17 December 2019 | Tennis West

WA’s powerhouse junior squad have returned home victorious laying claim to eight of the sixteen Australian Championship titles at the 2019 December Showdown. Furthering the team’s dominance at the prestigious junior tournament, four WA players placed as runners-up.

Tristan Schoolkate made the most of his final junior tournament, claiming both the 18/u Boys Singles and Doubles titles. Winning 6-2, 7-5 to claim the 18/u Boys Singles title over long-time doubles partner Dane Sweeny (QLD), the pair went on to unite for a commanding 6-1, 6-2 win in the doubles event.

Female Junior Athlete of the Year Talia Gibson continued her break out year, partnering with Annerly Poulos (ACT) to claim the 18/u Doubles title 6-3, 6-4. Fifteen year old Gibson then powered through the 16/u competition to eventually win the 16/u Girls Singles title over fellow West Australian Lauren Nikoloski 6-3, 7-5.

The 14/u age group was heavily weighted with WA talent. Taylah Preston and Jessie Culley went head to head in a tough three set match before Preston finished on top to claim the 14/u Girls Singles title 7-6 [3], 4-6, 6-3. The duo then paired to claim the hotly contested 14/u Girls Doubles title 5-7, 7-5 [10-8] over WA compatriot Lily Fairclogh and Sydney Stone (QLD).

Runner up in the 14/u Boys Singles Final (6-3, 7-6 [6]), Zachary Viiala (Claremont) parented with Alexander Despoja (SA) to claim the 14/u Boys Doubles Final 7-6 [2], 6-4.

In the 12/u age group Jake Dembo was victorious alongside doubles partner Jamie Mackenzie (NZ) in claiming the 12/u Boys Doubles title 7-5, 6-3 over Ashton Mcleod (NSW) and Hugh Taylor (ACT).

Australian Championships aside, the 2020 AO Play-off event sits as the centrepiece of the December Showdown with WA’s comeback Queen Storm Sanders finishing as runner-up to Arina Rodionova 6-4, 7-5. In just her fourth tournament back after a two year Singles hiatus, Sanders has proven herself as one to watch on the professional women’s circuit.

Tennis West National Academy Manager Tom George says this year’s results stand out as one of the Academy’s most fruitful December Showdowns on record.

“The results from this year’s event are incredible. The best I’ve ever seen. To say we are proud of our players performance is nothing short of an understatement,”

“To bring home half of the Australian Championships titles is truly remarkable, it’s something really special,”

“Our players, their parents and the private coaches that work with the players outside of the Academy should all be very proud of the part they’ve played in this significant achievement,” George said.

Tennis West CEO Michael Roberts agrees, stating that the position of the sport in WA is the healthiest it’s been in a long time.

“Bringing home eight Australian Championships titles says a lot about the quality of our programs from a grassroots level right through to the National Academy,”

“It’s clear to see that the position of tennis in WA is in a very healthy place right now,”

“To everyone involved in this incredible achievement, well done and thank you – you’ve all played your part,” Roberts said.

Summary of results

To view all results of the 2019 December Showdown please click on the links 12/U   14/U   16/U   18/U