 17:15-18:00 Q&A

I am pleased to thanks all the players and families, Luca, Miro and Ariana for these two days of growing tennis talents in Smrikve together.