Twelve-year-old Blaise Bicknell of Jamaica, created tennis history, when he became the first Jamaican junior tennis player to reach the semi-final of the Eddie Herr Junior Tennis Tournament, ranked as the second highest International Tennis Federation Tournament (ITF) for juniors in the world.
Twelve-year-old Blaise Bicknell of Jamaica, created tennis history, when he became the first Jamaican junior tennis player to reach the semi-final of the Eddie Herr Junior Tennis Tournament, ranked as the second highest International Tennis Federation Tournament (ITF) for juniors in the world.
In the round of 64 in the 12 and under age group, Bicknell defeated USA player Graham Hadesman 6-1, 6-0, to advance to the round of 32, where he defeated Turkish #1 player Kemal Karagovoglub 6-4,6-2. In the round of 16, Blaise fought bravely against a much stronger player, Peetu Pohjola, Finish #1 junior player, and won 7-6, 3-0, when his opponent forfeited the match. In his quarterfinal match that lasted for nearly four hours, he defeated the tournament’s #14 seed, and top Korean player Minjong Park 6-7(2), 6-4,6-4.
On Saturday, December 7, 2013, his journey in the tournament came to an end in the semifinal, where he lost to 6-1, 6-1, to a much bigger and stronger Adam Neff of the USA, who is ranked #2 in the world, and #1 in the USA.
A very elated Bicknell said, “ It was a really hard tournament, but I surprise myself by reaching the semis. These players are very good, but the tournaments I have played earlier this year has really prepared me well. I would like to thank my parents and coaches who have helped to develop my career”.
Coach Mel Spence said, “ He has improved tremendously, listens well, is very competitive, trains non-stop and is very focused. I know he will win one of these high level tournaments in the future. I expect him to compete just as well in his next tournament next week at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida”.
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