Local tennis ace Angus Lane recently competed in the State Junior Development Series in Sydney, finishing third in his age pool.
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Lane had to finish first in his pool to progress to the playoffs but was beaten by the eventual winner of the tournament in his final game.
The tournament hosts the best players in the state, of which Lane is graded, and the 14 year old local said he would become a better tennis player due to the experience.
“On the drive down to Sydney with Dad we talked about the expectation of a hard fought tournament because I was drawn against the number one seed in my age group,” Lane said.
“Dad and I talked tactics but we eventually decided that I would just go out and play because I find that the most enjoyable way to do it.
“The conditions were tough, the winds were high, the temperature was hot and the court was fast.”
Lane played three games over two days and was happy with his results, but is looking to improve if he qualifies next year.
“I won one of the games in straight sets and it felt good to not drop a game during the match,’ he said.
“One match was really close and I lost it in a tie-breaker, so that game could have gone either way.
“But I was a bit disappointed with my third game because I was beaten comprehensibly and the only consolation that I have is that that player went on to win the tournament and become the State champion.”
Angus’ mum Leah Lane said she was proud of her sons efforts and was pleased with his positive attitude.
“It is a lot more difficult for country kids to get seeded fairly in these big tournaments because the rankings are decided by the results in qualifying events,” she said.
“City players can get to those tournaments a lot easier than country players so given all of that I think Angus has done really well.
“I am not an advocate for taking Angus out of school too often, so we have to find a good balance between his sporting life and academic life.”
Angus said he appreciates the support of his family and the hard work and dedication of his Coach Peter Cole.
“Peter and the entire Glen Innes Tennis club are big drivers of junior tennis in town and I am very thankful for their efforts,” he said.
Dad and I talked tactics but we eventually decided that I would just go out and play
- Angus Lane