     
Gallipoli Youth Cup 2008 finalists from left:
Tanya Samodelok, Monika Wejnert, Dane Propoggia and Nat Maraga. Tennis Australia |
Gallipoli Youth Cup final winnersNew South Wales’ Dane Propoggia and Queensland’s Monika Wejnert are the inaugural winners of the Gallipoli Youth Cup at Melbourne Park.Top-seeded Propoggia produced a convincing 6-3 6-2 win over fellow New South Welshman Nat Maraga to claim his first ITF title in the boys’ final. He said he was happy with his form throughout the week.“I’m always happy to get a win,” he said. “It was tough. The semifinal was a bit tough, the final was more comfortable but still tough.“I just played smart and solid and my opponent made a few more mistakes than me and that was the outcome.”Propoggia, who celebrated his 18th birthday today, said the significance of the tournament made it particularly special.“Yeah sure [it was great]. And especially the event, Gallipoli, it means a lot.”Propoggia’s attention will now turn to Europe where he is hoping to qualify for the French Open and Wimbledon juniors.Wejnert, who upstaged top seeded Victorian Stephanie Wiltshire in the quarterfinals, won a close first set before steaming away in the second to claim a 6-4 6-1 victory over Russian 14th seed Tanya Samodelok in the girls’ final.The 16 year old said she was thrilled with the outcome after such a challenging week.“It was tough in the first set but I played well,” Wejnert said. “I had quite a tough draw, but I’m glad it gave me some good matches.“It’s probably one of the best tennis facilities anywhere so I’m really happy [to win here].”Wejnert, whose title today was her second on the ITF circuit, will next travel to Thailand to represent the Optus Australian Junior Fed Cup team.In the lead-up to Anzac Day this unique sporting event, run by Tennis Australia with the support of Australian Turkish Business and Industry, aims to foster the already significant relationship between Australia and Turkey.More than 120 boys and girls competed in the event, all aiming to improve their international junior ranking. Entries came primarily from Australia, with international competitors from Russia, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore and the Slovak Republic.Full draws and results are available on www.tennis.com.au.Results – finalsBoys’ singles
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