Everything went according to plan on day one of the Curro Junior ITF 1 international tennis tournament in Stellenbosch on Monday.

Unseeded South African, Rossouw Norval beat compatriot Benjamin Peterson, a qualifier, 6-3,6-0 in round one of the Curro Junior ITF 1 played at the University of Stellenboch on Monday. Norval will now play South African Taine Bernhird in round two.
Unseeded South African, Rossouw Norval beat compatriot Benjamin Peterson, a qualifier, 6-3,6-0 in round one of the Curro Junior ITF 1 played at the University of Stellenboch on Monday.

With the sun out and no wind to bother the players it was perfect playing conditions at the Coetzenburg courts on the University of Stellenbosch sports grounds. It is the fourth year that these internationally sanctioned junior tournaments are taking place in Stellenbosch.

It was a good day for the locals as well. Number one girl seed Minette van Vreden – Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof learner – had no troubles advancing to the second round. She easily beat fellow South African Tali Sulcas 6-1, 6-0. Another local schoolgirl Megan Lombardi from Rhenish Girls’ High also won through to the second round without too much of a sweat by beating compatriot Danica Malan 6-2, 6-0. Paul Roos Gymnasium’s Rossouw Norval – unseeded in the boys’ draw – made easy work of his match against local qualifier Benjamin Peterson winning the match 6-3, 6-0.

Top seeded  South African, Minette van Vreden dominated Tali Sulcas also of South Africa  6-1, 6-0 in round one of the Curro Junior ITF 1 played at the University of Stellenboch on Monday.
Top seeded South African, Minette van Vreden dominated Tali Sulcas also of South Africa 6-1, 6-0 in round one of the Curro Junior ITF 1 played at the University of Stellenboch on Monday.
These junior tournaments were first held in 2013 and last year Curro came on board as the title sponsor. Other sponsors involved include the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, Stellenbosch University, Chill beverages (Score Energy) and Agua e Vida Water.

“We are so proud with the growth of the Curro Junior ITF tournaments over the past years. This year we could increase the strength of the events with the first week being a grade 4-strength tournament and the second week a grade 3-strength. This will result in a stronger international attendance, providing our national players with even better exposure to international competition,” said Le Roux Conradie from Caylix Sport, the Tournament Director.

Tuesday’s action starts at 08:30 with girls’ second round and boys’ third round matches. In two all South African encounters, top seed Richard Thongoana will take on Robbie Arendse and second seed Joshua Howard-Tripp will be facing Christiaan Worst.