The final BVI Lawn Tennis Association junior tournament of the season had a record number of participants on Saturday at the Tortola Sports Club.
In the boy’s under-14 category, Stephan Rhoden beat Taslim Mathias, 6-2. Taslim went on to win the plate.
Robert Poole was defeated by Leo Forte, 6-1. Jvonte Archibald was defeated by Jeron Smith, 6-0.
Paul Oliver, coached by TSC’s Tim Robson, held on to his number ranking after beating Jeron Smith, 6-2, in the division final.
The girls under-14 category top spot was once again won by Justine Bryson, who beat Nina Forte, 6-1, in the final. However, she would play “exciting” round robin matches with newcomer Sharia Romney.
One of the highlights of the tournament was the boys under-10 division, which had the largest participation.
“Sometimes all the ‘oohs and aaahhs’ from a watching audience became quite overwhelming as these youngsters put on some fantastic tennis for viewers to watch,” said a statement from the BVILTA.
“I was on the edge of my seat and can not believe I have not come to watch this before” one onlooker said.
In the final, Jahmal Bertie beat Adrian Baijnauth, 4-1, coached by Carol Mitchell, after playing three “difficult and exciting” rounds to reach the final.
Malia Bryson took first place for the girls under-10 division by beating newcomer Tallulah Kinkead.
Some exciting plate matches were also held with mixed juniors, especially one between Jasper Forte who beat Tallulah Kinkead, 4-2, in the mixed under-10 juniors to win the plate.
Musonda Poole, in place of Peter Poole, director of Sable Trust BVI, presented certificates for first-place winners and runner ups. Ms. Poole commented on how successful the tournament ran and was delighted about how many junior players are participating in the tournaments.
“Sable Trust is a very proud sponsor of today’s event and were proud to stand behind so many committed youngsters, coaches and parents,” Ms. Poole said.
BVILTA President Dion Anselm announced plans for the summer for several youth players, including four players who will travel to Canada for ACE training academy; three others will be off to St. Lucia to participate in an international under-10 ITF tournament at the end of July, and another player will be in the United States for a Nike training camp in the middle of July. Two others will participate in an international tournament that will be identified later this summer.
“The LTA is supporting tennis activity to as many youngsters as possible this summer,” Mr. Anslem said. “These are not only training camp opportunities, but also tournaments which is an important component in the learning process of tennis as a game. Tournaments increase confidence levels which improves the player’s experience.”