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BC Wheelchair Stars open the 2024 ITF Season
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Nathan Bragg | January 31, 2024
The 2024 UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour season has already started and several BC athletes took to the court this January to compete in ITF events in the United States.
Se-Youn Moon, Thomas Venos, Barry Henderson and Mitch McIntyre began their seasons at the ITF Futures Arizona Open in Tuscon.
In the Quad Division, Mitch won his seventh career ITF title taking home the Quad Doubles title and splitting the Singles crown with Doubles partner American Andrew Bogdanov after the Singles final was called off due to rain.
In Men’s Singles, there was a BC battle in the first round as Barry prevailed over Se-Youn 6/1, 6/0. Thomas drew American Atif Moon and won 6/2, 6/0. Barry and Thomas would face challenging match-ups in the quarterfinals as Barry lost to top-seeded American Connor Stroud 6/1, 6/1, and Thomas fell to 3rd seed and tournament champion Sergei Lysov of Israel, 6/3, 6/2.
Indian Wells
Next up on the ITF calendar was the ITF3 Indian Wells Tennis Garden Wheelchair Championships in California. Thomas Venos, Mitch McIntyre and junior Lachlan Sandford all attended the event at the prestigious tennis venue.
In Men’s Singles, Thomas powered past American youngster Thomas Majestic 6/1, 6/1 in the opening round before facing Austrian 3rd seed Nico Langmann in the quarterfinals. The Anmore native put up a valiant effort losing 6/2, 6/2.
In Quad Singles, Mitch McIntyre faced a tough draw matching up with eventual finalist Hunter Groce who won their match 6/1 6/0.
Junior Lachlan Sandford bounced back from a tough three-set 6/2, 4/6 3/6 loss in the first round to win the Junior Singles’ Consolation Draw with back-to-back wins to end the tournament.
What’s Next
Training continues for the athletes, with more tournaments coming up later this spring. To learn more about how you can get involved in Wheelchair Tennis, contact Michelle at michelle@bcwheelchairsports.com. BCWSA has wheelchair tennis programs for athletes of all skill and ability levels.