The Referee of the SPOJC, Pat O’Rourke, writes that “the 2014 edition of the SPOJC attracted the largest and strongest field for some years. 19 Boys fought out for 6 qualifying places in a full 48 draw and there were more than 40 girls in the main draw. The Girl’s competition was dominated by Australia while the Boy’s finals were contested between players from New Zealand and Hong Kong.
The Boy’s final between 5th seed Jackie Tang (HKG) and New Zealander Kiranpal Pannu, who won in Noumea the previous week, was a classic. Unseeded Pannu took the first set in a tie-break, Tang the second comfortably and then the pair battled out a very close third set. Long rallies and excellent winners were highlights as the players held serve through the set. Eventually at 6-5 Tang broke Pannu for the match to win 6-7 6-0 7-5 in three hours.
Jackie Tang (HKG) left and Kiranpal Pannu (NZL) right
The Girl’s final was much more straightforward. Michaela Haet (AUS), unseeded in the event, had used a devastating forehand to great effect to demolish opponents throughout the week. In the final she played 3rd seed compatriot Alicia Smith and the result was the same. Haet repeatedly got into position to hit forehand winners and took the match 6-3 6-0.
Smith gained some compensation combining with Katerina Valos (AUS) to in a tight doubles final over Kelly Drew (NZL) and Yaelle Honakoko (CAL) 6-3 4-6 (10-4).
Smith/Valos left;Honakoko/Drew right
Pannu after only fifteen minutes rest from his singles took the court for the doubles final with Jack Heslin. The Kiwi pair had too much firepower for Jack Wong and Lawrence Lo from Hong Kong, winning 6-4 6-1.
Heslin/Pannu on the left; Wong/Lo on the right
Annie Shannon (FIJ) did the best of the Pacific players reaching the round of 16 in singles. Mulan Kamoe (FIJ) was runner-up in the Girl’s consolation singles.”