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Exciting Times Ahead for Dermot
DALKEPAK sponsored Dermot Bailey is eagerly awaiting an exciting three months of activity as he steps up his quest for his first world ranking points in the field of wheelchair tennis.
A trip to Sunderland on March 28-29 could act as a springboard for the 15 year-old from Kettering who only ten days ago was successful in winning three titles in the North West Challenge in Preston.
“Sunderland is an ITF3 event unlike Preston, which means I could get senior ranking points,” said Dermot. Ultimately, the top 48 players in the world go to the Paralympics but I am not counting any chickens,” he said.
Dermot, who goes to school at the Brooke Weston College in Corby, is currently juggling junior and second draw (mixing with adults) events, just below the main draw. His second draw win in Preston saw him account for adult players.
Nottingham looks like being the focus of his attention for the first fortnight of his summer holidays as that city stages both the British Open and then the World Team Cup, if he is fortunate enough to be selected. From there, automatic qualification for next year’s Cruyff Foundation International Wheelchair Junior Masters could be earned, following the wild card which took him to Tarbes in the South of France at the end of January this year.
Dermot added: “I am also hoping to play in Turkey or in the British Nationals in Gloucester in May while there are other events later in the year in Cardiff and Nottingham.”
Bailey has struck up a good rapport with French tennis coach Kevin Hoey at the Corby Indoor Tennis Centre. Hoey travelled to his native country in January to offer his encouragement to the Kettering player.
Meanwhile, Bailey’s passion for wheelchair tennis has not diminished his love of other sports. As well as being a Kettering Town season ticket holder he also met up with Northampton Saints’ and England rugby ace Dylan Hartley (pictured right) before the England hooker played in Cardiff, where Dermot just happened to be occupied with a British training camp for wheelchair tennis players!
Being a multi-sport addict isn’t a problem, and Dermot said: “The only drawback from doing so well at Preston the other week was that I didn’t have time to visit the National Football Museum!”
