Big entry expected at East Antrim Junior tournament

The drama of Wimbledon may be over for another year but there’s more tennis to be enjoyed right here on your doorstep.

Some of the brightest prospects in the local game will take part in the AES Ballylumford East Antrim Junior Tennis Championships which gets under way on Monday (July 16) at Larne Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club.

The event, now in its 20th year, runs until Friday (July 20). The tournament takes on added significance as it is one of the core events in the selection process for the Ulster Junior teams for the inter-provincials which are set to be held at Malahide Tennis Club.

The tournament awards Ulster Tennis Points (UTP) according to the competitor’s success in the event and at the end of the season the top eight players with most points will qualify for the UTP Masters Tournament. The same criteria is used for selecting inter-provincial teams, with points totals taken into account at the end of July.

With so much at stake, it is hoped that many of Ulster’s top juniors will participate in the event. Current holder of both the girls’ under-16 and under-18 titles, Laura Reid, will hopefully be back to defend her titles.

The McCullough twins from Singapore have confirmed their entry. Caitlin is the current holder of the under-14 title whilst she teamed up with her sister, Annie, to win the under-14 doubles last year.

Entries were due to close on Wednesday (July 11) and it is hoped that a number of kids from both the Larne club and the general East Antrim area make the effort to challenge themselves against Ulster’s best.

The local challengers already lined up include Grace Garstin, Alex Ogilby and Rebecca Campbell who have all been representing the Larne Club in the Belfast and District League with great credit.

Larne Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club is grateful to AES Ballylumford, Larne Borough Council and First Trust Bank for their continued support of this tournament.

Play commences each day at 9am through to 6pm at the Glenarm Road club and spectators are welcome. Hopefully they see some local players lift a trophy or two.

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