Mixed fortunes were the order of the past weekend when the Oliver Gobat Sports Fund (TOGS) Open Tennis Classic served off at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Beausejour, Gros Islet. The highlight saw Joey Angeloni and Alysa Elliott remaining unbeaten in the men’s and women’s open.
On Centre Court, there can be few lessons in tennis one needs to learn to avoid being beaten in the first round of a tournament. Iyana Paul who is currently ranked eighth for Under 14 Girls, COTECC (ConfederaciÛn de Tenis de CentroamÈrica Caribe) played the toughest draw in the women’s open. On Saturday, Iyana the 2020 Summer Slam Girls 18s champion, crashed out in straight sets to the experienced, Iesha Emile 6-2, 6-4. Never for once did Iesha give her the opportunity to keep her rallies going.
Also on the same day, on Court No. 2, Jorja Mederick had an easy workout over COTECC No.31st ranked player Latoya Murray, defeating her 6-3, 6-0.
It was a walk in the park for the 2020 Independence Tennis Classic champion Alysa Elliott when she made light work of Diana Stanislaus in straight sets winning 6-1, 6-0.
Joey Angeloni who is the 2020 Independence Open Classic and Summer Slam Open champion proved why he is currently the best men’s singles champion on island; Joey was in a no-nonsense mood disposing Satyajit Patra 6-0, 6-0 with some powerful serves.
On Sunday 17th, in what can best be described as ‘Marathon’ in windy conditions, Alysa Elliott had a tough matchup against one of the tournament’s favourites Jorja Mederick, with the pendulum swinging from one player to the next. Alysa was good enough when she held her nerves to defeat Jorja 6-4, 6-4 after 2 hours 15 minutes of play. Following the encounter. Alysa said, “It was super tough, Jorja played a great game, especially in these conditions”.
With her second win, Alysa has secured a spot into the main draw.
Joey continued where he left off on Saturday afternoon, defeating Brandon Eugene 6-0, 6-1. With back to back victories Joey has now advanced to the main draw where the lead players from the four groups will compete for the championship.
On Court 4, Petterson George defeated Nicholas St. John in straight sets 6-2, 6-1; he then went on to defeat Reep Bishamber 6-0, 6-1. St. John also defeated Bishamber in straight sets 6-2, 6-3.
St. John and George will be advancing to the main draw.
In the under 14s category Iyana Paul roared back into form when she took on Amia Jn Marie defeating her in straight sets 4-1, 4-0.
Still in Under 14 matchups, Amara Jn Marie defeated Latoya Murray in straight sets 4-2, 5-4; Amara later on went on to defeat Rene Morgan in straight sets 4-0, 4-1.
Natasha Charles defeated Rene Morgan in straight sets 4-0, 4-2.
In the boys category Nathanael Charles played well to defeat Xhan Riviere in straight sets 4-0, 4-1; while Sanjay Lake later took on Xhan Riviere who lost in three sets 4-2, 2-4, (10-8 tie breaker).
Scyla Murray got the best of teenage player Amelia Rosemond in straight sets 6-0, 6-3; Scyla also defeated Iesha Emile in straight sets 6-3, 6-3.
In Group 3, Arden Rosemond was made to work hard when he defeated the top seed in the men’s draw Ricardo Francois in straight sets 6-3, 7-5; he then went on to defeat Thaddeus Emile in a thriller 6-4, 7-5. Rosemond and Francois will be advancing to the main draw.
The battle continued in group 4, Mirajkhar Tushar defeating Randolph Rosemond in straight sets 6-4, 6-3; Mirajkhar then went on to defeat Gregory Cooper also in straight sets 6-2, 6-2.
Following his two victories, Mirajkhar has secured a spot in the main draw, but his position in the group however will be decided during the week after he plays Ajaunie Scott; Scott is the other main draw player in this group. Scott defeated Gregory Cooper in straight sets 6-1, 6-0; and then went on to defeat Randolph Rosemond 6-4, 6-0.
In the Under 10s Green Ball category, Sanjay Lake defeated Jordyn Bishamber 6-2, Andretti George defeated Reggie Weeks 6-2; Andretti also went on to defeat Azari Francois 6-0. Denney Estava got the best of Aidan Rosemond 6-3; he later defeated Makkedah Charles 6-1.
In the second round of matches Azari Francois had the better of Samuella Bertrand 6-3 and Aidan Rosemond breezed past Immanuel Charles 6-2.
Matches continue this evening at the NTC.
