Juniors advance in Portimao

The Junior players in Portugal are making multiple advances in the Tennis Europe Portimão tournament this week, and playing outstanding matches. The boys have been doing exceptionally well this week. Sean Collins defeated Edgar Goncalves of Portugal 6-1 6-0, and will play Jose Von Hafe Perez of Portugal in the second round. Vuk Budik played Martim Vilela of Portugal, and won with a scoreline of 6-2 6-4. Budik will be matched against Marcel Hornung of Germany this afternoon.  Morgan Lohan beat Portugal’s Bernando Dias 6-2 6-1, advancing him to the second round.  Here he will Alvaro Regalado Pedrol of Spain. Unfortunately, Simon Carr fell in the first round to Tiago Cacao. However, Carr and Collins are paired as doubles partners, and will take on Tiago Neves and Bernardo Roque of Portugal today. Likewise, Budik and Lohan will take on their doubles opponents today, Simao Alves of Portugal and Karl Adrian Ringdal Noerstenaes of Norway. Best of luck to the boys today!

The young female players are also having a successful week in Portimão, advancing 2 of the 3 players competing in singles to the third round. Eimear Maher beat Constanca Cruz Crespo of Portugal 7-5 6-4, advancing her to the third round after a bye in the first round. Maher’s opponent will be identified this afternoon after another match is played.  Jennifer Timotin, also with a bye in the first round, was ready to play when she beat Benedita Mendonca of Portugal on a scoreline 6-2 all. Timotin’s opponent will also be identified this afternoon after another match is played.  Anna Bowtell was matched against Mariana Oliveira of Portugal. Bowtell fought to the end, but was defeated on a 6-3 7-6 scoreline. Botwell will have another chance at a title, as she and Maher are paired together for girls’ doubles.  Their first match will take place this afternoon against Beatriz Godinho and Rita Pedroso, both of Portugal. Timotin has been paired with Raffaella Mora of Great Britain, and will take on Carlota Cristo and Ines Salvador of Portugal. Good luck and congratulations to the girls thus far!