The Vittoriosa Lawn Tennis Club, in conjunction with the Malta Tennis Federation is organising the VLTC Kettle Chips European junior tournament between 2 and 9 July.
This tournament is being held for the fourth year running and is part of the Under 14 Tour of Tennis Europe.
It is once again being sponsored by Kettle Chips, distributed in Malta by Red October.
Paul Micallef, VLTC president, told the press yesterday that the event will consist of Boys and Girls Singles with a main draw of 48 boys and 32 girls. Another 32 boys and 32 girls will be taking part in the qualification rounds. Apart from the Main Draw, there will also be qualification and consolation events as well as Boys and Girls doubles events.
There has been an overwhelming response from participants this year. In fact, the club received over 200 entries which is a record number. They will be hailing from all over Europe, but also include others – for the first time – from far away Asia and Australia.
Malta Tennis Federation president Dr David Farrugia Sacco said this tournament is a good opportunity for the local youngsters to gain useful experience. “I must praise the efforts of the organisers in staging such a tournament here. It is gaining momentum every year and the over 200 entries received this year show what an attraction it is for the young participants.
He added that the level was improving every year, even that of the local youngsters, who are being well prepared to take part honourably.
He said that apart from this one, there will be five other international tournaments in Malta this year.
This is a ranking tournament held under the auspices of the International Federation.
The Maltese junior top players are taking part. These are Mark Schranz, Jeremy Borg, Zack Ciappara, Alexia Cassar, Rebecca McCarthy, Katrina Sammut, Maria Giorgia Farrugia Sacco and Naomi Zammit Ciantar.
Signing in for the qualifying draw will be held on Friday 1 July between 4pm and 6pm while signing in for the Main Draws will be held on Sunday 3 July between 2pm and 4pm.
The matches in the Main Draw will commence on Monday 4 May with the finals are scheduled to be held on Saturday 9 July on the Atlas Insurance Centre Court of the VLTC.
Mr Micallef thanked Kettle Chips for their continued support without which such a tournament would not be possible. He also appealed to the Maltese sporting public to attend and give their full backing to the local boys and girls.
On his part, Carlos Cluett, on behalf of Kettle Chips, said that it was his company’s pleasure to continue sponsoring this event. “We hope that it will continue for another four years and beyond that as well. Only through participation in such tournaments can the local youngsters improve their standards,” he added.