Gold-plated tennis comp lures top field

The Margaret River Tennis Club is gearing up for an action-packed long weekend with the return of its gold-plated tennis tournament.

The Margaret River Gold AMT runs from tomorrow until Tuesday, bringing interstate competitors to the region vying for $10,000 in prize money.

Tournament director Loretta Hughes said the Margaret River Tennis Club boasted some of the best courts in the State, “which is always a major drawcard for local and interstate players”.

“Couple this with the stunning beaches, surf, wineries and restaurants in the region, and there is no wonder that this tournament is always a favourite among the playing group,” she said.

WA’s rising stars are set to make their mark at the tournament, with the top four seeds in the men’s and women’s draw all WA players.

Among the top seeds is defending champion and reigning WA junior tennis star Tristan Schoolkate, who has had an incredible year, climbing into the top 100 in the world in the ITF junior rankings.

In the women’s draw, 16-year-old Natasha Camer-Pesci and 17-year-old Luna Jokanovic are among the top seeds, and head into the tournament with impressive match-play experience. The players were a part of the WA Pizzey Cup Team that finished second at the national event in Queensland, and Jokanovic recently made the doubles semifinal at the NT Open Championships in Darwin.

No.1-ranked teenager and recent All-Australian Pizzey Cup team member Jerome Iaconi will also take part.

South West Players featuring across the men’s and women’s competitions include Margaret River’s Pablo Gomez and Brendan Clarke, as well as Summer O’Keefe, Michael Frayne, Carlton O’Keefe and Joshua Grace.

Tennis West chief executive Michael Roberts said he was pleased high-calibre events continued to benefit from Shire of Augusta-Margaret River support, allowing competitions to take place in regional centres.

“The players love playing in Margaret River, where they can also make the most of what this wonderful region has to offer,” he said.

“Events like this are also great for the local and tourist community, who can head down to the club, watch some world-class tennis, and cheer on the local talent.”

The tennis club is holding an open day for families and new members on Saturday, October 6, from 2pm.

Festivities apart from casual tennis matches include music, a sausage sizzle and a live bar at the clubrooms, with a happy hour from 4.30pm.