ITF CHRISTCHURCH CANTERBURY FINALS DAY

Leela Beattie was defeated in the Girls singles final today played at Wilding Park,Christchurch in hot conditions.Ninomiya from Japan won the title 6-4 6-2.Beattie looked to be getting on top in the first set leading 4-2 but a slight muscle pull in the shoulder meant Leela could only serve at 50% and in the end this was a telling factor.The Japanese player found her range with the forehand as Beattie could not maintain her depth and this allowed Nimomiya to take control.In a close first set she edged out Beattie 6-4.Leela broke early in the second to lead 2-0 but that was it as Ninomiya unleashed a series of powerful backhands and forehands taking advantage of Beattie who was not serving at full power.In all a great tournament for Leela and she goes onto Auckland full of confidence.Gabrielle Grady and Leela also received the Girls doubles runner-up trophy going down in a third set super tie break after the first two sets where split. 7-5 3-6 against top seed Carruthers and Pain.Twice in the second set Grady and Beattie had their opposition down 15-40 on their serves but ended up losing sudden death juice on both occasions.This was Grady and Beattie's first outing as a combination and should both be pleased on an outstanding tournament.In the Boys Singles Sean Berman tipped out Barret Franks 7-5 in the third set in a very even battle.Both boys failed to capitalize on chances and it was the case of Berman getting the victory as Franks could not take advantage of Bermans short second serves at crucial moments in the deciding set.