ARCHIVED NEWS

 

 

 

SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLINIC- 12 -14 DECEMBER

Do the kids want to play some tennis during the school holidays? The Junior Clinic and Match Play is a great way to fill in the holidays with fun and exercise. The program is suitable to ALL ages (4-17 years) and ALL abilities. The program will be held from Monday 12 Dec to Wednesday 14 December, from 4.00pm to 6.00pm each day. Register today!

 

 

ERGON ENERGY NQ AGE CHAMPIONSHIPS 

The 2011 Ergon Energy NQ Junior ge Championships were played at Tennis Townsville, North Ward from Sunday 25 - Tuesday 27 September, 2011. The junior talent was outstanding with many thrilling and exciting matches taking place at Tennis Townsville. The tournament is ranked by Tennis Australia under the Silver Series and offers points across the 12s, 14s and 16s age groups. The results were:

• 10U Girls Singles, 8 year old Mikayla Zahirovic (Tennis Townsville) won the finals match against Helena Fricke (Mount Isa)
• 12U Boys Singles Finals, number 1 seed Adam Walton (Home Hill) defeated number 2 seed, Thomas Braithwaite (Mount Isa) in the Finals. 
• 12U Girls Singles, the top 2 seeds played each other in the Finals with the number 2 seed Lily Clements-Markham (Cairns) defeating the number 1 seed, Alix Leckenby (Brandon). 
• 14U Boys Singles, Ryan Schwab (Townsville) defeated number 2 seed, Brendan Goldsmith (Cairns) in the Finals. 
• Brittany Zipf (Rockhampton), the number 1 seed in the 14U Girls Singles defeated Samantha Nyika (Mackay), the number 2 seed in the Finals. 
• 14U Girls Doubles Majella Nobile (Tennis Townsville) and Lisa Payne (Townsville) played an exciting match against Tenika McGiffin (Mackay) and Samantha Nyika (Mackay) to win the final. 
• 16U Girls Singles, local Tennis Townsville girl, Majella Nobile defeated Ashlee Priddey (Cairns) in the Finals. Majella also won the 14U Mixed Doubles Finals with her partner, Lachlan O’Reilly (Cairns). 
• In the 16U Boys Singles Finals. 15 year old Mitchell Robins (Brisbane) defeated Seth Siriya 6-3, 5-1. Seth Siriya and Mitchell Robins won the 16U Boys Doubles Final, defeating Tim Braithwaite (Mount Isa) and Norbert Kaess (Tennis Townsville). 
• Mitchell Robins also took out the title in the 18U Boys Singles by defeeating Rhan Burton from Cairns, the number 1 seed in the 18U Boys Singles

The Ergon Energy NQ Junior Age Championships saw 3 big days of tennis showcasing junior talent. It gave juniors a chance to earn more points to their Australian Ranking. President Peter Duncan said “It was a great few days during the school holidays and we watched some of the best juniors play tennis. There are definitely a lot of young future stars that participated in the tournament and we look forward to another successful tournament next year.” Mr. Duncan would like to thank Ergon Energy for their continued support of this event for the last 7 years.

 

MIKAYLA ZAHIROVIC- STATE AGE CHAMPION

Mikayla won the 10U Girls Singles, beating Roopa Bains (Brisbane) 6-3, 6-2. Mikayla also came runner up in the 10U Mixed Doubles with partner, Lachlan Vickery. The Championships were held September 17-20 at Rockhampton Regional Tennis Centre.. This event attracts Gold Australian Ranking Points for 12U, 14U and 16U.
This is a great achievement for Mikayla and her support team is extremely proud of her. 2011 has been a great year of tennis for the young star. One of Tennis Townsville’s regulars, 8 year old Mikayla Zahirovic is proving to be a very talented tennis player. Over the last couple of months Mikalyla has been producing great results in the Junior Development Series Circuit. Media Release..

 

OFFICEWORKS SCHOOL HOLIDAY TENNIS CLINIC

The Junior Clinic and Match Play is a great way to fill in the holidays with fun and exercise! The program is suitable for children of ALL ages (4-17 years) and abilities. When: Wednesday - Friday, 28-30 September. Please return the the brochure to regsiter.

 

TENNIS TOWNSVILLE ENTRANCE FACE LIFT

Tennis Townsville is spending $50,000 in improving the conditions around the entry to the complex. A wall with a sign has been erected with a thriving garden to beautify the area, a water bubbler has been installed and there will be other improvements inclduing a shelter for te entry, painting of the pathway and shading of the area between the clubhouse and the entrance.

 

100 YEARS OF TENNIS TOWNSVILLE CELEBRATION A HUGE SUCCESS!!!

The celebrations started Friday afternoon at Tennis Townsville; a free junior tennis clinic was organized to get kids into tennis. 40 kids participated in the 2 hour clinic learning ball skills, forehand, backhand and serving techniques. Afterwards everyone was rewarded with a drink bottle from MacDonnells Law and a Dunlop Cap.

The formal event of the weekend, the Gala Evening and Reunion was held at the tennis courts on Saturday night, 6th of August. This night was a great opportunity for members, past members and people of the community to reflect on the changes in the game and learn some of the history of the club. 160 people attended the event, with some of the special guests including Tennis Legends John Fitzgerald and Ashley Cooper who both spoke about their careers in tennis.
Tennis Townsville displayed some of the trophies and shields that have been collected over the past 100 years and a photographic exhibiting was displayed which had photos from as far back as 1920 through to 2011. A publication was put together to mark this special event, which was launched at the Gala Evening. “The title of the book “Play On” was about celebrating the history of 100 years of Tennis, but indicating that the club is ready for another 100 years of Tennis and will continue to play on” said author Barbara Horsley.
Two Life Memberships were awarded and they were to John King and Pauline Shield for their significant contribution to tennis and Tennis Townsville. A very popular award was for the ‘Player of the Century’ Award. This award went to Angus Smith; the former Mayor of Townsville was an avid tennis player at the club. He won the NQ Tennis Championships each year from 1931 to 1935 and again in 1940. Angus’ son, Neville Smith accepted the award in his behalf. The Smith family is still very much involved with the club, their store- Angus Smith Sportspower is a sponsor of the club
We were touched that people came from all over the world including the UK to share this special anniversary with the club” said Club President, Peter Duncan. Sunday was a fun day with a vets tournament, a celebrity match, face painting for children, jumping castle and fast serve machine.

 

YOU HAVE TO BE THERE TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF TENNIS

Tennis players only have a few days left to book in for the gala evening on Saturday 6 August. It promises to be an unforgettable night of tennis remembrance a night of nostalgia!. It is a fantastic achievement for a sporting body to achieve 100 years of existence. A book has been printed that outlines some highlights over the 100 years. The President and CEO of Tennis Queensland will be attending, the Mayor of Townsville, Les Tyrell will be there, John Fitzgerald, former captain of Australian Davis Cup Team will be there and you should also be there. Book your tickets now by ringing 4721 5129 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. but you need to do it now.

 

FREE BROADBAND FOR SENIORS KIOSK CONTINUES AT TENNIS TOWNSVILLE 

Great News! The Australian Government has recently announced continued funding of the Broadband for Seniors Initiative. In December 2010, Tennis Townsville was selected as host venue for a FREE Broadband for Seniors Kiosks to service the local seniors’ community and is now very pleased to announce that the program will continue at Tennis Townsville. The aim of the initiative is to get seniors in our community better connected, enabling them to discover a whole new social experience on the web and to help stay in touch online with friends and family, along with offering access to the wealth of information available online. The FREE Broadband for Seniors Kiosk at Tennis Townsville comprises of two computers with broadband access for use by older members of our local community and offers training and support to those who are new to computers and the internet. Tennis Townsville’s Marketing Manager, Karolien Selen has been undertaking the training sessions, she says “We’ve had people come to us that had never used a computer before, now they’re set up with an email address and regularly in contact with their family in other States. We’re happy to be able to give something back to the community and the kiosks have been very beneficial to the older community.” The Kiosk is FREE for seniors (50+ years of age) is located at Tennis Townsville, 32 Burke Street, North Ward. Information on kiosk hours, training and session bookings can be obtained from either Robyn or Karolien from Tennis Townsville on 4721 5129

 

MIKAYLA AND SETH STAR AT ROD LAVER CHAMPIONSHIPS 

Two of Tennis Townsville’s juniors recently returned from Brisbane with some favourable results. Seth Siriya and Mikayla Zahirovic both participated in the Rod Laver QLD Junior Championships where they played some great tennis. The Championships were held in Brisbane from 5-9 July.8 year old Mikayla Zahirovic competed in the 10U Girls Singles and Doubles where she came in 3rd for both events. Mikayla’s doubles partner was Tara Cumner (Pelican Waters, QLD) Mikayla is a junior player to watch. She’s been competing in the Junior Development Series which are currently being held around the region and is producing some great results, winning matches against girls who are 14 years old.
Seth Siriya was the number 1 seed in the U14 Boys Singles, where he made it to the Finals. The number 5 seed, Cole Ingram (Runaway Bay, QLD) took out the U14 Boys Singles Championships title winning 6-0,6-3. To make the Finals is a big achievement and Seth played some great tennis on his way to the finals.Seth recently competed in the Mareeba Open Championships from 11-13 June, where he came in 3rd in the AMT Mens Singles, Seth was defeated by the number 1 seed, 19 year old Travis Dragojlo (Toowoomba). Siriya has an Australian ranking of 341 and is ranked number 1 in QLD for the U14 Boys. Both Seth and Mikayla are part of Tennis Townsville’s Pickerings DMG Squad coached by Tennis Townsville Head Coach, Wayne Hannah.

 

JOHN FITZGERALD COMING TO CELEBRATE TO 100 YEARS OF TENNIS

John Fitzgerald will be the guest speaker at the Gala night on August 6. Fitzgerald, who grew up on a farm in South Australia, began hitting against a brick wall as a four year old. Although he won six singles titles, “Fitzy” was best known for his doubles prowess, being ranked No.1 in the world in July 1991. He played most of his doubles with Swede Anders Jarryd. He won 30 doubles titles, including seven Grand Slam crowns (two French Opens, two Wimbledons, two US Opens and one Australian Open), and was a finalist at 31 other events. He represented Australia in Davis Cup for 10 years, during which he compiled a 19-14 win–loss record and was a member of two championship teams (1983 and 1986). His singles ranking peaked at No.25 in January 1989. Fitzgerald is married to Jenny, with whom he has two daughters, Elizabeth and Bridget, and a son, Patrick. He has captained the Australian Davis Cup team since 2001, leading the Aussies to the Davis Cup title in 2003 against Spain in Melbourne.

 

COME AND JOIN US IN CELEBRATING 100 YEARS 1911-2011

Tennis Townsville will celebrate 100 year of tennis on 5th, 6th and 7th of August aT Tennis Townsville Centre. This is your opportunity to learn about the history of Tennis Townsville (formerly Townsville Lawn Tennis Association). Celebration will commence on Friday 5th August and the highlight will be the Gala reunion night on Saturday 6 August and lot more activities on Sunday. 
Join us in celebrating this historic occasion; it is once in a lifetime moment. Tickets for the gala evening are $55 each and bookings can be made with either Karolien or Robyn by phoning 4721 5129. We recommend that you also order the history book at the same time.  There will be lucky door prizes (two tickets either to 2012 Australian Open or Brisbane International and other prizes). You will also receive a momentum of 100 years of tennis. Get your tickets early and bring your friends for memorable evening of the century. A comprehensive history book is being produced to mark this occasion. The book is being put together by Barbara Horsley with huge assistance by Pauline Shield. Tennis Townsville is offering members an opportunity to be part of History by being mentioned in the history book through sponsorship.  There are three levels of sponsorship available for inclusion in the history book, namely:
>Individual, family or company name mentioned  $200
>Quarter page advertisement or acknowledgement for a family or an individual $500.
>Quarter page advertisement or acknowledgement for businesses $750.
To book your history advertisement please contact Karolien phone  4721 5129 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Four new honour boards will be launched on the night to cover some of the missing NQ open champions.. Members have the opportunity to have their name inscribed into the history by sponsoring a board for $750, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO NIGHT FIXTURES WINNER- SEASON 1 2011

Ladies Monday Night fixtures winners for season 1 were:
>Division 1: Team Gold play Cracker Jacks 5 sets 35 games defeated Team Gold 1 set 16 games. Cracker Jacks team consisting of Kris Bosworth, Paula Simpson, Emily Simpson, Maureen Crimeen and Cheryl Sexton.
> Division 2: Bojangles 3 sets 30 games defeated Kiss our Aces 3 sets 26 games. Bojnagles team consisting of Kim dos Remedias, Mieke van Heusden, Gayle Zahner, Laurissa Craig, Linda Reynolds and Vanessa Shepherd. 

Mens Tuesday night fixtures winners for season 1 were:
>Division !A: Whirwind 3 sets 23 games defeated Cruisers 0 sets 16 games. Winning team: Tim Pilcher and Jacob Monaghan 
>Division 1B: Merlots 3 sets 30 games defeated Highlanders 3 sets 24 games. Winning team: Ken Anderson, Jon Parliaros, Adrian Grace and David Stefanovic.
>Division 1: Gladiators 3 sets 28 games defeated Who are we Playing 1 set 20 games. Winning team: Gary Jefferies, Damien Johnson and David Fleming. 

Mixed Thursday night fixtures winners for season 1 were: 
>Division 1A: Team Gold 3 sets 27 games drew with Alfreco Players 3sets 27 games. Team Gold was declared winner because of their highest point score in the rounds. Winning team was Geoffrey Birt, Kieran Molloy, Tom Birt, Paula Simpson, Kalli Stewart and Hayley Birt. 
>Division 1B: Electrolytes 4 sets 31 games defeated Iron Oxide 2 sets 30 games. Winning team: Tim Messer, Kerry Adams, Tony Divertie, Anji Simpson, Trish Ison and Hazel Goldsack. 
>Disivsion 2A: AIMS Leagles 4 sets 34 games defeated Highly Strung 2 sets 17 games. Winning team: Herb Kuskopf, Ian Phillips, Ian Stephens, Mary Wakeford, Ali Lyons and Jessica Webber. 
>Division 2B: Triple M's 5 sets 32 games defeated Bush Rangers 1 set 12 games. Winng team: Kaitira Baraka, Stephen Boon, Mike evans, Mary Anne Chappel, Diane Coker, Lyndell White and Kerry Gillespie. 
>Division 2C: Shabanabangs 4 sets 25 games defeated Set on Fire 2 sets 23 games. Winng team: Rachelle Folley, Tracy Williams, Tarja Sim and Mark Penrose.

 

JUNIOR SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLINIC

The Junior Clinic and Match Play is a great way to fill in the holidays with fun and exercise! The program is suitable for children of ALL ages (4-17 years) and abilities.When: Monday - Wednesday, 27-29 June Time: 3.30pm-5.30pm. Each child receives a participation pack from Officeworks!!!

 

NEW TENNIS FENCE ON COURTS 2 TO 9

Tennis Townsville was successful in securing a grant of $26,700 from Communities Benefit Fund in February. The new flack vinyl fence was installed by North Qld Fencing at a cost of $41,000. Tennis Townsville wishes to acknowledge the financial support provided by the Queensland Government Communities Benefit Fund.

 

YASI ACES TENNIS TOWNSVILLE CENTRE

Cyclone Yasi caused over $71,000 damages to Tennis Townsville Centre. Damages were sustained in sound system and club tables were damaged by the rain. Outdoors 5 tennis lights were blown, all shadecloth was torn off including the shade cloth over the grandstand. Fences on Queens Park courts were affected so badly that many fence post have snapped at the base. Vic Bayer said it has been difficult to get various items fixed as all trades people have been busy in Townsville. The sound system, tables and lights have been repaired. Nes shade cloth and repairs to fences are expected to be carried out in July.

 

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL TARGETS THE TOP WOMEN'S TENNIS

The Brisbane International has been upgraded by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) to a Premier event, which allows unlimited participation by the world's top 10 tennis players and boosts prize money significantly to $655,000 in 2012, and then $1,000,000 from 2013. This ranks the Brisbane International in the top 10 WTA events in the world according to prizemoney. The upgrade is the result of terrific support from the Queensland public over the past three years, Queensland Tennis Centre's outstanding facilities and, most importantly, positive feedback about Brisbane International from the players.This is fantastic news for the tournament, because together we can look forward to watching even more of the world's top women players compete alongside the best men in Brisbane, and also see the event establish itself as one of the leading tournaments in the world.

 

MIKAYLA ZAHIROVIC- A RISING TENNIS STAR 

The Junior Development Series are held from March to October in 2011. The series consists of 13 tournaments which are conducted in Northern Queensland. The Junior Development Series was established to provide the opportunity for players to begin their introduction into sanctioned events and caters to the 11U, 13U, 15U and 17U divisions. One of Tennis Townsville’s youngest players produced a great result when she competed in the Junior Development Series over the weekend in Home Hill (A Division). Mikayla Zahirovic, who is just 8 years of age, came 1st in Division 5. She played against girls who are up to 15 years of age. Mikayla is part of Tennis Townsville’s Pickerings DMG Touring Squad which is coached by Tennis Townsville Head Coach, Wayne Hannah. Mikayla’s tennis keeps improving and there’s hardly an afternoon when she’s not at Tennis Townsville training with her grandfather. 

 

JP SMITH- A COLLEGE SUPERSTAR IN USA

Townsville's own John-Patrick Smith (affectionately known as JP) has taken the top US college honours of being named four-time All-American in singles and doubles. This is only the second time in United States college history that the same player has taken both the singles and doubles title. JP is widely considered one of the most successful players in US college history. He has been a consistent champion for the University of Tennessee having been ranked no.1 in both singles and doubles throughout his four year college career. He also holds another rare claim to US college history. JP was twice named player of the year in the most competitive university draw in the United States. He shares this honour with only one other player; John Isner.Before taking the US college circuit by storm, the Queenslander reached a world junior ranking of 5; a position which enabled him to gain a tennis scholarship to the University of Tennessee.
JP completes his economics degree this year and – while he has enjoyed his time at college – is looking forward to kick-starting his professional tennis career at the ATP Malaysian Open which begins 26 September 2011.

 

LIZETTE CABRERA TO COMPETE IN JUNIOR WORLD CUP 

Only days after coming Runner Up in the Ladies Singles Open event at the NQ Open Tennis Championships held 30 April-2 May, Lizette flew out to Kuching, Malaysia to compete in the ITF Asia/Oceania Final qualifying girls’ event which was held from 9th-14th of May. Tennis Townsville is very happy and proud to announce that the Australian Girls Team won the finals of the Qualifying and a spot in the Junior World Cup which will take place in Prostejov, Czech from 1‐6 August, 2011. Lizette Cabrera had to fight back from a set down to beat Do Hee Bae (Korea) in three sets and then Naiktha Bains closed the tie for Australia beating Da Bin Kim(Korea) in a very tight two sets. Third seeds China, beaten by Australia in the semi-finals, won both singles matches against New Zealand to claim third place.

 

MARK DRAPER WINS 5TH NQ OPEN TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Number 1 seed, Mark Draper (Gold Coast) took out the Open Mens Singles Championship title cruising through the Final match; he has previously won the title 4 times and is thrilled about winning his 5th NQ Open Tennis Championships. Draper defeated number 2 seed, Travis Dragojlo (Toowoomba) 6-0, 6-1. Number 1 seed, Harriet Sheahan (Brisbane) took out the Open Ladies Singles Championship title defeating Lizette Cabrera (Townsville) 6-4, 6-2. This was Sheahan’s first tournament of the year for Harriet, as she tore her carve muscle in January and was off the court for 3 months, making this a wonderful comeback! Cabrera put in a great effort, receiving much praise from the number 1 seed. Sheahansaid “This was my first time playing Lizette- I’ve heard so much about her and she is a great competitor. She’s only 13 years old, so you can only imagine the kind of future that lies ahead of her.” Mark Draper (Gold Coast) teamed up with Ian Mallpass (Brisbane) to defeat Travis Dragojlo (Toowoomba) & Gavin Van Peperzeel (Brisbane) 6-7, 6-3, 10-6 in the Mens Open Doubles. In the 18U Boys Single final, Mitchell Robins (Brisbane) defeated Lachlan Kern (Townsville) 6-4, 6-1. The 18 U Girls Singles went to Pia Eustace (Mackay) defeating Majella Nobile (Townsville) 6-3, 6-2 in the final.