Nugent heading to the Dominican Republic (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Nugent heading to the Dominican Republic

12:01pm Monday 12th October 2009 in

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Southfields tennis junior Nicholas Nugent has won himself the opportunity to compete in the Nike Junior Tour International Masters in the Dominican Republic by winning the National UK U12 Nike Masters.

Nicholas, who is in his second year at Hampton School, has never competed in an overseas event so, when he was invited to compete for a place in the International Masters, he grabbed the opportunity.

One of 32 juniors invited to compete in the UK Masters, Nicholas was joined by players from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in two age groups – the U12s and U14s.

The winners from each age group go on to represent the UK in the Dominican Republic, along with winners from 26 other participating countries.

For Nicholas, the opportunity to go the International Masters in the Dominican Republic was clearly a motivating factor.

“After the first set I could hear the Caribbean calling,” said Nicholas, talking about his finals victory, which he won 6-2, 6-0 against Wiltshire’s Sebastien Butler. “I’m really pleased – going to the International Masters will be my first experience of competing outside the UK.”

Nicholas, who has already won nine tournaments in the UK this year, added: “I am extremely lucky that Hampton School is really supportive of my tennis.

“Being given time off to compete in the International Masters is really great and a superb opportunity.”

Former participants in the International Masters include Rafael Nadal and the new US Open champion, Juan Martin Del Potro.