Akil Brown upset Wayne Baker to win on day three of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA)/ Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Tennis Open on Sunday at the Bank’s Recreational Facility at Bel Air.
It was by no means a walk in the park for Brown, who won the match 6-4 1-6 11-9 to set his campaign off to a positive start.
In other boys’ matches, Ridhwaan Kasim fell at the hand of the young Brazilian, Alexandre DeAlmedia 6-2, 6-0. The heavy hitting and top spin serves proved to be difficult for him to handle. On court two, Devine Kalekyezi and Vijay Sharma had similar fate of Kasim at 7-5, 6-2.
Brother of the number one male player, Tai Downes has launched into his first tournament and showed promise but seasoned junior, Ravin Ramprasad, closed a win at 6-2, 3-6, 10-8 in a closely contested match. Adesh Khayyam took on Khalid Gobin but was outplayed by the lefthander 7-5, 6-1. Top spin and acute angles helped seal the deal for Gobin against the promising Khayyam.
Shimron Lewis received a win from Daniel Kellman after failure to show. On the other hand, Nigel Lowe showed up with his regular aggressive game style that was too much for Ariel Khan. Lowe delivered a 6-1, 6-0 win.
Girls semi-finals
The girls final is set for this Saturday after two quality matches in the semifinals of the 18s. The junior ladies stepped up their games as Alana Chung displayed great improvement in her game. The lefty executed strong backhands which is now a signature of her game but was unable to keep junior star and reigning champion Kalyca Fraser, at bay. Fraser was able to press on and secure a 6-3, 6-2 win.
On the other side of the draw, the match went to a nail bitter as rising talent, Nathalie Ramdyhan, could not be denied as she battled against Sarah Klautky in her first 18s semi-final and held her nerves but Klautky tasted a 6-2, 3-6, 10-8 victory after drawing on her experiences.
Novice medley
The novice final is scheduled for this weekend when President of Non Pariel, Surendra Khayyam takes on fellow club mate, Delon Fraser. Khayyam outlasted new player, Leoni Sears, in a 7-5 match.
Sears showed determination against her male counterpart to hold a steady lead but was unable to maintain the momentum. Peace Corps Guyana’s Country Director, Kury Cobham, won her quarterfinal due to a walkover and fell 6-3 to Delon Fraser in the semi-final. Cobham had her chances to create pressure and with the backing of the crowd she flew to a 3-1 lead and it seemed the match was going to head in her favour. Her personality was captivating and the ladies on the sideline were cheering her on for a win but Fraser managed to buckle down and secure the win against the crowd favourite.
Men’s round 16 doubles
The anticipation of uncle versuss nephew in the Lopes doubles was the spectacle of the evening. It was a tense match at the GBTI Open 2017. Factions of supporters gathered at the fences and enjoyed a top doubles match as Andre Lopes/Sandeep Chand battled against Leyland Leacock/Daniel Lopes. The first set progressed evening until 5 games all. The big serving of Daniel Lopes raddled his opponents with a love game hold. Failure of Lopes/Chand to hold their own serve, handed the set 7-5 to the confident Leacock/Lopes.
While the defense and game strategy of Lopes/Chand was adjusted, they eventually conceded the second set at 6-2. Leacock made the finals with partner, Nicholas Fenty, and looks to make a bid for the top position with new partner. Anthony Downes/Jason Andrews won a walkover from Jamal Goodluck/Darren King.
Albert Razick teamed up with his son Daniel Razick against the junior pair, Vadeanand Resaul/Adesh Khayyam to win 6-4, 6-1. Resaul/Khayyam fought every point with intensity that marks the character of future champions. However, the tactical strength of their opponents gave them the advantage.
Runner up of the first Weekend Challenger, Jason Andrews, defeated Kester Abrams 6-3, 6-3. Abrams had several moments to tip the momentum in the match when creating good angels and guiding several passing winners but was unable to hold back the racked up errors. Andrews faces Khwan Rondney in the Round 16 with both hoping to make it to their first GBTI Men’s Open quarterfinal.
Ladies Quarter-final Doubles
In the most lively match of the tournament Alana Chung/Sarah Klautky clutched a 6-4, 6-2 win against Kury Cobham/Grace McCalman. Chung/Klaultky had a close first set against the seniors that were three times their age. Cobham/McCalman exhibited the fun and spirit of the tennis community as they rallied against the juniors with light moments as well as serious shot making. At four all, it was upon McCalman to hold her serve and force a break on Chung’s serve in order to secure the set but the opposite happened. It was no looking back by Chung/Klautky who closed the match. Embrace among the four players erupted cheers from the sidelines.
