Tyler Leonard had a successful weekend at the Ashburton Trust Junior Open. Photo Adam BurnsHome court advantage came to fruition for the Mid Canterbury young guns during the first major tournament over the long weekend

The locals did the business at the Ashburton Trust Junior Open, which began on Saturday, with a handful of the district’s prominent juniors finishing on the podium.

More than 100 players were on display for the three-day tourney which was greeted with scorching conditions on the opening day.

Tyler Leonard, who is largely seen as the one who may take up the mantle from the departed Diego Quispe-Kim, stormed his way to dual trophies in both the under-16/18s singles and doubles events.

Coming in as top seed, Leonard did not drop a set en route to his singles win, courtesy of victories over Jackson Wright (6-0, 6-0), Ben Sinclair (6-2, 6-0) and second seed Luca Landells (6-2, 6-2) in the finals.

Thirteen-year-old Jake Parsons continued his ascent, clinching the under-14 boys singles before he and Drew Gilbert finished as runners-up in the doubles.

The pair went down to a fellow local in the decider as Ollie Bubb took out the under-14s boys doubles alongside Ryan Watt 6-1, 6-1.

Bubb also finished on the podium in the singles with a third place finish.

It did not stop there, as Josh Gilbert secured the under-12s singles title with Ashton Cromie finishing in third spot.

Holly-Jayne Feutz also got on the act, with third place finishes in both the under-14 girls singles and the doubles with Angel Spooner.

“We also had a great showing from many other Ace players who are improving at rapid pace so well done to all players,” Mid Canterbury Tennis head coach Jack Tiller said.

“As a coach it is great to see all the players’ hard work paying off on the court.

“It was a pleasure to watch them all play.”

By Adam Burns © The Ashburton Guardian - 27 October 2020