Tournament’s a big winner
TENNIS THE Far North’s top tennis event, the Cairns Tennis International, was recognised as the Most Outstanding Tournament in the state on Saturday night at the gala Tennis Queensland Awards.
Just last month, Australian Astra Sharma was crowned the female champion of the 2018 Cairns Tennis International, beating fellow Australian Destanee Aiava in three sets, while Jacob Grills took out the men’s side of the draw.
Tennis Queensland’s CEO Mark Handley congratulated all involved in the Far North for their contribution towards winning the tournament of the year honours.
“It has been a fantastic 12 months for Queensland Tennis,” he said. “Participation levels continue to grow across the state, support from all levels of government is at its strongest and our clubs are thriving under the stewardship of passionate administrators, volunteers, coaches and players.”
The governing bodies of tennis have backed the Cairns Tennis International to return for 2019 and beyond.
The Cairns Regional Council, Tennis Queensland and Tennis Australia previously had a longer-term deal for the tournament but only struck a one-year agreement earlier this year for the 2018 edition. Star Perth Wildcats import Bryce Cotton has labelled Terrico White a silent assassin and predicts the American will only get better as the season progresses. White has made a strong start to his debut NBL campaign, scoring 27 points in Saturday’s double overtime win over Melbourne United. His combination with Cotton has played a key role in Perth’s hot 4-1 start to the season. Cotton believes the best of White is still to come. “He’s a silent assassin,” Cotton said of White, who couldn’t notch an NBA game despite being drafted with pick No.36 in the 2010 draft. “He definitely steps up in the big moments. White is averaging 19 points per game.
Club seeking coach
AFL Cairns club North Cairns is on the hunt for another new coach for the 2019 season. Victoriabased Nemani Valucava accepted the job earlier this month, but due to unforeseen circumstances, he is no longer able to commit to the position. The Tigers are now advertising again for a new coach for 2019.