Rego, Smith set courts alight
Bermuda’s top youngsters Chris Rego and Tyler Smith both had days to remember at yesterday’s ITF Junior Tournament at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium.Rego claimed victory in the Boys’ Under-14 singles final by defeating Bermuda resident James Finnigan, while Smith marched into the Open girls singles semi-finals after beating Peeraya Charoensirisutthikul of Thailand.Smith, 14, will now face either Charlotte Patrick, of Canada, or USA’s Rianna Valdes today.For Rego, his 6-0, 6-0 triumph over England’s Finnigan landed him his first tournament title.“I played two years ago but I didn’t do so well,” said the 13-year-old, who attends the acclaimed Evert Tennis Academy in Florida. “I’m happy with my performance. It was well-fought game, I thought,” he said. “Conditions were pretty good; it wasn’t too hot and it wasn’t windy.”Rego, who experienced a whirlwind ITF tour of Central America earlier this year, heads to the Bahamas tomorrow for another ITF tournament.“I play quite a little bit on the ITF circuit. It can get a little crazy, but it’s fun. I’ve got two more tournaments in the Dominican Republic in August.”It was a comfortable 6-3, 6-3, win for Smith over her number eight seed opponent.Smith had been due to leave for the Isle of Wight today with Bermuda’s Island Games squad, but has had to delay her flight following yesterday’s win.“Things are pretty good, I’m playing well and as long as I play my best I’ll be okay, said Smith, a two-time Under-14 champion.“I’ve got a quite a busy summer planned, playing in tournaments in Santo Domingo, St. Vincent and St. Lucia.”Smith became the youngest female to win a domestic title in last month’s WER Joell Memorial Tournament after beating Tara Lambert.This year’s ITF Junior Tennis Tournament has attracted nearly 100 players from 15 nations.Sponsored by The Bank of Bermuda Foundation, the event was cancelled last summer due to difficulties finding accommodation for visiting players.