By Scott Roblin

Future of Medicine Hat tennis on display at Junior Tournament

Jun 10, 2018 | 9:57 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Adult tennis players may get the lion’s share of coverage, but it was the kids’ time to shine at the Medicine Hat Tennis Club over the weekend.

On Saturday, the top pint-sized prodigies met up to battle for Junior Singles Tournament supremacy with trophies on the line in four categories.

Teen finalists Makai Howes and Spiro Douvis had to deal with sweltering conditions in their championship match.

Howes took control early with his consistent play, but Douvis was allowed to creep back into the game in the later stages of the match.

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However on match point, Howes was able to sail a forehand over the head of Douvis to claim his first junior title by a 6-2 final score.

Howes said jokingly, it was a bit of revenge after an early tournament setback against Douvis.

“Feels pretty good just trying to get the win,” said Howes. “I lost to him in the first round, now winning in the finals feels pretty good.”

The same result wasn’t meant to be for Howes’ sibling Marley, who finished as runner-up to Theron Bensler in the 12 and under division final on Saturday 6-1.

As for young Lincoln Bensler, he took home the U-8 tournament title over Thomas Fentabil in three straight games.

In the U-10 division meanwhile, Keaton Elderkin was golden with a 4-2 performance over Isaac Streifel.

Reflecting on his gold medal performance, Howes said the Junior Tournament allows players his age to get some real competition at a young age.

“It’s pretty cool because you get to play kids who are about your same skill level,” he said. “It’s just a lot of fun.”

A big week lies ahead for the Medicine Hat Tennis Club, as they return to the court on Wednesday to kick off the 20th edition of the annual Barry Shave Memorial Doubles Classic.