Lae Tennis to host first Junior Open in December

THE Lae Tennis Club will be hosting its inaugural Junior Tennis Open tournament set for December 13-15 at the Lae Golf Club.

LTC’s committee has confirmed that registrations will be open soon for juniors aged as young as six and under [6/U] up to 18/U to compete in singles and mixed doubles matches.

“We expect participation from over 50 Lae juniors, and since we have titled the tournament as an Open, the invitation for participation is extended to juniors from other tennis clubs outside of Lae, inclusive of Port Moresby and Goroka,” LTC president Glenn Cabasug said.

16 categories have been confirmed ranging from U6, U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and U18 boys’ and girls’ singles and the U14 and U18 mixed doubles.

“All Draws will either be Standard Elimination Format or Round Robin depending on participant numbers per Category. Matches will start from Friday afternoon with Finals on Sunday afternoon.

“Deadline for Player Registration Form [to be circulated soon] is on Friday, Nov 23.”

Meanwhile, the LTC Committee will be hosting its fourth and final fundraising event at this tournament as fund-raised proceedings will go towards their Junior Development program.

“Through this tournament, all our juniors in Lae will be able to compete in a major junior tournament, showcase and develop their tennis skills, build their confidence, and learn more about discipline, sportsmanship, and respect.”

“Our goal is to encourage kids, with the support of their parents, to start learning tennis and competing in tournaments as early as possible, hence complementing our already existing Red Ball coaching with tournament matches for kids as young as below 6 years old.”

“We intend to grow this tournament to become another one of our major highlights for our annual tennis calendar to look forward to especially the PANAMEX LAE TENNIS OPEN, which was held for the 3rd straight year earlier in June.”