IC Junior Challenge Finals reports

Day Two

The matches of the day were played at RCTB. Players, captains, parents and all supporters were all impressed by the tradition and beauty of the Club, as well as the warm reception from its members. We had a significant crowd in attendance, and Santi Tintoré was even interviewed by local TV.

Spain vs. Mexico

The day began with high-level tennis on show courts 1 and 2. The singles matches were hard-fought, but Spain proved too strong, winning the first four. After lunch, Mexico bounced back and claimed both doubles matches, but Spain secured the overall win with a 4–2 result.

South Africa vs. India

This match was held on the courts where the Conde de Godó tournament is usually played. India took the early lead by winning the first two singles. South Africa fought back to win the girls' singles 1, leaving the score 3–1 in India’s favour before lunch. The girls' doubles saw the return of injured player Maaya Rajeshwaran and ended in a thrilling Championship tiebreak, with India prevailing 11–9. India went on to win the boys' doubles as well, sealing a 5–1 victory.

Argentina vs. Italy

This tie was truly breathtaking. Every match had swings in momentum. After the first two singles, the tie was level at 1–1. Argentina then took the next two to lead 3–1. The doubles matches were moved to the show courts so everyone could enjoy the high-quality tennis being played. The boys' doubles concluded first in a tense Championship tiebreak, which Italy won 10–8 after trailing 8–4. On the adjacent court, Italy had taken the first set in the girls' doubles, but Argentina fought back and won the Championship tiebreak 10–5, taking the tie 4–2 overall.

Standings after Day 2:

After the matches, the players enjoyed a guided visit to the FC Barcelona Museum, which showcased the club’s rich history, legendary players, and iconic trophies. This was followed by traditional Spanish hospitality at a wonderful restaurant. It was heartwarming to see how the relationships between team members from different countries are evolving and growing stronger.

Day One

India vs. Italy
The day began with high-level tennis on Centre Court, featuring a rematch of last year’s final between India and Italy. Unfortunately, India’s top girl's player was sidelined due to injury, and a reserve had to step in. After the four singles matches, the tie was level at 2–2. The doubles were fiercely contested, but in the end, Italy came out on top, winning the tie 4–2.

Argentina vs. Spain
A classic clay-court showdown. The matches were extremely close, with 3 out of the 4 singles matches going to championship tie-breaks. Spain ultimately prevailed, winning the tie 4–2.

Mexico vs. South Africa
Mexico led 3–1 after the singles and sealed the tie 4–2. Notably, South Africa’s top girl's singles player overcame a tough travel ordeal—arriving at 1:00 AM after a delayed flight and lost luggage. Thanks to the generosity of teammates and other teams, she borrowed kit and rackets and still managed to compete.

After the matches, the players enjoyed exclusive private tours of Barcelona’s City Hall, a beautiful 14th-century Gothic building located in Plaça Sant Jaume, and the Generalitat, one of the few medieval buildings in Europe still serving as a seat of government. Both were specially opened for the occasion. The group then strolled through the city centre, taking in the vibrant atmosphere, before concluding the evening with a traditional Spanish dinner at Casa Cantabria.

Practice Day

• A fantastic day at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, where all teams trained and showcased an impressively high standard of play.
• The inauguration ceremony included all participating teams and featured speeches from Club President Pablo Sanchez, IC Spain President Santiago Tintoré, Tournament Director Ventura Durall and IC Council representative Felipe Bunster.
• A very special moment of the day was the philanthropy clinic, where players coached and interacted with two wonderful groups: a group of very young children, and a group from the Arapdis Foundation (Association for the Rehabilitation and Adaptation of People with Reduced Ability to Integrate into Society and the Workplace). Due to privacy considerations for some participants, we’re unable to share photos, but it was a truly meaningful and joyful experience for everyone involved.
• The Captains' Meeting ran smoothly, with no major issues raised. Notably, Jaume Campistol—Slam Finals Chair Umpire and Gold Badge official—is serving as the Honorary Referee for the tournament. Remarkably, his first-ever umpiring experience was at the Potter Cup!
• In addition to warming up, players took part in a fun “Off Court Challenge”, which was shared on social media. More of these to follow!
• In true IC spirit, one of the South African players, who was delayed in Amsterdam and arrived at 1 a.m. without her luggage, was able to compete thanks to the generosity of her teammates and other teams, who provided her with kit and rackets.

A huge thanks to the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona and the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona 1899 for being such wonderful hosts. Their world-class facilities, along with the warm hospitality and professionalism of their teams, have created an exceptional environment for all participants. Also to the IC Spain, who have gone above and beyond to organize a superb event. With the support of generous sponsors, two outstanding clubs, and an incredible team—Santi, Ventura Jr., Eva Bes, Eva Tuya, Ventura, and Jose Rafael—they have made sure every detail is covered: from airport pickups to physio sessions, team support, hotel transfers, and dinners.

Richard Cousins, CEO, Compass Group

Members of the International Lawn Tennis Club all over the world will be sorry to learn of the sudden and tragic death in an air crash, of Richard Cousins, the CEO of Compass Group and his family, over the New Year period. Richard was a great friend to the IC.

He was extremely supportive of the International Club’s Junior Challenge, our world-wide event for 16yr-old tennis players, sponsorship agreements for which he inherited from previous chairmen, Sir Francis McKay and later Sir Roy Gardner.

For the last fourteen years Compass Group has sponsored this event to an ever-increasing extent.

From 2016, Compass increased their support once again and were given the title sponsorship and it has become known all over the world as “The Compass IC Junior Challenge”, with more than 1000 junior international players having participated to date. This has often given juniors their first invaluable taste of international competition.

An under-privileged clinic takes place the day before each Challenge, which is led by the young tennis players taking part, which serves as a salutary lesson to them and the Compass Group were particularly keen on this aspect.

Richard had recently advised that he was retiring in March 2018 and that unfortunately, Compass would no longer be able to sponsor the IC Junior Challenge from 2019 onwards.

Obviously, this was not good news, but we will always be extremely grateful for the tremendous support the IC has received from Richard and the Compass Group up to this year, to enable us to stage this important IC event for aspiring youngsters.

Our thoughts go out to his extended family and his work colleagues who may rest assured that he will be remembered fondly during the Junior Challenge finals in Tokyo later this year.

Julian Tatum

NB The world-wide final of The Compass IC Junior Challenge takes place in Tokyo, Oct 6-12th 2018.