Lee debuts in CNMI-hosted Jr. ITF tourney

Northern Mariana Islands Tennis Association official Jeff Race, center, receives a ceremonial check from IT&E executive director of Customer Operations Rob Harrell, left, and general manager Rose Soledad during the donation turnover ceremony early this week at the IT&E office.
(Contributed Photo)

The CNMI’s Carol Lee will be competing in the IT&E Northern Marianas Junior Championships for the first time, making her one of the youngest players in next month’s tournament.

“I am excited to be part of it and I am looking forward to the opportunity to challenge off-island players,” said the 13-year-old Lee, who missed the first two editions of the Junior ITF-ranking due to age requirements. The tournament accepts only players who are at least 13 years old by the time the competition starts.

Though Lee is not new to facing off-island players as she had competed in tournaments in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the U.S., still she is always upbeat on the chances to duel junior players from other countries.

“By playing against them and watching their games, I get to pick up some techniques from them. Being exposed to this kind of tournament also gives me an opportunity to improve my skills,” the Saipan Community School student said.

Asked if she is a bit intimidated by the much older and experienced players she may be meeting next month, Lee said she is not.

“I will just focus on my game and hopefully I could get past the first or second round,” said Lee, who will join returnees Mikayla Lopez, Negahr Rastguiy, and Tammy Ackerman in the Grade 5 tournament.

Several other junior players from the Commonwealth are expected to see action in the Junior ITF event that will run from May 19 to 24, but their names have yet to be released as interested participants have until next week to register.

Rastguiy will be playing both in the singles and doubles (with Lopez) events and likes her chances more in the latter.

“It will be tough to win in the singles, but I think we have a pretty good chance of prevailing in the doubles and getting some Junior ITF points,” said Rastguiy.

The Marianas High School student teamed up with Lopez last year in beating Japan’s Haruka Okawara and Minori Otsuka, 6-3, 6-4, to notch ranking points and made it to the ranking list, along with her doubles partner, Ackerman, Tommy Choi, and Colin Ramsey.

Meanwhile, the organizing Northern Mariana Islands Tennis Association received the $2,500 donation from title sponsor IT&E during a turnover ceremony early this week. IT&E executive director of Customer Operations Rob Harrell and general manager Rose Soledad presented the donation to NMITA official Jeff Race.

Besides IT&E, next month’s tournament is also supported by the Marianas Visitors Authority, TSL Foundation/Tan Holdings, Hertz Rent-A-Car, Coca-Cola, AllStar Sports, and the Oceania Tennis Federation.

A total of 178 players from 31 countries have registered for the six-day competition.