KIM ATKINSON has successfully defended her 16s title at the hectic Sellers International tennis tournament.
Playing Natalie Wall of Liverpool on one of the indoor courts at Huddersfield Lawn Tennis and Squash Club, the Thongsbridge player triumphed 7-5 6-4.
It followed up her win in the 16 Years and Under section of last year and justified her being favourite in the event this time.
Atkinson was pushed all the way, however, as Wall came up with some terrific tennis, but greater experience told in the end.
Closely contested all the way through, Atkinson showed good variety, playing mostly from the back of the court but also displaying excellent skills at the net, and she also dragged her opponent wide on a number of occasions by hitting good length balls close to the lines.
If Atkinson captured the local headlines in what is the 89th Sellers International, Stockport’s Georgina Hartley has put herself in contention for the Performance of the Week award.
Having already knocked out the No2 seed in going through the rounds of the 12 and Under section, she scored a fine victory in the final against No1 seed Grace Bodha from Cheshire.
The unseeded Hartley scored a 6-1 6-2 success in the showpiece to highly impress the crowd who were watching the indoor final.
Having been knocked out of the main draw in the 16s by Huddersfield’s Charlotte Kershaw, American Emily Hallewell – who is visiting relatives in this country – has reached the Consolation Final, where she will meet Jamie Lee Thornton tomorrow.
Meanwhile, in the senior events, title holder Mike Tolman was launching his defence from the No4 seeding against John Jordan, a 19-year-old from Manchester who is just starting out in the main events.
No3 seed Sean Stafford from the host club was up against Harry Edwards, a qualifier who used to be coached at Huddersfield but who is now at Loughborough.
Top seed Dan Sinclair was up against Ryan Lonsdale while No2 Nathan Jones, from Oldham, was facing regular visitor to the Sellers, Andy Gillett.
Today’s play includes the quarter-finals of the main ladies event, with No1 seed Jo Craven playing a qualifier and No2 pick Emily Singleton the ‘lucky loser’ qualifier.
Jo’s sister, Georgia, is up against Amy Partridge from Norfolk while Huddersfield’s Caroline Mount will be hoping to go through to the semis against her qualifying opponent.
“There continues to be a lot of quality tennis being played,” said Huddersfield head coach Becky Lee.
“We are starting to get to the business end now with the main men’s and ladies events at the quarter-finals stages today (Thursday), with semi-finals tomorrow and the finals on Saturday.
“With play going on all day and in the evening, it’s a great opportunity for people to come along and see some talented players in action, and everyone is welcome.
“It’s free to come and watch and, tomorrow (Friday) we are having a barbecue at the club which visitors can enjoy.”
