Findel-Hawkins wins home British Tour Event

Exmouth teenager Jack Findel-Hawkins has won the Exeter leg

of the Tier Two AEGON British Tour after a dominant showing on home ground at

Exeter Tennis Centre, while Ivybridge's Sian Payne also reached the women's

final.

The AEGON British

Tour is a circuit of over 40 national tennis events held throughout 2013 for

players with a rating of 6.1 or higher. Over 100 entrants from across

the country attended the event which took place from 11-16 March. 

Jack, seeded sixth, overcame some incredibly difficult

competition on route to victory, including top seed Oliver Hudson in the

semi-final, who he beat 6-3, 6-0. The Exeter player then went on to defeat

fourth seed Tim Webster 6-3, 6-4 in the final to clinch the title.

The result comes at a very successful time for the Exmouth

College student who received his first ranking points last week, placing him at

1304 in the world.  The 18 year old hopes

to pursue a professional tennis career and is looking to head to America next

autumn.

He commented: "It was really good to claim the Exeter Men's

British tour title. I have been training really hard of late and it's starting

to show with some really promising results on the Men's international stage. To

win the event at my home centre was a fantastic achievement and one I hope to

be able to continue as I improve as a player."

Meanwhile Sian Payne made the final of the women's open

event for the first time, fighting off two match points from fifth seed Louise

Ronaldson in the semis'.

The 15 year old, who trains full time at Exeter Tennis

Centre, eventually pulled through winning the match in three sets 6-7, 7-6, 6-3. She said: "It felt so good getting to the

final especially after saving two match points. The whole tournament was a good

experience for me and it has given me confidence for the British Tours that I

have coming up."

Both players are now preparing for a busy season with Jack hoping

to further increase his world ranking at international events this summer.

Director of Tennis Will McNally was thrilled with the result, he said: "I am

delighted to have had two home players in the finals. Jack's victory is

testament to the true quality that he has shown already this year and Sian

showed that she has the talent and determination to play and perform at these

kinds of events."