Cup of Guianas Tournament 2018…
– Coach grateful for exposure
The Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) recently sent a 12-member team to participate in the 2018 edition of the Cup of Guianas, which was held in Suriname. This team produced solid and fruitful performances.
In the Under-12 Girls’ Singles and Doubles, Menikshi Jaikissoon and Reshida Hardy reigned supreme, while Sekia Jones came out on top in the U-14 Girls’ Singles. The Girls’ U-18 Singles saw Africa Gentle coming out the victor, while her counterpart Kalyca Fraser finished as a runner-up.
In the Boys’ U-18 Singles, both Hemraj Resaul and Viraj Sharma finished in the top spot. However, the Doubles U-18 category saw the combination of Resaul and Sharma emerging in second place, just as did the pair of Gentle and Fraser in the
The Guyanese contingent that participated in this year’s tournament
female category.
Following the tournament, Coach Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan declared that the team had played exceedingly well, but the scores unfortunately did not reflect this exceptional level of play and the finish wasn’t what had been expected.
Relative to the U-12 Boys’ category, she said there was a narrow chance of great performances, but since the players were relatively new to international competition, things played out the way they did. She was, however, very glad for the exposure afforded the entire team.
Team Manager Orande Dainty said, “Although both the Dutch and French teams were more experienced on the international tour, our team was at no point blown off the court by any player.
“The guys rallied competitively. However, we didn’t capitalise on our break chances. I believe mental toughness won the tournament, and that’s where we were submissive. The games were highly contested, and we can only use the experience as a barometer for enhanced performances next tour.”
The GLTA has said it is sincerely grateful to all of the sponsors for their contributions towards the competition. Support came from Massy Industries; P & P Insurance Brokers; Power Producers & Distributors Inc; Hassan Tractor and Spares; Grand Coastal Inn Inc; Zeco Industrial Engineering; Rohan Auto Spares; Massy Gas Products; Amar Ally Engineering and Construction Inc; Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club; Sheltez Tennis Club; Swiss Machinery; John Fernandes Ltd; Pas Cargo; Jai Transportation Service Guyana; Non Pareil Tennis Club; Fiona Bushell and Sandeep Chand.
PREPARATION
The team’s preparation before departure was a major concern, since a continued lack of proper facilities
affects team performance, hence the players are always depending on the private court(s) for extra practice.
Practice sessions were conducted at The National Racquet Centre, The National Park, and the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club. However, the lack of lighting facilities at the National Racquet Centre and at the National Park continues to be major contributing factor affecting longer practice sessions.
The team coaches were Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan and Orande Dainty. Some of the boys were also able to benefit from
some coaching sessions with top senior tennis player Anthony Downes.
The team manager was Cristy Campbell Vice President of the GLTA.
The GLTA is thankful to the parents and various tennis clubs for their support.
