Sportingwales 8

words Hamish Stuart
Murray-mania may have been to build stronger foundations for the game the International Tennis Federation (ITF)
a bit like the Welsh sunshine in this country. Futures circuit this summer.
– it lasted for a fortnight in the
middle of the summer – but still AEGON FutureStars is a new initiative with The 19-year-old from Cardiff defeated
efforts go on to find a Welsh 420 of the most promising young players, David Rice 2-6 6-2 6-4 in the ﬁ nal of the
Andy Murray. for their age group, having been highlighted grass court event at Frinton.
and offered support as they progress
The Scot may have narrowly failed to reach through the ranges. The right hander, who trains at the LTA’s
the Wimbledon ﬁ nal, but the feeling there National Tennis Centre at Roehampton,
is a genuine major-winner in the making Wales boasts 15 of those 420, including was seeded sixth.
is galvanising the efforts of British tennis James Hignett, Penarth, ranked 2nd in the
blow him. 16 and under age range in GB, Evan Hoyt, Milton's previous best result at a
Llanelli, ranked 1st in the 14 and under age tournament was a semi ﬁ nal place in
It is an historical indictment on Welsh group in GB, Matthew Kamal, Pontyclun, Sunderland and his grass court title will
tennis that JPR Williams is probably the ranked 8th in the 12 and Under age group ensure he starts climbing the ladder a bit
most famous tennis player produced here. in GB and Saﬁ yyah Azeez, Dinas Powys, quicker.
ranked 8th in the 16 and under age group
That may be unfair on various others who in GB. “This was a fantastic result for Josh,”
went on to greater success at senior level, said Tennis Wales chief executive, Peter
but more people probably know JPR won It is not the only example of the efforts Hybart. “It shows the progress he has
Junior Wimbledon before making his name going on but it is a meaningful part, while made, and this will be reﬂ ected in his new
for Wales and the British Lions as one of overall there are some successes coming ranking.”
the best full backs ever to play rugby. through for Welsh tennis.
South Wales players won both the boys
However there are serious efforts to Welsh number one Josh Milton came from and girls titles in the 16-and-under
improve that record with the backing of a set down to secure his ﬁ rst victory on competition at the Scottish Open Junior
sponsors like Aegon who are determined Tennis Championships in Edinburgh.
SEARCHING FOR
ANDY AP MURRAY
Tennis
James Hignett and Saﬁ yyah
Azeez won in Scotland,
SW
while Josh Hilton and
Evan Hoyt improved their
46
rankings
sportingwales
issue8twothousand&nine
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