Launceston’s Sam Whitehead will be joined by Hobart pair Sam Edgar and Charlotte Ingram in the Australian under-14 age group championships, Launceston trio Jake Elmer, Arwen Koesmapahlawan and Patrick Best will play in the under-12s with Burnie’s Arnaka Bourn and Hobart’s Ben Ferguson and Hobart’s Jess Fowler will compete in the under 16s.

Whitehead, 14, is ranked No.1 for his 2002 birth year in the state and No.9 nationally.

As part of the December Showdown event, the 14 and under championships will feature the best 64 players from Australia and international countries such as China, Japan, New Zealand, Oceania and Hong Kong.  

“I gained direct acceptance into the main draw for my age group based on my accumulated ranking points from tournaments here and on the mainland,” the year 8 Scotch Oakburn College student said. 

“I’ve played in the Australian age group championships for the last three years starting with under 12s.

“It’s a lot different because of the people playing from other countries and the competition is really good.”

Whitehead made the round of 16s two years ago and is hoping to do better in the singles this time and in the doubles where he will partner Edgar.

“Last year I had only just turned 13 and was one of the youngest in my age group for the tournament,” he said. “I made the second round but this year I am aiming to make the quarter finals in singles and I reckon we will go really well in the doubles too.”

Whitehead is hoping a good performance will help to push his national ranking above his previous best of No.6.

Coached by James Bolzonello, the Rafael Nadal fan has already begun his preparation for the national tournament and will train most days for up to 90 minutes.

“I hope to one day play ATP Challengers or go to the US on a college scholarship.”