Israeli teen wins ‘tennis world title’

Israeli tennis star Yshai Oliel won the U14 title at the Junior Orange Bowl International tournament in Florida.

Regarded as the unofficial world championships for youth players, the 14-year-old became only the ninth boy ever to capture both the 12s and 14s titles, and follows in the footsteps of Roger Federer and Andy Murray. Oliel, who won the 12s tournament two years ago, claimed the U14 win on Tuesday, beating the number one seed, Taiwan’s Chen-jui Ho in straight sets, 7-5, 7-5, and in doing so became the second Israeli to win this age group, Shahar Peer winning the girl’s win in 2001.

Israel Tennis Association CEO Shlomo Glickstein said:  “This is an even bigger achievement than two years ago and places Yshai among the top three players in the world in his age group, this is huge for us and there is no doubt that should Yshai continue to work hard his path to the top is far more secure.”

ITA chairman Asi Tuchmayer said: “We are honored to have such a sportsman. The ITA is proud not only of his professionalism on court and his talent but also of the strong character he has displayed. We will do everything to continue and support him and give him everything he needs to go as far as possible and represent Israel with honor.”