The traditional venue for the under 14s European Championship. Ranah Stoiber has a tough draw against a Belgian already ranked around 150 ITF (third highest 2005)
Singles involvement ended today, but there were good wins in doubles - for the boys against the top seeds, and the girls against a strong Czech pair, who had previously ousted the top seeds.
Girls R2
(7) Karolina Kozakova (SUI) d. Ranah Akua Stoiber 1-6 7-6(3) 6-2
Nikola Daubnerova (SVK) d. Eva Shaw 6-0 6-2
Its a first final in the U14 girls doubles with British interest since 1996 when Hannah Collin and Helen Reesby lost to a rather familiar Belgian duo (Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters). Indeed it was a good year for talent spotters, as Justine Henin and Tommy Robredo won the singles events.
Girls Doubles semi
(16) Shaw/Stoiber d. Aranzabal/Geerlings (ESP) 6-1 7-5
The only occasion that a British pair has won the European Championship U14 girls doubles was at the inaugural event in 1976 (Kate Brasher and ? Taylor - anyone know her Christian name out of curiosity?). That remains the case, though Eva and Ranah came closer than any pair since then
Final
(2) Gureva/Pridankina (RUS) d. (16) Shaw/Stoiber 7-5 2-6 [10-4]
