Shropshire private school's tennis stars enjoy win at huge international competition
The two athletes were competing at the level for the first time
Two star athletes from a Shropshire private school have beaten world-class talent to win a high-profile doubles tennis tournament.
Ellesmere College’s Gwen Klu, from Telford, and Helena Geissler, from Germany, won the doubles event at the Lexus J60 Junior International at Loughborough on October 11.
The tournament was part of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tour.
Ms Klu and Ms Geissler had never competed at the J60 level before, but on their first attempt in the category, the girls beat prospective professional tennis players to the doubles crown, all whilst studying hard for upcoming exams.
The ITF World Tour starts with J30 events and moves up to J60 - what Ms Klu and Ms Geissler were competing in - and then J100.
Stephen Welti, director of tennis at Ellesmere College, said: “This is by far the most impressive doubles achievement the girls have experienced and it is thoroughly deserved as they have been working very hard.
“The tournament attracts players from around the world and is for juniors who are attempting to make a career out of competitive tennis, many of them already full-time competitors.”
Ms Klu and Ms Geissler were up against competitors in Loughborough who had played at Junior Wimbledon.
The girls, who are in Years 12 and 13, are continuing with their education at Ellesmere College, preparing for their BTEC, A-Level and International Baccalaureate exams.
Mr Welti continued: “Both our girls have done well in previous events, gaining a junior world ranking, but until this week they have never been able to get entry into an event at this level, let alone win a match.
“So winning the whole tournament at the first attempt is incredible and means they will earn valuable points for their world ranking.”
He went on to say: “This is an illustration to other members of the Ellesmere College Tennis Academy of the rewards hard work and positive attitude can bring.
“Not only that, but the dedication shown also comes at a pivotal moment in their education as well, with exams coming up in the courses they are taking.
“They are evidence that you can have a broad academic programme and still play at the highest level, given the format on offer at Ellesmere.”
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