Roehampton hosts stars of the future as Under-23 event returns to the calendar
By TIM GARNER
Sponsored by JW Cannon the British Under 23 Open makes its first appearance on the calendar since 1990 this weekend.
Back in the 80s luminaries such as Jahangir Khan, Rodney Martin and Susan Devoy lifted the prestigious trophy but this weekend at The Roehampton Club it will be a new generation that look to be crowned champion.
Roehampton Racquets Manager Paul Lindsay said: “Roehampton Club is delighted to be hosting the JW Cannon British U23 Open, which is part of the new ESF & PSA Under 23 circuit and whose final will take place on Sunday on our brand new glass back show court.”
World no.77 Richie Fallows tops the seedings in the Men’s event and is predicted to face former World no.105 Adam Auckland in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, in the bottom half of the draw, the world No. 98, Welshman Joel Makin, will be expected to face-off with local lad and World No.138 Lyell Fuller in the semi-finals. If the two top seeds take up their final berths then a cracker is in store, with Fallows having edged Makin 15-13 in the fifth in their last encounter!
The Women’s event will see England Junior team mates Georgina Kennedy and Nada El Kalaawy seeded to meet in Sunday’s final.
World No.71 Kennedy (right) finished third in this week’s British Junior Open, and will be looking to go a couple of places better at Roehampton.
El Kalaawy is currently studying art, but has been in fine form this year having recovered from a foot injury that sidelined her for much of last year, and lifted the BSPA Solent Classic in November.
Men’s Qualifying Round (Thursday 7 Jan):
Michael Ross bt Luca Lasciarrea 11-7, 11-8, 11-3
Jayden Gough bt Oliver Staunton 6-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-9
Seigo Masuda bt Oliver Turner 11-7, 11-5, 11-6
Stuart MacGregor bt Hasnaat Farooqi 11-5, 11-5, 11-4
Pete Romo bt Brad Gallivan 11-6, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7
Sean Millington bt Riki Houlden 11-9, 11-7, 11-5
JW Cannon British Under-23 Open. Schedule:
Friday 8th January Noon: 1st Round
Friday 8th January 18.00: Last 16
Saturday 9th January 11.00: Quarter-Finals
Saturday 9th January 16.30: Semi-Finals
Sunday 10th January 13.30: Grand Finals
Admission is free, and all spectators are welcome.
For further details please contact:
[email protected]
Picture by KIM ROBERTS