The 2021/22 Wellington Gippsland Tennis Association Championships were completed on Sunday February 27. A field of over 80 junior and senior players competed in prefect tennis conditions at Sale Tennis Club. This was a great turnout and marks a continuation of the revival of the WGTA Championships as players and organisers strive to make the Association Championships the prestigious event that it was for so many years.
The highlight of the morning’s junior events was the 12 & Under Singles with Josiah Levchenco and Dylan Board playing another epic final with Josiah finally coming out winner 6 - 4. Both players have developed their tennis and a long rivalry will surely push them to continue the improvement.
In the 10 & Under Boys Judah Levchenko won an entertaining match against Henry Seeber, finally coming out on top 6 -4.
Louis Lazzaro had a successful championships taking out the 14 & Under Singles and then paired with Dylan Board to take out the 14 & Under Doubles with Dylan Board.
In the Open Women’s Singles Jess Board from Sale was looking to return to the Honour Board after being edged out last year by Stephanie Barnett from Bairnsdale. Her opponent in the final was another Bairnsdale player, Jamye Waites who played great tennis to win through to the final. The final was a high quality match with Jess finally overcoming Jamye in straight sets.
In the Open Men’s Singles Mitchell Allman was looking to defended the title he has held continuously since 2017. 2022 would prove to be his most difficult defence yet as he took on Daniel Storman from Bairnsdale. Playing before an enthralled crowd the tennis was the best played on showcourt 1 since the last Pro-circuit event in 2008. Mitchell took the first set 7 - 5 but Daniel hit back taking the second set 6 – 4. The third set was decided by a super tiebreak which Mitchell eventually took out 10 -8, giving him 5 titles in a row.
In the 18 & Under Girls Singles Jess Board was looking for her second double title after winning both Open and Girls singles titles in 2019. Her opponent in the final was Mia Goold, who has been playing some outstanding tennis at senior level. However despite Mia putting up a very determined fight Jess prevailed in straight sets.
The event was most fortunate to have Wellington Gippsland Tennis Association Life Member Gregor McNaughton on hand to present the trophies. Gregor has an over 40 year involvement with the Association and he is still passionate about tennis within the region. It was a treat, especially for the younger players, to have him on hand for the presentations.
Organisers thanked the dedicated volunteers who made the tournament possible and attended to the organisation, draws and the canteen. It is hoped for even more support from the member clubs next year.
Tournaments such as the Association Championships are an essential part of the player development pathway for juniors and provides an opportunity for match play and experience for the next level of play such as Open Junior Tournaments.
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Winner Runner Up
Women’s Open Singles Jess Board Jayme Waites
Men’s Open Singles Mitch Allman Daniel Storman
Women’s Doubles Sarah Luke Mia Goold
Jayme Waites Masami Goold
Open Men’s Doubles Mitch Allman Josh Kennedy
Daniel Storman Mark Kennedy
Graded Women’s Singles Emma Best Debbie Iseppi
Graded Men’s Singles Mark Kennedy Cordell Vollemaere
Graded Men’s Doubles Damien Theoblad Robin Lowe
Lachlan Coleman Peter Nissen
Family Doubles Dylan Board Riley Nicholas
Nick Board Andrew Nicholas
18 & Under Girls Singles Jess Board Mia Goold
18 & Under Doubles Jack Dennis Eve Morecombe
Ava Kuch Colby Dennis
16 & Under Singles Josiah Levchenko Finn McDonald
16 & Under Doubles Abby Board Jack Dennis
Jess Board Colby Dennis
14 & Under Girls Singles Emma Best Krista Walpole
14 & Under Boys Singles Louis Lazzaro Riley Nicholas
14 & Under Doubles Dylan Board Emma Best
Louis Lazzaro Charlotte Board
12 & Under Singles Josiah Levchenko Dylan Board
12 & Under Doubles Josiah Levchenko Dylan Morriss
Judah Levchenko Roger Sears
10 & Under Singles Judah Levchenko Henry Seeber
10 & Under Doubles Judah Levchenko Jack Bartlett
Henry Seeber Bruce Sears
