News

04/01/08

Ingrid Neel, Karina Vyrlan, Michal Kusznerko and Justin Lee are the "Little Mo" National Champions and Runners-up and from today they are confirmed by MCB Tennis Foundation that they will represent the USA team on the 7th"Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl 2008

In 2002, the Smrikve Tennis Club and the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation have created “Little Mo”/ Smrikva Bowl, the first-ever international competition between the United States and Europe for boys and girls 10 & under. In the last few years Smrikva Bowl started to gather top players from all around the World. “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl continues to be a very special and unique event, and has arrived to its 7th annual.

7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl will be played the day after the finals of the 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008 and will be played on June 29th, 2008 in the Smrikve Tennis Club in Pula, Croatia.

From October 20th till October 22nd 2007 the 10th “Little Mo” Nationals was played at the Austin Tennis Academy in Austin, Texas.

Carol Weyman, Executive Vice President of MCB Tennis Foundation, said that it was another wounderful year and she confirmed to me today that the under 9’s “Little Mo” National Champions and Runners-up of the 10th “Little Mo” Nationals will represent the US team on the 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl.

I am pleased to congratulate and to wellcome to Pula the USA under 9 “Little Mo” Nationals Champions and Runners-up:
Girls:

#1 Ingrid Neel – Rochester, Minnnesota

#2 Karina Vyrlan – Antelope, California

Boys:

#1 Michal Kusznerko – Chicago, Illinois

#2 Justin Lee – Cos Cob, Connecticut

I am also pleased to wellcome USA Team Captain: Brian Cristensen. Brian is also Ingrid Neel’s personal coach.

The players that participate in this unique competition are increasing year by year and many of them are among the best players in their age groups in their countries and in the World. Former “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl players include a long list and they are:

1st “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2002
Jordaan Sanford (USA), Morgan Basil (USA), Ajla Tomljanovic (Cro), Ema Burgic (BiH).

2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2003
Emmett Egger (USA), Robert Stineman (USA), Karen Forman (USA), Katie Klyczek (USA), Jennifer Ren (UK), Silvia Njiric (Cro), Dominic Thiem (A), George Morgan (UK)

3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2004
Mitchel Polnet (USA), Rayan Andrada (USA), Blair Shankle (USA), Anna Mamalat (USA), Ivan Levar (Cro), Miki Jankovic (Srb), Saska Gavrilovska (Srb), Ecaterina Opriou (Rum)

4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2005
Jeffrey Schorsch (USA), Jose Gracia (USA), Yale Goldberg (USA), Dorothy Tang (USA), Saska Gavrilovska (Srb), Olga Yanchuk (Ukr), Matteo Donati (I), Gyore Laszlo (Srb), Gianluigi Quinzi (I), Harry Busby (UK)

5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2006
Daniel Maese (USA), Aries Wong (USA), Christina Makarova (USA), Gabriella Umoquit (USA), Gianluigi Quinzi (I), Filip Kraljevic (Cro), Eleonor Dean (UK), Dina Paocic (BiH),

6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2007
Eduardo Nava (USA), Tommy Paul (USA), Ndindi Ndunda (USA), Domonique Garley (USA), Sacha Merzetti (I), Bogdan Borza (Rom), Virginia Pena (Esp), Ana Konjuh (Cro).

Congratulations once again to Ingrid Neel, Karina Vyrlan, Michal Kusznerko, Justin Lee that are honoured to represent the US team in the 7th”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl.

See you in Pula at the end of June 2008!

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.

02/01/08

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

1996 – 1st Smrikva Bowl
Vilim Visak, 1st Smrikva Bowl 1996 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #985 on ATP list. Vilim’s best ranking was #612 in March 2006.

1997 – 2nd Smrikva Bowl
Ivana Lisjak, 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #207 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 #582 on WTA list. Astid’s best ranking was #457 in August 2007.
Deni Zmak, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #1479 on ATP list.

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 ranked #780 on WTA list.

2001 – 6th Smrikva Bowl
Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #80 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 #125 on ITF ranking list.

Petra Martic, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #330 on WTA list. Petra Martic is probably one of the most talented players in her age group in the World. In the last few months Petra jumped for over 200 places on WTA list. Last summer in an interview Goran Prpic said that she is promissing very well for the Croatian tennis.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked # 585 on WTA list.

2002 – 7th Smrikva Bowl and 1st”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl
Javier Marti, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Spain, is ranked #2 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
Giaccomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, is ranked #31 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 #79 in Europe in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #997 on ITF ranking list.
Ajla Tomljanovic, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #168 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 #2 in Europe in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #300 on ITF ranking list.

Jordaan Sanford, played 1st “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #83 in the USA in under 18 cathegory and is ranked #656 on ITF ranking list.
Morgan Basil, 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 #317 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
George Morgan, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #167 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 #891 on ITF ranking list and and is ranked #37 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #353 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #257 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
Silvia Njiric, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #406 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #129 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
Ajla Tomljanovic, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Croatia, is ranked #168 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 #198 in the USA in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #1176 on ITF ranking list.
Robert Stineman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #384 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.
Karen Forman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #1714 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.
Katie Klyczek, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #378 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 #11 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.
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 #730 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Ecaterina Opriou, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Romenia, is ranked #60 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

Mitchel Polnet, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #92 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Rayan Andrada, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #1437 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Blair Shankle, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #48 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Anna Mamalat, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #42 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 #63 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 #117 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gianluigi Quinzi, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #35 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 #730 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Olga Yanchuk, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #39 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

Jeffrey Schorsch, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #30 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Jose Gracia, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #22 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Yale Goldberg, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #17 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Dorothy Tang, played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #39 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

2006 – 11th Smrikva Bowl and 5th”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl
Gianluigi Quinzi, 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner, from Italy, is ranked #35 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 #9 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 #170 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Aries Wong, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #87 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Christina Makarova, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #77 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Gabriella Umoquit, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #982 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 #16 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 #138 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Tommy Paul, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #158 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Ndindi Ndunda, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #161 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Domonique Garley, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #612 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

01/01/08

Giacomo Miccini, Dino Marcan and Ajla Tomljanovic lost in the third round of the 44th Copa del Cafe' (Coffee Bowl) in San Jose (Costa Rica).

In its 44 years long history Copa del Cafe’ (Coffee Bowl), that is played in San Jose in Costa Rica, had among its winners Bjorn Borg in 1973 and Ivan Lendel in 1978.

Giacomo Miccini won in the first round of the 44th Copa del Cafe’ (Coffee Bowl) against Joss Espassandin from Switzerland 4:6, 7:6, 6:3. In the second round Giacomo Miccini won against Daniel Schmidt from Austria 6:1, 6:3. In the third round Giacomo Miccini lost against Johannes Van Overbeek from the USA 7:6, 5:7, 7:6.

Giaccomo Miccini is from Italy and he was the 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up. Giacomo Miccini is currently ranked #31 on ITF ranking list and he trains at Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Miccini is one of the best players in the World in his age group (1992).

Dino Marcan won in the first round of the 44th Copa del Cafe’ (Coffee Bowl) against Yannick Reuter from Belgium 6:3, 6:0. In the second round Dino Marcan won against Enej Bonin 6:1, 6:2. In the third round Dino Marcan lost against Jose Hernandez 1:6, 7:5, 6:1.

Dino Marcan is from Croatia and he was the 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up. Dino Marcan is currently ranked #125 on ITF ranking list.

Ajla Tomljanovic won in the first round of the 44th Copa del Cafe’ (Coffee Bowl) against Xenia Suworowa 6:3, 6:0. In the second round Ajla Tomljanovic won against Francesca Segarelli 7:5, 6:7, 6:2. In the third round Ajla Tomljanovic lost against Ana Bogdan from Romania 6:4 7:6.

Ajla Tomljanovic is from Croatia and she ranked 2nd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 and 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003. Ajla Tomljanovic is born in 1993 and she is like Giacomo Miccini among the top players in the World in her age group. Ajla Tomljanovic is currently ranked #168 on ITF ranking list.

31/12/07

Happy New Year to all former and future Smrikva Bowl players

There are many Smrikva Bowl and “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl players that have obtained extraordinary results during the current year 2007 and most of them have significantly progressed on various ranking lists since the beginning of the year. Every player about whom we write in this news section has deserved our congratulations.

I wish to each players another good and successful 2008 and I also hope that we will have another nice and successful Smrikva Bowl. Hopefully we will keep the top quality of the players and we are pleased to announce that there are five new countries at the moment that have applied for the next Smrikva Bowl.

All the best to each player and their families and all the best to each Smrikva Bowl Honorary Members.

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

Warmest regards,

Smrikva Bowl Staff

29/12/07

Giacomo Miccini lost against Cesar Ramirez in the semifinals of the 30th Copa Internacional Juvenil Casablanca in Mexico City

Giacomo Miccini played very well this important under 18 tennis Grade A tournament and the results towards the semifanals were the following:

First round: G. Miccini – Raymond Sarmiento (USA) 6:3, 6:2.
Second round: G. Miccini – Evan King (USA) 6:7, 6:3, 6:3.
Third round: G. Miccini – Mikhail Biryukov (RUS) 7:6, 7:6.
Quarterfinals: G. Miccini – Yannik Reuter (BEL) 6:3, 1:6, 7:6.

In the semifinals Giacomo Miccini lost against Cesar Ramirez from Mexico, ranked #22 on ITF ranking list and born in 1990: 6:7, 6:3, 6:0.

Giaccomo Miccini is from Italy and he was the 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up. Giacomo Miccini is currently ranked #86 on ITF ranking list and he trains at Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Miccini is one of the best players in the World in his age group (1992).

In girls doubles group, Ajla Tomljanovic with Tamaryn Hendler lost in the finals against Krista Damico and Nadja Gilchrist, 6:3, 6:2.

Ajla Tomljanovic ranked 2nd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 and 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003. Ajla Tomljanovic is born in 1993 and she is also, like Giacomo Miccini, among the top players in the World in her age group.

27/12/07

A nice article about George Morgan's victory on the 46th Junior Orange Bowl on www.lta.org.uk and on Junior Orange Bowl internet site. Also Eleanor Dean is mentioned. "Morgan wins Orange Bowl."

Lancashire’s George Morgan finished off 2007 in style claiming the prestigious 14 & under Junior Orange Bowl title with a 3-6 6-4 6-1 victory over America’s Spencer Newman.

The 6ft 2” teenager had showed tremendous determination to come back from 3-0 in the third set the previous day during a tense semi final win over Shane Vinsant (USA) was equally impressive in the final. Unruffled despite losing a close first set, Morgan was the better player in the second set and full of confidence, raced to victory in the third set.

Head of Men’s Tennis Paul Hutchins was court side to watch the final; “It was very pleasing to see a British winner in the Orange Bowl and George fully deserved his win against a very quick and agile opponent. It is a positive step forward for other players to realise we are able to win at this level and will help to raise the standards. After a successful Florida tour it was a tribute to Leon Smith Colin Beecher and Iain Hughes who were coaching and managing the boys in the 12s and 14s. We look forward to continuing the great relationship we have with the HPCs at Nottingham and Loughborough under martin weston where George is based.”

George has worked hard and competed well all year and this is a great way to end what has been very successful year – Leon Smith.

Leon Smith, Head of the 16 & under boys added; ” This is a great achievement for George and will act as a springboard for 2008. George has worked hard and competed well all year and this is a great way to end what has been very successful year. Winning the Orange Bowl is always a good achievement in junior tennis and will give George the belief that he can win on the international stage.”

Morgan, who is coached by Martin Weston at Loughborough and Nottingham Tennis Centre has dominated the domestic scene in 2007 winning the 14 & under national championships in both singles and doubles in August and the 14 & under Masters event earlier in the year.

The Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship is considered to be one of the most important junior tennis tournaments in the world. Now entering its 46th year, the International Tennis Championship is open to the very best 12 & under and 14 & under players from all around the world. This is the first time a British player has won the 14 & under title since Jamie Delgado beat Gustavo Cavallaro 6-3 6-3 in the final in 1991. Past finalists include Jim Courier, Andre Agassi, and current top 20 ATP stars Fernando Gonzalez and Tommy Haas.

Earlier in the week there were promising performances from Eleanor Dean who reached the last 16 of the 12 & under event with Billy Harris, Chris Pearce and Evan Hoyt reaching the same stage in the boys’ event. Laura Robson also had a good week. reaching the last 16 of the girls’ 14 & under event.

Please find below also few comments I found from George Morgan that he said after the victory over Spencer Newman.

England’s George Morgan admitted to some nerves in the boys 14s finals, with local favorite Spencer Newman quickly taking the first set from the tall right-hander. “I was quite nervous to start, because I’m not used to these kinds of crowds,” said Morgan of the scores of spectators lining the courts and perching in the bleachers at the Biltmore Tennis Center. But down a break in the second set, Morgan found a strategy to help him cope. “I took some deep breaths, thought about what I needed to do and concentrated really hard,” Morgan, a No. 17 seed, said. “I was waiting for the right ball instead of attacking the wrong ball, and I was making a lot more balls than him.”

After Morgan took the lead in the second set, capturing four straight games to go up 5-3, the nerves again took hold, and he committed two double faults at 30-30, giving Newman a chance to take the momentum back. But at 4-5, Newman fell behind 15-40, and Morgan smoked a forehand on the baseline on the third set point to level the match. “When I was up a break, I just started thinking about too many things,” said Newman, a No. 9 seed. “I got myself too nervous and I just couldn’t play. My feet would not move. I should have put more balls in play like him.”

Morgan joins Andy Murray, who won the 12s in 1999, as a Junior Orange Bowl champion from Great Britain. After hoping merely to reach the quarterfinals, he admitted to some satisfaction at his performance. “I’m pleased with myself after that win,” he said, offering that it meant “loads” to take an Jr. Orange Bowl title in his first attempt. “It’s like a dream really. I think I’ve made a name for myself back in England now, as well.”

George Morgan is from UK and he was the 8th Smrikva Bowl runner up. George Morgan also traveled to Austin, in Texas, to play 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl and he contributed to the victory of the Smrikva Bowl team that year. Eleanor Dean is also from UK and she won the 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 and she is another rising UK tennis star.

Congratulations George and Eleanor!

25/12/07

An article about Smrikva Bowl on a new Italian tennis website www.tennisoncourt.com

Ivan Sabatini is a great fun and supporter of Giacomo Miccini. Miccini was in the finals of the 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 and thanks to Giacomo Miccini Ivan became a new Smrikva Bowl friend. Ivan Sabatini write about junior players on www.tennisteen.it and is also the editor of Giacomo Miccini’s Blog on www.giacomomiccini.com. Few weeks ago Ivan told me that he started with some friend a new Italian tennis website www.tennisoncourt.com and he asked me if I could write someting for his readers. I was thinking for a little and decide that I could write something about Smrikva Bowl. Enclosed is the first article that I realized for Ivan and for www.tennisoncourt.com and every two weeks I will write something for his readers.

Qualche settimana fa’ Ivan Sabatini mi chiese se potessi offrirgli una qualche collaborazione visto che con alcuni amici ha deciso di creare www.tennisoncourt.com , un nuovo portale di tennis, ancora tutto da costruire.

Ivan, tra le altre cose, cura anche il blog di Giacomo Miccini che nel mio torneo e’ arrivato in finale e ci ho pensato un attimo come potrei aiutarlo in questa sua nuova impresa. L’idea che mi venne in mente era quella di raccontare meglio ai suoi lettori il torneo che ho creato e magari qualche annedotto legato a qualche giovane ragazzo Italiano che potrebbe essere d’interesse ai lettori del portale. Chiaramente vi scrivero’ anche di altri ragazzi bravi che sono passati per il mio torneo.

Io per tanti anni ho vissuto in Italia, la maggior parte degli anni a Milano, e sicuramente non sarei riuscito a creare Smrikva Bowl, questo grande torneo per i piu’ piccoli, se non avessi incontrato tanta gente straordinaria nel vostro bel paese. Tanti mi hanno aiutato, alcuni fin dall’inizio, e altri si sono inseriti successivamente, contribuendo a far crescere lo Smrikva Bowl anno dopo anno.

Cosi’ le cose che scriverei in questa rubbrica, che Ivan ha deciso di chiamare “Smrikva Bowl Passato e Futuro”, sarebbero dedicate anche a loro, a questa gente che aiuta i bambini perche’ possano sognare durante il mio torneo e magari un giorno anche realizzare questo sogno.

Ronzio Oleodinamica e la famiglia Ronzio di Milano ha sponsorizzato Smrikva Bowl fin dal primo anno. Questa famiglia Milanese ha fatto molto per il torneo e mi ricordo che quel primo anno, oltre le biciclette, abbiamo addiritura portato il gelato da Milano per i bambini. Non era un gelato qualunque, ma era fatto a mano dai parenti della Ester Arini Ronzio che da decenni fa un ottimo gelato e noi l’abbiamo messo in mezzo a tanto ghiaccio perche’ non si sciogliesse fino a Pola. Volevamo far assagiare ai bambini un gelato buonissimo e questo era lo spirito con cui nasceva il torneo.

Marco Girardini venne allo Smrikva Bowl con Martina Caregaro nel 2002 e il torneo li piacque talmente tanto che voleva aiutarmi in qualche modo a farlo crescere e mi fece conoscere Claudio Calza e Luca Appino.

Claudio Calza collabora con il Tennis Italiano e fece uscire un bellissimo articolo sullo Smrikva Bowl nel novembre del 2002. Claudio Montanelli lesse quell’articolo ed anche lui si inaomoro’ presto del torneo. Montanelli ha una figlia Sara a cui piace il tennis e nel 2003 Claudio porto’ Sara a Pola per partecipare allo Smrikva Bowl. Montanelli voleva a tutti i costi aiutarmi e decise che avrebbe regalato i due biglietti aerei ai miei finalisti perche’ potessero disputtare la seconda edizione del “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl che si giocava negli Stati Uniti quell’anno.

Montanelli e’ un imprenditore e la sua azienda MV Fotolito opera all’interno della grande azienda di stampa storica Milanese, Ottavio Capriolo. Grazie al suo lavoro a Montanelli venne l’idea che sarebbe bello fare una brochure del torneo. Presto mi convinse che avremmo fatto la brochure per i bambini e che l’avrebbe prodotta lui. Claudio ha un grande cuore e aiuta tante persone. A parte essere l’imprenditore e’ anche un chitarrista e cantautore. Organizza i concerti di beneficienza e di recente sta aiutando anche una giovane cantante Italiana ad emergere. Questo amico aiuta anche me e lo Smrikva Bowl da diversi anni. Praticamente da quell’anno mi regala ogni anno 1000 copie di questa splendida brochure di oltre 60 pagine che io regalo ai bambini, miei Ambasciatori del torneo. Questa brochure contribuisce a presentare il torneo in un modo del tutto speciale.

L’altra persona che divenne amica dello Smrikva Bowl grazie a Marco Girardini e’ Luca Appino. Luca Appino e’ la persona che nella vita professionale riusci’ a sviluppare il business della rachetta di Babolat. I grandi personaggi del tennis come Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters e diversi altri furono trovati da Luca quando erano piccoli e sconosciuti. Mentre Luca era alla Babolat mi sponsorizzava sempre con le rachette e le palline da tennis e oggi quando si occupa dello sviluppo dell’Academia di Patrick Mouratoglou di Parigi ha deciso di offrire ai miei vincitori sette giorni di stage gratuiti in questa grande academia. Luca come Claudio mi aiuto’ senza conoscerci e divenne un grande amico.

Negli anni l’elenco di persone che contribuiscono a far crescere lo Smrikva Bowl e’ diventato molto lungo e questi amici provengono da tanti paesi del Mondo ma per i lettori dello www.tennisoncourt.com volevo segnalarvi in particolare alcuni che provengono dall’Italia.

Lo svolgimento dello Smrikva Bowl dura da 12 anni e in questi anni oltre 5000 persone: giocatori, genitori, fratelli e sorrelle dei giocatori, i loro nonni e allenatori, da 25 paesi e da 4 continenti hanno vissuto questa esperienza e vorrei che questo raconto sia dedicato anche a loro.

Ivan ha deciso che la rubrica si sarebbe chiamata “Smrikva Bowl Passato e Futuro” e io con questo primo scritto ho voluto indicarvi un po quelli che sarebbero i temi trattati in questa rubrica e volevo ricordare qualche persona a me particolarmente cara dell’Italia che mi aiuta a rendere speciale questo evento. Nel prossimo articolo cerchero’ di spiegarvi meglio “Che cosa e’ lo Smrikva Bowl?”.

Proprio ieri si e’ conclusa la 46.esima edizione del Junior Orange Bowl negli Stati Uniti ed i due migliori risultati tra gli ex-giocatori dello Smrikva Bowl li hanno ottenuti l’Italiano Matteo Donati e l’Inglese George Morgan. Matteo Donati, vincitore del 10.Smrikva Bowl 2005, nella categoria under 12 del Junior Orange Bowl arrivo’ in semifinale e l’Inglese George Morgan, nella categoria under 14, finalista del 8. Smrikva Bowl 2003, vinse il torneo. Una settimana prima questi due ragazzi ottenero un grande risultato anche ad un’altro prestigioso torneo che si gioca negli Stati Unito e si chiama Prince Cup. Matteo Donati vinse il torneo under 12 e George Morgan arrivo’ in finale nella categoria under 14. Questi risultati sono un bel regalo di Natale anche allo Smrikva Bowl :).

Un caro saluto ai lettori di www.tennisoncourt.com e auguri di Buon Natale e Buon Anno fino al prossimo articolo sullo Smrikva Bowl che arrivera’ fra due settimane.

24/12/07

Good news from Adelchi Bobo Virgili

Adelchi Bobo Virgili is from Florence in Italy and he won the 5th Smrikva Bowl 2000. I wrote several times about his extraordinary talent but since 2004 Adelchi Virgili had strong phisical problems with his back.

After first problems he was forced not to train for 5 months. The back pain problems are mainly due to an error in heavy weights trainings. Adelchi Bobo Virgili was not able to run and after 45 minutes of play he had to stop.

In April 2007, Adelchi Virgili – Bobo trained with Rafael Nadal in Monte Carlo and about 50 spectators enjoyed that training. Bobo showed his great talent and Toni Nadal, Rafa’s uncle, said for Adelchi:” I consider him a phenomenon since he was 14 years old… unfortunately Bobo has this pain in his back that has blocked his progress… he lost at least two years… now he is 17 years old and there are other good players but Bobo has a strong will… the problems is only to see if he will be able to solve his back pain problems.”

Riccardo Piatti, Ivan Ljubicic’s trainer, continue to believe in Bobo Virgili and thanks to Riccardo Piatti, Adelchi trained this year in Monte Carlo with Nikolay Davydenko and Ivan Ljubicic. In training with Ivan Ljubicic he lost a set 6:4 but was leading 3:0.

From June till November of this year Adelchi did not play for the same back pain problems. He grew up a lot this year and now is 1.87 meters tall.

The good news is that a healing from Siena named Giampaolo Capannoli helped Adelchi with his back pain. It was the Italian tennis player Paolo Lorenzi, whose parents are doctors, to propose Giampaolo Capannoli to Virgili family. After the treatment Virgili played and easly won a C cathegory tournament in Sesto Fiorentino without back pain problems.

From 1st – 23rd of December Adelchi Bobo Virgili trained at Monte Carlo under Riccardo Piatti supervision with Filippo Volandri, Ivan Ljubicic and George Bastle. During the training programme Virgili showed how strong he could be. The spanish Salva Sosa, Ivan Ljubicic’s historical phyisical trainer, supervised Bobo’s physical preparation in the body gym and hopefully we can see Adelchi playing next year among the top players as he would deserve.

Good luck Bobo!

24/12/07

Very successful December (2007) for Matteo Donati. Matteo Donati reached the semifinals of the 46th Junior Orange Bowl Championship (under 12 age group) and was the winner of the Prince Cup a week before.

Junior Orange Bowl is one of the most important Junior International Tennis Championships. It is played in Florida in the USA. The Qualifying Draw was played from December 14th till December 16th, 2007 and the Main Draw was played from December 17th till December 23rd, 2007.

Matteo Donati is from Italy and he was the 10th Smrikva Bowl winner. Matteo Donati also played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl and contributed to the victory of the Smrikva Bowl team that year. On the 46th Junior Orange Bowl 2007 in the under 12 age group Matteo Donati reached the semifinals and the single results towards the semifinals were as follows:

First round: Matteo Donati – Kenta Miyoshi (JPN) 6:1, 6:1.
Second round: Matteo Donati – David Hsu (USA) 6:1, 6:0.
Third round: Matteo Donati – Baker S. Newman (USA) 6:3, 6:1. Fourht round: Matteo Donati – Ivan Divkovic (BiH) 6:2, 6:3. Quarterfinals: Matteo Donati – Justin Butsch (USA) 6:4, 6:4. Semifinals: Matteo Donati – Joseph Di Giulio (USA) 3:6, 4:6.

In 2005 Matteo Donati participated the Smrikva Bowl with his coach Roberto Marchigiani. Matteo Donati at that time already had an excellent tecnique and what is interesting that Matteo likes to watch other tennis players and he is able later on on the training to reproduce the shoots he likes of the other players. I think that this is very important to be able to learn by watching the other players. Probably Djokovic’s imitations when he made jokes of the other players in end is a gift because he is able to play the shoots in a way the other players do. This way he can choose shoots he prefer. The results obtained this week confirm that Matteo Donati’s progress continued over time and he deserves all congratulations.

I would like to remined the readers that a week before Orange Bowl Championship, Matteo Donati won the Prince Cup tournament in the under 12 age group cathegory that was played in Miami in the USA from 6th-9th December 2007. The draw was made of 64 players and Matteo’s road towards the victory was the following:

First round: Matteo Donati – Nile Clark (USA) 6:0, 6:0.
Second round: Matteo Donati-Luke Bambridge (UK)6:1,1:6,10:5.
Third round: Matteo Donati – Antoine Mailloux (CAN) 6:1, 6:1.
Quarterfinals: Matteo Donati – Henri Parocki (UK) 6:0, 6:1.
Semifinals: Matteo Donati – Borna Coric (CRO) 6:4, 6:2.
Finals: Matteo Donati – Federico Silva (POR) 6:1, 6:1.

Well done Matteo!

Few days ago I was exchanging the greetings with Matteo Donati’s trainer Roberto Marchegiani and I was congratulating him for Matteo’s results and Roberto said to me:”L’avventura di Matteo e’ iniziata da Lei e spero lo porti a raggiungere il suo sogno” that means:”Matteo’s adventure started with Smrikva Bowl and hopefully his dreams will become true one day”.

24/12/07

George Morgan is the winner, in the under 14 age group, of the 46th Junior Orange Bowl Championship and was the finalist of the Prince Cup.

George Morgan is from UK and he was the 8th Smrikva Bowl runner up. George Morgan also traveled to Austin, in Texas, to play 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl and he contributed to the victory of the Smrikva Bowl team that year. On the 46th Junior Orange Bowl 2007 in the under 14 age group George Morgan won the tournament and the single results towards the victory were as follows:

First round: George Morgan – Jens Hauser (CHI) 6:2, 6:0.
Second round: George Morgan – Vladmir Stojovic (SRB) 6:1, 6:2. Third round: George Morgan – Daniel J. McCall (USA) 6:4, 6:1. Fourth round: George Morgan – Dennis Novikov (USA)6:4,7:5,6:1. Quarterfinals: George Morgan – Matias Sborowitz (CHI) 6:3, 6:0. Semifinals: George Morgan – Shane Vinsant (USA) 6:3, 2:6, 7:5. Finals: George Morgan – Spencer F. Newman (USA) 3:6, 6:3, 7:5.

In 2003 George Morgan participated the Smrikva Bowl with his coach Brian McFadden that also this year was with other players from UK on the tournament and I was very pleased when he told me that George Morgan has very nice memories from our tournament. George was tall and that time and his shoots were sharp, strong and clean. The results obtained this week confirm that his progress continued over time.

Well done George!

I would like to remined the readers that a week before Orange Bowl Championship, George Morgan arrived in the finals of the Prince Cup tournament in the under 14 age group cathegory that was played in Miami in the USA from 6th-9th December 2007. The draw was made of 64 players and George’s road towards the finals was the following:

First round: George Morgan – Hernan Vasconez (ECU) 6:2, 6:4.
Second round: G.Morgan – Connor Glennon (UK) 3:6, 6:3, 10:5.
Third round: George Morgan – Maksim Kan (UZB) 6:2, 6:0.
Quarterfinals: George Morgan – Matias Sborowitz (CHI) 7:5, 7:5.
Semifinals: George Morgan – Andrew Bettles 6:0, 6:3.
Finals: George Morgan – Diego Hidalgo (ECU) 6:3, 3:6, 5:10.

Congratulations again George!

22/12/07

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

Santa Claus from the land of perpetual snow visited Smrikve today at noon and brought over 30 presents for 30 good boys and girls that train at the Smrikve Tennis Club. It was nice to see children talking with Santa Claus and singing for him Jingle Bell with the accordion. Last year Santa Claus played tennis with them while this year they were singing together and after receiving the presents the kids and Santa Claus went near the fireplace and together tasted some very good Istrian prosciutto and cheese.

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.

19/12/07

Bogdan Alexandru Borza, 12th Smrikva Bowl runner up, together with Alexandru Ciprian Porumb junior, is another talented Romanian player

I am pleased to share with the readers a nice article written by Dan Henegar about Romanian rising tennis talent Bogdan Borza who lost in the finals of the 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 against Italian Sacha Merzetti. The article was published on the internet page www.ziarulunirea.ro.

Bogdan Alexandru Borza is 10 years old player and together with Alexandru Ciprian Porumb, under 14 European Tennis Champion, who ranked 3rd on the 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, is among the most talented rising Romanian junior tennis players. As you can note they have in common the second name Alexandru and who knows if their common dream about becoming top tennis players one day may become true. Probably one of the greatest dreamer in the men’s kind history was Alexandros III Philippou Makedonon, Alexander the Great, who realized many of his dreams and maybe this important name, that also they bring, will help them in realizing their dreams :).

This year Smrika Bowl final between Borza and Merzetti was among the most beautiful finals in the Smrikva Bowl history. It was like the final between Nadal and Nadal :). They both have as example the tennis star Rafael Nadal and they behave before the match in a very similar manner Rafael Nadal does.

Bogdan Borza and Sacha Merzetti both have an increadible energy, determination and good technique. It was very funny when one mum wanted to compliment with Bogdan and she said to him you looks like Roger Federer and she said that because really Bogdan had a similar dress, body and the game to Federer’s one, but Bogdan answered to that compliment:”No, I am like Nadal”. This was very funny to me :). On the other side, the other finalist, Sacha Merzetti, had the dress similar to Nadal’s one. In end they both wanted to be like Nadal :). It is interesting that this was the second time that this two players played in the finals against each other and the first time in Rome on the Lemon Bowl the winner was Borza and this time on the Smrikva Bowl the winner was Sacha Merzetti.

Bogdan’s father speaks very well Italian so we had the opportunity to speak several times and I was really surprised when he told me that Bogdan train by his own playing with older players in his town. This was increadible for me for the clean tecnique and such a good game that Bogdan has reached in this age group. I hope Bogdan will find a good trainer in the future who will follow him and allow him to further develop his good game.

If you understand Romanian enjoy the article and if you understand French, Spanish or Italian you will also be able to understand it.

O nouă performanţă de răsunet pentru Bogdan Borza
l Tenismenul cugirean a devenit vicecampion al prestigiosului turneu internaţional din Croaţia

Recent, în localitatea Pula (Istria) din Croaţia s-a desfăşurat a 12-a ediţie a întrecerii de tenis juvenil “Smrikva Bowl” – unul dintre cele mai tari turnee internaţionale din Europa rezervate copiilor de 10 ani. La competiţie s-au înscris sportivi din Austria, Belarus, Bosnia, Canada, Croaţia, Cehia, Anglia, Germania, Estonia, Ungaria, Italia, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Muntenegru, Polonia, Rusia, Arabia Saudită, Serbia, SUA (au participat cei mai bine clasaţi doi competitori din fiecare ţară), România fiind reprezentată de cugireanul Bogdan Alexandru Borza (numărul unu în ierarhia internă, al treilea favorit al concursului) şi Sergiu Bucur (Constanţa).

“Diamantul” nostru, talentatul Alexandru Borza şi-a dovedit din plin calităţile şi în Croaţia, iar după ce la începutul anului a câştigat la Roma “Lemon Bowl 2007” (un veritabil campionat european), acum s-a calificat în ultimul act. Având un prim tur liber, precocele jucător a trecut pe rând de Karlo Lozic (numărul trei în ierarhia Croaţiei) – în turul secund (scor 9-1, s-au jucat un singur set); Filip Grbic (numărul unu în Serbia), în “16”, imi (scor 9-2); Miguel Semmler Arranzo (numărul doi în Spania), în “sferturi” (scor 9-4); Sergiu Bucur (numărul doi în România) – în semifinale (scor 9-0). În finală a dat peste italianul Sacha Mersetti (favoritul principal), care şi-a luat revanşa în urma înfrângerii administrate de Bogdan în finala de la Roma şi s-a impus cu 6-1, 6-3. Şi aşa, performanţa tenismenului de sub Drăgana este una răsunătoare (patru victorii şi o singură înfrângere), vicecampion într-o întrecere extrem de puternică (elita jucătorilor de 10 ani de pe “Bătrânul continent”), el fiind primul român din istorie care s-a calificat în finală! În continuarea turneului s-a mai disputat un meci între selecţionatele Europei şi Statelor Unite ale Americii, confruntare în care Bogdan a câştigat întâlnirea cu Tommy Paul (numărul doi) – scor 6-4,7-5 şi a pierdut jocul cu Eduardo Nava (numărul unu al americanilor) – scor 7-6, 1-6, 5-10 (la tie-break). Uluitoare comportare, în condiţiile unui turneu de calibru, cu un grad sporit de dificultate, Alexandru Bogdan Borza anunţând de pe acum un potenţial extraordinar.

Că şcoala de tenis din Cugir nu se dezminte o dovedeşte şi rezultatul obţinut de Rareş Andriuc (11 ani), care recent, la Campionatele Naţionale desfăşurate la Bucureşti (Centrul Naţional de Tenis), categoria 12 ani, deşi cu un an mai mic, a izbutit să acceadă în “careul de aşi”, între primii patru sportivi, calificându-se în semifinale. Felicitări!

19/12/07

Few words from Jose Gracia from Florida on his stay in Smrikve when he played 4th"Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl. In addition you can visit Jose's picture near the Arena of Pula.

I was very pleased to find few words of Jose Gracia of his experience during his visit to Pula and Croatia and I was really happy to find the picture of Jose Gracia near the Arena of Pula :).

Jose Gracia was selected by the MCB tennis foundation to represent the USA “Little Mo” team on the 4th annual “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2005. Jose is a very talented player and I have some very nice memories of Jose and his father that came with him in Smrikve for the tournament. His father’s origin is Mexican and I was pleased when he shared with me his life experience. It is nice to see how today his son can work on his dream for a better future. Jose is today among the best players in the USA and he really enjoy the game. I remember that he also like to play doubles because he can have even more fun being on the court with other player and Jose is very good in creating friendships with other players.

Jose Gracia’s father works as the cooker in the USA and he likes the Italian food. When he was leaving my home he told me that he was flying to the US from Milan and that he would like to allow his son Jose to taste some of the best pasta restaurant in Milan. I worked for many years in Milan and recommended him to go in the restaurant of my good friend that is located near the famous Scala Theater in the center of Milan. I wrote the adress of the restaurant on our visit card and gave it to him. The next time I was in that restaurant in Milan my friend showed me the visit card that I gave to Mr. Garcia :) so I am sure they had the opportunity to taste one of the best pasta in Milan.

Please find as follows the words of Jose Gracia during a short interview with www.usatennisflorida.usta.com

José Gracia has been playing tennis since he was three. His long-term goals are to be number one in the world and to win all four grand slams. José loves tennis because of the challenge, and claims that his father, (also his coach,) has to pull him off the court at the end of the day. José is passionate and determined to achieve his Tennis goals.

José’s favorite subject in school is Math, and there is a strictly implemented policy at the Gracia household: finish your homework before you play! “It’s a rule,” young José said.

At the “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl in Croatia, José enjoyed the fabulous sites during his time away from the court. “It was awesome,” he said. He met many nice people in Croatia, and he made friends from Italy, Austria and all over the world who were participating in the tournament.

“I love tennis because it’s very challenging and it’s one of the greatest sports,” José said. “I always mean business when I am on the court.”

19/12/07

Eleanor Dean a possible future Tennis Star on www.expatica.com, "Simply the best: Wimbledon champion of tomorrow?"

Eleanor Dean is from Great Britain and she was the outperformer of the 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 when she won that edition. Eleanor Dean also contributed to the victory of the Smrikva Bowl team on the 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl against the “Little Mo” team from the USA. Eleanor Dean lives and trains in Spain at Marco Tennis Academy. The particular that I remeber is that we had the problem with the mountain bike transfer and Eleanor had to wait several months for herr trophy. Eleanor Dean have wounderful parents and also her trainer Marco is a very nice person. Sorry again Eleanor for that bike delay :).

The article that follows appeared in the magazine Dreamlife, which has a circulation of 60,000 in the Costa del Sol. See: www.dreamlife-magazine.com and also was published on www.expatica.com in february 2007.

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

Simply the best: Wimbledon champion of tomorrow?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18/12/07

The results of some Smrikva Bowl and "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl players on 46th under 12 and under 14 Junior Orange Bowl 2007. George Morgan won the finals of the 46th Junior Orange Bowl in the under 14 age group.

Junior Orange Bowl is one of the most important Junior International Tennis Championships. It is played in Florida in the USA. The Qualifying Draw under 12 and under 14 was played from December 14th till December 16th, 2007 and the Main Draw was played from December 17th till December 23rd, 2007.

George Morgan is from UK and he was the 8th Smrikva Bowl runner up and he also traveled to Austin, in Texas, to play 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. On the 46th Junior Orange Bowl 2007 in the under 14 age group George Morgan won the tournament!

The players that lost in the first round are: Saska Gavrilovska, Vladica Babic, Caroline Kandler, Olga O. Fridman, Harry Busby, Jose E Gracia, Tommy Paul, Dominic Thiem, Ciprian Porumb.

The player that lost in the second round is Silvia Njiric.

The players that lost in the third round are: Luka Ilic, Donna Vekic, Jasmina Stor, Christine Kandler and Jennifer Ren.

The players that lost in the fourth round are: Eleanor Dean, Gianluigi Quinzi and Ivan Divkovic.

The players that lost in the quarterfinals are: Olga Ianchuk, Borna Coric and Emmett A. Egger.

The player that lost in the semifinals is Matteo Donati.

Smrikva Bowl and “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl player that competed on the 46th Junior Orange Bowl 2007 and their results are the following:

Girls
UNDER 12
Olga Ianchuk is from Ukraina and she was 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up. Olga also played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. Olga Ianchuk won in the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Ana LL Pintado from Mexico 6:2, 6:1. In the second round Olga Ianchuk defeated Gyungeun Song from Korea 6:2, 7:5. In the third round Olga Ianchuk defeated Gabrielle Smith from the USA 6:1, 6:2. In the fourth round Olga Ianchuk won against Victoria Tomova from Bulgaria 6:1, 6:4. In the quarterfinals Olga Ianchuk lost against Madison Keys from the USA 6:3, 6:2.

Eleanor Dean is from UK and she won 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006. Eleanor also played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. Eleanor Dean is seed #1 and she won the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Antonella Altamirano from Ecuador by 6:0, 6:0. In the second round Eleanor Dean defeated Tina Jiang from the USA 6:3, 6:3. In the third round Eleanor Dean defeated Lou Brouleau from France 7:5, 6:1. In the fourth round Eleanor Dean lost against Ayaka Okuno from the USA 6:2, 6:3.

Jasmina Stor is from Slovenia and she played Smrikva Bowl. Jasmina Stor won in the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Suna Song from Korea 7:6, 6:3. In the second round Jasmina Stor defeated Celine Lenertz from Australia 6:1, 7:5. In the third round Jasmina Stor lost against Emily Fanning from New Zealand 6:4, 6:1.

Donna Vekic is from Croatia and she played several times Smrikva Bowl. Donna Vekic won the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Anna Davydova from Russia 6:3, 6:0. In the second round Donna Vekic defeated Lexi Borr from the USA 6:4, 6:2. In the third round Donna Vekic lost against Indy De Vroome 7:5, 6:3.

Saska Gavrilovska is from Serbia and she won 9th and 10th Smrikva Bowl 2004 and 2005. Saska also played 3rd and 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. Saska lost in the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Jan Q Abaza from the USA 0:6, 7:5, 7:6.

Olga O. Fridman is from Ukraina and she also played Smrikva Bowl. Olga Fridman lost in the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Francoise Abanda from Canada 6:2, 6:1.

Caroline Kandler is from Austria and she and her sister played Smrikva Bowl. Caroline lost in the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Kanami Tsuji from Japan 6:0, 6:3.

Vladica Babic is from Montenegro and she played Smrikva Bowl. Vladica lost in the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against India Q Hart 7:6, 6:2.

UNDER 14
Jennifer Ren is from UK and she won the 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003. Jennifer also played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. Jennifer Ren won the first round of 46th under 14 Junior Orange Bowl against Gabrielle N. Moxey 6:0, 6:0. In the second round Jennifer Ren defeated Manuela Q Velasquez from the USA 6:0, 6:3. In the third round Jennifer Ren lost against Laura Robson from UK 6:1, 6:1.

Christine Kandler is from Austria and she played 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004. Christine Kandler won the first round 46th under 14 Junior Orange Bowl against Grace Min from the USA 2:6, 6:2, 6:3. In the second round Srinidhi Raghavan from the USA retired during the result 4:0 for Christine so Kandler passed into third round. In the third round Christine Kandler lost against Nicole Melichar from the USA 6:4, 3:6, 6:3.

Silvia Njiric is from Croatia and she was the 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up. Silvia also played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. Silvia Njiric won the first round of 46th under 14 Junior Orange Bowl against Andrea Riveros Quintero 6:1, 6:2. In the second round Silvia Njiric lost against Breaunna Addison from the USA 7:5, 6:4.

Boys
UNDER 12
Matteo Donati is from Italy and he won the 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005. Matteo also played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. Matteo Donati won the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Kenta Miyoshi from Japan 6:1, 6:1. In the second round Matteo Donati defeated David Hsu from the USA 6:1, 6:0. In the third round Matteo Donati defeated Baker S. Newman from the USA 6:3, 6:1. In the fourht round Matteo Donati defeated Ivan Divkovic from Bosnia and Herzegovina 6:2, 6:3. In the quarterfinals Matteo Donati won against Justin Butsch from the USA 6:4, 6:4. In the semifinals Matteo Donati lost against Joseph Di Giulio from the USA 6:3, 6:4.

Borna Coric is from Croatia and he played 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005. Borna Coric won the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Blake Myrin from the USA 6:1, 6:0. In the second round Borna Coric defeated Pylyp Kekercheni from Ukraina by 6:2, 6:1. In the third round Borna Coric defeated Franz Sydow 6:1, 6:2. In the fourth round Borna Coric defeated Gianluigi Quinzi from Italy 6:2, 6:1. In the quarterfinals Borna Coric lost against Joseph Di Giulio from the USA 6:3, 2:6, 6:3.

Gianluigi Quinzi is 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner and he ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005. He also played 4th and 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl in 2004 and 2005. Gianluigi is from Italy. Gianluigi Quinzi won the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Yannik James 6:1, 6:0. In the second round Gianluigi Quinzi defeated Franz Sydow 6:1, 6:2. In the third round Gianluigi Quinzi defeated Hyeon Chung from Korea 6:3, 6:1. In the fourth round Gianluigi Quinzi lost against Borna Coric from Croatia 6:2, 6:1.

Ivan Divkovic is from Bosnia and Herzegovina and he also played Smrikva Bowl. Ivan Divkovic won the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Pierre Durali from France 6:3, 6:1. In the second round Ivan Divkovic defeated Lorenzo Tagliari from Brazil 6:3, 6:4. In the third round Ivan Divkovic defeated Daniel Kerznerman from the USA 6:3, 6:3. In the fourth round Ivan Divkovic lost against Matteo Donati from Italy 6:2, 6:3.

Luka Ilic is from Serbia and he played 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005. Luka Ilic won the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Thomas Weirather 6:2, 6:4. In the second round Luka Ilic defeated Matthew Erdman from Canada 7:6, 6:3. In the third round Luka Ilic lost against Billy Harris from Great Britain 6:1, 6:2.

Jose E Gracia is from the USA and he played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2005. Jose lost in the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Nicholas Kyrgios from Australia 6:3, 6:0.

Harry Busby is from UK and he ranked 4th on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005. Harry also played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2005. Harry Busby lost in the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Jason Peter Platzer from Austria 6:3, 6:2.

Tommy Paul is from the USA and he played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2007. Tommy lost in the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Lorenzo Tagliari from Brazil 7:5, 6:2.

UNDER 14
George Morgan is from UK and he was the 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up. George also played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. George Morgan won the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Jens Hauser from Switzerland 6:2, 6:0. In the second round George Morgan defeated Vladmir Stojovic from Serbia 6:1, 6:2. In the third round George Morgan defeated Daniel J. McCall from the USA 6:4, 6:1. In the fourth round George Morgan defeated Dennis Novikov from the USA 6:4, 7:5, 6:1. In the quarterfinals George Morgan won against Matias Sborowitz from Switzerland 6:3, 6:0. In the semifinals George Morgan won against Shane Vinsant from the USA 6:3, 2:6, 7:5. In the finals George Morgan defeated Spencer F. Newman from the USA 3:6, 6:3, 7:5.

Emmett A. Egger is from the USA and he played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. Emmett Egger won the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Rudy Richter 6:0, 6:1. In the second round Emmett Egger defeated Denys Mylokostov from Ukraina 6:1, 6:1. In the third round Emmett Egger defeated Martin Krueger from Germany 6:0, 6:4. In the fourth round Emmett Egger defeated Spencer L. Simon from the USA 3:6, 6:4, 6:2. In the quarterfinals Emmett Egger lost against Spencer F. Newman from the USA 7:5, 6:3.

Ciprian Porumb is from Romania and he ranked 3rd on the 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003. Ciprian Porumb lost in the first round of 46th under 12 Junior Orange Bowl against Connor Glennon from UK 6:7, 6:4, 6:4.

Dominic Thiem is from Austria and he won 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003. Dominic also played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. Dominic Thiem lost in the first round of 46th under 14 Junior Orange Bowl against Alexios Q Halebian from the USA 6:3, 6:4.

Congratulations to all the players and in a special way to George Morgan that won, under 14, 46th Junior Orange Bowl Championships!

15/12/07

Ivan Levar arrived in the semi finals of the 24th edition of the Tim Essone under 14 Tournament that was played in Ste. Genevieve des Bois near Paris in France

Ivan Levar is from Croatia and he won the 9th Smrikva Bowl in 2004. Ivan also contributed to the victory of the Smrikva Bowl team against “Little Mo” team on the 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl that was played that year for the first time on the courts of the Smrikve Tennis Club in Pula (Croatia). Today Ivan Levar is ranked #17 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

The tournament in Ste.Genevieve des Bois near Paris is a very strong under 14 tournament. The stregth of the tournament is proved by its winners and other top players that participated the tournament in its 23 years old history. Please find the list of the top players that won and participated this tournament in France.

Top players that won the tournament in Ste. Genevieve Bois among boys are: Tommy ROBREDO (1995), Richard GASQUET (1998), Rafael NADAL (1999), Vladimir IGNATIK (2003), Carlos BOLUDA PURKISS (2006). Other top players that played this tournament are: Roger FEDERER (1994), Mario ANCIC (1996), Gilles SIMON (1997), Marcos BAGHDATIS (1998), Thomas BERDYCH (1998), Gaêl MONFILS (1999).

Top players that won the tournament among girls in its 23 years old history are: Martina HINGIS (1991), Elena DEMENTIEVA (1994), Petra MARTIC (2004). Other top players that played this tournament are: Arantxa SANCHEZ (1983), Iva MAJOLI (1990), Amélie MAURESMO (1992), Justine HENIN (1994), Daniela HANTUCHOVA (1996), Ana IVANOVIC (1999).

Ivan Levar arrived in the semi finals of the 24th edition of the Tim Essone under 14 Tournament that is played in Ste. Genevieve des Bois near Paris in France. Ivan was seed #14 at the tournament. The single results that allowed Ivan Levar to reach the semi finals are:

First round: Ivan Levar-Jeroen Vanneste (BEL) 1:6, 6:4, 6:2.
Second round: Ivan Levar-Romain Bauvy (FRA) 4:6, 7:6, 6:2.
Third round: Ivan Levar-Gregoire Barrere (FRA) 6:4, 6:7, 6:4.
Quarter finals: Ivan Levar-Konstantin Gerlach (RUS) 2:6, 6:4, 6:2.

In the semi finals Ivan Levar lost against Evgeny Karlovsky from Russia that was seed #2 of the tournament by 6:2, 6:1.

Miki Jankovic, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #8 in Europe in under 14 cathegory and he lost in the third round of Tim Essone Tournament against Konstantin Gerlach from Russia 6:3, 6:1.

2004 was a very special year for the Smrikva Bowl. It was the first time that we hosted in Smrikve the US team and the “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. It was a beautiful year and we had some very good players.

Ivan Levar won that year and there is a special story related with him. What happened with Ivan is that he did not tell to his father that he had a small tennis shoes during the tournament. At one moment he started to walk in a very strange way and his father asked him what happened. When they cheked the legs he already had important injuries. Ivan Levar wanted to continue to play and it was a very painfull for me even to look at his legs. After every match the doctor tried to medicate the injuries. At the end his will was so strong that he defeated in the finals a very strong Miki Jankovic from Serbia. Miki Jankovic is still a very talented players with a good game and very good technique.

14/12/07

Top Smrikva Bowl and "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl players on ATP, WTA, ITF, USTA and European under 14 and 16 ranking lists (update December 2007)

From 2002 Smrikva Bowl started to gather top players from Europe and also the organization of “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl started. In the recent years Smrikva Bowl gathered top players from all over the World.

1996 – 1st Smrikva Bowl
Vilim Visak, 1st Smrikva Bowl 1996 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #981 on ATP list. Vilim’s best ranking was #612 in March 2006.

1997 – 2nd Smrikva Bowl
Ivana Lisjak, 2nd Smrikva Bowl 1997 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #221 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 #578 on WTA list. Astid’s best ranking was #457 in August 2007.
Deni Zmak, 4th Smrikva Bowl 1999 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #1480 on ATP list.

2001 – 6th Smrikva Bowl
Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #134 on ITF ranking list. Marin Draganja played in the finals of this 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 #200 on ITF ranking list.

Petra Martic, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia, is ranked #328 on WTA list. Petra Martic is probably one of the most talented players in her age group in the World. In the last few months Petra jumped for over 200 places on WTA list. This summer in an interview Goran Prpic said that she is promissing very well for the Croatian tennis.
Indire Akiki, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked # 581 on WTA list.

2002 – 7th Smrikva Bowl and 1st”Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl
Javier Marti, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 winner, from Spain, is ranked #2 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
Giaccomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy, is ranked #89 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 #74 in Europe in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #1151 on ITF ranking list.
Ajla Tomljanovic, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #262 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.
Ema Burgic, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is ranked #2 in Europe in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #330 on ITF ranking list.

Jordaan Sanford, played 1st “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #83 in the USA in under 18 cathegory and is ranked #744 on ITF ranking list.
Morgan Basil, 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 #315 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
George Morgan, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Great Britain, is ranked #167 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
Ciprian Porumb, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia, is ranked #1223 on ITF ranking list and and is ranked #37 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.

Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain, is ranked #443 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #256 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
Silvia Njiric, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia, is ranked #448 on ITF ranking list and is ranked #129 in Europe in under 16 cathegory.
Ajla Tomljanovic, ranked 3rd on 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002, from Croatia, is ranked #262 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 #195 in the USA in under 16 cathegory and is ranked #1602 on ITF ranking list.
Robert Stineman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #383 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.
Karen Forman, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #1695 in the USA in under 16 cathegory.
Katie Klyczek, played 2nd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #343 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 #17 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Miki Jankovic, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #8 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.

Saska Gavrilovska, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 winner, from Serbia, is ranked #438 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Ecaterina Opriou, 9th Smrikva Bowl 2004 runner up, from Romenia, is ranked #49 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 #1421 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Blair Shankle, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #51 in the USA in under 14 cathegory.
Anna Mamalat, played 3rd “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #44 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 #59 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gyore Laszlo, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Serbia, is ranked #112 in Europe in under 14 cathegory.
Gianluigi Quinzi, ranked 3rd on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005, from Italy, is ranked #33 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 #438 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Olga Yanchuk, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine, is ranked #39 in Europe 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 #33 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 #9 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 #168 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Aries Wong, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #88 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Christina Makarova, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #93 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Gabriella Umoquit, played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #975 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 #16 in Croatia in under 12 cathegory.
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 #137 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Tommy Paul, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #156 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Ndindi Ndunda, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #159 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.
Domonique Garley, played 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl, from the USA, is ranked #613 in the USA in under 12 cathegory.

08/12/07

Results of the Smrikva Bowl and "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl players on the 2nd "Little Mo" International: Ana Konjuh, Gabriella Umoquit and Michal Kusznerko won the 2nd "Little Mo" International in their age groups.

The 2nd “Little Mo” International Open is played at the Austin Tennis Academy in Austin, Texas from December 5-9, 2007.

Since 2002, Smrikva Bowl has established a special cooperation with “Little Mo” and its Executive Vice President Carol Weyman. In 2002, the Smrikve Tennis Club and the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation created “Little Mo”/ Smrikva Bowl, the first-ever international competition between the United States and Europe for boys and girls 10 & under. In the last few years Smrikva Bowl started to gather top players under 10 from all around the World and “Little Mo” developed in International Open.
“Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl is a very special event and has arrived to its 7th annual.

Gabriella Umoquit is from Texas (USA) and she played 5th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. Gabriella is ranked #962 in the USA in under 12 cathegory and was #1 seed in under 11 “Little Mo” International age group cathegory and she won the 2nd “Little Mo” International under 11 cathegory. Gabriella in the finals defeated Jemma Buckler 6:1, 6:3.

Domonique Garley is also from Texas (USA) and she played this year the 6th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. Domonique is ranked #609 in the USA in under 12 cathegory and was #1 seed in under 10 “Little Mo” International age group cathegory. Domonique Garley lost in the semifinals against Maria Shishkina from Russia that lives in Florida 7:6, 5:7, 6:3.

Ana Konjuh ranked 2nd on the 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 and she is from Dubrovnik in Croatia. Ana is ranked #16 in Croatia in under 12 cathegory and she qualified for the under 10 “Little Mo” International. Ana Konjuh won the 2nd “Little Mo” International under 10 age group by defeating in the finals Maria Shishkina from Russia by 6:1, 6:3.

Robbie Marshall played 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 and qualified to play the under 9 “Little Mo” International. Robbie Marshall is from England but he lives and trains in Spain. Robbie is eligible to play the 13th Smrikva Bowl 2008. Robbie lost in the quarterfinals against Justin Lee from the USA 6:1, 6:1.

Michal Kusznerko is from Chicago (Illinois, USA) and he is eligible to represent the USA on the 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl that will be played in Pula (Croatia) on 29th of june 2008. Michal Kusznerko won the 10th “Little Mo” Nationals under 9 age group. Michal is #1 seed in under 9 “Little Mo” International age group. Michal Kusznerko won the 2nd “Little Mo” International under 9 age group by defeating in the finals Justin Lee 6:4, 6:0.

Justin Lee is from Cos Cob (Connecticut, USA) and he is eligible to represent the USA on the 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl that will be played in Pula (Croatia) on 29th of june 2008. Justin Lee was the 10th “Little Mo” Nationals runner up in the under 9 age group. Justin is #3 seed in under 9 “Little Mo” International age group. Justin Lee lost in the finals of the 2nd “Little Mo” International under 9 age group from Michal Kusznerko 6:4, 6:0.

Karina Vyrlan is from Antelope (California, USA) and she is eligible to represent the USA on the 7th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl that will be played in Pula (Croatia) on 29th of june 2008. Karina Vyrlan was the 10th “Little Mo” Nationals runner up in under 9 age group. Karina is #1 seed in under 9 “Little Mo” International age group. Karina Vyrlan lost in the finals against Samantha J. Martinelli 6:0, 6:0.

Congratulations to all the players!

01/12/07

Results of some Smrikva Bowl and "Little Mo"/Smrikva Bowl players at the Junior Orange Bowl under 16 and under 18

JUNIOR ORANGE BOWL
Junior Orange Bowl is one of the most important Junior International Tennis Championships. It is played in Florida in the USA. Under 18 will play the Qualifacation Draw from December 1st till December 2nd, 2007 and the Main Draw will be played from December 3rd till December 9th, 2007. Under 16 will play the Qualification Draw from November 30th till December 2nd, 2007 and the Main Draw will be played from December 2nd till December 8th, 2007.

The Smrikva Bowl and “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl under 16 and under 18 players results at the Junior Orange Bowl are:

Girls
Under 16
Jennifer Ren is from UK and she won 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003. Jennifer Ren defeated in the first round of under 16 Junior Orange Bowl Martina Gledacheva from Bulgaria 7:6, 3:6, 6:3. In the second round Jennifer lost against Amandine Hesse from France 6:4, 2:6, 6:4. Jennifer is 14 years old and is registered also for the under 14 Junior Orange Bowl.
Silvia Njiric is from Croatia and she ranked 2nd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003. Siliva Njiric lost in the first round of the under 16 Junior Orange Bowl against Lilly Kimbell from the USA 6:4, 6:2. Silvia is 14 years old and is registered also for the under 14 Junior Orange Bowl.
Jordaan Sanford is from the USA and she played 1st “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl. In the first round Jordaan Sanford defeated Maria Jose Garcia Villa from Mexico 6:0, 6:0. In the second round Jordaan lost against Ulrikke Eikery from Norway 6:2, 6:3.

Boys
Under 16
Giaccomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy lost in the first round of Junior Orange Bowl under 16 against Harry Fowler from the USA 0:6, 6:3, 6:3.

Under 18
Marcan Dino, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia lost in the first round of under 18 Junior Orange Bowl against Ricardas Berankis from Lithuania 6:3, 6:2.

28/11/07

Results of Smrikva Bowl players on Eddie Herr International

Eddie Herr International is one of the most important Junior Tennis Championships in the World that was played at IMG/Nick Bollettieri Academies in Bradenton, Florida in the USA.

Several Smrikva Bowl and “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl players played Eddie Herr International. The players that obtained the best results are: Gianluigi Quinzi who reached the semifinals in boys under 12 age group, Jose Gracia who reached the quarterfinals in boys under 12 age group, Ciprian Porumb reached the quarterfinals in boys under 14 age group and Silvia Njiric reached the quarterfinals in girls under 16 age group.

Boys under 12
Harry Busby is from UK and he ranked 4th on 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005. Harry Busby retired in the 3rd round against Luca D Corinteli from the USA.
Jose Gracia is from Florida and he played 4th “Little Mo”/Smrikva Bowl 2005. Jose Gracia lost in the quarterfinals of Eddie Herr International against Filip Obucina from Canada 6:7, 7:5, 6:0.
Luka Ilic is from Serbia and he also played Smrikva Bowl. Luka Ilic lost in the 4th round of Eddie Herr International against Pierre Durali from France 1:6, 6:3, 6:4.
Gianluigi Quinzi is 11th Smrikva Bowl 2006 winner. Gianluigi Quinzi lost in the semifinals against Roy Lederman from the USA 6:1, 5:7, 4:6. Gianluigi is 11 years old. Saska Gavrilovska and Gianluigi Quinzi in the mixed doubles arrived in the semifinals of Eddie Herr International.
Dylan Bednarczyk is from Canada and he played 12th Smrikva Bowl. Dylan Bednarczyk lost in the 1st round of Eddie Herr International against Brian Granoff from the USA 6:0, 6:1. Dylan is 10 years old.

Girls under 12
Saska Gavrilovska is 9th and 10th Smrikva Bowl 2004 and 2005 winner, from Serbia. Saska Gavrilovska lost in the 3rd round of Eddie Herr Internetional against Olga Yanchuk from Ukraina 5:7, 6:4, 6:3. Saska and Olga played the 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 finals. Saska Gavrilovska and Gianluigi Quinzi in the mixed doubles arrived in the semifinals of Eddie Herr International.
Olga Ianchuk, 10th Smrikva Bowl 2005 runner up, from Ukraine. Olga Ianchuk lost in the 4th round of Eddie Herr International against Su Jeoung Jang from Korea 6:0, 6:3.
Vladica Babic is from Montenegro and she played Smrikva Bowl. Vladica Babic lost in the 2nd round of Eddie Herr International against Emily Fanning from New Zealand 6:4, 6:2.
Donna Vekic is from Croatia and she played Smrikva Bowl. Donna Vekic lost in the 3rd round of Eddie Herr International against Spencer Liang from the USA 6:2, 6:3.
Ana Konjuh, 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007 runner up, from Croatia. Ana Konjuh lost in the 1st round of Eddie Herr International against Saska Gavrilovska from Serbia 6:2, 6:3. Ana is 10 years old.
Olga Fridman is from Ukraina and she played 12th Smrikva Bowl 2007. Olga Fridman lost in the 1st round of Eddie Herr International against Ilinca T Bercaru from Romania 6:2, 6:1. Olga is 10 years old.

Boys under 14
Ciprian Alexandru Porumb, ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003, from Romenia. Ciprian Porumb lost in the quarterfinals of Eddie Herr International against Spencer Newman from the USA 6:4, 6:7, 6:3.

Girls under 16
Jennifer Ren, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 winner, from Great Britain. Jennifer Ren lost in the 3rd round of Eddie Herr International against Maria A Belaya from the USA 6:2, 6:4. Jennifer is 14 years old.
Silvia Njiric, 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003 runner up, from Croatia. Silvia Njiric lost in the quarterfinals of Eddie Herr International against Alexandra Cercone from the USA 6:2, 7:6. Silvia is 14 years old.

Boys under 18
Marin Draganja, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 winner, from Croatia. Marin Draganja lost in the 1st round of Eddie Herr International against Alex Domijan from the USA 6:4, 7:6. Marin is 16 years old.
Dino Marcan, 6th Smrikva Bowl 2001 runner up, from Croatia. Dino Marcan lost in the 1st round of Eddie Herr International against Matt Reid from Australia 6:2, 7:6. Dino played the qualifications to enter the main draw. He is 16 years old.
Giacomo Miccini, 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up, from Italy. Giacomo Miccini lost in the 2nd round of Eddie Herr International against Luka Somen from Croatia 6:3, 6:4. Giacomo is 15 years old.

Girls under 18
Ajla Tomljanovic was 7th Smrikva Bowl 2002 runner up and she ranked 3rd on 8th Smrikva Bowl 2003. Ajla Tomljanovic lost in the 1st round of Eddie Herr International against Gabriela Paz from Venezuela 6:4, 6:2. Ajla played the qualifications to enter the main draw. She is 14 years old.