The December Showdown is an annual end-of-season event held at Melbourne Park for the best players in their age groups from around Australia.

The top three players from each state in four age groups compete and all three Tasmanian 12-and-unders are from Launceston

Sam Whitehead, Will Gibson and Thomas Hann will team up, while Ruben McCormack is in the 14-and-under team along with Ben Cawston from the North-West Coast.

Tasmania Tennis Academy director James Bolzonello is manager of the 12s boys and optimistic of their chances.‘‘They are all tracking really well,’’ he said.

‘‘All three are ranked in the top 20 nationally, Sam is ranked seventh and Thomas has just showed really good form in the last six months which has edged him into the top few.

‘‘This team should be quite competitive.

‘‘Four teams from China, Japan, New Zealand and Oceania are also playing so it’s a good learning experience.’’ Tournaments for 12s, 14s, 16s and 18s will be staged at the same time as the Australian Open wildcard event on many of the  tournament’s show courts.