Great Britain and the Czech Republic have won the boys’ and girls’ 14&U Winter Cups by Dunlop titles. Great Britain's victory marks their first win in over a decade in this age category, while the Czechs defended the title on home soil by winning all matches. It was a great event for Poland too, with the national teams claiming silver medals in both events.
GIRLS
Finishing first in the qualifying round, the Czech Republic returned to Rakovnik for what would be their fourth consecutive final.
Although Veronika Sekerkova dropped a set in the first match against Turk Zumra Balkan, she quickly secured the win in a 6-0 decider. The semi-finals didn’t put the Czech girls in any difficulties, as they breezed through their matches against the French. The final day first welcomed Sekerkova, who raced to a 6-4 6-3 win over Oliwia Sybicka and brought her team closer to the trophy. In the second singles, Sofie Hettlerova had an intense battle against Barbara Kostecka. The Polish player won the second set, but Hettlerova eventually won 6-4 2-6 6-4 and secured the hosts a ninth 14&U girls Winter Cups title.
Final Standings
1. Czech Republic 2. Poland 3. Serbia 4. France 5. Germany 6. Hungary 7. Türkiye 8. Belgium
BOYS
The recent champion in Bolton and Tarbes, Mark Ceban is riding high at the top of the Race to Monte Carlo rankings and did a fine job of anchoring his team to a fifth title overall in this age category.
He got this team off to a good start on the first day in Niederzier, winning against Daniel Jade for a second time this year, 6-4 7-5. The Brits advanced to the next round after winning all the matches against France. The semi-finals against Türkiye were much more complicated for Great Britain. Ceban had to work hard for a 5-7 6-1 7-6(3) comeback win against Kaan Isik Kosaner, yet his teammates Rhys Lawlor and Pavana Nrshinga lost the two-hour battle against pair Samim Filiz and Mustafa Ege Sik. However, Lawlor had earlier secured the singles win against Samim Filiz to secure the final spot for the Brits.
The final against Poland proved to be more one-sided with the Brits winning two straight-forward singles matches. Lawlor put the third seeds ahead with a one-hour 6-3 6-2 win over Jan Skrzynski, and Ceban sealed the title with a 6-1 6-4 victory over Jan Urbanski.
Final Standings
1. Great Britain 2. Poland 3. Türkiye 4. Germany 5. Czech Republic 6. France 7. Italy 8. Slovenia