TENNIS IRELAND has succeeded in having the Irish Women's Open Championship upgraded to the status of a $25,000 WITA points event. The move is but one aspect of an ambitious start to the new year under the association's new chief executive officer Des Allen.
A special convention with a specific theme "Towards renewal in Irish tennis" and a major series of junior tournaments are also arranged for the coming year.
The new look women's championship, arranged for Riverview, Dublin, starting on July 19th, is poised to attract a far higher standard of player world wide, than the previous $10,000 ITF event.
Dave Miley, the Dublin born ITF development administrator, will be the main speaker at the inaugural special convention to take place in Malahide on February 8th and 9th. One hundred delegates representing all interested groups in Irish tennis will be attending.
A perceived bugbear of the game here has been an introverted attitude at some levels in the association's structures down the years. A more outward looking approach is being called for and next month's gathering is to address this particular area.
Adidas has been behind a massive drive in the promotion of junior tennis in Britain where up to 185 annual tournaments have been given their full backing in recent years. Tennis Ireland has negotiated successfully for some of this action and hope to stage at least 20 such tournaments this year. One round has already been completed at under 12, under 14 and under 16 levels.
