News

13/06/09

Top Smrikva Bowl and "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl players on ATP, WTA, ITF, USTA and European under 14 and 16 ranking lists (update June 2009)

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, is ranked #1077 on ATP list. Vilim’s best ranking was #612 in March 2006. Vilim Visak is currently ranked #602 on ATP Doubles Ranking. His best double ranking was #370 in February 2009.

GIRLS
Natali Zuliani, 1st Smrikva Bowl 1996 winner, from Croatia, is not ranked player.

IN 1997 SMRIKVA BOWL GATHERED TOP PLAYERS FROM CROATIA

1997 – 2nd Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Zeljko Peric, 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner, from Croatia, is not ranked player.
Filip Kricka, 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 runner up, from Croatia, is not ranked player.

GIRLS
Ivana Lisjak, 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #454 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, is not ranked player.

GIRLS
Mateja Horvat, 3rd Smrikva Bowl 1998 winner, from Croatia, is not ranked player. Her best ranking was around #800 on WTA list.

1999 – 4th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Borko Mudronja, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 winner, from Croatia, is not ranked player.
Deni Zmak, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #1525 on ATP list.

GIRLS
Astrid Besser, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 winner, from Italy, is ranked #448 on WTA list.

2000 – 5th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Adelchi Virgili, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Italy. Adelchi is very talented player that continues to be injured.

GIRLS
Tereza Mrdeza, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Croatia, is currently ranked #538 on WTA list.

2001 – 6th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #1902 on ATP ranking list.
Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #1783 on ATP ranking list.

GIRLS
Petra MARTIC, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #145 on WTA list.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #741 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 #764 on ATP list.
Giacomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, was ranked #1710 on ATP list in May 2009.

GIRLS
Martina Caregaro, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Italy, is ranked #756 on WTA ranking list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #534 on WTA list.
Ema BURGIC, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #773 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 #894 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #6 in Europe in under 16 cathegory
George MORGAN, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #296 on ITF ranking list.
Ciprian Porumb, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia, is ranked #421 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, was ranked #987 on WTA list.
Silvia NJIRIC, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #798 on WTA list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Croatia, is ranked #534 on WTA list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Emmett Egger, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #423 on ITF ranking list.
Robert Stineman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #120 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.

Karen Forman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #142 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.
Katie Klyczek, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #476 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.

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

BOYS
Ivan Levar, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #188 in under 16 cathegory.
Miki JANKOVIC, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #2 in Europe in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #1044 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Saska Gavrilovska, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #286 in Europe in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #1078 on ITF ranking list.
Ecaterina Opriou, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Romenia, is ranked #30 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Mitchel Polnet, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #193 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.

Blair SHANKLE, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #11 in the USA in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #598 on ITF ranking list.
Anna MAMALAT, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #22 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.

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 #4 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gyore Laszlo, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #17 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gianluigi QUINZI, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #8 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Nikola MILOJEVIC, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 Consolation tournament winner, from Serbia, is ranked #1 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

GIRLS
Saska Gavrilovska, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #286 in Europe in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #1078 on ITF ranking list.
Olga Ianchuk, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #9 in Europe in under 14 cathegory and is ranked #1382 on ITF ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Jeffrey Schorsch, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #308 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Jose Gracia, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #115 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Yale GOLDBERG, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #25 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Dorothy Tang, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #75 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

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

BOYS
Gianluigi QUINZI, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Italy, is ranked #8 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Filip Kraljevic, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #674 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

GIRLS
Eleanor DEAN, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #43 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Dina PAOCIC, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #130 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Daniel Maese, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #1352 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Aries Wong, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #314 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Christina MAKAROVA, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #70 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Gabriella Umoquit, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #784 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 too young for under 14 european ranking.
Bogdan BORZA, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Romania, is ranked #308 in Europe in under 14 cathegory*.
Gonzalo Morell, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Spain, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Sergiu Bucur, ranked 4th on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Romania, is too young for under 14 european ranking.

GIRLS
Virginia PENA, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner, from Spain, is ranked #397 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Ana KONJUH, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #327 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Nina POTOCNIK, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Slovenia, is ranked #347 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Katie Dayson, ranked 4th on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from UK, is too young for under 14 european ranking.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Eduardo NAVA, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #32 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Tommy PAUL, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #5 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Ndindi NDUNDA, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #13 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Domonique Garley, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #66 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 too young for under 14 european ranking.
Maia Lumsden, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 runner up, from Scotland, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Viktoria Kuzmova, ranked 3rd on 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, from Slovakia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
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 #88 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
William Blumberg, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #379 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Ingrid NEEL, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #26 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Paulina Ferrari, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #301 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

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.

10/06/09

8th "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl 2009 - United States Team Announcement - Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate release
June 9,2009
[email protected]
www.mcbtennis.org
(214) 352-7978

8th “Little Mo”/ Smrikva Bowl
June 28, 2009 * Pula, Croatia

United States Team Announced
(U.S. vs. Europe)
For Boys & Girls 10 & under

Dallas...The Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation and Tennis Club Smrikve are proud to present the 8th annual international team competition between the United States and Europe for young players on Sunday, June 28, 2009. This is the only international team competition which features the top boys and girls from the United States and the rest of the world who are 10 & under.

The “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl is named after two prestigious tournaments: the “Little Mo” Nationals which features the best young players in the United States from 7-11 years of age and the Smrikva Bowl which is one of the top European tournaments for boys and girls having gathered players from 40 countries and six continents over the fourteen year history.

The 14th annual Smrikva Bowl will be held the week of June 22nd at the Tennis Club Smrikve in Pula, Croatia.

The Smrikva Bowl is expected to have over 100 top players from 27 countries and 5 continents competing in this prestigious European tournament—over 20 players are ranked #1 in their country and many others are ranked in the top 5 in their country.

The “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl is probably the highest level competition for boys and girls who are 10 & under in the world.
The “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl will feature the top two boys and top two girls in the United States and the rest of the world playing a total of eight matches. The competition was held the first two years in Austin, Texas at the Austin Tennis Academy and the past five years at the Tennis Club Smrikve in Pula, Croatia. Smrikva Bowl has won the competition each year .

The players representing the United States are:

Boys:

#1: Noah Schachter – Steilacoom, Washington

#2: Alex Gee – Bellaire, Texas

Girls:

#1: Michaela Gordon – Los Altos Hills, California

#2: Ashley Lahey – Boulder, Colorado

The U.S. players were selected due to their outstanding results in “Little Mo” competition at the Sectional, Regional, National and International level.

The “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl is one of the many events the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation organizes to promote junior tennis development. The foundation was co-founded by Maureen Connolly Brinker and her dear friend, Mrs. Frank A. Jeffett, in 1968. Mrs. Jeffett has led the foundation for forty years and continues to serve as chairman emeritus together with Cindy Brinker Simmons, president, Brenda Brinker Bottum, vice-president, Elizabeth Jeffett, vice-president, Carol Weyman, executive vice-president, and a capable advisory board.

“Little Mo” was the top ranked woman’s player in the world in the early 1950s, winning Wimbledon in 1952, 1953 and 1954. In 1953, she became the first woman (at age 18) to win the Grand Slam. She remains the youngest player and the only American woman to ever win the Grand Slam. Only five players in the history of tennis have achieved this significant tennis milestone. She won nine successive majors from 1951-1954. “Little Mo” died of cancer in 1969 at the age of 34 in Dallas.

For more information, visit www.mcbtennis.org and www.smrikve.com/smrikva-bowl.

07/06/09

Ivana Lisjak - 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner and former #95 ranked player on WTA list - won USD 25000 Tournament in Sarajevo

Ivana Lisjak – 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner and former #95 ranked player on WTA list – won USD 25000 Tournament that was played this week in Sarajevo.

Ivana Lisjak’s road towards the victory of the Sarajevo tournament was the following:

1st round: Ivana Lisjak – Indire Akiki (CRO) 6:1, 6:3
2nd round: Ivana Lisjak – Alexandra Panova (RUS) 6:3, 6:4
Quarterfinals: Ivana Lisjak – Diana Nakic (SLO) 6:2, 6:1
Semifinals: Ivana Lisjak – Karolina Kosinska (POL) 6:2, 6:2
Finals: Ivana Lisjak – Ana Jovanovic (SRB) 6:0, 7:6

Ivana Lisjak is currently ranked #456 on WTA list and the defeated players are ranked as follows:

Indire Akiki (CRO) – 6th Smrikva Bowl runner up – #702 WTA
Alexandra Panova (RUS) – #224 WTA
Diana Nakic (SLO) – #836 WTA
Karolina Kosinska (POL) – #399 WTA
Ana Jovanovic (SRB) – #238

Congratulations Ivana!

07/06/09

Marin Draganja and Dino Marcan - 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner and runner up - won the Junior Roland Garros doubles Championship 2009

Marin Draganja and Dino Marcan – 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner and runner up – were not so successful in the single performacne of this year Junior Roland Garros but they obtained the victory of the Junior Roland Garros doubles Championship 2009.

Their road towards the victory for Marin and Dino was the following:

1st round: Draganja – Marcan defeated Tennys Sandgren and Julen Uriguen 5:7, 6:4, 1:0

2nd round: Draganja – Marcan defeated Filip Horansky and
Jozef Kovalik 4;6, 6:0, 1:0

Quarterfinals: Draganja – Marcan defeated Evan King and Denis Kudla 6:0, 7:6

Semifinals: Draganja – Marcan defeated Dominik Schulz and David Souto 6:4, 6:2

Finals: Draganja – Marcan defeated Guilherme Clezar and Liang-Chi Huang 6:3, 6:2

I am pleased to share with the Smrikva Bowl comunity parts of the article published on ITF internet site and related with this victory.

by Simon Cambers

Junior doubles winners crowned at Roland Garros

Draganja and Marcan cruised to the boys’ title with an impressive 63 62 win over fourth seeds Guilherme Clezar of Brazil and Liang-Chi Huang.

Draganja and Marcan became the first all-Croatian pair to win the boys’ title in Paris after an utterly dominant performance.

The two 18-year-olds were never in trouble and their first grand-slam title helped sooth early exits from the singles competition.

Marcan has been practising with Robin Soderling, the men’s singles finalist, and the work clearly paid off.

“He’s maybe the main reason why we’ve been playing so good in doubles lately,” Marcan said.

“After his ball, juniors is pretty slow for me. (Marin) was saying today that we played against two guys who were pretty good at the baseline but I just had a great day and it’s because Soderling’s forehand is so good. “

The pair are set to play doubles in some seniors events later this year, and though singles is the main aim for both of them, winning the title was nice compensation.

“It means a lot,” Draganja said. “We lost pretty soon in the singles and it feels good to stay in the tournament until the end.”

Marin Draganj is currently ranked #51 on ITF ranking list and his best ranking was #11. On ATP ranking list Marin is ranked #1906.

Dino Marcan is currently ranked #33 on ITF ranking list and his best ranking was #24. On ATP ranking list Marin is ranked #1797.

Congratulations boys!

04/06/09

Luca Appino - Golden Honorary Smrikva Bowl Member - completed the book about Nadal that can be ordered on line: "The World of Rafael Nadal, secrets of his success"

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

I am very pleased to share with Smrikva Bowl community the news that his book has been published and can be ordered on line. It is a book about Rafael Nadal that Luca discovered when Rafa was still a very young boy.

The book is named: “The World of Rafael Nadal – secrets of his success”

Luca Appino 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.

Luca is credited for signing contracts with players such as Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Carlos Moya, Nadia Petrova and Aravane Rezzai.

He began his carreer in tennis, as an instructor and later as a coach in Italy. It was in 1998 that he came to work for the head office of Babolat (having previously been a consultant for them on the Italian market). He became their sports marketing director and his brief was, among other things, to track down new talents.

*He met Rafael Nadal in 1998 when the future number one was
aged 12.* Luca naturally became very close to Rafa who is one of
the key players on the French brand’s team.

Today, Luca Appino is coach to the Estonian player Kaia Kanepi.
The idea of writing a collection of anecdotes chronicling the rise of
Rafael Nadal while also giving advice on how to progress occurred
to Luca as a natural continuation of his blog on the internet site
welovetennis.fr.

I remember last summer when Luca Appino visited Smrikve with his family he was telling me about the book he was writing on Nadal and I was telling him about the book I was writing about Istria.

Since 2002, Luca has been supporting the Smrikva Bowl development. He was introduced to me by Marco Girardini, the coach of Martina Caregaro that won 7th Smrikva Bowl that year.

In the last few years, Luca Appino has been dedicating his time to various business activities and has introduced Smrikva Bowl to Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, Wilson and Sergio Tacchini group.

I am pleased to have opportunity to exchange opinions with Luca personally, but the idea of this book was born with intention to help people that are dedicating their time to tennis with some tips related with the improvements in their tennis growth.

As Luca said: “Every day people ask for my opinion on what they should or shouldn’t do. In this book I offer a number of keys, notably for parents, who tend to worry about their children. It goes without saying that Rafael Nadal is, and will remain an exception, even if it is possible to glean some simple but extremely effective principles from his experiences.

I would also like to highlight the fact that this book has been a common project, developed in collaboration with Toni Nadal, without whom it would never have been possible.”

To learn more or order the book please visit www.rafabook.com

Congratulations Luca for spending your time to share your knowledge through writing the book. I am sure that both Rafael Nadal’s funs and tennis funs in general will enjoy it!

01/06/09

Silvia Njiric reached the quarterfinals of the Junior Roland Garros, while Ajla Tomljanovic finished the tournament in the third round

Silvia Njiric, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, reached the quarterfinals of the Junior Roland Garros, while Ajla Tomljanovic finished the tournament in the third round.

In the quarterfinals Silvia Njiric played against Sloane Stephens from the USA, while Ajla Tomljanovic lost against Bianca Botto in the third round.

Ajla Tomljanovic played Smrikva Bowl twice in 2002 and 2003. The first year she was runner up of the tournament and in 2003 she ranked third while in 2003 Silvia Njiric was the runner up. In 2002 Ajla Tomljanovic represented Smrikva Bowl at the first “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl and went to play this event in the United States and the year after also Silvia Njiric went to the States.

Currently Ajla and Silvia are ranked among top 10 under 18 players in the World and they both have a very good ranking on WTA list too.

Ajla TOMLJANOVIC:
1st round: Ajla Tomljanovic – Clothilde De Bernardi (FRA) 6:4, 6:2
2nd round: Ajla Tomljanovic – Alexandra Krunic (SRB) 6:2, 6:2
3rd round: Ajla Tomljanovic – Bianca Botto (PER) 1:6, 6:3, 5:7

Silvia NJIRIC:
1st round: Silvia Njiric – Caroline Garcia (FRA) 6:1, 6:3
2nd round: Silvia Njiric – Daria Salnikova (RUS) 6:3, 6:4
3rd round: Silvia Njiric – Elena Bogdan (ROU) 7:5, 6:0
Quarterfinals: Silvia Njiric – Sloane Stephens (USA) 2:6, 2:6

Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl runner up, lost in the first round, while Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl winner, successfully passed the first round but lost in the second:

Marin DRAGANJA:
1st round: Marin Draganja – Kevin Konfederak (ARG) 6:4, 6:2
2nd round Marin Draganja – Tennys Sandgren (USA) 3:6, 2:6

31/05/09

Ana Konjuh - under 12 Croatian Champion

Ana Konjuh from Dubrovnik, 12th Smrikva Bowl runner up, won the under 12 Croatian Championship that was played in Pozega (Slavonija) last week. Ana is currently among the most talented girls in her age group and is probably among the best in Europe.

Her road towards the victory of under 12 Croatian Championship was the following:
1st round: Ana Konjuh – Borac 6:1, 6:0
2nd round: Ana Konjuh – Alibaic 6:2, 6:3
Quarterfinals: Ana Konjuh – Previsic 6:3, 6:4
Semifinals: Ana Konjuh – Marija Curnic 6:1, 6:3
Finals: Ana Konjuh – Petra Granic 6:3, 6:2

Congratulations Ana and congratulations also to Marija Curnic and Petra Granic, who reached the semifinals and the finals of the Championship, and played 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008, the year after Ana Konjuh.

Ana Konjuh was runner up of the 12th Smrikva Bowl as I wrote above and Marija Curnic and Petra Granic reached the quarterfinals of the last year edition.

In the boys draw the best result was obtained by Alen Rogic Hadzalic who reached the semifinals. In the quarterfinals he defeated Karlo Boljat who reached the quarterfinals of the last year Smrikva Bowl and lost at the time against the winner of the tournament Luka Panic.

23/05/09

Petra Martic - 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner - lost in the second round of the Main Draw of the Paris - Roland Garros - Grand Slam Tournament

Petra Martic – 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner – currently with Ajla Tomljanovic and Silvia Njiric one of the best young Croatian tennis players, qualified for the Main Draw of the Paris – Roland Garros – Grand Slam Tournament and also won her first match of her first Roland Garros.

Petra Martic is ranked #188 on WTA list and her qualifications road towards the first round of Roland Garros Main Draw was the following:

1st round: Petra Martic – Georgie Stoop (GBR) 7:5, 7:5
2nd round: Petra Martic – Alberta Brianti (ITA) 7:5, 6:2
3rd round: Petra Martic – Evgeniya Rodina (RUS) 6:4, 6:4

The ranking of the players defeated by Petra Martic in the qualifications is the following:

Georgie Stoop – #183 WTA
Alberta Brianti – #119 WTA
Evgeniya Rodina – #134 WTA

In the first round of the Main Draw Petra Martic defeated Mara Santangelo from Italy 6:2, 6:4. Mara Santangelo is an experienced player currently ranked #108 on WTA list and her best ranking was #27 on WTA list in July 2007.

In the second round Petra Martic lost against Aleksandra Wozniak from Canada. Aleksandra Woznaik is currently ranked #24 on WTA list.

1st round: Petra Martic – Mara Santangelo (ITA) 6:2, 6:4
2nd round: Petra Martic – Aleksandra Woznaik (CAN) 3:6, 3:6

Congratulations Petra!

22/05/09

Ajla Tomljanovic and Silvia Njiric reached the third round of the 50th annual of Trofeo Bonfiglio in Milan

Ajla Tomljanovic and Silvia Njiric, the Smrikva Bowl runner up, reached the third round of prestigous Milan’s 50th annual Trofeo Bonfiglio.

Ajla and Silvia are currently considered the most talented girls in their age group in Croatia and few weeks ago a nice article about their developement was published in VJESNIK.

They are both ranked on WTA list and are ranked among top 10 juniors in the World:
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC – #535 on WTA list and #5 on ITF ranking list. Silvia NJIRIC – #742 on WTA list and #8 on ITF ranking list

Their road towards the third round of Trofeo Bonfiglio was the following:
1st round: Ajla Tomljanovic – Grace Sari YSIDORA (Ina) 6:3, 6:2
2nd round: Ajla Tomljanovic – Isabella HOLLAND (Aus) 4:6,6:3,6:4
3rd round: Ajla Tomljanovic – Aleksandra KRUNIC (Srb) 5:7, 6:7

1st round: Silvia Njiric – Zsofia SUSANYI (Hun) 6:2, 6:3
2nd round: Silvia Njiric – Eugenie BOUCHARD (Can) 7:6, 6:2
3rd round: Silvia Njiric – Christina MCHALE (USA) 3:6, 6:4, 1:6

I was pleased to see Giacomo Miccini in the Main Draw. Giacomo Miccini was the 7th Smrikva Bowl runner up from Italy and six months ago he had a surgery and was not competing for a long time. I saw he passed the first round and did not completed the second match but hopefully his health conditions are imporving and hopefully we will see him in the following months.

15/05/09

A nice article about Ajla Tomljanovic and Silvia Njiric - the Croatian rising tennis stars - in the Croatian National Newspaper VJESNIK

On 7th of May a nice article about Ajla Tomljanovic and Silvia Njiric was published on one of the most important Croatian National Newspaper VJESNIK.

Ajla Tomljanovic played Smrikva Bowl twice, in 2002 and 2003, while Silvia Njiric played in 2003.

Ajla ranked 2nd when she was 9 years old and ranked 3rd in 2003 while Silvia Njiric was Smrikva Bowl runner up in 2003.

Tomljanovic and Njiric both represented Smrikva Bowl in the “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl competition.

Little Mo

Ajla Tomljanovic was part of the team that went to the USA to play the 1st “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. On the picture below Ajla is a girl with Croatian flag.

The first two years “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl was played in Texas and the second year, Silvia Njiric was part of the Smrikva Bowl team on the 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl Championship. Thanks to the outstanding results both Ajla and Silvia had the opportunity to travle to the USA and play the first ever team competition between Europe and the United States.

On the pictures below Silvia is a girl with blue t-shirt and Croatian flag.

CURRENT RANKING of Ajla and Silvia:

Ajla TOMLJANOVIC – #535 on WTA list and #5 on ITF ranking list.

Silvia NJIRIC – #742 on WTA list and #8 on ITF ranking list

Extrardinary results for two extraordinary girls.

For the readers that do understand Croatian I am pleased to share the article written by Andrea Bobetic for VJESNIK Newspapers.

AJLA TOMLJANOVIĆ I SILVIJA NJIRIĆ Mlade nade hrvatskog tenisa

by Andrea Bobetić (www.VJESNIK.hr)

KĆERI SPORTAŠA: »Preferiramo individualni sport«

Ajla i Silvija imaju još nešto zajedničko. Naime, Ratko Tomljanović, Ajlin otac, bio je vrlo us pješan rukometaš, dok se Marina Njirić, Silvijina maJka, takoder bavila rukometom. No, to nije sve. Silvio Njirić je direktor marketinga u rukometnom savezu. Pa kako to da djevojke nisu završile u rukometu?

»Nisam tip za ekipne sportove. Jednostavno se nisam vidjela u tome. Iskreno, ni tata nikad nije forsirao. Mislim da je rukomet pregrub sport za žene«, rekla je Ajla, a Silvija dodala: »Počela sam trenirati rukomet, no preferiram individualan sport, gdje sama odlučujem o svojoj sudbini.«

SVE SMO PODREDILE TENISU

»U prosincu sam bila u Bollettierijevoj akademiji i mislim da je bolje kad se posvetiš individualnom radu s trenerom«, kaže Njirić

Ajla Tomljanović i Silvija Njirić trenutačno su najperspektivnije hrvatske tenisačice. Tomljanović je peta svjetska juniorka, dok se Njirić nalazi na osmome mjestu. Na Zagreb Openu, koji se ovog tjedna igra u Teniskom centru »Iva Majoli«, obje su poražene u prvome kolu.

Cijela obitelj u SAD-u

Ajla Tomljanović već dvije godine živi i trenira u SAD-u. »Treniram na Floridi u akademiji Chris Evert, koja je 51 posto u vlasništvu obitelji Evert, a 49 posto u vlasništvu menadžerske agencije IMG. Treneri su mi Rene Gomez i John Evert, inače brat proslavljene tenisačice «, objasnila je Ajla i dodala: »S ocem sam ranije provela tri tjedna u akademiji. Sve je bilo odlično, uvjeti su mi se svidjeli, pa sam se odlučila vratiti i potpuno se posvetiti tenisu.«

Naime, s Ajlom se na Floridu preselila cijela obitelj, koja joj je velika podrška, a kaže da su svi izvukli nešto dobro iz odlaska u SAD.

Silvija je, pak, za bazu odabrala Zagreb. »Od sijeènja treniram s Alanom Marićem, koji je za mene najbolji izbor. U prosincu sam bila u akademiji Nicka Bollettierija i nakon toga loše odigrala dva turnira. Mislim da je bolje kad se posvetiš individualnom radu s trenerom, to daje bolji rezultat «, iskreno će Njirić, koja je sve podredila tenisu, pa pohađa opću dopisnu gimnaziju.

Obje djevojke planiraju odigrati juniorski turnir A kategorije u Italiji i potom Roland Garros. Nakon toga slijedi Wimbledon, a zanimljivo je da će to mladim hrvatskim tenisačicama biti prvi nastup na travi.

Izbornik Goran Prpić rekao je da su Tomljanović i Njirić, uz Petru Martić, najveća perspektiva ženskog tenisa te da će ih u budućnosti zvati u Fed kup reprezentaciju.

Mlade tenisačice su svjesne da trebaju još mnogo raditi da bi stigle do vrha. »Nedostaje mi eksplozivnosti i iskustva, a trebam pojačati i servis. No mislim da sam bolji igrač nego prije i doći će vrijeme kad ću ‘eksplodirati’ «, objasnit će Tomljanović, koja je napunila 16 godina.

Za napredak je presudno iskustvo

»Imam mnogo uspona i padova tijekom meča. Posjedujem sve udarce, ali trebam još puno raditi. Mislim da je za napredak presudno iskustvo«, iskreno će Silvija, a za kraj je navela ovogodišnje planove: »Cilj mi je ući meðu pet juniorki svijeta, a na WTA ljestvici među 500.«

Tomljanović je, pak, kazala da želi što više napredovati na WTA ljestvici, a krajnji joj je cilj biti broj jedan.

UZORI

Ajli se sviđala Henin, a Silvija voli sve tenisače

»Jako mi se svidala Belgijanka Justine Henin, htjela sam imati raskošne udarce kao ona. Otkad je prestala igrati, nemam uzora«, rekla je Ajla, koja većinom igra na tvrdoj podlozi, no pokušava se prilagoditi svim podlogama.

»Uzor su mi svi tenisači, svatko ima nešto posebno i od svakoga mogu nešto naučiti«, objasnila je Silvija, koja izmedu Nadala i Federera ipak preferira Švicarca. »Najdraža mi je tvrda podloga, gdje mogu igrati agresivno«, zaključila je Njirić.

Congratulations and crossed finghers for Ajla’s and Silvia’s future efforts!

15/05/09

Nikola Milojevic, last year collected Les Petit As victory - unofficial under 14 World Championship - and also Livorno and Porto and collected first ITF Points

Nikola Milojevic 10th Smrikva Bowl winner of the Consolation Draw in January won the 27th annual of Les Petit As – unofficial under 14 World Championship – that is traditionally played in Tarbes in France.

In the last two months Nikola Milojevic won two other very strong tournaments:
1. TACA International Maia Jovem played in Portugal, and
2. 20th edition of Citta’ di Livorno in Italy

This morning I received a message from Nikola and his family that his game continue to improve and also first ITF points have been collected.

I did not know till recently that actually Nikola had a problem with strings in the first round of the Smrikva Bowl and due to that situation he lost in the main tournament and played in the Consolation tournament. Over the years his game has strongly developed but it is an indication that each Smrikva Bowl player has a growth potential.

Almost four years after Smrikva Bowl he won the unofficial World Championship Les Petit As, Porto and Livorno and in his age group is for long time confirmed ranked #1 in Europe under 14.
Nikola Milojevic was born in 1995.

Nikola was in Smrikve last summer and his tennis countinue to improve year after year. He continues to grow and I like his game and his personality a lot.

Nikola Milojevic road towards the victory of the 20th edition of Citta’ di Livorno (Italy) was the following:

1st round: Nikola MILOJEVIC – Marco BIEMMI 6:2, 6:0
2nd round: N.MILOJEVIC – Albert ALCARAZ IVORRA 4:6, 6:2, 6:3
3rd round: Nikola MILOJEVIC – Billy HARRIS 6:4, 6:2
Quarterfinals: Nikola MILOJEVIC – Enzo COUACAUD 6:3, 6:1
Semifinals: Nikola MILOJEVIC – Florian LAKAT 6:3, 6:1
Finals: Nikola MILOJEVIC – Enzo PY 7:6, 6:0

The other top Smrikva Bowl players ranked as follows: Matteo Donati (2nd round), Borna Coric (quarterfinals), Ginaluigi Quinzi (quarterfinals), Karlo Skvorc (3rd round).

Nikola Milojevic road towards the victory of the TACA International Maia Jovem played in Portugal was the following:

1st round: Nikola MILOJEVIC – Euan MCINTOSH 6:2, 6:1
2nd round: Nikola MILOJEVIC – Sam DE PAEPE 6:1, 6:3
3rd round: N.MILOJEVIC – Antonio AYALA HERNANDEZ 6:3, 6:2
Quarterfinals: Nikola MILOJEVIC – Karlo SKVORC 6:0, 6:1
Semifinals: Nikola MILOJEVIC – Federico SILVA 6:2, 6:4
Finals: Nikola MILOJEVIC – Evan HOYT 6:2, 6:2

The other top Smrikva Bowl players ranked as follows: Djere Laszlo (3rd round), Borna Coric (quarterfinals), Karlo Skvorc (quarterfinals).

Congratulations Nikola!

13/05/09

Top Smrikva Bowl and "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl players on ATP, WTA, ITF, USTA and European under 14 and 16 ranking lists (update May 2009)

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, is ranked #977 on ATP list. Vilim’s best ranking was #612 in March 2006. Vilim Visak is currently ranked #485 on ATP Doubles Ranking.

GIRLS
Natali Zuliani, 1st Smrikva Bowl 1996 winner, from Croatia, is not ranked player.

IN 1997 SMRIKVA BOWL GATHERED TOP PLAYERS FROM CROATIA

1997 – 2nd Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Zeljko Peric, 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner, from Croatia, is not ranked player.

GIRLS
Ivana Lisjak, 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #458 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, is not ranked player.

GIRLS
Mateja Horvat, 3rd Smrikva Bowl 1998 winner, from Croatia, is not ranked player. Her best ranking was around #800 on WTA list.

1999 – 4th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Borko Mudronja, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 winner, from Croatia, is not ranked player.
Deni Zmak, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #1848 on ATP list.

GIRLS
Astrid Besser, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 winner, from Italy, is ranked #481 on WTA list.

2000 – 5th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Adelchi Virgili, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Italy. Adelchi is very talented player that continues to be injured.

GIRLS
Tereza Mrdeza, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Croatia, is currently ranked #483 on WTA list.

2001 – 6th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #1905 on ATP ranking list.
Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #1817 on ATP ranking list.

GIRLS
Petra MARTIC, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #188 on WTA list.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #806 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 #793 on ATP list.
Giacomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, is currently not ranked on ATP list.

GIRLS
Martina Caregaro, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Italy, is ranked #763 on WTA ranking list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #535 on WTA list.
Ema BURGIC, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #737 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 #13 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
George MORGAN, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #279 on ITF ranking list.
Ciprian PORUMB, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia, is ranked #561 on ITF ranking list and and is ranked #3 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

GIRLS
Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, was ranked #984 on WTA list.
Silvia NJIRIC, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #742 on WTA list.
Ajla TOMLJANOVIC, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Croatia, is ranked #535 on WTA list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Emmett Egger, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #509 on ITF ranking list.
Robert Stineman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #120 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.

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

BOYS
Ivan Levar, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #155 in under 16 cathegory.
Miki JANKOVIC, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #2 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

GIRLS
Saska Gavrilovska, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #23 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Ecaterina Opriou, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Romenia, is ranked #30 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Mitchel Polnet, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #193 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.

Blair SHANKLE, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #11 in the USA in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #705 on ITF ranking list.
Anna MAMALAT, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #22 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.

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 #5 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gyore Laszlo, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #17 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gianluigi QUINZI, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #8 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Nikola MILOJEVIC, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 Consolation tournament winner, from Serbia, is ranked #1 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

GIRLS
Saska Gavrilovska, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #23 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Olga Yanchuk, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #10 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

Dorothy Tang, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #75 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

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

GIRLS
Eleanor DEAN, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #164 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Dina PAOCIC, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #114 in Europe 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 too young for under 14 european ranking.
Bogdan Borza, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Romania, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Gonzalo Morell, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Spain, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Sergiu Bucur, ranked 4th on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Romania, is too young for under 14 european ranking.

GIRLS
Virginia PENA, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner, from Spain, is ranked #351 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Ana KONJUH, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #296 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Nina Potocnik, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Slovenia, is ranked #565 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Katie Dayson, ranked 4th on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from UK, is too young for under 14 european ranking.

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

11/05/09

Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl runner up, won the USD 10.000 worth tournament in Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Indire Akiki played the finals of the 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 against Petra Martic. She is from Croatia and currently is ranked around #600 on WTA list.

Indire Akiki’s road towards the victory was the following:

1st round: Indire Akiki – Maryna ZANEVSKA (UKR) 2:6, 6:4, 6:3
2nd round: Indire Akiki – Anja PRISLAN (SLO) 6:1, 6:2
Quarterfinals: Indire Akiki – Dalila JAKUPOVIC (SLO) 6:3, 6:3
Semifinals: Indire Akiki – Tamara CUROVIC (SRB) w.o.
Finals: Indire Akiki – Martina CACIOTTI (ITA) 6:0, 6:1

Few days ago also Dino Marcan, from Croatia, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, won the Croatian Junior Championship with the following results:

1st round: Dino Marcan – Podvinski 6:1, 6:1
2nd round: Dino Marcan – Pavić 6:3, 6:0
Quarterfinals: Dino Marcan – Lovrinovic 6:1, 6:0
Semifinals: Dino Marcan – Delic 6:4, 6:2
Finals: Dino Marcan – Brkic 6:2, 6:4

Congratulations!

09/05/09

9th of May the day of Europe and the day of the town of Pula

In Europe, Europe Day is an annual celebration of peace and unity in Europe. There are two separate Europe Days, taking place on 5th of May and 9th of May, established by the Council of Europe and the European Union (EU) respectively. For the EU, the day is also known as Schuman Day. Europe Day is one of a number of European symbols designed to foster unity among Europeans.

The Council of Europe was founded on 5th of May 1949, and hence it chose that day for its celebrations when it established the holiday in 1964. In 1985, at the 1985 Milan European Council, the European Communities (which later became the European Union) adopted the European symbols of the Council of Europe such as the Flag of Europe.

However, the Community leaders decided to hold their Europe Day in commemoration of the Schuman Declaration of 9th of May 1950. The declaration proposed the pooling of French and West German coal and steel industries, leading to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, the first European Community, and hence is considered a founding moment.

5th of May is also the town of Pula day, and Pula – as over 3000 years old town – is also home of the Smrikva Bowl.

Last week I was pleased to have as guest in Smrikve Alessia Welti from Zurich. Alessia Welti is one of the top Swiss under 10 players and she will play this year Smrikva Bowl. She was on vacation in Pula and she took the opportunity to spend some time in the Smrikve Tennis Club and play two matches with Ariana Rabac.

I was very pleased to exchange some words with her parents. Her father speaks many languages and it is Spanish by origin, her mother is also fluent in many languages. I was pleased to share some time with them and todays Europe Day although Switzerland is not formally part of the European Union made me think of the recent European founders idea of Europe.

Few weeks ago a very good friend of Smrikve was on Miami Open in Florida. Every years he takes few weeks time to go there and as strong supporter and fun of the Smrikva Bowl this year he spoke with Novak Djokovic. He asked Novak to support with two signed t-shirts the Smrikva Bowl. Nole gave him signed t-shirts and a lucky Smrikva Bowl player will be honoured to have this t-shirt.

I like Novak Djokovic and I am very pleased that he joined other professionals who donate t-shirts to the Smrikva Bowl. The Europe Day made me think also of Novak when the announcer at the Roger’s Cup closing cerimony declared Novak Djokovic the champion, he introduced Novak as a native of Croatia and Novak with his statement of minimizing the difference between Croats and Serbs proved that he was firstly men.

04/05/09

Ana Konjuh won the under 12 Croatia Cup played in Cakovec

Ana Konjuh, 12th Smrikva Bowl runner up, won an important International under 12 tournament played in Cakovec – Croatia Cup.

Ana Konjuh is the most talented Croatian tennis player in her age group and this victory is another confirmation of her strength.

Konjuh’s road towards the victory was the following:

Quarterfinals: Ana Konjuh – Buchta (Aut) 6:2, 6:0
Semifinals: Ana Konjuh – Bonometti (Ita) 6:1, 6:1
Finals: Ana Konjuh – Camdzic 7:6 (3), 6:1

Ana Konjuh was part of the Smrikva Bowl team that played the 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl and obtained the team victory.

The following is the picture before the competition of Eduardo Nava, Tommy Paul, Ndindi Ndunda and Domonique Garley that represented “Little Mo” and the United States, while Smrikva Bowl team was represented by the finalist of the 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007: Ana Konjuh (Cro), Virginia Pena, Sacha Merzetti (I) and Bogdan Borza (Rom).

In the boys draw the best former Smrikva Bowl player was Alen Rogic Hadzalic who reached the semifinals and defeated Karlo Suevich in the quarterfinals, another very young and talented player that played last year Smrikva Bowl.

Here below on the picture you can see Alen with Ivan Ljubicic.

04/05/09

Tomo and Ariana won the 1st Smrikva Rekreacija 2009 tournament

This weekend 22 Smrikve Tennis club members participated in a tournament that was played mainly among the senior club members. Over two days there were many nice and competitive matches.

On Saturday we also had all day grill thanks to my mother and Ariana’s grandmother work. With their work saturday tournament was like a picnic party tournament.

The winner of the Main Draw was my father and the runner up Šole from whom I lost in the first round. Šole said that he never played so many hours in two days. He totaled close to 9 hours tennis and immediatly after 2 hours match with me he played and won another tough match with Maki.

I was also very pleased that our senior members accepted Ariana Rabac, our top junior player, to play with them. For her it was an extraordinary experience because she had the opportunity to play with several our top club members and she did great tournament.

Instead of traveling far away to do a tournament Ariana had the opprotunity to play four strong matches with very experienced players. She played with Pecirep, doctor Kreso, Sampras and the finals of the Consolation Draw with Maki.

These players are among the best senior players we have in the club and Ariana had to put all her knowledge to obtain the victory in the Consolation Draw because she lost for few balls the first match against Pecirep.

I remember reading John McEnroe biography that he enjoyed playing with senior members in the club and I used his story to say thanks for the members that they accepted her.

Thanks to each member for the nice weekend.

26/04/09

Tereza Mrdeza reached another final of USD 10.000 Challenger played in Bol (Croatia)

One week after reaching the finals of USD 10.000 Challenger that was played on Hvar, Tereza Mrdeza, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Croatia, currently ranked #554 on WTA list played the finals of USD 10.000 Challenger that was played on Bol in Croatia.

Tereza Mrdeza’s road towards the finals on Bol was the following:

1st round: Tereza Mrdeza – Karin MORGOSOVA (SVK) 6:1, 6:1
2nd round: Tereza Mrdeza – Chloe BABET (FRA) 6:0, 7:6
Quarter finals: T.Mrdeza – Conny PERRIN (SUI) 7:5, 7:5
Semifinals: Tereza Mrdeza – Karolina PLISKOVA (CZE) 6:3, 7:5
Finals: Tereza Mrdeza – Valentina SULPIZIO (ITA) 6:3, 3:6, 4:6

Congratulations Tereza!

25/04/09

Eleanor Dean reached the semifinals of Mladost Grill Open 2009 - European under 14 tournament

Eleanor Dean won 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 and last year was confirmed UK under 12 National Champion. She lives and train in Spain but is UK citizen.

This week Eleanor Dean played Mladost Grill Open 2009 in Zagreb with outstanding result by reaching the semifinals in a very competitive tournament.

Several Smrikva Bowl players played Grill Open and I was pleased to hear that Eleanor is still strong in her age group as she was during the Smrikva Bowl.

Lets see Eleanor’s progress towards the semifinals:

1st round: Eleanor Dean – Silvia Brgic (CRO) 4:6, 7:6, 6:0
2nd round: Eleanor Dean – Donna Vekic (CRO) 6:3, 7:5
3rd round: Eleanor Dean – Uliana Ayzatulina (RUS) 6:0, 4:6, 6:4
Quarterfinals: Eleanor Dean – Tena Lukas (CRO) 7:6, 7:5
Semifinals: Eleanor Dean – Mirijana Vlahinic (CRO) 0:6, 0:3

Some other top Smrikva Bowl players performed as follows on Mladost Grill Open 2009:

Kristina Ostojic (SRB) – 2nd round
Ana Konjuh (CRO) – 2nd round
Jasmina Stor (SLO) – 1st round
Donna Vekic (CRO) – 1st round
Silvia Brgic (CRO) – 1st round
Vladica Babic (MNE) – quarterfinals
Iva Primorac (CRO) – 2nd round
Dina Paocic (BiH) – 1st round

22/04/09

Ana Ivanovic donated again signed t-shirts to the 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 finalists

Ana Ivanovic is today one of the best tennis players in the World and her funs are spread all over the World. She is a tennis superstar and I am very pleased that Ana accepted for the second year in the row to donate signed t-shirts to the 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 finalists.

I am sure that these most talented girls under 10 in the World will love Ana’s gift and I am also sure that this gift will inspire tham to do better and better in tennis. With this year gift Ana is confimred to be a special Honorary Smrikva Bowl Member.

On September 17th, 2007 Ana Ivanovic has been officially named the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Ambassador. On that day, in relation with the nomination, Ana said “This is a great honour for me to be invited to be UNICEF Ambassador. I love children, and I relish this opportunity to help them in some small way.”

With the signed t-shirts Ana showed that she loves children and this way she also helps Smirkva Bowl development “in some small way”.

“Sport has the power to change the world, the power to inspire and the power to unite people in a way little else can – it is an instrument of peace.” said Nelson Mandela.

Thanks Ana! :)

19/04/09

Ivana Lisjak was stopped in the quarterfinals of USD 25.000 Challenger in Osprey (Florida) because of an injury, while Tereza Mrdeza reached the final of USD 10.000 Challenger in Hvar (Croatia)

Ivana Lisjak was stopped in the quarterfinals of USD 25.000 Challenger in Osprey (Florida) because of an injury

Ivana Lisjak, 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner, from Croatia, currently ranked #567 on WTA list had to stopped playing during the quarterfinals of USD 25.000 Challanger tournament played in Florida due to a pain in the knee.

Ivana’s best ranking of his career was #95 on WTA list in June 2006.

Ivana’s road towards the quaterfinals was the following:
1st round: Ivana Lisjak – Michelle GERARDS (NED) 6:4, 7:5
2nd round: Ivana Lisjak – Audra COHEN (USA) 6:0, 7:5
Quarterfinals: Ivana Lisjak – Sharon FICHMAN (CAN) 6:7, 0:3 ret.

Ivana was leading 5:1 when the problem with her knee started and in end she decided to stop the game and withdraw from the tournament.

Ajla Tomljanovic, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, another Croatian rising tennis star, also played this Challanger and was stopped in the second round by Argentianian Florencia Molinero with the result 7:6, 6:3.

Tereza Mrdeza reached the final of USD 10.000 Challenger in Hvar (Croatia)

Tereza Mrdeza, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Croatia, currently ranked #554 on WTA list played the finals of USD 10.000 Challenger that was played on Hvar in Croatia.

Tereza’s road towards the finals was the following:

1st round: Tereza Mrdeza – Karolina PLISKOVA (CZE) 6:0, 6:1
2nd round: Tereza Mrdeza – Conny PERRIN (SUI) 6:4, 6:4
Quarter finals: T.Mrdeza – Florence HARING (FRA) 6:1, 2:6, 6:2
Semifinals: Tereza Mrdeza – Reka-Luca JANI (HUN) 6:4, 6:3
Finals: Tereza Mrdeza – Karolina KOSINSKA (POL) 4:6, 3:6

Tereza’s success is even greater if we take into account that she played the qualifications.