NMI bets expected to do well in Fiji

National coach Jeff Race believes the CNMI will do well in this year’s Pacific Oceania Junior Championships with Ji Hoon Heo and Mayuko Arriola representing the islands’ best hopes in Lautoka, Fiji.

“I have just arrived back on Saipan this morning (Sunday) and we will be going to Fiji on Wednesday. I think our team will do very well there this year, based on what I know and what ITF’s Dan O’Connell has told me.”

The former Pacific Oceania Davis Cup captain said he has full confidence in Heo’s ability of winning the boys’ 18-and-under division of the POJC, despite the recent spate of injuries that befell the CNMI wunderkind.

“Unfortunately, he has been plagued all summer by injuries and has had little practice. Still, he may be able to pull it together and round into form during the tournament,” he said of the 16-year-old Marianas High School student.

Race also said that Arriola is ready as could be as the days count down to the POJC at the Dr. Robin Mitchell Tennis Centre.

“Mayuko has had a lot of practice this summer. I expect Mayuko will contend for a spot in the Top 4 this year. She was playing great going into the NPQ, won the finals easily, and has the goal ahead of her of trying out for the University of Oregon tennis team,” he said.

Race also singled out up-and-coming netter Thea Minor, who is considering a one-year scholarship at the ITF training center in Fiji.

“Thea should be one of the top two players this year. She has been invited to apply to attend the ITF Training Center. Most likely her main competition will be Tarani Kamoe, with whom she played the three finals during their December trip to New Zealand,” he said.

Race also shared that ITF is also impressed with the play of Rafael Jones and Christian Miller and he wouldn’t be surprised if the two make waves in Fiji.

“Dan believes that Raffy and Christian will do really well this year. Most of the better boys from last year moved up to the 18s. I think they’ll be in the Top 6. If they make the Top 4 that will be really excellent and they would be invited to play in New Zealand in December.”

Aside from Heo, Arriola, Minor, Jones, and Miller, also going to Fiji is Dina Jones. A seventh CNMI bet, James Camacho, will not be going because of school.

“Unfortunately James apparently was unable to get his school to allow him to go and compete. This is a real shame as he earned the right to go and hopefully someday he will play for the CNMI in international competition, but for him this is a superb development opportunity that he is missing,” he said.

Race also took the opportunity to thank the parents of the players for preparing them for the 2008 POJC set for Aug. 13 to 17.

“I think that this is the most prepared the kids going to Fiji have ever been. The parents have done a terrific job of organizing practices and keeping the kids on the court during my time off-island.”