Monaco's
Golden Prince Of Fair Play
NICOSIA, 6 June 2009 -
Monaco
took the top two medals in the XIII Games of the Small
States of Europe in the tennis event after Jean-Rene
Lisnard defeated fellow countryman Benjiamin Balleret in
the final 2-1 (4-6, 6-1, 7-5).
Ranked at 220 in the world, Lisnard was
the GSSE number one going into the event and rightly
claimed first place in Cyprus. The Monaco tennis player
also hung a second gold medal around his neck after
teaming up with teammate Guillaume Couillard to take
first place in the tennis doubles event.
Both the Monaco finalists served up a
treat for the spectators in Nicosia with Lisnard coming
back from behind to win in a thrilling contest. The gold
medalist had previously between Arnar Sigurdsson of
Iceland and Liechtenstein’s Jirka Lokaj both with 2-0
victories.
Silver medal winner Balleret, who was
ranked number two at the games, had defeated Daniel
Ceros in the last 16 before beating home favourite
Filippos Tsangaridis 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
He went on to beat Galvani in straight
sets in the semifinals before falling at the final
hurdle to his compatriot.
The bronze medal was shared between
Stefano Galvani of San Marino and Liechtenstein’s Jirka
Lokaj.
Monaco tennis player Lisnard not only
impressed with his tennis but also with his tremendous
sportsmanship.
In the final against Balleret, and with
Lisnard leading 4-2, the umpire had not spotted
Lisnard’s serve going marginally out. But instead of
claiming the point that would have given him the game,
he informed the umpire that the ball was out. The point
was reversed and Lisnard served again, taking the point
and the game in the process. His actions prompted a
round of applause from the spectators.
