Teen joins bignames

13yo now on tennis honour roll

THE prestigious Pardey Shield — Tasmania’s school boys and girls trophy first held in 1918— has along and illustrious list of previous winners.

Now it has a new record holder for youngest girls’ champion.

The likes of five-time Grand Slam doubles champion Helen Gourlay, former Australian and Tasmanian cricket captain George Bailey, state coaching icon Simon Youl and current tour professional Harry Youl all have their names on the honour roll.

And teenager Alicia Dale has joined them following victory at the recent 2020 event in Launceston.

At 13 years and six months, Dale has taken the mantle as youngest champion from the late Angie Cunningham, a three time junior Grand Slam winner who the Hobart International trophy is named after. Cunningham was one month older when she saluted in the 1986 edition of the tournament.

Dale defeated defending champion Charlotte Ingram in the final, continuing a blistering run of form which has included the 2020 Rosny Junior Championships and 2020 Hobart Junior Championships.

“It felt pretty good, pretty surreal I guess ,” the St Mary’ s student said.

“I felt I could play some good tennis, but I didn’ t think I could[ win ].”

Dale’s coach Mickey Conallin has been working with the budding star since she was six, and said what she lacks in power against older opponents she makes up for in court craft.

“Playing kids that are older than her, the power coming on to Alicia, she just has to try and stabilise it and go for opportunities when she can go for them,” hesaid.

There was also a breakthrough success in the boys event, with Sam Edgar, 18, triumphing over Launceston’s Sam Whitehead.