Buchanan and Augustine Crowned 2005 International HEAD Team Elite Cup 14-and-under Champions

Buchanan, the top seed, reaffirmed his status as one of the world’s best in his age group with a 6-0, 6-2 victory over second seed Andrea Paciello of Italy in the final. But it was not an easy journey for the fourteen-year-old from Ohio, as he dropped the first set he played in his Round of 16 match with Alexander David of France. Once he found his rhythm however, the 2005 Les Petits As winner advanced through the draw without dropping another set.

In the boys consolation final, Lukas Pitschmann of Austria defeated Thailand’s Phaninthon Pakpoomkamol 7-5, 6-1.

Augustine, a Californian who turned fourteen just last month, won the girls finals match over Camille Sapene of France when Sapene was forced to retire after losing the first set 7-5. However, in her semifinal match Augustine, seeded fifth, was forced to go the distance when Martina Di Giuseppe of Italy took the first set 6-3. But Augustine turned the tables and won the next two 6-1 and 7-5 to earn her place in the final.

Augustine, who beat top seeded Arina Marienko of Russia in the quarterfinals, also claimed a championship at this year’s Les Petits As. She and partner Asia Muhammad were doubles champions at the prestigious 14-and-under event in France.

In the girls consolation final, it was again Austria versus Thailand and again the Austrian player prevailed, with Isabella Reibmayer defeating Pawida Vipoosunti 6-1, 6-1.

INTERNATIONAL HEAD TEAM ELITE CUP

The International HEAD Team Elite Cup brings together over 100 young tennis players from more than 30 countries for a chance to meet and compete on the grounds of the world-renowned Sanchez-Casal Academy in Barcelona. Top HEAD professionals such as Svetlana Kuznetsova provide an insider’s view of life as a top-ranked player and relay valuable information to the young aspirants.

In addition to guidance and competition, the HEAD Team Elite Cup participants, who are selected via national qualifying, have an opportunity to make friends and enjoy additional sports activities with other teenagers who share their enthusiasm for HEAD.

The International HEAD Team Elite Cup’s 16-and-under competition was also held at the Sanchez-Casal Academy the previous week. Jermy Touil and Scherazad Benamar of France were the 2005 champions in the older age group.

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