One of our top tennis players has won an important tournament in Beckenham, securing her place at the National Championships in August.  Daphne Pratt won the Under 12 Girls Singles at the Parklandley Spring Tournament, taking the final 6-3, 6-4 in a high quality match with very few breaks of serve.  The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Regional Tournament, which attracts entries from throughout South East England, was Daphne’s first win at this level, having just been edged out in two previous finals. 

The result means she now has sufficient ranking points to play in the National Championships, and the 12 year old is delighted at the result “I’m really pleased.  I’ve been training really hard and I’m thrilled it has paid off at last.  It’s especially pleasing to win at my home club, Beckenham.”

Daphne has already qualified to represent Kent, as one of a five strong team, to compete in a County Cup event at the end of June, and is due to play in the Scottish Open, a national event, at the beginning of July. This success hasn’t come easily.  Daphne’s intensive six days a week training at Bromley Tennis Academy includes four group lessons, two individual lessons and three strength and conditioning sessions, on top of playing matches most weekends and in the holidays.

She said “It is a great honour to be picked to play for my county in June.  It is really hard work but I love playing sport and all of this is a wonderful experience”

Director of Sport at Colfe’s, Mrs Rayes said “Daphne has done extremely well to win hard fought tournaments. Tennis is a sport that has quite a bit of depth at junior performance level and Daphne has worked very hard to get this far.  We’re very proud of her and we wish her the best of luck in all her events over the summer.”