Wanganui Youngster Wins Sovereign Superstars 2007

Wanganui Youngster Wins Sovereign Superstars 2007

Wanganui 13 year old Emma McLeod is the winner of Sovereign Superstars for 2007 after going through the round robin competition unbeaten at the ASB Tennis Centre.

Emma won the battle of four of the best 12 and 13 year old players in the country, all of whom had qualified to experience life as a professional at the ASB Classic. Mikaela Davies (North Harbour), Ashleigh Calder (Nelson Bays) and Alexandra Howe (Western Bay of Plenty) were also treated to centre court tennis with all the professional trimmings including hotel accommodation, player transport to and from the venue and all the other trappings enjoyed by the full time professional players.

McLeod was delighted with her win and loved the experience.

“The whole event has been awesome with free meals, the hotel, getting picked up for all our games and of course playing in front of huge crowds on centre court. I’ve learned so much and had so much fun, it has been fantastic.”

Sovereign Head of Marketing and Product Management Vena Crawley was thrilled with the event.

“The four Sovereign Superstars have represented themselves and their families superbly well. They are also representing all young New Zealanders and through their efforts as Sovereign Superstars we hope they can inspire others too. The Superstars programme is closely aligned with Sovereign’s goal to improve the health and well being of all New Zealanders and is one we are proud to support.”

A thrill for the players after their final presentations was the chance to meet one of the world’s leading players in Daniela Hantuchova. The Slovak is one of the ASB Classic’s leading stars and took time to meet the girls and offer them some advice on how to make it to the top. Her words were simple and clear – to have fun in everything they do and enjoy their tennis if they are to reach their goals.

Tennis New Zealand Event Manager Tracy Hall worked closely with the Superstars before and during the event itself and says it does wonders for our up and coming talent.

“Tennis New Zealand is right behind Sovereign and the Superstars concept. The chance for these players to experience centre court, media interviews and all the pressure of a top level tournament is the stuff that money can’t buy. I know the girls have taken so much out of their time with us in Auckland and long may the Superstars continue with the support of Sovereign.

It is the turn of the Sovereign Superstars boys next week when four of our best young talent converges on Auckland for their tournament experience during the Heineken Open at the ASB Tennis Centre.

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