Quirk Comes Through Day One of Superstars Unbeaten

For immediate release on behalf of Sovereign Superstars and Tennis NZ.

A further release and free to use images will be sent at the conclusion of day two tomorrow.

7th January 2008

Quirk Comes Through Day One of Superstars Unbeaten

Taylor Quirk of Wanganui came through day one of the Sovereign Superstars at the Heineken Open unbeaten and stands one win away from winning the exclusive competition for boys under 14.

Four boys from around the country have qualified to attend the men’s professional tournament for two days, enjoying all the trappings of professional players with accommodation, transport, and centre court tennis courtesy of sponsor Sovereign.

Sam Matheson (Auckland), Joe Bray (Christchurch), Nick Brown (Papamoa) and Quirk play a round robin tournament on centre court with line judges, ball boys, an umpire and the added pressure of live television as Sovereign provides a ‘money can’t buy’experience.

While the boys have found the nerves hard to deal with, all have enjoyed the experience so far.

“The biggest challenge is to control the nerves and play controlled tennis but I think I have managed okay,” said Quirk.

“It was so much easier for me on the second match knowing what I was in for, I certainly had an advantage over Joe (Bray) in that match as he hadn’t been on centre court before then.”

The boys have also enjoyed the trimmings associated with professional tennis. Sam Matheson said the whole experience had been unreal:

“The experience so far has been amazing with the dinner last night, flash hotel rooms and transport to the stadium. Today has in some ways gone too quickly but tomorrow will be even better now that I can relax a little more.”

Highlight of the day was undoubtedly meeting a number of the top professionals, including top seed David Ferrer (Spain) and hitting with number 101 ranked American Michael Russell.

Joe Bray was still buzzing some time afterwards.

“Normally we can only watch these guys on TV but to meet David in persona and get photos and an autograph was great. It was also great to spend time with Michael Russell and to hit some balls with him. It was amazing that a player would take time to do that for us.”

Nick Brown played just the one match today for a close win over Matheson and knows that a couple of wins tomorrow could see him crowned the Sovereign Superstar.

“I have enjoyed today so much and think I was more nervous doing the radio interview than I was playing the matches. I’m looking forward to tomorrow and the chance to play two matches and who knows, maybe win the tournament.”

Sovereign Superstars, Day One

Taylor Quirk 11 Sam Matheson 9
Sam Matheson 7 Nick Brown 10
Joe Bray 7 Taylor Quirk 10

Bios
Joseph Bray –Christchurch
Joseph is 13 years old and a member of the Canterbury team for the 2008 14’s Nationals Tournament. He has represented New Zealand at the Optus 12’s Claycourt Tournament in Australia. Joe already spends 8 hours a week practicing and would one day like to meet Roger Federer.

Taylor Quirk – Wanganui
13 year old Taylor is a member of the Central team for the 2008 14’s Nationals Teams Event. Taylor is a former North Island Primary School champion and is captain of his school tennis team. He would most like to meet or play against Roger Federer.

Nick Brown - Papamoa
14 year old Nick was a member of the Eastern team for the 2007 13’s Nationals Teams Event. Nick would one day love to meet and have a hit with Rafael Nadal as he like Brown is a left hander. Nick is coached by Marcel Vos and plays at the Papamoa Tennis Club.

Sam Matheson, North Shore
13 year old Sam was a member of the 2007 and again the 2008 Northern team for the National 14’s Teams Event. Sam was the North Harbour 14 and under singles champion and also won the Whangarei 14 and under open. Sam would most like to meet David Ferrer (he is top seed in Auckland) and his favourite player is Novak Djokovic. His coach is Justin Megraw and he trains as a member of the JTM elite training squad who train at Mairangi Bay Tennis Club.

ENDS

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