Marie Perla shines in Ivory Coast

DUNDALK’S Marie Perla Biansumba reached the final eight at the Abidjan junior international championships recently.

Biansumba defeated Nadege Koua of Canada in the last 16 before losing out to number two seed and world number 595, Alexandra Antilles from Finland.

Marie Perla worked herself into a great position, leading 6-2 and 4-2, but losy out 2-6 6-4 6-4.

In doubles Maria Perla teamed up with Indian player Sanya Singh where they defeated the week one singles champion Jade Haller from Switzerland and her partner Ahou Kauodio from Ivory Coast for a place in the quarter-finals of doubles. Unfortunately they were defeated by the number two seeds from Nigeria 6-3 1-6 10-4.

In week two Marie Perla defeated Gulia Castiglioni from Switzerland 6-3 6-2, followed by number seven seed Marie ange Adomon from the Ivory Coast to book her place in the top 8 and quarter-finals of the international championships.

However a poor performance in the quarter finals against India’s Bhakti Parwani (IND) ended Maria’s involvement,

However, a qiuarter-final appearance, valuable experience and a precious 20 junior world ranking points made it a worthwhile trip to the Ivory Coast for the Dundalk star.

Dundalk Head Coach, John McGaho said: ‘It wasn’t just a successful trip for Maria in terms of her world ranking, she really got a taste of how a pro trains, how it feels to compete in one of the most vicious environments on earth, and will have spotted areas of her game that need work and improvement over the coming weeks and months ahead.

The Junior tennis programme at Dundalk continues until the end of June.