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‘Youth netters’ NZ stint unprecedented’
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Posted on Dec 18 2008
CNMI coach Jeff Race called the CNMI junior netters’ stint in New Zealand tournaments one of the greatest things that happened in the Commonwealth’s junior tennis program.
Thea Minor, Christian Miller, and Rafael Jones left early this month to compete in three tournaments in New Zealand. Two tournaments—in Waikato and Poverty Bay—had already concluded and the three CNMI netters made good account of themselves in these tournaments. Their last stop will be in Auckland.
“It’s unprecedented. Having three players invited to play in New Zealand and played against the host’s bets and Australian players,” Race said in a telephone interview with the Saipan Tribune.
“The tournaments are great motivational factors for them and for those who aspire to one day be in their shoes and compete in New Zealand, too,” he added.
Minor, who is on her second trip to New Zealand, won two doubles crowns and had two finals appearances, while Miller and Jones prevailed in a couple of matches in their debuts there.
All three CNMI bets are part of the ITF Pacific Touring Team making the selection after their impressive showings in the 2008 Pacific Oceania Junior Championships in Fiji.
“The competitions in New Zealand give Thea, Christian, and Raffy the quality and quantity of games they need to improve their level of competence,” Race said.
“When you play against players you haven’t met before or haven’t heard off, it puts you in a position to give your best game, as you are challenged to show you have what it takes to be in that tournament,” the CNMI coach said. “Plus, in a tournament, which has as many as 128 players in a draw, you are expose to players with different styles of play and that’s very helpful in improving your own game.”
Race added he was surprised, but proud that Thea and the ITF Pacific girls dominated the 14-and-under division.
“They did not do that well last year in the 14-and-under, but look now, they did an impressive job. It’s really good to hear that our girls are holding their own against New Zealand and Australia players,” Race said.
“I am sure these players who are playing in New Zealand will be among the players to beat in next’s year POJC,” he added.
