Double success for Cassar at TCK

Kimberly Cassar left an indelible mark on this year's Tennis Europe Junior Ranking Tournament at Tennis Club Kordin (TCK) yesterday after capturing the singles and doubles titles.

A sizeable crowd gathered at TCK to watch the girls singles final between local favourite Cassar and Italian Stefania Gattuso.

The much-improved Cassar controlled the match from the start, never allowing her opponent to gain the upperhand.

Despite a gallant effort from Gattuso, Cassar stamped her superiority on the final, winning in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3. With this first international junior title, Cassar has fulfilled a childhood dream which should augur well for her future. It was also a timely boost ahead of her participation in the European Championships, being held in Moscow next week.

Earlier yesterday, the girls doubles final was contested by Italian favourites Francesca Franco and Vincenza Ciraolo and Cassar and Swiss player Janine Ruhstaller.

Following a shaky first set which went the Italians' way 6-2, Cassar and Ruhstaller improved their performance significantly to take the next two sets, 6-2 6-0, and the title.

The tournament, organised by TCK in conjunction with the Malta Tennis Federation, and sponsored by San Michel, attracted a good number of players from 16 countries.

The presentation of trophies was made by David Farrugia Sacco, president of the Malta Tennis Federation.