News

03/06/08

Tereza Mrdeza arrived in the finals of USD 10000 Tennis Tournament in Budva (Montenegro)

The good news from Budva’s tournament is that Tereza Mrdeza returned to the tennis courts with good result after a hard hand injury she had one year ago. This is the second good result in the last three weeks after Mostar where she arrived in the semifinals.

Tereza Mrdeza, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Croatia, because of the last year injury is not ranked on WTA list but was ranked around #800 before the injury.

Tereza Mrdeza’s road towards the finals in Budva was the following:

First round:
Tereza MRDEZA – Emilia ARNAUDOVSKA (MKD) 6:0, 6:1

Second round:
Tereza MRDEZA – Danica KRSTAJIC (MNE) 6:2, 6:7, 6:2

Quarterfinals:
Tereza MRDEZA – Ema POLIC (SRB) 6:4, 7:5

Semifinals:
Tereza MRDEZA – Ljubica AVRAMOVIC (SRB) 6:4, 6:1

Finals:
Tereza MRDEZA – Palma KIRALY (HUN) 5:7, 1:6

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.

21/05/08

Marin Draganja and Ajla Tomljanovic lost in the second round of 49th edition of Internazionali d'Italia Trofeo Bonfiglio in Milan

There are 3 top Smrikva Bowl players that finished the tournament in the second round of 49th edition of Internazionali d’Italia Trofeo Bonfiglio that is played in Milan: Marin Draganja, Giacomo Miccini and Ajla Tomljanovic.

Trofeo Bonfiglio is a Grade A tournament and is one of the most important junior tournaments in the World after junior Grand Slam tournaments.

Some of the winners of this important tournament in its almost half century long history were: Sergio Tacchini (1959), Andrea Panatta (1971), Barazzutti (1972), Ivan Lendl (1978), Slobodan Zivojinovic (1981), Gabriela Sabatini (1984), Jim Curier (1987), Zvereva (1987), Goran Ivanisevic (1988), Kafelnikov (1992), Ana Kournikova (1995), Srebotnik (1997), Coria (1998).

Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #44 on ITF ranking list. Marin Draganja played in the finals of the last year Avenire in Milan, one of the most important under 16 tennis tournaments in the World.

Giaccomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, is ranked #31 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #1781 on ATP list.

Ajla Tomljanovic, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up and ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Croatia, is ranked #78 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #1067 on WTA list.

Marin Draganja’s, Giacomo Miccini’s and Ajla Tomljanovic results on Bonfiglio was the following:

First round: Marin Draganja – Jose Hernandez (DOM) 6:2, 6:4
Second round: Marin Draganja – Bernard Tomic (AUS) 1:6, 4:6

Bernard Tomic is probably the most promissinig junior in the World at the moment. He won this year junior Australian Open and is very strong for his age.

First round: Ajla Tomljanovic – Sally Peers (AUS) 4:6, 6:3, 7:6
Second round: Ajla Tomljanovic – Ksenia Lykin (RUS) 3:6, 4:6

First round: Giacomo Miccini – Niki Mouser (AUT) 6:4, 6:4
Second round: Giacomo Miccini – David Souto (VEN) 6:3, 5:7, 4:3

Giacomo Miccini was actually disqualified. The judge called 3 foot fouls to Giacomo. He get nervous and lost the control by saying different bad words to the judge. In turn the judge gave him the first warning, later on, the penalty point and in end the game point. After that Giacomo used threat words versus the judge and than the judge and the organisers decided to disqualify him.

All of them can play also the next year and for sure they will have another chance to improve current year results.

19/05/08

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

1996 – 1st Smrikva Bowl
Vilim Visak, 1st Smrikva Bowl 1996 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #914 on ATP list. Vilim’s best ranking was #612 in March 2006. Vilim Visak is currently ranked #443 on ATP Doubles Ranking.

1997 – 2nd Smrikva Bowl
Ivana Lisjak, 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #261 on WTA list. Ivana’s best ranking was #95 in June 2006.

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

Deni Zmak, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #1781 on ATP list. Deni Zmak is currently ranked #1077 on ATP Doubles Ranking.

2000 – 5th Smrikva Bowl
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.

Tereza Mrdeza, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Croatia, is currently not ranked on WTA list.

2001 – 6th Smrikva Bowl
Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #44 on ITF ranking list. Marin Draganja played in the finals of the last year Avenire in Milan, one of the most important under 16 tennis tournaments in the World.
Marcan Dino, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #105 on ITF ranking list.

Petra Martic, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #409 on WTA list.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked # 548 on WTA list.

2002 – 7th Smrikva Bowl and 1st”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl
Javier Marti, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Spain, is ranked #12 in Europe in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #844 on ITF ranking list.
Giaccomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, is ranked #31 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #1781 on ATP list. Giacomo Miccini trains at Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Giacomo Miccini is among the best players in the World in his age group.

Martina Caregaro, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Italy, is ranked #974 on WTA ranking list.
Ajla Tomljanovic, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #78 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #1067 on WTA list.
Ema Burgic, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #1 in Europe in under 16 age group cathegory, #199 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #972 on WTA list.

Jordaan Sanford, played 1st “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #827 on ITF ranking list.

2003 – 8th Smrikva Bowl and 2nd”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl
Dominic Thiem, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Austria, is ranked #116 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
George Morgan, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #577 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #352 in Europe in under 16 cathegory. George Morgan won Junior Orange Bowl 2007 under 14 age group. George Morgan also played the finals of the Prince Cup 2007.
Ciprian Porumb, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia, is ranked #518 on ITF ranking list and and is ranked #83 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #219 on ITF ranking list.
Silvia Njiric, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #162 on ITF ranking list.
Ajla Tomljanovic, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Croatia, is ranked #78 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #1067 on WTA list.

Emmett Egger, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #63 in the USA in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #623 on ITF ranking list.
Robert Stineman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #280 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.
Karen Forman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #501 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.
Katie Klyczek, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #340 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.

2004 – 9th Smrikva Bowl and 3rd”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl
Ivan Levar, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #14 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Miki Jankovic, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #5 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

Saska Gavrilovska, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #528 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Ecaterina Opriou, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Romenia, is ranked #88 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

Mitchel Polnet, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #94 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Rayan Andrada, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #1374 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Blair Shankle, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #11 in the USA in under 14 cathegory and is ranked #1131 on ITF ranking list.
Anna Mamalat, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #38 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

2005 – 10th Smrikva Bowl and 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl
Matteo Donati, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Italy, is ranked #74 in Europe in under 14 cathegory. Matteo Donati arrived in the semifinals of Junior Orange Bowl 2007 under 12 age group and he was the winner of the Prince Cup.
Gyore Laszlo, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #96 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gianluigi Quinzi, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #73 in Europe in under 14 cathegory. Gianluigi Quinzi trains at Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
Harry Busby, ranked 4th on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from UK, is not ranked in Europe in under 14 cathegory. In 2007, Harry Busby won Ouatt Kids Cup World Wide under 11 cathegory.

Saska Gavrilovska, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #528 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Olga Yanchuk, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #61 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

Jeffrey Schorsch, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #406 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Jose Gracia, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #368 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Yale Goldberg, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #153 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Dorothy Tang, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #150 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

2006 – 11th Smrikva Bowl and 5th”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl
Gianluigi Quinzi, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Italy, is ranked #73 in Europe in under 14 cathegory. Gianluigi Quinzi trains at Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
Filip Kraljevic, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #3 in Croatia in under 12 cathegory.

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 not ranked in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

Daniel Maese, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #94 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Aries Wong, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #46 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Christina Makarova, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #17 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Gabriella Umoquit, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #316 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

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

Virginia Pena, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner, from Spain, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Ana Konjuh, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Croatia, is too young for under 14 european ranking and is ranked #5 in Croatia in under 12 cathegory. Ana Konjuh won the 2nd “Little Mo” International 2007 under 10 age group.
Nina Potocnik, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Slovenia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Katie Dayson, ranked 4th on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from UK, is too young for under 14 european ranking.

Eduardo Nava, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #59 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Tommy Paul, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #104 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Ndindi Ndunda, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #126 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Domonique Garley, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #431 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

16/05/08

Silvia Njiric lost in the finals of "La Vie Sport Junior Cup Villach 2008" while Ajla Tomljanovic lost in the semifinals

Ajla Tomljanovic, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, ranked #78 on ITF ranking list and Silvia Njiric, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, ranked #162 on ITF ranking list have both obtained great results on “La Vie Sport Junior Cup Villach 2008”. Silvia Njiric played the finals and Ajla Tomljanovic reached semifinals.

Ajla’s road towards semifinals was the following:
First round: Ajla Tomljanovic – Rieke HONIBALL (NAM) 6:2, 6:0
Second round: Ajla Tomljanovic-Mara NOWAK (GER) 3:6, 6:4, 6:4
Quarterfinals: A.Tomljanovic-Aleksandra JOSIFOSKA (MKD)
Semifinals: Ajla Tomljanovic – Linda BERLINECKE (GER) 5:7, 0:6

Silvia’s road towards finals was the following:
First round: Silvia Njiric – Dana MACHALKOVA (CZE) 6:3 6:4
Second round: Silvia Njiric – Janina TOLJAN (AUT) 7:6, 7:6
Quarterfinals: Silvia Njiric – Tereza VANCUROVA (CZE)
Semifinals: Silvia Njiric – Martina BORECKA (CZE) 6:3, 6:3
Finals: S. Njiric – Linda BERLINECKE (GER) 6:3, 5:7, 3:6

Congratulations Silvia and Ajla!

15/05/08

Marin Draganja lost in the semifinals of the 30th International Junior Tournament "Citta' Di Santa Croce" 2008

Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is playing well on the 30th International Junior Tournament “Citta’ Di Santa Croce” 2008.

First round: Marin Draganja – Luca Pippi (ITA) 5:7, 7:6, 6:2
Second round: M. Draganja – Mikhail Biryukov (RUS) 7:5, 6:4
Third round: Marin Draganja – Marco Bortolotti (ITA) 7:5, 6:3
Quarterfinals: M.Draganja – Michael Thompson (UK) 3:6, 7:6, 6:2
Semifinals: Marin Draganja – Henrique Cunha (BRA) 4:6, 4:6

Congratulations Marin!

Marin Draganja is currently ranked #44 on ITF ranking list. Marin Draganja played in the finals of the last year Avenire in Milan, one of the most important under 16 tennis tournaments in the World.

12/05/08

Ajla Tomljanovic and Ema Burgic gained first WTA points

Ajla Tomljanovic and Ema Burgic recently gained first WTA points. They were the players that went in Austin, in Texas, to play 1st “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl in 2002.

Ajla Tomljanovic is from Croatia and is born in 1993 while Ema Burgic is from Bosnia and Herzegovina and is born in 1992. They both played 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002. Ajla Tomljanovic was runner up and Ema Burgic ranked third. In the USA they both contributed to the first victory of the Smrikva Bowl team of this unique competition.

Currently Ajla Tomljanovic is ranked 1063 on WTA list and Ema Burgic is ranked 1003 on WTA list.

They are both very good juniors because Ajla is ranked #78 on ITF ranking list while Ema Burgic is ranked #199.

Last summer Goran Prpic said for Ajla that in two years time he would like to see her competing on Senior Roland Garros. Lets cross the finghers and they both might play thirs first Senior Roland Garros.

Congratulations Ajla and Ema for the first WTA points!

11/05/08

Tereza Mrdeza and Silvia Njiric arrived in the semifinals of USD 10000 ITF Tennis tournament played in Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

The good news from Mostar’s tournament is that Tereza Mrdeza returned to the tennis courts with good result after a hard hand injury she had one year ago.

There were 3 top Smrikva Bowl players that played this week ITF USD 10000 Tennis Tournament in Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Tereza Mrdeza, Silvia Njiric and Ema Burgic. They played Smrikva Bowl respectevly in 2000, 2002 and 2003.

Tereza Mrdeza, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Croatia, was ranked #813 on WTA list.

Ema Burgic, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, was ranked #158 on ITF ranking list.

Silvia Njiric, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, was ranked #151 on ITF ranking list.

In Mostar the road towards the semifinals of Tereza and Silvia was the following:

First round:
Tereza MRDEZA – Dunja SUNKIC (SRB) 6:3, 6:2
Ema BURGIC (BIH) – Andrea BERKOVA (CZE) 6:0, 4:6, 6:4
Silvia NJIRIC (CRO) – Roxana ALEXANDRU (CAN) 6-3 6-1

Second round:
Tereza MRDEZA – Ema MIKULCIC (CRO) 6:2, 6:2
Ema BURGIC (BIH) – Davinia LOBBINGER (BEL) 6:1, 6:1
Silvia NJIRIC (CRO) – Eva PIGOVA (CZE) 6:7, 6:1, 6:4

Quarterfinals:
Tereza MRDEZA – Mika URBANCIC (SLO) 6:3, 6:2
Silvia NJIRIC (CRO) – Ema BURGIC (BIH) 6:4, 6:0

Semifinals:
Tereza MRDEZA – Johanna KONTA (AUS) 1:6 1:6
Silvia NJIRIC (CRO) – TOLJAN, Janina (AUT) 4:6, 4:6

Herebelow is the article about Tereza Mrdeza’s injury written in January of this year.

Tereza Mrdeza will hopefully return to the tennis courts in the Spring 2008

In May of the last year Tereza Mrdeza played a tournament in Milan and after a victory over Kristina Kucova from Slovak Republic that is also the junior US Open winner and is currently ranked #3 on ITF ranking list, Tereza felt a pain in her left hand.

The tournament in Milan was the last tournament Tereza had to play before the Junior Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open. Later on was established that her left hand was broken and that the surgery was needed to fix the problem.

In July 2007 Tereza Mrdeza had the surgery in Aurau in Switzerland and since then she has been going trough the recovery programme. Hopefully in April we will read good news about Tereza’s recovery and her return to the tennis courts.

Tereza Mrdeza is from Porec and is one of the best players in her age group in Croatia. She was six times Croatian National Champion and she also won the 5th Smrikva Bowl in year 2000. Tereza have not played tournaments in the last eight months but is still ranked #780 on WTA list.

Good luck Tereza!

02/05/08

The registration for the 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 has been completed

On 30th of April, the registration for the 13 Smrikva Bowl 2008 edition has been completed. Top players from 24 country and 4 continents are expected.

It is likely that we will have another year full of talents given the fact that there are 3 players that won OUATT Kids Cup World finals (in July and in December of the last year) and there are over 20 players that are ranked #1 in their age group in their country. There are also many other players that are ranked among top 5 players in their country.

If any player did not receive the answer e-mail on the sent application please write an e-mail to [email protected]

30/04/08

Petra Martic defeated the #1 seed player Evgeniya Rodina on USD 50000 ITF Tournament played in Makarska

Petra Martic played an extraordinary game in the first round of USD 50000 Croatian ITF Makarska Tournament. She defeated the 1st seed player from Russia Evgeniya Rodina with the result 6:3, 6:2. Petra entered the tournament with a wild card.

In the second round Petra Martic lost against Sandra Mamic from Croatia 7:5, 6:4. In 2005 Sandra Mamic was ranked among top 100 players on WTA list.

Petra Martic is from Croatia and she won the 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001. Currently she is ranked #330 on WTA list. It is early to say but hopefully this results shows that Petra could be among the top 100 players in the World. Petra

Last summer in an interview Goran Prpic said that she is promissing very well for the Croatian tennis. She already played for the Croatian Fed Cup team.

Congratulations Petra!

28/04/08

Ivan Levar arrived in the finals of Mladost Grill Open, European under 14 tournament

Ivan Levar, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Croatia, currently ranked #17 in Europe in under 14 cathegory, these days played a great European under 14 tournament in Zagreb, Mladost Grill Open.

Ivan Levar was stopped in the finals by Johannes Schretter from Austria. Ivan’s road towards the finals was the following:

1st round: Ivan Levar – Platzer 5:7, 6:4, 6:2
2nd round: Ivan Levar – Byelinsky 6:2, 6:2
3rd round: Ivan Levar – Miocic 7:5, 6:1
Quarterfinals: Ivan Levar – Hoyt 6:0, 6:3
Semifinals: Ivan Levar – Faber 6:4, 6:0
Finals: Ivan Levar – Johannes Schretter 2:6, 1:6

I am pleased that this year Ivan Levar’s cousin will play Smrikva Bowl.

Congratulations Ivan!

25/04/08

12 years old Gianluigi Quinzi won an under 16 tournament in the USA

Gianluigi Quinzi is from Italy and he trains at Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Recently Gianluigi won an under 16 tournament in the USA and he is only 12.

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

He lives part of the year in the USA and part of the year in Italy. Currently is ranked #64 in Europe in under 14 cathegory and #3 in the USA in under 12 cathegory; #88 in the USA in under 14 cathegory and #504 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.

15/04/08

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

1996 – 1st Smrikva Bowl
Vilim Visak, 1st Smrikva Bowl 1996 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #980 on ATP list. Vilim’s best ranking was #612 in March 2006. Vilim Visak is currently ranked #493 on ATP Doubles Ranking.

1997 – 2nd Smrikva Bowl
Ivana Lisjak, 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #214 on WTA list. Ivana’s best ranking was #95 in June 2006.

1999 – 4th Smrikva Bowl
Astrid Besser, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 winner, from Italy, is ranked #510 on WTA list. Astid’s best ranking was #457 in August 2007.

Deni Zmak, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #1770 on ATP list. Deni Zmak is currently ranked #1075 on ATP Doubles Ranking.

Tereza Mrdeza, 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #813 on WTA list.

2001 – 6th Smrikva Bowl
Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #43 on ITF ranking list. Marin Draganja played in the finals of the last year Avenire in Milan, one of the most important under 16 tennis tournaments in the World.
Marcan Dino, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #108 on ITF ranking list.

Petra Martic, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #332 on WTA list. Petra Martic is probably one of the most talented players in her age group in the World. Last summer in an interview Goran Prpic said that she is promissing very well for the Croatian tennis. Petra Martic is already part of Croatian Fed Cup team.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked # 624 on WTA list.

2002 – 7th Smrikva Bowl and 1st”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl
Javier Marti, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Spain, is ranked #4 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
Giaccomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, is ranked #32 on ITF ranking list. Giacomo Miccini trains at Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Giacomo Miccini is among the best players in the World in his age group.

Martina Caregaro, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Italy, is ranked #1055 on WTA ranking list.
Ajla Tomljanovic, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #76 on ITF ranking list. Ajla Tomljanovic is born in 1993 and is one of the top players in her age group in the World. Last summer Goran Prpic said for her that in two years time he would like to see her competing on Senior Roland Garros.
Ema Burgic, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #158 on ITF ranking list.

Jordaan Sanford, played 1st “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #812 on ITF ranking list.

2003 – 8th Smrikva Bowl and 2nd”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl
Dominic Thiem, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Austria, is ranked #165 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
George Morgan, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #565 on ITF ranking list. George Morgan won Junior Orange Bowl 2007 under 14 age group. George Morgan also played the finals of the Prince Cup 2007.
Ciprian Porumb, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia, is ranked #762 on ITF ranking list and and is ranked #54 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #245 on ITF ranking list.
Silvia Njiric, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #151 on ITF ranking list.
Ajla Tomljanovic, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Croatia, is ranked #76 on ITF ranking list. Ajla Tomljanovic is born in 1993 and is one of the top players in her age group in the World. Goran Prpic recently said for her that in two years time he would like to see her competing on Senior Roland Garros.

Emmett Egger, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #73 in the USA in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #1269 on ITF ranking list.
Robert Stineman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #288 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.
Karen Forman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #524 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.
Katie Klyczek, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #369 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.

2004 – 9th Smrikva Bowl and 3rd”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl
Ivan Levar, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #16 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Miki Jankovic, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #10 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

Saska Gavrilovska, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #489 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Ecaterina Opriou, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Romenia, is ranked #79 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

Mitchel Polnet, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #89 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Rayan Andrada, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #1409 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Blair Shankle, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #15 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Anna Mamalat, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #43 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

2005 – 10th Smrikva Bowl and 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl
Matteo Donati, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Italy, is ranked #53 in Europe in under 14 cathegory. Matteo Donati arrived in the semifinals of Junior Orange Bowl 2007 under 12 age group and he was the winner of the Prince Cup.
Gyore Laszlo, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #163 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gianluigi Quinzi, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #64 in Europe in under 14 cathegory. Gianluigi Quinzi trains at Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
Harry Busby, ranked 4th on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from UK, is not ranked in Europe in under 14 cathegory. In 2007, Harry Busby won Ouatt Kids Cup World Wide under 11 cathegory.

Saska Gavrilovska, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #489 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Olga Yanchuk, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #61 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

Jeffrey Schorsch, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #415 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Jose Gracia, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #465 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Yale Goldberg, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #207 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Dorothy Tang, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #144 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.

2006 – 11th Smrikva Bowl and 5th”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl
Gianluigi Quinzi, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Italy, is ranked #64 in Europe in under 14 cathegory. Gianluigi Quinzi trains at Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
Filip Kraljevic, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #2 in Croatia in under 12 cathegory.

Daniel Maese, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #94 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Aries Wong, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #45 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Christina Makarova, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #15 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Gabriella Umoquit, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #508 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

Virginia Pena, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 winner, from Spain, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Ana Konjuh, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Croatia, is too young for under 14 european ranking and is ranked #4 in Croatia in under 12 cathegory. Ana Konjuh won the 2nd “Little Mo” International 2007 under 10 age group.
Nina Potocnik, ranked 3rd on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from Slovenia, is too young for under 14 european ranking.
Katie Dayson, ranked 4th on 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007, from UK, is too young for under 14 european ranking.

Eduardo Nava, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #74 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Tommy Paul, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #120 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Ndindi Ndunda, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #114 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Domonique Garley, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #452 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

14/04/08

Indire Akiki arrived in the semifinals of an USD 10000 ITF Futures Tournament in Mexico

Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is currently ranked #613 on WTA list and this week end she arrived in the semifinals of an USD 10000 ITF Futures Tournament in Mexico.

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

1st round: Indire Akiki – Vargas Calvo 6:2, 6:2
2nd round: Indire Akiki – Nunez-Fuentes 6:0, 6:3
Quarterfinals: Indire Akiki – Munoz-Gallegos 6:2, 5:7, 6:1
Semifinals: Indire Akiki – Nataly Yoo (USA) 3:6, 3:6

Congratulations Indire Akiki!

09/04/08

A nice article about Ndindi Ndunda that played last year "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl

Ndindi Ndunda played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl and she is from the USA. Currently Ndindi Ndunda is ranked #133 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

I found a nice article about Ndindi Ndunda made by USTA. Her mother Jane and her brother Mwaridi and also Ndindi’s tennis coach Vinh Do is mentioned in the article. They were all together in Smrikve and I was pleased to read about Ndindi Ndunda and also about “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl she played in Pula last year. I keep following Ndindi’s USTA ranking and she continues to progress strongly and fast. Please enjoy the article:

Rising Star Ndindi Ndunda

Rising tennis star Ndindi Ndunda started playing tennis at age five and was, at just age eight, selected as one of only two girls to represent the U.S. in the “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl in Croatia. She accomplished this by finishing as runner up in the National “Little Mo” Tournament held this year in Texas. This fine showing placed her in the prestigious ranks of players like Andy Roddick, who won the event when he was ten. Ndindi holds the #5 ranking in Mid Atlantic’s girls 10’s, and #17 in the 12’s. How did she accomplish this amazing feat at such a young age, just ask Coach Vinh Do and the tennis pro staff at the Fairfax Racquet Club.

Ndindi overpowers her opponents, some who are as much as four years her senior. Ndindi also hits with her 10 year old brother, Mwaridi, who is ranked #39 in the boys Mid Atlantic 10 year old division. Mwaridi holds nothing back when rallying with his younger sister. Ndindi’s mother Jane was the children’s first tennis teacher before searching for a professional. Jane searched long and hard and was not happy until she found Fairfax Racquet Club’s Vinh Do, who Jane feels motivates both her children to succeed.

What motivates this young superstar? The story of “Little Mo”, Maureen Connolly, who was #1 in the world at 16, 17 and 18 and became the first woman ever to capture the elusive crown, Grand Slam Champion in 1953, is truly inspirational to Ndindi. Today her champions are tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams. She aspires to their hard work and tennis greatness. She has her mind set on one day becoming a tennis tournament touring professional. I asked her Mother Jane Ndunda, how did Ndindi accomplish so much at such a young age? Jane says, “She started playing at age five, works very hard and has her brother Mwaridi, who plays tennis and practices with her. She also listens to her Mother once in awhile.”

Mrs. Ndunda again expressed how Vinh Do has been very good for Ndindi and Mwaridi to work with. The family is very happy with Fairfax Racquet Club and Fitness Center. When not working on her tennis game, Ndindi dances, does gymnastics and plays soccer. Obviously all this contributes to her success in fitness, footwork and fun.

09/04/08

Marin Draganja played the finals of the Umag ITF Tournament

Marin Draganja is from Split, Croatia, and he won the 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 edition. Currently Marin is ranked #43 on ITF ranking list and in Umag he lost in the finals against Mirza Basic from Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranked #35 on ITF ranking list.

It is interesting that Marin Draganja and Mirza Basic played also the finals of Avvenire in Milan last year. In both matches Mirza Basic was the winner but Marin Draganja confirmed that he is among the top players in Europe and the World in his age group.

Lets see Marin Draganja’s road to the finals:

1st round: Marin Draganja – Androic 6:4, 7:6
2nd round: Marin Draganja – Brkic 6:4, 7:5
3rd round: Marin Draganja – Puget 6:2, 6:1
Quarterfinals: Marin Draganja – Willis 6:2, 6:4
Semifinals: Marin Draganja – Jotovski 3:6, 6:2, 6:0
Finals: Marin Draganja – Mirza Basic 2:6, 3:6

Congratulations Marin!

08/04/08

Matteo Mingori on you tube with the Smrikva Bowl t-shirt

Matteo Mingori is from Italy and he played last year Smrikva Bowl. Matteo will turn ten years this year and he will play again Smrikva Bowl this year.

I saw his video on you tube and I was very pleased to see him playing with the Smrikva Bowl t-shirt and Smrikva Bowl cap, so I decided to post one of his videos.

When I saw Matteo with the t-shirt he remined me Saska Gavrilovska pictures I saw few years ago. Saska Gavrilovska won Smrikva Bowl in 2004 when she was 9 years old and thanks to that victory she found a sponsor to go to the Nick Bollettieri’s Academy in Florida. The following year she came back to Smrikva and won again our tournament and she showed me the pictures from the Academy and I was very pleased to see her with Smrikva Bowl t-shirt in Nick Bollettieri’s tennis camp :).

You can take a look at Matteo Mingori’s backend exercise with Smrikva Bowl t-shirt :).

26/03/08

Miki Jankovic lost in the semifinals of the XV Taca Maia Jovem under 14 tournament played in Portugal

Miki Jankovic, Ivan Levar and Matteo Donati are the top Smirkva Bowl players on this tournament.

Ivan Levar and Miki Jankovic were the finalist of the 9th Smrikva Bowl in 2004. Matteo Donati was the winner of the 10th Smrikva Bowl in 2005 and he arrived in the third round of this tournament. Ivan Levar lost in the quarterfinals against Miki Jankovic. Ivan Levar was the winner of the Smrikva Bowl and in this tournament Miki won. Only a week ago they played also with each other and Ivan won that time. This shows that they are both good and among the top players in Europe.

Lets see the results of each of them:

Miki Jankovic
First round: Miki Jankovc – Michal Kianicka (Svk) 6:0, 6:1.
Second round: Miki Jankovic – Torben Hornung (Ger) 6:1, 6:
Third round: Miki Jankovic – Luke Bambridge (UK) 6:3, 6:1.
Quarterfinals: Miki Jankovic – Ivan Levar (Cro) 6:3, 7:5.
Semifinals: Miki Jankovic – Moose Sporken (Ned) 6:3, 6:1.

Ivan Levar
First round: Ivan Levar – Beka Bablidze (Geo) 6:0, 6:0.
Second round: Ivan Levar – Blaz Bizjak (Slo) 6:1, 6:2.
Third round: Ivan Levar – Vasco Mensuardo (Por) 2:6, 6:2, 6:4.
In the quarterfinals Ivan Levar lost against Miki Jankovic from Serbia 6:3, 7:5.

Matteo Donati
First round: Matteo Donati – Viktor Prokopov (Ukr) 6:1, 6:1.
Second round: M. Donati – Ricardo Jorge (Por) 6:4, 2:6, 6:1.
In the third round Matteo Donati lost against Kevin Kaczynski from Germany by 6:2, 3:6, 6:2.

Ivan Levar, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #19 in Europe in under 14 cathegory. Ivan Levar arrived in the semi finals of the 24th edition of the Tim Essone 2007 under 14 Tournament that was played in Ste. Genevieve des Bois near Paris in France and last week he arrived in the semifinals of another important under 14 European tournament that confirms Ivan’s very good level at the moment.

Miki Jankovic, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #10 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

Matteo Donati, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 winner, from Italy, is ranked #55 in Europe in under 14 cathegory. Matteo Donati arrived in the semifinals of Junior Orange Bowl 2007 under 12 age group and he was the winner of the Prince Cup.

Congratulations Ivan, Miki and Matteo!

25/03/08

Martina Caregaro gained first WTA points

Today an article was posted on the blog of Alessandro Nizegorodcew spaziotennis.sport-blog.it on Martina Caregaro that gained her first WTA points.

Martina Caregaro was the 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner from Italy and currently was ranked #181 in Europe in under 16 cathegory and #1035 on ITF ranking list but the first WTA points bring Martina among professional tennis players and currently she ranks #1054.

Martina was very happy for this first points and she said that she was happy for the first points but that she hope to go up with the ranking now on:“Finalmente! Entrare in classifica era uno dei miei obiettivi; non è stato facile anche a causa delle nuove regole Wta, che di certo non agevolano il compito di noi giovani giocatrici. A dire la verità, per fortuna, non sono stata ossessionata dall’ultimo punto; quel che importa adesso è accumularne il più possibile e scalare la classifica. La mia programmazione adesso prevede gli Itf di Foggia, Bari e Napoli.”

Congratulations Martina!

25/03/08

Ivan Levar reached the semifinals of the 19th Livorno International Tournament played in Italy

Ivan Levar, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Croatia, is currently ranked #19 in Europe in under 14 cathegory. Last year Ivan Levar arrived in the semifinals of the 24th edition of the Tim Essone 2007 under 14 Tournament that was played in Ste. Genevieve des Bois near Paris in France and last week he arrived in the semifinals of another important under 14 European tournament that confirms Ivan’s very good level.

Ivan Levar’s road toward the semifinals was the following:

First round: Ivan Levar – Christian Perinti (Ita), 3:6, 7:5, 6:4.
Second round: Ivan Levar – Antonio Massara (Ita), 6:4, 6:0.
Third round: Ivan Levar – Miki Jankovic (Srb), 6:3, 6:3.
Quarterfinals: Ivan Levar – Jack Schipanski (Aus), 0:6, 7:6, 6:1.
Semifinals: Ivan Levar – Lucas Pouille (Fra), 2:6, 4:6.

Lucas Pouille also won the tournament. Ivan Levar played the finals of the Smrikva Bowl with Miki Jankovic and in the third round of this tournament they play again with each other.

There are several other formar Smrikva Bowl players that played this tournament and both Filip Veger and a very young Borna Coric reached the quarter finals. Borna Coric is born in 1996 and most of the other players are born in 1994 so this result is an outstanding result for his age.

Congratulations!

18/03/08

Rochester's Brian Christensen To Coach U.S. Team At "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl; Rochester's Ingrid Neel To Play As Well

I am pleased to share with the Smrikva Bowl community the story that was recently published on the USTA Northern website (www.northern.usta.com) about Ingrid Neel and her coach Brian Christensen. Brian Christensen will coach the US team for the 7th annual and Ingrid Neel will compete in the event. Ingrid Neel won the under 9 “Little Mo” Nationls division and is part of the “Little Mo” team.

The 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl will be played on Sunday, 29th of june 2008. This special event will be hosted for the fifth time by the Smrikve Tennis Club in Pula. Every year “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl is a special cultural and tennis exchange experience for the youngest tennis players of the World. Please enjoy the article:

Rochester Athletic Club teaching professional Brian Christensen will coach a group of 10-and-under players from the United States at the 7th Annual “Little Mo”/ Smrikva Bowl in Pula, Croatia, at the end of June. Nine-year-old Ingrid Neel, of Rochester, is also part of the team.

Neel is one of four junior players (2 boys and 2 girls) who will travel to the one-day tournament in Croatia. Players were selected based on the results of the 2007 Little Mo Tournament at the end of October in Dallas. The winner and finalist from both the 9s and 10s tournament were invited to play internationally at the Smrikva Bowl. Neel won the Girls 9s Division.

The tournament format sees the #1 and #2 players from the United States on both the girls and boys sides play the #1 and #2 players from Europe. Each match is worth one point and goes toward an overall team score determining a winner. Europe has won every tournament since 2002.

The kids will also play additional tournaments to be determined at a later date in France.

“This is going to be a highly-educational trip for both Ingrid and I,” Christensen said. “Developmentally, all of the kids in America play the same game. There is limited diversity in their games, while in Europe, the players are much more advanced. This will be a very fun experience for all of the kids. I am really looking forward to it.”