News

07/01/09

Ana Konjuh, Vladica Babic and Luca Margaroli won in their age groups the 25th Lemon Bowl 2009 edition that was played in Rome, Italy.

Ana Konjuh, Vladica Babic and Luca Margaroli won the finals of the 25th Lemon Bowl 2009 edition in their age groups, and there are many other Smrikva Bowl players that made great results.

Lemon Bowl is a very important junior tournament played in Rome, Italy, and several former Smrikva Bowl players have played very well the tournament in their age groups and those that reached best results split as follows:

UNDER 10 BOYS – Lemon Bowl
Miomir Kecmanovic from Serbia played last year Smrikva Bowl lost in the semifinals to Samuele Ramazzotti, the winner of the tournament, 1:4, 4:1, 4/10.

Nicolas Merzetti from Italy lost in the finals against Samuele Ramazzotti 4:5, 1:4. Nicolas Merzetti is the brother of 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner Sacha Merzetti.

UNDER 12 GIRLS – Lemon Bowl
Ana Konjuh from Croatia, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, defeated in the finals Maria Orban from Romania 6:0, 6:2.

Petra Granic from Croatia lost in the semifinals against Maria Orban from Romania 6:0, 2:6, 4:6. Petra Granic played 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007.

Margita Sunic from Croatia lost in the semifinals against Ana Konjuh 1:6, 0:6. Margita also played Smrikva Bowl two years ago.

Nina Marjanovic from Serbia lost in the eightfinals against Alessia Perrone from Italy 2:6, 1:6, while Martina Pratesi from Itali also lost in the eightfinals against Raluca Belehuz from Romania 2:6, 5:7. Nina Marjanovic and Martina Pratesi both played 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008.

Nina Marjanovic – thanks to the Smrikva Bowl experience – also trained at Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in Paris. Nina was in the Academy at the end of August and she took the opportunity to visit Paris’ tower and Disneyland. In the Academy they had the opportunity to meet and make photos with Marcos Baghdatis, one of the players that has grown in Mouratoglou’s Academy. On the picture below Nina Marjanovic is the first girl from the left side while Katarina Jokic, 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner, stands on the rights side of the picture.

UNDER 12 BOYS – Lemon Bowl
Nicolo’ De Fraia from Italy lost in the finals against Bernabe Zapata Miralles from Spain 3:6, 3:6. Nicolo’ De Fraia played 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007.

UNDER 14 GIRLS – Lemon Bowl
Vladica Babic from Montenegro won the Lemon Bowl finals against Maura Aveta from Italy 6:4, 6:1. Vladica Babic played Smrikva Bowl several years ago.

UNDER 18 BOYS – Lemon Bowl
Luca Margaroli from Switzerland won the against Ercole Di Ianni from Italy 4:6, 6:1, 6:3.

Congratulations!

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

05/01/09

15 years old Ajla Tomljanovic won Casablanca Junior Cup 2009 in Tlalnepantla (Mexico) and become #6 ranked player in the World in under 18 age group

Ajla Tomljanovic, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, currently ranked #975 on WTA list and #6 on ITF ranking list, should be ready for the Junior Australian Open.

15 years old Croatian rising tennis star made a great tournament defeating in the finals the fifth junior in the World, Ana Bogdan from Romania. Ajla Tomljanovic trains at Chris Evert Academy in Florida.

Her road towards the victory at Casablanca Junior Cup 2009 played in Mexico was the following:

1st round: Ajla Tomljanovic (Cro)-Ulrikke Eikeri (Nor) 6:1,4:6,6:1
2nd round: Ajla Tomljanovic (Cro) – Fernanda Faria (Bra) 6:4, 6:1
3rd round: Ajla Tomljanovic (Cro) – Nicole Gibbs (USA) 6:2, 6:2
Quarterfinals: A.Tomljanovic (Cro)-Heather Watson (UK) 6:3, 7:5
Semifinals: Ajla Tomljanovic (Cro) – Timea Babos (Hun) 7:6, 6:4
Finals: Ajla Tomljanovic (Cro) – Ana Bogdan (Rom) 3:6, 6:4, 7:6

Ajla Tomljanovic also won the doubles with Heather Watson against Ana Bogdan and Malou Ejdesgaard from Denmark.

Ajla played Smrikva Bowl twice in 2002 and in 2003. She’s Smrikva Bowl results are among top 5 best results in Smrikva Bowl history. In 2002 she was part of the team that established the “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl tournament. On the picture below Ajla Tomljanovic is third girl looking from the left side.

In 2002 we had Ajla Tomljanovic and Martina Caregaro from Italy in the finals. At the time Ajla was only 9 years old. Since that early age she continued to perform among the top players in her age group in the World. In December 2008, Ajla reached the quarterfinals of under 18 Junior Orange Bowl and few years ago Goran Prpic said that in two years time he would like to see her competing on Senior Roland Garros.

Ajla is a daughter of Ratko Tomljanovic who was the captain of the handball Croatian team that won the golden medal on the Olimpic games in Atlanta in 1996. That year Ajla did a great result arriving in the finals being one year younger compared to the other girls and with the finals she qualified to represent Europe in the first “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl.

Javier Marti, Giacomo Miccini, Martina Caregaro and Ajla Tomljanovic were supposed to go in Austin in October to play 1st”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. I was giving to the kids the airplane tickets and parents had to pay their tickets by themselves. The hosting was organized by the MCB Tennis Foundation and I remember that Javier, Giacomo and Martina were not able to find other sponsors to cover other costs and Ajla and Ema Burgic, that ranked 3rd that year, from Bosnia and Herzegovina accepted the challenge.

I was very happy and proud on them. We were starting the first ever under 10 tennis competition between USA and Europe. Ajla and Ema were under 10 girls, that went across the Ocean, to play a friendship match with the top US players. For the Smrikva Bowl it was a big step.

Ajla played also the 8th Smrikva Bowl and ranked 3rd that year. It was a good result but she was very unhappy with the outcome. Ajla has increadible will and determination and year after year is more likely, as Goran Prpic said, that she could make it one day.

26/12/08

This month Giacomo Miccini had a hip surgery

Giacomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, one of the most talented Smrikva Bowl players in his age group in the World had a hip surgery few weeks ago. Giacomo has been training for years at Bollettieri Academy in Florida and recently he had to do this surgery to avoid some problems that hip has been creating to him in other parts of his body.

Surgery (from the Greek: χειρουργική cheirourgikē, via Latin: chirurgiae, meaning “hand work”) is a medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to treat a pathological condition such as disease or injury, to help improve bodily function or appearance, or sometimes for some other reason. In case of Giacomo it seams that it is for some other reason according to an interview Giacomo’s father Gabriele recently gave.

On the forum of www.tennisteen.it there was an article posted that I am pleased to post also for the Smrikva Bowl community and for those that understand Italian where is explained more in detail Giacomo’s condition. According to Ivan Sabatini, a long term fun of Giacomo, the surgery was successfull and Miccini should be back on the courts at the end of January 2009.

With this surgery Giacomo Miccini had to anticipate the end of his junior tour programme and after his came back he will need to focus on Future tournaments.

The article in Italian about Giacomo Miccini’s hip surgery taken from www.tennisteen.it

Dopo Fabio Fognini, recentemente operato al menisco del ginocchio sinistro, un altro giovane azzurro finisce sotto i ferri in questo scorcio finale della stagione.

Giacomo Miccini, la sedicenne promessa di Recanati, il prossimo 3 dicembre si sottoporrà ad un delicato intervento chirurgico all’anca sinistra, per risolvere una piccola lesione cartilaginea. Miccini, che ormai da 4 anni si allena a Bradenton, nell’accademia di Nick Bollettieri, ed è stato messo sotto contratto dalla IMG, è uno dei migliori talenti in erba del nostro tennis.

Finisce dunque nel peggiore dei modi il 2008 per Giacomo, una annata con poche luci e tante ombre, travagliata da mille problemi fisici, nonostante la soddisfazione di essere diventato, lo scorso mese di maggio, il più giovane azzurro di sempre a conquistare un punto Atp, nel torneo future di Aosta.

Abbiamo raggiunto al telefono il papà di Giacomo, Gabriele, imprenditore nel settore dell’arredamento, il quale ci ha spiegato che l’intervento sarà eseguito da un luminare statunitense, a Nashville, nel Tennessee. “Giacomo da un po’ di tempo aveva continui infortuni al quadricipite della gamba sinistra, e non riusciva ad allenarsi con continuità. Abbiamo fatto degli accertamenti, e ci siamo accorti che il tutto dipendeva da questa lesione cartilaginea. Secondo i medici, tra l’altro, questa lesione dava a Giacomo problemi di tipo posturale, che sono probabilmente all’origine degli infortuni alla spalla e alla caviglia che ha avuto quest’anno.”

Il sospetto, in casi del genere, è sempre che la lesione non sia di natura traumatica, ma dipenda da uno stress eccessivo.
“Non sappiamo ancora cosa abbia causato il problema, si vedrà solo con l’intervento. Io così sui due piedi posso dire che Giacomo alla Bollettieri ha sempre sostenuto carichi di lavoro molto pesanti, e dato il suo livello di gioco, sempre con ragazzi 3-4 anni più grandi di lui. Ma è una cosa che dico adesso, poi magari questo non c’entra nulla”. Sono previste almeno 6 settimane di rieducazione, poi a partire dalla fine di gennaio Giacomo potrà iniziare la preparazione.

“Beh, sulla carriera i medici mi hanno confortato, dicono che data la giovane età non ci sono rischi di danni permamenti, e che si tratta di un intervento di routine Abbiamo deciso di lasciar perdere definitivamente le competizioni juniores, e di concentrarci sui tornei professionistici. Tanto ormai i punti della classicìfica junior li perderà tutti. Ma Giacomo è determinatissimo a diventare un professionista. Io glielo ho anche chiesto, in questi giorni: vuoi lasciar perdere? E lui mi ha risposto no, assolutamente, la mia vita è il tennis.Ma d’altronde lo dice da quando era piccolissimo, ha fatto grandissimi sacrifici”.

Giacomo riprenderà l’attività probabilmente in marzo, e sarà seguito dal suo coach personale Enrico Slomp; non si sa ancora se preferirà i futures americani sul cemento, o il circuito italiano su terra rossa.

UBITENNIS

Good luck Giacomo and do not give up!

24/12/08

Greetings to all former and future Smrikva Bowl players for the New 2009

There are many Smrikva Bowl and “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl players that have obtained extraordinary results during the current year 2008 and most of them have significantly progressed on various ranking lists since the beginning of the year.

Petra Martic, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, has progressed to #214 on WTA list and is currently the best ranked Smrikva Bowl player.

Javier Marti, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, has progressed to #850 on ATP list and is currently the best ranked Smrikva Bowl player in the boys cathegory.

There are so many young girls that this year started to compete among professionals and we can expect a lot from some of them in the following years such as: Martina Caregaro(#799 on WTA), Ajla Tomljanovic (#980 on WTA), Ema Burgic (#735 on WTA), Jennifer Ren (#1012 on WTA), Silvia Njiric (#918 on WTA).

Many of them are still even younger and should be remembered for their talents and good result on the Smrikva Bowl such as: Dominic Thiem, George Morgan, Ciprian Porumb, Ivan Levar, Miki Jankovic, Saska Gavrilovska, Ecaterina Opriou, Blair Shankle, Anna Mamalat, Matteo Donati, Gyore Laszlo, Gianluigi Quinzi, Nikola Milojevic, Olga Yanchuk, Jose Gracia, Yale Goldberg, Dorothy Tang, Eleanor Dean, Dina Paocic, Christina Makarova, Bogdan Borza, Gonzalo Morell, Sergiu Bucur, Virginia Pena, Ana Konjuh, Nina Potocnik, Katie Dayson, Eduardo Nava, Tommy Paul, Ndindi Ndunda, Luka Panic, Mihnea Turcu, Grega Kokalj, Andrea Guerrieri, Katarina Jokic, Maia Lumsden, Viktoria Kuzmova, Estela Perez Somarriba, Justine Lee, William Blumberg, Ingrid Neel, Paulina Ferrari.

There are many other players but it is hard to recall each of them. Every player about whom we wrote in our news section this year deserves to be congratulated for their achievements.

I wish to each Smrikva Bowl player another happy and successful 2009 and I also hope that we will have another nice and successful Smrikva Bowl.

All the best also to the Smrikva Bowl Staff and each Honorary and Golden Smrikva Bowl Member.

Thanks to all of you for the support and for spreading the word about Smrikva around the World :).

22/12/08

Istrian Tennis Association awarded 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 organisation

Smrikve Tennis Club was honoured with the award from the Istrian Tennis Association. Smrikve was awarded for the excellent organisation.

An award is something given to a person or a group of people to recognize excellence in a certain field, so this certificate of excellence that we have received is a nice present for the New Year :).

13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 gathered most talented players from 24 countries and 5 continents. In its 13 years history Smrikva Bowl gathered players from over 30 countries. This year we had kids from Australia, and Australia is more than 16.000 kilometres far away from Smrikve.

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

22/12/08

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

Santa Claus from the land of perpetual snow visited Smrikve yesterday at noon and brought presents for boys and girls that train at the Smrikve Tennis Club.

Also this year it was nice to see children talking with Santa Claus and singing for him Jingle Bell with the accordion.

Two years ago Santa Claus played tennis with them while last year they were singing together and after receiving the presents the kids and Santa Claus went nearby the fireplace and together tasted some very good Istrian prosciutto and cheese.

It was funny when Sant Claus asked children where are his reindeer. They said that they were in the wood and Santa Clause explained that his flying reindeer who pull his sleigh were parked in our animal farm :).

This year the kids invited Santa Claus to take a glass of juice and also a cake. It was another nice meeting for the youngest :)

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

18/12/08

Results of top Smrikva Bowl players on the 47th Junior Orange Bowl 2008

Borna Coric (under 12 boys), Eleanor Dean and Donna Vekic (under 12 girls) and Christine Kandler (under 14 girls) are the former Smrikva Bowl players that reached the semifinals of the 47th edition of Junior Orange Bowl 2008.

Junior Orange Bowl is one of the most important Junior International Tennis Championships, traditionally played in Florida in the USA.

The players compete in four groups: under 12, under 14, under 16 and under 18. The main tournament of under 16 and under 18 was played from December 7th till December 14th 2008 and Ajla Tomljanovic and George Morgan reached the quarterfinals in under 18 and under 16 age group.

The main tournament of under 12 and under 14 age groups cathegories are played from December 16th 2008.

Several former Smrikva Bowl top players and top USA players that played “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl in the main draw of each age group:

UNDER 12
Boys
1. Coric Borna
2. Nava Eduardo
3. Tommy Paul
4. Mladen Mitak

Girls
1. Boulter Katie
2. Dean Eleanor Jane
3. Kandler Caroline
4. Vekic Donna

UNDER 14
Boys
1. Levar Ivan

Girls
1. Gavrilovska Saska
2. Husaric Anita
3. Ianchuk Olga
4. Kandler Christine
5. Mamalat Anna

RESULTS OF TOP SMRIKVA BOWL PLAYERS, UNDER 12 and UNDER 14, on 47th International Junior Orange Bowl 2008.

UNDER 12 – BOYS, 47th Junior Orange Bowl 2008
Borna Coric
1st round: Borna Coric (CRO) – Chase Paul 6:2, 6:0
2nd round: Borna Coric (CRO) – Anton Khyzhin 1:6, 6:0, 6:2
3rd round: Borna Coric (CRO) – Emil P. Reinberg 6:0, 6:0
4th round: Borna Coric (CRO) – Tommy Paul 6:1, 6:0
Quarterfinals: Borna Coric (CRO) – Daniel Kerznerman 6:1, 6:0
Semifinals: Borna Coric (CRO) – Hyeon Chung 6:4, 1:6, 4:6

Eduardo Nava
1st round: Eduardo Nava (USA) – Joao Cunha 6:0, 6:0
2nd round: Eduardo Nava (USA) – Sumit Nagal 3:6, 5:7

Tommy Paul
1st round: Tommy Paul (USA) – Simon E. Levy 6:0, 6:0
2nd round: Tommy Paul (USA) – Robin Nguy 6:0, 6:1
3rd round: Tommy Paul (USA) – Jared Donaldson 7:5, 6:4
4th round: Tommy Paul (USA) – Borna Coric 1:6, 0:6

Mladen Mitak
1st round: Mladen Mitak (CRO) – Juan R. Bisono 2:6, 2:6

UNDER 12 – GIRLS, 47th Junior Orange Bowl 2008
Katie Boulter
1st round: Katie Boulter (UK) – Anastasija Homutova 6:2, 6:1
2nd round: Katie Boulter (UK) – Usue M. Arconada 6:3, 6:1
3rd round: Katie Boulter (UK) – Ah Song 6:4, 6:0
4th round: Katie Boulter (UK) – Ah Song 4:6, 2:6

Eleanor Dean
1st round: Eleanor Dean (UK) – Claudia Bustamante 6:1, 6:0
2nd round: Eleanor Dean (UK) – Louisa Chirico 6:0, 6:0
3rd round: Eleanor Dean (UK) – Irina Lidkovskaya 6:4, 6:1
4th round: Eleanor Dean (UK) – Ksenia Laskutova 7:5, 7:6
Quarterfinals: Eleanor Dean (UK) – Taylor Townsend 7:5, 6:2
Semifinals: Eleanor Dean (UK) – Indy de Vroome 4:6, 1:6

Caroline Kandler
1st round: Caroline Kandler (AUT) – Simran Sethi 6:7, 3:6

Donna Vekic
1st round: Donna Vekic (CRO) – Marian K. Ivanov 6:0, 6:1
2nd round: Donna Vekic (CRO) – Simone Pratt 6:3, 6:2
3rd round: Donna Vekic (CRO) – Justina Mikulskyte 6:2, 6:1
4th round: Donna Vekic (CRO) – Gyungeun Song 6:2, 6:3
Quarterfinals: Donna Vekic (CRO) – Estelle Cascino 7:5, 6:2
Semifinals: Donna Vekic (CRO) – Alexandria P. Stiteler 5:7, 1:6

UNDER 14- BOYS, 47th Junior Orange Bowl 2008
Ivan Levar
1st round: Ivan Levar (CRO) – Yannik James 6:1, 6:2
2nd round: Ivan Levar (CRO) – Kevin Gonzalez 6:1, 6:3
3rd round: Ivan Levar (CRO) – Moos Sporken 4:6, 5:7

UNDER 14 – GIRLS, 47th Junior Orange Bowl 2008
Saska Gavrilovska
1st round: S.Gavrilovska (SRB)-Catherine Harrison 2:6, 6:3, 6:3
2nd round: Saska Gavrilovska (SRB) – Patricia Martins 6:3, 6:4
3rd round: Saska Gavrilovska (SRB) – Riko Shimizu 2:6, 4:6

Anita Husaric
1st round: Anita Husaric (BIH) – Madeline Lipp 7:6, 6:0
2nd round: Anita Husaric (BIH) – Rosalie Van Der Hoek 6:4, 6:2
3rd round: Anita Husaric (BIH) – Ann-Katrin Schmitz 6:3, 6:2
4th round: Anita Husaric (BIH) – Sachia Vickery 2:6, 0:6

Olga Ianchuk
1st round: Olga Ianchuk (UKR) – Anna Shkudun 6:2, 6:1
2nd round: Olga Ianchuk (UKR) – Alexandra J. Kiick 6:2, 6:1
3rd round: Olga Ianchuk (UKR) – Ilona Kremen 6:4, 6:7, 4:6

Christine Kandler
1st round: Christine Kandler (AUT) – Ines Fontanarosa 7:5, 6:3
2nd round: Christine Kandler (AUT) – Estelle Balan 6:4, 6:3
3rd round: Christine Kandler (AUT) – Sanae Ota 6:2, 6:1
4th round: Christine Kandler (AUT) – Riko Shimizu 4:6, 6:1, 6:2
Quarterfinals: C.Kandler (AUT)-Ganna Poznikhirenko 4:6, 6:1, 7:5
Semifinals: Christine Kandler (AUT) – Victoria Duval 4:6, 2:6

Anna Mamalat
1st round: Anna Mamalat (USA) – Vicki Saxegaard 6:1, 6:0
2nd round: Anna Mamalat (USA) – Kelsey Laurente 1:6, 7:5, 6:4
3rd round: Anna Mamalat (USA) -Clementina E.Riobueno 6:3, 6:0
4th round: Anna Mamalat (USA) – So Ra Lee 6:1, 3:6, 1:6

12/12/08

Top Smrikva Bowl and "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl players on ATP, WTA, ITF, USTA and European under 14 and 16 ranking lists (update December 2008)

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 #932 on ATP list. Vilim’s best ranking was #612 in March 2006. Vilim Visak is currently ranked #376 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 #476 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. His 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 #1925 on ATP list. Deni Zmak is currently ranked #1058 on ATP Doubles Ranking.

GIRLS
Astrid Besser, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 winner, from Italy, is ranked #377 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 #615 on WTA list.

2001 – 6th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #20 on ITF ranking list.
Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #1757 on ATP ranking list.

GIRLS
Petra Martic, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #214 on WTA list.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #645 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 #850 on ATP list.
Giacomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, is ranked #1870 on ATP list.

GIRLS
Martina Caregaro, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Italy, is ranked #799 on WTA ranking list.
Ajla Tomljanovic, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #980 on WTA list.
Ema Burgic, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #735 on WTA list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Jordaan Sanford, played 1st “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #1140 on ITF ranking list.

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

BOYS
Dominic Thiem, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Austria, is ranked #12 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
George Morgan, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #580 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #47 in Europe in under 16 cathegory. George Morgan won Junior Orange Bowl 2007 under 14 age group.
Ciprian Porumb, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia, is ranked #546 on ITF ranking list and and is ranked #4 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

GIRLS
Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #1012 on WTA list.
Silvia Njiric, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #918 on WTA list.
Ajla Tomljanovic, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Croatia, is ranked #980 on WTA list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Emmett Egger, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #549 on ITF ranking list.
Robert Stineman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #79 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.

Karen Forman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #135 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.
Katie Klyczek, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #390 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 #157 in under 16 cathegory.
Miki Jankovic, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #23 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

GIRLS
Saska Gavrilovska, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #25 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Ecaterina Opriou, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Romenia, is ranked #27 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Mitchel Polnet, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #338 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.
Rayan Andrada, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #619 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Blair Shankle, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #19 in the USA in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #616 on ITF ranking list.
Anna Mamalat, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #28 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 #8 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gyore Laszlo, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #10 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gianluigi Quinzi, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #3 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 #25 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Olga Yanchuk, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #6 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Jeffrey Schorsch, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #349 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Jose Gracia, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #153 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Yale Goldberg, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #45 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Dorothy Tang, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #92 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 #3 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Filip Kraljevic, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Croatia, is not ranked in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

GIRLS
Eleanor Dean, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Great Britain, is not ranked in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Dina Paocic, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #133 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Daniel Maese, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #78 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Aries Wong, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #27 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Christina Makarova, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #6 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Gabriella Umoquit, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #32 in the USA in under 12 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 #265 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Ana Konjuh, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Croatia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Nina Potocnik, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Slovenia, is ranked #438 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 #25 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Tommy Paul, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #26 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Ndindi Ndunda, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #51 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Domonique Garley, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #153 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
Justine Lee, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #136 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
William Blumberg, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #743 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Ingrid Neel, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #31 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Paulina Ferrari, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #374 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

09/12/08

Top Smrikva Bowl players in the main draw of the 47th Junior Orange Bowl 2008 and Dunlop Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships - Ajla Tomljanovic and George Morgan reached the quarterfinals

Junior Orange Bowl is one of the most important Junior International Tennis Championships, traditionally played in Florida in the USA.

The players compete in four groups: under 12, under 14, under 16 and under 18.

The main tournament of under 12 and under 14 age groups cathegories are played from December 16th 2008, while the main tournament of under 16 and under 18 are played from December 7th till December 14th 2008. The under 16 and under 18 Orange Bowl tournament is ranked by ITF as Grade A tournament and is named Dunlop Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships.

Last year George Morgan from UK, 8th Smrikva Bowl runner up, was the winner of 46th Junior Orange Bowl 2007 in the under 14 age group.

Also this year there are several former Smrikva Bowl top players and top USA players that played “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl in the main draw of each age group:

UNDER 12
Boys
1. Bednarczyk Dylan Adam
2. Coric Borna
3. Mitak Mladen
4. Nava Eduardo

Girls
1. Boulter Katie
2. Dean Eleanor Jane
3. Jorovic Ivana
4. Kandler Caroline
5. Ndunda Ndindi
6. Vekic Donna

UNDER 14
Boys
1. Levar Ivan

Girls
1. Gavrilovska Saska
2. Husaric Anita
3. Ianchuk Olga
4. Kandler Christine
5. Mamalat Anna

UNDER 16
Boys
1. Morgan George
2. Egger Emmett

Girls
1. Mamalat Anna

UNDER 18
Boys
1. Marcan Dino

Girls
1. Njiric Silvia
2. Tomljanovic Ajla

RESULTS UNDER 16 and UNDER 18

UNDER 16 – BOYS
Emmett Egger
1st round: Emmett Egger (USA) – Cedrick Commin (FRA) 3:6, 3:6

George Morgan
1st round: George Morgan (UK) – Brandon Burke (JAM) 6:3, 6:1
2nd round: George Morgan (UK) -Dennis Mkrtchian (USA) 6:4, 7:6
3rd round: G.Morgan (UK) – Spencer Newman (USA) 3:6, 6:4, 6:0
Quarterfinals: George Morgan (UK) – Denis Kudla (USA) 2:6, 2:6

UNDER 16 – GIRLS
Anna Mamalat
1st round: Ann Mamalat (USA)-Dominique Harmath (CAN) 6:2, 6:2
2nd round: Ann Mamalat (USA)-Rio Kitagawa (JAP) 6:0, 6:2
3rd round: Ann Mamalat (USA) – Natalija Kostic (SRB) 1:6, 4:6

UNDER 18 – BOYS
Dino Marcan
1st round: Dino Marcan (CRO) – Dino Dell’Orto (HGK) 7:5, 6:3
2nd round: Dino Marcan (CRO) – Chrostopher Diaz (GUA) 6:3, 6:1
3rd round: D.Marcan (CRO) – Cedrik-Marcel Stebe (GER) 2:6, 2:6

UNDER 18 – GIRLS
Silvia Njiric
1st round: Silvia Njiric (CRO) – Nicole Bartnik (USA) 7:5, 6:2
2nd round: Silvia Njiric (CRO) – Ester Goldfeld (USA) 2:6, 3:6

Ajla Tomljanovic
1st round: Ajla Tomljanovic (CRO)-N.Guskova (RUS) 0:6, 6:4, 6:0
2nd round: Ajla Tomljanovic (CRO) – Hanna Mar (USA) 6:2, 6:4
3rd round: Ajla Tomljanovic (CRO) – Allie Will (USA) 7:6, 6:2
Quarterfinals:Tomljanovic(CRO)-Lauren Embree(USA) 0:6,6:3,2:6

25/11/08

Gianluigi Quinzi - 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner - ranked #2 in under 14 age group cathegory in Europe and is this year winner of under 12 Nike World Junior Tour

Gianluigi Quinzi played Smrikva Bowl three times: when he was 8, 9 and 10 years old.

When I received a call from Gianluigi’s father Luca asking me if I would accept his son that is just 8 years old to play Smrikva Bowl I explained to Luca that the level of the players at Smrikva Bowl is very high and that he might consider to come in the following years. Luca told me that Gianluigi was very talented and competitive with the older players. He said that I should see him although he was only 8. In end Luca convinced me and I saw Gianluigi when he was 8 and really he was able to compete with the older boys.

In 2005 Quinzi ranked 3rd and in 2006 he won the 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006. Since than Gianluigi continued to train at Nick Bolletieri Tennis Academy and currently he is ranked #2 in under 14 age group cathegory in Europe although he is still only 12 years old.

Please meet Gianluigi Quinzi in this video made few months ago by TennisWeek.com that visited Gianluigi Quinzi at Nick Bollettieri’s IMG Tennis Academy

Gianluigi is Italian but lives in Florida and this year he won both under 12 Italian National Championship and the Boys 12-and-under event at the prestigious 2008 Nike Junior Tour International Masters played few months ago at the Club Med Sandpiper in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

For those that understand Italian I am pleased to share two short articles that celebrate Gianluigi’s victory on the Nike’s World Junior Tour. The first one was published by a student on www.alboscuole.it and the second one by Gabriele Riva on www.tennisitaliano.it

Gianluigi Quinzi: Il futuro Nadal
di Lorenzo Restuccia II F – Studente
www.alboscuole.it
28. ottobre 2008

E’la nuova rivelazione del tennis mondiale. Si chiama Gianluigi Quinzi, dodicenne, padovano. Con il suo colpo mancino, si è classificato primo in assoluto a livello mondiale nel NJT (Nike Junior Tour), dove l’Italia non aveva mai trionfato e dove, inoltre, decollarono verso il successo nomi come Andrè Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova.

Numero 1 in under 12 e 26° in under 14, Gianluigi vive fra Padova e la Florida, dove si allena 5 mesi l’anno. La Nike, sua futura casa sportiva, vede per lui un futuro da campione, come testimonia suo padre, che mise in mano a Gianluigi la racchetta e che da quel momento non l’ha più lasciata per un attimo: “L’ultima perla di una stagione straordinaria”.

Questo bambino prodigio, che viene definito dagli esperti con convinzione come il futuro Nadal, è stato adottato dall’Academy di Bradenton, l’accademia del tennis più prestigiosa degli Stati Uniti, dove si formerà e perfezionerà al meglio per essere al meglio delle prestazioni.

Per di più Quinzi ha giocato da wild card, cioè con invito degli organizzatori per miglior classifica internazionale europea di sempre. Per Gianluca la strada è spianata: il futuro lo aspetta.

Quinzi vince il Master mondiale del Nike Junior Tour
di Gabrielle Riva
www.tennisitaliano.it

Per gli appassionati quello di Gianluigi Quinzi non è un nome nuovo. Anche se ha solo 12 anni. Nato a Cittadella, Padova, l’1 febbraio 1996, a suon di risultati ha fatto parlare di sé come di promessa – o di prospetto, visto che si allena per gran parte dell’anno in America da Bollettieri, come all’epoca fecero Agassi o Sharapova, per citarne solo un paio – e adesso si alzano addirittura i toni.

C’è già chi lo paragona a Nadal. Perché è numero uno della classifica internazionale Eta under 12, e già numero 26 di quella under 14, ma soprattutto perché ha vinto il Master internazionale del Nike Junior Tour (primo italiano di sempre) proprio come aveva fatto Rafa per tre volte (o ancora la Sharapova in campo femminile, nel ’99).

Lo ha fatto da testa di serie numero 1 del tabellone e senza perdere neanche un set, insomma un risultato da incorniciare.

Un risultato definito, a ragione, come “L’ultima perla di una stagione magnifica” da papà Luca. Un risultato che però, più che a Nadal, dovrebbe far pensare al percorso dello spagnolo per arrivare dove è oggi, cioè in vetta al tennis dei grandi, anzi dei grandissimi.

Che Gianluigi sia come Nadal non è vero, e non è giusto calcargli sulle spalle il peso di (nostre) aspettative simili: lui è Quinzi e potrà, questo sì, arrivare lassù dove è arrivato Rafa, lavorando tanto e lavorando bene, facendo tutti quei sacrifici che vanno fatti e cha Nadalito stesso (come qualsiasi altro professionista ogni epoca) fece dai dodici anni in giù e, soprattutto, dai dodici anni in su.

E’ questa la consapevolezza da cui partire. Che vinca o meno oggi, cosa che fa piacere ma che ha il valore che ha, ciò che conforta veramente e che fa ben sperare è che Gianluigi sta facendo quello che un ragazzo della sua età dovrebbe fare per diventare un professionista di primo piano. In America lavora con Bollettieri, in Italia con Piatti. Due che sanno benissimo di cosa ha bisogno – tecnicamente, fisicamente e mentalmente – un dodicenne che vuole diventare un campione.

NIKE INTERNATIONAL MASTER JUNIOT TOUR Results:

First round: bye
Second round: Quinzi – Christian Garin Medone (China) 6:2, 6:2 Quarter finals: Quinzi – Timothy Kane (Usa) 6:2, 7:6
Semifinals: Quinzi – Philip Franken (South Africa) 6:0, 7:6
Finals: Quinzi – Omar Salman (Belgium) 6:1, 1:0 ret.

In end I am pleased to share with the readers the messages left in Smrikva Bowl guest book by: Gianluigi Quinzi, Sebastian Vazques (coach) and Luca Quinzi (father).

Questo torneo significa tanto per me perche’ l’ho fatto 3 volte e vincerlo e’ stata una gioia. Penso che questo torneo sia il piu’ bello che ho partecipato. Saluti alla mia amica Saska.

Pula, 2006
Gianluigi Quinzi
Patty “10”

El Smrikva Bowl fue una experiencia muy grata para mi. La organizacion es muy buena y el hecho de juntar ninos de tantos paises y culturas diferentes me parecio muy lindo.
Buona Suerte

Pula, 2006
Sebastian Vazquez (Quinzi’s coach)

In questo meraviglioso angolo d’Istria si respira ogni anno ai primi di luglio un aria ed atmosfera particolare. Le emozioni che lo Smrikva Bowl sa diffondere sono uniche. La terra rossa dei suoi campi assieme al verde dello Smrikva che circonda l’ambiente sono le cornici dell’evento under 10 tennistico piu’ importante del Mondo.

Grazie alla sua tradizione, alla capacita’ organizzativa della famiglia Bozovic ed alla affluenza internazionale che tutti i partecipanti hanno saputo trasmettere. Questo torneo ha nel tempo abbracciato la semplicita’ e la familiarita’ con il fascino e l’importanza che solo le grandi manifestazioni sanno dare.

E cosi’ il colore di quei campi e il profumo di quei cespugli ricordano, lasciando a seguire, sensazioni di posti lontani e molto piu’ famosi.

E forse, magari per una volta sola, sognare si sente legittimo.

Pula, 2006
Luca Quinzi

11/11/08

Top Smrikva Bowl and "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl players on ATP, WTA, ITF, USTA and European under 14 and 16 ranking lists (update November 2008)

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 #934 on ATP list. Vilim’s best ranking was #612 in March 2006. Vilim Visak is currently ranked #385 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 #465 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. His 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 #1945 on ATP list. Deni Zmak is currently ranked #1067 on ATP Doubles Ranking.

GIRLS
Astrid Besser, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 winner, from Italy, is ranked #375 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 #619 on WTA list.

2001 – 6th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #22 on ITF ranking list.
Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #1660 on ATP ranking list.

GIRLS
Petra Martic, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #214 on WTA list.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #695 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 #859 on ATP list.
Giacomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, is ranked #1877 on ATP list.

GIRLS
Martina Caregaro, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Italy, is ranked #798 on WTA ranking list.
Ajla Tomljanovic, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #973 on WTA list.
Ema Burgic, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #880 on WTA list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Jordaan Sanford, played 1st “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #1133 on ITF ranking list.

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

BOYS
Dominic Thiem, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Austria, is ranked #10 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
George Morgan, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #573 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #48 in Europe in under 16 cathegory. George Morgan won Junior Orange Bowl 2007 under 14 age group.
Ciprian Porumb, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia, is ranked #613 on ITF ranking list and and is ranked #4 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

GIRLS
Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #1079 on WTA list.
Silvia Njiric, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #910 on WTA list.
Ajla Tomljanovic, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Croatia, is ranked #973 on WTA list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Emmett Egger, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #36 in the USA in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #552 on ITF ranking list.
Robert Stineman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #134 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.

Karen Forman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #136 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.
Katie Klyczek, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #423 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 #145 in under 16 cathegory.
Miki Jankovic, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #23 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

GIRLS
Saska Gavrilovska, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #19 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Ecaterina Opriou, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Romenia, is ranked #36 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Mitchel Polnet, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #335 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.
Rayan Andrada, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #708 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Blair Shankle, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #19 in the USA in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #619 on ITF ranking list.
Anna Mamalat, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #34 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 #7 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gianluigi Quinzi, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #2 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Harry Busby, ranked 4th on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from UK, is not ranked 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 #19 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Olga Yanchuk, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #6 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Jeffrey Schorsch, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #332 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Jose Gracia, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #158 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Yale Goldberg, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #49 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Dorothy Tang, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #91 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 #2 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Filip Kraljevic, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Croatia, is not ranked in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Daniel Maese, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #73 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Aries Wong, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #25 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Christina Makarova, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #7 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Gabriella Umoquit, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #49 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

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

GIRLS
Virginia Pena, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner, from Spain, is ranked #251 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Ana Konjuh, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Croatia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Nina Potocnik, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Slovenia, is ranked #421 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 #24 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Tommy Paul, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #51 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Ndindi Ndunda, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #50 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Domonique Garley, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #241 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

03/11/08

A nice article about Justin Lee and William Blumberg - 7th"Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl players

I received today a newspaper from Justin Lee’ father David that was published in the Greenwich Time newspaper in the USA on 20th of October 2008., and write about Justin and William Blumberg that played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl representing the “Little Mo” team.

In 2002, the Smrikve Tennis Club joined forces with the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation and created the first-ever international competition between the United States and Europe for boys and girls under 10 and named it the “Little Mo”/ Smrikva Bowl. The “Little Mo”/ Smrikva Bowl has become a unique and already traditional meeting of the youngest and most talented players in the World.

When “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl was created the Smrikva Bowl was a European tournament. Since Smrikva Bowl has grown in a global under 10 tennis competition gathering top players from 5 continents.

On the picture below there are players that competed in the 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2008: Maia Lumsden, Katarina Jokic, Luka Panic, Mihnea Turcu, William Blumberg, Paulina Ferrari, Ingrid Neel and Justin Lee.

Enjoy the article prepared by Colin Gustafson.

Brunswick students seek to continue tennis success
By Colin Gustafson – Staff Writter

At 10 years old, William Blumberg and Justine Lee have been swinging tennis rackets for only few years now, but their backhands and drop-shots are already starting to win points in Greenwich and overseas.

After earning top spots in a national competition, the Brunswick Middle Schoolers were the only two players chosen to represented the United States in this summer’s “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl international contest in Pula, Croatia.

Facing players from two dozen countries, the Greenwich boys together placed sevent overall in singels – netting the highest score for an American team since the international tournament started in 2002.

“It was awesome representing the U.S.” against youth players from countries like Switzerland or Romania, Lee said, especially considering “some people never get to play tennis outside Greenwich.”

The boys were selected for the contest in July after placing in the top ranks of the 2007 “Little Mo” tournament, a competition for players age 7 to 11 held in more than two dozen towns across the country every summer, culminating in a fall Nationals contest in Austin, Texas. The tournament is named after Mareen Connolly, the first woman to win tennis’ Grand Slam at age 18 in 1953. Fromer world champion Andy Roddick competed as a boy in the 1992 “Little Mo”.

With a new American record in the “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl under their belts, Blumber and Lee are now setting their sights on the 2008 competition, at home and abroad.

Over the summer, Blumberg advanced from the “Little Mo” easter sectionals in Mount Kisco, N.Y., to the norhter regionals in Hogwood. Ill. That earned him the chance to compete in the “Little Mo” finals this weekend in Austin.

“All I hope is I do well,” Blumberg said Tuesday, noting that he had been working to improve his footwork on the court as well as strengthen his volley during his two-hour practice seccion, four days a week. “I’ve gotta get my game shaped up.”

Lee, meanwhile, is preparing to travel overseas again to enroll in the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in Paris. He won a certificate to attend the elite tennis school for free for one week as a reward for finishing in first place in the 10-and -under boys’ bracket of another contest this summer, the OUATT Kids Cup in France.

“The trainers there are really strickt, but really good.” he said. “I’ll be pushing myself to try as hard as I can for them.”

The week end after this article was published William Blumberg won “Little Mo” Nationals in under 10 age group and Ingrid Neel, another “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl player, reached the finals in the same age group.

29/10/08

Katarina Jokic - 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner - obtained Wilson sponsorship contract

Katarina Jokic won 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 and one of the new prizes that we had this year for the winners was Wilson sponsorship contract.

I just received Katarina’s photo with her new Wilson bag and racquets. Katarina’s father told me that she is enjoying to play with K-Faktor racquet. He explained to me that Keti’s strokes are deep, more precise and stronger compared to the strokes she had in the past. Katarina received four racquets, two bags, many strings and overgrips.

Next year Katarina’s brother will play Smrikva Bowl and I will have the opporutnity to see Katarina again in Smrikve.

27/10/08

Nina Marjanovic - thanks to the Smrikva Bowl experience - also trained at Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in Paris

Nina Marjanovic had the opportunity to train for two weeks at prestigous Mouratoglou Tennis Academy near Paris.

From this year one of Smrikva Bowl new friends is also Patrick Mouratoglou and he offered to the Smrikva Bowl winners this extraoridinary prize. The winner and one person are hosted for a week in the Academy.

Every Smrikva Bowl player was informed about this opportunity and to every player during the registration was presented the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy.

Nina Marjanovic is the best player in Serbia in her age group and she also played this year Smrikva Bowl. Nina is a kid that always smile and after the Smrikva Bowl her family decided to stay for few more days in Pula and to train in Smrikve. In those days they asked me about the opportunity to go to Paris that I explained to Nina during the registration for the Smrikva Bowl.

The family Marjanovic asked me more information about the Academy and explained to me that they have lived in Paris and that they have an apartment there, so for them would be nice to apply for two weeks training.

I promissed to them that I would have checked with the Academy about the costs for their stay and I would have informed them about the opportunity.

Patrick Mouratoglou decided to offer to Nina two weeks of training in his Academy for free. Nina was very happy and thanks to this opportuntiy Nina and this was another gift we had the opportunity to give to another Smrikva Bowl player.

Nina was in the Academy at the end of August when also Katarina Jokic, the 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner was in the Academy, so they took the opportunity to visit Paris’ tower and also Disneyland.

In the Academy they had the opportunity to meet and make a photo with Marcos Baghdatis, one of the players that has grown in Mouratoglou’s Academy.

Here is the letter I received for Nina regarding this tennis experience for her and those that understand Serbian can read it:

24. avgusta posetila sam Tenisku Akademiju Patrik Moratoglou.

Svideli su mi se svi treneri, a najvise mi se svideo moj trener tenisa Rudolf. Akademija je velika, ima 14 terena, 2 bazena. Videla sam Patrika, njegovu zenu i cerke. Slikala sam se sa Markosom Bagdatisem.

Najnaporniji bili su mi kondicioni treninzi. Sve vezbe su mi bile podjednako dobre. Upoznala sam puno drugara. Svi su me obozavali. Hrana mi se nije narocito svidela. Kada sam imala slobodno vreme sa drugarima igrala sam stoni tenis.

Mnogo sam zavolela Akademiju. Osecala sam se kao kod kuce. U toku druge nedelje dosli su nam prijatelji iz Bosne tj. moja drugarica Katarina sa roditeljima. Upoznali smo se u Puli, ucestovale smo na Smrikva bowl. Sa njima smo posetili Pariz. Isli smo na Ajfelovu kulu, obisli smo Diznilend.

Katarinu sam upoznala sa Akademijom. Zajedno smo trenirale tih nedelju dana. Kada smo imale slobodno vreme igrale smo badminton. Bilo mi je jako zao kada smo 6 septembra morali da krenemo kuci.

Jako bih volela da ponovo posetim Akademiju.

Nina Marjanovic

12/10/08

In Smrikve started the collection of olives that will end up in bottles of olive oil for the 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 Ambassadors

Today in Smrikve we started to collect olives, the 2009 Smrikve olive oil production. In Smrikve we produce Istrian olive oil.

During the Smrikva Bowl we use to give to every Smrikva Bowl Ambasador a bottle of oil as a memory to their Smrikva Bowl. In this days we started the process that will end with transforming the olives into oil for the 14th Smrikva Bowl 2009 players and Ambassadors.

The tradition of olive oil production developed in Istria during the time of Emperor Augustus. Thanks to the olive oil Pula was one of the richest towns in the Roman Empire. Istrian olive oil was considered among the best in the Empire and also the amphorae production was very important in the village nearby Pula named Fazana.

In 2005, for the 10th Smrikva Bowl anniversary, we started a tradition of planting an old Olive tree. The Olive tree selected needs to be older than the oldest man living on the earth today.

During the ceremony, every Ambassador put a tiny part of land close to the root of the Olive tree and said his or her name. This way the tree gets the names and a piece of soul of each Ambassador.

The Olive tree is a symbol of peace. The age of the tree is a symbol of intergenerational responsibility. Every person is born without knowing anything about life on this earth and it is the responsibility of every generation to understand and to learn to preserve all that each of us is born with, so as to possibly improve it prior to departing.

The people that planted Smrikva Bowl Olive trees for the first time are no longer among us and the message this Olive tree transmits to the Ambassadors is that intergenerational responsibility alone will allow future generations to enjoy the beauty of life, the sunsets and the seasons of the earth.

The Lion King cartoon is an artwork and many life messages one can find in it and most of them are in line with the Smrikva Bowl. They are in line with the message of the Ambassadors’ Olive Tree; they are in line with the values of friendship and love; they are in line with empathy. Love, friendship and empathy are all Cosmopolitan values per excellence, as far as people and humanity are concerned.

The relationship between Mufasa, Sarabi and Simba reminds me of both: parents and family love, but also about the intergenerational responsability.

Timon, Pumbaa and Simba relationship remineds me about love between friends. Pumbaa also make me think abuout empathy, intuition and loyalty.

The relationship between Simba and Nola reminds me again about the importance of love.

Rifiki, the wise old baboo, with his many centuries old tree remineds me about the importance of the knowledge and experience of the older. There are many other particular moments that every person on its own, based on his or her own life experience, discover by watching these artworks.

You might be interested to know that most of the characters’s names in this cartoon have a particular meaning in Swahili language: Simba means “lion”; Nala means “gift”, and love is for me one of the greatest gifts that people can receive and give during their life; Sarabi means “mirage”; Pumbaa means “dull-witted” or “stunned”; and Rafiki means “friend” :).

As I wrote above every person is born without knowing anything about life on this earth and it is the responsibility of every generation to understand and to learn, to preserve all that each of us is born with. When Mufasa was explaining to Simba that is not easy to be the King… he says that a good King should know that everything around us lives in a delicated equilibrium and with intelligence we should try to understand it and respect it.

Miodrag Bozovic

11/10/08

Marin Draganja - 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner - lost in the semifinals of Grade A ITF tournament played in Osaka in Japan - Osaka Mayor's Cup - World Super Junior Tennis Championships 2008

Marin Draganja – 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia – lost in the semifinals of Grade A ITF tournament that was played in Osaka in Japan – Osaka Mayor’s Cup – World Super Junior Tennis Championships 2008. Marin Draganja is currently ranked #42 on ITF ranking list.

Ajla Tomljanovic also played this tournament in Osaka and reached the quarterfinals. Ajla Tomljanovic played twice Smrikva Bowl: in 2002 and 2003. The first time was the runner up and the second time ranked third. Ajla Tomljanovic is from Croatia but currently lives and trains in Florida at Chris Evert Academy. She is currently ranked #36 on ITF ranking list.

Marin Draganja’s road towards the semifinals on Osaka Mayor’s Cup – World Super Junior Tennis Championships 2008 was the following:
1st round: Marin DRAGANJA – Yusuke WATANUKI (JPN) 6:1, 6:4
2nd round: Marin DRAGANJA – Alastair BARNES (GBR) 7:6, 6:4
3rd round: Marin DRAGANJA – A.F.GEORGOUDAS (GER) 6:4, 7:6
Quarterfinals: Marin DRAGANJA – Liang-Chi HUANG (TPE) 6:0, 6:4
Semifinals: DRAGANJA – Yuki BHAMBRI (IND) 2:6, 6:2, 3:6

Ajla Tomljanovic’s road towards the quarterfinals on Osaka Mayor’s Cup – World Super Junior Tennis Championships 2008 was the following:
1st round: Ajla TOMLJANOVIC – Harriet SHEAHAN (AUS) 0:3 ret.
2nd round: TOMLJANOVIC – Katherine WESTBURY (THA) 6:2, 6:1
3rd round: Ajla TOMLJANOVIC – Chinami OGI (JPN) 6:3, 6:4
Quarterfinals: Ajla TOMLJANOVIC – Kurumi NARA (JPN) 6:7, 2:6

Silvia Njiric – 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia – also played this tournament but lost in against Akiko Omae from Japan with result 6:7, 7:6, 7:6. Silvia Njiric is currently ranked #67 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #964 on WTA list.

10/10/08

Top Smrikva Bowl and "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl players on ATP, WTA, ITF, USTA and European under 14 and 16 ranking lists (update October 2008)

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 #903 on ATP list. Vilim’s best ranking was #612 in March 2006. Vilim Visak is currently ranked #377 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 #386 on WTA list. Ivana’s best ranking was #95 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. His 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 #1917 on ATP list. Deni Zmak is currently ranked #999 on ATP Doubles Ranking.

GIRLS
Astrid Besser, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 winner, from Italy, is ranked #383 on WTA list.

2000 – 5th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Adelchi Virgili, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Italy. Adelchi is very talented player but he continues to be injured. Hopefully he will be able to start to play professional tennis.

GIRLS
Tereza Mrdeza, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Croatia, is currently ranked #617 on WTA list.

2001 – 6th Smrikva Bowl

BOYS
Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #42 on ITF ranking list.
Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #57 on ITF ranking list.

GIRLS
Petra Martic, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #199 on WTA list.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #670 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 #926 on ATP list.
Giacomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, is ranked #69 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #1899 on ATP list.

GIRLS
Martina Caregaro, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Italy, is ranked #832 on WTA ranking list.
Ajla Tomljanovic, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #36 on ITF ranking list.
Ema Burgic, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #865 on WTA list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Jordaan Sanford, played 1st “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #846 on ITF ranking list.

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

BOYS
Dominic Thiem, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Austria, is ranked #35 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
George Morgan, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #552 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #106 in Europe in under 16 cathegory. George Morgan won Junior Orange Bowl 2007 under 14 age group.
Ciprian Porumb, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia, is ranked #587 on ITF ranking list and and is ranked #7 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

GIRLS
Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #223 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #1090 on WTA list.
Silvia Njiric, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #67 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #964 on WTA list.
Ajla Tomljanovic, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Croatia, is ranked #36 on ITF ranking list.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Emmett Egger, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #40 in the USA in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #571 on ITF ranking list.
Robert Stineman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #153 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.

Karen Forman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #149 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.
Katie Klyczek, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #424 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 #11 in Europe in under 14 cathegory and is ranked #271 in under 16 cathegory.
Miki Jankovic, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #12 in Europe in under 14 cathegory and is ranked #58 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

GIRLS
Saska Gavrilovska, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #62 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Ecaterina Opriou, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Romenia, is ranked #55 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Mitchel Polnet, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #189 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Rayan Andrada, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #834 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Blair Shankle, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #5 in the USA in under 14 cathegory and is ranked #966 on ITF ranking list.
Anna Mamalat, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #29 in the USA in under 14 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 #49 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gyore Laszlo, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #56 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gianluigi Quinzi, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #26 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Harry Busby, ranked 4th on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from UK, is not ranked in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Nikola Milojevic, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 Consolation tournament winner, from Serbia, is ranked #24 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

GIRLS
Saska Gavrilovska, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #62 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Olga Yanchuk, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #15 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Jeffrey Schorsch, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #407 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Jose Gracia, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #185 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Yale Goldberg, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #55 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

Dorothy Tang, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #94 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 #26 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Filip Kraljevic, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Croatia, is not ranked in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

“Little Mo” TEAM
Daniel Maese, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #82 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Aries Wong, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #28 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Christina Makarova, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #10 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Gabriella Umoquit, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #53 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

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

GIRLS
Virginia Pena, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner, from Spain, is ranked #522 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Ana Konjuh, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Croatia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Nina Potocnik, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Slovenia, is ranked #834 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 #26 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Tommy Paul, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #52 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Ndindi Ndunda, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #55 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Domonique Garley, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #250 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

“Little Mo” TEAM
Justine Lee, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #144 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
William Blumberg, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is not ranked in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Ingrid Neel, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #37 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Paulina Ferrari, played 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #542 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

08/10/08

Letter from Luka Panic after his stay at Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in Paris. This was one of the prizes for the 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 victory. Yesterday Luka also made a picture with Roger Federer

Luka Panic won the 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 and had the opportunity to train for a week at prestigous Mouratoglou Tennis Academy near Paris. From this year one of Smrikva Bowl new friends is also Patrick Mouratoglou and last week Luka spent a week with his trainer Boris Grbic in Paris.

For Luka this was one of her first international experiences and first opportunities to get in contact with a professional tennis facility such as Mouratoglou Academy although he trains in outstanding facilities in Switzerland. This is the picture Luka made yesterday with Roger Federer that trained in the nearby court where Luka trained on rebound ace surface. Luka was lucky that Roger Federer took the opportunity to see him playing.

For Luka this was also his first time in Paris and he take the opportunity to visit some of the Paris’ beauties with Boris who knows better the town. Luka send me the letter from the Academy and probably he will return sometime in the future because he felt good and also established good relationships with Mouratoglou’s team.

I am pleased to share with people understanding Croatian Luka’s e-mail letter where he explain his Paris experience. The latter is in Croatian because Luka’s origin is Croatian.

Dobar dan gospodine Bozovicu,

Evo da Vam se javim nakon tjedna u teniskoj Akademiji u Parizu. Lijep osjecaj je otici negdje u nepoznato i upoznati nove prijatelje.

Pogotovo sto sam vidio nesto novo i to jos u tenisu kojim se i sam bavim. Put iz Züricha pa preko Basela, Strasburga do Parisa protekao je vrlo brzo. Vozili smo se naravno u TGV-u.

Paris me dojmio ono sto sam vidio jako velik i lijep grad. No taj dan nisam mogao vidjedi bas puno toga. Cekao nas je taksi i odvezao ravno u Akademiju.

Rano ustajanje, dorucak, ugrijavanje, tenis trening, rucak pa poslije kondinacioni trening, pa tenis trening i na kraju stretching. To je bila moja svakodnevnica.

Ja sam to lako podnosio jer sam naucen takvom radu i u Svicarskoj. Mozda za promjenu hrana mi nije odgovarala svaki dan. Ali sam jako zadovoljan sto sam vidio i upoznao nesto novo.

Smatram da je to veliko iskustvo za mene a i za moga trenera Borisa. Rado cu ici jos koji put!!!

Na kraju tjedna u subotu bili smo Boris i ja na razgledavanju Parisa. Ono malo vremena proveli smo razgledavajuci Paris. Vidjeli smo Eiffelovoga tornja, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Montparnassov neboder (najbrzi lift na svijetu, vozili smo se u tom liftu). Neboder je 205m velik. I vidjeli smo crkvu Notre Dame. U nedjelju ujutro vratili smo TGV-om natrag u Zürich.

Puno pozdrava,

Luka

02/10/08

Ariana Rabac reached the finals at an under 14 tournament in Porec

This week end Ariana Rabac played an under 14 tennis tournament in Porec.

Ariana Rabac is 12 years old tennis player and this are one of her first experiences in under 14 age group cathegory. A month ago she played 24th Stella Maris Cup where she successfully reached the second round of this important European under 14 tournament that was played in Umag.

This week end Ariana Rabac played a tournament at Istrian – Regional level competing among 13 girls. After successfull round robin she reached the finals. Most of the girls with whom Ariana played are older then she and this is another important element for Ariana to keep working on her game improvement.

In the semifinals Ariana defeated Ena Kajevic 7:6, 6:3 and in the finals she lost against Silvija Brgic 6:2, 6:3.

Ariana trains at the Smrikve Tennis Club and Silvija Brgic trains in Uljanik Tennis Club in Pula and this allow them to often play matches together and further improve their game and get ready for the National competition that will involve both of them in the following year.

Congratulations Ariana and Silvija!

Another good news is that Ariana Rabac, born in 1996, successfully passed the first round against Ivona Lovrekovic with the result 6:4, 6:3. Ariana lost in the second round against Violeta Jankovic from Serbia 6:1, 6:2. Violeta Jankovic is ranked #136 in Europe in under 14 age group cathegory. For Ariana Rabac that will be soon 12 years old this is one of her first under 14 experiences.

22/09/08

Luka Panic - 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 winner - obtained Wilson sponsorship contract

Luka Panic won 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 and one of the new prizes for this year winners was the Wilson sponsorship contract. Today I received the news from Luka’s father that he received 3 new racquets, the Wilson bag, the strings and overgrips. Luka received Nova Djokovic’s rackets and I am glad for that because Novak is one of Luka’s favorite players of today.

Here is the photo of Luka Panic with his new bag and racquets.

In addition, this week end Luka played the finals of a Swiss tournament in Zurich and he had a high temperature the night before but in end he was able to confirm his outstanding performance in the finals with the victory of 6:2, 6:0 against Benjamin Killherr.

Very soon Luka will go to Paris to get the additional prize he won on the Smrikva Bowl, a seven day stage at Mouratoglou Tennis Academy. Katarina Jokic, the girls winner, already completed the stage and hopefully Luka will enjoy it the same way Katarina enjoyed it.