14 February 2019 | Tennis West

Perfect weather conditions have attracted up-and-coming players from the Korean Tennis Association’s Tennis Youth Talent Development Program, who have travelled to Perth, to capitalise on the favorable tournament and training opportunities afforded by the city’s attractive summer climate.

 

Visiting Perth for three weeks, the four South Korean young guns, who arrived on January 27, took straight to the courts, enjoying back to back tournaments at the South Perth Junior Open, followed by the Dalkeith Bronze Junior Tournament.

 

The South Korean girls dominated the 14/U Girls events at both tournaments, with Onyu Choi (12) victorious over fellow South Korean compatriot, Nahyeong Cho (12) in each of the Finals. Teammate Ju-Hun Choo (12), also had an impressive run, bowing out in the Semifinals of the 14/U Boys Events, after being defeated by Sorrento Tennis Club player, Mitchell Shearwood (14), in both tournaments.

 

Maximizing training opportunities for the remainder of their stay in Perth, the Tennis Youth Talent Development Program players will train twice a day at the State Tennis Centre, in addition to training alongside the Tennis West National Academy Performance Squad, for a variety of development and fitness sessions over the next week.

 

Tennis Youth Talent Development Program Coach, Sung-Mo Yang says the Korean Tennis Association has a keen interest in the West Australian tennis scene due to the availability of different court surfaces, tournament variety and favorable weather.

 

“The weather in South Korea, at this time of year, is very cold and wet,”

 

“Coming to Perth gives our players the opportunity to continue their development year round,”

 

“Perth offers our players such great playing and training conditions,” Yang said.

 

National Academy Manager, Tom George, says the South Korean’s visit affords West Australian National Academy Performance Squad players the opportunity to train and compete with international players.

 

“It’s always great to have diversity in the players that compete in our tournaments,”

 

“It gives our players variety in competitors and the need to step up their game against players who bring a different style to the court,” George said.

 

Tennis West Chief Executive Officer, Michael Roberts says that the South Korean’s visit is a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with international tennis bodies.

 

“The benefit of having international players compete in our tournaments extends well beyond the court.”

 

“It’s a great opportunity for an exchange of learning and knowledge between the coaches and players of both countries.”

 

“We look forward to continuing this relationship and broadening the exposure of everyone involved.” Roberts said.

The Minister for Sport & Recreation, Mick Murray MLA met with the South Korean Team, and State Academy Performance Squad, on Monday, signifying the importance of future opportunities presented by the South Korean’s visit to Perth.

 

“We are pleased to welcome the Korean Tennis Youth Development Program players to Western Australia, where they have been able to compete and make use of our quality facilities and good weather.”

 

“The State Government has a strong focus on building sporting connections between WA and our northern neighbours in Asia.”

 

“WA is well-placed to become a training and event hub for the Asian region, and our Asian Sport Strategy is designed to assist local sports to capitalise on these opportunities.”  Minister Murray said.

 

The South Korean players will spend their final week in Perth, training alongside the State’s top Academy Players at the State Tennis Centre in Burswood.