For Maltese enthusiasts, this week provided a tennis bonanza with two very interesting events, the Davis Cup Group IV and the European Junior Tour Tournament for those who are 16 & U. The National team led by Matthew Asciaq, himself also a Junior had to forfeit his participation to represent Malta in the Davis Cup.

A kilometre or so away, at the Tennis Club Kordin another group of promising Juniors led by 15 year old Elaine was taking part in the European Junior Tour in the 16 & U Tennis tournament sponsored by Simonds Farsons Cisk p.l.c. through their product “San Michel Table water”

As always, the Junior tournament at Tennis Club Kordin has attracted a large number of Italian players amongst which one finds with 116 ranking points Stefano Maiorano who was the top seed and the local top girl 15 year old Elaine Geneovese who next week will be proceeding to Italy to take part in the European Junior Championships for 16 & U.

The Italians as always were not only numerous but were indeed much stronger than our juniors who, due their age, were at a disadvantage. However they managed to hold their own with Clayton Zammit going through the first round in a very tight three setter.

Elaine Genovese the number one seed and favourite to win this tournament, showed all her prowess when she beat her Italian opponent Stefania Postarino in two straight sets in the Semi-Final

The first set was a balanced one in which both girls played hard tennis from the baseline. The Italian started well by taking the first two games. The Maltese girl picked up from being 3-1 down to level the score to 5 games all. Stefania Postarino won the eleventh game to regain her lead but Eleine won the next game to save the set. In the Tie Break Eleine emerged victorious to claim the first set. The second set was very different from the first one. The local girl took complete control over her Italian opponent to win the match 7-6; 6-0.

Her opponent in the final will be Alessia Bianchi who managed to upset the number 2 seed in straight sets to secure a place in the today’s final against the favourite Elaine.

Yesterday programme continued with the Girls Double Final where Elaine partnered by Eliza Brentino emerged winner over Calafiore/Mangano by 6-0, 6-2.

In the boys doubles Checcaglini/Bordoni had the better of Siringo/Vadacca 6-3, 6-3.

Today’s programme consists of the Final of the Consolation between Chris Bint and Mark Manduca at 10am. In the afternoon at 4pm the Boys Final between Maiorano and Giacalone followed by Girls Final between Genovese and Bianchi.

Those having some free time this afternoon, will not be disappointed if they pay a visit to Corradino to support Elaine Genovese.