Branstine grabs title

Carson Branstine, who trains at The Tennis Club in Newport Beach, won the girls’ championship in the inaugural Newport Beach Bowl, an International Tennis Federation event, Saturday at her home court.

Branstine, who is in the Grand Slam Tennis Academy at The Tennis Club, defeated Ann Li of Pennsylvania, 6-4 3-6 7-6. Branstine was trailing, 5-2, and saved a match point at 5-3 in the third set to win the set in a tiebreaker.

“Both girls fought hard, even at times when they were not elevating,” said Sean Abdali, Branstine’s coach and the director of Grand Slam Tennis Academy. “Carson has once again shown signs of greatness playing big the most crucial points. What a good day for our club and our Junior Academy.”

Keenan Mayo won the boys’ title, defeating Govind Nanda, 4-6 6-4 6-2.

The final day of the tournament was also highlighted by a packed balcony. Newport Beach residents, club members, Grand Slam Tennis Academy students and several college coaches filled up the balcony.

— From staff reports