As Guyana’s premier tennis tournament, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Tennis Open nears its conclusion, Kalyca Fraser defeated Sarah Klautky to retain the Girls title.
Played at the bank’s recreational facility at Bel Air Park, top seed Fraser proved to be too good for Klautky who she defeated in straight sets 6-1 6-1. Earlier in the tournament Fraser secured victories over Sekai Jones and Alana Chung while Klautky took care of Margaret Subryan in the first round and edged Nathalie Ramdyhan in the semi-finals.
Leyland Leacock and Godfrey Lowden fashioned similar victories as they took the titles in the Men’s Over 35 and Over 45 categories respectively in straight sets.
Leacock’s win over his older opponent Andre Lopes was, however, a much closer affair as the players both displayed grit in trying to outlast each other in lengthy rallies. The first set went to a tiebreak where Lopes committed several costly forehand errors which allowed Leacock to win 7-3. The latter served consistently and though surprised by the occasional winner from Lopes was able to clinch the title in straight sets 7-6(7/3) 6-4. Both players are in line to capture two medals as they are competing in Doubles finals as well.
In the Men’s 45 Finals, Alexley Almeida’s streak of coming back from a set down was halted by Berbician Godfrey Lowden who completed a straight sets win, but not without some drama at the end. In the first set Lowden steamrolled Almeida 6-1.
Kalyca Fraser (right) defeated Sarah Klautky to win the Girls’ title of the GBTI Tennis Open
Almeida threatened to make the second set a three set affair yet again as he slowed the pace and took it to tie-break. Leading 8-7 with set point, he suffered a dubious call and lost composure and lost the set eventually at 11-9. It was a deserving win for Lowden who has been a stalwart over the years and still has the game and fitness to take on all players.
In the Boys 18 category, the expected showdown between top players Heimraj Resaul and Jordan Beaton did not materialize after Resaul had to forfeit due to an injury. Jordan who benefited from the walk-over took full advantage of the opportunity of being in the final and completed a 6-2 6-1 win to take home the title over Joshua Kalekyezi who was also debuting in the 18s’ final. The 14-year-old Kalekyezi , originally lived in Uganda.
In Men’s 35 Doubles action Andre Lopes/Sandeep Chand all but clinched the title with their third victory in the round robin format when they overcame the first time pairing of veterans Godfrey Lowden/Ronald Murray 6-1 6-3. Lopes/Chand played their best match of the tournament with consistent serving and strong net play and never allowed Lowden/Murray to gain any momentum.
In other matches played Afruica Gentle/Christy Campbell booked a place in the Ladies Doubles finals with a comfortable 6-1 6-0 victory over Kalyca Fraser/Sarah Klautky and will face Shelly Ramdyhan/Fiona Bushell.
Matches continue until Wednesday when the tournament will culminate with the Men’s Final which pits top seed and favorite Anthony Downes against Daniel Lopes in a rematch of last year’s finals. Presentation of prizes will follow.
