Day One Of 2008 Sovereign Superstars Completed

Day One Of Superstars Completed

Day one of the 2008 Sovereign Superstars was completed under overcast skies at Auckland's ASB Tennis Centre today as the best young 12 and 13 year old girls battled it out on centre court at the ASB Classic.

With three of the six round robin matches played amongst the four Sovereign Superstars it was Leah Woods (Christchurch) and Monica Chen (Auckland) who emerged unbeaten. Woods played two matches while Chen played just the one match with two to play tomorrow (Tuesday). Katie Farrell pushed both Woods and Chen close while Zoe Cronin (Hamilton) lost her only match against Woods.

Other highlights for the girls was the securing of the much sought after autograph of tournament favourite and former world number one Lindsay Davenport with Woods and Cronin eagle eyed outside the players room following Davenport's first round win today.

All players spoke of nerves at playing on centre court and live on television as they experienced life as a professional player to the full.

"Wow, I was so nervous, my hand is still shaking," said Cronin. "I have to block the crowd out tomorrow but it was kind of cool to hear them shouting 'go Zoe' during the match."

13 year old Woods said the experience improved with her second outing.

"The second game was much better, the nerves had gone a little and I was hitting the ball more consistently."

Auckland local Monica Chen echoed the others sentiments about the centre court experience.

"I was nervous at the start but once we got underway and hit a few good rallies I was fine. Tomorrow will be great with two matches to play knowing what it feels like to play in front of the crowd."

Lower Hutt's Farrell said the day was great but can't wait for tomorrow when she will meet one of her tennis idols in Lindsay Davenport.

"The whole experience is great but tomorrow we get the chance to meet Lindsay and that will be like a dream come true."

The former world number one will spend five minutes with the girls answering their questions and signing autographs before her second round match.

The round robin will be completed tomorrow before presentations are made on centre court.

Sovereign Superstars Day One

Katie Farrell 8 / Leah Woods 10
Leah Woods 10 / Zoe Cronin 1
Monica Chen 10 / Katie Farrell 7

Sovereign Superstars short bios

GIRLS

Leah Woods - Christchurch
13 year old Leah has represented New Zealand at the Optus Australian 12's Claycourts and represented Canterbury at the 2007 and again at the 2008 National 14's Teams Event. Leah includes the 2007 National 14's Indoors Doubles Title on her CV and would most like to meet world number one Justine Henin. She plays out of Burwood Park Tennis Club and is coached by Glen Wilson.

Katie Farrell - Wellington
12 year old Katie represented Wellington at the 2007 National 12's Teams Event and will be a member of the 2008 14's Teams Event. Katie is a past winner of the Lower North Island Primary Schools Tournament and would most like to meet Roger Federer or Lindsay Davenport (Davenport will be at the ASB Classic).

Zoe Cronin - Hamilton
12 year old Zoe is the youngest of the Superstars and has represented Waikato at the 2007 National 12's Teams Event and will return in 2008 for the 14's Teams Event. Playing out of Lugton Park and coached by Gerrit Steenkamp, Cronin also enjoys soccer, music and singing.

Monica Chen - Auckland
13 year old Monica represented New Zealand at the Optus Australian 14's Claycourts and was a quarter finalist at the 2007 National 14's championship. Monica will represent Auckland at the 2008 National 14's Teams Event. Monica was third in the Nationals 12's in 2006 and 6th in the 14's Nationals this year. Coached by David Lewis, Monica would most like to meet Serena Williams.

ENDS

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