THE curtains came down on the fifth annual KIA Independence Tennis Classic on Saturday with Women’s and Men’s Open finals played at the National Tennis Centre in Beausejour, Gros Islet. The highlight of the day was the crowning of two new champions.
In the Women’s Open Champion Meggan William who one week earlier received an award at the National Sports Awards for “Junior female tennis player for 2015” was able to maintain her composure as she went on to defeat Iesha Emile in straight sets 6 – 2, 7 – 5. It was a display of talent for the few spectators who were on hand to take in the showpiece and a joy to watch two young and upcoming players of the future going at each other for every point.
With defending champion Vernon Lewis recovering from an injury, the Men’s Open final was up for grabs as two of the island’s experienced players AkeemGustave and Glenton Evans squared off on centre court. Evans took the first set 6 – 4 and wrapped up the second in quick time 6 – 2 to win the championship.
For the Men’s Doubles Championship, Ajani Thomas and Dylan Paul were made to work hard for their win against Glenton Evans and Clent Mitchell in three sets. Thomas and Paul took the first set 7 – 5, but Evans and Mitchell rallied to win the second set 4 – 6 and with all to play for Thomas and Paul managed to pull out stops to win the final set 6 – 2.
In the Boys 18s Champion Zachary du Boulay made light of Nicholas St. John 6 – 1, 6 – 1, and Girls 18s Champion Netanya Faissal won by default over Meggan William.
In the Boys 14s Champion – Aidan Bousquetbreezd past Jordan Hunte 6 – 0, 6 – 1, and in the Doubles, Champions RenairYarde and Aidan Bousquet defeated Jason Hunte and Jordan Hunte 4 – 2, 4 – 0.
Boys 12s Champion YadhuUrs beat Arden Rosemond 4 – 0, 4 – 1. Girls 12s Doubles Champions JorjaMederick and Alysa Elliot defeated Iyana Paul and Latoya Murray 4 – 2, 4 – 2.