Defending women's champ to miss Argus Open

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13: A new Argus Open women’s champion will be crowned this year as current champion Tyler Smith will not be around to defend her title.

The rising tennis star will miss the upcoming tournament through personal reasons.

Smith handed Kayla Cross a 7-6 (10-8), 6-3 loss in last year’s final to capture a maiden senior singles title.

The promising player is fresh off a bronze medal winning performance at the Island Games that exceeded her expectations in the Isle of Wight.

Smith said: “I wasn’t really expecting to make it that far because it was my first time competing in the Island Games. I was nervous, but I think I did well.

“It was a nice experience. I was the youngest player there and so I gained a lot of experience. I don’t think anyone actually realized my age.”

Smith, whose budding talents were observed by Prince Edward at the Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, said the competition in the Isle of Wight was of a high calibre.

“The competition was very tough. The girl I lost to was really good and Jackie Lambert and myself were the only two players that managed to win a game off of her.”

Smith said the playing conditions were equally as challenging.

“One moment it would be cool and then hot the next. It would start raining and then the sun would come out.”

Smith now intends to build on her recent showing in the Isle of Wight before the home crowd when Bermuda host the biennial Island Games in 2013.

“Hopefully in 2013, I will do better than bronze because by that time I will have had more training.

“It will be nice playing at home because I will have my family and friends there watching me.”

Earlier this year Smith achieved an impressive double after defeating top women’s players and sisters Tara and Jacklyn Lambert in the finals of the Deloitte Open and WER Joell Memorial Tournament.