Girls’ red ball champion Maisie Wood demonstrates her accomplished over-arm serve which helped her to the under-eight title. More pictures to come in HalfTIME. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0928848)

THE premier event for attracting young players into competition and a highlight on the development calendar, the Generali Mini Tennis Championships were held at the Guernsey Tennis Club attracting more than 40 entrants.

The championships showcase just how effective smaller courts and lighter balls are and how much easier it makes the game for young players, whatever their experience.

While many of the entrants are already playing regularly at the island’s clubs, there were a number of first-timers who also enjoyed the event.

Long-term development of a player begins on the mini court and the sponge ball, mini tennis red event for the under-eights was won by Alex Vye (boys) and Maisie Wood (girls).

Both played in the event for the first time a year ago and it is impressive to see what progress they have made in that time.

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