Britain’s Anna Smith

THE crowd packed in to Les Ormes for the climax of the Jersey Tennis International over the weekend.

Britain’s Anna Smith battled hard in the final of the ladies’ $25,000 event but could not get the better of her opponent, and best friend, Johanna Larsson of Sweden.

There were moments of brilliance as the pair pushed each other around the court with some deep, driving returns but the strength of Larsson, world ranked 128, allowed her to edge ahead.

The number three seed converted her chances with a convincing accuracy that continued into the second set and she wrapped up the game against the Surrey-born 21-year-old, ranked 344, 6-2, 6-3 to collect prize money of $2,940 for her efforts.

There was success for Smith, and partner Maret Ani (EST), in the women’s doubles final, however, as they beat Jarmila Groth (AUS) and Melanie South (GBR) 7-5, 6-4.

In the men’s 42,500 euros final Jan Hernych proved the seedings right as the number one, world ranked 151, beat fellow Czech player, world 216, Jan Minar 7-6 (3), 6-4 to collect the top prize of 6,150 euros.

On Saturday it was virtually standing room only as Islanders packed in to watch the men’s doubles final. Rohan Bopanna (IND) and Ken Skupski (GBR) won a fast-paced, captivating clash 6-2, 1-6, 10-6 against Britain’s Jamie Murray and Jonathan Marray.