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Local Doubles Team Capture Gold At World Tennis Champs
Local Doubles Team Capture Gold At World Tennis Champs
Venter and Young both from Kwa-Zulu Natal won the gold medal in Umag, when they beat Liselot Prechtel and Sander Groen of Netherlands, 6-4 6-2 in the final.
Young of Hillcrest also teamed up with fellow South African Robert Dick of Western Province to reach the men's doubles semi-final where they won the bronze medal. Venter from Ballito also reached the women's singles semi-final of the same tournament.
"We are very happy that we eventually won the title. I am relieved that all our hard work paid off and we could overcome our injuries in time to be ready for the tournament" said Venter.
Young and Venter teamed up together in their first tournament back in 2011. Since then the two play most tournaments together and are very comfortable with each other's game on the court.
"I feel that we combine well together and we always joke that Bruce is the touch and I am the power," said Venter.
Young said that the World Championships were of a very high standard. "Only the best enter and this year was no exception. We are unfortunately not used to play on the clay and it is definitely not a surface that we both feel comfortable on. However we adapted and enjoyed the tournament although it was quite nerve wrecking at times - especially in the finals"
Venter added that their opponents in the final were experienced players.