Last weekend, the Tortola Sports Club hosted the JML DeliverIt Kids Tennis Open.
The two-day tournament featured more than 30 players between the ages of 6 and 12 years old.
Tournament Director and TSC Head Tennis Pro Amine Elouazzani said he was happy with the turnout and that the “kids were loving it.”
The tournament was the first of its kind for the TSC, especially with the addition of the parent-child doubles, the tennis pro said.
“We are getting some great feedback from the parents,” Mr. Elouazzani said. “They are really enjoying it and love that they are part of the event and the progress of their kids.”
The tennis pro added that the tournament has helped raise awareness about the fundamentals of the game and expose the youth players to competition in a friendly atmosphere.
Mr. Elouazzani said the tournament sponsor, JML DeliverIt, was a big help in the event’s success because “a lot of equipment” was ordered through the business at the last minute and arrived on time.
The tournament is part of a series of youth competitions the TSC plans to host in an effort to develop a ranking system among junior players.
“Without competition, you don’t have a ranking system,” Mr. Elouazzani said.
The organiser hopes to host 10 to 12 events within the year. He said one of the next tournaments will focus on 8-and-under players.
“We have a lot of 8-and-under players,” Mr. Elouazzani said. “It is a great sign, because we want to start the grassroots programme.”
The tournament wrapped up on Sunday with the finals being played.
Players and parents hailed from various clubs and islands, including the TSC, the Virgin Gorda Tennis Academy, and the East End/Long Look Tennis Club.
“The TSC courts were constantly filled with matches and the practice courts were busy with players and parents practicing until late in the evening on both days,” Mr. Elouazzani said. “Our goal is to continue with the momentum and excitement of this tournament and strive to make another event like this soon. At the same time we need to continue with our training to constantly improve players and introduce new ones to the sport. With the tennis scholarships given away at the tournament, thanks to JML DeliverIT, Digicel BVI, and the BVILTA, it is a great step toward this goal.”
RESULTS
10 & UNDER:
Singles Champion: Dominick Munro (Tortola Sports Club)
Singles Finalist: Ikyjah Williams (TSC)
Singles Semifinalists: Alejandro Henry-Jackson (TSC)/ Lawton Green (TSC)
Singles Consolation Winner: Angel George (Virgin Gorda Tennis Academy)
Singles Consolation Finalist: Jesse Roper Cooke (VGTA)
Parent-Child Doubles Champion: Ella and Attila Tekeli (TSC)
Parent-Child Doubles Finalist: Alex Fountain and Rusty Henderson (TSC)
12 & UNDER:
Singles Champion: Adrian Baijnauth (East End/Long Look Tennis Club)
Singles Finalist: Malia Bryson (TSC)
Singles Semifinalists: Luca Reich (TSC) and Dmoni Green (East End/Long Look Tennis Club)
Singles Consolation Winner: Tallulah Kinkead (TSC)
Singles Consolation Finalist: Alejandro Henry-Jackson (TSC)
Parent-Child Doubles Champion and Finalist: TBD as the match between Malia and Scott Bryson vs. Ikyjah Williams and Kevin Sweeney still needs to be played.
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