ITF SERIES 3 WHEELCHAIR TENNIS, ISRAEL OPEN
This event took place at the Israeli National Tennis Centre in Tel Aviv from the 12th to 15th of May. With players from as far afield as South Africa and Australia trying to obtain last minute qualification for the Beijing Paralympics, competition was tense.
Flying the flag for Wales was 14 year old Academy member, Philip Cochrane. This was the first overseas event for Phil at which he was contesting the Men’s division singles and doubles without an entry into a junior event.
Unfortunately for Phil, he was slotted into the late starting slots each day, resulting in his being on court into the small hours each day/night. Indeed, on semi finals day, he and doubles partner Ade Adepitan (of Wheelchair Basketball and Television presenting fame), finished the last match at 1.45 a.m!!
Overall, Phil was reasonably pleased with his performance, picking up useful ranking points in the Men’s second draw singles, progressing through the early rounds untroubled before losing in 3 sets to the eventual winner who had previously held a top 40 singles ranking worldwide. Phil and Ade performed admirably in the doubles, eventually garnering the runners up spot in thier first tournament together as a pairing.
Phil is hoping to break into the Men’s top 200 by year end and has the British National Men’s event this week at Gloucester, before flying to Italy in early June to represent G.B Juniors for players upto 18 years of age in the Wheelchair equivalent of the Davis Cup. The event also has Men’s, Womens and Quad entries
Phil will be coached by Cardiff’s Geraint Richards, who coached G.B. to the landmark first triumph at the same event last year in Sweden. With all of last years Junior team either too old or representing the Seniors this year, Italy will be a tough challenge but one to look forward to.
