Eyes on the prize

TRURO - Dennis Keaveney has his sights set on reeling in the under 16 division title at this week's Northumberland Junior Regional tennis tournament at the Truro Tennis Club.

But that goal was put on hold yesterday as a late afternoon downpour cancelled play on Day 1 of the event as Keaveney was leading Truro's Doug Iaboni one set to none.

The match will continue today at 9 a.m. Keaveney needs just one more set to move on to the under 16 final, which he is leading 2-0.

"It was kind of disappointing," said the 13-year-old Salmon River resident of the rain.

"But the forecast looks good for tomorrow."

Should Keaveney win he will meet Halifax's Connor Young in the final, which will also be held today. Young defeated Jeff Mantin for a final berth yesterday.

Keaveney said should the pair meet he's confident he can come out on top, winning all three of their previous meetings at other events.

But Keaveney isn't counting any chickens before they hatch.

"Doug is a really good player," he said. "He was controlling some of the points (today) and he's really improved a lot. My goal is to get to the final but I have to get past my match with Doug first."

Keaveney said the event is an excellent tune-up for the Atlantic competition which will be held in New Brunswick in two weeks.

Should he win the under 16 division Keaveney could improve his top five provincial ranking for the Atlantic event. He's also ranked second provincially in under 14.

In under 18 action Keaveney was defeated by Truro's Nigel Power. Power will meet Truro's Aled Iaboni in the final today at 9 a.m. with a win over Lisa Prince, while Keaveney will be in the consolation final against Young or Prince.

In other Day 1 action, Truro's Leif Power advanced to the Under 14 division final with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Walter Moodie. The final will be held today at 9 a.m.



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