Tennis: Champions start strongly at Caro Bowl

Defending men's and women's champions Parnell began the Caro Bowl Auckland club competition with 5-1 victories.

The Parnell men beat West End, while the women's side defeated Kohimarama, a match in which the only real upset was when promising 13-year-old Marina Erakovic beat Tanja Markovic, who is 16 in the No 2 singles, 7-6, 6-3.

Last year's finalists Royal Oak beat promoted Bucklands Beach but struggled at No 1, where former Zimbabwe player Julia Sim picked up a singles and doubles victory for her new side.

Remuera, whose oldest player is just 17, beat Pompallier 5-1, the same margin by which Titirangi beat Bridge Park.

Belvedere, led by Davis Cup player James Greenhalgh and Canterbury's Simon Mooney, helped their side to a 4-2 win against Kohimarama.

Waiata, with Alistair Hunt at No 1, beat Pakuranga.