The Hunter Valley’s own Rene Boyton drew first blood in the inaugural Newcastle Hardcourt Summer Series at the Hamilton Park Tennis Club this week.
Six of the best ranked youngsters took to the Gregson Park courts on Thursday 10 February for a shot at prizemoney and important Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) points.
And, it was the ex-Muswellbrook/Singleton tyro who claimed the honours.
Boyton’s big serve proved the difference between himself and fellow finalist Lucas Fox, prevailing 6-1 6-2 in straight sets.
Earlier in proceedings, Sydney-based players Metej Zich (Czech Republic) and Christian Pividori (Argentina) were too strong for their Hunter opponents, making it to the semi-finals of the singles event.
The former upstaged Maitland 19-year-old Joshua Marsh 6-2 6-3 while the latter clenched the victory from Anna Bay’s Lachlan Stubbs 6-3 6-2.
However, it was a different story for the pair next up.
Central Coast’s Fox handed out a tennis lesson to Pividori, winning 6-0 6-0.
In the next semi, number one seed Boyton overpowered Zich 6-3 6-0 after an entertaining opening set.
He then went on to take home the prize purse in the decider.
Tennis NSW Central Region – Newcastle TDO Kathy Barber praised Hamilton Park Tennis Club, and its coach Stephen O’Malley, for staging the Hardcourt Summer Series in the region.
“He was the brains behind the concept,” she said.
“Stephen registered the event with the UTR system and put together a few local sponsors – including the Newcastle Autism Treatment Service at Broadmeadow – to conduct it.
“It’s all about contesting games of equal standing.
“So, it is terrific to see a coach show initiative to give players an opportunity.
“Well done and thanks Stephen for hosting the Summer Series.
“Good luck with the other monthly events that you have planned, the next being for girls.”
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