Reece Carter and Marcello Audino at the Little Mo Internationals in Florida. |
Manitoba was well represented at the 6th annual “Little Mo” International Open tennis tournament that recently took place in December at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Eight year old Reece Carter, and nine year old Marcello Audino went deep into their singles draws, teamed up to advance to the finals in mixed doubles, and brought home championship trophies after claiming victory in their respective doubles events.
Both players made it to the quarter finals in their singles draws, with Reece falling to an opponent from South Africa and Marcello being knocked out by an opponent from Egypt.
In doubles, Reece and her partner from Toronto stormed to victory, capturing the 8 year old girls doubles title. The girls were able to defeat other teams from the USA, Egypt, South Africa, and Guatemala. Marcello Audino and his partner from the USA claimed victory by winning the doubles title for 9 year old boys.
When the Manitoba duo teamed up for the 9 year old mixed doubles event, they were able to get to the finals, eventually losing to the champions from Egypt.
Reece and Marcello greatly enjoyed their international tennis experience, and the young tennis phenoms are already planning their return to the Little Mo Internationals in December 2013.
Congratulations to Reece Carter and Marcello Audino for their success in Florida!
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About “Little Mo”
In 1953, a young girl named Maureen Connolly won the Grand Slam of tennis. She was the first woman to ever capture this elusive crown by winning the Australian, French, Wimbledon, and U.S. Championships in one calendar year. She was only 18 years old when she accomplished this magnificent feat. Maureen was known as the incomparable “Little Mo”.
The Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation has benefitted tens of thousands of boys and girls throughout the U.A. and the world during its 44 year history. The foundation runs multiple tournaments and programs including the “Road to the Little Mo Nationals” circuit (sectional/regional/national events for high performance players ages 7-11), and the “Mini Mo” tournament (for beginning players ages 5-10). Additionally, the foundation organizes the “Little Mo” Internationals-Forest Hills, New York (ages 8-12) and the Connolly Challenge Trophy, an international team competition between the top USA and British (girls 18 & under). For more information, visit www.mcbtennis.org