George takes it

Tennis protégé Fabrice George has crossed a threshold in his youthful career. The 14-year-old George last week Friday was crowned Bermuda Foundation ITF Under-14 Singles champion held in Bermuda.

George was the lone representative from the Caribbean out of a total of eleven participants that played in the championships. The others were drawn from the USA and Bermuda.{{more}}

In dominating fashion George won all his matches in straight sets. After receiving a bye in the first round, he reached the final with a 6-2, 6-1 win over American Shawn Hadavi. George completed his string of triumphs in the final beating Neal Towlson 7-5, 6-2.

However, George was at the losing end in the final of the doubles when he teamed up with Keiran Joynes. The pair went under to Towlson and Jack Keyes 6-3, 0-6, 3-6.

In celebrating his first regional title, George told SEARCHLIGHT last Tuesday afternoon following his return to the state the previous night that he was happy to achieve such a feat.

He said it was as a result of hard work and was looking forward to playing at the higher age category.

George said that he acknowledged that from here onwards it will be “even harder work”.

A buoyant Public Relations Officer of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tennis Association Kirby Jackson was elated at George’s recent accomplishment.

“We are very proud of Fabrece, we know that in the Under-14 age group he is dominant, it was good for him to have title of this prestige like the Bank of Bermuda under his belt, it augurs well for his development”, Jackson said in a voice of delight.

“Winning is winning, when you win such a big tournament it helps your psyche”, Jackson added.

Looking ahead for George and the other upcoming players, Jackson said, “The road ahead of him is tough, we are going to do every thing to help him and other potential stars, to lift their game above the local level”, Jackson proposed.

George, coached by Peter Nanton of Bonan Tennis School will next compete in a championship in St. Maarten from July 7 to 14.

George was accompanied on the Bermuda sojourn by his father Claudius. (RT)