Strong Scottish Showing At Bolton Grand Prix

Some of Scotland's brightest up-and-coming young tennis stars gained valuable competitive experience at the Bolton Grand Prix held this week at the Bolton Arena.

Scotland brought home the boys 9 and under title when Edinburgh's Robbie Croll triumped in 7 matches without dropping a set, continuing his good form from the 10 and under event where he reached the semi-final.

Robbie showed great maturity and tactical awareness throughout the event and was particularly impressive in his dismantling of local boy Tom Dillon 7-5, 7-2 in the final.

There was an all-Scottish semi in the 10 and under girls singles where AEGON FutureStar Alexandra Hunter (Edinburgh) ousted fellow Scot Courtney McCorkell in a closely fought battle 5-3, 5-4.

Welsh girl Elin Anderson, fresh from her success at Solihull, proved too powerful for Alexandra with a barrage of heavy groundstrokes proving decisive in a 4-1, 4-1 win for Elin in the final.

The West of Scotland's Lachie Macintosh succumbed to Alfie Clarke in the boys 8 and under final 10-5. Lachie showed excellent court craft and fighting spirit throughout the event.

Ciara Torrance justified her 4th seeding and was edged out in a very competitive girls under-12 semi final by number 2 seed from Lancashire, Lauren Banks 7-6, 6-3.

Also competing at Bolton was Edinburgh's Sophie Dodds, who fresh from her 12 and under success at Solihull, kept her run of good form going only being edged out by second seed Laurie Clark (Lancashire) in the 14 and under final, 7-6, 6-1.

The Scottish trio of under 9 girls, Catriona Macintosh, Ellie Crosbie and Alexa Manganiello all gained valuable matchplay experience which will stand them in good stead for the future.

The Bolton Junior Grand Prix proved a valuable and worthwhile exercise in the continuing development of all the players, particularly the minis.