25 March 2013 | Tennis Queensland

Experience prevailed over youth on finals day of the 2013 City of Ipswich Tennis International. In hot conditions at the Ipswich Grammar Park Tennis Centre, Croatian qualifier Jelena Pandzic won the 11th Pro Tour title of her career with a 7-5 2-6 6-2 over West Australian 18 year old Storm Sanders.

Sanders raced to a 5-2 lead in the first set before Pandzic reeled off five games in a row to win the opening set 7-5. In a seesawing affair Sanders regained the momentum by winning the next 5 games before closing out the second set 6-2. However, Pandzic would not be denied winning a tough third set 6-2. She was ecstatic with her victory. “I’m so happy to win this week as a qualifier. The tournament has been really nice and I would especially like to thank the City of Ipswich and everyone who has made the tournament possible.”

South Australian Colin Ebelthite won his first Pro Tour title since 2010 with a hard fought 6-4 6-7 (7) 6-2 victory over New South Wales qualifier Jonathan Cooper.

One break of serve was enough for Ebelthite to close out the first set 6-4 against an agitated Cooper. Cooper started to stretch Ebelthite in the second set with aggressive groundstrokes and variety pushing Ebelthite around the court. Cooper looked set to take the second set after leading 5-2 before Ebelthite stormed back to force a second set tiebreak. Ebelthite saved one set point at 7-6 in the tiebreak before Cooper closed the tiebreak out 9-7. Both players required a change of attire in the oppressive conditions for the deciding third set. Ebelthite lifted his game once again with several net rushes forcing a break at 3-2 in the third set. He closed the match out with a series of unreturnable first serves.

Ebelthite was happy with the win and hopes it’s a springboard for a good 2013. “Just really happy to win the tournament here in Ipswich. I’d like to congratulate Jonathan on such a great week and I’m sure he will keep up his good form. I’d like to thank all of the sponsors and everyone that works hard behind the scenes to make these events happen. It’s great to have these types of events here in Australia.”

The event would not have been possible without the support of the Ipswich City Council, Ipswich Sports House, TFP Academy, Tennis Ipswich and the Ipswich Grammar School. All of these organisations deserve commendation for putting on a fantastic event for our Australian players and international guests.

Completed draws as well as more information about the Australian Pro Tour is available at www.tennis.com.au/protour.