TeamBath MCTA tennis player Samantha Murray (Masters Education) had an extremely successful time at the international $10k event in Sunderland last week. She joined TeamBath MCTA , having spent 4 years at the number 1 ranked Northwestern University in the U.S, earlier in the year and is also a medallist from the last World University Games in Belgrade 2009.

Murray, who won 2 rounds of qualifying in order to make the main draw, reached the final without dropping set. Along the way she had impressive wins against the highly rated Tara Moore (GB no.11) winning 6-4, 7-5 in round 2, before beating Jocelyn Rae (GB no.16) 6-4, 6-4 in the semi final. In the final against former Wimbledon junior semi finalist Anna Fitzpatrick, Sam was just pipped at the post losing a tight encounter 7-5 in the final set. Murray also teamed up with Holly Richards to make the semi finals of the doubles.

Despite losing in the final Sam was upbeat about her week “I played well all week and beat some decent players along the way. It is only my 3^rd tournament since finishing in America so it is pleasing to see that I am moving in the right direction. Hopefully I can continue to improve and see where it takes me”.

Ladies University captain, Caroline Rosamond, also played in Sunderland losing in Murray in the 2^nd round of qualifying.

GB Universities Selection

TeamBath MCTA tennis players Sam Murray (Masters Education) and Steph Cornish (Economics) have both been selected to represent Great Britain in the upcoming BNP Paribas International University tennis event in France next month. Great Britain will join 7 other nations including hosts France,USA , and Germany.

This is the last international event as the team starts its preparations for the upcoming World University Games in China (2011) and gives all the players a chance to try and cement a place for that event.

TeamBath MCTA  coach James Andell, who is also the current GB Tennis Manager said “We are delighted that Sam and Steph have both been selected to represent GB. Steph was a top 50 junior in the world and has played numerous events for Great Britain from the age of 12 as well as playing in 3 of the Junior Grand Slams. Sam, who won a bronze medal last year at World University Games, joined TeamBath due to its exceptional training environment. Both girls will bring a huge amount to the team ”