LAURIETON’S Krystal Clarke continues to prove she will be a future powerhouse on the tennis court after shining at the Junior Development Series tournament at Kendall on June 3.
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One of eight bouts held in the JDS competition throughout the year between Bulahdelah and Woolgoolga, Clarke’s talent was an inspiration for the junior ranks.
Competition coordinator Eli Baylis said the young charge at just 16, shows a huge amount of promise on the Australian circuit and has already made her mark internationally in competition in the US.
Run with the support of Tennis Australia, the series provides a competitive platform for young tennis stars to refine their skills and aim for a spot at state and national levels.
Baylis said it is the first stepping stone into tournament competition.
“It’s a good opportunity for regional players to advance through the grades and earn a spot at a higher level,” he said.
Eighty-two players participated in the Kendall round with competition set to return to Port Macquarie on July 22.
The series is open to junior players from U8s through to U16s and then opens with the top three in each division moving the a higher grade after each competition.
The next event will be held in Coffs Harbour. The top eight players in each division at the end of the circuit will advance to the Grafton Champion of Champions in August.
The winners will qualify for a spot in the state finals in Sydney at the end of the year.
“There are a lot of talented kids who come to play,” Baylis said.
“Krystal is among the top ten in her age group in Australia while Lachlan Rook of Woolgoolga is ranked in the top 20 for his age in the country at just 14 years of age.”
