Teen plays into record books

Will Johnston

Pukekura’s Diego Quispe-Kim became the youngest player to win the New Zealand National Lawn Tennis Champions last week.

Quispe-Kim beat defending champion Kurt McNamara of Manawatu in the final 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 but he had to work hard to overcome the more experienced player.

After winning the first set and looking promising, McNamara lost 15 consecutive points and the second set.

With McNarama leading the third set 2-1 and looking likely to win it, Quispe-Kim came back to lead 6-5.

Quispe-Kim had McNamara’s serve at 30-40 into the last and converted the match point in the championship win.

Quispe-Kim cruised through pool play after he beat Ray Teunissen 6-0, 6-0 and Hamish Mead 6-0 6-1.

Adding to the title, Quispe-Kim also collected the New Zealand Lawn Tennis trophy.

Photo by LDV Photography