Susannah Hughes Jordan was crowned U18 Girls Singles UTP Masters winner at the end of season invitational finale in Bangor. Junior Ulster tennis players qualify for the Masters by finishing in the top eight of their respective age groups.
Fermanagh players from the Enniskillen and Irvinestown clubs made their presence felt in this prestigious tournament. From Irvinestown came the u12 boys Kyran Maguire and Eoin Meade while the Enniskillen contingent consisted of brother and sister Connor and Emily Donaldson, Jared Monagahan, Abigail Greene and Susannah Hughes Jordan.
The tournament was held over three days at two venues, St Patrick’s LTC Newtownards and Ward Park Bangor. The finals were played on the Sunday in Ward Park and despite memorable performances by the Fermanagh players on the preceding days only Susannah was left to fly the flag for the Erne County.
The threatening weather proved no hindrance to the competitors and the Gods smiled kindly on the contestants as the heavy downpours west of the Bann dissipated to allow dry conditions for the majority of the tournament.
Susannah won her final 6-0 6-2 against Lauren Stead from Omagh and coupled with her victory she ensured finishing a remarkable season as the number one ranked Ulster player at under 18.
The Ulster Tennis Masters victory was tinged with sadness for Susannah as this was her last junior tournament and the Enniskillen player now moves forward to the ranks of the senior circuit. For all juniors this is a poignant moment and for Susannah her last contest proved a fitting swansong.
Now the mantle of carrying Fermanagh tennis is passed on from Susannah and Connor to the next generation of juniors. The future is in safe hands of the excellent coaches in the local clubs and over the course of the next few years we will hear more of Abigail Greene, the Cousin sisters, Jared Monagahan, Kyran Maguire and Eoin Meade.
