This year’s Independence Day Table Tennis Classic Tournament brought excitement, skill, and intense competition to the Castries Table Tennis Centre as the nation’s top junior athletes competed in the Under-19 Open and Girls Under-19 divisions.
The event showcased high-energy performances that ignited a competitive atmosphere among the players.
Under-19 Open – Francis Rises to the Occasion
The Under-19 Open division delivered intense competition from the group stage to the championship match.
Group Stage Dominance
– Manie Eleuthere topped Group 1 with a perfect 3–0 record.
– Leshon Francis commanded Group 2, also undefeated (3–0).
– Khamari Harris swept Group 3 without dropping a match.
– Shatal Charles secured first place in Group 4 with a strong 3–0 showing. Joining them in the knockout rounds were standout performers Jaedon John, Leonardo Bovell, Daniella Symphorien, and Nevin William.
Quarterfinal Fireworks
The intensity heightened immediately in the knockout rounds:
– Manie Eleuthere convincingly defeated Daniella Symphorien.
– Shatal Charles powered past Leonardo Bovell in straight sets.
– Khamari Harris edged Jaedon John in a tightly contested four-set battle.
– Leshon Francis overwhelmed Nevin William with dominant attacking play.
Semifinal Showdowns
Two marquee clashes set the stage for the final:
– Manie Eleuthere outlasted Shatal Charles in a thrilling five-set encounter (11-9, 11-7, 4-11, 7-11, 11-5).
– Leshon Francis delivered a composed straight-sets victory over Khamari Harris (11-1, 11-8, 11-5).
Championship Final
In a highly anticipated showdown between two undefeated group winners, Leshon Francis elevated his game when it mattered most, defeating Manie Eleuthere (11-9, 11-9, 11-6) to capture the 2026 Independence Day Under-19 Open title. Francis’ precision, composure under pressure, and relentless attacking style secured him the crown in impressive fashion.
Girls Under-19 – Shatal Charles: Perfect and Powerful
The Girls Under-19 division showcased consistency and composure at the highest level. Shatal Charles delivered a flawless tournament performance, defeating all of her opponents in straight sets (3–0) to claim the championship. Finishing behind her were Daniella Symphorien in second place and Ernaya Clerice in third place.
Charles’ dominance throughout the division highlighted her maturity, tactical sharpness, and championship mindset.
A Celebration of Youth and National Pride
The 2026 Independence Day Classic once again demonstrated the depth of young table tennis talent in Saint Lucia. The skill level, competitiveness, and sportsmanship displayed reflected the sport’s continued growth and a bright future ahead.
As Independence celebrations continue across the island, the performances at the Castries Table Tennis Centre served as a powerful reminder that the next generation of champions is already making its mark.